The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2019-2022 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes March 6. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Bureau of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
The next ABE/GED orientation will begin Tuesday, March 5th. There are three class times to choose from: 9am-12pm, 1-4pm, or 4-7pm. We will work mostly towards the GED modules which include math, reading, social studies, and science. We also focus on college readiness, career readiness, and a little bit of technology. There is a class fee of $30 which covers materials, TABE assessments, GED practice tests, and many certificates. Please contact Aubrey Duft the Lead ABE Instructor at (620)223-2700 Ext. 4400 or email at [email protected] if you have any questions.
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, February 25th, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property at 18-20-22 S. Main Street to allow residential living on the first floor of this building.
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Robert Lee Comstock passed from this world on February 18, 2019, at the age of 50. He had been unable to overcome health issues. Robert enjoyed playing pool and became very proficient at the game, he began competing in many tournaments with his team from Denny’s sports center in Iola. Robert also enjoyed tinkering with old vehicles, fishing, listening to Johnny Cash music, and playing BINGO. Robert was born on June 15, 1968 to Raymond and Shelby Jean (Grant) Comstock. He was the sixth born of what would become a group of eight.
Robert is survived by his seven siblings- Patricia Darnell Derrick and husband Ricky, Ripley, MS; Raymond Comstock, Jr., Holton, KS; Jeffrey Comstock and wife Tami of Humboldt, KS; Anna Smith and husband Joe, Clinton, MO; James Comstock, Claremore, OK; Doris Decker and husband Robert, Bronson, KS; Cathy Comstock, Kansas City, MO. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins and friends including a special friend, Julia Luke. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Robert has chosen to be cremated. Inurnment will be in the Bronson Cemetery in Bronson, KS, at a later date. A memorial service is planned for Sunday February 24th at 2:00 pm at the Bronson community building. A potluck reception will follow at 2:30. Friends and family are welcome. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
From left: Gary Murrell, Director and David Gillen, Food Packaging Specialist at the Beacon, 525 E. Sixth.
The Beacon has a multi-decade history in Fort Scott as a helping agency to those with limited resources.
“The Beacon has just completed 33 years as a food pantry,” said Carol MacArthur, president of the Beacon Board of Directors. “We are working toward making Beacon’s services more available to clients, and this includes trying some methods not done previously.”
This includes the agency becoming more consumer-friendly by adding evening hours on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, starting March 12.
“On March 12, The Beacon will adapt its hours in order to become more “user-friendly” to Bourbon County residents,” MacArthur said.
“Since a number of individuals have expressed a need for evening hours, the Beacon staff will open for full service twice a month between 4:30 and 7 p.m.,” she said.
“We’ll be closed the Tuesday we are open in the evening,” said Garry Murrell, the director of the Beacon.
Murrell will be available to provide service and assistance as he does during day-time hours.
The Beacon provides a food pantry for the community.
“Basic needs for the family,” Murrell said. “Canned goods, rice, beans, potatoes, (the food) varies.”
“We have a limited amount of meat, which we give until we don’t have anymore,” he said.
Individuals, churches, businesses and others donate food throughout the year.
“We have a lot of food drives to help us,” Murrell said.
From left: David Gillen, Food Packaging Specialist and Sharon Farmer, Front Desk Receptionist at the Beacon.
The Beacon also provides financial assistance, if the person qualifies, for utility bills, and occasionally rent and prescription assistance.
“If we have the funds, we can help,” Murrell said. “If we don’t we can’t.”
The new evening hours will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
Doris Reola DeMott, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at the Olathe Medical Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. She was born December 29, 1933, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Walter Eugene Knox and Hattie India Martin Knox. Doris graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1952. While in high school, she worked at the YMCA. This is where she met her future husband. She married Charles L. DeMott on December 28, 1952, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Doris later served as the Bourbon County Treasurer for twelve years and later worked for thirty-seven years for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Doris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She lovingly cared for her husband following his stroke at a very early age. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Garland.
Survivors include her four children, Gary DeMott and wife, Linda, of Ft. Scott, Janet McLaughlin, of Topeka, Kansas, Shawnee Clary and husband, Ken, and Stephen DeMott, all of Ft. Scott; ten grandchildren, Trenton, Trevor, Ty, Lacey, Kelsey, Stephanie, Chadd, Jessica, Adrienne, and Matthew and eighteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Gene Knox and his wife, Lucille, of Little River, Kansas. Her husband, Charles, preceded her in death on April 19, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert and Paul and five sisters, Louise, Virginia, Marcella, Marguerite, and Rachael.
Pictured from left: Mammography Technicians Jennifer Dugan and Suzanne Quick. Together. they have 15 years experience and look forward to serving the women of Bourbon County and the surrounding area.
Women needing mammography services in Bourbon County and surrounding areas can once again schedule appointments for the procedure close to home. As part of the transition of services from Mercy Health System to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, the hospital’s 3D Mammography equipment was donated to CHC/SEK. It remains in its original location and staffed by the experienced staff who have been responsible for the service for more than 15 years.
The equipment – considered the most advanced breast screening technology available – was funded when it was originally acquired through a gift from the Mercy Health Center Foundation.
“We all agreed that the women of southeast Kansas – regardless of their ability to pay – should have continued access to this service,” said CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer Krista Postai. “In our discussions with staff and community members, we found that many women in the region had come to rely upon its availability.” As in the past, regardless of where a woman goes for primary care, she can make an appointment for a mammogram in Ft. Scott.
“We were surprised at how many women have used this service locally saving – for many of them – a trip to Kansas City or elsewhere,” Postai said. “That certainly speaks well for the quality of the program and staff.
“We will now be able to extend this resource further making it more accessible to low-income women through special programs and discounts based on ability to pay,” she said. “Every woman has the right to quality screening and thanks to Mercy, the Mercy Foundation and CHC/SEK that will continue.” Postai went on to add the Foundation has contributed funding toward covering the cost for those in Bourbon County who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
Among the benefits of 3D mammography are more accurate detection resulting in fewer call backs for additional tests. Because of the use of multiple angled images, 3D mammography may help detect cancers earlier than conventional 2D mammography and is especially effective with women with dense breast tissue. It also can help reduce anxiety from false alarms while also delivering a minimal amount of radiation.
Mammography Technicians Jennifer Dugan and Suzanne Quick, well-known to area women, will be managing the program and look forward to continuing to serve women throughout the area.
“We chose to become a part of CHC/SEK because we love their mission and the opportunity to continue serving patients in the community that we have grown to love, as well as reaching out to a whole new group of women,” said Jennifer Dugan.
“It was their obvious commitment to helping women that convinced us that we should continue this service,” said Postai, who described her first meeting with the two technicians as inspirational. “I have never met anyone more dedicated,” she said. “They were far more concerned about their patients than themselves after learning of the hospital’s closure.”
Despite CHC/SEK’s lack of experience with mammography, Postai was confident the two women would make it work. “We’ve all spent the last two months learning the legal, technical and practical aspects of offering this service,” she explained. “Our staff worked closely with the organizations that approve mammography and despite all the hurdles were able to get all approvals within a week of transitioning the equipment to CHC/SEK ownership.”
Finding qualified radiologists to read the mammograms was also a challenge since this equipment is usually located in a hospital or a physician-owned service.
“Fortunately, Alliance Radiology based in Kansas City had originally provided this service to Mercy Fort Scott when it was started and were willing to reconnect,” said Postai. The technicians were very familiar with Alliance and had confidence they would meet local needs.
“This was definitely a team effort and it would not have been possible otherwise,” said Postai adding that the community – and CHC/SEK – owe a thank you to Jennifer and Suzanne for putting their patients first.
On February 6, Connie Jackson, a local resident and former Mercy employee, became the first person to have her mammogram at CHC/SEK. “I was scheduled for a six month follow up after having been diagnosed originally with breast cancer in January 2016. The technicians were so caring and considerate and put me at ease,” she said, urging other women to schedule this live-saving test.
In order to schedule a mammogram, it is not necessary to have a local physician. Women may call 620-223-8040 to make an appointment and test results will be sent to the physician of their choosing. Mammograms can be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with expanded hours on Wednesdays to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate work schedules. Additional benefits offered through CHC/SEK include the ability to offer mammography at a lower cost with increased access.
Like Mercy, CHC/SEK is a participant in the Kansas Early Detection Works program with free mammograms available to women between the ages of 45 and 64years who do not have health insurance and otherwise qualify.More information about the program can be found on the Kansas Department of Health website www.kdheks.gov/edw.
CHC/SEK also offers financial assistance and accepts all patients regardless of their ability to pay along with commercial insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. For additional information on CHC/SEK’s financial assistance program go to their website at www.chcsek.org or call 620-231-9873.
ABOUT CHC/SEK:
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is a Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing quality health care to everyone regardless of income or insurance status.CHC/SEK is a patient-owned and operated organization serving more than 50,000 children and adults annually.CHC/SEK employs more than 400 professionals and support staff at 15 clinic sites in Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Allen counties and is governed by a 13- member Board of Directors which includes patients and community representatives.
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FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carla Farmer, senior marketing advisor, 620-224-6500
Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton St., 2pm-4pm
Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.
19
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
19
City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
20
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
20
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Clinic Benefits & Services Explained at Presbyterian Village – 2401 S. Horton St., 3:30pm
President and CEO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Krista Postai, will be at the Presbyterian Village, located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS to present information about what CHC can do for the Presbyterian Village seniors, staff, family members, volunteers and the Fort Scott community, as a whole
(See flyer below)
20
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
21
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Lofts
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
21
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
21
Hedgehog.INK presents February Author of the Month Gerri Hilger, 16 S. Main St., 6pm
Meet & greet author Geri Hilger, former Fort Scott teacher and resident. Gerri’s book, “Our Duty” recalls Kansas WWII nurses and airmen. It is available for purchase in the store
There will be an author talk, Q&A, and booksigning. Light refreshments served (See flyer below)
22-23
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
22
4th Annual Prairie Troubadour – Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., Friday: 7-10pm; Saturday: 8:30am-8:30pm
The Prairie Troubadour is a group of friends inspired by stalwarts of the Faith to live and share the Joy of Christ. This year’s topic: REASON FOR FAITH – Reflections on Particles and Paraclete. Join Dale Ahlquist, David Whalen, Stacy Trasancos, Kevin O’Brien and William Fahey to discuss the good life
Hedgehog.INK presents their February Featured Artist, weaver Barbara Ritter, 16 S. Main St., 3pm
Barbara’s artwork is on display at Hedgehog.INK during the month of February. She will give a presentation about her artwork and the techniques she uses (See flyer below)
26-27
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
26
Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave., 11am-6:30pm
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
26
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
27
Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am
Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
Call Buck Run at 620-223-0386 for more info
27
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
27
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
27
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
28
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Adventures in Mission (at Hole In The Wall Liquor)
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
28
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
Save the Date:
– March 6 – Google Livestream: Give Your Website a Refresh
– March 7 – 4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair
Click here for full events listing on our website.
