Hwy. 69 Expansion Pushed Into December

These signs mark the closed Eagle Road, Oct. 25. Workers were busy all along Hwy. 69 on the expansion project.

The 69 Hwy. expansion project from Fort Scott to Arma doesn’t have a November completion date anymore, according to Priscilla Petersen, with the Kansas Department of Transportation.

In an interview, Petersen said the November completion date of the U.S. 69 expansion has been pushed back.

We plan to have this project open to four-lane unrestricted traffic by Dec. 21, 2018,” she said.

All work on the active U.S. 69 expansion in Bourbon County will be completed in April 2019. ”

“The active Bourbon County expansion project is approximately six miles long, starting south of Fort Scott and ending at the Bourbon-Crawford county line,” Peterson said.

“The Crawford County expansion project has not been let. The tentative letting date is the fall of 2020.”

 

It seems KDOT ran into more extensive excavation of the stretch of highway than originally thought.

“During the grading phase of the expansion our contractor encountered a lengthy section of the old highway that had not been previously removed,” Petersen said. “The removal of the old mainline and bridges required extensive excavation. In addition, the discovery of the old roadway greatly reduced the amount of dirt available for the earthwork. We found it necessary to add a second borrow-waste area to supply the material.”

A KDOT crew work on a section of Hwy. 69 Thursday morning near the Garland exit.

“Current project activity includes concrete paving on the mainline and guardrail installation on the bridges,” Petersen said.

Knowledge Of The Truth by Patty LaRoche

Susan’s friend recently enrolled her three-year old in day care. She was stunned as she filled out the application and found not two but three choices for the sex of the child:

(1). Male (2). Female (3). Undecided

What started as a fun, after-church-pizza-get-together for my friends and I soon morphed into a discussion about what is happening to our country. Gender choices for three-year olds? Have we lost our ever-lovin’ minds?

The same week, a young father I recently met shared that since the beginning of 2018, his wife, a pediatric dentist, has treated three twelve-year-old, transgender children. A few years ago, they were in her records as one gender. Now, the records need to be changed. Parents had given permission for this procedure.

I repeat, have we lost our minds? When my kids were twelve, it was hard for me to let them pick out their own clothes, much less their gender! Twelve-year olds are hormonally challenged, immature and prone to mood swings (which is why, in my opinion, middle-school teachers are saints and totally underpaid. I digress).

I am deeply concerned that we as a nation, like some of these parents, are making critically unwise (irreversible?) decisions that are leading us away from moral authority and ultimately, God. Ethical buttons are being pushed. Too many things make no sense.

We no longer are shocked when public speakers on college campuses are shouted off the dais because their audience disagrees with their position. Louder and meaner wins. Peaceful protests are a thing of the past. Now, stores are looted, cars set on fire and rocks pelted at police.

As I write this, San Francisco city officials are conducting meetings to find answers for homeless people defecating on public streets. One reporter wrote, “This is also often a passive-aggressive payback to a society that shows every day that it doesn’t care about it’s (sic) most vulnerable citizens who I often meet on the street: veterans, disabled, elderly, mentally ill, and mothers with babies.”

My suggestion: Perhaps someone needs to create sanctuary cities for those people instead of for illegals.

Speaking of which…recently, hundreds of illegal immigrants entered the United States, creating a nightmare for those responsible for vetting them. Many children arrived with non-relatives and no paperwork to prove who they are. Once it became apparent they expected to be treated with the same rights as U.S. citizens, a geographical, legal, emotional mess ensued. As I write this, approximately 7,000 more Central American migrants are on their way to our border. Which should prevail, justice or mercy? No one seems to know.

My husband and I cross the border between this country and Mexico two-to-four times a year. Without our legal documents, we would be introduced to an escort service (i.e., armed guards) who would love to hear us demand our RIGHTS. You know, our RIGHT to see what an unairconditioned, dirty, crowded, one-meal-a-day jail is all about.

I fear where all of this will lead. Hopefully to our knees. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul tells us what we can do. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

God’s truth. Not the “truth” of people who have lost their ever-lovin’ minds.

Bark at Landmark Bank

Friday, October 26, from noon to 4 p.m. Landmark Bank will be doing a fundraiser for Lee’s Paws and Claws Shelter.

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be sold for $1 per item.

Adoptable animals will be special guests of the event.

They will also be accepting donations of:

dog and cat food

stainless steel bowls

creamy peanut butter

collars and leashes

pet carriers

dog bones and cat treats

cat toys

bleach, paper towels, Clorox wipes, laundry detergent, and trash bags

 

Water Technology Farms

 

Water Technology Farm Interest for 2019 Growing Season

Initial Notice of Interest for Water Technology Farm Needed by December 1

 

Water Technology Farms are an action item of the Long-Term Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas to help address Kansas water issues. The program began three years ago with three farms and currently there are 10 farms on more than 30 fields.

The Kansas Water Office plans to add a limited number of new technology farms and is currently accepting initial notice of interest for the 2019 growing season. The deadline for initial interest is December 1.

 

These three-year pilot public-private partnerships demonstrate irrigation technology, research and management techniques. They have been valuable in expanding the conversation and education of producers and decision makers on water conservation in areas overlying the depleting Ogallala Aquifer and water quality protection in the Equus Beds Aquifer region.

 

Water Technology Farms are eligible statewide. Farms in a Water Conservation Area or a Local Enhanced Management Area as well as other documented conservation programs will be prioritized for consideration. Access to land as well as data records are required as part of this effort.

 

Those interested or wanting more information, please contact Armando Zarco at [email protected] or 620-276-2901. To learn about the existing farms, visit www.kwo.ks.gov

KDOR reminds voters of free ID services

 

TOPEKA—Kansans who need a photo ID before the November 6th election can visit any driver’s license office, jump to the front of the line, and get one for free.

 

To ensure the ID is free, Kansans should specifically state they need it for voting. The cost for ID cards normally is $22.

 

“This service is always available and it’s important for us to remind voters that it’s an option ahead of the November 6th general election,” Director of Vehicles David Harper said.

 

For a list of driver’s license office locations and hours visit https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovstations.html.

Beacon Annual Sign-Up for Food and Christmas Presents

Gary Murrell is the director of The Beacon, a helping agency.

November 5-8 is the annual sign-up for a Beacon Card, the Adopt a Family program and the Elks Christmas Basket.

The sign-up event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5-8 at Community Christian Church 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott,  in Robinson Hall.

In addition, there will be evening hours on November 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The following must be provided during the sign-up:

  • Must have ID’s for all adults,
  • Social Security Card for all in the household,
  • Proof of Income
  • Proof of Address (utility bill or rent receipt)

The Beacon Card provides free food products two times a month at the Beacon, a helping agency located at 525 E. 6th.

The Adopt a Child program allows area children to receive Christmas presents from community families, organizations and other entities.

The Elks Christmas Basket is provided by the local Elk’s Lodge and is “all the fixings for a Christmas dinner,” said Gary Murrell, director of the Beacon.

People may sign-up for all three on Nov. 5-8.

Distribution will be in December.

The Beacon still has clothes and household goods to distribute until Oct. 31, Murrell said. Following this date, the agency will no longer be distributing these items.

Advanced Voting Has Begun

The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

Advanced voting is happening now through noon on November 5 on the first floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse, then on the November 6, registered votes vote in designated polling places. If you have any questions please call the County Clerk’s Office at 620-223-3800.

Why Expanding Kancare Matters

WHAT: Health Care Community Forum
WHEN: Thursday,  November 1st, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Empress Event Center 7 N Main St Ft. Scott

The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas will hold a community forum in Fort Scott on November 1st to discuss the importance of expanding access to health care services.
KanCare Expansion provides an opportunity to extend health coverage to 150,000 low-income Kansans. In fact, by not enacting KanCare Expansion, Kansas loses $1.8 million per day in health care funding that could pay for doctor visits, medication, and other health care to improve the physical and financial health of the residents of Bourbon County and the rest of the state.

The forum is an opportunity for health care and social services providers, business owners, faith leaders, and other concerned community members to come together to discuss the importance of enhancing access to care.

For more information, contact April Holman at (785) 554-0152.
The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas is a statewide coalition of grassroots citizens, community leaders, and organizations across Kansas, including business leaders, doctors and hospitals, faith communities, and many more. The Alliance is dedicated to promoting policies that assure everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Learn more at ExpandKanCare.com .

FSCC Nursing Career and Education Fair Nov. 5

 

FSCC Nursing Department would like for you to please join us on Monday, November 5th from 1 pm to 4 pm for a Nurse Career and Education Fair, to be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton in Fort Scott.  This event is open to the public as well as nursing, pre-nursing, and allied health students.  There will be door prize drawings for students held throughout the event.

Nurse Career Fair

After graduation, do you want to further your education?  There will be over six different university representation present to answer all your academic questions including MidAmerica Nazarene University, The University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, Ottawa University, Washburn University, and Rasmussen College.

Ready to join the medical work-force?  Numerous medical organizations will be present to visit with you about your future career in health care some of these include Medicalodge of Fort Scott, University of Kansas Medical Center, Osawatomie State Hospital, Mercy Hospital of Joplin, Girard Medical Center, Via Christi Pittsburg, Freeman Health Center, Via Christi Village, Care-4-U, Craig Home Care, Heartland Behavioral Health, Presbyterian Village, and Olathe Health.

Not quite sure where to start, but you know you are meant for the health care field?  Please take this opportunity to discuss your options with one of our Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program representatives.  They are more than willing to assist you while you take the first steps into the medical field.

Huge thank you to our donors, Common Ground Coffee, Papa Dons, Kenny Felt Photography, Ruddicks Furniture, Littman Stethoscopes, Care-4-U, Sunshine Boutique, Aerocare, J&W Sports Shop, Courtland Salon & Day Spa, Root Coffee House and more!

For any questions, please contact the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Department at 620.768.2908.

Bourbon County Local News