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New Service Offered at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry: Laser Engraving
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 North Main in historic, downtown Fort Scott recently purchased a new laser tool for the store.
Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert are the owners of the store since July 2023, when they purchased it from John and Cindy Bartelsmeyer.
The xTool P2, 55 Watt, CO2 laser engraver can cut through wood, multi-colored acrylics, leather and more, Krysta said.
“We can also engrave pictures and designs on a diverse variety of materials such as paper, fabric, leather, acrylics, glass, slate coasters, phone cases, and wooden cutting boards,” she said. “With the addition of a special metal marking spray, we can create permanent etchings on the surface of several different types of metal as well.”
They purchased the new laser engraver in December of 2023 and spent a few months getting accustomed to the uses and creating displays to showcase what can be done.
“So far, I have used our laser engraver to cut out and engrave acrylic and leather earrings, engrave a coated metal tumbler, engrave a wine glass, create a wooden photograph on basswood, and engrave a personalized wooden cutting board,” she said. “We have also engraved a stainless steel dog tag, and the back of a watch case using Cermark laser marking spray. As we continue working with this new equipment, I am sure we will find many more applications and uses.”
“The minimum charge to have an item that is laser engraved will be around $25, however, each project is different and will be quoted on a per-item basis,” she said.
About the store
The Hulberts provide other services/products to the community.
Jewelry repair, ring sizing, watch battery replacements and watch repair, stylus and laser engraving, buying and selling of gold and silver jewelry and coins, and custom jewelry design.
“We offer many products such as silver fashion jewelry, estate jewelry, diamond engagement rings, and many colored stone rings, necklaces, and bracelets,” she said. “We can special order a variety of gift items such as pen sets, jewelry chests, baby silverware, frames and piggy banks, and other specialty giftware items.”
“We have an amazing team working with us at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,” she said. “You are sure to be met with a familiar, smiling face when you walk in our door!”
The team members include the Hulberts, John Bartelsmeyer, Julie Kibble, Kerragan Davis, Sammie Ragan, Yvonne Holloway, and Anna Laubenstein.
Hours of operation are Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The store phone number: 620-223-2070
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bartelsmeyerjewelry.com
AD: Kansas Recovery Institute Hiring For All Positions!
The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.
Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.
Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.
We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.
Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.
We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.
Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.
Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!
–Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).
–Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).
–Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)
If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.
The beginning date is 03/25/2024.
Taking Care of Our Team
The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
Competitive pay for the industry
Medical plans with generous employer contribution
Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
Generous paid time off
A strong focus on promoting internally
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
AND MUCH MORE!
**Must be at least 20 to apply.
If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 20
Measles Are On The Rise: Vaccines Are Encouraged
Submitted by Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.
Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.
Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.
Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
- Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure students are current with MMR vaccine.
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- Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.
- All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
- Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
- Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
- Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
- At least one of the following is considered evidence of measles immunity for international travelers: 1) birth before 1957, 2) documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine (MMR, MMRV, or other measles-containing vaccine), or 3) laboratory (serologic) proof of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
- Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks. When considering measles, then:
- Isolate: Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of a healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available, or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available. Healthcare providers should be adequately protected against measles and should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases, regardless of their vaccination status. Healthcare providers without evidence of immunity should be excluded from work from day 5 after the first exposure until day 21 following their last exposure. Offer testing outside of facilities to avoid transmission in healthcare settings. Call ahead to ensure immediate isolation for patients referred to hospitals for a higher level of care.
- Notify: Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments (24-hour Epi On Call contact list) about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. States report measles cases to CDC.
- Test: Follow CDC’s testing recommendations and collect either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, and/or urine for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories, through the APHL Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers, and at CDC. Given potential shortages in IgM test kits, providers should be vigilant in contacting their state or local health department for guidance on testing.
- Manage: In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after exposure to close contacts without evidence of immunity, either with MMR (within 72 hours) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days). The choice of PEP is based on elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.
Recommendations for Health Departments
Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.
- Establish measles case reporting from healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to public health authorities.
- If measles is identified, conduct active surveillance for additional (secondary) cases and facilitate transportation of specimens immediately to confirm diagnosis.
- Record and report details about cases of measles, including adherence to recommended precautions and facility location(s) of index and secondary cases.
- Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers.
Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers
- Even if not traveling, ensure that children receive all recommended doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
- Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. Before international travel, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.
- Parents traveling internationally with children should consult with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should have one documented dose and children aged 12 months and older should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine before international travel. Depending on where you are going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended too.
- After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to another country and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.
For More Information
- Parents and International Travelers
- Health Departments and Public Health Professionals
- Healthcare Providers
- Measles One-Pager for Healthcare Providers | Project Firstline and AAP
- Immunization Schedules | CDC
- Safety Information for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccines | CDC
- For Healthcare Professionals – Diagnosing and Treating Measles | CDC
- Interim Measles Infection Prevention Recommendations in Healthcare Settings | CDC
- Measles – Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Manual | CDC
- Rubeola / Measles | CDC Yellow Book 2024
- Measles Lab Tools | CDC
- Measles Serology | CDC
- Measles Specimen Collection, Storage, and Shipment | CDC
- Test Directory | Submitting Specimens to CDC | Infectious Diseases Laboratories | CDC
- Webinar Thursday, August 17, 2023 – We Must Maintain Measles Elimination in the United States: Measles Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Prevention (cdc.gov) (Free CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.
Department of Health and Human Services
HAN Message Types
- Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.
- Health Advisory: Provides important information about a public health incident.
- Health Update: Provides updated information about a public health incident.
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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Obituary of Shirley Custodio Spaulding
Shirley Custodio Spaulding, age 63, resident of Austin, AR, and more recently of Fort Scott, KS passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. She was born in Siruma Camarines Sur, Philippines.
She was married but divorced shortly after she moved to the United States. She then raised her 6 children by herself in a country where she barely understood English. So, she was a very strong woman.
She was a survivor of trauma in the Philippines and many more here in the United States. But she did it because of her faith in God and Jesus Christ. She prayed often.
She loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, bragging about them often.
Her spouse for 35 years was James Spradlin.
She had breast cancer 2 years ago. A month later she needed brain surgery. Then last year in October 2023, cancer returned in her back, brain, lungs, and bone. Shirley then decided to move to Fort Scott, KS in February 2024, to be closer to her family. She was establishing care and treatment at KU Cancer Center in Overland Park, KS. But she lost her battle with cancer and passed away at Freeman Hospital in Joplin MO Sunday morning.
She loved spending time in nature, gardening, landscaping, cooking, karaoke, dancing, fishing, playing bingo, lottery scratch-offs, collecting antiques, and so much more. She was always active doing something. She was always making sure everyone around her was taken care of and happy. She sacrificed so much for her children.
Survivors include James Spradlin of the home; her children and grandchildren, Anthony Spaulding- 5 children, Chrystaleah Doherty & Shane Doherty (son in law) – 5 children, Lyzl Spaulding- 2 children, Angela Collet, Casey Spaulding & Marsha Walker (daughter in law) – 5 children, and Shane Spaulding & Elizabeth Underwood (daughter in law) – 4 children.
Private family services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
St. Mary’s Catholic School Dinner and Auction is April 13
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HBCAT Receives Sunflower Foundation Capacity Building Grant
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team recently received a $23,212 capacity building grant from Sunflower Foundation through an initiative to support the core operating capacities of nonprofit organizations across the state that are working to meet the critical health needs of their communities. This Request for Proposals (RFP) process was one of the most competitive in the foundation’s history, attracting almost 300 applications.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was one of 65 organizations to receive a Sunflower Foundation capacity-building grant. These grants are designed to provide nonprofits’ needed flexibility and the necessary time to determine how they might strengthen their internal capacity to realize their missions, better serve their communities, and bolster their impact. The grant program also provides The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with opportunities to attend high-caliber learning collaboratives and skill-building workshops supported by Sunflower.
“This grant will allow us to hire accounting and grant administration assistance to expand both HBCAT efforts locally and Rural Community Partners regionally.” States HBCAT’s President and CEO, Jody Love.
This grant funding opportunity focused specifically on organizations serving diverse populations and those that provide a wide range of services, including health care, housing supports, community safety, economic development, education, food security, social cohesion, social justice, and transportation. Applicant organizations were prioritized to receive funds based on need, the organization’s focus on underserved communities, and those organizations with more limited access to resources.
“Nonprofits are the lifeline of our communities,” said Sunflower Foundation President and CEO Billie Hall. “We are honored to call these organizations partners in our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of all Kansans and look forward to working with them in the future.”
A diverse team of experts representing the fields of public health, mental health, economic and rural development, health care, health equity, and aging, among others, provided in-depth reviews of each application. To learn more about the capacity building program and see a full list of this year’s grantees, go to the Capacity Building Grants web page.
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ABOUT The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. Comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.
Spark Wheel Receives Kansas Dept. For Children and Families Grant
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Are You A Friend of The Fort?
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Today is Presidential Preference Election Day: Make Your Voice Heard by Voting
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Presidential Preference Primary Election
(All advance ballots by mail must be received by the close of polls.)
This is a one-time presidential preference primary
Easter Egg Hunters Are Invited To Gunn Park This Saturday
The Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. sharp at Gunn Park Shelter #2. The event is for children preschool through fifth grade, with participants bringing their own Easter baskets to gather the goodies in.
The Kiwanis-sponsored event is always the Saturday before the Easter weekend.
“We recommend people get there at 10:30 a.m.,” Kiwanis President John Crain said. There is always a crowd and it may take a while to get to the child’s age-designated area.
“It’s over at 11:07,” said event coordinator Bob Eckles with a chuckle.
The Easter Bunny will be there, so parents can get a snapshot of their children with him.
“Kiwanis packs the goodies on Thursday at 6 p.m. before the event,” Eckles said. “We get help from the Key Club at the high school.”
They usually spend several hundred dollars on candy, but this year “Candy is more expensive, especially chocolate,” Eckles said.
In some of the eggs are coupons from local businesses: Hedgehog Book Store, Dairy Queen Restaurant, McDonalds Restaurant, NuGrille and Flowers By Leanna.
Cash donations for the event are from: R and R Equipment; Diehl, Fletcher and Banwart CPA;Don’s Spirits and Wines; Merle Humphrey Insurance and Photography; Iron Star Antiques; Big Sugar Lumber; Bids and Dibs Consignment and Walmart.