Ascension Via Christi, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Mercy Donates to Via Christi

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Holding the check facsimile – Former President and CEO of Mercy Reta Baker and  President and CEO of Ascension Via Christi-Pittsburg Randy Cason;  second row-Kayla Stewart, Via Christi-Bryan Holt, Mercy Foundation-Bill Michaud, Foundation; third row-Nicole Brown, Via Christi-Brooke Newell, Via Christi-Barb Dunlap, Via Christi- Holly Ryan, Via Christi; fourth row- Becky Tourtillott, Foundation-Alysia Johnston, Foundation. Submitted photo, dated April 22, 2019.

Mercy Health Foundation Donates $200,000 to Ascension/Via Christi for Continuation of Emergency Services in Fort Scott

Access to numerous health care services has remained intact following the closure of Mercy Hospital in December 2018, due in part to substantial donations from Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott, according to a press release from Mercy Hospital Foundation.

In their continued support of healthcare in the community, the foundation board agreed to donate $200,000 to the Ascension/Via Christi Emergency Department, Ft. Scott to ensure the continuation of essential health care services for residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Natalie Snyder, RN; Kristi Harbit, RN and Cheryl Koppa, RN, all of Fort Scott are members of the Ascension Via Christi staff in Fort Scott. This photo was taken the day of the grand opening of the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, Feb. 28.

Emergency care, lab, and radiology services are currently available at the prior Mercy location, 403 Woodlands Blvd., south of Fort Scott, just off 69 Hwy. and are being provided by Ascension/Via Christi. The funds are intended to facilitate technology and equipment for the emergency services.

Funds donated by Mercy Health Foundation will assist Ascension/Via Christi with costs associated to support a lab interface with the electronic health record and documentation system, a Lucas chest compression system, space lab patient monitors, iStat lab equipment, EKG TC 70 wireless, and a CT power injector, according to the Mercy Foundation press release.

Earlier this year, Mercy Health Foundation donated $300,000 to Community Health Center, who now provides clinical services in the former Mercy Hospital Clinic. That CHC clinic includes a primary care physicians office area, laboratory, x-ray and mammogram services. In addition, it provides convenient care at the location at 1624 S. National Avenue.

Click below for that story:

Mercy Health Foundation Donates $300,000 To Community Health Center

 

Mercy Health Foundation—Fort Scott, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the following are members: Jared Leek, chair; Chris Petty, vice chair; Bryan Holt, treasurer; Becky Tourtillott, secretary; Alysia Johnston, Mark McCoy, Bill Michaud, Jolynne Mitchell, Pat Neff, Colleen Quick and Darcy Smith, according to the website:

http://mercyhealthfoundation.net/communities/fort-scott/fort-scott-staff-board-directors/

Ascension Via Christi leases approximately 16,000 square feet of space from Mercy, according to the Ascension Via Christi website:

https://www.viachristi.org/blog/ascension-via-christi-will-operate-fort-scott-emergency-room#sthash.zJjptOms.S1N5irsx.dpbs

This follows the closure of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott in December 2018.

Under the agreement between Mercy Hospital and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, the latter now manages emergency and outpatient services at the Fort Scott hospital location.

 

Opinion

A Worker Not Ashamed by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Let’s face it. Sometimes being a bold witness for Christ is kinda hard. No, not kinda. It is. Last month, for example, Dave and I went to a Mexican restaurant. The only available seats were at the bar. Dave sat at the end, and I sat next to him with an empty stool on my other side. When an inebriated man sat beside me, ordered two beers and started slurring questions, I tried to be Christ-like. “Are you a Hillary fan?” he began. “No, but I’m a taco fan,” I answered. Next question: “Are you a Christian?” When I said I was, he yelled excitedly, “Me too!” Trying to high-five me, he almost fell off his barstool. (Dear Lord, all I wanted was a taco.) Whenever Dave and I tried to talk, my bar buddy would interrupt. Rude. But we are called to love rude people too, right?

Last week I wrote that we are called to disciple others. I imagine some of you immediately had heart palpitations at the mere thought of sharing your faith. I get it. I pray for witnessing opportunities, and then Satan reminds me that I’m about to look like a fool. Then I think of the people I personally have prayed for, people who have opted not to give Jesus a chance, and how I ask God to send others into their lives so their words might have an impact. What if others ask the same, and I am that “other” person they have prayed for?

There are hundreds of ways to share Jesus Christ. For starters, we need to pray for opportunities to tell our story: We were lost. We were found. We are saved. Our life has never been the same.

The best way to witness our faith is to live it out (even if it involves drunks at taco stands). Sometimes it’s not about that person at all; it’s how others watch what is going on. In our couples’ Bible study, “Helen” shared that she and her husband went to a boat show the previous weekend. She watched a dirty, homeless lady walk into a coffee shop and stand in line. Helen felt compelled to give her some money (something she admitted she never had done before), approached the woman, handed her the money and followed that with a hug, telling her God loved her. Within the hour as she and her husband were checking in for the show, the ticket-taker stopped her and asked, “Were you the one who just hugged that homeless lady back in the coffee shop? I saw you do that and thought how I never take that risk but need to.”

Someone once said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Start by being a good listener. Everyone has a need or a hurt. Sometimes we physically can offer help, but one thing we definitely can do is offer to pray for them (and then, of course, pray.) The other day I was outside when a middle-aged woman walked by with two dogs, one on a leash and the other in a stroller. I commented on her dogs (a GREAT way to start a conversation, I have found), and she shared that at 4:00 that afternoon, the strollered dog was being put to sleep. This was their “last walk.” I was touched by her story and told her I would pray for her. At 3:57, I began praying. The next day when I ran into her, she told me how much my offer to pray meant to her. It was a start. Dave and I have a friend who eats out a lot, and at every meal, he tells the waiters/waitresses that he is getting ready to pray a blessing on his food and asks if they have any prayer requests. Most of the time he is told no, but occasionally he is given an opportunity to share Christ. I know shy people who leave gospel tracts on shelves in supermarkets, gas stations coffee shops, trick-or-treat bags, Christmas cards, etc. The opportunities are endless. We are told in Scripture that we have a responsibility to share Jesus: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15) We all have a “best.” My approach might not be yours, but one thing is for certain: saying or doing nothing is not an option.

Business, Government, Kansas

Angel Investor assistance

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Topeka, Kan. – The window for accepting Angel Investor Tax Credit Applications has reached its halfway point.

Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through Aug. 31. The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.

The KAITC Program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and designed to bring together accredited angel investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit act is to facilitate:

  • The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
  • Assist in the creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job and wealth creating enterprises.

Applications for certification will be accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.

Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:

  • The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
  • In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
  • Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
  • The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
  • The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
  • The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
  • The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
  • The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
  • Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit. This year, the application fee has been reduced from $750 to $500.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: 785-296-4931

Cell: 785-276-9723

Obituary

Obituary of John Darwin Hastings

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John Darwin Hastings, age 89, resident of Nevada, MO, formerly of Bronaugh, MO, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

He was born on March 21, 1930, in Lindsay, CA, the son of John Raymond and Dora Beatrice Fry Hastings. He graduated from Bronaugh high school with the class of 1948. He served three tours of duty in Korea in the Navy. John married Mary Ann Stumfoll on August 9, 1952, in Bentonville AR. She preceded in death on June 24, 2017.

John was a hard-working farmer. He loved the Lord and served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was an avid reader, especially his Bible. When not working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns, and tending his vegetable and flower gardens. Iris was his favorite flower. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Pleasanton, KS.

Survivors include his son, Rev. John Bradley Hastings and wife Ronda, Grants, NM; two daughters, Renee Clemons and husband John, Oronogo, MO, and Lexi Strickler and husband Doug, Iola, KS; two sisters, Betty Smith and husband Jerry, Haysville, KS, and Joan Owens, Saginaw, MO; three brothers, Donald Hastings and wife Doris, Elkhart, IN, Gary Lee Hastings, Bronaugh, MO, and Billy Ray Hastings, Philippines; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Alisa Ann Hastings; a brother, Robert Hastings; three sisters, Laverna Drummond, Lorene Hopkins, and Jo Ellen Jones; and his parents.

Rev. Bradley Hastings will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, May 6th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Monday at Grace Baptist.

Memorials are suggested to Native American Baptist Missions and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Uncategorized

Governor to honor fallen Kansas law enforcement officers

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Governor directs flags to be lowered, will sign official proclamation

 

In recognition of the 37th annual Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 3 and National Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on both May 3 and May 15.

 

“Each year we recognize law enforcement officers for putting service above self to protect fellow Kansans,” Kelly said. “I have a deep appreciation for these officers and their families – and on behalf of the State of Kansas, thank them for their commitment.”

 

On Friday, Kelly will sign an official proclamation declaring May 3 as “Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Day.” In addition, H.J. Res. 730, P.L. 87-726 designates May 15 of each year as National Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Clean Up Days

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See the source image

The Bourbon County Commission approved two days when county residents can take their unwanted trash to the county dump for free, including old tires.

If one has, say, old mattresses, unwanted garage sale leftovers, etc. this day will cost nothing but the drive to the dump to rid oneself of the items.

Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 residents may take their trash to the Bourbon Transfer and Recycle Center, 2286 Noble Road, northeast of the city limits.

Normally, the cost of landfill services are $40 a ton for solid waste materials- garbage, County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said.

“For construction and demolition materials it’s $35 a ton,” Oharah said. “It’s all on a graduated scale.”

The free dump day is not for businesses but for residents only, he said.

The landfill can be reached by going north on Hwy. 69 to Native Road, then turning east until 225th, then north to Noble Road, then east to the landfill.

Noxious Weeds Department Moves

The county government also provides noxious weed killer products to clean up weeds on farm properties.

This month the Bourbon County Commission approved the moving of the Noxious Weed Department from Uniontown to the Bourbon County Barn on 215th Street. north of Hwy. 54.

“We’ve increased the hours,” Oharah said.  Hours are Monday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Products to kill noxious weeds can be purchased from county personnel at that time, he said.

“One landowner can purchase for up to 160 acres,” Oharah said.

Josh Lawrence is the noxious weed director and can be reached at 620.215.1569.

Notice on the door of the old Noxious Weed Department in Uniontown.

The old noxious weed building in Uniontown, located just south of the fire department is still being discussed by the commissioners for future use.

Old Bourbon County Noxious Weed Department building in Uniontown.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Learn How to Grow Your Business

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REMINDER:
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to
learn how to
grow your business online at our “Drive Business Results With Google Ads” Workshop
Community members are invited to a
Google Livestream Event:
“Drive Business Results
With Google Ads”,
hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
at the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main Street in Fort Scott.
In this free Google Livestream, attendees will learn about the basics of advertising online with Google Ads.
What businesses can expect from
the livestream is:
–        Real-time guidance from Google experts
–        Details on different advertising campaign types
–        Instructions on how to increase leads, sales, and brand awareness
–        How-to’s for first-time users on choosing goals and measuring success
Small businesses are the growth engine of our economy, creating 2 out of 3 new jobs. Businesses that are online grow 40% faster than whose who aren’t. We can help small businesses connect with more customers by helping them get online and on the map.
To register for this event,
click HERE.
For more information please contact the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
at (620) 223-3566.
Business, Government, Kansas

Small Business Procurement Day May 7

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Last Chance to Register for 2019 Small Business Procurement Day

 

Topeka, Kan. – Registration for 2019 Small Business Procurement Day ends May 2.

The celebratory event will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, KS. This free event will provide an opportunity for small businesses to connect with federal agency buyers and contracting officers to determine contracting and procurement opportunities. There will also be a one-on-one Agency-Vendor Engagement Session and training session to learn about resources that will be helpful to the growth and development of small businesses in the procurement market space, including Contracting 101 and FedBid/GSA Purchasing.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bartruff, Commander of the 923rd Contracting Battalion (CBN)/Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) will lead the morning welcome. Secretary of Commerce David Toland will join him in providing welcoming remarks.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Kansas economy,” Secretary Toland said. “The Department of Commerce is thrilled to be able to help this state’s small business community grow. Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Kansas, and we’re proud to help foster that spirit across the state.”

Organizations planning to attend the event include Ft. Riley Contracting Command, Whiteman Air Force Base 509th Contracting Squadron, Kansas Army and Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, the Kansas Department of Commerce, MICC Office of Small Business Programs, City of Topeka, U.S. Department of Agriculture, GSA Department of Small Business and the Small Business Administration.

The Lead Agency for this event has been the 923rd CBN/MICC-Fort Riley office headquartered at Fort Riley, KS.  Other partners and co-sponsors include the Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (KS PTAC), Greater Topeka Partnership, GO Topeka-Entrepreneur Minority Business Development (EMBD), the Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority and Women Business Development and Wichita State University.  This is a regional event that is open to all small businesses and contracting organizations.

 

All categories of small business are invited to attend. To register for Procurement Day, visit this link.

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Area News

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 Rechartering This Evening May 2

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American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 is rechartering the Fort Scott Unit at 7 pm, May 2, 2019. This milestone event will take place in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall.

 

The American Legion Auxiliary adheres to the following purposes: To support and advocate for veterans, active military and their families;To support the initiatives and programs of The American Legion; To foster patriotism and responsible citizenship; To award scholarships and promote quality education and literacy; To provide educational and leadership opportunities that uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy and encourage good citizenship and patriotism in government;To increase our capacity to deliver our Mission by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities within our communities; and To empower our membership to achieve personal fulfillment through Service Not Self.

 

Eligibility about who can join the American Legion Auxiliary can be confusing, but review the below information to determine your  Auxiliary eligibility.

 

Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, stepdaughters, granddaughters and spouses/widows of Veterans are eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary. There are a few exceptions, but if your Veteran died on active service or died after completing active service, you can join the American Legion Auxiliary.

 

In addition to the above list of females eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary, wives of current Legion members are also eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary.

 

If you are not sure about your eligibility to join the Auxiliary, come to the meeting on Thursday night and let’s review your status. 

If you are not able to attend the meeting, but would like to join the Auxiliary, just contact Myra Jowers at [email protected] or call her at 620-215-1286  and she will arrange to meet you to complete the membership application.

Bourbon County Local News