Fort Scott

Residents of the East Side of Fort Scott: Project Ideas Needed

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Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Program Coordinator, shows the banner telling of the event. From the HBCAT Facebook page.

A community gathering is happening this Saturday to gain input on ideas to establish and develop a community project on Fort Scott’s east side.

The name of the event is Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods, and is hosted by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. The event will be on Feb. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fort Scott Fire House #2, 23 S. Franklin.  Breakfast will be provided and there will be a tablet giveaway drawing.

Fire Station #2, at First and Franklin Street on Fort Scott’s east side.

“We have $70,000 for this Creative Placemaking project through the Patterson Family Foundation Grant and Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways Grant,” Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Program Coordinator said.

“Creative placemaking is allowing community’s residents to be part of the decision-making process of the project,” Carpenter said. “They get to decide where and what the project can be. Some examples would be fixing up an underutilized park, turning an alleyway into an art gallery, or restoring an abandoned building to make it into a community center. The possibilities are endless and are completely up to the community!”

Through this project, the organization seeks to help the east side residents “reimagine a place in the community to increase vibrancy, build capacity among the residents to take ownership of their communities and improve economic conditions,” Carpenter said.

“This public forum is part of one of our Creative Placemaking projects that will be on the east side of Fort Scott,” Rachel Carpenter said.

At this event, HBCAT will review with the participants what is in place for the Creative Placemaking project, have the residents share what they want to see in their neighborhood, identify what challenges may be encountered, and start identifying the options, she said.

The target participants are Fort Scott east side residents who want to build up their neighborhood, she said.

“This is 1 of 3 public forums we will have,” Carpenter said. “Our planning committee will take the ideas from the audience that fits with the grant criteria, and pick one to start developing a sustainability plan for a project.”

The office of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National, from its Facebook page.

 About HBCAT

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. A comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.

The office is located at 104 N. National Avenue, just north of Luther’s Restaurant and Carpenter can be reached at 620.215.2562.

 

 

 

Food, Government, Kansas

Powdered Infant Formula Recalled

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KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula 

TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.

Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.

Government

Sen. Moran Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  released the following statement after Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:

 

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.

 

“I am grateful for our military service members stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 18, 2022

 

 

Crazy Weather lately the temperature has fluctuated from unusually hot to very cold – kind of like how this year’s legislative session has gone.

 

Tax Cuts The government takes too much of our money and needs to be more frugal with its spending.  I stand strong for tax cuts, not tax increases.  Last year, I led a successful effort to cut income taxes by increasing the standard deduction and allowing an option to itemize – the Governor vetoed the tax cuts, but the legislature overrode the veto.  This year, I am again working to lower your taxes. Kansans are paying record amounts of taxes – even with last year’s tax cuts.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 431 modernizes the $20,000 exemption for the schools 20 mil of property tax.  Presently, $20,000 is subtracted from a homeowner’s valuation for the 20 mill collected by the state and sent to the schools.  The $20,000 exemption was established in 1997.  To count for inflation, SB 431 would increase the $20,000 to $65,000 for 2021 and adjust annually.  The bill passed out of the Senate Tax Committee and hopefully, will be debated on the Senate floor next week.

 

Improving Adoptions in Kansas SB 12 would require performance-based contracts to be established by Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) with stakeholders.  The plan would help with early intervention services for families and children who are awaiting adoption.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Increasing Healthcare Access

SB 200 would provide Kansans an option to see a pharmacist to start therapy for the flu, strep, and UTI (Urinary Tract Infections).  Some think this is a doctor’s responsibility and overreach for a pharmacist.  While others see it as a way to improve our healthcare system.  I voted Yes.  The bill passed 37 to 2.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Common Ground Is More Than A Coffee Shop

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Common Ground Coffee Shop.

Common Ground Coffee Company is not just a place to gather but also offers small event catering and rental space venues.

Like other coffee shops, one can hang- out with others, catch up on some studying or just find a little solitude, all while enjoying specialty drinks and scrumptious foods, according to its website.

In addition to a hang-out place, the business offers small event catering and rental space venues.

The conference room, a private space at the rear of the business, is free, when available.

And there is a large space with outdoor access and a stage in the rear also called the Loading Dock.

“We rent rooms for showers and parties,” Vickie Waldron, manager, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce  Coffee attendees on Feb. 17. In addition, “We cater baked goods for small events.”

Common Ground Coffee Co. is located at 12 E. Wall St.
Fort Scott,  phone number: (620) 223-2499 or email:
[email protected]

The coffee shop is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

The excess profits are given back to the community, Waldron said.

“We donate to any of our staff’s charity of choice,” she said. “We have donated to  the Sharing Bucket, Paws and Claws, American Childhood Diabetes Assn., the local GED program, the Leukemia Association, just to name a few off of the top of my head.”

Common Grounds currently employs 16-17 people.

Hours of operation for the business are:

Monday         7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday         7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday      7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday            7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday     7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Farewell to Boyko Feb. 23

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Betty Boyko. Submitted photo.

 

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic  Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.

The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor  Boyko.

Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.

 “Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006,  and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.

“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.

“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”

“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.

Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.

Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015

Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.

“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.

Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.

To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.

“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”

About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer.   Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways:  the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott,  where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March.   If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said.  “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are:  $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fruit Trees Should Be Pruned Now

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Then remove all dead and diseased branches. Next, look for two branches that rub and remove one of the two. Branches that are growing toward the interior of the tree should also be removed. No more than thirty percent of the tree should be removed in a year.

You will want to retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications can be found on our Southwind website: www.southwind.ksu.edu

If you would like me to evaluate your trees, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Obituary

Obituary of Paul Joseph Newton II

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Paul Joseph Newton II, 64, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Friday evening, February 18, 2022, at the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

He was born July 4, 1957 in Fort Scott, the son of Paul J, and Jennie Zembal Newton. He married Sondra Simons, June 25, 1976 at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Paul Joe graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1975, where he wrestled and played football. He then attended Fort Scott Community College. Over the years he owned and operated Newton Automotive, was employed by KDOT, Fort Scott Truck & Tractor, Mid Continental Restoration and Bourbon County Public Works.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, spending time with his family, and watching his grandsons play sports. He didn’t know a stranger, and always kept us laughing. He enjoyed being the family Bingo Caller, Uber Driver, and was well known as the backup Umpire for Safe Valley Baseball and “never made a bad call”.

Paul Joe is survived by his wife, Sondra of 45 years, of the home, two sons, Paul J. Newton III (Trey) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Josh Newton and wife, Trisha of Fort Scott, a daughter, Sammi Simpson and husband, Kaleb of Fort Scott, a sister, Paulette Albright and husband, Richard of Fort Scott, and grandchildren, Ryder, Rush, Ridge & Rocki Newton, Willow Simpson and Treyton Newton, sister-in-law, Law Dawnell Newton of Rolla, Kansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul & Jennie Newton, and siblings, Marlene, Scott, and Jeff Newton.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will officiate funeral services for Paul Joe at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the Faith Church (South of Fort Scott) on Hwy 69, 2203 Deer Road, Garland, Kansas 66741.

Burial will be private (for family only) in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to IBT (services for families impacted by Autism), which may be submitted on their website: http://ibt-inc.org.

The family wants to make the memorial contribution recipient in the obituary a link to their website for ease in giving for those who want to give online:

http://ibt-inc.org

Opinion

Mississippi Squirrel Visits Missouri By Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

I recently made a trip to Anderson, Missouri to attend a ladies’ meeting at the Banner Church. I had volunteered to help Charlene, her mother, and her aunt with the setup for the evening gathering. When we brought stuff into the Life Center, we must have left the outside double doors open too long. After working a while, someone said, “There’s a squirrel!” He scurried around for a few seconds and then dashed into an adjoining classroom. I swiftly closed the doors to the room in order to contain him while Charlene found and told her husband/pastor that a squirrel was running loose in the church. Dennis nonchalantly came downstairs and quickly formulated a simple plan. We would open the outside double doors, arm three of us with push brooms, and then open the classroom doors so the squirrel could easily exit the building.

Prior to opening the squirrel’s door, Charlene felt it was important to remind us that squirrels can run up your britches leg. Dennis opened the door and the squirrel made a run for it; but it was in the wrong direction. He headed straight for me. That squirrel went totally berserk, jumped over my broom and darted up the stairs, banged his head into the glass door and zoomed back down the stairs. Someone was yelling, “Get it, get it!” as I sprinted up the stairs and opened the glass door. That half-crazed squirrel ran around the tables at breakneck speed, darted back up the stairs and burst through the open door. You might think this is just a wild tale from Ray Stevens’ hit song, but I can prove it happened because every bit of it was recorded on the surveillance camera!

I come from a long line of laughing people on both sides of my family, so I have a natural inclination to see humor in things most people don’t notice. Whenever someone told my Mom a comical real-life story and got to the punch line, she’d cackle like a chicken laying an egg. Laughing is good for our health and God makes that clear in His Word. “A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). A joyful heart will brighten and strengthen your day. The Bible has examples of people who laughed — even God laughs. “And Sarah said, ‘God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me’” (Genesis 21:6 NKJV). Abraham and Sarah named their son “Isaac” which means “He (God) Laughs.” Abraham fell on his face and laughed (see Genesis 17:17).

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy” (Psalm 126:2 NLT). What’s on the inside shows on the outside. As kids, we sang: If you’re happy and you know it then your face will surely show it, if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands (or stomp your feet). I once heard a preacher say that some Christians look like they’ve been baptized in dill pickle juice. In the Old Testament, we find that there’s a time for laughing. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to cry and a time to laugh…“ (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 NLT). Believers should take our laughter medicine every day. Studies show that 30-second belly laughs are good for your immune system. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let loose and laugh.

My Mom used to say, “You might as well laugh as cry.” I’ve found that to be pretty good advice. I actually laugh and cry all at the same time when something is extremely funny.

The Key: Go ahead and laugh like a hyena or, at least, grin like an opossum.

Bourbon County Local News