Business, Government, Kansas

KS Is a National Leader in Economic and Income Growth

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Kansas: National Leader in Economic and Income Growth in First Quarter of 2023

~~Bureau of Economic Analysis Report Reflects Success of Kelly Administration Efforts to Create Jobs, Support Businesses~~

TOPEKA – A report recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that, in the first quarter of 2023, Kansas ranked fourth in the nation for personal income growth and seventh in the nation for economic growth. The report highlights the Kelly administration’s success in recruiting and supporting businesses that grow the state’s economy and increase wages for workers.

“This report is further proof that the work my administration is doing to create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and balance the budget is benefiting Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The days of Kansas making headlines for failure and mismanagement are long behind us. Now, we are leading the nation in creating a strong economy.”

Kansas’ real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state, grew by 6.0% from the fourth quarter of 2022 when adjusted for inflation, triple the national average of 2.0%.

Personal income in Kansas grew by 8.4% over the same period, surpassing the national rate of 5.1%.

“This report demonstrates the resiliency and strength of the Kansas economy,” Secretary of Administration and Director of Budget Adam Proffitt said. “The state has placed in the top 7 for both GDP and Personal Income in the aggregate and across multiple sectors of the economy, showing that our economy is not overly dependent on any one sector. Our state’s fiscal health is strong, and the outlook remains promising.”

The report showed that agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting were the lead contributors to growth in states including Kansas – a testament to the Kelly administration’s efforts to reinvigorate the state’s economy across multiple sectors.

“The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and residents have worked hard to build a reputation for the Sunflower State as one of the top states in the nation for outdoor recreation, and our six percent rise in real GDP this quarter certainly reflects that,” Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Brad Loveless said. “By prioritizing sustainable practices and collaboration with private landowners, I’m confident we’ll continue to develop our great tradition of hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping for many more generations, and visitors, to come.”

“Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Kansas economy, and the growth we’ve seen in agriculture and agribusiness across the state shows the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansans,” Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said. “Innovative approaches in technology, science, and sustainability will keep Kansas agriculture at the forefront of producing the food, fiber, and fuel that are needed in the future.”

Read more from the BEA here.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

Presenting Osage History and Culture Through Ballet Requires Care

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PAWHUSKA, Okla.—When researching Osage history for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet, co-creator Randy Tinker-Smith, founder of Osage Ballet, spoke with around 50 elders. Tinker-Smith is Osage, and she knows that some things are not meant to be shared onstage.

“While doing research for the ballet, I spoke with around 50 Osage elders,” she said. “I did not want to do one thing without permission. I met with some of them numerous times, and by the end of that year we had lost three of them. Now looking back, I am just so thankful that I had that time with them.”

 

With Martin Scorsese’s film Killers of the Flower Moon being recently filmed in the present-day Osage Nation, Osage history is on the minds of many people. Visitors to Fort Scott, KS have three opportunities to experience 400 years of the rich history of the Osage through artistic dance when Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet is presented at Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, July 21 and 22.

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

The production is the work of Osage Ballet, a nonprofit organization which seeks to preserve and share the history of the Osage people through dance.

 

The first half of the ballet depicts life in the Osages’ ancestral homelands, which encompassed much of the middle of the United States, including the entirety of what is now Missouri. One of the earliest diaries chronicling the Osage people describe them as the “happiest people in the world.” Family and ceremony were at the center of culture and moving with the seasons was a way of life. With the arrival of Europeans, many of the ceremonies and the complex Osage clan system were almost decimated by war and disease. Like many Indigenous people, the mighty Osage were forced west onto smaller and smaller pieces of land. Eventually, the Osage bought their own reservation in Indian Territory and settled there in what is now Osage County, Oklahoma.

 

Tinker-Smith said her own family’s history was on her mind as she researched.

 

“When our tribe left Kansas in 1871, there had been so much death because of smallpox and starvation and other diseases,” she said. “The buffalo had been slaughtered. Fences had been put up. Everything had changed drastically. Because of that, the elders put away our ceremonies because they did not have the animals, plants, and implements they needed to do them properly. We are a highly organized people: You have a purpose, you learn how to do it, and you pass it on, but that could not be done anymore. My great-grandfather was born at St. Paul Mission in Kansas. I read a diary that said 600 Osage people died in one week while he was living there. This history touches our family so deeply.”

 

The first act of the ballet chronicles what was lost, while the second act portrays how the Osage survived and continue to thrive despite so much trauma.

 

“When I started meeting with these elders, I wanted to have permission about what I could tell in the story,” she said. “As long as I am alive, for example, you will never see our sacred ceremonial ways on our stage, but what you will see are the things we still have: Fire, feathers, water. Songs. There is a lot that we can share, and it is exceptionally beautiful.”

 

The Osage Ballet, Wahzhazhe was created by a predominately Indigenous team with choreography by Jenna LaViolette (Osage) and original music by Osage composer Lou Brock. Dr. Joseph Rivers, chair of the film department at the University of Tulsa, composed original music and arranged the score. Osage artists Wendy Ponca, Alexander Ponca Stock, and the late Terry Wann, designed the costumes and backdrops. Shawnee Peoria artist Roman Jasinski, Jr. served as artistic adviser. (Jasinski is the son of Moscelyne Larkin, one of five Indigenous ballerinas from Oklahoma to gain international fame in the 20th century.) Professional dancers for the production are from ballet companies around the US. Joining the professional dancers are students of Dance Maker Academy in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, representing 19 Native nations.

 

For tickets and information on the July 21 and 22 performances in Fort Scott, KS visit their website, www.osageballet.com/events  and watch for posts

Government, Kansas

KS Spanish Suicide Prevention App Now Available

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Kansas – A Friend AsKS youth suicide prevention app now available in Spanish

TOPEKA – (July 6, 2023)  – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced a significant update to the Kansas – A Friend AsKS youth suicide prevention app that makes the resource available in Spanish.

The app was released in September 2022 and was developed in partnership with The Jason Foundation, a national suicide prevention organization. The app is available for free in both the Apple and Google Play Stores.

“When we released the English language app for young people, mental health counselors, school administrators, and law enforcement, I quickly learned that a Spanish translation should be the next step. Now Spanish and English-speaking families have these resources available that, along with other things we are doing in Kansas, will help prevent suicide,” said Laura Moore, Kansas Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator.

Kansas – A Friend AsKS is designed to be a resource for youth who are personally dealing with a mental health crisis or helping their friend walk through a mental health issue. The app provides information about suicide warning signs, gives suggestions for how to communicate about and discuss suicide with a friend as well as what NOT to say when supporting a friend during a mental health crisis.

A valuable asset in the app is the direct link to 988. Users can directly connect to the national suicide and crisis lifeline through the app. With the Spanish translation update, now all of the valuable resources are available to users in both Spanish and English.

The need for such resources has never been more evident, as both youth and young adult completed suicide numbers in Kansas continue to be at an all-time high.

  • Suicide was the second leading cause of death for Kansas early adolescents age 10-14 and youths age 15-24 in 2016-2020. Source – Kansas Health Institute
  • 2020- 26 suicide deaths, eight of which were age 14 or younger. 22 were male, four were female. Source -2022 State Child Death Review Board annual report
  • The rate of suicide deaths in the 15-17 age category more than doubled between 2016 and 2017 and has remained high the past three reported years. Source – 2022 State Child Death Review Board annual report
  • In addition to the number of youth that die by suicide, many more across Kansas struggle with suicidal thoughts and/or attempts. In 2019, there were 6,170 Hospital Admissions for Suicidal Ideation for Kansans aged 10-18 years. Suicide ideation, attempt and completion rates have each increased in our state. Source – Kansas Department of Health and Environment

If you or a loved one is contemplating suicide or dealing with a mental health crisis, please connect with the suicide and crisis lifeline through the Kansas – A Friend AsKS app or by dialing or texting 988.

The Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator was established in the Office of the Attorney General following the recommendation of the Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force. The position was created by statute in 2019 to identify, create, coordinate and support suicide awareness and prevention efforts throughout Kansas.

The coordinator develops and promotes multidisciplinary and interagency strategies to help communities, schools, mental health professionals, medical professionals, law enforcement, and others work together to prevent and address youth suicide. Development of the A Friend AsKS is a key part of the overall strategy.

More information about the Office of the Attorney General’s youth suicide prevention efforts and links to download the app are available at https://ag.ks.gov/asKS. To learn more about the Jason Foundation visit https://jasonfoundation.com.

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CONTACT: John Milburn – (785) 296-8495; [email protected]
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Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet July 11 at Lyons Realty Group

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, July 11th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Government

New City Commissioner: Melissa Guns

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Melissa Guns. Submitted photo.

Melissa Guns, 43, was recently selected to serve on the Fort Scott City Commissioner, replacing Josh Jones, who moved outside the city limits.

She was sworn in directly after being selected on June 18.

Fort Scott City Hall.

“The duties of the position include working with other council members to make fiscally and ethically sound decisions, closely reviewing and monitoring the budget and expenditures, creating the budget, passing ordinances that will benefit the greatest number of citizens possible, ensuring city policies do not harm vulnerable populations, bringing concerns and needs regarding the day-to-day operations to the attention of the City Manager, listening to citizens’ concerns and viewpoints, passing policies that will help the growth of the city’s economy, working to reduce or minimize the tax burden of citizens whenever possible, and collective oversight of the City Manager,” she said.

Citizens may contact Guns with concerns or comments by emailing  [email protected] or calling City Hall and leaving a message with the City Clerk.

Background

Guns graduated from Barnesville High School in 1998, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science in 2005 and Master of Education in 2012, both through Wilmington University, New Castle, DE

She is currently employed as a Program Evaluator at Greenbush Education Service Center in the Research, Evaluation and Grants Department.

“In my current role, I have written three grants for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) all of which were funded for $500,000 each over five years.”

She evaluates and writes grants. These grants provided funding for improving literacy by providing training for teachers, access to books, etc.

Guns is part of the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC)  evaluating for the Kansas Prevention Collaborative and other coalitions who have received prevention grants from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

She also evaluates the Kansas Prevention Collaborative trainings, events, and workforce.

“I also build surveys and other evaluation tools, most recently supporting the State Opioid Response, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, Community Mental Health Centers, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, and the KS Heart Program, and has also written smaller grants outside of Greenbush.

Prior to moving to Kansas in 2016, she was an administrative assistant for Bradco Services, a small construction company, putting together bids and familiarizing herself with the International Building Code Standards, learning federal payroll compliance,  developing marketing and media to promote the business.

In her youth, she taught Bible classes to younger children, went on mission trips within the U.S. and Honduras, cared for the elderly at an assisted living home, and participated in AmeriCorp/VISTA as a Volunteer Coordinator for a summer reading and nutrition program in Parkersburg, WV.

Philosophy

Guns believes good citizenship is a duty.

She loves the area in Ohio where she grew up and learned first-hand that there is a need to have ” a broad enough industry to provide jobs to people from all walks of life and education levels. I believe that if a town is not moving forward to ensure jobs, housing, infrastructure, and financial stability it will slowly die.”

“I want to ensure Fort Scott retains small town values while expanding enough that no matter what path our children take when they graduate high school, Fort Scott is a thriving desirable community where they will not have to choose between making their own homes in Fort Scott or having to move away in order to have a  job in their chosen profession,” she said.

“The choices we make now will determine the future,” she said. “It is imperative that Fort Scott makes sound fiscal decisions, grows economically, and repairs infrastructure in a way that supports future maintenance and expansion, while retaining the City’s rich history. That is the reason I submitted my letter of interest for the open position. I want to help Fort Scott achieve these goals and believe my experience will allow me to examine the decisions that need to be made from multiple perspectives to determine the best course of action.”

“I am working on creating a public Facebook page by which citizens may also contact me,” she said. “Please note that the ability to post on my page will be limited as this is meant to be a method of contact and not a public forum. Any questions, information, or issues that are appropriate for the City Manager to handle will be forwarded to him. I will respond to let you know the issue has been brought to his attention and any actions that are taken as a result. If citizens would like to share their viewpoint on an issue, I am happy to listen. I will not and cannot comment regarding personnel issues or instruct city personnel, as the only city employee under the direct purview of the committee is the City Manager.”

“Issues or concerns regarding employees other than the City Manager should be directed to Brad Matkin,” she said. “I will however, listen to and confer appreciation and accolades for city staff. ”

Family

Doug and Melissa have five children. Doug Jr.  lives in Virginia. Their  son Zander and daughter Emma attend Fort Scott High School, son John attends FSMS, and youngest son Lincoln attends Winfield Scott Elementary School.

 

 

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fabric Art Classes offered July 8 at the Artificers

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Not Your Grandma’s Quilting Class!

You’re invited to work with textile artist Liberty Worth to give new life and artistic outcomes to old fabric scraps. We will be “painting” (no paint involved) with fabric to create new objects d’art. Class will be held July 8th 10am-12pm & 1-3pm!

You’ll Need…

a creative spirit, and an iron! That’s it!
Register for The Fabric Art Classes Here!

Connect with your Teacher

For more of Liberty check out her social!

Obituary

Obituary of Terry Wood

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Terry Donald Wood, “Woody” age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away early Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born September 15, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the son of William Vern Wood and Juanita June Johnston Wood.

Woody graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1968 and then graduated from the Ft. Scott Junior College.

He married Susan Bollinger on April 13, 1985, at Ft. Scott.

Woody worked for Kansas City Power & Light at the Lacygne Power Plant. He retired as an electrician/technician after forty years of service.

Woody enjoyed woodworking, a talent he received from his father, and completed many projects including treasure boxes for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing. Favorite times were spent at the “farm” where Woody enjoyed cutting wood, clearing trails and spending time outdoors. Country road “cruzin” in the Razor with his friends he enjoyed immensely. And of course, a few cold ones.

Survivors include his wife, Susan, of the home; three children, Shane Wood (Amy) of Overland Park, Kansas, Shannon “Sis” Pulliam (Kyle) of Arizona City, Arizona and Shannon Bollinger, of Ft. Scott and eight grandchildren, Chance and Chase Crawford, Derek, Drew, Dylan and Dalton Bollinger and Bentley and Jett Wood. Also surviving is a sister, Sherry Hicks of Palm Desert, California.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and June Wood.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share or the Wounded Warrior Project and 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 the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Geraldine Reeder

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Geraldine “Geri” Patricia Reeder age 91 passed into her heavenly home and the arms of her Savior on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Geri was born October 17, 1931 in Uniontown, KS to Ebbie E. and Hazel D. Wolford.

Although she lived some of her early years in towns along the old Missouri Pacific Railroad line due to her father’s work, she lived the majority of her life in the town she loved, Bronson.

She attended the Bronson schools and graduated from there in 1949. Her love of music led her to participate in glee club, band and orchestra. While attending Bronson High she met and dated the man who would be the love of her life, Elvis Myrle. They were married on July 16, 1950 at the Bronson Methodist Church by Rev. Henry E. Milliken. This union would see 68 years prior to Elvis’s death.

Geri was a lifetime member of the Bronson Methodist church and served in numerous capacities, but served for decades as a youth Sunday School teacher having begun teaching at 13 years old. She was also a lifetime Eastern Star member, Bronson Ruritan member, former city council member, Cub Scout den mother, and member of numerous clubs and civic organizations. She loved to hand quilt and no one she met was a stranger for very long. She loved every four-legged creature, but most especially her cat Itsy-Bitsy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elvis, parents Ebbie and Hazel, brother Roger E. Wolford, sisters Betty Johnson and Corrine McAllister, and a son Elvis Erwin Reeder.

Geri is survived by son Steve and wife Betty of Carl Junction, MO; granddaughters Sonia and husband Paul Jones of Garnett, KS; Andrea and husband Michael Page of Culleoka, TN; Kattia and husband Tim Thompson Gas, KS. Grandsons Bill and wife Laci Reeder of Emporia, KS; Todd and wife Ashley Reeder of Independence, KS; Zach Andrews currently serving in the U.S. Navy; ten great-grandchildren, beloved nieces and nephews, many other beloved family and friends.

There was cremation. Pastor Todd Reeder and Pastor Tracy Smith will conduct celebration of life services on Saturday, July 15, at 11:00 AM at the Bronson United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time in the Church Annex.

Private burial of cremains will take place in Bronson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Bronson United Methodist Church and may be left at the church or in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Area News, Business, Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Foundation Annual Truck Raffle Drawing  

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Gwen and Pete Martin. Submitted photo.

 

Local Woman Wins 23rd Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Annual Truck Raffle Drawing

 

After 23 years, the Friends of Tri-Valley  Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing has a Kansas Winner.  The Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 23rd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing:  Gwen Martin.  Gwen’s ticket was drawn from 1,659 entries on Friday, June 23rd at 1:30 pm by TVDS Financial Specialist Christie Fritch.  Gwen was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won.  Gwen came on Wednesday, June 27th to collect her prize.  She is from Woodson County and  as such is familiar with the services Tri-Valley provides and has been a proud supporter in the past.   She is from now the proud owner of a 2023 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.  This year’s raffle drawing raised $10,000 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).   Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired eight houses and one duplex.  These fifteen houses are home to 66 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.   The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).

Tricia Campbell, TVDS Special Projects Coordinator; Gwen and Pete Martin; Bill Fiscus, TVDS CEO; and Jeff Lassman, Steve Faulkner Ford. Submitted photo,.

 

 

Bourbon County Local News