Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
This Friday night, May 14th, the Chamber of Commerce Concert series at Heritage Park, will present The Hemphill Family and Friends Band. The group consists of Jack and Sandy Hemphill and their two adult children, Brad Hemphill and Kristen Weeks.
A granddaughter, Piper Weeks, will perform a song. In addition, Floyd Feezell (fee zel’), who is a crowd favorite, will join them for some songs.
The band plays old country songs, old-time rock, gospel, and country standards. Because of limited seating, please bring a lawn chair. The concert begins at 7 PM.
State of Colorado removed, specific Colorado counties added
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the state of Colorado but has added more than 20 Colorado counties to the list, effective as of May 6. Those counties are listed below.
“We recognize that adding Colorado to the quarantine list presented challenges to those living in the border communities,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “As such we looked at all of the Colorado counties individually and added those core counties that were 3x higher than the rate of Kansas.”
A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:
Traveled on or after May 6 to the Colorado counties of: Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Bent, Chaffee, Conejos, Crowley, City and County of Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Phillips, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, San Juan, Teller and Weld.
Traveled on or after May 6 to the countries of Cabo Verde, India, Maldives and Seychelles.
Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, Sweden and Turkey.
Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the country of Uruguay.
Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island.
Traveled on or after March 12 to the country of State of Palestine.
Traveled between April 22 and May 6 to Aruba or France.
Traveled between April 8 and May 6 to Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland or Serbia.
Traveled between March 26 and May 6 to Hungary.
Traveled between March 12 and May 6 to New Jersey or New York.
Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.
The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.
For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.
For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Releases
Report on Infant Mortality
Topeka — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released its annual report on infant mortality. The Kansas Infant Mortality & Stillbirth Report, 2019 examines trends and disparities in infant mortality and stillbirths. The full report can be viewed here.
Some notable findings include:
In 2019, there were 5.4 stillbirths at 20 weeks or more of gestation, per 1,000 live births plus stillbirths. This was unchanged from the 2018 rate. Since 2000, the overall trend for stillbirths has been increasing.
The infant mortality rate in Kansas decreased from 6.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018, to 5.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019. Since 2007, the overall trend for infant mortality has been decreasing.
From 2000 to 2019, infant mortality decreased among non-Hispanic White births and non-Hispanic Black births. No statistically significant trends in infant mortality were observed among Hispanic births.
In 2015-2019, the leading cause of infant mortality was congenital anomalies (23.9% of infant deaths), followed by Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (19.0%), short gestation and low birth weight (17.3%), and maternal complications of pregnancy (6.1%).
The rate of preterm-related mortality declined from 2000 to 2019. In 2015-2019, there were 190.0 preterm-related deaths per every 100,000 live births. The rate among non-Hispanic Black births (537.7 deaths per every 100,000 live births) was higher than that among non-Hispanic White births or Hispanic births.
“While the number of infant deaths reported is the lowest on record for the state, disparities in infant mortality rates among the non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations continued to exist in 2019,” said Kay Haug, State Registrar and Director of the KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics.
“Focusing on maternal health is critical to improving birth outcomes and preventing infant mortality,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the KDHE Bureau of Family Health. “Specifically, the health, nutrition, and behaviors of a mother prior to and during pregnancy directly impacts the infant’s health at the time of birth and throughout life. Further, eliminating disparities in infant mortality starts with addressing social determinants of health for the mother by ensuring access to care, individual and family supports, education, and maternity care practices that promote breastfeeding and safe sleep.”
UMB Bank donates $2,000 from its community fund to support Bourbon County CASA. UMB is a proud sponsor and supporter of the local CASA program.
Bourbon County CASA, founded in May 1990, has provided advocates for over 900 local children who are victims of abuse and neglect. This would not be possible without the support of individuals and businesses such as UMB.
On Mother’s Day, we celebrated everything a mother does for her children. Mothers change their children’s diapers, fed them, teach them to walk, take them to school, protect them and so much more.
Sadly, not all children are so lucky to have a mother, or a mother figure, who can and will do these things for them.
When a child is placed in the state’s care because of evidence of abuse and neglect, a judge can appoint a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to speak up for a child’s best interest by learning everything about the child’s situation. Often the CASA volunteer is the stability a child needs during this frightful time. CASA volunteers advocate for the child’s best interests in court and in the child welfare system when no one else can.
CASA volunteers are regular people — stay-at-home moms, retirees, teachers, business people. They don’t need to be lawyers or social workers. They just need to be willing to speak up for children in need just like a mother would for her child.
“CASA volunteers become that role model because they often are the one constant in a child’s life while he or she is in the foster care system,” said Horn.
You can help break the cycle of abuse from one generation to another. You can model what a good mother looks like by becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting Bourbon County CASA.
The next training class to become a CASA volunteer for Bourbon County CASA is spring 2022. More information can be found at nationalcasagal.org or by emailing [email protected].
The Center for Economic Growth (The Center) is giving individuals, living in a historically impoverished rural community, an opportunity for economic stability and wealth creation. Because of generous donations like these, critical services will continue to be provided to Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott residents and businesses free of charge. The Center provides expertise, business planning, financial projections, training and more with a focus on low to moderate-income, minority, woman-owned, or food-related business.
Economic stability represents an individual’s ability to access resources such as food, housing or healthcare, as well as creating a healthy business culture to help an employer attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and improve productivity. “Since 2016, we have focused intently on our mission to enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth in individuals,” Jody Hoener, President and CEO of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, “Through this collaboration, we are increasing access to employment and entrepreneurship in a population that has lacked upward mobility in employment opportunities and access to capital.”
The Center for Economic Growth has an array of state, regional, and local partnerships that include: The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, PSU Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Southeast KANSASWORKS, Fort Scott Community College, and BAJA Investments. “I am constantly impressed with how well each entity works together,” Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC says, “This collaboration benefits our clients as a one-stop-shop for services. Because of The Center, Bourbon County is ahead of the pack and significantly contributing to our regional goals.” Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant, The Center has access to even more expertise and resources right at their fingertips.
According to Smart Growth America, in today’s world business growth is driven by collaboration among many types of entities, private companies, universities, and others, that must interact frequently and work together creatively. “UMB is excited to support the creative and innovative efforts of The Center for Economic Growth. We hope that our contribution will make a difference in the lives of individuals in our community.” Crystal Maddox, UMB Senior Vice President-Commercial Lender.
The Center is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott in the upstairs of 17 South Main Fort Scott KS. It is a “one-stop-shop” for business, employment, food, telework, and distance learning needs. Current businesses, and those looking to start a business, have a physical location to meet with a person. Additionally, services are available for those seeking employment, developing soft skills (i.e. interviewing), or other job-seeking assistance. Businesses are encouraged and welcome to contact Southeast KANSASWORKS to see how they can connect with those looking for employment.
An overview of services The Center provides Bourbon County:
• WORKERS & FAMILIES:
o Distance Learning and Telework Space
o Unemployment & Job Seeking Assistance
o Increasing Access to Healthy Food
o Building Capacity for Local Food Assistance
• ADDRESSING CHILDCARE:
o Relief in Fulfilling Educational Requirements for Centers
o Incentives for Becoming a Legal Childcare Provider
• BUSINESS TOOLS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
o Getting Businesses Online via new Websites & Social Media
o Loans & Grants
o Special COVID Programs & Resources
Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #healthybbco
Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy
Kansas Community. Its mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity,
promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic
growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and
inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for
economic success in any industry and in all cities.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-5725 [email protected]
Mary Hunt, Interim Operations Director
Southeast KANSASWorks
Desk: 620-232-1222
Cell: 620-670-0006
Website: www.sekworks.org
Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC [email protected]
785-445-2537
Lindsay Madison, President and CEO, The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce [email protected]
(620) 223-3566
Union State Bank, Uniontown. Courtesy photo.Union State Bank, Fort Scott. Courtesy photo.
The Holt family started as bankers in Uniontown on May 10, 1901, with an investment of $5,000.
“The bank’s assets are around $60 million total,” said current Union State Bank President Bryan Holt. “That is an increase of about 20% over this time last year. There’s currently nearly $5 million in Tier 1 capital.”
For five generations they have served the banking needs of their community, starting with Emmit Holt, then his son, Curtis, then his son, Kent, then his son Kenny, then his son, Bryan. All these were in succession.
Emmit Holt, courtesy photo from Union State Bank.
Curtis Holt. Submitted photo.
Kent Holt, 89, remembers the first job at 12 years old. He helped his parents, Curtis and Helen, where he could.
“One of my duties was the Address-o-Graph, that machine that addressed envelopes,” Kent said.
By that time in the early 1940s, his mom and dad were the owners of the bank.
Kent Holt. Submitted photo.
Kent became president when his father died at 62 years old, he was 35 years old.
When he was the president he could do any job in the bank, he said. But through the years, the industry has become more complicated.
“The big change was computers coming to the bank,” he said. “it was slow coming in, and in stages. Then we had to hire more people.”
Kenny Holt was president and CEO of Union State Bank from 1993 until 2018 when he retired. He died in November 2019.
Fifth-generation president, Bryan Holt, became president and CEO of Union State Bank on January 1, 2019.
Bryan Holt.
“I returned to the bank in 2005 after working for 10 years in the accounting and tax software industry,” Bryan said. “I had always wanted to work in the family business and was, and still am, grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Changes that Bryan has seen in the banking industry also include technology.
“Most recently, the ability to conduct business via a mobile device has been a game-changer in terms of service,” Bryan said. “Our mobile banking app allows for users to deposit checks via their phone, which is extremely convenient. We’ve also added our debit cards to mobile wallets, which allow for payments via mobile phone. Personally, I didn’t see this as a great addition, but after I used it, I use it as often as I can.”
Through the years Kent’s wife, Marilyn, and sons, Kenny and his wife Nancy, and Randy and his wife Debbie, and daughter, Susan Eldridge, worked at the bank, along with some of their children. Then grandsons, Bryan and Chad, and his wife Amy.
Daughter, Debbie Likely, chose to teach for her career.
“Holt family members currently working in the bank include Randy Holt, Susan Eldridge, Chad Holt, Amy Holt and myself.,” Bryan said. “Aiden Holt( Chad’s daughter) works part-time in Uniontown during the summer and Claire Holt (Bryan’s daughter) works as a part-time teller in Fort Scott.”
In 1992, the bank opened a branch in Fort Scott, just off Hwy. 69 and 12th Street.
“We have 16 full- and part-time employees between the two branches.,” Bryan said.
Kent Holt Remembers a Bigger Community
Like most small towns, the population of Uniontown has shrunk.
Uniontown Park, approximately the early 1900s. Courtesy of Union State Bank.Union State Bank, the original building, in Uniontown, KS. Courtesy of Union State Bank.
Uniontown used to have more people, Kent Holt said.
He tried to remember all the businesses in town while he was working at the bank.
“Stroud’s Grocery Store, Griffith Elevator and Lumber, Bishard Grocery Store, there was an old folk’s home, Gates-the blacksmith, several filling stations-Ira Steele’s was one, a barber shop-Raymond Mosier, telephone company, two doctors-Dr. Miller was one, a dentist, Arch Ramsey, we were the only bank in town,” Kent said.
Flora Klenklen was his secretary for several years, then Alice Ramsey.
Kent Holt said he just faded out, he didn’t really retire, and was a member of the bank’s board of directors until about five years ago.
See the latest about the bank on its’ Facebook page.
Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse welcomes guest speaker, Anna (Toll) Kim, Thursday, May 13th, 2021.
Anna (Toll) Kim was born in Kansas and raised in Fort Scott.
From a young age she loved listening to the stories of missionaries from around the world.
In high school she went on her first overseas mission trip to Ecuador, an experience that influenced her life in many ways.
After graduating from Manhattan Christian College she moved to Asia to work with urban poor.
She made friends who became like family and started a family of her own.
Most recently, she lived in the Philippines and then moved back to Fort Scott to settle down with her family for a time. She loves being outdoors, puzzles, and spending quality time with family. Also, she loves sharing about her adventures in Asia.
Guests are welcome to visit our Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 13th in the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.
The Fort Scott Community College men’s track and field team traveled to Arkansas City for the regional meet this past weekend. With outstanding performance from many, the Hounds were able to bring home the first KJCCC East Conference Championship in school history. In only the third year of having the program back on campus, the Greyhounds took down the perennial power Cowley College by the score of 224-222. The meet came down to the 4×400 meter relay (Tre Buchanan, Marcus Freeman, Jarvis Miles, Jordan Collins) where the Hounds cruised to a time of 3:10.19, defeating second place Butler Community College by more than 7 seconds. Cowley finished the race in fourth place, giving the Hounds the conference crown.
Coach Philip Redrick on the men’s performance: “This was a complete team victory and came down to the last event. I told the team before the race that we needed to win the 4×400 if we wanted to take home the conference championship. It was an amazing performance and I couldn’t be more proud of the group. It takes everyone on the team competing at a high level to win a conference meet, and they didn’t disappoint.”
While there were many performances which contributed to the win, the Greyhounds were paced by the following conference champions:
Javris Miles – 400 meters – 47.57
Tre Buchanan – 400 hurdles – 52.63
Demarion Smith – High Jump – 1.95m
4×400 Meter Relay (Buchanan, Freeman, Miles, Collins – 3:10.19
4×800 Meter Relay (Lecorian Deboest, Lonnell Johnson, Alex Jaje, Marcus Freeman) – 7:41.41
Next up will be the national meet which will be held in Levelland, Texas starting 5/11/2021. The men’s team has 14 student-athletes who have qualified for the meet. Go Hounds!
FSCC Women’s Track and Field Sweeps Season Conference Championships; Qualify 10 for National Meet
Back in March the Fort Scott Community College women’s track and field team brought home the first conference championship in school history when they took the indoor title. This past weekend, the Hounds again ran through the conference, winning the outdoor title and completing the conference sweep. The meet was again a close competition which came down to the wire, but the Hounds prevailed over rival Cowley College by the score of 190-180.
Coach Redrick on the women’s performance: “This is a special group of women. They knew what they were going to have to do to compete and bring home another title, and they did just that. We had a huge number of special performances over the weekend. I’m so proud of them.”
Leading the way for the Hounds were the following conference champions:
Next up the Hounds will travel to Levelland, Texas for the NJCAA National Meet. 10 Greyhound student-athletes have met the national qualifying standards for the meet. Go Hounds!
