U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL
Dedication
has been moved to
MEMORIAL HALL
Sunday, May 26, 2019
2:30 p.m.
1 East Third Street
Fort Scott, KS
Sponsored by Olson-Frary-Burkhart
VFW Post 1165
Reception at VFW Post , 1745 S. National
following ceremony
Governor directs flags be flown half-staff for Memorial Day
In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and in recognition of Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to noon on May 27. President Donald J. Trump also issued a flag directive honoring Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace.
“I’m always deeply humbled when I reflect on the sacrifices made by the military service men and women of this country – whether it is veterans, soldiers currently on active duty, or those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Kelly said. “Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died while serving our country. They are all reminders of the values that our country holds dear, and the high stakes necessary to defend our way of life.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 23
Click below:
High Water May Force Wildlife to Move
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) cautions people living in or near high-water areas to not be surprised if they see more wildlife than usual. Animals living near flooding bodies of water or in low-lying areas will be forced to temporarily move to other locations to survive. They could congregate on high-ground “islands,” in residential or commercial areas or around outbuildings. Residents may even find small animals in homes or outbuildings if they’re not well-sealed.
Animals such as rabbits, rodents, lizards, snakes, turtles, insects, certain birds or even larger animals such as coyotes and deer may be on the move. Here are some tips to be aware of when you spot a flood-weary animal –
- Leave them alone. They need a refuge from high water and might only be passing through. They will not set out to harm you, but any animal may bite or attack in self-defense.
- Small animals like lizards and snakes may congregate under shrubs, rocks and debris. Use caution and protective clothing such as long pants, gloves and sturdy shoes if you need to work in the yard or garden. Above all, do not reach blindly under rocks and debris. You don’t like surprises, and neither will a sheltering animal.
- Many animals can swim and may get trapped in a flooded building, so use caution when removing possessions from a flooded structure.
- Do not try to feed them. Free food may encourage them to overstay their welcome.
- The water will eventually recede, giving animals the opportunity to return to their former habitats, so be patient and be a good neighbor to our wildlife.
- Most animals can adapt to changing weather conditions, but not all. Be aware that some animals will perish but many more are likely to survive.
- Ground-nesting birds and other animals may lose their nests or burrows and their eggs or young. Many will re-nest as soon as they find proper habitat. Though it may take time, most animal populations will eventually recover.
- Do not attempt to rescue animals stranded by high water, as flood waters are dangerous and can obscure serious hazards.
- Keep an eye on pets to be sure they don’t tangle with displaced wildlife or chase wildlife into floodwaters.
If displaced wildlife have become a nuisance, people can visit the KDWPT website at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control and find a list of wildlife damage control permit holders (NADC Permit Holders) who may be able to assist.
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Ron Kaufman
Director of Information Services
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2870
KSOutdoors.com & TravelKS.com
Note new email address – [email protected]
Fort Scott Special Events May 24-27
Free Movie Tonight Cancelled
Due to the predicted weather coming into our area tonight, “Flicks on the Bricks” the free showing of “Despicable Me” has been cancelled. The next “Flicks on the Bricks” free movie night will be Friday, June 21st with “Planes: Fire & Rescue.”
Kids Eat Free Lunch at Keyhole This Summer: New Food Options
Meals funded by the United State Dept. of Agriculture will be served from noon to 1 p.m. starting May 28 at the Keyhole Youth Activity Center, 1002 S. Main. The program runs Mondays through Fridays and ends July 26.
“Congress controls money through the program for child nutrition,” Debbie Kreutzman, Kansas Food Bank Community Relations Manager, said. Kansas Food Bank provides the meals.
The meals are sack lunches are provided for those under 18 years of age.
“Kids will come in, check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals,” Kreutzman said.
“It is open to all kids, regardless of income and regardless of whether they live in Fort Scott,” Kreutzman said. “For example, if visiting a grandparent from New Mexico, say, they can come and eat.”
Nutritional Requirements
“This provides an alternative where kids have an option to get a meal,” she said.
All meals served will have the following nutritional requirements met:
2 ounces of meat or meat alternative
A whole grain -bread, crackers, etc.
2 serves of fruit and/or vegetable
8 ounces of milk
Options Added To Give Children What They Like Best
“We have set meals served throughout the summer,” Kreutzman said. “In the past, we have had 30 sites across the state.”
After reviewing the past four years of serving the shelf-stable meals, Kreutzman said it was noted that children liked being offered an extra grain to their meal and preferred chocolate milk.
So those are being added to the meal options.
Community Organizations Asked To Provide Fresh Fruit
“I talked to Judy Hood (the Keyhole Site Manager) about community organizations providing fresh fruit or granola bars or fruit juice,” Kreutzman said. “There is a possibility of having fresh fruit: bananas, Cutie oranges, apples. We have to think in terms of what kids can pick up and eat. Cutting fruits or vegetables requires cutting and sanitation which requires a commercial kitchen.”
To donate contact Hood or call the Keyhole Youth Activity Center at 620-223-4700.
“Some sites across the state, Farmers Markets donate fresh fruits and vegetables to send home with kids,” Kreutzman said.
Next week chicken salad in a can, cheddar cheese sticks, applesauce, Gold Fish crackers, pretzels, fruit and grain bar, a box of juice and chocolate milk will be offered on Tuesday, the first day, Kreutzman said.
USD 235, Uniontown, will also be offering a children’s summer food program. That school district will utilize its’ facility and offer cafeteria style food. That program starts June 3 and will be featured next week in fortscott.biz.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 24
Post Office In Jupiter by Patty LaRoche
“Well, I told you not to do it like that and you did it anyway.” A very irritated postal worker here in Florida was not pleased with a co-worker. After she repeated that statement two more times, my mission, when I got to her station, was to try and ease the tension. In the meantime, I would enjoy the Lady Gaga music over the speaker system and be thankful I safely had ridden my bike the two miles to get there without getting run over by some maniac driver.
On my turn, I began by saying how much I enjoyed the music. Her snarky silence let me know that she couldn’t care less. She applied the extra postage I needed while I quietly hummed along to “Shallow.” I gave her a ten-dollar bill; she told me that she did not have change and needed a credit card. Because I biked there, I didn’t have my wallet, I said. “Well, I don’t have change,” she replied, loudly and rudely. Since the line behind me was rather long, I was in hopes a Good Samaritan would offer change. Nope. (You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy, I told myself, which has become my mantra here in Jupiter on multiple occasions.)
“I will just stand over here and wait for all these other people to be helped. Perhaps then you will have change.”
“Forget it,” she barked. “Just take all of my change. Then I won’t have any left.”
Looking at her nametag (Ms. Khan), I continued. “I’m sorry, You’ve been open only 10 minutes. I’m surprised that’s all the money you have left.”
“Forget it.” And with that, she handed me $8.46…which might have been the perfect time to join Lady Gaga in song:Tell me somethin’, girl, are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more? Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?
Then again, perhaps silence was a better option.
As I exited, she began shrieking at the woman behind me who didn’t bring the right change either. I turned to hand the poor lady some of my money just as she pulled out a credit card that prevented Ms. Khan from jumping over the counter and poking her eyes out. Once we both were outside, she shared how she had reported “that rude clerk before” and encouraged me to do the same…right then. Emboldened by this lady’s courage, I went back inside. No supervisor was available. I was given a phone number to call.
Over the next couple of days, God began to change my mind. This clerk was rude for a reason. Perhaps she was having marital issues or financial issues. Perhaps she just didn’t like Lady Gaga. Today I returned to the post office to show Jesus’ love to a hurting soul. With no line and only Ms. Khan working, the timing was perfect. Thank you, Lord.
I began. “Ms. Khan, the last time I was in here, you were rude not only to a co-worker but also to me and another lady who encouraged me to report you. I chose not to do that but to speak to you in person.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You informed a lady working at the counter next to you—long brown hair and glasses—that you had told her not to do something and she did it anyway.”
“I have no memory of that.”
“Well, I do. You said it three times, and she appeared terribly embarrassed. I later thought that perhaps you were going through some difficulties. Sometimes I’m unkind when times are tough, and as a Christian I wondered if maybe I could pray for you.
“I’m not going through anything except I’m fasting twice a day for my religion” (I’m guessing Muslim), “and no, I don’t need your prayers.” And that was that.
As I turned to leave, she left me with these parting words: “Besides, I’m just loud.” I wanted to remind her that there is a difference between loud and rude. Lucky for her (and probably for me), silence was the better option. I think I’ll pray for her anyway.
Flags Placed at National Cemetery and The Fort May 24: Help Needed
Sumbitted by Carl Jowers, American Legion Commander
If you are able to help with flag placement tomorrow:
The National Cemetery flag placement starts at 8:30 am. I believe they have about 7,000 miniature flags to place.
The Fort NHS flag placement starts at 9 am.I believe they have about 4,000 miniature flags to place.
My understanding is that the flags will be placed unless there is lightning in the area or tornados.
I hope to see you at one of these events tomorrow. Invite family and friends to help in this community event.
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Rains, Flooding Affect Some State Parks
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reported today that frequent heavy rains are impacting some state parks in eastern Kansas. High water levels at many reservoirs have flooded campgrounds, overtopped roads, closed boat ramps and beaches and dampened visitors’ enthusiasm for any outdoor activities. Most state parks in western Kansas have been largely unaffected.
In eastern Kansas, Elk City State Park is closed, all campgrounds and day-use areas at Fall River State Park are closed and Perry State Park remains open but with very limited services. Most other state parks in eastern Kansas are reporting various degrees of flooding issues.
Typically, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the busy season for Kansas state parks. The four months of the summer season – May through August – account for more than half of annual state park revenues.
“State park staffers are doing their best to accommodate visitors’ needs,” Secretary of KDWPT Brad Loveless said. “At affected parks, staff are happy to work with visitors to change their reservations to a dry campsite if available, arrange for another date in the future, provide a gift card good for a future stay or issue a refund. We remind visitors, for their own safety, to avoid flood waters and never move or drive around barricades”
Visitors can go to kshuntfishcamp.com to check on campsite and cabin availability and make reservations. For information about conditions at individual parks, go to https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/State-Park-Alerts or visit KSOutdoors.com and click on State Parks for other information.
Kansas state parks do not receive any State General Fund monies and are almost entirely fee-funded. Revenues drop significantly when bad weather hits. Once the flood waters recede, the damage they leave behind can take months to repair, further limiting park hours and revenues during the summer months.
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Here are the latest updates for each state park:
El Dorado: 5-23-19 – The park is open. In the Walnut River area, all campgrounds, cabins, shelter, trails and day use areas are open. Campsites and cabins are all reserved for the holiday weekend. The Shady Creek Area has non-utility sites available in several campgrounds. Shady Creek Area 1 boat ramp is the only usable ramp on the lake. Bluestem Point campgrounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 are closed. Utility Campgrounds 5, 6 and 7 have about 50% of their campsites open and usable. All usable sites are reserved for the weekend. Bemis Creek campground has 12 usable utility campsites but they are all reserved. The
archery and firearms ranges are both open.
Glen Elder: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 3.5 ft. above conservation level, inflow at 1900 cfs. and outflow at 50 cfs. Osage Road is closed, and a few primitive sites are affected. The courtesy dock has been pulled at Kanza boat ramp, and a portion of the parking lot is closed. No other facilities are affected at this time.
Webster: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 2 ft. above conservation level. Inflow 607 cfs., and outflow is being shut down. Three sites are closed in Rock Point Campground, and those reservations have been transferred to Hill Top. No primitive site or other facilities are affected at this time.
Lovewell: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 1 ft. above conservation. Inflow at 141 cfs. and outflow 0 cfs. No facilities are affected at this time.
Historic Lake Scott: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is .05 ft. above conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.
Cedar Bluff: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 16.33 ft. below conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.
Prairie Dog (Keith Sebelius Reservior): 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 7.3 ft. below conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.
Meade: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is at conservation level. No facilities are affected at this time.
Eisenhower (Melvern Reservoir): 5-22-19 – The park is open. The lake is 16.01 ft. above conservation level, and outflow is 20 cfs. minimum. The lake is projected to be 18.8 ft. above conservation level by 5-30-19. Park staff is shutting down all the electrical in Blackjack Campground and Abilene Campground. Almost all primitive sites are underwater, and the beach and beach restroom are closed.
Pomona: 5-22-19 – The park is open. Lake is 23.26 ft above conservation level, and outflow is 15 cfs. minimum. The lake is about 9 ft. from going over the spillway. The lake is projected to 26 ft. above conservation level by 5-31-19. The marina will be moving all the house boats off the water on 5-22-19, and they also shut down all electrical service to the marina area. Big Bear Campground is closed. The Kansas shower building is closed. Staff is closing six sites on the marina side of Kansa Campground as well as all the Kansa primitive sites. The park road to east side of the park is closed; the back gate is open on the county road.
Wilson: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 4.8 ft. above conservation level. All utility sites are full. Many walk-in primitive sites available, but some will be impacted by rising water. All cabins are full. Goldenrod Campground road is closed. Otto swim beach road is closed. There is plenty of day-use available park-wide. Boating access is available, but courtesy docks are being pulled from the water. All trails are open.
Hillsdale: 5-22-19 – The park is open. The lake is 9.78 ft above conservation level and outflow is 24 cfs. minimum. The beach, beach area and beach house are closed. Closed campgrounds – Scott Creek, Pintail Point, Crappie Cove, Quail Run. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground is partly closed. All boats ramps are closed except Jayhawk and Marysville, and Jayhawk ramp is nearing the point where it will have to be closed.
Clinton: 5-22-19 – The park is open – All campsites and cabins are OK. The lake is 13.72 ft above conservation level and outflow is 21 cfs. minimum. All boat ramps are closed. The marina is closed. The beach is closed. Blue Trail and Red Trail are closed.
Tuttle Creek: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake level is 52.06 ft. above conservation level. Forty-two sites now open in River Pond / Rocky Ford, and no flooding impacts are expected for Memorial Weekend. All primitive sites are open in River Pond. Cedar Ridge primitive sites are open. All cabins are full. Randolph has two utility sites open; there are no issues for flooding. Plenty of day-use opportunities available at River Pond. Boating access will be difficult.
Perry: 5-23-19 – The park is open but is mostly flooded and has very limited services. The office is closed. The lake is 25.21 ft. above conservation level. Several sites are available however, utility company may have to shut off all power. If this happens, there will be no bathhouse facilities or dump-stations available. If power is lost, utility sites may be used for primitive camping. Generators will be allowed park-wide. The cabins are shut-down. There are very limited day-use activities; patrons should use caution. There is no boat access.
Kanopolis: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 20 ft. above conservation level. Very limited utility sites are available. Sites that are open will be utilized for customers being moved from flooded areas. Many primitive walk-in sites are available. Generators will be allowed in areas impacted by the flooding. All cabins are full. Some park roads may be impacted over the weekend, if the water continues to rise. Trail access is closed to many areas, and there are limited day-use opportunities.
Boating access is available at Langley Point, but boaters should use caution.
Milford: 5-23-19 – The park is open. The lake is 21.14 ft. above conservation level. There are very limited utility sites available park-wide. Two to three utility sites may be available in Woodland Hills. Many primitive walk-in sites are available at Woodland Hills and Cedar Point. Generators will be allowed at Woodland Hills and Cedar Point Primitive campgrounds. There are six-seven primitive walk-in sites at Sunset Ridge. All Cabins are full. There are limited day-use opportunities. The marina and Walnut Grove boat ramps are accessible, but boaters should use caution.
Crawford: 5-23-19 – The entire park is open. Campgrounds, trails, day use areas and cabins are all open. All campsites are currently reserved for the Memorial weekend except a very few non-utility sites.
Sand Hills: 5-23-19 – The entire park is open and usable. There are still several utility sites available for this holiday weekend.
Elk City: 5-23-19 – The entire park is closed due to flooding. The park is unreachable through the county road system. Park is without power and phones. Staff will be stationed at Crawford State Park until they are able to enter Elk City again. If visitors have questions they can call Crawford State Park at 620-362-3671.
Fall River: 5-23-19 – All campgrounds and day use areas are closed. Cabins are usable but reserved for the weekend.
Cross Timbers: (On Toronto Lake): 5-23-19 – The park is open. Non-utility sites are available at Mann’s Cove and Sandstone campgrounds. Utility sites are available at Osage Plains Campground. Currently Black Jack utility campground is open until water rises again. Cabins can’t be reached. No boat ramps are available.
Cheney: 5-23-19 – The park is open. East Shore and Lakeview campgrounds and the marina are open. Lake View sites are filled. Remainder of that area is closed. In the West Shore Area, Harding Hill and Geifer Hill non–utility sites are open and available. Half of Smarsh Creek utility sites are open. Remainder of that area is closed.
El Dorado: 5-23-19 – The park is open. In the Walnut River area, all campgrounds, cabins, shelter, trails and day use areas are open. Campsites and cabins are all reserved for the holiday weekend.
The Shady Creek Area has non-utility sites available in several campgrounds. In the Shady Creek Area, one boat ramp is the only usable ramp on the lake. Bluestem Point campgrounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 are closed. Utility Campgrounds 5, 6 and 7 have about 50% of their campsites open and usable. All usable sites are reserved for the weekend. Bemis Creek campground has 12 usable utility campsites but they are all reserved. The archery and firearms ranges are open.
Prairie Spirit Trail: 5-23-19 – The Prairie Spirit Trail is open and usable from Ottawa to Iola. There are some rough spots caused by recent heavy rains and erosion, and continued rain could leave the trail surface soft to the point that narrow bike tires may cause ruts, but the surface is currently solid. Visitors should always be aware to changing trail conditions as some locations may receive more rainfall than others.
Flint Hills Trail: 5-23-19 – The Flint Hills Trail is open, and the surface is firm in most locations, however, due to the varied development and surface construction some locations are in better shape than others, and there are some known points that are difficult to pass through or impassable. There are several locations between Ottawa and Osawatomie that have water at the edge of the trail, as well as over the trail making through travel between those points impossible. We also have several trees reported down on the trail in that section. There is a section of the trail by Quenemo that has trail surface damage from flooding and water backing up onto the trail, however, it is passable now by walking a bike over the dry rough surface which is about 100 yards in length. The trail between Vassar and Osage city is very muddy and travel is discouraged in this area. There may be other isolated wet spots and with more wind or rain conditions can change. Visitors should always be aware to changing trail conditions as some locations may receive more rainfall than others.
Ron Kaufman
Director of Information Services
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2870
Note my new email address – [email protected]
Governor Encourages Vigilance During Severe Weather, Flooding
Kelly: Make safety a priority ahead of Memorial Day weekend
Speaking to media at the Kansas State Emergency Operations Center today, Governor Laura Kelly outlined the state’s largescale coordinated response to flooding and severe weather and encouraged Kansans to remain vigilant as severe weather continues to impact the state through Memorial Day weekend.
“Memorial Day Weekend is a time many Kansans head outside or go to the lake. In many areas, conditions are not safe,” Kelly said. “Please, put the safety of yourself and your family first. Check the weather before you venture out. If there is severe weather or tornados, seek shelter in a secure location. Check your road routes before traveling – remember conditions can change very fast. And stay away from flood water.”
Heavy rainfall, tornados and severe thunderstorms have been impacting Kansas communities for several weeks. Earlier this month, the governor signed a disaster declaration. Since then, the declaration has expanded almost daily, and the current declaration includes 42 Kansas counties. More rain and severe storms are forecast through early next week. Widespread flooding will likely cause additional road and park closures in the coming days.
“Please do not play, swim or walk in flood water. It is full of debris, hidden objects and worse. The current can sweep people away,” Kelly said. “Follow all safety warnings and signs. If local officials advise you to evacuate, heed their advice. They are trying to help keep you safe.”
On May 20, Kansas activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response to multi-hazard events including flooding, tornados and severe thunderstorms. This coordinated effort is led the Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli who also serves as the director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. It also includes many state and federal agency partners working together to assist local communities.
Road Closures:
To obtain information about current road closures in your local area, visit: www.kandrive.org
Kansans are encouraged to avoid flooded roads. Tafanelli stressed the importance of not underestimating the force and power of water.
“It only takes about a foot of water to float a car,” said Tafanelli. “Two feet of rushing water can carry away most SUVs and pick-up trucks. Flood waters move swiftly and can quite easily knock you off your feet and sweep you away. So, please, heed all warning signs and safety barriers. Don’t try to wade or drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.”
State Park Closures:
As Kansas approaches one of the busiest weekends for its state parks, safety must be the top priority. For flood alerts in State Parks, visit: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/State-Park-Alerts
* Conditions are changing frequently. Please, contact your local parks directly for updates on park conditions.
According to Tafanelli, Kansans should not swim, walk, or play in flooded streams or lakes.
“There may be dangerous floating debris, hidden underwater obstacles, and treacherous currents,” Tafanelli said. “Don’t try to launch a boat or swim in the water. Even fishing or walking along the bank can be dangerous because the bank may be slippery or easily collapse. Flood waters demand our utmost respect.”
Weather Updates:
Visit www.weather.gov for the weather impacting your area. Also monitor local media outlets for weather alerts and safety warnings in your area.
Local assistance:
In the event of an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact local law enforcement and first responders. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management works directly with them. All requests for local assistance should be initiated through the county emergency manager.