Effective September 15th, 2022, Josh Jones resigned his position as City Commissioner on the Fort Scott City Commission. Persons interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner Josh Jones are asked to submit a letter of interest to: City Clerk, Diane Clay at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or by email at [email protected]. Letters of interest must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26th, 2022. Only individuals who reside in the City limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply. Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the next scheduled City Commission meeting and the term will expire in December of 2024.
Any additional information or questions may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550.
OMAHA, Neb. — Today National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Jill Jaworski as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas. Jaworski currently serves as the Chief Park Ranger at Cape Lookout National Seashore in Harkers Island, North Carolina. She will assume her new role at Fort Scott in November.
“I am excited to announce Jill Jaworski as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site,” said Frost. “Her background in complex park operations including cultural resource management and resource protection will serve Fort Scott well into the future. Her strong collaboration and teambuilding skills will be great assets to the community and staff.”
Jaworski has over 20 years of experience in NPS assignments including interpretation, emergency services, and law enforcement. As Chief Park Ranger, she has extensive experience in managing special park uses, events, permitting, and emergency response. In addition to Cape Lookout National Seashore, she has served as a park ranger at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument/Fort Matanzas National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, White Sands National Monument, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. She is currently serving as the acting superintendent at Appomattox Court House National Military Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument.
“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of this historic park and to work alongside the dedicated staff of Fort Scott,” Jaworski said of her new assignment. “I am eager to return to my Midwestern roots and work with the community, Tribes, and park partners in telling the unique stories that make this site special. I am excited by the opportunities to preserve the incredible resources here while serving the visitors who come to this amazing place.”
Jaworski will be relocating to the area this fall and is looking forward to living in Kansas and closer to her family. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, walking her dog, researching genealogy, and playing pickleball and tennis.
From the Facebook page of Montgomery County Chronicle:
CANEY CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION OFFERED TO FORT SCOTT OFFICIAL
CANEY — In a special meeting Wednesday night, the Caney City Council voted to offer a two-year contract to Kelley R. Zellner as city administrator.
Zellner is currently serving as city manager in Fort Scott, and held previous municipal posts in Fredonia as city administrator; Valley Center where he was public works director; and served as police chief in Conway Springs.
To view the rest of the story on the Montgomery County Chronicle:
John Metcalf, a Fort Scott Middle School Physical Education teacher and student support employee, has received the Middle School Coach of the Year award from the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association.
He will be receiving the award on October 8 in Salina.
“I have coached middle school wrestling for five years,” he said.
“We have around 50 kids come out each year for middle school wrestling.”
“I enjoy coaching the sport of wrestling because wrestling is a one on one sport,” he said. “So the happiness on a kids face when they know they are the only reason that they won is amazing!”
“I kind of always coached wrestling,” he said. “Since I was in high school, I would show up and help out with the kids club practices whenever I could make it. While I was at Fort Scott Community College I was offered to help start the wrestling program as an assistant wrestling coach at Uniontown. I coached there for one year before I went to Pitt State for college.”
“I didn’t get back into the coaching side of wrestling until I graduated in 2018,” he said. “I then got a job at Fort Scott Middle School as a para and also got hired as an assistant middle school wrestling coach with my dad who was the head coach at the time.”
“This past year my dad retired and I was then hired to replace him as the middle school head wrestling coach,” he said.
Kathi Hall, taken from the USD234 website.
Kathi Hall is a 6th Grade Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies Teacher at Fort Scott Middle School and she helps coach wrestling.
“This is my fourth year coaching wrestling,” she said. “I did become an assistant coach because of the increase in girl athletes in wrestling. The count of female athletes in the program varies but you can be sure that they increase each year.”
“I have always been around wrestling for the last 28 years, since my three adult boys wrestled from the time they were 5, 7, and 9 in kids club and then in high school,” she said.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
The change from summer to fall – I always look forward to it. However, the drought conditions this fall doesn’t have me very excited. I typically enjoy decorating with some mums and pumpkins, but I’m dragging my feet on it this year because I dread the thought of keeping the mums watered. We need rain so bad! But, fall does bring the time to do some tidying up around the home, storing summer bulbs, and yes – making plans for a better growing season next year.
Don’t forget to dig your summer flowering bulbs and store those that will not survive Kansas winters. Bulbs such as gladiolus, caladium, dahlia, tuberous begonia, calla lily, and canna lily need to be dug and stored so they can be planted next year.
All of these plants should be dug after frost has browned the foliage. They should be allowed to dry for about a week in a shady, well-ventilated site such as a garage or tool shed. Any excess soil should be removed. The bulbs should be packed away in peat moss or perlite. When packing, make sure the bulbs don’t touch each other. That way if one decays, the rot won’t spread onto neighboring bulbs. Dusting the bulbs with fungicide before storing will help prevent them from rotting.
Caladium should be stored between 50 and 60 degrees F. The rest of the bulbs mentioned should be stored near 40 degrees. Finding a good storage spot may be tricky. A basement wall away from a furnace is often a good location.
As for spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, allium) fall is the time to establish into the landscape. Planting this fall may be a bit tricky with the extremely dry soil. If we can catch some decent rainfall, consider planting right after that.
It is also time to fertilize spring-flowering bulbs. With an established bulb bed that has been fertilized in the past, there is probably plenty of phosphorus and potassium present in the soil to grow the plants next spring. If you’re not sure, take a soil test. A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 9-9-6 at the rate of 2.5 pounds per 100 square feet should be used if the soil needs phosphorus and potassium. This would also equal 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot.
While you’re out and about in your yard this fall fertilizing bulbs, you may want to take the time to clean up the iris beds as well. Iris are known for a couple of very common problems: a fungus known as iris leaf spot and an insect named iris borer.
Though both cause problems in the spring, now is the time to start control measurers. Both the fungus and eggs of the borer overwinter on old, dead leaves. Removing iris leaves and other landscape debris from the iris bed this fall will significantly reduce problems next spring.
On a side not away from flowers, thinking ahead to October – it is a good time to plant garlic if you want large cloves next summer. The soil should be fertilized before planting with three pounds of a 10-10-10 fertilizer, per 100 square feet, and mixed into the soil. Cloves should be planted point up and spaced three inches apart and one to two inches deep. The larger the clove planted, the larger the bulb for harvesting next summer. Once planted, water in well and mulch with straw to conserve soil warmth and encourage good establishment. The garlic will be ready for harvest next summer when most of the foliage has browned.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture 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.
Kansas Corporation Commission requires Evergy
to explain increase in capital spending plan
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has ordered Evergy to explain a $1.2 billion increase in the company’s capital spending plan filed this year compared to projections shared when the company presented its Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) last year. Today’s order requires that a workshop to discuss the matter be scheduled by September 28 and take place before December 1, 2022.
During the workshop, which can be viewed by the public on the KCC YouTube channel, Evergy will have the opportunity to explain the necessity and impact of the proposed capital spending and answer questions from Commissioners, Commission Staff, and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB). Prior to the workshop, Evergy is required to file updated and comprehensive financial modeling showing expected retail rate changes resulting from the continued increases in projected capital expenditures.
Evergy is required to file a Capital Investment Plan with the KCC annually. A report filed by Commission Staff in response to the 2022 report expressed concern that the expenditures outlined exceeded those reported in the STP by 21.82%. The 2022 five-year Capital Investment plan was $1 billion higher than the 2021 five-year plan, and this increased spending projection was on top of a previously announced $1 billion increase between Evergy’s 2020 and 2021 five-year plan.
The Commission echoed the Staff’s concerns regarding the dramatic capital expenditure increases projections and whether that trend will undermine the goal of achieving regionally competitive rates and reliable electric service, especially with rising inflation.
The Order states, “Evergy’s Capital Improvement Plan affects the majority of Kansans and thus requires public scrutiny.”
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to accept the resignation of a City Commissioner. An Executive Session may follow at the end of the meeting.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
It has been a privilege to serve Fort Scott for the last two years as Mayor/City Commissioner.
I have had the honor to get to know some of the best employees Fort Scott has.
I haven’t always made the right decisions but I truly felt like the decisions I made was for the betterment of Fort Scott.
My house outside of city limits will be complete in 4-5 months however I feel like it is best to resign as your city commissioner effective immediately as I feel the direction of the current commission is moving in a direction that differs from my views and it would be better suited for me to resign early and let a more motivated commissioner come on board.
The Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
2022 Gordon Parks Celebration – Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 6th
PHOTO EXHIBIT– In the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The photo contest sponsored byMerl Humphrey Photographywill be on display with the theme of “I Am Driven By”. Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee,8 a.m.
PHOTO EXHIBIT– In the Gordon Parks Museum and Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Gordon Parks Mercy Foundation Collection, with some of Gordon’s photos and poems.
SIGN DISPLAY & MURAL DISPLAY –Visit the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park, 1 S. Main St., Gordon Parks is one of the featured signs. View also the mural of Gordon Parks, by local artist Stephen Toal, at Riverfront Park, 400 N. National.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. –Showing of the film Criterion CollectionThe Learning Treein FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn) “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society”Arif Khatib, Filmmaker, Author, and Founder/President at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. Arif will present his book that not only tells the stories of many of our great sports figures in history, but also addresses their pain on the road to greatness. “It is a must read” to understand why we must stay focused and make this society understand that we must all commit to a just society and make things better for generations to come.FREE to Attend. Chicken Caesar & Club wrap lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us.Dessert and drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. –Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott &The Learning TreeFilm Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.Fee: $7. 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. –Showing of the filmLeadbellyin the Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. –“Fort Scott Book Club Presentation,” “A Choice of Weapons Revisited”,Hosted by Park Rangers from Fort Scott National Historic Site.(Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments). FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE. 7:00 p.m. –“Photography Techniques: Jim Richardson on Gordon Parks Photos”National Geographic Magazine Photographer Jim Richardson will discuss and explore the photographic techniques Parks used to create his signature images, which reflect the documentary esthetic of LIFE magazine in its heyday era. This freewheeling discussion will honor Parks as a master technician, part of his huge talent that is often neglected. Gordon Parks made iconic photographs(Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments)FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
Friday, October 7th 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – “Video Production Seminar: Fort Scott African American Experience Grant Project”This video seminar/presentation will show and discuss what video and movie making is about and how to find inspiration and some insight of the technical aspects. Students will then be creating videos and social media posts of their findings or to tell the stories they uncover. This is open to the community to attend.
This is part of a grant project collaboration with the Fort Scott National Historic Site where H.S. & college students from the Fort Scott area will conduct research of unsung African Americans or events they are associated with from the Fort Scott area. Moderated by Carl Brenner, Project Grant Director & Acting Superintendent at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, with featured panelist; David Parks, photographer, filmmaker, author, and son of Gordon Parks, Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks, along with Eli Reed, acclaimed photographer and author. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theater. This project is funded by a federal grant. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. –“A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.”The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger Cowans, and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “Gordon Parks and Kansas: New Open Access Digital Resources”Aileen June Wang, Curator, and Sarah Price, Collections Manager, at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art along with Katherine Karlin, Professor, English Department, Kansas State University will introduce new findings about Gordon Parks from their research for a virtual exhibition of Gordon Parks photographs, an open access digital exhibition catalog, and the websiteThe Learning Tree: A Gordon Parks Digital Archive.FREE to Attend.Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “I Needed Paris Project Update”with Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, Photojournalism, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University. This will be an update on the “I Needed Paris” project that will take a group of diverse American student photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks, when he worked in the Paris Bureau of Life magazine 1949-1951. This session reimagines Gordon’s iconic fashion, portrait, and documentary photo essay work. The session peeks inside some of the book chapters – portraits of African American expats, trendy black fashion designers, and an intimate look at the homeless, migrant, and refugee communities – that will be published to document this project in 2023.FREE to Attend.Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. –“Choice of Weapon Honorees Presentation”The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger Cowans and William C. Rhoden, will each share their perspective works in photography, art, books, videos, etc….Adger Cowans, Photographer, Author, painter will present some of his photography. Mr. Cowans will show photos from his personal collection and of Gordon Parks, who was a longtime friend.William C. Rhoden, Documentary Award winning sports columnist and author for the New York Times, Author of Forty Million Dollars Slaves, and a writer at large for Andscape, will share some of his video stories, columns, and information from his books. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
Schedule subject to change. Please check at www.gordonparkscenter.org for any updates
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. –Film Screening Presentation: “Presence of Absence: Gordon Parks Through an Empathic Lens”Multimedia artist, Andrew F. Scott will present his video with Six-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective in Concert, and will discuss the process of putting this project together and creating it with Professor Matthew Gainer, Professor of Graphic Design, Department of Art at Kansas State University along with his students. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 7:30 p.m. –“Hot Jazz & R&B”(Social Hour at 6:30 p.m.) Featuring, Paula Sanders & Derick Cunigan, Multi-talented Jazz & R&B Vocalists, performing the very best in Jazz & R&B. Cash bar available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St.Fee: $25.00. Reserve Tickets by Wed, Oct, 5.
Saturday, October 8th
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. –Panel Discussion “Taking the Shot”Join us for a panel discussion on photography and how to take or create great photographic images. Some discussion will include: techniques, lighting, depth, inspiration, and impact. Moderated by John Mason, Associate Professor, University of Virginia Department of History with featured panelist; Adger Cowans, 2022 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, San Jose State University, Eli Reed, Photographer & 2021 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Veretta Cobler, Photographer, and Don Thompson, Photographer.Coffee, water, juice, and light refreshments will be available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE.
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. –“Open Mic Poetry”This open mic is for any poets, rappers, musicians, or artists of all ages to read their work. Bring your friends, your poetry, your instruments, your beats, your inspirations, your creativity, and your talent! No sign-up necessary, just hop on the mic when you’re ready! Hosted by poet, Barbara L. Eikner. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “Buffalo Soldiers Presentation”The Alexander/Madison Chapter – Greater Kansas City/Leavenworth Area 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association will be in full authentic Buffalo Soldier uniforms. The troopers will provide a moving presentation on the great legacy and rich background of the historic Buffalo Soldiers from the years 1866 to 1944. Original Buffalo Soldier artifacts will be on display during the presentation. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE “BBQ on the Patio” Come and join us for some great barbeque, potato salad, chips, drinks, etc.Sponsored by Dunks BBQ. (Visitors may bring their own lunch.) Drinks will be provided. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. –“Film Screening Presentation:Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Million”This is an award-winning documentary film that received the Gordon Parks Black Film Excellence Honorable Mention Award (2021) at the Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, KS. Directed by Jason R.A. Foster, and produced by Michael “Quess?” Moore and Jeremy Liu,Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Millionis a poetic documentary about the 1 in 3 Americans and counting, living in economic insecurity.FREE.
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. –Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott &The Learning TreeFilm Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.Fee: $7. 7:00 p.m. –“Celebration Tribute Dinner”(Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of celebration and dinner, with music, tribute, and presentation of the 2022 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Adger Cowans and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. 2108 S. Horton St. All seats reserved.Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed, Oct. 5)
Sunday, October 9th
9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge.Enjoy a breakfast buffet at one of Fort Scott’s finest! Located at 117 S. Main Street, Downtown Fort Scott. You are sure to find something on the buffet that will please your appetite. Check it out at: fscrooners.com. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)
TICKET PURCHASEFOR THE 2022 CELEBRATION: Friday, October 7th Hot Jazz and R&B –Reserve Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th Questions? Call us at 620.223.2700 ext. 5850 email: [email protected] Gordon Parks Museum 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS 66701 Or register online at: www.gordonparkscenter.org
Saturday, October 8th BBQ on the Patio –Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Fri., Oct. 7th
Saturday, October 8th Tribute Dinner –Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th (Lunch & Learn) Friday “Exhibition Catalog/E-book: Homeward to the Prairie I come.”______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______. (Lunch & Learn) Thursday “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society.” ______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______. Name, Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number & Email: ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ CHECK ENCLOSED payable to the Gordon Parks Museum Hot Jazz R&B Friday______tickets at $25 each for a total of $_______. BBQ on the Patio Saturday______FREETickets. Celebration Tribute Dinner Saturday______tickets at $30 each for a total of $_______. Total Registration Cost…………………….$_________.
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks and his incredible drive. “Driven by an insatiable hunger, I still search for those things that inspire me–beautiful imagery, music, and literature.”
The theme of the contest is “I Am Driven By…” This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of this quote and what they are driven by?
Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 6 – 8, 2022. All photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 10 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the latest.
For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.
Sept. 11, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Throughout September, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Nearly everyone will feel the ripple effects of suicide in their lifetime. Those left behind experience grief, sorry and, often, regret. But, repeatedly, experiences show that suicide is preventable when caught in time to help. To build awareness about suicide prevention, it’s essential to know the warning signs and risk factors.
10 Warning Signs
Depression: Frequently, suicide is accompanied by long-lasting sadness, despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who seem to withdraw from family and friends or isolate themselves from usual social activities may be exhibiting signs they are thinking about ending their lives.
Untreated mental health condition: It’s common for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mood disorders (along with other mental health conditions) to experience thoughts of suicide. It’s even more likely that people with undiagnosed or untreated issues may consider suicide.
Substance use: Any kind of substance abuse can increase the likelihood that a person may consider ending his/her life. When a person’s substance use increases or escalates in severity, it’s a strong warning sign that something is amiss and needs attention.
Reckless behavior: It’s a warning sign that someone may be having thoughts of ending their life when they begin engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary and excessive risks, such as participating in unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. It’s especially worrisome when someone who normally acts with caution and care acts with reckless abandon without caring about the consequences.
Statements about suicide: People who say they want to die usually mean it. Anyone who says they are considering killing themselves is definitely at risk. Suicidal people may say they feel hopeless or they have no reason to live. Searching online for suicide methods or buying a gun can also indicate someone is a serious threat to themselves.
Final preparations: Making a will or setting up life insurance policies is responsible adulting. However, when someone sets about to making final preparations it may, also, be a sign they are planning to hurt themselves. Other indicators of final preparations might include: giving away prized belongings and informing others about their life insurance policies, will, burial arrangements or who will get their assets. Another sign can be making it a point to clean their house or garage, being sure to not leave any loose ends to burden their loved ones.
Unusual display of emotion/affection: A person who suddenly makes it a point to share their love and affection for a friend or family member may be showing a sign that they are considering suicide. Many times, people who are thinking of ending their lives will unexpectedly visit family members and friends and deliver an exaggerated goodbye when they see someone they care about. These behaviors can be signs they are in severe distress.
Trauma/life crisis: Many people who think about committing suicide have a history of serious childhood trauma; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; or bullying in their lives. It’s also common for those on the verge of ending their lives to have recently experienced some other circumstances that makes them especially vulnerable: the loss of a loved one; unemployment; money crisis; or a relationship break up.
Chronic/fatal health condition: Anytime someone is diagnosed with a severe health condition, it can impact their mental health. If they are in constant pain or discomfort, it increases the chances they’ve considered suicide. Many people worry about how their health condition will continue to affect them, fearing they will be/are a burden to their loved ones.
Sudden calm or cheer: It’s relatively common for someone contemplating suicide to seem suddenly calm, at peace and, maybe, in good cheer. But it can be a warning sign of suicide that someone who is usually anxious, depressed or upset is relaxed and good with the world. It’s extremely possible they are no longer at war with themselves and have settled on their decision to end their life.
There is not just one single warning sign that can help prevent suicide. But, by being aware and making connections with others, it’s possible to notice the signs that are very clear indicators that someone is not ok.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
