Obituary

Obituary of Forestine Hoover

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Forestine Rosetta Hoover, 90, of Fort Scott, passed away early Friday morning, July 31, 2020, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home.

She was born December 4,1929, in Devon, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Frederick and Gladys Ida (Huss) Miller. She married Eldon Hoover August 5, 1951, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death March 5, 2003.

Forestine was a Registered Nurse and worked for Mercy Hospital early in her career, but most people will remember her as Dr. Pratt Irby’s nurse at Newman Young Clinic and then later for Dr. Dean Gettler.

She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, and Gideons International.

Forestine is survived by her children, Denise Arlene Imel and husband Chuck, of Tampa, Florida, Teresa Lee Maki and husband John, of Alma, Missouri, Linda Rose Prior and husband Ian, of Tampa, Florida, Sandra Lynn Fagan and husband Ed, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and James Eldon Hoover, of Joplin, Missouri; a brother, Arthur Calvin Miller, of Higginsville, Missouri; a sister, Esther Alpha Anderson, of Tuttle, Oklahoma; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Eldon, she was also preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Cheryl Ann Hoover, a grandson, Gabriel Thayer Hoover, and three brothers, Delbert, Louis, and Joe Miller.

Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, followed by burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Health Champion Nominations Sought

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Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards

Exceptional efforts to promote health and fitness in Kansas to be recognized

TOPEKA – The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. The deadline for nominations is September 30. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit in January 2021.

“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is excited to partner in this important initiative to recognize those who make healthy living in our state a priority,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “It’s important that we recognize their efforts and the difference they are making in their communities.”

Nominees should demonstrate:

  • Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
  • Work that helps overcome health inequities
  • Sustainable influence or activity
  • Far-reaching health impact

“In addition to promoting effective models for increasing physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free living for replication by organizations and communities around the state, the awards also allow us the opportunity to honor the outstanding work of one individual and one organization this year,” Candice McField, Governors Council on Fitness Awards Committee Chair, said. “Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker or an employer, among others.”

To see past winners and get more information, visit getactivekansas.org and to submit a nomination you must complete the online form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021KSHealthChamp. All other questions about the nomination process, contact Connie Satzler, 785-410-0410.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use.

Bourbon County, Schools

Beacon Clients: Shoe Voucher Available Starting Monday

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The Shoe Voucher Sign-up will begin On Monday, August 3 to August 28, 2020 for students in Grades K-12.

 

The voucher must be used at Fort Scott Wal-Mart.

This Voucher will expire on September 8th,2020. Voucher may be used for any pair of shoes (not flip flops) and can be used for underwear and sock, up to $20.

You must present voucher to the service desk with items.

This is for all Beacon Clients.

Thank you to Community Christian Church for the vouchers and to The Fort Scott Elks for each mask that will be included with the vouchers.

PLEASE CALL INTO THE BEACON TO RESERVE YOUR VOUCHER, 620-223-6869.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Animal Virus Confirmed in Bourbon County

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KDA Update on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus 7-31-2020

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Updated situation report on the ongoing outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in Kansas:

  • Total premises which have tested positive for VSV in Kansas: 97
  • Premises currently under quarantine: 51
  • Premises that have been released from quarantine: 157
  • Total counties in Kansas that have had positive cases of VSV: 24
  • Counties: Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Riley, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties.

 

KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread. All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses and cattle have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms in the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.

 

What is VSV:

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

 

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms. VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. Accredited veterinarians across Kansas have played a critical role by reporting and responding to animals affected by VSV.

 

Disease prevention:

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

 

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

 

VSV in the U.S.:

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

 

More information:

Information about VSV can be found by contacting the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, with info about:

  • Documents describing symptoms of VSV
  • Recommendations for fly control practices
  • Guidelines for shows and fairs
  • Informational webinars about VSV
  • Current state and national situation reports

 

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Wind Energy Project Is Advancing In Bourbon County

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Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Bourbon County Commission voted on March 13, 2020,  to approve a wind energy project submitted by Apex Clean Energy, Charlottesville, Virginia. There was some community protest, but the commission moved forward with the project that will produce energy from wind turbines.

 

 

The development of the Jayhawk Wind Project continues to advance, according to Helen Humphreys, Public Engagement Manager for Apex Clean Energy, the parent company of Jayhawk Wind.
The land is currently being inspected on proposed sites.

“We are in process of conducting (and) completing micro siting efforts, a process which involves a physical inspection to verify that the site meets all requirements,” she said in an email interview. “Once micro siting is complete,  engineering studies will be conducted to further evaluate the sites on which facilities might be located.”

 

 

“Once this work is complete, we will share the locations of the planned facilities with landowners and collect their feedback, before a map is finalized,” she said.

 

 

“There are 74 participating landowners in the Jayhawk Wind Project,” Humphreys said. As things stand now, construction will begin in late 2020 and the project will be operational in 2021.

 

 

The Apex Clean Energy company has been building connections in Bourbon County, as well.

 

 

“Finally, and importantly, the Jayhawk team has continued to build connections in the community,” Humphrey’s said. “Guided by community leaders, Jayhawk has provided grants to a number of community organizations, including The Beacon food pantry and Feeding Families in His Name.”

 

 

Julianna Pianelli, Apex Development Manager, explained that “early in the pandemic response, Jayhawk connected with community non-profits and church leaders to identify the organizations positioned to meet community needs. We are humbled by the commitment of so many to their neighbors and community and are very pleased to support their work.”
For more background on Jayhawk Wind in Bourbon County:
Opinion

Optimists by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

“Optimists see opportunity in every danger; pessimists see danger in every opportunity.”

Winston Churchill

If there were a category somewhere between “optimistic” and “delusional,” my husband would land there. Need proof?

“All I have to do is tighten the screw and the door will shut.” It did not.

“This ladder is steady.” It was not.

“I’ve found a new glue that will hold the water pipe together.” It did not.

“Duct tape and zip ties will look fine on our outdoor lights.” They did not.

“That kayak cannot tip.” It can, and it did.

“Flex-Seal will stop this hose from leaking.” It did not.

“Our boat is running well.” Except for needing a new battery, it probably was.

I tend to favor the pithy attitude of people like Walt Disney who once said, “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.” That last part has been hard for Dave to nail down (pun intended).

Personally, I lean more towards a healthy dose of realism—you know, hope for the best but plan for something short of “best” (no doubt because that’s how my life has played out). John Wooden put it this way: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” I have to admit, Dave does that. He never gets upset; he just plods along with his next, grand, Gorilla Glue and duct-tape idea.

Now, if you’re like me, you would much rather hang with an optimist than a pessimist. I know no one who wants to spend time with a curmudgeon who sees only what’s wrong, and even if they are right, their stubborn disposition does nothing to draw others into agreement with them. When I think of pessimists, I am reminded of the man who belly-ached to his neighbor, “My hen hatched out 12 chicks, and all of them died but 11.” Have you met someone like that? Worse, are you that person?

Real-deal Christians are not pessimists. They live by Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. No matter if screws are stripped or ladders are uneven or batteries are dead. No matter what.

Optimistic people find ways to brighten other’s lives. Take, for example, major league baseball, which recently began its shortened season. Because no fans are allowed in the stands, the Los Angeles Dodgers came up with the idea of having cardboard cut-outs to replace the loyal, season-ticket holders who typically fill the seats. Then they allowed supporters to submit their pictures, pay a fee, and have their faces used. Remaining chairs hold large, stuffed animals and even celebrity cutouts. The life-size cutout of Tom Hanks—whose first job was to sell hotdogs at the Oakland A’s field—stands erect on the stairs dividing two sections behind home plate.

Before the game, the cameraman caught one of the Angels’ players walking amongst the Oakland “fans,” placing Angels’ t-shirts over the cutouts. How fun is that? They are finding good in something bad (Covid-19). We all should be doing likewise.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Dave just headed to the garage with some wire and electrical tape. Something tells me there’s a story in what is about to unfold, and being the optimist I am, no doubt it will be a good one.

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates Meet Public July 28

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A candidate meet-and-greet event was organized for citizens to meet some candidates for the upcoming election.

The event was held on July 28 at The Boiler Room Brewhaus, at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.

Bob Hamilton, candidate for  US Senate; Clifton Beth, candidate for Bourbon County Commission District 3,  and Jim Harris, District 2 County Commissioner candidate met with the public.

Approximately 25 attended, according to Josh Jones, who submitted the photo and information.

From left to right are  Bob Hamilton, Josh Jones, Gil Beerbower, and Jim Harris.

 

 

Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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Bourbon County Voting

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

For more information on voting or to check your voting location, go to http://www.bourboncountyks.org/county-clerk-election/

Membership

The 2021 membership cards have arrived.  Any member desiring to pay their 2021 dues can pay them at our meeting on Monday or go online to www.legion.org and follow the prompts to renew. Dues are still $40 per year.

Members have also received renewal notifications in the mail. You can also mail in your renewals as well.

Upcoming Events

 

July 31 – August 2. Department Convention at the Ramada Hotel. The Department Convention is open to all Legionnaires. More information on the Department Convention can be found at https://ksamlegion.org/

August 3. American Legion Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our regular Post meet and greet starts at 6:30 pm.  Sons of the American Legion (SONS) Squadron 25 members also meet concurrently with the American Legion.

August 4. Primary voting in Bourbon County.

August 13. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 600 pm in Memorial Hall.

August 13.  American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 730 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 Legion family members are invited to join the Post 25 Color Guard. This includes Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron members.

Do not hesitate to contact me or any Officer with any suggestions to improve Fort Scott American Legion Post 25.

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688/[email protected]

Fort Scott, Government

FS Design Review Board Meets Aug. 5

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The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for a sign at 19 S. National and a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage in the downtown area for the walking trail and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Bourbon County Local News