Bo Co Coalition Meets Nov. 1
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
The regular General Membership meeting is on Wednesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.
November 1, 2023
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Travis Wilcoxsen and Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health.
- Open Forum: The December 6 program will be an update on Maggie Young’s work with tobacco cessation. In January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be December 6.
KDOT sets online meetings for input on projects to address extreme weather, natural hazards
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Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker
Have you ever said something during a conversation and the individual gawked at you like you were a nut hanging from a tree? No matter where we grew up, we all use colloquialisms; and those of us in the same region understand each other perfectly! For example, someone could say: “He‘s got a heart the size of a washtub; he’d give you the shirt off his back. But, bless his heart, he’s a brick shy of a full load.“ Or, “Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile.”
I’ve been blessed with family and friends that don’t fit into the “give an inch and take a mile” category. The God-kind of love doesn’t function like that; real love looks for ways to give, not take. But I am very aware of any enemy that’s completely hateful, selfish, and destructive, and that’s the devil. If you give Satan an inch, he’ll snatch it and turn it into a nightmare trip. That’s why the Bible tells us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8 NLT). Don’t forget the first and last portions of this scripture, as they are important keys to resisting the enemy who hates you as much as God loves you.
Don’t be asleep at the wheel! “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8,9 NLT). There’s no such thing as a joy ride with the devil. Don’t even give him a ride around the block!
A good song can inspire me as much as a good sermon. There’s a story song about the devil being a hitchhiker. Some of the lyrics are: “Don’t let the devil ride. If you let him ride, he’ll want to drive. Don’t, please don’t, let him drive your car. If you let him drive your car, he’ll surely go too far. Don’t let him drive! Don‘t do it, don‘t do it, don‘t do it.”
Sin always takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you can possibly pay. In the Garden of Eden, Eve didn’t see any harm in having a friendly conversation with the worst enemy in the world. We all know that particular interaction went south in a flash.
Believers are to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV). How often do we put on your clothes? That’s how often we’re to put on the armor of God. The devil is capable of luring unsuspecting Christians into sin. Following Christ requires godly decisions, purposeful effort, and proper use of the equipment God has provided for you. “Wiles” can be defined as clever schemes used by Satan to trap you through temptation, threat, intimidation, and deception through trickery. But you are not powerless, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him [Jesus Christ] who loved us“ (Romans 8:37 NKJV).
The Key: Don’t let the devil ride in your car — just put the pedal to the metal.
Sheriff’s Office: “Unfounded Event”
***News Release*** Taken from the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on Oct. 28:
On October 27, 2023, Bourbon County Communication Center received a 911 call from an unknown and unidentifiable caller. The caller stated, “Please help me” before the phone was disconnected. The 911 call was pinged and found to come from the area of 180th and Hackberry. First responders were dispatched to the area and were not able to locate anyone. To error on the side of caution, an area search was conducted with approximately 20 first responders searching and making contact with area residents. Residents reached were informed of the 911 phone call. The residents were asked to check on anyone that they allow to be on their property in case of an accident. All vehicles parked along the roadways in the area of the ping were checked and contact was made with the owners.
Kansas Highway Patrol was notified and a request was made for assistance for in air-support, however KHP could not assist due to current case load and weather conditions. Contact was also made with surrounding law enforcement agencies for drone assistance and due to weather conditions drone assistance was also not available.
At approximately 5:16 yesterday a private individual, who is not affiliated with any responding agency made a post on their personal Facebook page stating the following, “…911 just received a call from someone who said that they just fell from a tree stand and then the phone went dead.” This post was screen-shot and then posted on the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook by another individual who is also not affiliated with any responding agency. As mentioned earlier, the 911 call came in as “please help me”. There was nothing mentioned in the 911 call of a person falling from a tree stand. This was and remains inaccurate information related to the 911 call that was received.
In the past 24 hours since the 911 call was received, there have been no calls of any missing person(s). At this time, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will have this incident documented and listed as un-founded event.
I would like to thank Undersheriff Kevin Davidson for his leadership and all other first responders who assisted in anyway with this call. Also, I would like to thank all the citizens for their willingness to assist if called upon. It is always disappointing when individuals take to Facebook with inaccurate and false information which causes panic and more questions than we have answers for within the community.
Respectfully submitted,
Wm K. Martin, Bourbon County Sheriff
The A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare
We’ve all seen the Medicare ads that will make you wonder if you are missing out on important benefits. This is not necessarily the case and there is no need to ponder this concern alone! Trained and unbiased Senior Health Insurance Counselors are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation.
Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th-December 7th, is a great time to ask your questions! Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment. Until then, here are some Medicare basics:
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can cover:
- individuals ages 65 and older, individuals younger than age 65 years with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Qualified short-term stay in skilled nursing facilities
- Home health care Hospice care
- Part A is premium-free for most individuals
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Outpatient hospital care
- Lab tests and certain medical equipment and supplies
- In 2024, this monthly premium for most people is $174.70.
Medicare Advantage Plans are also called Medicare Part C:
- Combine Part A and Part B services (i.e., HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.)
- Some offer prescription drug coverage
- Should visit with your doctors prior to see if accepts this plan
Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage:
- Insurance that covers both generic and brand-name prescriptions
- Coverage is provided through private insurance companies
- Most will pay a monthly premium for a drug plan
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):
- Private health insurance that helps pay beneficiaries’ share of costs in Original Medicare
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays for individuals with limited income and resources
Part D Extra Help:
- Helps pay for premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs with an income eligibility requirement
For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Gordon Parks Museum Newsletter
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 30
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 30, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 10/23/2023
- Public Comments
- Bourbon County Soil Conservation District
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Discussion of Speed Limits on Gravel Roads
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Letter of Support for SEKMHC-KDOT Transportation Grant
- Appointment of KWORCC Voting Delegates and Nomination of Trustee
- 11/6/2023 Meeting
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Healthy Cooking for the Holidays
By Clara Misenhelter
Southwind Extension District
The holidays are right around the corner! Many families, mine included, have holiday traditions centered around foods that they only get to enjoy a few times each year. These traditions are important and should be cherished without guilt. However, if you are wondering how you can make your traditional holiday recipes healthier, there are several steps you can take.
First, recognize that many holiday favorites (like pumpkin pie) start with a healthy first ingredient. Think of this vegetable or fruit as the “star” ingredient. Next, find ways to “focus on the stars” so that you can reduce the large amounts of fats and sugar typically found in traditional holiday recipes. For example, try using fat-free evaporated milk when making your pumpkin pie filling instead of using regular evaporated milk. Other ways you can “focus on the stars” this holiday season include switching from a traditional green bean casserole to a green bean sauté, from traditional mashed potatoes to yogurt mashed potatoes, from a traditional pumpkin pie to a crustless pumpkin pie, or from a traditional apple pie to slow cooker baked apples. Again, remember that it is important to make changes based upon what is important to your family traditions and culture. You may have specific recipes that are important for your family to enjoy as they are without making any modifications.
To learn more, consider attending one of the “Healthy Cooking for the Holidays” programs I will be hosting in November. These programs are free, but please call 620-365-2242 to RSVP for the location you prefer out of the following options:
- Uniontown – November 8th at 6 PM
- Iola – November 13th at 5 PM
- Yates Center – November 15th at 6 PM
- Chanute – November 16th at 12 PM
This article was adapted from a fact sheet originally published by retired family and consumer sciences agent Barbara Ames. This fact sheet can be found online at bit.ly/focusonthestars. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To learn about additional programs we will be offering, visit bit.ly/southwindnews to sign up for the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Science of Happiness
K-State Research and Extension
Family and Consumer Science Agent
Southwind District
211 W. Butler
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620
The Science of Happiness
What does science say about happiness? Is there any research on what creates happiness? Thanks to recent studies, we now know how to define and create happiness in our lives. In a recent webinar sponsored by Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension, certified nurse leader and health coach Michelle Lane explained the facts of happiness.
Happiness can be defined as a combination of how satisfied you are with your life plus how good you feel on a day-to-day basis. Research tells us that 10% of happiness is determined by your circumstances, 50% is biologically determined, and 40% is controlled by your thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Contrary to what many people think, happiness is not about having the best or newest things or having lots of money.
Your outlook on life and the way you view the world around you play a big role in your level of happiness. Human brains are deeply intertwined with a mind-body connection, meaning that our thoughts and feelings directly impact our overall health. Happy people are less likely to have cardiovascular disease, have higher immunity, heal faster, have a healthier diet, and live longer lives. With over 40 years of research from Johns Hopkins, we know that diseases progress quicker in people with a negative outlook. By choosing to be happy, you can add 7 ½ years to your life! Not only does it feel good to be happy, but it is also good for our health.
A large part of our mindset is linked to four major chemicals produced in our gut. When we are fetuses inside the womb, the brain and brainstem actually pinch off from the cells that make up the stomach. This is why gut health is so important and why the saying “You are what you eat” actually has some truth behind it. Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins are the magical quartet of hormones that affect how we feel. When we accomplish something, dopamine is released into our bloodstream. Oxytocin is the love hormone and is triggered through social bonding, eye contact, and attentiveness. Giving hugs is a great way to release this hormone for a feel-good buzz. Serotonin flows when you feel important or significant. Gratitude is a great way to recognize someone or praise them, which increases serotonin. UV rays also help create serotonin so getting a little bit of sun each day (20 min) can boost your mood. Finally, endorphins are released in response to pain and stress. They help relieve anxiety and depression. Strenuous exercise, spicy foods, and cold showers release lots of endorphins.
Besides a good diet, what can we do throughout our day to increase happiness? Establishing deep, nurturing relationships with others can create a feeling of belonging, fulfillment, and overall happiness. Feeling connected with others that we truly care about helps alleviate stress. Physical markers such as blood pressure or cholesterol have less to do with how long we live than the social interactions we have as we age. Isolation and loneliness have been proven to decrease life expectancy. Be intentional about new experiences, help others, be kind, and be grateful. Doing these things will create happiness that is long-lasting.
If you are interested in watching the webinar and learning more about this topic, it can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/KSREhappiness. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT FOR BILLBOARD REPLACEMENT
A grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation helped
support the replacement of the Gordon Parks Museum billboard on North U.S. Highway 69 on the town’s outskirts.
The billboard, which sustained extensive wind damage last spring and summer, is completely different than the previous version with less text and more “eye-catching” graphics, said Kirk Sharp,
the museum’s executive director.
“The new billboard is a great attraction for visitors not only for the museum but also creates great attention and welcome to the community,” he said.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Call the Foundation at (620) 224-6500 with questions about the Community Foundation or go to https://fsacf.com/.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant,” Sharp said. “This grant allows us to not only replace and install the billboard, but to enhance it and make it easier to see and read while drivers are
traveling and coming into town.”
“We would also like to thank CDL Electric for help with the artwork and installation and replacement of
the new billboard.”
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Halloween Benefit Run for Piper Weeks This Saturday
The Fort Scott Recreation Center is facilitating an event to help a local Fort Scott High School in her battle with cancer.
“Piper Weeks is a high school student here in town who is diagnosed with bone cancer,” said Lucas Kelley, recreation director. “She is currently undergoing treatment. All proceeds from this race will be donated to the Weeks family to help with treatment costs.”
This Halloween-based 5k Run/Walk is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9 a.m.
“It is called the Spooky Scurry,” he said. “The route begins at Frary Stadium (at FSHS, 1005 S. Main) then goes south on Main Street, east on East National, south all the way to the end of Cooper Street and back. The total route is 3.1 miles. We are encouraging all participants to wear their Halloween costumes for a chance to win the prize of tickets to the Enchant Christmas Light Show in Kansas City this winter.”
“The purpose of all our 5k Run/Walks is to help provide for a need in the community,” he said. “The cost is $30 per participant. Participants can register at Buck Run Community Center (735 Scott Avenue) or the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.”
The recreation staff has created a Venmo account to accept donations for the Weeks family. To make a contribution you can do that on Venmo with the following QR code.
A reminder that 100% of the money raised will go to help Piper Weeks with her cancer treatments.
