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Blessing of Pets This Sunday Oct. 6
A blessing of pets will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, at the Bell Town Pavilion at the Riverfront Park.
The Rev. Jared Witt of the First Presbyterian Church and Fr. Bob McElwee of Saint Martin’s Academy will officiate.
The event is free. The public is invited to bring their pets. Pets should be on leashes or in carriers.
The event is being sponsored by the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation which owns and operates the Fort Scott Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter.
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St. Martin’s Academy Begins Year in New Facility
Third row: Robert McElwee, chaplain; Sebastian Macik, chef; Giorgio Navarin, housefather. Not pictured are Joshua Mincio, housefather and Dan Kerr, president of St. Martin’s Academy.
Phase I of a multi-year building project, Theokotos Hall, is completed at St. Martin’s Academy school and opened in September 2019 to 29 students.
The Catholic boys boarding school started in 2018 and was housed temporarily in a large Victorian home on National Avenue in Fort Scott.
The completed Theotokos Hall contains dormitories in the basement; an office, kitchen and dining hall on the first floor; and classrooms and the chapel in its loft, according to the school’s recent newsletter.
Click here to view the school’s newsletter: http://St. Martin’s
Freshman through junior class young men are enrolled this year, the school started last year with freshmen and sophomores.
Currently, 10 of those students are spending a trimester in Europe and the other 19 are receiving liberal arts lessons in literature, history, math, science, religion, Latin and also music-both folk and sacred, in Theokotos Hall on Indian Road, southwest of Fort Scott.
The 11th-grade students are now three weeks into their 10-week study abroad program in Europe.
“Highlights thus far include Le Louvre in Paris, venerating the bones of St. Martin in Tours, and crawling amongst the mortar scarred landscape above Pointe du Hoc at Normandy Beach,” according to the school newsletter. The school was hosted by Chavagne International School who organized a trip to Puy du Fou, an authentically Catholic and medieval theme park in the Vendee.
The students and a housefather, Josh Mincio, are stationed at the Abbey of Fontgombault in central France, a Benedictine monastery. The next leg of the journey is a future pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and then to Rome.
The ninth-grade students spent several days in the Wind River Mountain Range, Wyoming.
“Operating at a base altitude of 10,000 ft, the boys logged over 20 miles of hiking through a rough and rugged backcountry, carrying their own provisions on their back and preparing their own meals,” according to the school newsletter.
The next phase of construction at the school is building three bunkhouses, housing 20 students each.
The academic building, including a formal library, is next, followed by the construction of the stone chapel which will be the final phase, Patrick Whelan, the headmaster at the school, said.
All are hoped to be completed in five years, Whelan said.
Gordon Parks Celebration Begins Tomorrow Oct. 3
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Obituary of John Mowrey
John David Mowrey, age 78, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.
He was born March 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas and was the son of Raymond William Mowrey and Isabelle Ida Ramsey Mowrey. John graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.
He later served for four years with the United States Air Force. John later returned to Ft. Scott where he worked as HVAC service and maintenance for the U-234 School District.
John was very mechanically minded and loved rebuilding and restoring antique cars, tractors and engines of all kinds.
John loved nature, and one of his favorite evening pastimes was sitting on the boat dock at his pond and watching the stars and moon.
John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas.
He was a devoted volunteer in his community and helped and served many from behind the scenes.
John will always be remembered for packing, delivering and serving Thanksgiving dinner with the Elks. He was an active member of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, always willing to help this organization in any capacity. He volunteered for Good ‘Ole Days and drove his vintage vehicles in the parade.
John was very proud of his military service and helped place the flags on the graves and down East National Ave. to honor veterans at the U.S. National Cemetery.
In addition, he volunteered with chili and soup fundraisers including the Beacon soup line.
John was always willing to help in a time of need and many benefitted from his kindness and generosity.
Survivors include his sister Marjorie Midili; his nephew, Jeff Midili and wife, Jenifer and a great-niece, Sophie Midili, all of Vienna, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service with cremains will be held on Friday, October 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, to the First United Methodist Church or Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P. O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Vernon Leon Bowden Sr.
Vernon Leon Bowden, Sr., age 72, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1946, in Phoenix, AZ, the son of Arie and Eunice Nichols Bowden.
Vernon was an avid KC Chiefs fan and loved to compete in pool tournaments. Christmas was his favorite holiday, occasionally dressing as Santa. He enjoyed all his dogs; Bear, Tator, and Manny. Vernon loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Ft. Scott.
Survivors include his children, Tina Creekmore and husband Ron, Turlock, CA,\; Angel Steeley, Ft. Scott; stepson Russell West, Modesto, CA; Star McClellan and husband Matt, Ft. Scott; Vernon Bowden, Jr., Eugene, O; and son-in-law Jason Steeley; six grandchildren, Jennifer Tilley, Joshua Creekmore, Makayla Steeley, Haley Steeley, Madelynn McClellan, and Madyson McClellan; and four great-grandchildren, Caleb Tilley, Bailey Creekmore, Kyla Tilley, and Victoria Tilley.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There was cremation. Private family memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Chamber Coffee at Gordon Parks Museum Oct. 3
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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
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Hosted by:
Gordon Parks Museum
Location:
Inside the Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the campus of FSCC
2108 S. Horton
Kicking off the 16th Annual Gordon Parks Festival this weekend!
Click here for schedule of events.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
October 17 – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta (BB County Fairgrounds)
October 24 – Sleep Inn (celebrating 5th anniversary)
October 31 – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Historical Society Children’s Art Contest Seeking Artists
Kansas Historical Society Student Photo Contest is taking submissions from August 20 – December 15, 2019.
Students from first to 12th grade have an opportunity to win great prizes and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. This year’s theme is Going to School in Kansas.
Special Exhibit, through February 2, 2020 at the Kansas Museum of History · Topeka
Each of the 105 Kansas counties has a fascinating story to tell. Since 1875 the Kansas Historical Society has been collecting stories from all 105 counties of our great state. See a trophy that Glenn Cunningham of Morton County received at the 1936 Olympics.
Happy Birthday, Kansas!
Events this week:
Indian Homes in Kansas
Homeschool Wednesday
1 – 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Kansas Museum of History · Topeka
Students will explore several types of shelter built by Native Americans from long ago. All of these structures were made of natural resources, each were built to meet the needs of people’s daily lives. In the classroom students can see a small tipi and then step inside the Museum’s full-sized tipi for a different perspective on history.
Students use primary and secondary sources to explore different topics each month. Designed for students from fourth grade through high school. The cost is $6 per student, which includes Museum admission. Regular admission prices apply for non-participating children.
William Allen White Children’s Book Award
William Allen White Children’s Book Award Winning Authors
5 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2019
Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia
This year’s William Allen White Children’s Book Award winning authors will sign their books for students. Meet the author of Pax, bestselling and award-winning author, Sara Pennypacker; and meet author of Ghost, a New York Times bestselling author, Jason Reynolds. Local book merchants will be selling copies of the books. Tours will be offered at regular admission. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.
Coming next week:
Museum After Hours
Bluecoat and Pioneer: The Recollections of John Benton Hart, 1864-1868
By John Hart
6:30 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2019
Kansas Museum of History · Topeka
John Benton Hart served in the 11th Kansas Cavalry from start to finish. The accounts of harrowing moments during the regiment’s history were preserved in his diary. They include the ongoing fight against the threat of Confederate General Sterling Price’s army and the Battle of the Platte Bridge at Casper, Wyoming. John Hart is a descendent of the Civil War veteran and recently published a book based on the diary accounts. The author will do a book signing after the program. The Museum Store will have copies for sale. The Kansas Museum of History is open for half price admission from 5 until 6:30 p.m. The Museum Store is also open until 6:30 p.m.
Sundays at the Site
The Past and Present of American Conservatism
By Greg Scheider
2 p.m. October 13, 2019
Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia
Join us for two programs this month as part of the summer and fall series at Red Rocks, the home of the William Allen White Family. Programs are free and held in the visitor center. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.
Kansas State Historic Sites
Seasonal Hours
October 13, 2019 – March 10, 2020
Make plans to visit these Kansas State Historic Sites on Saturday, October 12, 2019, the last day of the season. The winter season extends through March 10, 2020. Be watching for occasional special programming during the winter months and plan to return when the sites open again in the spring on March 11, 2020.
Grinter Place State Historic Site · Kansas City
Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site · Hanover
Kaw Mission State Historic Site · Council Grove
Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield State Historic Site · Pleasanton
Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site · Republic
Seasonal Hours
October 26, 2019 – April 1, 2020
Red Rocks State Historic Site, Home of the William Allen White Family · Emporia
Later this month:
Kansas State Records Board
Quarterly Meeting
8:30 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2019
Kansas Historical Society · Topeka
The quarterly meeting for the Kansas State Records Board will be held in the executive conference room. Meetings are open to the public.
Kaw Mission Councils
Amelia Earhart
By Jacque Pregont
2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019
Kaw Mission State Historic Site · Council Grove
Join us for our ongoing series of lectures and events focused on the rich history of women in Kansas. Jacque Pregont of Atchison will present a program on aviator Amelia Earhart. In case of rain the program will be held in the education building next to the mission. There is a suggested donation of $3. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Kaw Heritage.
Fort Riley to Fort Kearney
By Duane Gile
2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019
Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site · Republic
Duane Gile has collected extensive research and created a map about the military road from Fort Riley to Fort Kearney. Gile shares his insights at this special fall program at Pawnee Indian Museum.
Sundays at the Site
The Antiques of Red Rocks
By Becy and John Doan
2 p.m. October 27, 2019
Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia
Join us for two programs this month as part of the summer and fall series at Red Rocks, the home of the William Allen White Family. Programs are free and held in the visitor center. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.
Next month:
Kansas Historical Society and Kansas Historical Foundation Annual Members and Board Meeting
Friday, November 1, 2019
Kansas Historical Society · Topeka
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Connect with us!
Our website: kshs.org
Facebook: facebook.com/kawmission; facebook.com/kansashistorical
Twitter: twitter.com/kansashistory
Instagram: instagram.com/kansas_history
Pinterest: pinterest.com/kansashistory
Bobbie Athon
Director of Communications
Kansas Historical Society
6425 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka KS 66615-1099
785-272-8681, ext. 262
Your Stories | Our History
Kansas Ahead in Tax Collection Dollars
State’s September tax collections are $43.2 million ahead of estimates
TOPEKA – The state’s total tax collections for September showed the continued trend upward at $744.1 million; 6.2% or $43.2 million above the estimate. These collections are $48.2 million more than September of Fiscal Year 2019.
Retail sales tax collections are $200.5 million; $2.5 million or 1.3% more than the estimate. Those collections are $3.4 million more than the same month in Fiscal Year 2019. Compensating use tax collections are $36.9 million; $1.9 million or 5.5% more than the estimate. That’s $1.4 million more than September of Fiscal Year 2019.
Individual and corporate income tax collections are above estimates. Individual income tax collections are $375.1 million; 5.7% or $20.1 million more than estimated. Corporate income tax collections are 23.7% or $19.0 million more than $80.0 million estimate.
“This is an encouraging end to the first quarter of the fiscal year,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “We are seeing the increase in revenue in large part due to increases in regular and estimated individual and corporate income tax collections.”
“This is a positive sign as we slowly recover from the Brownback-Colyer tax experiment. However, with economic uncertainty ahead in a possible recession, we must remain cautious and continue to show fiscal restraint,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 2
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Oct. 1
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Council on Medicaid Expansion Meets
Governor launches first meeting of bipartisan Council on Medicaid Expansion
Governor Laura Kelly’s call for a bipartisan, Kansas-specific plan to expand Medicaid coverage took an important step forward Monday with the first meeting of the Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion.
“Many Kansans struggle to cover the costs of basic health care. Some people can’t afford coverage at all. The status quo is not working for Kansans,” Kelly said. “No family should have to choose between health coverage and paying the mortgage.”
Medicaid expansion would provide access to affordable healthcare for approximately 150,000 Kansans who fall in the “coverage gap,” where an individual does not qualify for Medicaid, but does not make enough to afford healthcare.
In the 2019 legislative session, Governor Kelly presented a Medicaid expansion plan with bipartisan support that mirrored a similar bill that passed both chambers in 2017, but the bill was ultimately vetoed by then-Governor Sam Brownback.
Last session the House of Representatives passed the Governor’s bill, but the Senate did not allow a vote. Instead, the Senate promised to vote on a Medicaid expansion bill in the early months of the 2020 legislative session.
“As I’ve made clear, Medicaid expansion tops my 2020 priority list,” Kelly said. “I was encouraged that both chambers and both parties ended the last session in agreement: 2020 will be the year we finally get this done.
“After all the years Kansans have had to wait for Medicaid expansion, we must get this right.
“That’s why we need some kind of ‘compass’ to help prevent things from veering too far off course should unvetted, risky policies surface at the end of the process. I hope whatever you come up with can be used as one tool to help evaluate whether various ideas move us closer to — or further away from — our desired outcomes as a state.”
Governor Kelly asked the Council to focus on two questions:
- What do we need Medicaid expansion to achieve for Kansas?
- What can we learn from other expansion states that will help — or hinder — those goals?
“Good public policy is the product of thoughtful, bipartisan discussions, supported by data-driven decision-making. That’s the conversation I am asking this Council to have,” Kelly said.
Among discussed items during the initial Council meeting:
- A review of the Medicaid expansion landscape across the U.S., with a focus on the fiscal and health impacts associated with expansion as well the different policy levers used in implementation. Overall, expansion states saw a substantial decline in the uninsured rate for non-elderly adults, as well as improved financial and health outcomes for recipients.
- An overview of the Kansas Medicaid system, KanCare, and the promising impact of expansion on access to preventative and behavioral healthcare for low-income Kansans.
- Presentations by experts from Montana and Ohio on the economic and health outcomes associated with expansion. Montana found that Medicaid made it easier for residents to find work, generated about $30 million in yearly cost savings, and increased access to care for veterans and their families. Ohio saw similar benefits, noting expansion’s role increasing the state’s capacity for behavioral health services and decreasing medical debt for enrollees by half.
The Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion’s next meeting is Oct. 29.
For access to the handouts, slides, Executive Order and other materials, go to: https://governor.kansas.gov/council-on-medicaid-expansion/