Governor Laura Kelly and Julie Lorenz, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), announced a new transportation program, FORWARD, at a news conference today as part of the Transportation Day activities at the State Capitol.
“Key features of FORWARD include a flexible, responsive rolling program where major projects are selected every two years rather than once a decade,” Kelly said. “FORWARD also calls for completion of delayed T-WORKS projects; transit, aviation, rail, bike and pedestrian solutions that solve problems in rural and urban Kansas; and more partnerships with local communities to increase both local matches and the number of improvements we can make.”
FORWARD will also provide more resources to communities through new initiatives such as the Cost-Share, Local Bridge Improvement and Strategic Safety programs to help address Kansans’ pent-up demand for transportation investments, Secretary Lorenz said.
“Most importantly, FORWARD will provide better service through helping communities solve more transportation problems by utilizing all of KDOT’s resources,” Secretary Lorenz said.
Both Governor Kelly and Secretary Lorenz stressed the need to end transfers out of the State Highway Fund. Over the past several years, more than $2 billion has been transferred, causing the condition of the state’s highway system to decline. Governor Kelly’s budget, with the Legislature’s support, began to reverse that trend last year.
“To pass FORWARD, we must close the ‘Bank of KDOT’ – and make sure that funding for transportation is spent on transportation,” Kelly said. Governor Kelly has pledged to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.
The FORWARD program is a plan for Kansans, developed in consultation with Kansans, that works for the whole state.
“Kansans are ready to build a better transportation system for themselves and for future generations,” Secretary Lorenz said. “With FORWARD, KDOT will be ready to deliver.”
Stocking supplies, cleaning equipment are among management strategies
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Cattle producers who have not yet started the spring calving season still have time to plan ahead, and a Kansas State University veterinarian notes that could make a big difference in having a successful year.
“This is the time for a pre-emptive strike,” said A.J. Tarpoff, a beef veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension. “If you haven’t started calving yet on your operation, now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to be ready.”
Tarpoff noted that producers need to make sure they have the necessary supplies on hand, which may require buying or repairing items and facilities. Then, he adds, set in motion a plan to manage the birth of the new calves.
“Calving books are a phenomenal tool,” Tarpoff said. “It could be just a little pocketbook where you write down who calved, when they calved, if there was difficulty, and whether it was a male or female coming out. There is a lot of information that we can capture about the birthing process so that we’re able to make better decisions within our herd in the future.”
One of the newer management techniques that can lead to successful calving is to feed cows at dusk. “There have been several research studies that show reliable results that a higher percentage of animals are born during daylight hours when we feed the cow in the late evening hours,” Tarpoff said.
Feeding late in the evening, he said, will help decrease midnight or early morning births, which are hard on workers and can make the birth more complicated if there are difficulties.
Tarpoff hosted a series of calving schools across Kansas over the last several weeks to help the state’s producers be adequately prepared to bring in as many healthy animals as possible. The final session for this season was video-streamed on Facebook Live. A recording of that session can be seen on the K-State Research and Extension Facebook page.
One of his recommendations is that producers use a cooler to store tools and equipment: “On cold days and nights, the cooler will help equipment to stay nice and warm. We can close it up and know that our equipment is not going to freeze,” he said.
Tarpoff said producers should check calving chains or obstetric straps for rust, sharp spots or fraying. He also suggests having multiple sets on hand in case there are multiple births at once. The straps should be cleaned, disinfected and hung to dry after each use.
“Once those straps are dried, put them in a closed container so that you don’t re-contaminate them by accident,” he said. “Then, throw them back into your cooler kit.”
Producers should have a meeting with their local veterinarian to discuss situations that may occur, and what medicine or other supplies may be needed to handle those. “They can prescribe the products you’ll need and set you up to be a little more prepared,” Tarpoff said.
Producers can also contact their local extension agent or visit KSUBeef.org for more information on getting prepared for spring calving.
From left: Elaina Koppa, Rebekah Houser, and Bethany Johnson pray together. Photos courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography.
IF, a Christian women’s ministry conference, is planned for Saturday, February 29 at 9 a.m. at Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. Twelfth.
IF God is real, then what? That is the premise of the ministry to women.
Area women are asked to join others from local churches to look into God’s Word through teaching, conversations, worship of Jesus, and hearing stories, according to information provided from organizers.
Bible Study. Courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography.
Presentations from popular Christian leaders, including Beth Moore, Sadie Robertson, Jennie Allen, and Bianca Olthoff will be from the IF: Gathering 2020 Livestream.
Also included is live music from local artists Madison Christian and KaLisa Veer.
The cost is $25 and includes a coffee bar, light pastries, lunch, and snacks, plus receive a free notebook and pen.
A few local IF participants were interviewed by FortScott.Biz:
How has IF impacted your life?
Rebekah
“Last year was my first time attending an IF event…and I don’t know why I waited so long to join,” said Rebekah Houser, who will be the photographer for the 2020 event. “I loved the event so much that I’ve done every IF: Equip study we’ve held since then. It has filled the hole I’ve had since I graduated out of my high school youth group and has seriously been a huge blessing. Some of my closest friends now are the women who have also participated in these studies alongside me.”
Rachel
“After suffering the loss of my brother four years ago, I decided to attend a Christian women’s event at a local church, one that I didn’t attend,” Rachel French, IF: Fort Scott Steering Committee Member said. “It was totally a God move. Over the years, the Lord has laid on my heart to promote unity throughout the body of Christ here in our community. Since that initial gathering, I have seen our IF: community put aside our differences and focus on the core common beliefs that we share.”
Bethany
“When I first attended the gathering in 2017, I was new to Fort Scott and was still trying to find my place in the small town scene, having grown up in a larger city,” Bethany Johnson, IF Steering Committee Member said. “I was asked to serve at the IF: Gathering and I came excited to learn and worship with other women. I quickly realized how much I needed to be there. I soaked up teaching from God’s Word and powerful and encouraging stories. That was just the beginning of how God has used this ministry to impact my life and connect me to other Christian women in my community.”
What is your favorite part of the event?
Rebekah
“My favorite part about IF is the building of a community with women from other churches and denominations. I love that IF isn’t about putting one denomination over another. It’s simply about creating a community with other women in your town and forming relationships with them. Then, the opportunity to join an IF: Table or participate in the short six-week IF: Equip studies can continue to build and solidify those relationships. No matter what age or denomination you are, we just get together to love each other and lean into each other. I love that,” Rebekah said.
Rachel
“I love that IF: Fort Scott doesn’t end when the gathering is over. We have weekly and monthly opportunities for the women of the community to get involved and continue to learn and grow more in their faith. We offer weekly Bible studies that start every six to eight weeks, with our next study starting on March 10th. We also offer monthly IF: Tables, where six women meet for two hours over a meal and have a conversation over a topic provided by the IF: Gathering team,” Rachel said.
From left: Rebekah Houser, Elaina Koppa, Brodi Dare, Jessica Majors, and Suzanne Griffin, during an IF small group event. Photos courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography.
Bethany
“This event is unlike any other women’s conference or retreat I have ever attended. We come together and watch recordings of other women and Christian leaders share powerful teaching from God’s word and testimonies of what He is doing in their lives. Since I volunteer as a youth sponsor and spend time with teenage girls each week at my church, my favorite part is gathering with women from every age and background to be united in one purpose. I am encouraged because it is an opportunity for teenage girls to see other girls their age leading women much older than them,” Bethany said.
How has attending challenged you personally?
Rebekah
“Since attending IF, I’ve felt compelled to not only get to know other women in my community better but get to truly know them. I have so many new close relationships with women now that one year ago I did not! I needed that desperately, and they have truly been a lifeline for me on so many occasions. I have the best and most understanding husband, but sometimes you just need a great group of ladies to lean on too,” Rebekah said.
Rachel
“This will be my fifth gathering and after each event I feel God stretching me to grow deeper in my faith and rely on him more. We get to hear from so many amazing speakers who communicate the word of God in a way that is different than a regular Sunday morning service. Through the IF: Equip app the speakers provide more content which has allowed me to continue learning from these godly women,” Rachel said.
Bethany
“Through attending this event, I have had the opportunity to study the Bible with other women, serve in many ways out of my comfort zone, and lead alongside new friends. I am challenged to grow in my relationship with Jesus through this event. There are many free resources available to study Scripture and dive deeper into your faith through the IF: Equip App,” Bethany said.
Adriana Leiker, Sarah Miller, Leah Niederklein, Kayla Hutchison, Sarah Miller, Amaeus Hawkins, and Jordan Bailey. Submitted photo.
Pittsburg Youth Chorale performed at Grace United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
The ensemble is under the direction of MJ Harper and comprised of 4th-6th grade vocalists from southeast Kansas:
Jordan Bailey, Amaeus Hawkins, Kayla Hutchison, Adriana Leiker, Sarah Miller, and Leah Niederklein.
Performers sang three a capella arrangements of “Music Alone Shall Live,” “My Lord, What a Morning,” and
“Peace Like a River” for their Spring semester opener.
Pittsburg Youth Chorale looks forward to performing at
Mid-America Music Festival and Pittsburg Earth Day Celebration in April and a Finale Concert in May.
For more information or to book this ensemble for performances, contact MJ Harper 620-719-6633 [email protected] .
Kitchens typically get a work-out during the holidays and on Super Bowl Sunday. Since those big food events are past, now is a great time to choose an inside day or two to clean the kitchen.
I suggest removing all items from one or two cupboards at a time before washing the cupboard, inside and outside. Allow time for the cupboards to air dry, and then check the clean, dry cupboards for cracks or holes that will need to be caulked to protect foods from insect or rodent damage. Wash re-usable shelf-liners and dry completely before replacing, or replace with shelf-liner of your choice.
Discarding food products with any signs of insect or other damage, such as a dented can or a cracked glass jar. Sort products by type and date, and look for a “Use-By” date to indicate a date to which a product is expected to retain food quality, flavor and texture.
Look for dates on canned fruits, vegetables or soups, dried food products such as fruit or packaged pastas, and soft packs, such as tuna or sauce mix, as well. When returning food to the clean cupboard – or restocking –place the newest foods behind older foods that should be used first.
Evaluate spices and flavorings that typically lose food quality after opening. Like most foods, spices should be stored in a cool, dry place, used within six months for best quality and replaced after a year. Since dates are not always as obvious on small packages it’s wise to buy smaller quantities of seldom-used spices and to label and date them after purchase.
Don’t confuse “Use-By” dates with “Sell-By” dates, which serve as a guide for grocers stocking fresh food products and removing out-of-date products from shelves.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, this is what dates mean:
A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale; consumers should buy the product before the date expires.
A “Best if Used By (or Before)” date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
“Closed or coded dates” are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.
During kitchen cleaning, I also recommend:
* Store pots, pans, or dishes, rather than food, near warm locations like heating vents.
* Store seldom-used items, such as holiday cookie cutters, in out-of-the way or seldom-used cupboards, such as the small cupboard over the refrigerator.
* Group packages such as yeast and seasoning mixes in a small basket or box for easy access.
* Store frequently-used items within easy reach in areas between the shoulders and knees.
* Group baking items such as flour, sugar, baking powder, bowls, and spatulas in a baking center.
* Move picnic or tailgating gear and seasonal tableware to another location.
* Sort utensils and choose one or two favorites of each type; pass still usable items on to students, or others who are setting up a household, or donate to a thrift shop.
* Organize smaller gadgets by type in baskets or boxes within a drawer.
* Designate a cupboard close to the sink and dishwasher to store dishes, table and glassware.
* Empty the refrigerator periodically and discard leftovers or other foods that are past their prime. If possible, remove shelves and drawers for cleaning. Clean the exterior with warm, soapy water and vacuum dust and dirt from under the appliance.
Always remember to read and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning appliances, cooktops, countertops and cabinets.
More information on food storage is available in the guide, “Cupboard, Approximate Storage Times” available through K-State Research and Extension’s Southwind District offices and online at www.southwind.ksu.edu. For other questions about foods or nutrition, contact Kathy at 620-365-2242 or by email at [email protected].
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Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
For Families
Celebrate all things Seuss at a drop-in program on March 2!
Between 10 am and 4:30 pm, stop by the library event room to
enjoy games, crafts, snacks, reading, and prizes inspired by the
works of Dr. Seuss. When available, Miss Val will read your
favorite Dr. Seuss story, as well!
FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens
Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Join our ongoing reading challenge, which will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading.
FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
February & March meetings will run as follows:
February 12, 4:15 pm: Valentine’s Crafts
February 19, 4 – 6 pm: Games & Snacks Night
March 4, 4:15 – 5 pm: Community Service at the library
March 11, 4 – 6 pm: Games & Crafts Night
March 25, 4:15 pm: The Lone Wolves Book Club at the Keyhole
NO Meetings on February 26 & March 18 due to training and vacation.
Need a ride from public school to FIGHTERS? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.
An heiress, a Resistance fighter and a widow find their lives intertwined by their wartime experiences and the turbulent 1960s when they seek refuge at Paris’ legendary Ritz hotel. 50,000 first printing.
Discovering evidence of a gruesome murder in a roadside hedge, private detective Agatha Raisin is embroiled in a case involving industrial espionage, a bad-tempered donkey and her own growing fame. By the best-selling author of the Hamish Macbeth series.
Investigating the suspicious death of a social worker, Chief New York City Medical Examiner Laurie Montgomery makes the controversial decision to use genealogic DNA databases to identify a mysterious killer. By the best-selling author of Coma. Simultaneous.
Linda Kay Wheeler, age 78, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, February 10, 2020, at her home.
She was born July 29, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Chester and Mildred Rogers Seaver. She graduated from Ft. Scott high school with the class of 1959. Kay married Fletcher Wheeler on July 9, 1960, in Miami, OK.
She enjoyed being outside with the wildlife and her dogs. Kay was a fan of Elvis and liked watching the news and the Kansas City Chiefs on television. She looked forward to a great reunion at the Rainbow Bridge with all her past beloved pets.
Survivors include her husband Fletcher of the home; two daughters, Shelly Shirley and husband Tom, Springfield, MO, and Lisa Wheeler, Clearwater, FL; a brother, Jerry Seaver and wife Suzzane, TX; two grandchildren Kaitlyn Shirley, and Daniel Shirley and wife Ashley; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Ronald Seaver; and a sister Betty Chambers.
There was cremation.
Kay’s wishes were no services.
The family suggests memorials to Wayside Waifs Kansas City 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.
Fort Scott Community College’s (FSCC) track team has hit the ground running with 8 national qualifying athletes. This program has been buried deep in the archives since the 1940’s, but has been reconstructed and coming in hot! Head Coach, Philip Redrick spent his first year recruiting across the nation to find the best of the best.
“My team is young but we are learning how to run in college and how to compete at the highest level we are not done we should have about 5 more kids make it to nationals”, says Redrick.
The eight that are locked in for nationals is as follows:
Jordan Joyner 60 meters- Qualified at the Missouri Southern meet
Tre Buchanan 400 and 4by400-Qualified at the Pittsburg State meet
Jarvis Miles 400 and 4by400- Qualified at the Pittsburg State meet
Rico DeBoest 4by4- Qualified at the University of Kansas meet
Eric Jordan 4by4- Qualified at the University of Kansas meet
Russell Mitchell 60h- Qualified at the Missouri Southern meet
Josauni Swisher 60 meters- Qualified at the University of Kansas meet
Brandon Hunt 4by400- Qualified at the University of Kansas meet
The FSCC Track Team is just getting started in their season and are doing great; on the track and in the classroom!
