Government, Kansas

Close Calls in Highway Work Zones Occur Too Often

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The Kansas Department of Transportation and numerous transportation partners who work along the roadways know why work zone safety is so important.

“I yelled at the crew in the work zone and threw my flagging paddle towards the middle of the lane that I was standing in and flung myself into the ditch,” said KDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Kade Cooper, who is from Belleville. “From what I could hear, the flagging paddle made contact with the car where I would have been standing, and that is what got the driver’s attention.”

Equipment Operator Kayne Kraus from Admire has worked for the Kansas Turnpike Authority for two years. While out preparing to paint, he heard a loud boom, “and when I turned around, there was a vehicle sandwiched between the wall and the attenuator,” he said. “The driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and hit the attenuator that was a couple hundred feet behind me.”

Close calls are all too common for highway workers, law enforcement and emergency responders who are serving the public. Finding ways to improve work zone safety is imperative.

“If your job puts you along the highway, it’s important for you to not only be able to work safely but to feel safe as well,” said KDOT State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey.

Highway workers shared other stories of near misses at the statewide work zone safety event in Topeka today at the KDOT Gage office. This event is one of several activities in Kansas as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 8-12, which raises awareness of the dangers highway workers and motorists face in work zones. Last year in Kansas, there were 1,396 work zone crashes – 398 people were injured and five people were killed.

Highway workers and others are sharing work zone stories each day this week in a blog series at http://kansastransportation.blogspot.com/. Electronic message boards along the highways will also have rotating work zone safety messages.

Buildings and structures across Kansas will be lit in orange all week to highlight work zone safety. Check out the Governor’s Mansion, the Amelia Earhart Bridge in Atchison, the Visitor’s Center in the Capitol, the Eisenhower State Office Building in Topeka, the front of the Topeka City Hall, the Travel Information Center on I-70 near Goodland and KDOT offices in Topeka, Salina, Norton, Chanute, Hutchinson and Garden City.

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Ascension Via Christi

Cason Recognized As 2019 CEO To Know

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RAndy Cason. Submitted photo.

Becker’s Healthcare recognizes Ascension Via Christi Hospital president

Randy Cason, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg president, was named one of 60 rural hospital and health system CEOs to know in 2019.

Cason ensures the 550-employee Ascension Via Christi Hospital provides care to the entire tri-state area. Stepping into the president role in 2010, he led the hospital through a brand change and then a major remodel. Mr. Cason is also active in Pittsburg’s government, serving as a past Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board and current Kansas Hospital Association board member.

Becker’s Healthcare accepted nominations for this list and considered leaders making a positive impact on their organizations. The CEOs featured lead hospitals consistently recognized by the National Rural Health Association, American Hospital Association and HIMSS as top institutions. Others sit on local chamber of commerce boards and serve state hospital associations.

For the full article, visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/50-rural-hospital-and-health-system-ceos-to-know-2019.html.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Christian Heights Country Store May 4

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Teachers at Fort Scott Christian Heights School. From left: Terry Chance, prinicpal; Jeremy Budy, history teacher; Larissa Hunter, pre-school and kindergarten teacher; Karen Schellack, 7-8 grade; Julie Going, 1-2 grade; Sarah Pridey, English; Esther Arnold, 3-4 grade; Amanda Bachand, 5-6 grade; Larry Davolt, science; and Jan Beltram, secretary.

Terry Chance, principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights School, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that the school was started in 1947.

The school educates children pre-school through grade 12.

“We are not funded by the state,” Chance said. “We are funded by tuition, donations and interest income.”

Country Store

To help support the school, each year a Country Store event happens at the school, located at 1101 S. Barbee.

This year it is May 4.

The Country Store includes a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a supper from 4-6 p.m.  and an auction at 6 p.m.

Chance thanked the businesses in town who contribute prizes, including silent auction items that help make the fundraising event successful.

Terry Chance speaks at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on April 11. In back ground is the Chamber Announcer Robert Uhler.

5K Race

Prior to the Country Store event, the school offers a Crusader Charge, which is a 5K race and two-mile fun walk for persons 12 through 31-plus years old. The race will be conducted on Margrave Street.

The entry fee is $15, with t-shirts free for the first 60 paid entrants.

For more information contact Larry Davolt at 620-223-4330.

Fun Run

The Kids Fun Run and Obstacle Course is for children 6th grade and younger, and includes water balloon carry, gunny sacks, jump ropes and more.

Participants who pre-register by April 29, will receive a t-shirt and concession stand voucher.

The entry fee for this is $15. For more information contact Lacey Avery at 913-375-7608.

The kids event starts at 10 a.m. at the south entrance to the school.

Applications can be picked up at the school.

School Play This Weekend

This weekend it the FSCH Junior/Senior school play “Cheaper By The Dozen.”

Play time is 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13.

Chamber members converse before the announcement segment of the weekly coffee at Fort Scott Christian Heights School on April 11.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Students Compete in Personal Finance Challenge

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On April, 10 Fort Scott High School Seniors Jenna Grado, Braden Shelton, Tyler Martin, and Shaylee Terry competed in the Kansas Council for Economic Educations “Personal Finance Challenge.”

These students were among 18 other teams competing for the opportunity to represent Kansas at the National Completion in Lincoln Nebraska.

Students had to first complete a preliminary test.  The top 20 teams in Kansas were then invited to Wichita State University to compete in the state championships.  Once at the tournament, students competed in three individual and one team test.

While not qualifying for Nationals, the FSHS team was in the top five teams across the state.

This activity was part of the Personal Finance class taught by Bert Lewis at the High School.

Fort Scott

Combat Warrior Convoy in Fort Scott May 1

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On Wednesday, May 1st, starting at 1:30 pm, the E3 Foundation and Combat Warriors, Inc. will be having their 2nd Annual Warrior Convoy through Fort Scott. They would love your help again by showing your overwhelming support of these soldiers – by simply standing by the street somewhere along the route from Fort Scott Municipal Airport to the E3 Ranch. Feel free to make a sign, wave a flag, salute, or simply wave as we honor these brave men and women.

Route: The convoy will start out east on Lake Road, then north on Highway 69, then left on National through town, then right onto Old Fort Blvd., then left on Wall St. traveling east all the way out of town.

The LaRoche Family thanks you for your support!

Area News, Health Care, Housing

Presbyterian Manors Celebrates 70 Years

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Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Founder’s Day
celebrates 70 years of service to seniors

Fort Scott — Employees of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village will observe the founding of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America this month as the company celebrates 70 years of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri.

Each Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campus will have their own celebration with residents and employees during April acknowledging the importance each play in making life at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, the way you want to live.

“Many of our more than 2,000 employees view what they do as a calling, not just a job,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, which directly impacts the wonderful care our 2,400 residents receive every day.”

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village will observe Founder’s Day on April 18, 2019 by having a cook out for the tenants and employees, along with live Music performed by Mr. Richard Mowen for all to enjoy will having lunch.

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Today PMMA remains true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Alice’s dream has turned into a network of 17 senior living communities across Kansas and Missouri, with Fort Scott Presbyterian Village joining the system in 1994. PMMA, with its more than 2,400 residents, remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Becky Kellum, marketing director, at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

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Fort Scott

Local Librarians Honored During National Library Week

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Fort Scott Public Library
April 7th through 13th is National Library Week.
Libraries are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing resources and programs that build strong communities. Today’s libraries strengthen their communities and transform lives through education and lifelong learning by providing access to the programming and services to ensure the community’s needs are being met. Be sure to visit Fort Scott Public Library during National Library Week, or anytime you need us.
 
Established in 2003 and held annually during National Library Week, National Library Workers Day celebrates the contributions of all library workers, including librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day. National Library Workers Day is a time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and leadership skills in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. The day also reminds the public that Libraries = Strong Communities, and provide users with endless opportunities for engagement, enrichment and development. 
 
We encourage everyone to take a moment and thank our library workers for the services they provide and to remind all who depend on them that our city works, because our Fort Scott Public Library workers do!
 
In celebration of National Library Workers Day, the Board of Directors of the Fort Scott Public Library treated the staff to lunch on Tuesday, April 9, National Library Workers Day.
 
On Tuesday, April 2, Mayor Jeanie Parker issuedtwo proclamations.   One to commemorate National Library Workers Day on April 9 and the second to commemorate National Library Week, April 7 through April 13.
Submitted by Martha Scott.
Art, Bourbon County

Art Is Ageless Winners Announced

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village announces

Art is Ageless® winners

Fort Scott, KS. — Fort Scott Presbyterian Village recently hosted a reception for the winning artists in the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition.

“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Becky Kellum, marketing director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”

Winners in the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Art is Ageless juried competition were:

Best of Show Amateur: Susan Porter, “Beauty n Everything”, Best of Show Professional: Paul Milks, Carpenters Bluff Bridge.”

People’s Choice: Glenda Stevicks , “Little Church on the mountain Side”, Also Kenneth Eastwood “ He is Risen”

Christmas amateur: Mary Beth Fornelli , “snowman Quilt”

Drawing amateur: Bobby Roberts, “Eagles are nesting”

Fiber Arts professional: Carolyn Munsell , “Bright Journey”

Mixed Media/Crafts amateur: Susan Porter, “Beauty in Everything”, Professional: John Bartelsmeyer,”Japanese Crest”

Needlework amateur: Charlotte Kite, “His name is Jesus”,

Painting amateur: Bob Eckles, “Fish Market”

Photography professional: Paul Milks, “Carpenters Bluff Bridge”

Quilting amateur: Earline Foster, “Horse on the run”

Sculpture/3-D amateur: Kenneth Eastwood, “He is Risen”, Professional: Tony Fornelli,” Nature”

Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level may be selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.

Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health.

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Art is Ageless program encourages Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton Fort Scott Ks, contact Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550, or [email protected].

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Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Prom is Coming: New Venue

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Fort Scott High School Homecoming 2019 candidates are front: Kelcie Bailey, Rebekah Sweyko, Shaylee Terry, Karli Wright;  back row: Johnathan Gauthier, Nicholas Krebs, Gage Lamb, and Alan Santana.

Fort Scott High School Prom 2019 is this Saturday, April 13 at the River Room,  3 West Oak Street where it intersects with North National Avenue.

The public may view the prom site indoors from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“Great Gatsby is the theme,” Bert Lewis, FSHS teacher and sponsor said. “Cars and vehicles will drive north on Judson and drop off at the corner of Oak and Judson. Valet parking is available. Oak Street will be blocked off at 2 p.m. Saturday through 12 a.m. Sunday morning to accommodate the walk-in.”

“Parent parking will be allowed in the public lots behind the old Downtowner (Currently the Boiler Room Brewhaus),”  Lewis said. “Please refrain from parking behind or east of Sharky’s and Nu Grill to respect these businesses.”

“Parents will be able to set up chairs, or watch from sides of the street,” she said.

The promenade walk-in is from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The prom is from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News