Reaching an Agreement on Historic Legislation for Veterans
For far too long, veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving our nation have been denied access to health care and benefits through the VA. This includes many of the 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans who have potentially encountered toxic exposures from burn pits – areas near military bases used to burn chemicals, rubber, medical waste, plastics, and other waste that would emit toxic smoke. As leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Jon Tester and I are committed to passing legislation to provide these veterans – and future generations of veterans – with the health care and benefits they deserve.
This past week, Sen. Tester and I reached a bipartisan agreement for the most comprehensive toxic exposure package the Senate has ever delivered to veterans in this country’s history. For months I worked with Sen. Tester, the VA and veteran service organizations to craft legislation to provide relief to all generations of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Together, we will continue working until Congress delivers on its commitment to passing long-lasting solutions and comprehensive toxic exposure reforms for those who served our country.
Read more about the impact of the legislation in the Military Times.
Demanding Answers from FDA on the Baby Formula Shortage
As Kansas parents continue to struggle to find baby formula in stores, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in asking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf about the agency’s plans to address the shortage. The shortage comes in the aftermath of Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of formula possibly connected to infant death and sickness, prompting an FDA safety investigation that temporarily closed Abbott’s Michigan formula manufacturing plant. The FDA is only now allowing Abbott’s plant to restart production of formula. Both the voluntary recall and the FDA investigation exasperated the shortage. I am awaiting Commissioner Califf’s response on the FDA’s failure to mitigate the nationwide baby formula shortage and the steps available to limit the harmful impact on families and their newborns.
Sports Performance Training – Training designed specifically for an individual to increase general and sport specialized sports performance. It is crucial to improving an athlete’s ability to master the skills of their chosen sport, reduce the risk of injury, and gain a competitive edge. Scheduled individually or in small groups each athlete has training designed specifically to teach proper movement patterns that will improve their speed, power, agility, and more. Athletes from any and all sports benefit from Sports Performance Training.
Sports Performance Training is scheduled on an individual or small group basis Tuesdays to Fridays.
Pricing –
7 to 11 years old – $50 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)
12 years old and older – $75 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)
Monthly pricing is available after the first 12 sessions
Skills Room Access
Volleyball – Utilize the Sports Attack Volleyball Skillz Attack machine. This machine can Serve, Pass, Set, and Hit. It allows any player to train any and all the positions by themselves anytime they want or need to. The Skillz Attack can also be used in small groups. Volleyball will be set-up for scheduling on Wednesdays.
Softball/Baseball – Train like an elite athlete with the Hack Attack Softball and Baseball pitching machine. Both machines can pitch multiple pitches and simulate a live pitcher by throwing balls around the strike zone instead of just straight pitches. 20 minutes against the machine will allow an athlete to see an average of 75 pitches. The Softball/Baseball machines will be set-up for scheduling on Tuesdays and Thursday for individuals and groups of less than 5 players.
All training is by appointment and on a first come first serve basis and will be the following:
Tuesdays – Softball/Baseball
Wednesdays – Volleyball
Thursdays – Softball/Baseball
Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays – Skills Room is closed to all scheduling
Skills Room Pricing
30 minutes – $25
1 hour – $40
A loyalty program will be in place for those who qualify
All previously purchased packages will continue to be honored
Emelia Whiteaker, MS, ATC, PES – Owner/Operator/Trainer
A native of Fort Scott, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Washburn University and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Sports Performance and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. Emelia holds certifications from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. Over a 15 year career she has trained athletes ranging in age from 6 years old to the professional levels and sports that include: Football, Distance Running, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Rodeo, Hockey and more. Many of Emelia’s athletes have gone on to be individual and team state champions and compete as elite athletes. It is her belief that every child that has the heart to be an athletes has the potential to be an athlete and it is her job to help them get there.
Momentum Indoor Training can be reached by Call or Text at (620) 224-8442, e-mail: [email protected] or message the Facebook page: @mitrainingfs.
The Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott has received a Level 3 accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program (GEDA), which along with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association and American Geriatrics Society developed and released geriatric ED guidelines.
“This accreditation is very exciting for us and has allowed us to focus on improving the quality of care for one of our largest patient populations,” says Jessica Cobb, Emergency Department director. “Becoming a geriatric emergency department allows us to integrate best practices and standardized approaches to care for the older citizens in our community.”
Fort Scott’s full-service ER is staffed by physicians 24/7 and includesCT scans, ultrasounds and a new, fully remodeled radiology department with six exam rooms and additional treatment spaces. As part of their geriatric certification, a nurse and physician on staff completed specific geriatric training and serve as clinical champions for geriatric care in the ED.
This accreditation allows the Emergency Department to continue to provide high standards of close-to-home care to our community. For more information about Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS. ### About Ascension Via Christi In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty infiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Sharon Kay Manahan, age 64, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, May 21, 2022, at her home. She was born August 3, 1957, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Leo James Karleskint and Alwilla Boyd Karleskint.
graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the class of 1975. She married Glen Manahan on November 21, 1975, in Ft. Scott.
Sharon began working for Mid-Western Distribution a week after graduation in 1975 and continued until the 1990’s. She then worked for Great West Insurance Company, Ruddick’s Furniture, and finally Firstsource from 2011 until 2021.
Sharon enjoyed old black and white movies, reading mystery novels, cake decorating, and ceramics in her earlier years.
She helped Glen remodel their first and only home in Ft. Scott.
Survivors include her husband Glen of the home; siblings Mark Karleskint and wife Mary Jo, Barbara Marchant, and Marilyn Miller, all of Ft. Scott; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, longtime co-workers from Mid-Western Distribution, and special friend, Cindy Lashly.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Dan Karleskint, her parents, and her dog Anthony.
There was cremation.
Hospice Chaplain Dennis Uchtman will speak briefly following a visitation from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM Saturday, June 11th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to either Integrity Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Vance Eden, 37, is the new associate superintendent of schools for USD 235, Uniontown.
Following completion of his education programming, he will assume the title of superintendent.
Process
“As I still haven’t completed my programming at this point, for the next year Mr. (Bret)Howard will work on a consultation basis to help with any needs that I may have,” Eden said.
Howard is the current superintendent who ends his tenure from the district on June 30.
“This provision is necessary under the current leadership license that I have,” Eden said. “Once I complete the coursework and receive the Kansas Department of Education licensure credential next spring, my title would then transition to superintendent.”
“We have tried to be open and transparent about this process,”he said. “I had sent a letter to parents when I was hired that explained this information, but understand that many in the community would not have received such communication.”
“I will officially assume the role July 1st,” he said. “But I have been working in transition over the course of the past 6-8 weeks to make plans for the coming school year.”
His office will be located inside Uniontown Junior High/High School building.
Uniontown Junior/Senioer High School.
Education
Eden received his Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leader from Pittsburg State University.
“I’m currently working on a Specialist in Education Degree with a Major in Advanced Studies in Leadership from Pittsburg State that will be completed in the Spring of 2023,” he said.
Experience
Just out of college Eden taught math at Webb City Middle School before transitioning to be the assistant principal of that same building.
“I then served as a Title I Reading and Math Interventionist at West Bourbon for three years before assuming the role of the principal for the past four years,” he said.
Ms. Tema Gilion will become the WBE principal in the next school year.
Background
Eden was raised in Bourbon County on the Eden family farm that is located on Hwy. 54 near Bethel Church, and attended Uniontown schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
His family is made up of “my amazing wife, Rachel, and two great kids, Scout and Rhuey,” he said.
Scout, Vance, Rachel and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.
In their leisure time, the Edens can be found outdoors.
“Our family enjoys all kinds out outdoor activities,” he said. “Riding dirt bikes and spending time on the lake would top the list for this summer.”
While in college, Eden changed careers to enter education.
“While in college pursuing a different major, the idea of becoming an elementary teacher really started to intrigue me,” he said. “I had always enjoyed kids and seemed to have a pretty natural rapport with them. Once I made the switch in majors, things seemed to fall into place pretty naturally.”
Many people inspired him to pursue education.
“I’ve been impacted by too many people to list just one,” he said. From my supportive parents and extended family, to remarkable teachers, to current friends and co-workers.”
The best part of being an educator for Eden is giving students the tools they need to pursue their passions.
There are a few challenges in education.
“Kids don’t all start from the same place,” Eden said. “They haven’t all had the same support, opportunities, and care. Schools have to find a balance in supporting social, emotional, and academic needs so that by the time they leave us as 18 year-olds they are ready to thrive in adulthood.”
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
The Prairie Sunflower Strings will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The musical group, consisting of eight musicians, play traditional folk music on dulcimers, guitar, violin, and autoharp. A few newer songs will also be added into the mix.
“These talented musicians and vocalists have been playing together for four years,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Members of The Prairie Sunflower Strings are Cherry Nelson, Joyce Love, Barbara Ray, and Jean Strader on mountain dulcimers, Charlena Burns on bowed dulcimer, Marilyn Adcock on autoharp and vocals, Sandy Hemphill on guitar, violin, and vocals, and Jack Hemphill on guitar. We are pleased to welcome this fine group back to the park pavilion. Come out and join us for a fun opportunity to see friends and enjoy some great music.“
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to The Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall
The Bourbon County Farm Service Agency has a permanent full-time Program Technician position available. Salary ranges from $32,570 to $58,158 (CO-3 to CO-7), depending on experience/education.
Benefits include health, life, retirement, annual and sick leave.
Must be a US citizen.
High school graduate or GED.
See full vacancy announcement at: http://www.usajobs.gov (type Farm Service Agency in the “what” box and Kansas in the “where” box) for details and instructions to apply on-line or by fax.
Complete application packages must be submitted online or fax by 11:59 pm EDT, June 1, 2022.
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON “HOW TO APPLY” and “REQUIRED DOCUMENTS”!
Person selected will be subject to background investigation.
For questions, please call the Bourbon County FSA Office at 620-223-1880.
The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th, 2022 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 31st, 2021.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 for the Memorial Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Airport Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at the City Commission meeting room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
Our early life stages are pretty predictable. We speak our first words and take our first steps — generally within a short time frame of a few months to a year or two. We can also count on puberty taking place between a few short years of our youth.
When we become young adults, our development and maturation from there on have more to do with our environment around us and the choices we make. These factors are what contribute to our older adults being the most diverse age sector of the world’s population.
Beyond biological changes, aging is often associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing and the experience of death of friends and partners. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole.
Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.
If people can experience their extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. This thought was brought home to me through a recent conference I attended. One of my take-away statements — “At retirement, it’s important to keep our activity level up to the level it was prior to retirement. Those activities may change and should change, but we must remain involved and active.”
Maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from tobacco use, all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, improving physical and mental capacity and delaying care dependency.
Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. Sure, we can distinguish those who are in their second half of life, but we don’t dare guess their age. Our aging processes differ so greatly that we can easily miscalculate their years through simple observations.
Every May we have the opportunity to celebrate Older Americans Month. The theme for 2022 is ‘Age My Way’ with a focus on aging in place and exploring ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.
While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:
Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.
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