Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

~~Kansas Takes Steps to Increase Access to Mental Health Resources~~

TOPEKA – To raise awareness and educate Kansans on suicide prevention, Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed September “Suicide Prevention Month” in the State of Kansas as part of the larger National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) campaign, “Together for Mental Health.”

“We must continue working to break past the stigma surrounding mental health issues and address these issues head on,” said Governor Kelly. “By advancing initiatives like the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis hotline and funding mental health resources in our schools, my administration is doing everything in our power to support Kansans’ mental health.”

Over the past four years, the Kelly Administration has made suicide prevention and mental health accessibility a priority. She has:

Created the first the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator;

Approved a state-funded investment of more than $15 million annually in the area of suicide prevention and crisis services;

Reformed 26 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to be Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) with capabilities to treat mental health and substance abuse crisesthrough integrated physical-behavioral care;

Expanded the state’s capacity to provide mental health care to Kansans closer to home by bringing new youth facilities online, working to lift the moratorium at Osawatomie, and increasing the states’ workforce through the 24/7 pay plan;

Invested in the Mental Health Intervention Teams Program. Governor Kelly has provided $33 million in funding for the program and has grown the program from 9 districts to 67 and from 1,708 students to close to 5,000 served annually;
Increased funding to address the competency evaluation and restoration process at Larned State Hospital and fund additional mobile competency and restoration services through community mental health centers;
Launched the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline, allowing any Kansans who may be experiencing a mental health emergency to dial 988 and receive professional support. Kansas is one of the first states in the country to have the new hotline funded and operational;

Modernized 26 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to be Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by 2024 with capabilities to treat mental health and substance abuse crises through integrated physical-behavioral care;

Provided Kansas ranchers and farmers with mental health resources needed to cope with ag-related stress by launching kansasagstress.org.

“There is still a lingering stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, leaving some Kansans feeling they are alone,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “At KDADS we’ve made significant and impactful advances with our mental health partners across the state to implement new programs and open new crisis centers. And of course, the recent transition to the 9-8-8 dialing code represents a valuable opportunity to transform the way we respond to people in crisis and let them know they are not alone.”

Governor Kelly’s proclamation highlights the many ways Kansas is dedicated to eliminating suicide and raising awareness. It recognizes Kansas is united in raising awareness, that prevention is possible, treatment is effective, and people do recover.

“We lose too many people each year to suicide and each loss is an immeasurable tragedy. At the same time, 2022 has seen advancements in crisis service accessibility, and stronger partnerships across the state which will support increasing suicide prevention opportunities,” Monica Kurz, LMSW Vice President Policy & Prevention at Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, said. “I am hopeful that there are ways we can continue to act as individuals and systems to protect more lives.”

For free, confidential support or prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones 24/7, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Suicide Prevention Month is observed in conjunction with “Creating Hope Through Action” World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and National Suicide Prevention Week September 4-10.

View the Governor’s proclamation here.

Government, Kansas

Sports Betting is Legal in Kansas

September 1, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Places First Legal Sports Bet in Kansas

KANSAS CITY – Today Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas to kick off legal sports betting in Kansas. The Governor placed the first legal sports wager in Kansas, betting $15 – the same as Patrick Mahomes’ jersey number – on the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LVII this upcoming football season.

“Every day I hear from Kansans across the state who are eager to finally place legal wagers on sports. I’m glad we were able to move quickly to get this bipartisan effort done in time for football season,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, casinos, restaurants, and other venues will have another way to attract Kansans to their establishments—creating jobs and driving economic growth. And I’m willing to bet on that. Go Chiefs!”

“We are so grateful for the leadership of Governor Kelly and the legislature to finally get legalized sports wagering over the goal line this year,” said Lydia Garvey, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. “We have been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive, and I’m confident many of our customers will follow her lead in betting on Kansas City to emerge as champions once again.”

The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino & Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.

Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the State of Kansas for sports wagering. These casinos will be authorized to launch as soon as they are ready.

Learn more about Kansas sports wagering rules and regulations here.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Blues Festival Coming to Fort Scott Sept. 24

September 1, 2022 Loretta George 3 Comments

New comers to the Fort Scott area from Kansas City are planning a blues festival on their property at 2006 Maple Road on September 24 from 2 to 10 p.m. and they are doing it to benefit a local helping organization.

Cory and Cecilia Bryars. Submitted photo.

“My wife, Cecilia and I have met and become lasting friends with wonderful people by attending blues music events and venues in the Kansas City area and travels to Arkansas and Mississippi,” said event organizer Cory Bryars said. “We moved to Fort Scott in 2021 from Kansas City and I wanted to have a once-in-a-lifetime housewarming and a thank you to contractors and friends. My wife has roots and best friends here and the kid went to college, freeing us up to leave K.C.”

“As I put (the event) together, it took on a life of its own, and I thought this thing needs to be more than just friends and family,” Bryars said. “Through a friend, Belynda Davenport, I got connected with Lavetta Simmons and Care to Share ( a helping organization for cancer survivors and their families) and it turns out their big annual Fall Fest fundraiser for the last 15 years is no more.”

They decided to turn the event into a fundraiser for Care to Share.

“Before Care to Share, it was all about the music; now it’s all about music being a force for good,” Bryars said. “This is real deal. Any one of these bands could headline a decent municipal blues fest, and we are providing four bands of that caliber.”

“I like to think the town was clamoring for something, and unbeknownst to me, I was apparently organizing it,” he said. “Soooo…our event is now a full-blown fundraiser.”

The music will be provided by the following artists, with performance times listed and comments provided by Bryars:

2pm—The Hermosa Prairie Dogs featuring Randy McAllister and James Van Nuys

o “Randy is an award winning, Grammy Nominated, singer, songwriter, harmonica player, drummer and legend of East Texas Blues/Soul/Roots.

o James is a talented artist in many disciplines and you will love his songs.”

4pm—Kilborn Alley featuring Big Rich McDonough

o “Band Leader Andrew Duncanson is smooth as silk on the vocals and guitar.

o Big Rich masters the guitar, making it SING almost as well as Andrew.”

6pm—Cassie Taylor & Band

o “After starting her music career while still a teenager, Cassie toured Europe as part of Girls with Guitars. She took a break from music to raise a family and her spirit, and now is back on the scene.

o With powerful vocals and a soulful voice perfect for pop and blues, Cassie leads her generation of blues artists.”

8pm—Junebug & The Porchlights

o “Long-time Kansas City favorites with great musicians, there’s never a dull moment as they cover Merle Haggard, Muddy Waters, and other country and blues standards, all with their own fast-paced sound and fury

o If you like 70s classics like John Denver’s Country Roads and the aromatic Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road, wait ‘til you hear the Porchlights’ versions!”

The Venue

The festival site is west of Findley’s Auto on Maple Road about one-half mile, on the Bryars property.

“We will use our front and back pasture for parking–not sure but thinking 75 cars can fit, maybe more,” Bryars said. “We are asking neighbors to have friends and family park at their properties. Care to Share is exploring options for parking and shuttle service via city trolley and/or side-by-sides from volunteers. The back yard near the house will have the stage and attendees.”

Free Admission, But Donations Accepted for Care to Share

“I am funding it and friends that were attending before Care to Share got involved will chip in and depending on the donation levels to Care to Share they will help offset some of my expense as a cost of the fundraiser,” Bryars said.

“We want to encourage donations,” he said. “I have found that people are very generous when it’s up to them to decide how to help. And Care to Share is organizing other methods of fundraising—concessions, crafts for the event.”

Fort Scott, Government

Eddy and 17th Intersection Closed Sept. 6-13

September 1, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott in conjunction with J. Richardson Company will be closing the intersection of 17^th and Eddy beginning Tuesday, September 6^th through Tuesday, September 13^th. This includes vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian traffic.

The reason for this closure is the drainage project at 17^th and Eddy. This project was started some time ago but is continuing.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 620-223-0550.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month

September 1, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

Two weeks ago, I attended an agent update in Manhattan where I was presented with some sobering statistics about youth depression and suicide in the state of Kansas. According to a 2022 report from the Kansas Communities That Care student survey, nearly one in three youth surveyed in Kansas responded “yes” when asked if they had ever seriously thought about killing themselves. Youth are not alone in this.

According to that same report, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in our state (and the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 34).

With the month of September designated as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10^th designated as World Suicide Prevention Day, it is an appropriate time to review some of the wellbeing and mental health resources available to you as well as some of the action steps we can all take to help prevent suicide.

First of all, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

Kansans working in agriculture may also benefit from the resources available at KansasAgStress.org. This webpage has a list of resources compiled to help Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families with their wellbeing.

In addition to being aware of available resources, what else can we do to help prevent suicide this month and beyond?

According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can all take action by talking about suicide and following up with loved ones.

#BeThe1To is the Lifeline’s five-step message for communicating with someone who may be suicidal.

The five #BeThe1To steps are: Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up. Start by asking if they are thinking about suicide. Listen to their answers, while never promising to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. Secondly, be there for them. Next, help keep them safe by putting time and distance between the individual and their chosen method for a suicide attempt. Help them connect with ongoing supports (such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as well as resources in their community). Finally, follow up to see how they are doing.

While this is a brief overview, you can learn more about these five crucial steps at bethe1to.com.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 1

September 1, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

09-01-2022A

09-01-2022R

Obituary

Obituary of John Gray

September 1, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

John Gregory Gray, age 60, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Stockton, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022, in Stockton. He was born August 21, 1962, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the son of Thirle Gray and Luella Green Gray.

John graduated from high school in Jonesboro and went to college at Ft. Scott Community College on a baseball scholarship. While in Ft. Scott, he met his future wife, Jill Reinecker. John and Jill were married on August 6, 1983, and together they had three daughters, Bailey, Afton and Delane.

John worked as a territory manager for Lifetouch National School Studios for many years. Among a number of recognitions during his career in the school photo industry, John was awarded territory manager of the year in 2002 and again in 2005, a distinguished honor that he was proud of.

John was good hearted, engaging, and charismatic. He will be remembered for his outgoing and likeable personality and his ability to make friends with anyone – he didn’t know a stranger.

John was an avid sportsman, both as a competitor and a spectator, and he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, hunting, boating, and camping. He was an enthusiastic fan of the KU Jayhawks, the Kansas City Chiefs, and any team his daughters or grandkids were playing on.

John had recently retired to Stockton, Missouri to enjoy life on the lake. He treasured his relationships with his Lifetouch friends and golfing buddies, and above all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughters, Bailey Lyons (Nate), Afton Hyer (Coy) and Delane Godden (Brady) and six grandchildren, Addison, Jhett, Jaxon, Blaise, Lute and True all of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are his former wife, Jill Ruby of Ft. Scott; a sister, Karletta Burrows (Steve) of Jonesboro, Arkansas and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thirle and Luella Gray.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Swifton Cemetery in Swifton, Arkansas. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School, where all of his girls went to school, and his grandchildren currently attend.

They 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 then online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government

Sen. Marshall Warns of Dangers of Fentanyl and Social Media

August 31, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sen. Marshall Warns of Dangers of Fentanyl and Social Media

(Topeka, KS, August 31, 2022) – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. today released a video on International Overdose Awareness Day warning about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning and social media where counterfeit or fake drugs are often purchased and laced with fentanyl. While you may click HERE , Senator Marshall said,“Everywhere we go we try to share the message that just one pill can kill. That most every day in Kansas somebody dies from fentanyl poisoning. As kids go back to school, I want parents to understand the challenges out there: your children through social media, including through Snapchat are able to purchase one tablet of fentanyl, which can kill them. Please, parents, teachers, talk to your children about the dangers out there of fentanyl and stay in communication with your children whenever you can.”

Senator Marshall is a cosponsor of a Senate resolution to designate May 10, 2022 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The resolution supports the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2022, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl-related substances on families and young people.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine.
Kansas suffered a 54% increase in drug overdoses during the first six months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
Of the 338 people in Kansas who died of drug overdose between Jan. 1 and June 30 of last year – 149 involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogs.
Overdose deaths from fentanyl-related substances topped all other drug-related overdose deaths in Kansas in 2021
In the first three months of 2022, Kansas saw more than 2,500 drug overdoses.
While not on the Kansas side, the Kansas City Police Department announced that accidental overdoses from fentanyl-related substances had climbed nearly 150% from 2019 to 2020 in the metro area, particularly noticeable among ages 15 to 24. Last year, out of 129 overdoses, 50 were fentanyl-related.
In May, Kansas City, Kansas officers seized nearly 15,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl during a two-day bust,
In March, Wichita officers seized 7,000 fentanyl-related substance pills during a traffic stop.
The Wichita Police Department also said that they recently worked five suspected overdose cases in a 24-hour period – two of those were juveniles.
Nationwide, four in 10 pills examined by DEA labs contain a deadly amount of fentanyl-related substance, an amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil.
Since Joe Biden took office, nearly 14,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized from criminals at the southern border – and a record 1,300 pounds were discovered just this past April – much more made it over the border undetected.
15,000lbs of fentanyl-related substances were seized in 2021 – enough to supply a potentially lethal dose to every member of the U.S. population.
64% of overdose deaths in the U.S. involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl-related substances.
4 out of 10 DEA-tested fake pills with fentanyl-related substances contain a potentially deadly dose.
12 month period ending in October 2021: 105,000 overdose deaths – 66% were due to fentanyl-related substances, synthetic opioids.

Business, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Is Coming

August 31, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Urges Kansas Small Businesses to Prepare for COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration is launching the application process for the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief program in October. She urged Kansas small business owners to verify they are registered for a federal Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) ahead of the application process opening.

“The financial assistance provided through this program will give Kansas entrepreneurs resources to continue to grow and invest in their businesses,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Proactively verifying UEI registration will help small business owners receive this relief quickly and efficiently once the program’s application portal opens in October.”

In June, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, investing $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which requires a UEI registration to be completed for a business to be eligible to receive assistance. UEI registration ensures the accuracy of information and the security of funding being used for this program.

The UEI is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to all entities and is used as the primary means of entity identification for Federal awards and for those doing business with the federal government. The UEI is issued at no cost through the federal System for Award Management website (SAM.gov).

If a business is already registered in SAM.gov, no additional action is needed to obtain a UEI. UEI registration can be confirmed by logging into SAM.gov and verifying that the business’ Entity Status states “Active Registration.”

Please note that due to recent increases in the number of entities registering with SAM.gov it may take up to 25 business days for new registrations to be processed. For any issues related to registering with SAM.gov or obtaining a UEI the Federal Service Desk can be reached at 866-606-8220.

Information detailing the application process and dates for the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program is forthcoming from the Kansas Department of Revenue. The application will provide definitions, explain the assistance process in detail, and will specify exactly what information must be submitted in support of the application.

Claimants will have until April 15, 2023, to file an application for this financial assistance.

Fort Scott, Government

Traffic Signal Upgrade on Hwy. 69 Beginning Sept. 6

August 31, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott in conjunction with Kansas Department of Transportation will be upgrading traffic signals along Highway 69 beginning September 6^th, 2022. This project will be done in four phases: 3^rd Street, 6^th Street, 12^th Street, and 25^th Street. There may be times when traffic lanes are shut down as well as the intersections at these locations.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 620-223-0550.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Hosts First Annual Night Golf on October 29

August 31, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director, had the idea to hold a fall golf tournament.

Tom Havron is the FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director. Submitted photos.

“I thought it would be fun to do something a little different,” Havron said. “I used to play night golf when I was a high school kid in Montana and we always had a great time. After doing a little research, I thought we could make this a really special event.”

The event will be a fundraiser.

The Twilight Open Golf Night is a four-person scramble teeing off at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, just down Horton Street from the community college.

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

“The proceeds will go towards establishing a new golf driving range on campus,” Havron said. The short-term goal of the first annual Twilight Open Golf Night, set for Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, is a design for long distances.”

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Fort Scott Community College’s Foundation office, will go directly to the creation of a driving range on the FSCC campus, Havron said.

Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

“College golfers need a driving range to work on different shots they will see on courses across the state throughout the season,” said Jeff Tadtman, head golf coach for the Greyhounds. “It has been an obstacle we have faced since the start of the golf program in 2019. We hope a driving range on campus will appeal to potential recruits looking to continue their golf career.”

The presence of a range in “their own backyard” is an immediate advantage for college golfers, said Havron, but the plan includes eventually opening the facility to community members.

“I think the community would really love to have a place to go and hit some balls,” said Havron. “Woodland Hills is an excellent course and I believe they would also see the benefits of a driving range close to their course.”

The future driving range, which is to feature a ball machine, is to be maintained by the FSCC golf team, and will provide a venue for fund-raising opportunities, Havron said.

“We would love to also be able to provide the facility to our area high school teams for practice, as well,” he said. “Details on the course are still being investigated and may take a few fund-raisers to get up and going.”

The night of the golf scramble will also include food and a silent auction.

“I’m working on having some food available for people to have during the silent auction period,” Havron said. “I will provide more information on this as soon as arrangements are finalized.”

“We will have FSCC staff and students assisting players throughout the round,” Havron said. “We will also have headlamps so players can make their way safely around the course. I have some other ideas which will provide safety features but make the event unique. I’m going to hold that information so it is a surprise at the event.’

What about inclement weather?

“We always will concern ourselves with weather in Kansas, but we are hopeful,” Havron said. “In my opinion, there is no better time to live in Kansas than October. The leaves will be turning and we hope the weather is kind to us.”

Cost of the event:

$500/team – this price includes cart and glow-in-the-dark ball

$475/team – with one cart included

$450/team – with no cart included

“To ensure safety and space between groups, we will be limited to the first 18 teams to RSVP,” Havron said.

For more information:

Tom Havron – 620-223-2700 ext. 5830 or

[email protected]

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce