Area News, Fort Scott

Youth Art Exhibit At Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Kansas youth were given the opportunity to create artwork depicting the theme “New Faces, New Neighbors”.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is exhibiting the youth artwork in the building west of the visitors center.

The winter hours of the fort, from November 1 to March 1, are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fort is located at the north end of downtown Fort Scott on Old Fort Boulevard.

For more information: 620.223-0310

One of the art projects depicted soldiers, caucasian, black and Native Americans.

For more information, click here:

“New Faces, New Neighbors” Textile Art Display

 

In addition to the above exhibit, while at the Fort view the excellent exhibit “The Fight Over Freedom”, adjacent to the youth exhibit.

The following are photos from that exhibit.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Diabetes Prevention Program Begins At Peerless

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and Peerless Products Inc. are collaborating to tackle diabetes in our community.

Approximately 15 employees are taking advantage of the pilot program at Peerless presented by Mercy employees, with meetings set each Friday for one hour.

Peerless management gives the employees the time to attend during their workday and pays the fee of those who choose to participate in the diabetes prevention program, according to Cindy Davis, Director of Health and Wellness at Peerless.

The pilot program runs for one year. Classes meet for one hour, once a week, for the first six months, and then decreases in frequency to monthly maintenance sessions, according to a press release from Jody Hoener, Mercy Clinic Quality and Community Benefit Liaison.

“We welcome the program and support our employees attending, with that health issue,” Davis said, who has been at her job for approximately one month.

The diabetes prevention program, led by Hoener, and Mercy’s Registered Dietician Sherise Beckham, uses an evidence-based approach proven to motivate and support individuals in making practical, real-life, lasting change.

The prevention program is not a diet and is not a well-intended, short-lived weight loss program, it’s a lifestyle change, according to Beckham in the press release.

“We want Peerless Products to be the employer of choice,” Coby Jones, Peerless Products owner said. “We are creating a worksite environment where Peerless is a place where living healthier lifestyles is easier to do,” according to the press release.

The Mercy Diabetes Prevention Program, a new service provided by Mercy Hospital, is funded through a Pathways to a Healthy Kansas  grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. It is part of the Center for Disease Control National Diabetes Prevention Program.

The American Medical Association reports the burden of Type 2 Diabetes as substantial with $69 billion in lost productivity and $176 billion in direct medical costs, according to the Mercy press release.

Typically, one in three employees has prediabetes, and it is a reversible condition.

Working outside of hospital walls, Mercy is taking steps to improve the culture of health and wellness through The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, with grant funds provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas through its Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, according to the press release.

Bourbon County was selected as one of the first eight Pathways communities in 2016, according to the press release.

Mercy is building relationships with many community stakeholders through the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative.

The Mercy Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the community-wide initiative to implement policy and environmental change in order to improve the quality of life, encourage economic development, increase awareness and community engagement in leading healthy lifestyles, and support tobacco-free living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

John Deere Tech Program Grand Opening

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon  cutting as part of Fort Scott Community College John Deere Tech Program Grand Opening and Open House Friday, February 9, 2018
at 12:00 pm at 2223 S. Horton Street.
The public is invited to tour the new FSCC John Deere facilities prior to the ceremony from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, with lunch being served at 11:30 am. The remarks and ribbon cutting will take place at 12:00 pm. All are invited to the open house, lunch, and ribbon cutting.
For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or call Kent Aikin 620.223.2700 ext. 5371 or Dale Griffiths at 620.223.2700 ext. 5372.

Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

This Weekend In Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.

This information submitted by The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY February 2 & 3
10:00 am – 5:00 pm~ Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market 2131 Maple Rd.~ Friday: Cows, Pairs & Big Bulls. Saturday: Stocker & Feeder Cattle.

8:30 am – 4:30 pm ~ Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site, Old Fort Blvd. Fort Scott, KS 66701 Join us at Fort Scott NHS as youth from around the region display their art in the “New Faces, New Neighbors” display. The artwork explores the stories of change at Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.

SUNDAY, February 4 ~ SUPER BOWL SUNDAY 5:30 pm ~ Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots

All Day ~Annual Superbowl Potluck Party – Holmtown Pub 206 N National Ave ~ Bring a dish in to share and enjoy a great night of Football with friends. Drink specials and games all day. 2:00 – 9:00 pm ~ Un Superbowl Party – The Boiler Room Brewhaus 102 S. National Ave ~ A safe (TV Free) place to get away from all the Super Bowl hoopla and discuss important stuff, like which beer to drink next.

Opinion, Submitted

Be Ready by Patty LaRoche

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One of my favorite television shows is “America’s Got Talent.” Two seasons ago, Simon Cowell, one of its judges, stunned the viewing audience when he disagreed with the other judges and admonished performer Johnny Manuel for daring to sing a Stevie Wonder song. “So, with all the trills and everything, I thought it was quite annoying.” The cameras panned the audience that grimaced at Cowell’s brusqueness.

But then Simon did the unexpected: He asked Manuel to perform 30 seconds of his first audition song. Manuel would be given another chance. And perform he did! “Even from what I just hear there, honestly, you are one of the best singers in this competition, so thank you,” Simon added after the second song. Then it was time for fellow-judge, the famous song-writer/singer, Seal, to speak. “You know, Johnny, you have such an incredible voice. It is undeniable. You hit notes that I could only dream of. I was always taught that you have to be ready at every situation. You never know when opportunity’s gonna knock on your door. Simon said to you, ‘Give me something a cappella,’ and you didn’t flinch.

“You just gave an incredible rendition, and so I’m gonna have to…” Seal said, as he stood, paused and slammed the golden buzzer. Gold-colored confetti and streamers appeared from the skies and filled the stage. Everyone knew what it meant. Each guest judge is given one chance per season to press the golden buzzer, insuring the act is sent straight to the semi-finals, regardless of the other judges’ opinions.

Probably none of us will ever know what it’s like to become a national celebrity because of a golden buzzer/second chance, but every day we are given opportunities to be ready and willing to take advantage of opportunities. Manuel could have made the excuse that he wasn’t prepared. He didn’t. He recognized a “do-over” chance as the only one he would get, and he performed his heart out.

Do we do the same, knowing our days on earth are numbered? To forgive a hurt. To intercede. To be joyful, no matter the circumstances. To be thankful. To build up and not tear down. To think of others more than ourselves.

Or how about this one? To share the good news of Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, Paul instructed his young mentoree Timothy just as Seal advised Manuel: to “be ready at every situation.” In 4:2 we read, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” No excuses.

I’m not prepared? Preach the word.

I’m not in the mood? Preach the word.

I’ll be mocked? Preach the word.

Manuel made no excuse. He recognized his time was short and did what needed to be done. I pray today I do the same.

Area News, Government, Submitted

Gov. Colyer Scheduled To Stop In Pittsburg Feb. 2

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Governor Colyer will be making stops in locations across the state on a local media tour discussing his vision for Kansas.

On  Friday, February 2 at 10:30am-11:30am  he will be at Turner’s Coffee and donuts, 405 N Main Street, El Dorado, KS

At 12:15pm-12: 45 pm, Big Cheese Pizza, 103 W Main St, Independence, KS

At 2:00pm-2: 30 pm Signet Coffee Roaster, 109 N Broadway, Pittsburg, KS

On Saturday, February 3 at   9:15am-9: 30 am, Ad Astra Books and Coffee, 141 N Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, KS

At  10:45am-11: 15 am, Craft Coffee Parlor, 120 N Main St, McPherson, KS

At 12:00pm-12: 30 pm, Allie’s Deli, 101 N Main Street, Hutchinson, KS

At 2:30pm-3: 00 pm, Traditions Soda and Sandwich, 121 Grant Avenue, Garden City, KS

At 5:00pm-5: 30 pm, Gravel City Roasters, 608 Commercial Street, Emporia, KS

Area News, Bourbon County, Submitted

Woodson County Will Join Southwind Kansas State Extension District

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Carla Nemecek.

Extension Update by Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director, Agriculture, Iola Office. Phone: 620-365-2242 [email protected]

The Southwind Extension District met for their annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

After much discussion, a motion was made and seconded to bring Woodson County into the existing District that includes Allen, Bourbon and Neosho Counties.

There is a lengthy process that includes that Kansas Attorney General before the district merger with Woodson County will be finalized on July 1.

Board members learned that Lois Carlson accepted the 2017 Extension Board Leadership Award on behalf of Southwind at the annual partnership meeting in Lawrence.

Finally, officers were elected – Chairman, Kathy Brazle; Vice-Chairman, Jim Smart; Secretary, Lori Shue; Treasurer, Job Springer.

The next meeting will be held March 27 at 6 pm at the Moran United Methodist Church.

Obituary, Submitted

Obituary Of Marilyn Jane Love

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Marilyn Jane Love, age 73, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
  She was born October 2, 1944, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence Homer “Jack” Query and Alberta Mae Duncan Query. 
Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1963. 
She married Charles A. Walker on February 4, 1966, at Ft. Scott.  He preceded her in death on April 25, 2000.  She later married Gerald Love on February 16, 2001, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church near Redfield. 
In earlier years, Marilyn had worked for the Western Insurance Company and then for the Pittsburg, Kansas, and Stillwater, Oklahoma school districts.  She was later employed by Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott for over twenty-five years.  Marilyn loved her God and her family.  She was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church and was also active with the Redfield Ruritan.  She also enjoyed taking care of her animals.
 
Survivors include her husband, Jerry, of the home; and her children, Shane Walker (Jana), Shane Walker (Crystal Sprague) and David Johnson (Christina) all of Ft. Scott; and her grandchildren, Olivia, Grace, Audrey and Ella Walker, Kirryn Sprague, Korbyn and Kayley Reyes, Rosa Martin and Kaden Johnson.  Also surviving are two brothers, Dwayne Query (Clyda), of Rochelle, Illinois and Robert Query (Lori), of Ft. Scott a sister, Marjorie Schwalm, of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Walker and her parents, Jack and Mae Query. 
 
Rev. Jeff Cokeley will conduct funeral services at 10 A.M. Monday, February 5 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. 
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in the 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.    
Fort Scott, Schools

A New Art Gallery Displays FSHS Student’s Artwork

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Fort Scott High School Art Instructor Ellen Kendrick explains the process of the setting up the components necessary to display art in the new gallery at the school. Senior Art Student Berkley Chavis is at right.

Walking the halls of Fort Scott High School, visitors notice the glassed-in area with art displays near the entrance to the school.

In the recent building renovation, the planners designated a gallery space for student artwork, FSHS Art Instructor Ellen Kendrick said.

Kendrick said all the components for displaying student artwork came together just before Christmas.

“To have this space is amazing,” Kendrick said.

The January exhibit was photography and ceramic art by students.

Berkley Chavis shows her two photography projects, one of a horse and one a dog.
Kayley Reyes shows her two pieces. The one at left is entitled “Broken”, the other is unnamed, she said.

Seniors who have their photos displayed in the gallery currently: Ethan Burrel, Grace Keating, Kaley Reyes, and Berkley Chavis.

Senior Emily Hill shows her ceramic artwork in the gallery Tuesday morning.

Art students who have pottery in the gallery are Emily Hill, Berkley Chavis, Kharsyn Dwyer, Blaice Hopkins, Denton Fritter, Madison Cook, Kelsie Nelson, Andy Bryant, Kaidon Shelton, and Ashton Nolan.

Kendrick said the gallery display will change each month.

The February exhibit will be more ceramics and drawings, instead of photographs.

She said her family helped with the gallery lighting and display furniture.

“Jack and I set the lights in place,” she said. “Jack and Sam made the pedestals.”

Jack and Sam are her sons.

“John (her husband) helped with the lighting system as well. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

 

 

Area News, Government

Jeff Colyer Sworn In As Governor This Afternoon

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Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. was sworn in as the 47th governor of Kansas at 3 p.m. today in the Capitol rotunda in Topeka, accompanied by First Lady Ruth Colyer and their daughters, Serena and Dominique. Governor Colyer attended mass in Hays this morning with his classmates from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. He then visited West Side Alternative School, which is also in Hays.

Governor Colyer said, “This public school is a unique partnership with the High Plains Mental Health Center that ensures special needs kids have the same opportunities for success as any other Kansan.”

When asked about his inauguration, Governor Colyer said, “Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve in a variety of ways including as a doctor, humanitarian and lieutenant governor. I’m excited to begin serving Kansans in an even greater way today as the governor of this beautiful state.”

Dr. Colyer is a fifth-generation Kansan from Hays who is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives on the personal, state, national and international level. Over the last 25 years, Dr. Colyer has volunteered, as a surgeon, in dangerous war zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans, Libya, and Africa. He was an International Medical Corps volunteer and the only surgeon in southern Rwanda during the genocide that killed 800,000 people.

Dr. Colyer also served as a White House Fellow under President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush in international affairs.

Bourbon County Local News