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Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt
February 14. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.
February 16. District 2 oratorical contest at Post 153 in Olathe starts at 10 am. All Post 25 members are invited to attend and support our Post 25 oratorical competition winner.
February 19. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 615 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
February 23. A tentative meeting for the formation of a Post 25 American Legion Riders (ALR) Chapter will be held at Memorial Hall. A time has not been set as the Area Director still works and the meeting time will be set once he knows his schedule.
To join the ALR, you must be a current member of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sal at any Post and own a motorcycle. Past ALR members without motorcycles can be grandfathered in, provided they gave up riding due to heath issues. Contact Post Commander Jowers at [email protected] if interested.
February26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 615 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 4. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
March 4. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
April 1. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
April 1. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
Post 25 Legionnaire Russell Vann has transferred to Post Everlasting. Russell was an Air Force Vet and a 20-year member of the American Legion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I am proud to announce that once again Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 leads the Department of Kansas in membership this week. Our 2019 goal was 51 members. Our current membership is at 135% and 69 members. We are 18 members over our goal. By way of comparison, Sterling Post 128 in District 7, is in 2nd place for membership at 115%. Thanks to all members who have made Fort Scott Post 25 a highly visible and active Legion Post in the Department of Kansas.
Post 25 received the “Special Certificate of Distinguished Service” at the Legion’s recent Midwinter Forum. The Special Certificate is awarded for “exceeding the Post’s previous year’s final membership by Veterans Day.” Post Commander Jowers’ received the “Post Commander Achievement Award” for “meeting the Post’s previous year’s final membership by Veterans Day.” Commander Jowers noted that without the Post’s membership stepping up and renewing their memberships or recruiting new members, neither award would have possible.
Post Service Officer Myra Jowers will no longer hold office hours on Tuesdays at Memorial Hall. She will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wish to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.
The District Oratorical competition at American Legion Post 153 in Olathe on February 16th at 10 am. Madison Toth, Post 25 Oratorical winner, will represent Post in the District competition. All Post members are encouraged to attend and support our candidate.
Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. Currently, the shuttle is only operating on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the VA, additional days will be added to the schedule.
Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment should call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm Monday to schedule their ride.
Nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will begin at our March meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.
The American Legion Department of Kansas new member recruitment incentive is now in operation. Recruit a new member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing to win $500 each, plus your Post will also receive $500. If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll will make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.
The February State Adjutant’s Newsletter is attached.
Shuttle driver’s meeting at Memorial Hall on Monday, February 11 at 6 pm. The meeting is to review program guidelines and set the shuttle’s operating schedule. The meeting is also open to area residents who would like to learn more about the shuttle program. You do not have to be a Veteran to become a shuttle driver.
Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/. Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.
Carl Jowers. Commander
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
Telephone: 620.215.1688
Email: [email protected]
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 8, 2019
Effort to Stop Growing Government: As a result of 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many states, including Kansas, will have to change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase. The Senate passed legislation last year dealing with the issue but it failed in the House. This year the Senate has again picked up the banner in an attempt to pass legislation as quickly as possible so that some taxpayers will not have to file amended returns and to keep the money where it was intended – with the taxpayer. Currently, individual taxpayers cannot itemize on their Kansas tax return unless they itemize on their Federal tax return. Senate Bill (SB) 22 will allow individual taxpayers an option to itemize, which could impact your 2018 taxes since the bill is retro-active. Unfortunately, the bill only allows 50% of medical and mortgage deductions for tax-year 2018. It increases to 75% in tax-year 2019 and to 100% in tax-year 2020. SB 22 also addresses corporate money that has been earned offshore, allowing the money to come to Kansas with no Kansas income tax owed. Most corporations are tax savvy and if Kansas does nothing the money will most likely go elsewhere. The Senate passed SB 22 on a vote of 26 to 14. I voted Yes. The bill must pass the House and not be vetoed by the Governor to become law.
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS): Senate Bill (SB) 9 will require Kansas to pay the KPERS fund on-time, which will save the State money. It passed the Senate unanimously. Hopefully, the House and the Governor will act quickly so that SB 9 becomes law.
Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Recognized in the Senate and House for serving Kansans for 100 years. KFB is a grassroots organization that promotes agriculture, education, community, and rural life. It was a pleasure to have KFB President Felts and many others in the Capitol to celebrate.
Hunting and Fishing Fees: Last week I mentioned SB 50, a bill Wildlife and Parks requested to increase almost all hunting and fishing fees by 50% and some 100%. It was announced the bill will not get out of committee. It would be nice to say the issue is dead but that just isn’t the case. However, it does appear it will not get traction this year.
Debt: School bonding debt for new buildings and maintenance of buildings has increased from $5.7 billion to $6.4 in less than three years. From 2008 to 2018 it has increased over $2.6 billion. There has been an attempt to address the continued increase in bonding debt to no avail.
| As of June 30, | Statewide School District Indebtedness | Annual Change | |
| 2008 | 3,777,562,130 | ||
| 2009 | 4,459,650,707 | 682,088,577 | |
| 2010 | 4,602,634,429 | 142,983,722 | |
| 2011 | 4,483,953,136 | -118,681,293 | |
| 2012 | 4,476,413,399 | -7,539,737 | |
| 2013 | 4,659,624,797 | 183,211,398 | |
| 2014 | 5,281,919,283 | 622,294,486 | |
| 2015 | 5,623,047,441 | 341,128,158 | |
| 2016 | 5,790,934,088 | 167,886,647 | |
| 2017 | 6,089,382,797 | 298,448,709 | |
| 2018 | 6,416,193,352 | 326,810,555 | |
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Emergency Staffing Needed At El Dorado Correctional Facility
KDOC enacts measures to alleviate staffing shortages at El Dorado Correctional Facility
An emergency staffing situation at the El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) has prompted the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) to offer additional pay to hire temporary staff to provide relief.
“This morning I declared an emergency for the El Dorado Correctional Facility due to severe and prolonged staff shortages in the uniformed ranks. Gov. Kelly convened a meeting of legislative leadership this morning in order to brief them on the situation,” said Secretary of Corrections Roger Werholtz. “I am encouraged by the concern expressed by everyone for our employees and the desire to work together to find solutions to this crisis.”
The declaration allows the department flexibility in rostering and hiring staff. The usual staff of 316 full-time equivalents has been depleted and is down by 86 full-time equivalent people, which is forcing them to consistently work excessive amounts of overtime to cover vacant shifts.
“This is a very short-term solution to an immediate problem,” Werholtz said.
Shots Fired at 1120 E. Oak On Feb. 9
On Saturday, February 9th at approximately noon, Fort Scott Police Officers responded to 1120 East Oak for a report of shots fired.
Officers located a person of interest at the scene. This person was transported by Bourbon County EMS.
The incident is still under investigation.
“When an arrest is made we will provide more information,” Captain Jason Pickert of the FSPD said.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Introduces New Radio Show
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) introduces the “Health Matters” radio show on Wednesday mornings at 7:45 a.m.
The show will feature local healthcare providers speaking about health topics that matter most to you, your family,
and our community.
Tune in to KOMB 103.9 each Wednesday at 7:45 a.m.!
Submitted by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 12
Leadership
Ask yourself, “What do I think about leadership and myself as a leader?” Each one of us has a wide range of skills, interests and abilities that we use in our daily lives – at home with our family – on the job – and in our communities. As Extension continues to focus on youth and adult leadership, I hope to motivate you to release the leader within and get yourself up and moving to contribute as a leader to your school, church, community or even among your friends.
As you consider your leadership philosophy and style, ask yourself what can I contribute to my organizations and community – either on or off the job? Understanding and supporting the motivation of the individual group member is vital. Your own enthusiasm and commitment are also crucial to success. As someone who attends a great deal of meetings each month, I see a wide range of leadership and experience in serving on local boards. In my observations, the best leaders are not always the most outspoken or aggressive, but often the “thinkers” at the back of the room who wait until the perfect moment to speak their opinions. That is not to say those that speak up are wrong in their ideas, just that we should all be aware of possible leaders at our activities – and not determine leadership by where a person sits in the room.
Citizen leaders are people in the community who are concerned about the quality of life in their community. They assume responsibility for the public good and see a need to act together for the common good of the community. Citizen leaders take ownership of the problems and opportunities that exist in the community and hold themselves accountable for seeing that action is taken. In other words, they don’t want “experts” or politicians to solve the problems for them.
Citizen leaders work with others in the community to identify opportunities or problems. They help others articulate a common purpose and set goals and objectives. They also assume that there are differences in the way people regard the opportunity or problem – such as different values of the people, different experiences, and different viewpoints. Citizen leaders help people connect their differences to the common purpose that brought them together. In other words, the citizen leader helps people see how their differences can be used to solve problems rather than be a point of conflict. In the Southwind District, these citizen leaders are often the most exciting group for us to work with. With a shared passion for the betterment of Allen, Neosho, Bourbon and Woodson Counties, with resources from Kansas State University, the possibilities are truly endless.
When you are thinking about moving into a leadership position, or a more active role as a group member, think about these questions:
- What skills do I have to offer?
- What would I like to learn more about?
- What is it that I don’t like to do?
- What do I want to do, but am hesitant about?
As I observe our rural communities in the Southwind District, I can’t help but see the many opportunities that exist for your leadership. Think about what motivates you, get excited about that motivation and consider the opportunity to step up and serve as a local leader in your own community. I would be interested in your thoughts on leadership, so please email me at [email protected] if you are motivated to consider leadership as an activity and not just a position.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Feb. 11
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Veterans Shuttle On Mondays and Tuesdays Starting March 4
The Fort Scott – Topeka VA Shuttle service is now providing weekly service to area Veterans on Mondays and Tuesdays. The new schedule starts Monday, March 4, 2019.
There is no cost to the Veteran to ride the shuttle. The shuttle service is for any Veteran who needs transportation to Topeka for their medical appointment.
The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area Veteran on a first come, first served basis.
The shuttle will depart from Pete’s 66 service station on Main Street at 6:15 am and will return to Fort Scott after the last rider has completed their appointment in Topeka.
The rider must be at the designated departure point by 6:10 am. This is not a pickup or taxi service. The Veteran is responsible for being at Pete’s by the departure time.
The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.
Family members may not ride with the Veteran on the shuttle. Those Veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the Veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.
To register for a shuttle seat, the Veteran must
· Have an appointment at the Topeka VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 pm for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.
· Call 785-925-0261 to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 pm, the day prior to their appointment in Topeka.
Contact Carl Jowers, Fort Scott Shuttle Coordinator, at 785-925-0261 with any questions you may have about the shuttle service or for information on becoming a shuttle driver.
Obituary of Jerry Dean Payne
Jerry Dean Payne, age 78, a resident of Erie, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019, at his home. He was born September 4, 1940, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
He was raised by his mother, Alice May Brady Ashley and his step-father, William L. Ashley. Jerry graduated from the Herington High School. He married Wilma Winters on July 5, 1997, in Ft. Scott. Jerry worked in law enforcement for thirty-three years. He retired as Chief of Police for Erie, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of the home in Erie; a daughter, Jessie Lou Wiley Payne, also of the home; two sons, Terry Lee Payne, of Abilene, Kansas and Monty Ray Payne and his wife, Patti, of Holyrood, Kansas; three step-sons, Ernest Wiley (Rubortia), Jeff Wiley and Paul Wiley. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Kelby, Kaylene and Holli Payne; two step-grandchildren, Destiny and Joanna Wiley; two great-grandchildren, Kyler and Hazley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Lynn Payne; two sons, Bobby Joe Payne and Larry Dennis Payne a step-son, Larry Dean Wiley and his former wife, Lesa Payne.
Pastor Danny Flippo will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery at Mapleton, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Jessie Payne Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb.12
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 12th, 2019
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
10:00-10:30-Bill Martin-Budgets
10:30-11:00-Jody Hoener-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:00-ABC Trails Meeting
2:00-2:15-Matt Godinez-SEK Regional Planning Committee
3:30-4:00-David Neville-Generator Discussion