Government, Kansas

Governor Announces KDA Receives $500,000 Grant to Promote Mental Health

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TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to spread awareness for the KansasAgStress.org website and destigmatize mental health in Kansas’ agriculture community.

“This $500,000 grant will help us destigmatize mental health and promote the wellbeing of Kansas farmers, ranchers, and our agriculture workforce,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Kansas farmers and ranchers feed the world – they’re critical to society, and my administration will continue to use every resource available to support them. I want to thank the USDA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture for prioritizing the mental health of Kansas’ agriculture community.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will use funding to create a statewide campaign to raise awareness for the KansasAgStress.org website, develop reusable media content, and work to destigmatize the concept of mental health awareness while lowering suicide rates in the agriculture industry in Kansas.

There are several external factors that contribute to stress in the agriculture industry. Creating awareness and equipping workers with support resources will help reduce crisis situations.

“Members of the Kansas agriculture community feel stress that comes from many directions, and it is important that mental health is not overlooked,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kelsey Olson. “These Kansans are valued members of their community and work hard to grow the food and fuel that supplies our state, nation and world. We look forward to using this grant to support all the members of our Kansas ag family and to shine a spotlight on the urgency of mental health in agriculture.”

“Mental health is health, and we must continue to fight the stigma through accessible resources like the Kansas Ag Stress network — especially as suicide rates are climbing in rural areas,” said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). “Kansans work hard, and we take care of each other. Programs like this ensure every person in every corner of our state knows that if they are struggling, they are not alone, and there are resources here to help.”

In total, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced an investment of nearly $25 million for 50 grants supporting Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) State Department of Agriculture (SDA) projects.

Funded projects must initiate, expand, or sustain programs that provide professional agricultural behavioral health counseling and referral for other forms of assistance as necessary through farm telephone helplines and websites; training programs and workshops; support groups; and outreach services and activities.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets Nov. 3

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

November 3, 2021

Meeting at the HBCAT headquarters, 104 N. National at noon

  1. Welcome:
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  1. Program: Stacy Dickerhood, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

December program will be an update on Communities in Schools presented by Rhonda Hoener, Winter Moore, and Lewis Dunkeson.

  1. Open Forum:
  • Meeting place
  • Continue combination face-to-face and Zoom; only face-to-face, only Zoom.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 1, 2021.
Bourbon County, Government

No Bourbon County Commission Meeting on Nov. 2

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: November 2, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                    Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

   

NO MEETING DUE TO ELECTION DAY.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Angelo Dell’Antonia

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Angelo Eugene Dell’Antonia, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
He was born October 25, 1939, in Arma, Kansas, the son of William and Viola Dell’Antonia.
He graduated from the Frontenac High School and then went on to serve with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Following his military service, Angelo returned to Frontenac, KS, where he got reacquainted with a high school classmate, Sondra Forniciari.
Angelo and Sondra were married on June 24, 1961, at Frontenac, Kansas. Angelo, also known as Dell, worked many years for
Kansas Gas & Electric Company, later known as Westar. He began his career as a meter reader in Pittsburg and later moved to Ft. Scott in the mid-1960s and worked as an electrical engineer until
his retirement.
Angelo had a passion for electricity and was always willing to help friends and family with anything electrical. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends and working in his shop on electrical components.
Angelo was family-oriented and took pride in being able to help whenever he was needed.
Survivors include a daughter, Melissa Dell’Antonia-Renard (Jim), of Dallas, Texas, a son, Jody Dell’Antonia (Rachael), of Ft. Scott, and a granddaughter, Lily Dell’Antonia, also of Ft. Scott.
Other survivors include his two granddogs, Zeta and Cletus.
His wife, Sondra, preceded him in death on July 27th of this year. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Rhonda Dunn will conduct graveside services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 2nd at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft Scott, Kansas. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Tuesday from 9:30 A.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.
Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter or Wreaths Across America and may be left in the 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.com.
Attachments area
Government, Kansas

Hearing on Commercial Industrial Hemp Production on Nov. 8

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, to consider the adoption of proposed regulations to govern commercial industrial hemp production in Kansas. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be conducted virtually via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to K.A.R. 4-34-24, K.A.R. 4-34-25, and K.A.R. 4-34-29 in order to provide greater flexibility to Kansas hemp producers and make the regulations align with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Final Rule on Commercial Hemp Production. These three amendments were temporarily adopted in August; this public hearing is to finalize the process and make the regulations permanent.

A copy of the proposed regulations, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register to be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

###

WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed commercial industrial hemp regulations

WHEN:          10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021

WHERE:       Virtual: via video conferencing system

Hearing for Proposed Adoption of Administrative Regulations.pdf

Obituary

Obituary of John Haggard

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John Paul Haggard, age 77, of Forsythe, Montana left this world for his place in Heaven on October 28, 2021. He was born November 6, 1943, in Manhattan, Kansas to Rev. Hilburn Ray Haggard and Ellen Eileen Stickley. His mother died when he was very young, and he moved frequently with his father to wherever the ministry called them.

He graduated high school in Quapaw, Oklahoma in 1961. He served his country valiantly in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and a sister. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Lou White. They were joined in marriage August 10, 1968, in El Dorado, Kansas. He is also survived by his son and daughter in law, Johnny Joe Haggard and Julia Fern Falletti Haggard, all of Pittsburg, Kansas.

In his early employment years, he worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad out of El Dorado, Kansas.

He later moved his family to Belle Creek, Montana where he was employed as a maintenance engineer with the oil fields there. He loved living in Montana and considered it his true home.

He was happiest when fixing anything mechanical, whether it be a small engine or the wonderful miracle of the internal combustion engine of his automotive brand of choice, Ford. He was a true softie when it came to the down on its luck animal. He never turned away a fur baby in need.

He was definitely a talker; he could carry on a substantive conversation on almost any topic. He often shared his knowledge and gave out mechanical advice whenever the need arose.

Although gone from this world he will never be forgotten. His colorful conversations and sometimes very different sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family.

There was cremation.

Private family interment will take place at a future date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the John Haggard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott

New Barbershop Opens Soon At 118 S. Main

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Matt Park. Submitted photos.
Hare & Crow is the name of a new barbershop soon to be opened at 118 S. Main.
Matt Park is the owner and soon-to-be barber.

“I recently graduated from Headlines Barber Academy in Kansas City,” Park said. “I have a couple of exams to take and hope to have my license within the next few weeks. We’re putting the finishing touches on the shop as we speak. If all goes to plan, we should be able to open by the end of November.”

Park has put together a link to a community survey he created.
“I’m hoping to get some insight on pricing, hours and services so we can serve our community well,” Park said.

The survey: https://hareandcrow.com/survey

“Hare & Crow is a modern barbershop with a traditional aesthetic and atmosphere,” Park said. “We offer haircuts, straight razor shaves complete with hot lather and steam towels, beard and mustache trims, facials and shampoos.”
Inside the Hare and Crow Barbershop, 118 S. Main. Submitted photo.
“We also plan to sell some retail items,” he said. “Mostly related to men’s hair and grooming, but we will also carry other items such as locally roasted coffee, craft chocolates, and handmade wood and leather goods from local and regional makers.”
“Our shop will be a comfortable and inviting space with a lounge feel for those waiting for their turn in the chair,” he said. “It will be a place to hang out, have a cup of coffee or a pop, chew the fat with friends and neighbors whether you need a haircut or not—loafers are more than welcome.”
Matt Park gives a shave. Submitted photo.

“This is a family business,” he said.  “My wife and I bought the building in July of 2020 and we live in the apartment above the shop with our four kids.”

Park can be reached by phone at (620)705-9287 or by email at [email protected].
118 S. Main, with Matt Park in front, will be open soon. Submitted photos.
Government, Kansas

The Cold Weather Rule takes effect Monday, November 1

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Monday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction. More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website.

Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 to learn more.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes October 21,2021

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The Starlite FCE held is October meeting on October 21 at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The meeting was called to order by President Glenda Miller.  The Flag Salute and the Club Collect was led by Joyce Allen.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Thirteen members were in attendance.  They reported that they had volunteered 30 hours and had recycled 895 pounds.

 

Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s reporter, she reported that she had about 3000 Best Choice labels to turn in and encourage everyone to bring in the labels they have.  Karen Peery gave the Council report.  She reported that the council had elected new officers for the 2022 year and that the Fall training will be held in Parsons on November 4th.  She also announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair had made $330.

 

Old Business consisted of reporting on the Fall Follies and discussing the amount the Club would donate to memorials.  Betty Johnson moved that we donate $25, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

New Business consisted of whether to buy a wreath for the National Cemetery.  Helen Carlson moved we buy one, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.  Glenda announced the April 5th will be Family Choice Media Day, in which we are not to listen to anything violent.  Glenda also announced that the year in reports are due in December and that the National FCE has a new program called Dimes for Donations.

 

Deb Lust informed the Club about upcoming Veteran’s Day celebrations that will be November 11 at 11:00 am at the National Cemetery and that she is trying to reopen the VFW Auxiliary.  Glenda Miller passed out Support your Veteran’s buttons.

 

Betty Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Before the meeting the members got together to prepare gift bags for the Veteran’s and Halloween Treats for Tri-Valley clients.

 

After the meeting Jackie Warren presented the lesson on King Arthur Flour.  King Arthur Flour has been sponsoring a baking contest at the fair for several years, Jackie told us about the history of the company and the products they produce.  She also passed out King Arthur catalogues and awarded door prizes of their products that they had supplied.  Refreshments of pumpkin cake and cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolates and water were provided by Letha Johnson and Jackie Warren and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Trick or Treat Parade Tomorrow Downtown

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The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual
Downtown
Trick-or-Treat Parade!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes & appreciates the support of this event from the sponsors below!
Saturday, October 30, 2021 @ 11:00 AM
10 -12 pm:Walgreens will be taking pictures with a Halloween Backdrop & providing a free 4 x 6 print. The backdrop will also be available throughout the event for pictures with your own camera.
Also, the FSHS Thespians will be doing face painting!
11 am:Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.
Following parade:Hot dog, chips & drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!
__________
***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.
Please emailthe Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we can plan accordingly.
Enjoy these additional activities taking place Halloween Day in Fort Scott:
Click here for a printable copy of the flyer below.
Obituary

Obituary of Kent “Poke” Holt

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Kent Lavoe Holt, age 89, resident of Uniontown, KS, died Wednesday, October 27, 2021, in Fort Scott, KS. He was born February 6, 1932, in Fort Scott, the son of Howard Curtis and Helen Grace Kent Holt.

He attended Uniontown schools then went to FSCC and played football. Kent enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1951 and served until 1955.

He married Marilyn Hartman on May 6, 1951, in Redfield Kansas. Together they had 4 children, Kenneth Holt (Nancy), Debra Holt Likely (Tom), Randall Holt (Debra) and Susan Holt Eldridge (Ron); 9 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren. He has one Sister Nancy Elofson (Stan).

Kent was preceded in death by his parents and son Kenneth Holt.

Kent’s many accomplishments after his service in the Navy include working as Cashier at Union State Bank starting in 1955, while attending and graduating from Pittsburg State University. He also held the titles of President and Chairman of the Board until retirement in 1994. He was an ongoing Board Member. He was a member of the Kansas Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club.

Kent was a Uniontown advocate, initiating many things in his early years for the community including the Volunteer Fire Department, Uniontown Rural Rental Housing, donating the land and helping build the Uniontown Rodeo Arena, the Boy Scouts for several years, U-235 school board member, and was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church serving as a Trustee. He was also a rancher/farmer. His hobbies included piloting, golf, fishing, woodworking, traveling in the RV and being a Winter Texan for 24 years.

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct services at 10:00 AM Monday, November 1st, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown.

Cremation will follow with private family burial in Uniontown Cemetery later. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to the First Missionary Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News