K-State Extension

Creative Solutions for the Child Care Crisis

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue.  Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand.  I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.

 

This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities!  I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you take a part in.

 

Child Care Community Partnership Grants

Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.

Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop:

 

Allen and Woodson

Date: Feb 28th, 9am-4pm

Location: Humboldt Sports Complex, Humboldt, KS

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230023829219149

 

Neosho, Cherokee, Labette

Date: Tuesday, April 11th, 9am-4pm

Location: DCF Office, 300 N 17th St, Parsons

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230165315113139

 

Business Tax Credit Expanded

All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.

The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment.  Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.

 

 

We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit.   For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 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.

 

 

K-State Extension

Kansas Radon Program to host info sessions

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

Research shows that one in four homes in Kansas tests high for radon. Many home inspectors are now testing for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

K-State Research and Extension is partnering with the Kansas Radon Program to bring three learning sessions to southeast Kansas. The hour-long program is free to attend and will feature information on radon risks and how to test your home. A light meal will be served.

Sessions will be held at the following locations:
Independence – Wed 2/15 at 12pm – 410 Peter Pan Rd.
Parsons – Wed 2/15 at 5:30pm – 25092 Ness Rd.
Iola – Thursday 2/16 at 12pm – 1006 N. State St.

While there is no cost to attend, registration is required to allow for food count. Register online at https://bit.ly/krpsekc or by calling (620) 365-2242.

This event is sponsored by Security 1st Title, with offices throughout southeast Kansas. Other sponsors include Kansas Radon Program and KSRE’s Southwind and Wildcat Districts.

For more information, contact Clara with the Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or Julie with the Wildcat District at (620) 784-5337.

 

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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Illusionist Coming to Fort Scott on Feb. 17

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Reza World Class Touring Illusionist!

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist is coming to Fort Scott! Come out enjoy a great event while supporting the Splash Pad and new sensory addition!

02.17.23 @ 7pm

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College

Click here to get your tickets NOW!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott Police Department

Corbin Sheldon Arrested for Arson On Feb. 2

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February 3, 2023

 

Yesterday, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:32 am, officers from the Fort Scott Police Department along with personnel from the Fort Scott Fire Department, responded to a house fire in the 900 block of S Osbun, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

Due to the suspicious circumstances of the fire, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was requested to assist with the investigation.  This investigation revealed that the fire was started intentionally.

 

At around 7:30 pm, the FSPD Special Response Team (SRT), executed an arrest warrant on a 20 year old male, identified as Corbin Sheldon, at his residence.  Mr. Sheldon was taken into custody without incident.  A search warrant was also executed at Mr. Sheldon’s residence.  Mr. Sheldon was subsequently booked into the Bourbon County Jail on the charge(s) of:

 

  • 4 counts, Aggravated Arson, which is a Level 3 person felony

 

Mr. Sheldon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  Our investigators are continuing to investigate this matter.  If you have any information regarding this case, please contact FSPD at, 620-223-1700.

Submitted by

Bill Downey Jr, Administrative Sergeant / Public Information Officer

Fort Scott Police Department

1604 S National Ave

Fort Scott, KS  66701

PD:  (620) 223-1700

O:  (620) 223-0550 x304

K-State Extension

K-State Extension: New Family and Wellness Agent is Soloman-Smith

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Tara Solomon-Smith, is the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for K-State Extension Service.

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

She began work on January 9, 2023,  at her home office  in Erie, which serves Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties, which comprises the Southwind District.

Smith is in the Fort Scott office, located at the Bourbon County Courthouse on Thursdays.

Her hometown is Yates Center.

Smith earned a bachelors degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University, and has been working in community education and engagement for over sixteen years.

The K-State Extension offers support to the community.

She offers these programs:

Walk with Ease and Stay Strong Stay Healthy:
Evidence based physical activity programs providing health
education and an avenue to safely and comfortably
increase activity.


Youth and Adult Financial Education:
Provide information and education to help increase your
financial well-being through programs such as Check Your
Credit, the interactive assessment game Money Habitudes,
and Family Financial Story Walks

Bonding Thru Board Games:
A short term or series-based lesson using board games as
a tool to support child and youth development while
developing strong families and relationships

Mental Wellness and Resiliency:
Mental wellness is an important aspect of health.
Programming includes Stress Less with Mindfulness,
Exploring Resilience, Ag Wellness, and Your Thoughts Matter.

Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas:
Assist older adults in navigating new to Medicare decisions
and yearly decisions regarding prescription drug plans.

In her spare time she enjoys being on the family farm and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two boys, Smith said.

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes

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February 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eighteen members representing seventeen agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that there continues to be an opening on the Coalition Board; they are seeking a volunteer.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: At present she has volunteers working with the Teammates program at Uniontown, Beacon, Fort Scott Housing, and Red Cross blood drives. The next blood drive is February 16 at Buck Run, 12:30 – 7:00.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA: CASA is a rewarding way to help the youth in our area.  Pioneer Kiwanis also works to support youth projects. Both organizations would welcome additional members.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K State Research: Three classes are in process at this time; she is always looking for partners who can provide space for programs.
  • Dave Gillen, Beacon: Reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers.
  • Donna Cunningham, Family Strong Program: Now housed in the Board of Education building, 424 S. Main.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 ECPS: Program is full right now but she can always take referrals for a waiting list.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Has lots of resources if there is a need:  hygiene products, medical equipment on a temporary basis, fans, bedding, temporary lodging, gas, etc.  Red Kettle campaign did not go quite so well as last year so they will suffer some budget cuts.  Allen’s hours are 10-2 Mondays through Thursdays; however, call first as Alan may be out of the office assisting someone with a need.
  • Kelly Mengerilli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Works with preschool, Happy Kids, etc. to provide quality child care.
  • Ann Elliott, Family Resource Center: In addition to writing grants and overseeing the Family Strong Grant, she can help with gaps in services.
  • DeeDee, Community Liaison: Helps facilitate a close working relationship between organizations:  Parents as Teachers, Birth to Three, Early Childhood, etc.
  • Christine Abbott: SEK Works: Works with ages 16-24 on completing a GED, job trainings, etc.  Christine is in Fort Scott on Mondays and Wednesdays at the HBCAT office.  SEK Works also provides adult services; the Fort Scott office is staffed all week.
  • Lindsey McNeil, CHC, COPE: works strictly with KU.
  • Lindsey Waterman, CHC and KU: Works with the COPE grant to house homeless, help with applications for apartments, SNAP and Medicaid. COPE is not housed in the clinic but at HBCAT office. They also help with Meals on Wheels.
  • Vicki Wright: SEK Mental Health: Have received a grant to expand training for mental health first aide: how to properly help when someone is in a mental health crisis.
  • Melinda Miller: SEK Area on Aging:  Does case management and assessing; her office is in Pittsburg.

 

  1. Program: Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice

Gentiva was formerly known as Avalon Hospice.  Melanie’s job is to educate what hospice really is because hospice is underutilized.  Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care where the focus is the patient and family – not the disease.

 

Medicare adopted hospice services in 1980; therefore, there is no cost for the service.  Hospice is not just treating physical systems; they have a whole team approach.  A physician must refer for hospice.

 

Hospice care allows patients and families to focus on the things that matter the most – time with loved ones and sharing conversations with family and friends.

 

Hospice is about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and bringing comfort, compassion and closure for patients and their families.  It is a plan of care that brings comfort, compassion, and closure for the patient and the family.  Gentiva specializes in honoring life and offering dignity to those who are facing a life-limiting illness.

 

Contact information for Gentiva Hospice:  2307 South Tucker, Pittsburg, KS 66762, 620-231-8000, gentivahs.com.

 

  1. Open Forum: Billie Jo mentioned that our April program will be a presentation by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra Department; the March program is not finalizedb

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be March 1, at 1:00 p.m.
Opinion

Holiness by Patty LaRoche

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“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  The word “holy” appears eight times in scripture, and every time I read it, I pause and ask myself, “Am I holy?”

During one of my Zoom Bible studies, that question was asked.  None of us could answer “yes.”  Then the leader questioned if we knew anyone who is holy.  I was the only one who could list someone.  She is unique.  Separated from most other Christians because her entire life is dedicated to following God’s will for her life.  She lives sacrificially.  Humbly.  She starts every day by asking her Father to give her opportunities to talk about Him to others.  She takes Jesus Christ seriously.

In C.E. Montague’s novel, Rough Justice, one scene describes a little boy, Bron, going to church for the first time with his governess. He watches attentively the entire service. The preacher climbs into the high pulpit, and Bron hears him tell terrible news. It is about a brave and kind man who was nailed to a cross, terribly hurt, a long time ago, and who still feels a dreadful pain even now, because there was something not done that he wants them all to do.

Little Bron thinks that the preacher is telling the story because a lot of people are there and they will do something about it. Bron sits impatiently on the edge of the pew. He can hardly wait to see what the first move will be in righting this injustice. But he sits quietly and decides that after the service someone will surely correct this wrong. Little Bron begins to weep, but nobody else seems at all upset. The service is over. The people walk away as if they had not heard such terrible news, as if nothing remarkable had happened.

As Bron leaves the church, he is trembling. His governess looks at him and says, “Bron, don’t take it to heart. Someone will think you are different.”

(And we all know that no one wants to be “different.”)

In The Message, Eugene Petersen’s rendering of the Bible, he takes “different” to a new level by describing it this way: “energetic and blazing with holiness.”  Any takers?

For some reason, being holy conjures up live in a monastery, fasting, praying, and never socializing, and even though some have been called to that life, for the majority of us, that’s not the case.  Holiness does not mean we have to trade in our Ford pick-up and walk barefoot through brambles or move out of our house and into a cave.  It does not mean we can’t laugh with friends, drink a latte, get a massage or take a cruise.

God’s kind of being different begins with the transformation of our minds.  Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).  When my husband coached, he had a poster in his office that made clear how important our thoughts are.

Watch your thoughts; they become your words.

Watch your words; they become your actions.

Watch your actions; they become your habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Pastor Rick Ezell wrote about being different.  “Today the world has a desperate need for people who are different. We need people who will carry their faith into the office, into Congress, into society, into the school, into the home. We need people who will be different even if it will cost them their social popularity, their economic fortunes, or their very lives.

“One does not obtain that kind of distinctiveness except through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ… He calls us to be different.”

So the question remains: Am I willing?

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Let’s Get Growing Coming to Fort Scott

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Let’s Get Growing!
Join us at our “Starting Seeds Indoor” workshop!
All participants will take home a seed starting tray with soil and seeds.
Classes are limited to 10 people; fee is $5 for class and materials.
To register, call 620.365.2242, use the QR code below, or go online: https://bit.ly/SWEDgetgrowing
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! February 2nd Weekly Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 2nd Weekly Newsletter
love_wood.jpg

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/2 ~ Community Involvement Fair by Fort Scott Forward, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 5-6:30pm, 15 local nonprofits will have booths for anyone interested to come learn about ways you can volunteer in our community. Click here for FB event.

2/2 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion, Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, BINGO starts at 7pm, American Legion will have concessions and be serving nachos.

2/3 ~ FSHS Basketball at Home vs. Parsons, V/JV/F games start at 4:30pm

2/4 ~ First Saturday Story Time @ Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 10:30am.

2/4-5 ~ FS Youth Basketball Tourn, 3rd-6th grade boys and girls. Contact 620-423-6656 to sign up.

2/4 ~ 4th Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Fundraiser by First Southern Baptist Church (across from Briggs), 8am-2pm, click here for more info!

2/6-7 ~ SEK Day on the Hill-Breakfast with Legislators, click here for more info.

2/8 ~ Better in Bourbon Boutique, 1-year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Event, 12pm to 6pm, giveaways, deals & Crooner’s Cakery treats. Click here for FB event.

2/8 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship event, Unique Challenges of a Small Business, 5-7pm, HBCAT office, FREE but click here to RSVP.

2/8 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St., 8am

2/9 ~ Gorilla Gathering Bourbon County, 6pm, registration is required, click here for more info.

2/10 ~ The Pigeon and the Dreamer, Lowell Milken Center of Unsung Heroes, 2-3pm,

click here for more info.

2/10-11 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl, Downtown & Around, Shopping & Tasting Event.

2/10 ~ Common Ground Live Music Event featuring Stephan Moses,7-8pm,

click here for more info.

2/11 ~ The Artificers classes: Coffee & Clay 9am-12pm, Cocktail & Clay 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/11 ~ The Beauty Lounge Paint & Sip Galentine’s Event, 2:30pm, click here for FB event.

2/11 ~ Cupid’s Corner at Buck Run Community Center, pre-school thru 5th grade, $1.00 for each participant. Click here for more info.

2/11 ~ February Makers Market, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 10am-3pm, click here for more info.

2/11 ~ Corporate Pinewood Derby by Boy Scouts Pack 114, Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for info.

2/15 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Kiwanis, 8am, will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

Save the Date!

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

Pancake Feed, Silent Auction & Bake Sale this Saturday by Chamber member First Southern Baptist Church

The Chamber is now taking registrations for the 2023 class of LEAD Bourbon County! Click here for the registration form.

Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship event!

Wed., Feb. 8th, free but register here.

Downtown Event: Love Local Chocolate Crawl!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.
…
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Pickert Selected as Fort Scott Chief of Police

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Fort Scott Police Captain Jason Pickert has been promoted to the Chief of Police, according to a press release from the city manager on Wednesday.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce Jason Pickert as the new Chief of Police for the City of Fort Scott” said Interim Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. “Pickert has been with the Fort Scott Police Department for the last 18 years working side by side, as Police Captain, with retiring Police Chief Travis Shelton for the last four years.”

 

Pickert started his career with the Fort Scott Police Department in 2004 after graduating from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 2005, according to a press release from Matkin.

He was a patrol office from 2004 to 2006 before taking the role of detective in the fall of 2006, serving in that role for two years.

Pickert was then promoted to Detective Sergeant in March of 2008 and served in this role for over ten years before being promoted to Captain in December of 2018.

Among the many other certificates and continued education classes, Pickert graduated with a Certified Public Manager certificate in 2017 from the University of Kansas.

“We had some very good candidates, and I was very impressed with each of the candidates we interviewed,” Matkin said. “The interview panel and I feel Jason Pickert is the one that stood out among the rest and will do a great job.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

“Pickert is a strong leader, decision maker, and a valuable resource,” Matkin said. “I look forward to working more closely with Jason and am excited to see what the future holds for the staff and the department.”

 

Pickert will take over the Chief of Police role on March 1st, 2023.

Current Fort Scott Chief of Police Travis Shelton will be retiring at the end of February.

Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton. Submitted photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News