Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff’s Office: “Unfounded Event”

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***News Release*** Taken from the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on Oct. 28:
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.
On October 27, 2023, Bourbon County Communication Center received a 911 call from an unknown and unidentifiable caller. The caller stated, “Please help me” before the phone was disconnected. The 911 call was pinged and found to come from the area of 180th and Hackberry. First responders were dispatched to the area and were not able to locate anyone. To error on the side of caution, an area search was conducted with approximately 20 first responders searching and making contact with area residents. Residents reached were informed of the 911 phone call. The residents were asked to check on anyone that they allow to be on their property in case of an accident. All vehicles parked along the roadways in the area of the ping were checked and contact was made with the owners.
Kansas Highway Patrol was notified and a request was made for assistance for in air-support, however KHP could not assist due to current case load and weather conditions. Contact was also made with surrounding law enforcement agencies for drone assistance and due to weather conditions drone assistance was also not available.
At approximately 5:16 yesterday a private individual, who is not affiliated with any responding agency made a post on their personal Facebook page stating the following, “…911 just received a call from someone who said that they just fell from a tree stand and then the phone went dead.” This post was screen-shot and then posted on the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook by another individual who is also not affiliated with any responding agency. As mentioned earlier, the 911 call came in as “please help me”. There was nothing mentioned in the 911 call of a person falling from a tree stand. This was and remains inaccurate information related to the 911 call that was received.
In the past 24 hours since the 911 call was received, there have been no calls of any missing person(s). At this time, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will have this incident documented and listed as un-founded event.
I would like to thank Undersheriff Kevin Davidson for his leadership and all other first responders who assisted in anyway with this call. Also, I would like to thank all the citizens for their willingness to assist if called upon. It is always disappointing when individuals take to Facebook with inaccurate and false information which causes panic and more questions than we have answers for within the community.
Respectfully submitted,
Wm K. Martin, Bourbon County Sheriff
Government, Health Care, K-State Extension, Kansas

The A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

We’ve all seen the Medicare ads that will make you wonder if you are missing out on important benefits.  This is not necessarily the case and there is no need to ponder this concern alone!  Trained and unbiased Senior Health Insurance Counselors are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation.

 

Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th-December 7th, is a great time to ask your questions!  Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.  Until then, here are some Medicare basics:

 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can cover:

  • individuals ages 65 and older, individuals younger than age 65 years with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

 

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers:

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Qualified short-term stay in skilled nursing facilities
  • Home health care Hospice care
  • Part A is premium-free for most individuals

 

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers:

  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Outpatient hospital care
  • Lab tests and certain medical equipment and supplies
  • In 2024, this monthly premium for most people is $174.70.

 

Medicare Advantage Plans are also called Medicare Part C:

  • Combine Part A and Part B services (i.e., HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.)
  • Some offer prescription drug coverage
  • Should visit with your doctors prior to see if accepts this plan

 

Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage:

  • Insurance that covers both generic and brand-name prescriptions
  • Coverage is provided through private insurance companies
  • Most will pay a monthly premium for a drug plan

 

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):

  • Private health insurance that helps pay beneficiaries’ share of costs in Original Medicare

 

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

  • Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays for individuals with limited income and resources

 

Part D Extra Help:

  • Helps pay for premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs with an income eligibility requirement

 

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum Newsletter

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new logo July 2018 with address.jpg

Gordon Parks Museum

News, Events & Updates

October 27, 2023

A Journey to Gordon Parks’ Legacy in Paris

Gordon Parks Academy Stem Leaders in Applied and Media Arts

GoFundMe Page

Hello and welcome to the Gordon Parks Trailblazer Foundation GoFundMe page! For the past seven years, we have proudly partnered with A.R.I.S.E. Kansas African Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals Ensemble Inc, an organization dedicated to renewing interest in Spirituals through music and spoken word, educating people of all cultures about the significance of Spirituals from the underground railroad to the Civil Rights Movement. .

Read more…

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant

 

New Billboard Replacement

on North 69 HWY

A grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation helped support the replacement of the Gordon Parks Museum Billboard on North 69 Highway outside of Fort Scott, Kansas.

Read more…

Gordon Parks Museum Receives a Cross from

the African American Methodist Episcopal (AME)

Shane Walker, resident of Fort Scott, KS and longtime admirer of Gordon Parks, has donated one of the church crosses that was found in the African American Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.

 

Read more…

The 21st Annual Gordon Parks Celebration 2024
Save the date for the 21st Annual Gordon Parks Celebration,

Oct 3 – 5, 2024. More details and information will be coming throughout the year.

We would like to thank everyone that was able to attend this last years celebration and we would like to thank all of the area business, organizations and individuals that helped to support the 20th Annual Celebration. We are looking forward to having you all back in 2024!
Find us on the website link below
Gordon Parks Museum Website
Keep in Touch..
Facebook
Gordon Parks Museum | 2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 30

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 30, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/23/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Bourbon County Soil Conservation District
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Discussion of Speed Limits on Gravel Roads
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Letter of Support for SEKMHC-KDOT Transportation Grant
    2. Appointment of KWORCC Voting Delegates and Nomination of Trustee
    3. 11/6/2023 Meeting
  1. Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Food, K-State Extension

Healthy Cooking for the Holidays

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Clara Wicoff Misenhelter.  Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

The holidays are right around the corner! Many families, mine included, have holiday traditions centered around foods that they only get to enjoy a few times each year. These traditions are important and should be cherished without guilt. However, if you are wondering how you can make your traditional holiday recipes healthier, there are several steps you can take.

 

First, recognize that many holiday favorites (like pumpkin pie) start with a healthy first ingredient. Think of this vegetable or fruit as the “star” ingredient. Next, find ways to “focus on the stars” so that you can reduce the large amounts of fats and sugar typically found in traditional holiday recipes. For example, try using fat-free evaporated milk when making your pumpkin pie filling instead of using regular evaporated milk. Other ways you can “focus on the stars” this holiday season include switching from a traditional green bean casserole to a green bean sauté, from traditional mashed potatoes to yogurt mashed potatoes, from a traditional pumpkin pie to a crustless pumpkin pie, or from a traditional apple pie to slow cooker baked apples. Again, remember that it is important to make changes based upon what is important to your family traditions and culture. You may have specific recipes that are important for your family to enjoy as they are without making any modifications.

 

To learn more, consider attending one of the “Healthy Cooking for the Holidays” programs I will be hosting in November. These programs are free, but please call 620-365-2242 to RSVP for the location you prefer out of the following options:

  • Uniontown – November 8th at 6 PM
  • Iola – November 13th at 5 PM
  • Yates Center – November 15th at 6 PM
  • Chanute – November 16th at 12 PM

 

This article was adapted from a fact sheet originally published by retired family and consumer sciences agent Barbara Ames. This fact sheet can be found online at bit.ly/focusonthestars. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To learn about additional programs we will be offering, visit bit.ly/southwindnews to sign up for the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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

K-State Extension

The Science of Happiness

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

The Science of Happiness

What does science say about happiness? Is there any research on what creates happiness? Thanks to recent studies, we now know how to define and create happiness in our lives. In a recent webinar sponsored by Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension, certified nurse leader and health coach Michelle Lane explained the facts of happiness.

Happiness can be defined as a combination of how satisfied you are with your life plus how good you feel on a day-to-day basis. Research tells us that 10% of happiness is determined by your circumstances, 50% is biologically determined, and 40% is controlled by your thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Contrary to what many people think, happiness is not about having the best or newest things or having lots of money.

Your outlook on life and the way you view the world around you play a big role in your level of happiness. Human brains are deeply intertwined with a mind-body connection, meaning that our thoughts and feelings directly impact our overall health. Happy people are less likely to have cardiovascular disease, have higher immunity, heal faster, have a healthier diet, and live longer lives. With over 40 years of research from Johns Hopkins, we know that diseases progress quicker in people with a negative outlook. By choosing to be happy, you can add 7 ½ years to your life! Not only does it feel good to be happy, but it is also good for our health.

A large part of our mindset is linked to four major chemicals produced in our gut. When we are fetuses inside the womb, the brain and brainstem actually pinch off from the cells that make up the stomach. This is why gut health is so important and why the saying “You are what you eat” actually has some truth behind it. Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins are the magical quartet of hormones that affect how we feel. When we accomplish something, dopamine is released into our bloodstream. Oxytocin is the love hormone and is triggered through social bonding, eye contact, and attentiveness. Giving hugs is a great way to release this hormone for a feel-good buzz. Serotonin flows when you feel important or significant. Gratitude is a great way to recognize someone or praise them, which increases serotonin. UV rays also help create serotonin so getting a little bit of sun each day (20 min) can boost your mood. Finally, endorphins are released in response to pain and stress. They help relieve anxiety and depression. Strenuous exercise, spicy foods, and cold showers release lots of endorphins.

Besides a good diet, what can we do throughout our day to increase happiness? Establishing deep, nurturing relationships with others can create a feeling of belonging, fulfillment, and overall happiness. Feeling connected with others that we truly care about helps alleviate stress. Physical markers such as blood pressure or cholesterol have less to do with how long we live than the social interactions we have as we age. Isolation and loneliness have been proven to decrease life expectancy. Be intentional about new experiences, help others, be kind, and be grateful. Doing these things will create happiness that is long-lasting.

If you are interested in watching the webinar and learning more about this topic, it can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/KSREhappiness. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT FOR BILLBOARD REPLACEMENT

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The new Gordon Parks Museum sign, located on north Hwy. 69, on the outskirts of Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

A grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation helped
support the replacement of the Gordon Parks Museum billboard on North U.S. Highway 69 on the town’s outskirts.

The billboard, which sustained extensive wind damage last spring and summer, is completely different than the previous version with less text and more “eye-catching” graphics, said Kirk Sharp,
the museum’s executive director.

“The new billboard is a great attraction for visitors not only for the museum but also creates great attention and welcome to the community,” he said.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Call the Foundation at (620) 224-6500 with questions about the Community Foundation or go to https://fsacf.com/.

“We are very thankful to be part of this grant,” Sharp said. “This grant allows us to not only replace and install the billboard, but to enhance it and make it easier to see and read while drivers are
traveling and coming into town.”

“We would also like to thank CDL Electric for help with the artwork and installation and replacement of
the new billboard.”
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Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Halloween Benefit Run for Piper Weeks This Saturday

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The Fort Scott Recreation Center is facilitating an event to help a local Fort Scott High School in her battle with cancer.

“Piper Weeks is a high school student here in town who is diagnosed with bone cancer,” said Lucas Kelley, recreation director. “She is currently undergoing treatment. All proceeds from this race will be donated to the Weeks family to help with treatment costs.”

Lucas Kelley is the director of Fort Scott Recreation Center. Submitted photo.

This Halloween-based 5k Run/Walk is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9 a.m.

“It is called the Spooky Scurry,” he said. “The route begins at Frary Stadium (at FSHS, 1005 S. Main) then goes south on Main Street, east on East National, south all the way to the end of Cooper Street and back. The total route is 3.1 miles. We are encouraging all participants to wear their Halloween costumes for a chance to win the prize of tickets to the Enchant Christmas Light Show in Kansas City this winter.”

“The purpose of all our 5k Run/Walks is to help provide for a need in the community,” he said. “The cost is $30 per participant. Participants can register at Buck Run Community Center (735 Scott Avenue) or the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.”

 

The recreation staff has created a Venmo account to accept donations for the Weeks family. To make a contribution you can do that on Venmo with the following QR code.

A reminder that 100% of the money raised will go to help Piper Weeks with her cancer treatments.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education for Oct. 30

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

October 30, 2023 – 5:30 PM

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3..0      Other Business – Personnel Matters

3.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item).

 

3.2       Exit Executive Session

 

3.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

           

4.0       Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

Art, Business, Entertainment

The Artificers in November Newsletter

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Logo

The Artificers In November!

November is almost here! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this next Month!
November Classes Events Here!

First Friday is November the Third!

Come in and see us for our monthly open house!

Check out Our New Holiday Hours!

Holiday Class!

Come in and personalize ornaments in one of our Walk-in Classes!

Adult walk-in Class is November 16th and ends at 8pm! The kids walk-in Class is the 18th and goes from 11am-5pm!

Glaze Day is November 25th!

Here is your last chance to glaze before the first of the year!

Community Event Coming Up!

Be sure to visit us during the Christmas on the Bricks Event!

Sneak Peak For December…
Annual Christmas Show Event
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Halloween Parade Tomorrow in Downtown Fort Scott

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Halloween Parade

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces this year’s Halloween Parade will be held Saturday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Fort Scott.

Prior to the parade, starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be special activities including pictures with a spooktacular backdrop at the City Scales building on North Main and face painting by Fort Scott High School Thespians.

The parade trick-or-treats merchants along Main Street, starting at La Hacienda, south to 2nd Street, crossing the street then heading north back to Skubitz Plaza. Any businesses or organizations in the community not located along Main Street are also welcome to set up a table on the sidewalk providing treats, coupons, or other handouts for kids. Children are encouraged to bring a sack or bag to collect treats along the parade route.

Following the parade, a free slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink will be served to kids in costumes.

The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors and donations for the pizza lunch following the parade.

Contact the Chamber if interested at 620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government

Cost Share Assistance Available for Irrigation Technology

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency technology. The funding is provided by KDA–DOC through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost share assistance to landowners for automated mobile drip irrigation systems, autonomous pivot systems, water meter monitoring software subscriptions, bubbler nozzle packages, and remote monitoring systems (soil moisture probes included as part of system).

Eligible projects must be located within Kansas groundwater management districts 1 through 5. Applications are currently being accepted, and projects will be approved beginning on November 1, 2023, until all funds have been allocated. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval by KDA–DOC are not eligible for this initiative.

Applications for this irrigation technology cost share funding must be made through local Conservation Districts. For application assistance and details about funding eligibility, along with more information concerning other available services, please contact your local Conservation District office. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts.

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Cost Share Assistance Available for Irrigation Technology.pdf

Bourbon County Local News