Mapleton Medical Clinic: Providing Care For The Rural Community

 

Inside the Mapleton Medical Clinic. Submitted photo.
Tiffany Yowell, 42, and her parents opened Mapleton Medical Clinic in December 2023.
Tiffany Yowell and her mother, Cindy Larson. Submitted photo.
Yowell has a Master’s degree from the University of Saint Mary and is an Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner.
She works beside her parents, Fred and Cindy Larson, who are registered nurses, with over 25 years of nursing experience.
Tiffany Yowell and her father, Fred Larson. Submitted photo.
“I have been in healthcare for 22 years and have watched a significant decline in the quality of care,” Yowell said. “I have worked in multiple clinic settings and have a strong background in emergency medicine and family medicine. The clinic is a family operation. Cindy and Fred Larson are registered nurses with a solid clinical background and a wealth of knowledge.”
“The clinic is a private practice,” she said. “I do not have a collaborative. I have been waiting for Kansas to pass the law that allows nurse practitioners to practice independently of a physician, and now I have finally got my wish.”
Since 2005 she has been dreaming of working as an independent provider.
 ” I wanted to be independent because we can provide better healthcare,” she said. “If I worked within a healthcare system, I would have a lot of background noise distracting providers from high-quality and personalized healthcare, such as patient volume, time constraints, and meeting quotas. As a patient, you can rarely speak directly to your provider, every process seems to take too long, and let’s be honest, most of us avoid the process altogether because it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and less than satisfactory.”
“Our philosophy is patient-centered care, striving to provide care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences,” she said. “I believe in helping individuals, educating them about their health conditions, and empowering them to collaborate with me to develop the best treatment plan. We believe in treating the WHOLE person, not just their symptoms. I do not believe in cookie-cutter medicine. I believe in listening to patients and allowing them the time they deserve to tell their stories. People are often misdiagnosed and overmedicated just because healthcare providers do not give the patient enough time to work through their concerns.”
For her community, she provides tailored medical care and telehealth services, lab services and on November 12 they are starting monthly education classes.
“On Nov 12 we have a Medicare representative coming in to talk with residents about Medicare services, and a question and answer session,” she said.
There is a fee for service to uninsured patients, with
concierge care also available- a monthly membership fee for uninsured patients or patients requiring frequent contact with the provider.
“Radiology services are not available at the clinic,” she said. “Orders can be sent to a local hospital or diagnostic center.”
Hours of operation vary.
“The goal is to be open every other week on Thursdays and Fridays, but it is best to check our Facebook page or the website for days the clinic is open.  I want to be full-time in the next 5-10 years.”
Contact info.

The Mapleton Medical Clinic is located at 171 Sixth Street, Mapleton, Kansas 66754.

Office and Fax: (620)743-3049 (Limited hours of operations) If you have a medical emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Inside the Mapleton Medical Clinic. Submitted photo.

 

The Ruptured Duck by Carolyn Tucker

 

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

The Ruptured Duck

Several years ago (when Dad was still alive) I was looking through his World War II citations and decorations as he explained what each one represented. I respectfully picked up the Bronze Star which was still nestled in its original box. He had previously told me that a total of 400 infantrymen were to secure the village of Morhausen, Germany. Unfortunately, the other company of 200 that was to enter from the opposite side never made their objective. The village was full of Hitler’s SS troopers. Out of the 200 U.S. soldiers engaged in this horrific battle, 183 were either killed or wounded. My dad was never wounded in the war. After telling me this detailed incident of earning his Bronze Star, he walked out of the room and bawled like a baby.

 

My brother and I were very proud of our father’s military heroics. I appreciate the booklet  Randy wrote entitled, “Step by Step in Patton’s Third Army,” which was Dad’s personal account of his service during World War II. While writing this column, I fought back tears as I fingered through all his military insignia, and studied the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge in my hands. This was awarded to Dad for performing duties under fire and engaging in active ground combat in the 90th Infantry Division. I can still hear Dad explain, “Nobody got one of these unless he’d fought on the front lines.”

 

“Carry on” is a military command that means to continue with what you were doing. It  describes someone who continues with his/her assignment despite difficulties. I think Christ followers should adopt this terminology as well. No matter what is going on in the family, at work, church, our Nation, or the world, we must persevere in the face of obstacles. God will reward us for carrying on and being faithful. When my dad died, I was heartbroken and took it very hard. During that season of sorrow, I was reminded of his two beautiful Army pins that read “Carry On.”  Those two little words encouraged me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and carry on with life. Of course, I couldn’t have done that without God’s strength and grace. “If my heart is broken, I’ll find God right there; if I’m kicked in the gut, He’ll help me catch my breath” (Psalm 34:18 MSG.)

 

Dad’s Honorable Discharge pin displays our national eagle inside a wreath. A lot of the service men, including my dad, referred to it as the Ruptured Duck. Many WWII vets wore this pin on their civilian lapels for years after the war’s end as proof of their service.  While writing this column, I also found a piece of “sweetheart jewelry.” Mom wore a smaller and delicate USA Army Staff Sergeant pin to show that her young 21-year-old husband was currently in the military (1944 to 1946.) This was considered a fashionable and personal way to support the war effort during that era.

 

I love, appreciate, and honor our U.S. military heroes. When I salute our United States flag, I proudly think of all our past and current brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. They deserve our deepest gratitude and utmost support. They carry on, no matter what. Retreat or surrender was simply not in General Patton’s vocabulary. When life turns into a hot battle, the enemy (Satan) will try to convince you to wave a white flag. Don’t do it — just carry on! “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT.)

 

The Key: If you want that Ruptured Duck (crown of life), you gotta  “carry on.“

Obituary of Ruth Maxine Larsen Burchett

Ruth Maxine Larsen Burchett passed away peacefully on her 89th birthday on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones! She was born November 8, 1935, in Richards, Missouri, the daughter of George Christian and Myrtle Elizabeth (Schnedler) Larsen.

 

Ruth was first a mother, but she did have several jobs in the business field. Most notably, she worked at Western Insurance in Fort Scott and State Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ruth had a hunger for knowledge and bettering herself as a person. One of her accomplishments in life includes earning an associate degree at Fort Scott Community College while raising six daughters. She may be the only person that has read the Webster’s Dictionary more than once. This pastime came in handy as she did crossword puzzles in her spare time.

Ruth was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan getting to attend a winning World Series game in 2015. Ruth did not let her shy personality hold her back – she learned how to swim and tried water skiing as an adult. She also learned how to snow ski as a 50+ grandma! But that may have been more about getting the good-looking ski patrol to help her down the mountain!

She loved to travel to the many places her children lived because she absolutely loved spending time with family.

For exercise, Ruth loved walking and loved taking care of her many flowers. She was a woman that loved the outdoors! Ruth loved the Lord and encouraged all her daughters to be women of faith.

 

Ruth will be lovingly missed by her children, Vicki (Robert) Kerley of Ozark, Missouri; Sherry (Roger) Kellogg of Springfield, Missouri; Regina (Cameron) McAllister of Fort Scott, Kansas; Donna (Jim Jr) Banwart of Fort Scott, Kansas; Tonia (Mike) West of Norman, Oklahoma; and Trina (Kirk) Whitson of Clarksville, Tennessee; and 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine Neth and brother Charles “Buck” Larsen, both of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by brothers Leonard Larsen and Raymond Larsen, and three sisters, Ruby O’Dell, Alice Gilkey, and Helen Larsen.

 

The family will hold private family services under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. A private burial will be in White Cemetery, Richards, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in the care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Family Meal Time

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

 

As parents, educators, researchers, social service organizations, and government programs search for answers about the well-being of the American family, it is apparent that family meals tell us a lot about how those families become and stay connected.

 

Family meals provide a great amount of good, in a variety of ways, for the entire family. Young children show improved literary skills, children and adolescents gain improved food habits, and older adults not only eat better, but increase socialization. Intergenerational family meals help preserve and pass along family culture, traditions, and values.

 

Despite all the directions families are pulled today, parents are still the biggest influence on the food and meal habits of their children. It is important to realize that meals don’t need to be home-cooked masterpieces in order to serve the purpose. Focus on familiar foods that fit the time, skills, and favor of your family. The meals don’t necessarily have to take place at home around the dinner table either. Based on the scheduling barriers, dinner could be a picnic at the park between practices or meetings. If dinners are impossible due to busy schedules, give family breakfasts a try.

 

If family meals are not common for your family, it might seem difficult to know how to get started. So, sit down as a family and have a discussion. Allowing family members to contribute to this new venture will make them feel even more connected and responsibility in seeing it through. It is important to be realistic and consistent with expectations. As well as being flexible. Dr. Sandy Procter, Specialist in Maternal and Child Nutrition for Kansas State University shares some tips to help:

  • Turn off the television. Remember, it is not a member of the family. Let phone calls wait until later. Make sharing the meal the priority.
  • Share the effort of meal planning and putting a meal on the table. You will find the benefits are also shared!
  • Avoid making too many rules for mealtime. Instead, try to model the actions and behavior you would like children to exhibit.
  • Use “conversation starters,” if needed, to keep a discussion going. Other families may need to practice taking turns to let everyone have a chance to speak uninterrupted.
  • Keep the meal pleasant. Try to make mealtimes together a positive time.

 

There is no single environment when it comes to family meals – and those numerous environments mean every family, every schedule, every mealtime is unique. But even though there may be barriers, it is possible to work through them and make successful family meals happen for you and your family.

 

For information, contact Jennifer Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 8th Weekly Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 8th Weekly Newsletter

2nd Annual Christmas On The Bricks Event Merch is live for purchase!

Click HERE to order!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Guided Tours on Sat & Sun: 10am & 1pm

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

11/8 ~ Week 10: FSHS Tiger Football takes on the Tonganoxie Chieftains. KSHSAA Regional Round Admission Prices Adults: (No Passes Accepted) Students: $8 K-12: $6

ALL USD234 STUDENTS ADMITTED FREE –

(must go to the designated gate)

Gates open at 5pm Kick off at 7 pm.

If you can’t make it you can listen on 103.9 or click the link below to watch the live stream!

www.kombfm.com

11/10 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Church St Anne’s Altar Society Fall Festival

4-6pm, Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook St.

Adults: $10 11&Under: Free

11/1-18 ~ Fort Scott Presbyterian Village & Local Businesses Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

*Groups or individuals can enter

Trees are provided at FSPV, 2401 S. Horton St.

*Trees must be decorated by November 18

For more info contact Taylor Bailey at

620-223-5550 or [email protected]

11/8-10 ~ Veteran’s Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

1-5pm

Park will be open Friday-Sunday Nov 8-10th to all military personnel, active or veteran, and first responders at no charge, with ID card

11/9 ~ FSCC SoundDawg Pep Band

High School Band Night with the SoundDawgs

1pm lunch provided

Game starts at 4pm

Please RSVP! [email protected]

11/11 ~ Veterans Day Breakfast at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. 8-10am

All veterans and their families, spouses, and surviving spouses to stop by anytime for a complimentary breakfast in the Bistro.

For more info contact Taylor Bailey at

620-223-5550 or [email protected]

11/11 ~ Perry’s 2nd Annual Honor Meal

11am-2pm

FREE to all USA Service Members

$15/ea for General Public

Meal includes brisket, 2 sides, & drink

MUST RSVP:

click here to RSVP or call 620-939-4300

*want to be a part of thanking our service members with your goods or volunteer to serve meals please email [email protected]

11/11 ~ American Legion Riders 4th Annual Veterans Day Parade Caravan

Meet at Memorial Hall 8:30am

Kick-stands up at 9am

11/11 ~ VFW Events:

*7am, weather depending, flags along East National & National Cemetery

*10am short Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery

*11am-2pm Free Will Spaghetti feed at the VFW – All are welcome

11/12-12/7 ~ Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Estate Sale

25% off all Estate Jewelry Nov. 12th-23rd

50% off all Estate Jewelry Nov. 26th-Dec.7th

22 N. Main St. | 620-223-2070

11/12-16th ~ FSHS presents Disney Frozen Jr.

Nov. 12 & 14, 7pm and Nov. 16, 2 & 7pm

FSHS Auditorium

Adults: $8 Children: $6

Order tickets on line here or at the door

Doors open 30 min prior to showtime

11/13 ~ Manufacturing Day In Fort Scott

8am-1pm

8-8:45 Registration/Check-in at Bourbon County Fairgrounds Show Ring (Across from FSCC)

Complimentary breakfast served

11/13 ~ FSCC hosts Women’s Self Defense Class

5:30-7:30pm

FREE to ages 12 & up

Arnold Arena FSCC Campus – 2108 S. Horton St.

11/13 ~ Coyote Trapping & Predator Calling

Southwind Extension District Iola Office

1006 N. State St.

6pm Meal

6:30pm program begins

11/14 ~ Chamber Coffee Hosted by Christmas on the Bricks

8-9 am

Empress Event Center 7 N. Main St.

11/14 ~ FSCC Senior Day

11am – 2:30pm at the Ellis Fine Arts Center

Student Panel, Pizza Lunch, Academic Program Overview, Special Giveaway!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/39aRLW34uSvoQtkj6

11/15 ~ Sip & Paint at Blissful Aesthetics Wellness by Jeanette Hawkins

6-7pm $30/person

Payment via Venmo: @jeanettecarlsonhawkins

Limited seats (6 spots left)

10/25-11/19 ~ Grief Share Support Group

Tuesday Evenings from 6-8pm

Everyone welcome!

You will need to purchase a workbook when you sign up @ griefshare.org/findagroup. $20 plus shipping

Community Christian Church 1919 S Horton – southeast corner of the building – enter the door that faces east.

SAVE THE DATE

11/19 ~ Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed Fundraiser

11am-1:30pm and 4-6pm

301 S. National Ave.

Drive-thru only under the Canopy First United Methodist Church

$8 suggested donation for chili and cinnamon roll

11/23-11/30 ~ Key Annual Warehouse Sale

ONE WEEK ONLY

Sat. 11/23 8am-7pm

Mon. 11-25- Wed 11/27 9am – 7pm

Fri. 11/29 9am-6pm

Sat. 11/30 9am-4pm

2400 S. Main, Suite 200 (next to T-Mobile)

Follow KEY here on Facebook

Click here for the Facebook Event P)age

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.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

City of Fort Scott Agenda For Special Meeting on Nov. 12

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

November 12, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order

 

  1.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn  Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

 

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

 

  1. Invocation

 

  1. Approval of Agenda

 

  1. Public CommentSign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

VII.      Unfinished Business

 

  1. Request to Pay – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Street Improvements – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 4$402,686.80 – Tabled from Nov. 5, 2024.
  2. Consideration of Bids for WWTP Maintenance and Installation Services – S. Flater                                    Removed from November 5, 2024, agenda.                 

      

VIII.    Reports and Comments        

 

 

  1. Adjourn

The Artificers 8th Annual Christmas Show

The Artificers

8th Annual Christmas Show

Check out the calendar below for all events happening the rest of the year!

Come to Our 8th Annual Christmas Show

and stay for the weekend!

December 6th-8th!

Our Featured Artists!

Come meet them at the Christmas Show!!

Check out

Christmas on the Bricks!

Our December Calendar!

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Key Warehouse Sale is Nov. 23-30

Annual Key

Warehouse Sale

November 23-30th

The Annual KEY Warehouse Sale is just around the corner – November 23-30. Find great deals on discounted workwear and outerwear for the whole family!

The sale is at the same location as last year, 2400 S. Main, Suite 200, Fort Scott (previously Shoe Sensation) in the shopping center next to T-Mobile.

They are closed Sunday (November 24) and on Thanksgiving (November 28).

Gear up and grab a deal at the KEY Warehouse Sale November 23-30 at 2400 S Main, Suite 200 in Fort Scott.

To learn more click here for KEY Facebook page.

Click here for the KEY event page

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Claude Franklin “Frank” Durossette Obituary

Claude Franklin (Frank) Durossette, age 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 7, 2024. He was born to Grover William Durossette and Maxine Lavon (Gibson) Durossette on December 17, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married his best friend and the love of his life Ethel Mary (Michalek) Durossette on July 20, 1968.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Charles Franklin (Frankie) Durossette. Survivors include his wife Mary of the home; and children, William and Christi, Kevin and Autumn, and Melissa Durossette; 12 grandchildren, Josh (Tabatha), Jake (Kinsley), Cody (Kim), Wyatt, Sophie, Kasen, Cash, and Ellie Durossette, and Caleb Briggs; 5 great-grandchildren, Kinley, Kane, Kaizley, and Wilder Durossette, and Cutler Briggs; one brother Billy Gene (Shiela) Durossette, and sisters, Bonita (Ron) Jones, and Carolyn Lotterer, all of Fort Scott. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank loved to hunt and fish. He especially enjoyed weekend camping trips and get-togethers with his wife and family. He was a very caring person and always ready to help. He worked at Tower Metal Products for 27 years and at age 50 opened 3D Alternator and Starter Repair. He later added a mechanic shop with the help of his son, Frankie. He retired this year and spent most of his time working around the home, helping his wife babysit for the grandkids, and going on camping trips with the family. He loved spending time talking with his sons, Billy and Kevin and spending time with his wife.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday, November 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.co

Food Drive to Help Local Limited Resource Families Has Started

 

 

It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.

Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.

Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”

The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall,  is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.

 

Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event

Saturday, November 9,  Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.

There are several options for those who want to help the cause.

  • Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
  • Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
    • 5 Corners Mini Mart
    • Bourbon County Courthouse
    • Bourbon County EMS
    • Buck Run Community Center
    • Citizens Bank
    • City Hall
    • City State Bank
    • Community Health Center of Fort Scott
    • Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
    • Fort Scott Christian Heights
    • Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
    • Fort Scott Police Department
    • Guest Home Estates
    • Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
    • Kansas Renewal Institute
    • HBCAT – 104 N. National
    • The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
    • Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
    • Papa Don’s
    • Peerless Products
    • Perry’s Pork Rinds
    • SEK-Mental Health
    • The Artificers
    • Union State Bank
    • Uniontown Spark Wheel
    • Ward-Kraft
  • Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
  • Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
  • Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
  • Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main,  created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.

The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED,  has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.

“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said.  “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
  • The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
  • Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
  • Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
  • Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
  • Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
  • Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
Submitted poster.

 

 

Bourbon County Local News