Bourbon County, Fort Scott

What’s Ahead in Medicare?

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Presbyterian Village to host free program

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Each year, there are changes that affect Medicare coverage. Find out what’s changing for 2019 and prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment. That’s the theme of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s “Just Ask” session October 16.

Joy Miller, Southwind District extension agent and local Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SCHICK) program volunteer, will talk about upcoming changes and answer your questions about Medicare Part D. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D is October 15 through December 7.

“Medicare Boot Camp” will begin at 2 p.m. October 16 at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton. It is part of Presbyterian Village’s Just Ask series, a free, ongoing lifelong learning program featuring information from local, regional and national experts on topics of interest to older adults and their families.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Marketing Director Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550 or email her at [email protected].

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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fall Is Perfect Time To Improve Garden Soil

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Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

A desirable soil is the most important aspect of a garden. Time spent fertilizing, watering and tending to plants is necessary, but this time is almost a waste if the soil you’re working with is not in good condition. Fall is an excellent time to step back and analyze how well your garden performed during the summer, and to make improvements to the soil.

Soil is formed when rock is broken down by climate and vegetation over a period of time. Soil is nothing more than weathered rock fragments and decaying remains of plants and animals.

Most soils have three distinct layers – surface, subsoil and bottom. The surface layer is a coarse layer containing more organic matter than the other soil layers and the layer that people pay the greatest attention to. This layer is the most fertile and has the greatest concentration of plant roots. Plants obtain much of their nutrients and water from the surface soil.

The subsoil layer is finer and firmer than the surface soil and serves as support for the surface layer. The subsoil layer is a storage space for water and nutrients for plants, a temperature regulator of the soil and supplies air for the roots of plants. The bottom layer is decomposed rock. It is not hard like rock, but may show the form or structure of the original rocks.

Soil texture refers to the proportional amount of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Texture and soil structure affect the moisture holding capacity of soil, permeability, capacity to hold and furnish nutrients, tillage operations and erosion.

Our soils in the southeastern part of Kansas have a high clay content to it. The clay in the soil is what makes the soil stick to your shoes when the soil is wet. Many refer to our soil as “gumbo.”

One way to address a heavy clay soil and to improve the soil texture is to add organic matter. Organic matter includes such items as manure, leaves, and grass clippings that have been composted. Earthworms, insects, bacteria and fungi use the organic matter as food, breaking it down into humus. Through this process, materials are made available for use by growing plants. In a heavy clay soil, the organic matter allows water to move more freely and loosens the tight clay, which makes the soil easier to work.

Organic material can be directly applied to gardens and flowerbeds this time of year and allowed to compost directly in the soil. Add two to four inches of organic material and till into the soil. If the soil is dry, apply water to begin the decomposition process. After about two weeks you can repeat the process with another application of organic material. The organic material will decompose over the winter and soil will be ready for spring planting.

Sand is sometimes suggested as an amendment material for clay soils. However, there is a good reason to be cautious about using sand. For sand to be effective at breaking up a clay soil, sand grains must touch one another so there is pore space between grains that can hold air and water. If the grains don’t touch, the clay fills in the void between sand particles leaving no room for pores. This is the same principle used to make concrete and the result is somewhat the same.

Before doing any amendments to the soil, I recommend doing a soil test. Soil testing can be done through the Extension office for $12. For more information on how to take a soil sample, please give me a call.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Area News, Recipes

Olive Cheese Bread by Martha Meinsen Scott

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From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . .

Martha Meinsen Scott

Every once in a while someone brings a dish to “something” and you fall in love!     Rhonda brought this to our Cookbook Book Club last Thursday night . . . and I’ve already made and taken it to two “come and brings”.       It is that good! It’s easy but not inexpensive for it calls for 2 cans/jars of olives and a whole pound of Monterey Jack cheese. But it is so worth it!     And I actually like it at room temperature rather than hot out of the oven. Both times, I brought home crumbs. This recipe is definitely going in my little black book!

OLIVE CHEESE BREAD

1 loaf French Bread

8-ounce jar Pimiento stuffed Green Olives

8 ounce can black olives

2 green onions (white and green)

1 stick butter, room temperature

½ c. real Mayonnaise

1 pound Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

Roughly chop both black olives and green olives.     Slice green onions (green and white part) into thin pieces.

Combine butter, mayonnaise, cheese, olives and green onions in mixing bowl.    Stir together until thoroughly combined. Cut French bread in half, lengthwise.     Spread half of the mixture on one half of the bread. Spread the other half of the mixture on the other half of the bread.      Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 20 – 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and browning.

Cut into slices and serve.

Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Arttie Roe Vilmer

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Arttie Roe Vilmer, age 73, resident of Fulton, KS, died Friday, October 5, 2018, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

She was born January 20, 1945, in Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Jesse Boyd Toney and Georgia Roe Houdashelt Toney.

Arttie worked most of her life as a seamstress.

She married Bill Vilmer on October 4, 1982, in Miami, OK. He preceded her in death in December 2012.

She enjoyed painting and fishing. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Carmen Beckford and husband Randy, Fulton, KS; a son, Ken Reagan, Oswego, KS; a sister, Jobell Davis and husband Melvin, Mulberry, KS; 7 grandchildren, Cheyene Jones, Autumn Curtis, Adam Reagan, Harley Reagan, Carissa Jones, Sawyer Edwards, and Heidi Crowder; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents.

There was cremation. No services are planned. Arrangements are under the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Oct. 9

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 9th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:15-Letter for Diehl Banwart

10:30-10:45-Delwin Mumbower-EMS Services

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney client relationship-40 min.

Tax Sale-10 min.

NRP-10 min.

Update on Health Care issues-20 min.

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

Justifications for Executive Session:

          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

Area News

American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

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October 9. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 9. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

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She is not allowed to complete your forms for you, but rather provide guidance and directions in pursuing your claims. She will meet with you at other times by emailing her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

 

October 11. No Post 25 Color Guard meeting.

 

October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

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She is not allowed to complete your forms for you, but rather provide guidance and directions in pursuing your claims. She will meet with you at other times by emailing her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

 

October 20. Saturday. An organizational meeting for Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron. Sons and grandsons of current or deceased Legion members are eligible to join the SAL. Sons and grandsons of honorably discharged Veterans are eligible to join as well.

 

SAL membership eligibility can be confusing as I cannot join the SAL because I am a Veteran. My SAL eligibility is through my grandfather’s military service in World War 1. My sons and grandsons can join the SAL because of my military service.

 

We will be meeting downstairs in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall at 10 am to charter the unit.

 

The Sons of the American Legion are part of the American Legion family. More information about the SAL is available at https://www.legion.org/sons

 

This is an opportunity for the sons and grandsons of Veterans to honor their Veteran ancestor while giving back to the community.

 

Please reply to this email if I can count on you to join the SAL.

 

October 25. Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 members.

 

November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.

November 9. Friday evening, 5 pm:  Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.

November 9. Saturday, 10 am:  Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.

November 10. Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. “A Gathering of Veterans” at VFW Post 1165 for fellowship and camaraderie.

November 10. Saturday, 5 pm:  Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Fort Scott.  All Veterans are encouraged to participate. Transportation will be available for those unable to walk in the parade.

November 10. Saturday, 7 pm:  1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
Click here to purchase Grand Ball tickets online,
or purchase in person at the Chamber or over the phone at 620-223-3566.

November 11. Sunday, 9 am:  Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St.

November 11. Sunday, 11 am:  Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.

November 11. Sunday, 12pm:  Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Government, Kansas

Flags At Half-Staff Oct. 7

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Governor Jeff Colyer orders flags flown at half-staff on

Sunday, Oct. 7 in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down on Sunday, Oct. 7 in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

 

“Firefighters perform acts of heroism each day, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities,” said Governor Colyer. “We owe them our gratitude, our respect, our remembrance.”

 

On Oct. 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters in conjunction with the annual observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service held each year in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

 

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors to subscribe.

 

Bourbon County

Safehouse Crisis Center Serves Fort Scott Victims of Violence and Stalking

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Vicky Polen, Safehouse Crisis Center Victim Advocate, speaks to the Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition members, Wednesday. Seated is Billie Jo Drake, coalition chairwoman.

Safehouse Crisis Center, Pittsburg, has served 33 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking that come from Bourbon County.

“It’s important that everybody be aware of these issues,” Vicky Polen, a victim advocate with the center told the Bourbon  County Inter-Agency Coalition members during its’ monthly meeting.

Thirty-three might not seem like a big number, she said. “But we spent 433 hours with them.”

The crisis center serves Southeast Kansas.

From statistical data on the center’s website these are the numbers of the services that have been given from the center:  550- Hotline calls,  297-Victims were Sheltered, 857-Total Agency Victims Served (Unduplicated), 10,912-Peer Counseling Meetings, 769-Support Groups, 1,019- Safety Plans, 329-Court Advocacy, 248-Presentations to 10,023 Public and Professional Individuals, 216-Served through Child Exchange and Visitation Center, 776-Personal Advocacy.

For more information:

http://safehousecrisiscenter.org

The coalition meets the first Wednesday in the basement of the First Baptist Church at noon.

Members present during the meeting are allowed to tell what is happening and what services are offered from their agencies. A previously selected speaker presents a program on their agency. This month it was Vicky Polen of Safehouse. The November 7 speaker will be Mandi H-Woods, Kansas Children’s Service League.
Uncategorized

Inspire Kids To Do

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Jennifer K. Terrell District Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development Southwind District – Erie Office 620-244-3826

This country was built by doers. For more than 100 years, 4-H has been a part of that growth, always empowering youth to speak through action. And by doing so, helping kids to develop their skills and the communities around them.

But what if across our country we could apply this idea to all youth by growing a culture and generation of doers?

What if we can help kids grow the life skills they need by creating the life experiences that inspire them to Do: To do well, do good, do over, do amazing, do STEM, do healthy, do differently.

What if you can spark change and impact for millions of kids, support your community and create value for your company by inspiring a Movement with just one phrase.

INSPIRE Kids to Do.

Become a part of this great organization today! Contact Jennifer K. Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District by calling 620-244-3826 or emailing [email protected]. The Southwind District covers the counties of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson.

Bourbon County Local News