Elections, Government, Kansas

Effort To Ensure Kansans Get Registered To Vote

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Governor Kelly, State Agencies Ensure Kansas Voters Can Get Registered and Vote

~Part of Effort to Ensure Kansas in Full Compliance with Federal Voting Law~

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure every eligible Kansan has a meaningful opportunity to get registered to vote or update their voter registration.

 

“As we enter the homestretch of the 2020 election, it is vital that every eligible voter has a chance to register to vote and participate in our democracy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration has taken several steps to improve our outreach to Kansans – especially during this pandemic – and these efforts are already bearing fruit.”

 

DCF and KDHE began sending voter registration applications to Kansas residents entitled to agency-provided voter registration opportunities, one of the state’s recent efforts to ensure compliance with federal law.

 

Last November, Demos, Loud Light, the ACLU, and the ACLU of Kansas completed an investigation of compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) in Kansas and notified Governor Kelly and other state officials of areas to improve to ensure the state’s compliance with the NVRA. DCF and KDHE have been working on meaningful improvements to agency-provided voter registration opportunities and assistance to clients filling out voter registration applications.

 

Among other improvements, DCF and KDHE upgraded and will continue to improve their online application portals to provide their clients with better assistance with voter registration. Although some of the technology upgrades will take time to implement, DCF and KDHE have mailed voter registration applications to clients to ensure that they receive opportunities to register to vote before the November General Election.

 

This process has already provided many Kansas residents with an opportunity to register to vote or update their registration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March and September 2020, DCF mailed voter registration applications to nearly 151,00 clients. KDHE will send voter registration applications to 127,000 client households in September.

 

“As we weather this pandemic, with many individuals quarantined at home and practicing social distancing, it is important we provide this service to Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am committed to making sure eligible Kansas voters are not left behind.”

 

Governor Kelly encourages all eligible Kansas residents to register to vote. Kansans who receive a voter registration application in the mail are encouraged to complete the application to register to vote (or update an existing registration) as quickly as possible to ensure it reaches their county’s election office ahead of the October 13 deadline to register. Eligible Kansans may also register to vote online at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/default.aspx; a Kansas driver’s license or state identification card are required to register to vote on the Kansas registration page. Eligible Kansans can also register in minutes at KSVotes.org. To vote in the General Presidential Election this year, Kansas residents must be registered to vote by October 13, 2020.

 

The Governor also encourages every registered voter to vote by mail.  And any registered voter in Kansas can. The application for a mail-in ballot can be found at https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/AV1.pdf.

 

Applications for a mail ballot must be returned by October 27, 2020, to your county election official. Ballots will be mailed to those who apply beginning on October 14, 2020. All ballots must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received in the county election office by the close of business on November 6.

 

Bourbon County, Sports

UNIONTOWN HS VOLLEYBALL AND FOOTBALL WEEK 3 RESULTS

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Media Reporter

The UHS Volleyball team traveled to Southeast on Tuesday, September 15. The JV lost their three games, but Varsity was victorious in all of theirs.

Southeast defeated Uniontown’s JV in two matches, scoring 25-10 both times. Skyler Coulter scored 2 points and Alexis Herring was 4/5 on attacks. Uniontown was also defeated by St. Paul, playing three matches with scores of 25-19, 17-25, and 15-9. Kristy Beene scored 6 points, Rylee Coulter was 9/9 on attacks, and Hannah Moore was 8/8 on attacks with 1 kill. The final game the JV played was against Yates Center, who beat the Eagles in two matches with scores of 25-21 and 25-7. Landry George scored 4 points and Rylee Coulter was 12/15 on attacks with 1 kill.

The Varsity girls won their three games. Starting with Yates Center, the Eagles defeated them 25-21 and 25-10. Paige Mason scored 9 points, Danielle Howard was 11/12 on attacks with 7 kills, and Bri Stokes had 7 assists. The Lady Eagles also defeated St. Paul in two matches, 25-15 and 25-23. Libby Schaaf scored 8 points, was 14/14 on attacks, and had 3 kills. Karleigh Schoenberger also had 3 kills and was 10/10 on attacks. Gwen Fry and Danielle Howard had 3 and 2 solo blocks, respectively, and Bri Stokes again had 7 assists. Southeast was defeated by Uniontown in two matches as well, with scores of 25-27 and 25-14. Bri Stokes had 9 points and 8 assists, and Danielle Howard was 12/14 on attacks with 8 kills.

“It was a long night of volleyball with it being a Quad, but the outcome was worth it! The team played extremely well,” says Coach Hall. “We are getting better at blocking, and now need to work on our coverage of hitters, blockers, and teams that tip/dink against us.”

On Friday, September 18, the football team defeated Pleasanton 14-6. Hunter Schaaf had 21 rushes over 92 yards, and Drew Perry had 15 rushes over 56 yards. Perry also threw two passes that lead to touchdowns by Tyler Harvey and Treden Buckman. Luke Perry and Jake Harvey each had 1 interception, and Korbin Miller had 2 quarterback sacks. “We did not play as well as expected, but we did expect to win,” said Assistant Coach Miller.

Obituary

Obituary of Jess Fletcher III

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Jess Francis Fletcher III, age 46, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, September 21, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 29, 1974, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Jess Francis Fletcher II and Suzanne Marie Garfield Fletcher.

He married Kim Bailey on March 10, 1997, in Ft. Scott.

Jess worked a handful of jobs in his lifetime including Packer Plastics Plant, grocery store, and Taco Tico where he would wear the taco costume for local parades and handing candy to kids. He later worked at Carlisle and most recently for Ward Kraft. Jess had a strong work ethic, making sure he provided for his family.

Jess enjoyed fishing, mobile games, and grilling. He really liked beef jerky, often receiving it for Christmas and birthday gifts. He had a quick wit and funny response.

Great importance was placed on his girls knowing the Lord and the values that come from that relationship. Spending time with his girls provided his most cherished memories.

Survivors include his wife Kimberly of the home; two daughters, Rayna and Kandace; his father Jess and Neila; four sisters, Alicia Alcorn and husband Chief, Sherri Harleman, Kathi Wagner, and Sandi Rowe and husband Jason; and eight nieces and nephews, Allie Bailey, Cassidy Alcorn, Destiny Alcorn, Jaina Harleman, Darsie Harleman, Jordan Rowe, Kaylee Rowe, and Tyler Rowe.

He was preceded in death by his mother; two nieces; and a nephew.

Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct graveside services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 25th, at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Fletcher Children Education Fund 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.

K-State Extension

Season Of Change For K-State Southwind District

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As an editor who receives weekly submissions from K-State Southwind Extension,  I noticed I wasn’t receiving submissions from a few of the agents.

It turns out that one agent resigned, one retired and in addition, Kansas State University Research and Extension is in a hiring freeze.

Here is  the Southwind Extension District Director Carla Nemecek’s response:

Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

“No doubt we are living in a season of change, and the fresh autumn weather is likely the very best of times for many. The virus that has taken over our world and everyday lifestyles is hard enough to cope with, but add heated local and national political battles, school safety and mask debates to the dynamics and the chaos can be overwhelming. 

“The Southwind Extension District is also going through a season of reorganization, but I am optimistic for a bright future because of these changes. Christopher Petty, Livestock Production & Forage Management Agent for the Southwind District resigned in May.

Christopher Petty, former Extension Agent
Livestock Production and Forage Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District. Petty resigned in May. Submitted photo.

“Then in September, Kathy McEwan, Foods & Nutrition Agent and who was also the SNAP Education Coordinator for the Southwind District retired.

 

Kathy McEwan, K-State Extension Agent recently retired.  Submitted photo.

“Without a full-time Agent to manage the SNAP program, the federal SNAP grant was regretfully ceased for FY21. The bad news is that K-State Research & Extension is in a hiring freeze for an indefinite time, and although replacing our agents will certainly happen, it just won’t be soon. Let’s choose to focus on the good news because the Southwind Extension District has a diverse and talented pool of staff who will see to it that all of your questions are answered. 

“Southwind Agents Barbara Stockebrand and Joy Miller continue to provide a broad base of expertise to help solve complicated problems by teaching essential living skills including finances, aging well, caring for your home, food preparation skills, strengthening family relationships and raising your children.

Barbara Stockebrand
Southwind Extension District – Yates Center
Family and Consumer Sciences
211 W. Butler
Yates Center, KS 66783
bstockeb@ksu.edu
620-625-8620; Fax: 620-625-8645

  “We are coming into the open enrollment season for Medicare, and Joy can help you navigate Medicare and Market Place Insurance, too. 

Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
joymiller@ksu.edu

“Krista Harding is actively engaged in educating adults and youth in the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and trees through her Horticulture role in the Southwind District. Whether you have a question about lawns, vegetables, flowers, or landscape maintenance, Extension information is created for use by everyone, including homeowners, lawn services and nurseries.

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

“Our 4-H program is going strong with Jennifer Terrell, 4-H/Youth Agent leading our team of professional 4-H staff as we transition into the new 4-H year. MaKayla Stroud and Cassidy Lutz serve as our 4-H program assistants and their activity on the Southwind District 4-H Facebook page is energizing and a fun way to engage youth and families in 4-H project learning.

 

Makayla Stroud. Submitted photo.

“If you want your kids to be involved in something that will teach them skills for a lifetime, then you should consider joining 4-H!

Jennifer Terrell, District Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development
Southwind District – Erie Office
620-244-3826

“Dale Lanham and James Coover are actively managing our Extension Agriculture programming and answering questions about pastures, weed control, pesticide management, cropping systems and livestock production.

Dale Lanham. Submitted photo.

Dale is our resource for livestock-related concerns and James is knowledgeable in issues related to agronomy. Farm management is vital to the success of our rural communities, so don’t overlook their availability for your ag-related questions.

James Coover. Submitted photo.

“In addition to my role as the Southwind District Director, I have educational programming responsibilities related to Community Vitality. I am available to facilitate strategic planning for community groups or businesses, foster skills in board leadership for all organizations, assist with community needs assessments through First Impressions, and I will be offering a Grant Writing Workshop in Yates Center on November 5th. 

“Even though we are down a couple of Agents, it is my opinion there is a new level of energy and excitement across our staff and offices. We have high expectations for the future by expanding opportunities for all our programs and look forward to providing trusted, research-based information in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties for years to come.  

 

“If you haven’t already, you can find more information about the Southwind District on our website, www.southwind.ksu.edu or our Facebook page: Southwind Extension District. “

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Lake Advisory Board Agenda For Sept. 26

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Agenda

Lake Advisory Board – Fort Scott Airport – Ellis Hangar – 1869 Indian Road

September 26, 2020 @ 9:00 am

Call to Order: Nancy Van Etten

Flag Salute and Opening Prayer: Jeff Fischer

Roll Call and Special Recognition for Tom Brink: Nancy Van Etten, Nancy Maze, Jeff Fischer, Dean Striler, Shane Wood, Kevin Allen, Don Banwart, Debbie Mc Coy.

City Staff: Dave Martin, Tom Graham

City Commissioners: K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, J. Mitchell

Other Attendees: Board and City Staff can attend in person. To observe meeting go to the City of Fort Scott’s You Tube Channel.

Approval of July 18, 2020, meeting minutes.

Safety Update Will Always Be First: Tom Graham. In addition: Follow up on private buoys, replacement of rubber bumpers on public docks, safety signs and broken down docks.

Old Business

  1. Real Estate Auction of City Property at the Lake: Open discussion with the Public, City Commissioners and Lake Advisory Board.
  2. Sewer District Update – Nancy VE, Jeff.
  3. Fire Service at the Lake – Don, Jeff. Appoint person to attend Fire District Meetings.
  4. Lake Fort Scott Ordinances – Nancy VE, Nancy M, Tom G.
  5. Airport and Indian Road Update – Jeff
  6. Amended Lake Advisory Board Ordinance 3550 – Dave

New Business

  1. Advisory Board Member opening for West Side Full Time Resident.
  2. Smart Growth & Planning for Lake Fort Scott

Public Comments:

Next Meeting:

Adjournment

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Bourbon County Total COVID-19 Cases Since Testing-175

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

September 21, 2020

Due to the recent increase in probable cases and presumptive lab cases, we are combining probable, presumptive, out of state and positive cases together into a “Total Cases Since Testing” column. Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases. We will have this weekly update posted to our website tomorrow morning (www.sekmchd.com, under about us and FAQs)

Allen County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 4-1 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 53
Total Cases Since Testing 57
Deaths 1

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 4
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 58
Total Cases Since Testing 62
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 28
Total Hospitalizations 10-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 144
Total Cases Since Testing 175
Deaths 3

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 4
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 13
Total Cases Since Testing 17
Deaths 0

Obituary

The Obituary of Troy White

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Latroy Franklin “Troy” White, Jr, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 18, 2020, at his home.

He was born February 26, 1943, in Bilaspur, India.  Troy’s parents, Latroy F. White, Sr and Ada Rue Stiles White were serving as missionaries in India. Troy grew up in India and moved to the United States after he graduated high school.

He later served for four years with the United States Air Force where he was stationed primarily in Montana.

Following his military service, Troy began a career with A. T. & T. where he served as a network engineer for over thirty years.

While working in Oklahoma City, Troy met the love of his life, Millie Kelley.  Troy and Millie were married April 5, 1969, at Parsons, Kansas.  Because of Troy’s work, Troy and Millie made their home in Oklahoma, Illinois and later in Olathe, Kansas.  Following Troy’s retirement in 1998, they moved to Ft. Scott.

In addition to electronics, Troy enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.

He was an active member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

Survivors include his wife, Millie, of the home; two sons, Scott (Michelle) White, of Houston, Texas and Steve (Maggie) White, of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren, Tyler, Allison, Nickolas, Braden (Sam), Joe and Mollie White and a great-granddaughter, Mia White.  Also surviving is a brother, Timothy White, of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lucy Tindle.

 

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS .  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Care To Share Festival Oct. 3: Fun With a Cause

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All photos submitted.

Care to Share/The Sharing Bucket is a local helping agency that provides financial and emotional support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caregivers.

Care To Share/The Sharing Bucket is having its 14th annual festival on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2480 Limestone Road.

To get there, go on K-54 Hwy. east to 240th Street South to Limestone Road, and then east.

Handicap parking is available.

There is family fun for everyone, according to Lavetta Simmons, who with help of family, friends, and the board of directors, hosts the event each year.

 

Submitted photos.

 

The purchase of a $10 wristband allows pony rides, a maze, an obstacle course, horse, tractor, and wagon rides, train rides, gunny sack races, turtle races, hedge-ball slingshot, face painting/tattoos, a petting zoo, and garden bombs.

Submitted photos.

 

Food, sold separately, includes funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, muffins, apple cider, homemade pies, chili, chili dogs/polish, Frito chili pies, nachos, chips, soda, and water.

 

Craft booths include Tupperware, crocheted animals, Color Street, pumpkin patch, Paparazzi jewelry, “Pic Me Ups”, canvas paintings and more.

 

Submitted photos.

 

 

For more information call-Lavetta Simmons 620-224-8070

 

The directors of Care to Share/Sharing Bucket are Dona Bauer, Donna Beerbower, Mathew Boban, Kathy Clark, Teresa Davenport, Denny Heidrick, Carol Hill, Nancy Hofer, Randy Holt, Richard Long, Jerry Witt, and Simmons, who is the secretary/treasurer of the directors.

Submitted photos.

 

Bourbon County Local News