There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider approval to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.
The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.
We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
The Library Building Will Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice
Curbside Service
Fort Scott Public Library is offering curbside pickup of library materials. We encourage patrons to log in to their accounts and place holds. Patrons who prefer may call us at (620)223-2882 or email either [email protected] or [email protected]. We will limit holds placed by phone to 5 items. Patrons may also borrow newspapers and magazines. Email or call with the titles and dates needed.
The only items available to check out are those physically in our library. Eventually the service that moves library items from place to place will be working again, but for at least the next couple of weeks, we’re limited to what we have here. If you log in to your account at www.seknfind.org, your choices will automatically be set to items located at Fort Scott Public.
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! Every week, she will compile collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
Emails and texts are automatically generated when we scan holds. The items won’t be available to check out until we have scheduled a time with you. We will call patrons to schedule a time to pick up their items. We encourage everyone to log in to their accounts and verify that their contact information is correct. If you need assistance logging in, please email us at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your account number (library card number) in your email.
You can find instructions about how to log in to your account and place holds by looking in the “how to” section on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.
We will have a table outside the library where we will place items to be picked up. Patrons should call the library when they arrive and give us their library card number. We will put the items on the table to be picked up. We ask that people stay away from the table while library staff are outside.
We will place your items in bags before putting them on the table. If you prefer to use your own bags, let us know when we schedule your pick up time. When you arrive, call us to let us know you’re here, place your bag on the table, and move away from the table. Library employees will put your items in your bag and return to the building.
People who need us to put the items in their vehicles should let us know when we are scheduling their pick up times. Please open your trunk and remain in your vehicle when you let us know that you’re here for your holds. Library staff will place your items in your trunk.
In the event of inclement weather, items to pick up will be placed on the counter inside the Second Street entrance. Please wait until staff have re-entered the main building before entering to pick up your items.
We will have an area outside the building in which we are offering free books. Please limit browsing to one person at a time. We will refill the selection of free books as needed. Please remain an appropriate distance away from library employees refilling the free books boxes.
We are quarantining all returned items for several days.
Please maintain appropriate social distancing while library employees are outside the building.
Please stay home if you are sick.
We are not accepting donations of any materials at this time.
A note to our wi-fi users: In order for us to keep the wi-fi available while we are offering curbside circulation, we ask that you please not occupy the parking or sidewalk area on the north (Second Street) side of the library.
Book Bags for Children
Bagged collections of books for children available for curbside check out
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! She has compiled collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
Here are the topics currently available: Boys’ General Interest, Classics, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Disney Stories, Fantasy, Farm, Girls’ General Interest, LEGO, Silly Stories, Sports, Spring, Superheroes, Star Wars, Vehicles, and Zoo Animals. For most topics, we have books in both the Birth – 1st Grade and 2nd – 5th Grades age ranges, but always choose what you think your child is more ready for.
Digital Resources
Digital Library Accounts
If you don’t have an account with us, and you live in Bourbon County, we can create an account that gives you access to digital resources. Create an account at www.seknfind.org and we will email you information about using it to access hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.
At present, we are not able to create new accounts for checking out physical items.
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.
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.
For Kids
Virtual Storytime Tuesdays 10 am Zoom
11 am Facebook Live
Stayed Tuned for Announcements about this year’s Summer Reading Program!
Join Miss Val online for stories, songs, & crafts Upcoming Themes: Flight & Alphabet.
Click this link on Tuesdays at 10 am to join the Zoom storytime. To receive the Zoom password, email Miss Val at [email protected] or message the library’s Facebook page. Suggest your child’s favorites here.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
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 sending your name, child’s name and age, and contact information to Miss Val at [email protected]. Track your child’s reading online or on paper by recording every time you read a story to your child. Once you reach 100, send Miss Val a message at the email above. Take a photo of your child (you may print a milestone paper for the photo from this website. When the library reopens to the public, Miss Val will give your child a sticker and book for each milestone achieved while we were closed. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens
Sjoin
Stay tuned for announcements about this year’s teen summer reading program!
Middle & High School Students, join Miss Val on Zoom Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for a free program just for you!
FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
Online meetings occur each week, and specific details will be posted on the library’s Facebook page. You will need to use this link to join the Zoom meeting. You will also need to contact Miss Val at [email protected] or through the library’s Facebook page in order to receive the password required to join the meeting.
Kansas Children’s Service League will be offering several training topics at various times at no charge. See below for topics, times, descriptions, and links for registering, and please feel free to forward this on to your colleagues and partners. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Trainings Available at No Charge!
The Darkness to Light Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training is available online with a follow up zoom discussion. If you need directions for accessing this course and zoom discussion, please let me know. This training is approved for 2.0 hours of inservice credit and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
Note: This training is approved for 1.0 hour of inservice credit, and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Description
Children who grow up in safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments that foster hope and resilience are better prepared for lifelong health and well-being. The 1998 landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study demonstrated that many adults recall experiences—including abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and areas of household dysfunction—that led to lifelong poor physical and emotional health. While ACEs are important, an exclusive focus on adverse experiences risks labeling children and their families, and it neglects to turn attention toward the possibility for flourishing even in the face of adversity (Sege, R). Participants of this training will learn about the ACEs research including the impact on social connections, school readiness and the likelihood of developing negative health behaviors, learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework being implemented to prevent ACEs called Essentials for Childhood: Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships and Environments; and brainstorm concrete ways to cultivate relationships and environments that create a positive impact for children and families in our communities. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting Description
Kansas law states that most professionals who work with children, including medical professionals, social workers, nurses, educators and more, are mandated reporters. This means that they are required by law to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Participants of this training will be able to define the various types of abuse and neglect, identify signs and symptoms of each type, and address areas of risk and protective factors. In addition, participants will learn the appropriate responses to suspected abuse or neglect, discuss what to do in the event of child disclosure, and understand Kansas mandated reporter laws. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Description
This training will provide a brief recap of Adverse Childhood Experiences followed by a screening of Resilience, a film that chronicles the promising beginnings of a national movement to prevent childhood trauma, treat toxic stress, and greatly improve the health of future generations. We will end with group discussion on family and community resilience and how we can help support families.
Preventing Infant Abuse with the Period of PURPLE Crying Description
The Period of PURPLE Crying® is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time. Infants who cry a lot or are awake and fussy at night are a source of concern for many parents. Because of the normal increase in crying that occurs in the first months of a baby’s life, parents and caregivers usually have questions. Crying is the most frequently reported trigger for why a parent or caregiver would shake a baby. Early prevention education is the key to decreasing the incidence of shaken baby syndrome and infant abuse. The Period of PURPLE Crying® is an evidence-based shaken baby syndrome primary prevention program, created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Come learn about the Kansas strategy, how PURPLE is being implemented in hospitals and agencies across the state, how the program was selected, and the research behind it. This training is geared toward those professionals who are working with families with new babies, whether through child care, home visitation programs, health departments, clinics, etc. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong nominated Fort Scott High School Senior Elizabeth Ngatia to serve on the Kansas Learning Plan Commission, started by the Kansas State Department of Education.
The KSDE asked all school districts to nominate one senior from the graduating class of 2020 to be on the task force to assist other seniors across the State of Kansas in dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19.
“I felt so honored, thankful to have a superintendent who believed in me so much,” she said. “The nomination was to represent the USD 234 school district and our seniors.”
Hessong was impressed with Ngatia as a student at FSHS, he said. “After hearing some of her speeches, I was moved by the passion she had for topics she was conveying to the listener. I was not aware of Elizabeth’s personal story at the time of the nomination, but when she shared her story with me I knew she was the right choice to nominate for her to represent USD 234.”
Once nominated, Ngatia wtote a bibliography about herself and waited to see if she was selected to be a part of the 50 students selected.
“After the meeting with the 50 students, a few weeks passed and KSDE contacted me about being a part of an even smaller group to help have a more focused conversation that can benefit students,” she said.
The group met online for discussion beginning May 1.
The following is an email interview with Ngatia.
What do you do on the commission?
“I discuss my thoughts, ideas, and concerns about my struggles as well as other seniors and their struggles through this trying time with fellow seniors in Kansas, and the staff of the KSDE.”
How do you meet?
“We meet every few weeks on Zoom calls as a group.”
Elizabeth Ngatia, top middle , in a Zoom meeting with others on the Kansas Learning Plan Commission. Submitted photos.
What is the commission all about?
“The commission is all about… the leaders of the Kansas education system, getting to hear from students about how we are coping with everything. They are able to have an insight on what ways they may be able to help with such a drastic change. However, the commission goes beyond Covid-19 and the burden it has been. We discuss how and what educators can do to help address some of the barriers seniors face. What they can do to create, and improve, some of the high school learning experiences for future graduates.”
Has anything good come out of the experience of the pandemic that shut down the country, for you?
“I think for me I took the time to grieve and be heartbroken about the situation. I took the time to remember all the things that would no longer be accessible to me, once I got past that grieving stage, I reminded myself that this is the way that it has to be, that although it has affected many important areas of my life, I must look at the positives. I quickly recognized how lucky and blessed I am to have a home life where I feel safe, cared for, and can easily focus on my online studies well. At the end of the day, you must take the bad situations and make them good, I am happy to have gotten this extra time with my family, this extra to also re-evaluate and discover more about myself before moving on to a new chapter of my life.”
What challenges have there been?
“For me, asides from the common missing being with friends and extended family, it was navigating post-secondary education plans without the help of teachers and especially the counselors.”
What are you looking forward to in your education?
“I am really looking forward to being in the leadership community at Washburn University and being around such a family-like atmosphere. I am also really looking forward to studying pre-law (political science) in the capital city where I will hopefully get to work with some of our state lawmakers and see everything in action, hopefully, pick up a few skills!”
“Elizabeth has a bright future in front of her and I know by her participating in this task force, others will be able to learn and relate to her story and she will help her fellow seniors across the State of Kansas in dealing with COVID-19 in a positive manner,” Hessong said.
Ngatia shared a little of her life journey with fortscott.biz:
She was born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, and her parents worked hard to support the family.
“At the age of seven, my family immigrated to America,” Ngatia said. “My parents picked up jobs at local fast-food restaurants to support us.”
The culture in Kenya and the U.S. were immensely different, she said and she felt like she was out of place due to her strong accent, financial issues and other cultural differences.
Her family became her source of motivation.
Her parents told her the American Dream was meant for her and her sister.
“They pushed us to be successful because this is an opportunity not many have in Kenya,” she said.
The faith and support of her parents helped her realize the opportunities she has before her, and she looked for ways to change the status quo, by getting involved in many school activities to fulfill the goals she had, she said.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added one state to the quarantine list: Maryland, and removed two states from the list: Colorado and Louisiana. This includes removal of the specific Colorado counties listed previously. This is effective for persons returning today, May 12, and moving forward. A comprehensive list of those individuals in Kansas needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:
Traveled to:
• Maryland on or after May 12.
• Massachusetts and Rhode Island on or after April 30.
• Connecticut on or after April 6.
• Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.
• New York on or after March 15.
• Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
• International travel on or after March 15.
Others needing to continue quarantining:
• People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.
• People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.
• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.
Please note these quarantine orders do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, law enforcement, meatpacking supply, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that services need to continue.
KDHE encourages facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic.
KDADS Receives More Than $6.7 Million in Additional CARES Act Funding to Support Older Americans Act Programs
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today that Kansas has received more than $6.7 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help communities provide supportive services, meals, caregiver support services and long-term care ombudsman services for older adults.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law March 27, 2020, provided additional funding to states, territories and tribes for the various programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. KDADS has received $6,785,425 under this grant program, the third part of a congressional economic stimulus bill, and is distributing the federal dollars to fund supportive services, caregiver support services, long-term care ombudsman services, and nutrition services. The funds for nutrition services are in addition to the more than $2 million provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) KDADS received in March of this year.
“These funds will go directly toward helping agencies that deliver these vital support services in communities across our state support older adults in staying healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Howard said. “We appreciate their tireless efforts and ability to adapt and scale the increased needs of this crisis as they relate to the needs of our seniors and disabled individuals.”
The OAA Title III programs and services reach more than 300,000 Kansans each year, through community-based, in-home and statewide supports. The need for many of these services has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 have closed congregate settings.
The state aging network is using innovative strategies to continue to serve older adults and support communities.
“Many of our local restaurants are struggling to keep their doors open, and we see this as an opportunity to collaborate and begin providing senior meals through an Older Americans Act voucher program with local restaurants in Northwest Kansas,” Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Michelle Morgan said. “We see this as a way to provide seniors with needed, nutritious meals while supporting our local businesses during this difficult time.”
Older adults who need assistance can find services and information in their neighborhood or community by calling the Area Agencies on Aging at 855-200-2372 where they will be directed to assistance in their area.
The Kansas Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman continues to advocate for civil and human rights, and support and empower consumers by resolving individual complaints while working to improve and enhance the long-term care system for residents and their families. The office serves individuals residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, board and care home, home plus facilities, adult day centers and residential health care facilities.
“Restrictions on visitation have significantly increased demand for ombudsman services, as families seek assistance in ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. This funding will give the Kansas Ombudsman program the ability to expand its virtual presence to residents and their families, to provide personal protective equipment once in-person visits resume and continue to promote the health, safety welfare, and rights of residents in the context of COVID-19,” Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Barbara Hickert said.
Long-term care residents or their family members with questions or concerns related to COVID-19, or who need help facilitating communication with their family members may contact the Long-term Care Ombudsman at 877-662-8362.
There currently is a need for additional volunteers to deliver meals across the state. If you would like to volunteer and do not fall into any of the high-risk categories for COVID-19, please call 855-200-2372.
In light of the continuing events resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately The American Legion National Organization is implementing the following directives relating to The American Legion National Organization national baseball program for the 2020 season.
1. Any and all previous 2020 American Legion National Organization memos regarding the national baseball program for the 2020 season are retracted and replaced by the following.
2. The American Legion National Organization has cancelled all 2020 season’s Regional Tournaments and The American Legion World Series.
3. Concurrently, The American Legion National Organization has shut down all sponsorship and all involvement in baseball for the 2020 season.
4. This shutdown of all sponsorship and all involvement in baseball for the 2020 season means that those baseball teams that wish to continue playing 2020 season baseball shall be participating in a sporting event not sponsored, nor endorsed in any manner, by The American Legion National Organization, but sponsored and endorsed solely by the group the team is named.
5. Any baseball team that continues play in the 2020 season sponsored by the group the team is named must understand that its team is not playing as an American Legion National Organization “registered” baseball team and it is not playing in an American Legion National Organization baseball program.
6. The complete cancellation of the 2020 American Legion National Organization baseball season means there is no American Legion National Organization baseball program “national rules,” nor are there “national guidelines,” as there is no 2020 American Legion national involvement.
7. In other words, if an American Legion Department has a 2020 season baseball program, then that Department is having “The Department of ‘X’ American Legion Baseball Program – not authorized, nor endorsed by The American Legion National Organization.”
8. Those departments that conduct this 2020 baseball season program will need to determine
their rules, guidelines, schedules, insurance coverage, etc., for their own programs as The
American Legion National Organization will not provide this assistance.
9. The American Legion National Organization has already stopped collecting, and subsequently
returned to all teams any and all national baseball team fees to the respective teams.
10. With the shutdown of the online National American Legion Baseball registration portal, The
American Legion National Organization has stopped referring baseball teams to the K&K
Insurance portal for the 2020 baseball season. The departments that have their own programs
will need to determine what insurance their teams need in order to play in their programs;
The American Legion National Organization will not provide this assistance.
11. All baseball teams that paid to The American Legion National Organization administrative
fees shall have these fees reimbursed to the teams.
12. All other situation(s) that may arise during the 2020 baseball season in a department that elects
to have a 2020 baseball season is a situation for that particular department as that particular
department is solely responsible for its decision to any situation(s) as The American Legion
National Organization staff and volunteers are not authorized to address or help with any
department’s situation(s).
Leasha Renee Galvis, 47, of Olathe, Kansas passed away, Monday, May 11, 2020 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born the daughter of Loretta Hall August 26, 1972 in Pittsburg, Kansas. She married John A. Galvis on September 26, 2003 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, he survives of the home.
Leasha graduated from Uniontown High School in 1990 as the class Salutatorian and was in the National Honor Society, she graduated from Pittsburg State University in the Honors Program and received her Master’s Degree from Kansas State University. She worked for Searles Valley Minerals in International Sales and was proficient at Bilingual Translation. She was a member of the Indian Creek Community Church.
Leasha had a special way of bringing, giving, & sharing joy to those who knew her. She was deeply, deeply loved by her family here in the United States and Colombia, South America.
In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by her parents, Loretta and Dale Arnold of Fort Scott, 2 brothers, Troy Arnold of Fort Scott and Trenton Arnold of North Platt, Nebraska, five sisters, Tami Cassell-Shirley of Fort Scott, Kansas, Sandra Galvis of Bogota, Colombia, Luz Galeano of Lenexa, Didi Vincent of Andover, Kansas, and Katie Klein of St. Louis, Missouri as well as several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Funeral Services will be private and burial will be in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The Family suggests memorials to “Care To Share”, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W, Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Weldon Blake Roberts, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born June 8, 1952, the son of James P. Roberts and Waneda Alberta Blake Roberts. Weldon had served with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He later served with the Kansas Army National Guard. He married Marlene Elliott in March of 1980. He had been employed by Craft Fabricators in Ft. Scott for several years.
Survivors include his wife, Marlene, of the home; two children Mitchell Roberts and Janelle Roberts and two grandchildren, Kandi and Isabel Rodriguez, all of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are three sisters, Rowena Jahansouz, Rhonda Spears and Brenda Moser.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James and Ronald Roberts and two sisters, Deborah Silvers and Linda Roberts.
There was cremation. Burial with military honors will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
