Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) clinics has received the recently authorized Novavax vaccine as the latest tool in the fight against COVID-19. To date, the Baxter Springs, Coffeyville, Columbus, Fort Scott, Iola, Parsons, Pittsburg, and Pittsburg South clinics have received doses. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, or by appointment. There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine at CHC/SEK.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the latest authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by the virus. Novavax is manufactured using a familiar type of protein-based vaccine technology that has been used for more than 30 years in shots that help prevent diseases like shingles, hepatitis B, the flu and other illnesses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine on July 13 for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 years of age and older who have not received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine previously.
Access to multiple types of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC gives people more options and flexibility to choose their vaccine.
The Novavax vaccine is given in a two-dose primary series, with a second dose administered between three-to-eight weeks after the first.
Neither a booster nor a third dose is authorized at this time.
“We now have another tool to manage COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP, Chief Clinical Officer at CHC/SEK. “Novavax provides another option for a safe, effective and free vaccine. With the BA.5 variant continuing to spread, now is the best time to get a vaccine if you haven’t already.”
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Rainfall across the Southwind District has been spotty at best for several weeks now. The US Drought Monitor was recently updated on August 25th. It now has most of the area in a D2 intensity – classified as a severe drought. Unfortunately, the long-range projection doesn’t show the drought breaking anytime soon. As Kansans, however, we all know that could change and we could go from a drought to a flood in the matter of a few days! I’m not hoping for rainfall like that, but several inches in the up-coming weeks would be welcome.
Heat and drought stress has taken a toll on newly planted trees and shrubs this year. Any time we plant a new tree, it will go through a period of “transplant shock.” Just like the name implies, this is a period of stress on the new plant as it tries to adapt to its new environment. Many times, new trees will drop almost all of their leaves the first year planted. Due to the heat and lack of rainfall this year, it has been more severe. Obviously, this is quite concerning to homeowners. The good news is that in most instances, the newly planted tree will be fine and leaf out the following spring.
However, as we continue to remain in a drought situation, careful attention needs to be paid to any new trees or shrubs that were planted this spring. Here are watering recommendations:
Water should be retained around the base of the newly planted trees by building a low berm just outside the planting hole.
Soak soil weekly – applying approximately 10 gallons of water
For every inch of trunk diameter greater than two inches, an additional ten gallon should be applied.
Monitor trees even into the winter as supplemental watering will still be needed if drought remains
As for shrubs, since they are smaller, they will require less water. Water enough to thoroughly moisten the entire rootball, down to a depth of 8 inches – about once a week.
To reduce the stress on our older, mature trees, concentrate on good watering – not just a quick shot here and there. As long as we remain in a drought, water older trees to a depth of at least 10 inches. Make certain to water out beyond the drip line. Avoid watering at the base of the trunk as the absorbing roots are farther out. Check the watering depth by pushing a screwdriver or metal rod into the soil. It will stop when it reaches dry soil.
If you have concerns about the health of a tree or shrub, please feel free to contact me. I am available to make home visits if needed.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The annual Old Settler’s Picnic committee is gearing up for this weekend’s activities, with events for people of all ages. In addition, the Uniontown High School Alumni Association has planned events for Saturday.
On Labor Day, Sept. 5, “There will be new food trucks and vendor booths”, Becky Shinn, Secretary-Treasurer of the committee said. The vendors will be scattered around the town square of the town of less than 300 people. The town doubles and sometimes triples in size for this annual event.
Also in the park on Labor Day will be the picnic offerings. In addition to the food trucks, the Uniontown High School FFA will be serving BBQ food, and the Methodist Church, a chicken dinner.
The announcer for this year’s event is Adelay Martin.
The children’s parade will line up starting at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 5 on the east side of the town square and prizes will be awarded for best theme, decorated bike, child costume, pet and battery operated toy. No gas powered vehicles are allowed in the children’s parade, which will start at 10:15 a.m.
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
The theme of the parade this year is “Back to the Old School Days”, and entries are invited to decorate their vehicles and hay wagons to showcase their organizations. There are prizes for best church float, best theme oriented float, school floats, All Terrain Vehicles (they must be clean and decorated), antique tractors and cars.
Horses are always welcome in the parade, but riders are asked to unload them at the rodeo arena, west of town on Hwy. 3. The horses be last in line up in the parade and are asked to line up at the Methodist Church.
The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Throughout the day there will be raffles with drawings for cash prizes.
The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the square.
For the kids is the traditional turtle race at 11:30 a.m., so be on the look out for a fast turtle! An egg toss competition, along with foot races and water races are planned for people from pre-kindergarten age to 100 years old on the south side of the square.
As is the tradition, there will be a recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman, longest married couple, former resident that traveled the farthest distance, and the resident who has had a Uniontown address the longest time.
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Hwy. 3 arena, west of town, there will be rodeos to entertain. See the flyer above for more information.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, coffee, milk and donuts will start the fellowship time of the Community Church Service at 10:30 a.m., this year presented by the Uniontown Methodist Church. Please bring lawn chairs for the service.
As part of the family game night on Sunday evening, the UHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser. Additionally, there will be a bubble gum chewing contest, watermelon eating contest and cornhole contest, with events starting at 5:30 p.m.
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.
High School Reunion
This year the Uniontown High School alumni are having their reunion on Saturday, Sept. 3, in conjunction with Old Settler’s Picnic weekend celebration.
A “Welcome Back” Reception at the UHS Commons area at the high school is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Cookies and drinks are provided as well as an opportunity to tour the school. All alumni, and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend.
All-School Reunion Alumni will host a party at Uniontown City Park from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a Disk Jockey presenting music and a food truck. Coolers of beverages are welcome, but no glass containers.
Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in General Educational Development (GED) preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.
Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.
Attendance is mandatory all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Library in Bailey Hall.
Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government issued photo identification card.
The cost for the class is $35 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee. The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.
Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.
These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills. I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills. Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a HS diploma or GED.
I am accepting students that are ready to learn. They would just need to contact me to schedule an appointment to fill out paperwork and take the TABE pre-assessment. If students are not ready to start right away, our next orientation will be September 6th. If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.
I’ve cherished a heartwarming memory about family and well water since I was about six years old. My Aunt Pauline and Uncle John lived in the country and had a well just outside their house. (Where I come from, water from a deep life-giving well that never ran dry was always preferred over other resources.) An elongated well-draw bucket was used to fetch the water. Then the water was released into a clean aluminum dishpan, and that’s where my cousins and I would get a refreshing drink when we were thirsty. Everyone (oldest to youngest) drank from the same dipper because we were all family. However, should anyone stop by, he/she could have a drink from the dipper too. Anyone thirsty and needing to wet their whistle was welcome, accepted, and loved.
The biblical story of the woman at the well depicts a powerful life-changing encounter with Jesus. He and His followers were traveling through Samaria and, while the disciples were in town buying something to eat, Jesus wearily sat down on the edge of Jacob’s well to rest. Around noon, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Since Jews traditionally despised the Samaritans, she was surprised that Jesus would strike up a conversation with her. But her nationality made no difference to this caring Stranger. In fact, Jesus kindly said to her, “Please give me a drink.“
The woman said to Jesus, “’You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’ Jesus replied, ’If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water’” (John 4:9,10 NLT). He explains that anyone who drinks water from the well will soon get thirsty again. “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life“ (John 4:14 NLT).
The two of them talked about the unseemly aspects of her broken life. As Jesus showed His love and acceptance while teaching about salvation, her spirit was opened to receive the truth. She said, “I know the Messiah is coming — the One who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us. Then Jesus told her, ‘I AM the Messiah!’” (John 4:25,26 NLT). The woman was thirsting for answers and Jesus spoke of more than she had hoped for! Excitedly, she left her water jar and ran lickety-split back to the village, telling everyone, “’Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the Messiah?’ So the people came streaming from the village to see Him” (John 4:29,30 NLT). While she was passionately sharing her testimony with others, she became the first New Testament evangelist to win a village to Christ.
Statistics show that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. I don’t know what percentage of Americans are genuine believers. But I do know there’s a large percentage of people wandering around in a spiritual desert, chronically dehydrated, looking for living water. Christians need to realize we’re a walking testimony. The water jar we carry is on the inside of us and it’s full of fresh living water that’s supposed to bubble over onto the thirsty people around us. God wants to use us to compassionately tell others that Jesus knows everything they’ve ever done and loves them anyway. Now that’s Good News!
The Key: Come see this Man; He knows you thirst, He knows you hurt, and He understands.
In my last column, I compared the total business payrolls of Bourbon County to that of two of the most relatable counties in Southeast Kansas: Allen and Neosho. While payrolls are a strong indication of the vitality of business activity in a jurisdiction, one can also look at the flow of money into a community to gauge the strength of that activity and future prospects. As the saying goes, “It takes money to make money.” While that it is not an absolute, it certainly holds true much of the time. Accordingly, let us take a look at the flow of money into these three counties over the last few years.
One way to understand how much money is being created in a community is to look at the lending activity to small businesses; almost all of our Southeast Kansas businesses fit that definition. Here is a chart of total small business loans outstanding in each county and the average loan size at origination:
2015 2019
County
# Loans
Ave. Loan Size
# Loans
Ave. Loan Size
2020 Pop.
Allen
144
$44,785
129
$34,264
12,526
Bourbon
100
$27,452
133
$41,571
14,360
Neosho
121
$13,661
128
$19,828
15,904
As you can see, over the five years considered, Bourbon County has grown their small business community when measured by lending activity. Each of these loans puts additional money in circulation in a community and helps fuel future economic activity.
How has that translated into the money supply in our community? One way to evaluate that is to look at total deposits in the county financial institutions. Here is how the banks in the three counties compare in recent years:
2019 2020
County
Institutions
Deposits
Institutions
Deposits
Allen
5
$292 million
5
$357 million
Bourbon
6
$254 million
6
$277 million
Neosho
7
$394 million
7
$453 million
Allen and Neosho lending institutions and investors have millions of dollars more to place in future business activity than Bourbon County, and their deposits grew by 22% and 15%, respectively, compared to 9% for Bourbon County. Part of the explanation of the dramatic one-year growth in all three counties are government programs rolled out during the pandemic, such as the Payroll Protection Program, which injected millions of dollars into small businesses across the country. The real question is whether these businesses invested in payroll and business activity, or paid off bank loans and stuck the rest into their deposit accounts. Considering our increase in lending activity and smaller deposit growth, it looks as if more of this kind of government money went to work in Bourbon County small businesses than that of the other two counties.
All indications are that the small businesses in Bourbon County are holding their own, and increasing their economic activity relative to our two similar neighbors. Bourbon County REDI encourages you to support your local small businesses by shopping local and paying your sales tax in Bourbon County. Let us all help the vitality of our small business community when possible.
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Volunteer Coach), Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 20-21 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.
4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2022 Champion and 6th Overall Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Teams. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 3rd and Tate Crystal 10th after excelling in all contests.
The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Crystal, Dreher, Nemecek) was seated second after the test and was later named the Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (O’Brien, E. Yoho, G. Fry, Mueller) earned 3rd best team.
The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 228 contestants and 43 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Crystal, Nemecek) was 4th in Sheep; 2nd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 1st in Reasons and named Third Team Overall. Southwind #1 (E. Yoho, O’Brien, Hurt, Mueller) was 3rd in Sheep; 3rd in Hogs; 5th in Cattle; 5th in Reasons and named Fifth High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:
The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #2 (Crystal, B. Fry, G. Fry, A Yoho) was 1st in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 2nd in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and judging wool. Southwind #2 (Crystal, Dreher, O’Brien, A. Yoho) was 2nd in Exam, 1st in ID; and Champion Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:
Aidan Yoho – 1st Identification; 10th Exam; High Individual Overall
Tate Crystal – 3rd Identification; 3rd Overall
Haleigh O’Brien – 9th Overall; 7th Exam
This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Skillathon Team, Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team, 3rd & 5th Overall Livestock Judging Teams, and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.
Southwind District 4-H’ers following the awards presentation. Pictured left to right is MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, and Seth Shadden.
Southwind District 4-H’ers won the Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest held at Weber Hall on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. The intermediate participants were Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton and Seth Shadden.
The contest classes consisted of 30 retail cut identification; 3 classes of pork wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; 3 classes of beef wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; and 2 sets of 5 questions.
Results for the 4-H’ers are as follows:
Team: High Team Overall, High Team Retail ID, 2nd High Team Placings, 2nd High Team Questions
Hailey Shadden: High Individual Overall, 2nd High individual Retail ID, 7th High Individual Placings, 9th High Individual Questions
Kendyl Bloesser: 2nd High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Retail ID, 5th High Individual Questions, 8th High Individual Placings
Makinlee Bloesser: 5th High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Placing, 5th High Individual Retail ID
Marley Sutton: 7th High Individual Overall, 4th High Individual Retail ID
McKinley Sutton: 11th High Individual Overall, 9th High Individual Retail ID
Seth Shadden: 26th Individual Overall
This group of 4-H’ers tried the contest last year and were 5th. As you can see, their hard work this year definitely paid off. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting July18, 2022 PRESENT:John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson ALSO PRESENT:Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and CTEC Board members Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2022-23– A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve officers, positions, and officials for 2022-23 as presented. CONSENT AGENDA:A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda. Fewins requested that any available new hires to come to the September meeting so the Board can meet them. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS: A.Chuck Howze of Dissinger & Reed reviewed insurance quotes for 2022-23.A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the quote of $105,841 for athletic insurance from Berkley Life & Health, and $5,866 for catastrophic insurance for Zurich American for a total of $111,707. B.Julie Eichenberger reviewed the result of the bids for football equipment that was previously approved for disposal to other programs that can use it. Bids closed at 2:00 p.m. on July 15, 2022. Eleven groups submitted bids, and all 15 bundles sold. Sterling, Aces Elite Junior College, and Scott Smith were the winning bidders for a total of $60,000 in revenue, $30,000 of which is for helmets alone. Winning bidders are to have their equipment removed by August 2, 2022. Revenue created from these bids will be applied to the outstanding athletic debt in the foundation. Julie has reviewed the procedure with the auditor for applying the revenue appropriately. C.A motion was by made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the contract for professional services of Diehl, Banwart and Bolton to perform the audit of Fiscal Year 2022 in the amount of $25,485. D.Administration reviewed updates to the organization chart. REPORTS: ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES:The Board reviewed and heard updates from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami County Campus, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, and the President. Holt asked about the status of the Legacy group topic that was tabled last meeting. John Bartelsmeyer, Luke Demko, and Carolyn Sinn are working on the list of inventory. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to move to executive session for 10 minutes starting at 6:35 p.m for the purpose of discussing employer-employee negotiations as it relates to negotiations with FSCAPE, with no action expected to follow. The Board invited President Johnston into executive session.
The meeting returned to open session at 6:45 p.m. with a motion by Elliott, a second by Hart, and unanimous vote. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to move to executive session for 15 minutes starting at 6:50 p.m for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to the president’s evaluation, with no action expected to follow. Just the Board of Trustees to start, and President Johnston was invited in at 7:00. At 7:05, the Board extended executive session ten minutes. The meeting returned to open session at 7:16 p.m. with a motion by Elliott, a second by Hart, and unanimous vote. ADJOURNMENT:There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:17 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous v
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Tuesdaysstarting at 9:00 Date: August30, 2022 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOMBEGINNING WITH THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING AT6PMWITH THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING FOLLOWING. Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •Eric Bailey–Road & Bridge Report •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with anattorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s)of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
