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Children’s Story Time Today at Hedgehog INK
Ascension Via Christi nurse an Extraordinary Healer Award nominee
Kristen Mitchell, RN, who serves at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, is among the nominees for CURE magazine’s 2023 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.
Each year, CURE gives readers the opportunity to honor an oncology nurse by submitting essays describing their compassion, expertise and helpfulness. Nominations are collected from colleagues, patients, friends and family of nurses throughout the country.
Mitchell’s nomination was submitted by her coworker and fellow Oncology nurse Marcus Yoakam, RN.
“Kristen is the epitome of what every oncology nurse should strive to be,” Yoakam wrote. “I have met and interacted with a countless number of nurses, but Kristen stands out a head above the rest.
“She is always there to help and actively goes out of her way to help everyone. In addition to being incredibly helpful, her clinical skills are second to none. It’s a great comfort to know that we have such a reliable and competent colleague like Kristen.”
Mitchell, who has been with the hospital since 2008, spends her days caring for patients in the Cancer Center. She starts by getting everything ready for that day’s chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusion, IVIG and iron treatments. She says her favorite part of the job is making her patients smile and being able to spoil them while in her care by being a listening ear, bringing a warm blanket, providing nutrition, or bringing a warm cup of coffee.
“I do this type of work because I honestly believe it was my calling, especially when it comes to oncology,” says Mitchell. “I’m truly honored to have been nominated for this award.”
The winner will be announced on Apr. 6 in San Antonio during the Oncology Nursing Society’s annual Congress. For more information on the award, visit event.curetoday.com.
To learn more about cancer services at Ascension Via Christi, visit ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia
Obituary of AJ Soverns Jr.
Allen Dale “AJ” Soverns, Jr., age 40, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his home. He was born April 8, 1982, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Allen Sr. and Colleen Vaughan Soverns. He married Angie Hall on July 11, 2020, in Fort Scott.
AJ enjoyed working outside in the yard, mowing and gardening. He liked music, playing video games, watching movies, dogs, and cats.
Survivors include his wife Angie of the home; his mother, Colleen Pellett; a son Kiel Hall; daughters Rayne Soverns, Zoie Joles, and Rylee Joles; a sister Amy Majors (Trevor); nieces Alyson Howser (Brock), Bryttny Hall, Alexia Hall and Maize Hall; nephews Luke Majors, and Bentley Hall, and several others; as well as many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father.
There was cremation. The family will announce services at a later date.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the AJ Soverns Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Larry Parnell Jr.
Larry “Chipper” Dean Parnell, Jr., 51, resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. He was born June 16, 1971, in Santa Clara, California, the son of Larry Dean Parnell, Sr. and Judith Ann (Abildgaard) Parnell.
Chipper was a client of Tri Valley Developmental Services. He loved all things Star Wars.
Chipper is survived by his mother, Judy Parnell, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Carrie Thomas, and Mykie Parnell, both of Fort Scott; one brother, Robbie Parnell, also of Fort Scott; a nephew, Nathan Thomas; three nieces, Hope Sheriff (Andrew) Faith Holtz (Shane Harper), and Grace Thomas (Kailie Morgan); two great-nieces, Isabel Sheriff, and Katerina Harper; and three great-nephews, Mason Sheriff, Hunter Sheriff, and Conner Harper.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Parnell, Sr.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct graveside services for Chipper at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The visitation will be 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday evening, April 3, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Tri Valley Developmental Services, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Influx Services Expands
Influx Services, which was started by Fort Scottian Jake Province last year, now offers roof, gutter, and window cleaning services, in addition to house washing and roof cleaning services.
His pressure washing and exterior cleaning service serves Fort Scott KS, Nevada MO, Miami OK, and surrounding areas
He has also been serving businesses in Fort Scott: the local Travelodge and Don’s Spirits and Wines.
“I use low pressure and algicides to clean homes more effectively, and without the risk of damaging the home by using high pressure,” Province said.
“We’ve gathered multiple five-star reviews on Google, and become one of the top-ranking pressure washing companies in the area as a result,” Province said.
Those interested in hiring Influx Services can call or text at (620) 407-3008, visit www.influx.services, email influxservicescontact@gmail.
Province expressed gratitude for the fortscott.biz article published last year about his company.
“(That) support was incredibly helpful and helped us get our start in the community,” he said.
Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott, Selected to Serve on the KS Pet Animal Advisory Board
Governor Kelly Announces
Administration Appointments
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced seven appointments and five reappointments to the following boards, commissions, and councils.
Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
Purpose: To advise the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children’s services issues.
- Cindy Sherlock, Osawatomie
- Amber McMurray, Dighton
- James Jones, Kinsley
- Seth Dewey, Hutchinson
KS Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Purpose: To advocate for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated, and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.
- Harmony Jarratt, Olathe
Citizen’s Utility Ratepayers Board
Purpose: Provides efficient and effective legal and technical representation for residential and small commercial utility ratepayers and ensures that utilities can charge only just and reasonable rates to Kansans.
- Danya Burks, Wichita
Agricultural Remediation Board
Purpose: To administer the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund and the remediation reimbursement program.
- Laura Pearl, St. Marys (reappointment)
- Jami Loecker, Manhattan (reappointment)
KS Dental Board
Purpose: Adopt rules, issue licenses, and conducts hearings to revoke or suspend dental licenses.
- Maya Nunley, Wichita (reappointment)
Pet Animal Advisory Board
Purpose: To make recommendations on changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.
- Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott
Physical Therapy Advisory Council
Purpose: Advises the Board of Healing Arts on the examination and registration of physical therapists.
- Danielle Vequist, Wichita (reappointment)
KS Athletic Commission
Purpose: Supervises all regulated sports and professional wrestling performances held in the state.
- Tom Burroughs, Kansas City (reappointment)
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 31
Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver During Summer Driving Season
Governor Kelly Calls On EPA to Take Action to Save Kansans Money at the Gas Pump This Summer
~~Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver to Allow Alternative Fuels During Summer Driving Season~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan requesting the agency allow the sale of E15 products – gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol – during the summer through the use of an emergency waiver. This move, which the EPA granted last summer, would help prevent potential fuel shortages and save Kansas money at the gas pump.
Allowing the sale of this product during the summer driving season would also support the Kansas ag industry, especially corn growers who contribute to ethanol production.
“I’m calling on the EPA to take action to save Kansans money at the gas pump, increase our nation’s fuel supply, and support Kansas ag producers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The agency delivered this relief last year, and given inflation and declining fuel inventories, I believe they should do it again.”
During the summer of 2022, the EPA ensured the continued availability of E15 in order to extend fuel supplies put at risk by the Russia-Ukraine War. This action helped prevent potential shortages and saved Americans at least $57 million in fuel costs.
U.S. inventories of crude oil and petroleum products recently hit a 19-year low, and nationwide gasoline stocks are 3% lower than a year ago. Those statistics, coupled with continued international pressure and refining capacity being offline for maintenance, are predicted to have the same implications as last summer, providing support for another emergency waiver.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
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KS Palliative Care Plan Announced
Governor Kelly Announces the Release of
Kansas’ 5-Year Palliative Care Plan
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the state’s comprehensive 5-Year Palliative Care State Plan, a blueprint for how Kansas can better deliver care that improves the quality-of-life and mitigates suffering for Kansans with serious and often terminal illnesses. It includes proposals to deliver timely care to rural Kansans, bolster the health care workforce, and increase public awareness so Kansans can make informed decisions about treatment.
Thousands of Kansans could benefit from palliative care each year, yet Kansas currently ranks 42 of 51 states (including D.C.) in access to palliative care. Examples of diagnoses appropriate for palliative care include advanced dementia, cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, genetic disorders, perinatal conditions, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurologic disorders, among others. It is appropriate for patients of any age or stage of illness and can accompany curative treatment.
“My administration is focused on improving the quality of life for Kansans at every stage of life, and key to that is improving understanding of and access to palliative care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Palliative Care State Plan provides a comprehensive guide for how our state ease suffering at scale.”
The 2022-2027 Palliative Care State Plan is the product of a collaboration between KDHE, the Palliative Care Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, the Kansas Cancer Partnership, and other palliative care experts.
“Many people in Kansas would benefit from Palliative care but don’t know about it,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “This state plan will help serve as a guideline to ensure that all Kansas families facing serious illness have the information and opportunity to obtain high-quality medical care that aligns with their unique circumstances and values.”
Other recommendations in the plan include:
- Expanding broadband access and preserving policy changes to deliver telehealth services essential to delivering timely palliative care for all Kansans, including those in rural and frontier communities.
- Incentive programs to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled palliative care clinicians; education on primary palliative care for all disciplines; and enhanced support for unpaid caregivers crucial to addressing our state’s palliative care workforce shortage.
- Efforts to engage and inform Kansans about palliative care to improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of palliative care and how it differs from hospice.
- Efforts to bring advanced care planning and serious illness care planning to scale across care settings so that Kansans are well-informed and can express their wishes, values, and treatment preferences ahead of treatment plan development.
To learn more about palliative care and the resources available, visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/834/
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KS Women Trailblazers
Governor Kelly Honors Three Kansas Trailblazers During Women’s History Month
TOPEKA – As part of a ‘Women’s History Month’ celebration, Governor Laura Kelly today honored three women who have made significant contributions to Kansas: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, former Secretary of Administration; Julie Lorenz, former Secretary of Transportation; and Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. Governor Kelly also presented each honoree with letters of recognition and formally proclaimed March ‘Women’s History Month.’
“Too often, we think of ‘women’s history’ as being in the distant past, failing to recognize that there are women making Kansas history right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, during Women’s History Month, I want to shine a light on three of my favorite current history-makers, strong women leaders who are paving the way for the next generation.”
As Secretary of Administration, Chief Information Technology Officer, and director of the Office of Recovery, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace played a critical role in strengthening state operations at all levels and broke barriers in state government for women. She departed the Kelly administration in January 2023 after over three years of service.
Dr. Burns-Wallace has been recognized nationally for her achievements, including receiving the Orbie Award for the 2022 Outstanding CIO of the Year in Government. She was also elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020 and became a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2022.
“The 2023 National Women’s History Month theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” Dr. Burns-Wallace said. “I am honored and humbled today to stand with these two amazing women as our stories, our journeys, our triumphs and even our failures reflect the richness, diversity, and the depth and breadth of women leaders across our great state and nation.”
As Secretary of Transportation and chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, Julie Lorenz navigated the passage of the 10-year bipartisan infrastructure program and repaired KDOT’s relationships with stakeholders across the state. She departed the Kelly administration in December 2022 after four years of service. She now serves as Principal Consultant for 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell.
Like Dr. Burns-Wallace, Lorenz has been recognized across the country for her leadership, including with the prestigious George S. Bartlett Award.
“Throughout our history, Kansans have benefitted from strong women leaders in businesses, schools, government, and at home – and our work is not done,” Lorenz said. “We know poverty disproportionately affects women and children. Today’s celebration of women also underscores the need for us to work harder together to make the future brighter for those who follow us. I like to say Ad Astra Simul – to the stars, together!”
Dr. Tiffany Anderson is the first African American female superintendent of Topeka Public schools. She has been a passionate public school educator for 28 years, working to transform the lives of students and prepare them for life after graduation. In addition to her role as superintendent, Dr. Anderson serves on the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority (TEA), and as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.
Her dedication has been recognized by President Obama and at the Academy Awards. She recently received the 2023 Woman Superintendent in School Leadership award from the American Association of School Administrators.
“Women have changed the world and continue to lead the way to a better, more prosperous future of hope which can be seen in our woman leaders in politics, healthcare, and in the public education system which supports all other careers,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is a privilege to join Governor Kelly and the many women across Kansas in celebrating the countless contributions of women across the world.”
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Mental Health Self-Care Fair May 23
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