Government, Kansas

Wall Fills Vacancy on Kansas Supreme Court

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Governor appoints Kenyen J. (K.J.) Wall to fill vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court

 

Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Kenyen J. (K.J.) Wall to the Kansas Supreme Court. Wall will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Lawton Nuss. 

 

“Whether the court is dealing with issues of life and death, the powers of our government, or how we deal with the economic challenges of our time, the Supreme Court demands the best the legal profession has to offer,” Kelly said.

 

“K.J. has an incredible legal mind, a love of the law, and a heart for service. K.J. combines the ability to hear cases fairly and impartially with the ability to remember that the law is about people, not simply words on a page. He will be an excellent addition to our Supreme Court.

 

“On the Supreme Court, K.J. will join six talented, experienced jurists, and I am confident he’ll fit right in. His capacity to untangle complex legal issues and communicate them clearly and concisely will serve the court and our state well for years to come.”

 

Wall is a partner with Forbes Law Group, where he regularly represents rural hospitals and other clients in courts throughout the state. From 2013 to 2015 he served as Deputy General Counsel to the Kansas Supreme Court, handling capital cases and special projects. Before working for the Kansas Supreme Court, Wall had been a private practice litigator in Colorado and was Senior Counsel at Federated Insurance in Owatonna, Minn.

 

Wall was an All-American and national-champion debater at Kansas State University, where he studied communications, graduating in 1993. After receiving his masters in rhetoric at the University of Minnesota in 1996, Wall attended the University of Kansas School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif in 2001. Wall began his legal career as a law clerk to United States District Judge John W. Lungstrum.

 

Wall also has been active in his community, as a member of the Kansas Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Committee, a member of the public school board in Owatonna Minnesota, a member of the board of directors of the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, Minn. and a member of the Weld Food Bank in Weld County, Colo.

  

“I’m blessed to have the support of my family and am thankful for the confidence Governor Kelly and the Supreme Court Nominating Commission have placed in me as I embark on this new challenge,” Wall said. “I promise that every day I will work to ensure that the law is applied fairly and impartially. I hope to continue the legacy of fairness, independence and character that Judge Lungstrum, Chief Justice Nuss and countless other mentors have instilled in me over the years.

 

“Kansas has always been home, and I can think of no better way to serve my state than serving alongside the six dedicated, brilliant justices on our Supreme Court.”

 

Kansas Supreme Court Justices are appointed through a merit-based nomination process. When there is a vacancy on the court, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission submits the names of three nominees to the Governor, and the Governor then has 60 days to make the appointment.  

 

To be eligible, a nominee must be at least 30 years old and admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.  

 

Every justice must stand for a retention vote in the general election following their first year of service on the court. If retained by voters at that time, they then face retention votes every six years for as long as they serve on the bench.

 

Fort Scott Community College, Health Care

FSCC Has A Covid-19 Emergency Plan Constructed

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FSCC is highly dedicated to the well-being of the students, faculty, staff, and community. FSCC has constructed a COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan.

“The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority and we urge you to stay informed of official notices and resources regarding health precautions, travel safety and related information on COVID-19. Fort Scott Community College has worked closely with Bourbon County Emergency Management personnel, and Bourbon County Health Department to determine the threat level of the current outbreak and take appropriate actions”, says Tom Havron, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs.

Please feel free to contact the college if you have any questions or concerns. Follow the link below to view the FSCC COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan
http://www.fortscott.edu/node/2399

 

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

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Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.

A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.

And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.

When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.

Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.

“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”

Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.

She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.

“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”

 

Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.

“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.

In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.

“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.

At a recital in  2016 – with  10-year student Kelcie Bailey.

Grateful

“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”

“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”

Encourage children to find musical gifts

Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.

“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.

To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

“Protecting the Pollinators” program set for March 30

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails and other beautiful butterflies call southeast Kansas home.

If you are interested in attracting these to your yard and incorporating a more naturalistic approach in your landscape, plan to attend the “Protecting the Pollinators” program on March 30th at 6:30 pm in the Round Room at the Fort Scott Community College.

June Stipp, Extension Master Gardener, will provide information on planting butterfly nectar and host plants, as well as how to incorporate a water source and warming area into the landscape.

Krista Harding, District Extension Agent, will discuss the proper use of insecticides.

This program is co-sponsored by the Bourbon County Garden Club and the Southwind Extension District.

It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to the Southwind Extension District – Fort Scott office by calling 620-223-3720.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Tri-Valley March 12

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The Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.
4305 Campbell Drive, Fort Scott
March 12, 2020
8 am
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 paid to the Chamber about their business or organization including events,
new products, promotions!
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
Briggs Auto, Fort Scott – 3/19
Smallville CrossFit – 3/26
Woodland Hills Golf Course – 4/2
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village – 4/9
Home Show KOMB 103.9 FM – 4/16
City State Bank – 4/23
Winfield Scott, 1st Grade Class – 4/30
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Community Collaboration on Wind Science

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Wind Science Tinker Lab: A Successful STEM Community Collaboration

A preschooler turned a hand-crank fan to move a small boat across a pan of water, while a few feet away, an elementary student used a condiment bottle to blow leaves across the floor. Nearby, a middle school student held a unique mobile he had designed, while a teenager drew back the string on a wind cannon to test it. On the other side of the room, a family gathered to read a stack of books about wind. What drew all of these age and interest groups together? Surprisingly, a fascination with wind science. 

 
Utilizing the $500 mini-grant from the Franklin Institute and the national Leap into Science program that it won last year, Fort Scott Public Library held a wind science workshop on Monday, February 24, at the Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott. Valetta Cannon, youth librarian and assistant director at FSPL, collaborated with Diana Alters of the Southeast Kansas Community ActionProgram, Star McClellan of Parents as Teachers, Jennifer Terell and Makayla Stroud of 4-H and the Southwind K-State Extension Office, Michelle Stevenson of the Fort Scott Early ChildhoodProgram, and Fort Scott Community College professor Ronda Bailey, along with education students Courtney Williams and Karis Mengarelli, on the project.

Grant funds were used to purchase supplies for creating wind science experiment kits, each of which included three to four science experiments in labeled bags, two books about wind
science, instructions for using the experiments, a hand-crank or battery-powered fan, glue stick, tape, and a condiment bottle. Families were also able to select age levels for their kits. Four
Airzooka wind cannons were also purchased, three of which were given away in a drawing at the end of the workshop.

24 adults, 6 teens, and 31 children attended the event, which was held in the big Buck RunCommunity Center gymnasium. Attendees enjoyed wind science experiments from the Leap
into Science curricula, including a challenge to a build something that could detect different types of wind and a tower that could withstand big gusts of wind. They were also encouraged to enjoy fresh fruit or fruit snacks, along with bottled water, at a refreshment table. Families were invited to read a variety of wind science books together, listen to a group story, and to color or fill out worksheets.
 
Most of the community partners came early to set up, oversaw a table or station of their own, and they stayed late to clean up. Collaborators also received science kits to use in their organizations, and Michelle Stevenson won a wind cannon in the drawing. Collaborators and community members alike expressed delight in the success of the event and hope that similar events would follow.
Bourbon County

Post 25 Scuttlebutt 

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Submitted by Carl Jowers

A special “Thank You” to those Post members who stepped and donated $300 to purchase wheelchair ramp materials for a local disabled veteran. This is really what the Legion is about: Veterans helping Veterans.   

Membership 

Post 25 leads 2nd District in membership with 91 members or 122.37%. Our goal for this Legion year was 76.

Thanks to all who made these outstanding membership numbers possible.  Post 25 has more than doubled its membership since 2017.

We can still accept new members for this Legion year. Any honorably discharged Veteran who served ONE day of active duty since December 7, 1941 can now join the American Legion. There are many Bourbon County Veterans who have never been asked to join us.  Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to become a member of America’s largest Veterans organization.

We will be welcoming our newest member, Ken Armenta, at our next meeting. Ken is an Army Vet who served in Vietnam.

Upcoming Events 

March 12. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 600 pm in Memorial Hall.

March 12. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 730 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 Legion family members can join the Post 25 Color Guard. This includes Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron members.

March 21.   District II convention at Post 14 in Lawrence. The District Convention is open to all Legionnaires.  

March 28.  American Legion Riders Chapter 25 “Basic Skills Riding Course.”  Starts at 10 am and is open to the public.  Email [email protected] for more information. An event flyer is attached to this email.

May 15 -17. Department Convention at the Ramada Hotel. The Department Convention is open to all Legionnaires.  

 

Informational Items 

The American Legion does many great things for America’s Veterans and their families. The “Blue Water Navy Act” which allows Sailors serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam to apply for Agent Orange disability and compensation is a more recent example of the American Legion efforts to help Veterans.  I’ve attached a “By the Numbers” flyer that reflect the American Legion’s impact across America.

If you wish to attend either the District or Department Conventions, please get in touch with me. Any Legionnaire in good standing can attend these events. Only delegates can vote, but one can learn more about the Kansas American Legion by attending. “In good standing” simply means your dues are paid for the current year.

 

 

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any suggestions or questions you may have about Fort Scott American Legion Post 25.

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688

[email protected]

FEB2020 Impact Report

Area News, Business

Sizzling Summer Craft Fair July 18, Vendors Sought

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Perry’s Pork Rinds invites vendors to join  a
🔥🔥1st Annual Sizzling Summer Craft Fair🔥🔥.

💰💰Admission to our air-conditioned event is FREE.

“We do ask you to donate any shampoo conditioner 🚿toothpaste toothbrushes 🦷 sanitary items for women razors and 🪒deodorants🧼,” Kelly Perry said.  ” Also feel free to donate a monetary donation for us to purchase the toiletries. Items will be given to local families in need in BB County via one of the many resource centers.”

“We will be accepting 60-100 craft, hand made, mass-produced, one of a kind or direct sales items as well as foods. No repeat of items will be allowed. Step away from the summer heat☀️☀️Drop the kids off at the aquatic center to swim 🏊‍♀️ and come enjoy some free time with indoor shopping 🛍 in the AC right here in Ft Scott KS🌻”

Vendor Applications available Friday, March 13, 2010.
www.PerrysPorkRinds.com Click on EVENTS tab & print form.
Mail to:
Perry’s Pork Rinds
PO Box 112
Bronson. KS66716

 

Area News

Steve Stockard Appointed 11th District Judge

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Governor appoints Steve Stockard to fill district court vacancy in the 11th Judicial District

 

Today Governor Laura Kelly appointed Steve Stockard to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffry L. Jack.

 

“Steven is a talented attorney and has extensive experience with a wide variety of legal issues,” Kelly said. “I was particularly struck by his ability to put himself in his client’s shoes and by his passion for foster care. I know he will serve citizens of the 11th Judicial District well.”

 

Stockard is a partner at Wilber & Towner, P.A., where he represents clients in a broad range of legal matters including personal injury, bankruptcy, family law and juvenile justice. He also is a part-time prosecutor of juvenile offender and child-in-need-of-care cases for Bourbon and Crawford counties.

 

His prior experience includes eight years as a Crawford County Assistant County Attorney and time as a staff attorney with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Stockard also is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and a youth volleyball coach at the YMCA. He graduated from Benedictine College in 1992 and earned his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 1996.

 

“I’m grateful to the nominating commission and to Governor Kelly for the confidence they have placed in me with this appointment,” Stockard said. “I know this community. I know the judges, the lawyers and the people of our district, and I will dedicate myself to serving them fairly and impartially every day. Our district has been blessed with great judges over the years, and I will do my best to honor and be a part of that legacy.”

 

District court judges in the 11th Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from among nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Hon. Samuel Marsh, (Cherokee County district magistrate judge, Columbus), and Shane Adamson (private practice attorney, Parsons).

Bourbon County Local News