Online tool supports local public agencies in addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety
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Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter May 2024
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May 2024 Volume 3 |
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Lowell Milken Center Buzzes with Field Trip Excitement |
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This spring, the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) has been a hive of activity. As the school year draws to a close, LMC has become a favored destination for field trips among local schools. Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, teachers, and chaperones, each eager to explore and learn. The center’s vibrant programs and engaging exhibits continue to inspire and educate visitors, making every trip a memorable adventure. |
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Discovery Award Updates |
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Discover Heroes, Win Big: 2024 Discovery Award Competition Now Open! The 2024 Discovery Award Competition has officially launched, presenting an extraordinary opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to win a share of $25,000 in prizes. This competition, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, is designed to encourage young learners to uncover and highlight the stories of unsung heroes who have made a significant impact yet remain largely unrecognized. Competition Details
This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to integrate real-world research and storytelling into your curriculum, making history come alive for students. Encourage your students to participate and possibly win big by exploring the lives and legacies of unsung heroes and role models who have impacted history and shaped our world. For more information and to enter the competition, visit here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] |
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ARTEFFECT Updates |
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The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries! We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers. Awardees will be announced on June 3. Stay tuned! |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ ability to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world. |
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“The Lowell Milken Center has connected me with some of the most outstanding teachers from across the United States and the world. These connections push me to be a better teacher. The Discovery Award project has become one of my favorite project-based learning activities to use with students. These projects create connections to people and events in history that have a lasting impact on not only the students that create them but everyone that sees their project.” Lindsey Dowell, LMC Fellow 2017- KS |
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Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10,but at the LMC we celebrate teachers everyday! |
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“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats. This year, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes celebrates our dedicated LMC Fellows and all the remarkable educators worldwide! Discover more about our impactful Fellows program here. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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We were honored to welcome Madison Glidden, the 2023 National Discovery Award-winning student from Taylor, Nebraska, to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! She was accompanied by her teacher, Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, and Dan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, along with Discovery Award project-maker Gracey Rodocker. The group enjoyed a tour of our center and then began the work of contributing to the development of a new exhibit honoring Susan LaFlesche-Picotte. Madison’s award-winning documentary on Dr. LaFlesche-Picotte is a powerful testament to her dedication and passion for recognizing unsung heroes. View the documentary and learn more about Susan LaFlesche-Picotte’s inspiring legacy. |
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April 17th was the unveiling of our new Pavel Weiner exhibit, which recounts his remarkable story of survival at the Terezin Concentration camp through his bond with his roommates. An informative presentation about Terezin by the Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jessica Rockhold, provided many additional details about Pavel’s experience. Pavel and his roommates called themselves “Nesharim,” which in Hebrew translates to “Eagles.” To honor the name of these brave young men, our unique attraction for the day was a visit by Operation Wildlife’s Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle and their handlers. It was easy to see why these majestic birds were chosen to represent the dreams of the boys at Terezin. The attendance for these events was record-setting, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pavel, learning about Terezin, and experiencing the spirit of the eagles. The presence and support of our community members truly make these events worthwhile. |
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We invite you to the grand unveiling of our newest exhibits at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! Join us on June 26th at 3:00 PM for an inspiring afternoon as we celebrate the stories of two new heroes who have changed the world behind the scenes. Date: June 26 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes These exhibits promise to move, inspire, and challenge you. Don’t miss out on the chance to dive into the extraordinary lives of unsung heroes who have made a profound impact. We hope to see you there! |
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KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas
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Bourbon County Health Care Sales Tax Is Approved By A Wide Majority, REH Discussion Beginning In Washington D.C.
The unofficial results of the May 14 election are in.
Bourbon County residents voted 1611 to 496 in favor of a one-quarter cent retail sales tax. Nine ballots were blank and are listed as “undervotes”,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “We have a total of 12,418 registered voters which equals a turnout of 17.03% which is slightly less than the city/school election last November which had a turnout of 19.35%.”
The tax becomes effective October 1, 2024, and continues for five years and will used for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.
When the tax terminates in five years, the remaining tax funds will be used for Emergency Medical Services and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissions.
Rural Emergency Hospital Discussion Starts In Washington
In a related category, the U.S. Senate had legislation introduced recently that starts further federal discussion of rural emergency hospitals.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018, citing declining patient numbers. Ascension Via Christi then took over operations of Mercy’s Emergency Room in 2019 and closed in December 2023.
To view prior stories:
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close
Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20
That emergency room, at 401 Woodland Hills, Fort Scott, is currently closed.
Today U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced they have introduced legislation to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation, according to a Moran press release
“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would increase opportunities for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals to convert to an REH and make technical improvements to the designation. These changes would help make the conversion to an REH more appealing by giving rural hospitals facing closure access to critical resources from the federal government to remain open.
“Access to emergency health care saves lives and helps rural communities prosper,” said Sen. Moran. “Too many rural hospitals in Kansas and across the country are struggling to keep their doors open, and this legislation offers those hospitals a lifeline. The Rural Emergency Hospital designation has already helped save numerous rural hospitals, and expanding access to this successful program is a common-sense way to make certain more hospitals stay open.”
“Rural hospitals provide health care in areas where it isn’t otherwise easy to access, so when their doors close, communities are left with almost no options, and that’s dangerous. If you’re dealing with a medical emergency or you just went into labor, the last thing on your mind should be whether your local hospital is still open,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is about public safety. It will make sure that if a hospital is in truly dire straits, they can remain open for emergency care – including obstetric care.”
“Created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, REH is a new Medicare provider designation that offers certain rural hospitals the opportunity to convert and continue operating with limited services rather than closing. The provisions in the REH Improvement Act are the result of numerous conversations Sen. Moran held with rural health care providers and CEOs of hospitals that are eligible for the REH designation.”
According to the Moran press release:
“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would:
- Allow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
- Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a waiver program for facilities operating similarly to an REH in order to convert to an REH.
- Allow REH facilities to maintain or create a unit for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services.
- Require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional funding for laboratory services.
- Clarify that REH facilities are eligible for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants.
- Direct the Secretary of HHS to allow an REH to be eligible as a National Health Service Corp site.
- Authorize REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care to a Skilled Nursing Facility without leaving the hospital, in accordance with the Social Security Act.
- Allow an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to regain necessary provider status, only if the facility was designated a necessary provider prior to converting to REH.”
AD: The Shead Farm Festival is this Saturday at 10 a.m.
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Shead Farm Festival May 18th 10am |
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Come join us for an exciting, entertaining event that people of all ages will enjoy!
Music | Children’s Activities | Farm Tour | Farm Store and Vendor Booths | Food Court A wonderful outing that ALL ages will enjoy! Admission: Single Ticket – $5 or Family Pass $25 (5+ members) |
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Copyright (C) 2024 FortScott.BIZ. All rights reserved. |
Keep Water Safety Top of Mind this Boating Season
Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provide tips for families during National Safe Boating Week
TOPEKA – With almost 100 different kinds of boats – from kayaks to canoes to motorboats – many Kansans will be having a great time on the water this year. Governor Laura Kelly has declared May 18-24 Safe Boating Week in Kansas, and Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks want to remind families to take extra steps to keep kids safe out on the water.
Safe Boating Week is an annual educational campaign, coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council (safeboatingcouncil.org) that runs the week prior to Memorial Day.
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among Kansas children. Wearing a life jacket improves your odds of surviving a boating accident by 80 percent. In 2022, 75 percent of all fatal boating accident victims in the U.S. drowned, and of those who drowned, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. During National Safe Boating Week, we want to remind all parents of a few simple things they can do to keep their kids safe on a boat and that starts with wearing life jackets.
“Drowning can happen quickly and silently,” said Cherie Sage, State Coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas. “It’s important for children to wear life jackets when they are in or around open water and for adults to actively supervise children, giving them your full attention.”
Follow these safety tips to keep your family safe while boating:
- Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters. Visit cgaux.org/boatinged/.
- Always wear a life jacket. Adults and children should always wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water. Children ages 12 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times on any watercraft, including paddleboats and kayaks. Older children and adults should set a good safety example for everyone and wear their life jackets, too.
- Supervise kids in and around water. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use a Water Watcher card to designate an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a Water Watcher card here.
- Educate your children about swimming Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children skills such as how to tread water and float. Kids should only swim in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open bodies of water is different than a swimming pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, undertow and changing weather.
- Learn Water Rescue Skills. We know you have a million things to do but learning CPR should be at the top of the list. Knowing CPR and other water rescue skills will give you tremendous peace of mind. Contact the Red Cross or your local hospital for information about classes.
- Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before heading out on the water. Know that weather can change quickly, so have a weather radio or weather app that you can check. If the weather starts to change, head to shore immediately.
To learn more, visit https://uscgboating.org, https://ksoutdoors.com/boating
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Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Join Virtual State Agency Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to take part in this month’s State of Kansas Agency Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.
“Our state agencies are always looking for strong candidates who can help serve the people and communities of our great state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in doing important and meaningful work for Kansas to come join a winning team.”
There are currently 786 agency positions available across the state that range from entry to senior level. State agencies are looking for new talent to assist in improving Kansas. The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.
The State Agency Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Gospel Singing Group The Williamsons At the First Southern Baptist Church May 16
The Williamsons are coming to town! First Southern Baptist Church Fort Scott Kansas invites you to be a part an incredible night of music and inspiration featuring one of the top groups in Gospel Music-The Williamsons!
Mark your calendars for Thursday May 16th at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at 1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS (across from Briggs Auto.
Free Will Offering!
Come join us for an incredible night of music and inspiration.
Calling All Creatives! Bourbon County Community Theatre Seeking New Members
Bourbon County Community Theatre was formed in late June of 2023 and has been working since to get up and running so the people of Bourbon County can soon have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy community theatre again.
This organization is not just for those wanting to act (although plenty of that is needed!). If you are interested in the technical side of theatre, the advertising, the construction, the script reading, the… you name it; if you have an artistic bone in your body, no matter how that looks, BCCT is looking for YOU.
Bourbon County Community Theatre is having their year-end meeting on Wednesday, May 22nd, 6:00pm, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center and they would like to invite anyone with any interest in any aspect of community theatre to come see what they are all about.
There will be discussion about upcoming performances, voting on board positions, and talk about and clearing up odds and ends for the upcoming months. Any current members or those who become members that night will be allowed to vote on board positions for the upcoming season.
Attendance at this meeting will not commit you to anything! Come see the benefits of becoming a BCCT member!
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 15
Kansas Family Permanency Option For Aging Out Of Foster Care System
Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs SOUL Family Legal Permanency Bill
~~Kansas Becomes First State in the Country
to Adopt the SOUL Family Option~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed House Bill 2536 today, establishing the Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Legal (SOUL) Family permanency option for children aging out of the state’s foster care system.
“My administration has been focused on reforming our child welfare system and reducing the number of children and teenagers entering foster care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes we have made to our child welfare system have been significant and the SOUL Family permanency is another example of this. It is a tool that we can use to ensure Kansas foster children aging out of the system grow into the next phase of their life, finish their education, settle into jobs, and become contributing members of their community.”
The Kelly administration’s work has resulted in a nearly 20% drop in the total number of young people in foster care.
SOUL Family is a fourth pathway for teens 16 or older in foster care to obtain legal permanency and transition into adulthood via a custodian of their choice.
Previously, young people in custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) had three pathways for permanency, a term for a legally recognized family-like relationship. Those pathways were adoption, reintegration, and appointment of a custodian. Now, teens 16 and older can choose a person or a group of people they trust to help raise them as they enter adulthood.
“The SOUL Family option means young people who are aging out of foster care will be empowered to select the circle of caring adults who will help them as they move into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The adults would agree to serve as legally recognized caregivers not just during the young person’s transition from foster care to adulthood, but for the rest of their lives.”
While adoption, reunification, and guardianship provide family for many youths, those pathways don’t always meet the needs of others. Stakeholders and those with lived experience in the foster care system testified to the need for the SOUL Family permanency option.
Kansas is the first state in the country to sign the Soul Family permanency option into law.
“When young people with lived foster care experience spoke, the legislature listened with the overwhelming support of the SOUL bill. This additional permanency option gives youth the freedom to select their SOUL family, providing the security and stability needed as they approach adulthood,” said Kansas State Representative Susan Concannon, District 107. “This is a game changer, and I’m so proud that Kansas is the first state to pass this innovative approach to permanency.”
DCF is currently working on the implementation process, which includes building the criteria, practices, resources, benefits, and administrative structures to best support the safety and well-being of young people transitioning from foster care into court-approved legal SOUL Families. This fourth permanency option is expected to be available to young people in foster care this summer.
Young people with lived experience will continue to be involved in the implementation process.
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