The Uniontown Eagles faced the Pleasanton Blu-Jays in the boys’ first round of sub-state. The boys were victorious against the Jays and will move on to the next round.
The energy in the gym on Tuesday was electric, with a huge crowd there to support the team. Luke George scored 22 points and had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. Jake Harvey had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists and steals. Clay Sutterby had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Coach Hays said, “I thought we played one of our best halves of basketball in the first half. We had guys hitting shots and playing with a lot of effort on defense. I’m extremely proud of the boys and how hard they are competing. We look forward to the opportunity to travel to Yates Center and continue playing.”
Federal loans and grants available to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas.
Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas State Department of Commerce announces today that applications are being accepted for the second round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program. ReConnect is a USDA program that furnishes loans and grants to fund the costs of construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
As with the first funding round, USDA scoring includes points for states which have a broadband plan, and commit to expediting certain processes. Commerce is working with the USDA to ensure Kansas applicants are as competitive as possible.
Applications will be accepted until 6:00PM EST on March 16, 2020. Applications are made through the USDA, but Kansas applicants must obtain a state certification letter from the Kansas Department of Commerce to submit with their USDA application. The state certification letter can be obtained at www.kansascommerce.gov/sign-up/.
Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s broadband ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Funds will be awarded to projects that have financially sustainable business models that will bring high-speed broadband to rural homes, businesses, farms, ranches and community facilities such as first responders, health care sites and schools.
Broadband constitutes critical infrastructure for the prosperity of all Kansans, especially in rural and non-competitive areas. The delivery of broadband connection and high-quality service will enable technologies critical to rural communities, such as precision agriculture, and will fuel long-term economic development opportunities in rural America.
Integrity Home Care and Hospice staff stand in front of their new location. From left: Kaitlyn Bray, referral coordinator; Chris Comstock, hospice clerical support; Brenda Bailey, quality improvement nurse; Kyli Gates, clerical director for home health; Sandy Hayes, clerical support for home health; Mary Wynn, clinical director of hospice and Becky Davied, administrator.
Health care in Bourbon County has changed in the last few years since Mercy Hospital closed in Fort Scott in 2018.
Mercy Home Health and Hospice transitioned to Integrity Home Care + Hospice on March 1, 2019, in Fort Scott.
On Feb. 26, the Integrity staff moved their office to 1711 S. National, Suite A, which is directly behind Domino’s Pizza.
Previously, they were located at 901 S. Horton.
“This is better space,” Becky Davied, administrator, said. “There were two levels there, this makes for a better working environment.”
The space is newly renovated by building owners Jamie and Jeff Armstrong.
“Jamie and Jeff have been very accommodating,” Davied said.
Integrity Home Care customizes care following illness, injury or surgery to help transition patients back home. They also work to improve strength and function and maintain wellness, according to information provided. Patients can recover in the comfort of home.
Home health provides wound treatment, dressing changes, medication management, patient education, skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical social work.
Call 620-223-1195 for more information.
Integrity Hospice offers the following services in private homes, assisted living, nursing homes or hospitals: pain relief, symptom control, 24/7 on-call nursing, education, guidance, caregiver relief, massage therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, pastoral services and grief support.
Call 620-223-1191 for more information.
There are 28 employees in the Fort Scott office.
“Our headquarters is in Springfield Mo, and we also have offices on the Missouri side in Joplin, Kansas City, Columbus, St. Louis, Monett, Lebanon and Festus,” Davied said.
In Kansas, Integrity Home Health and Hospice provide services in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Linn, Neosho, Miami counties.
Health Advisory, Safety Tips Issued During Flint Hills Burning Season
Smoke Modeling Tool activated March 1
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are a time when large areas of the state’s Flint Hills rangeland are burned. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce impacts.
KDHE activated the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There are approximately 2.1 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.
“We encourage ranchers and land managers to take advantage of this smoke modeling resource to spread out their burns more effectively and mitigate potential air quality impacts,” said Douglas Watson, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “For burns to be safe and effective, weather and rangeland conditions must be ideal. Many landowners will burn at the same time when such conditions are met. Air pollutants from the burns can affect persons in the Flint Hills and can be carried long distances to more populated areas.”
Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and substances that can form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly may experience worse symptoms.
Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:
Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
People with respiratory or heart related illnesses should remain indoors.
Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, the April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit http://www.ksfire.org.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Announces
COVID-19 Online Resource Center
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today formally announced the launch of the agency’s online resource center for Kansans to learn more about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, get answers to commonly asked questions about the virus and review other helpful information. The site is part of KDHE’s ongoing efforts to inform Kansans about the latest COVID-19 news and correct misinformation about the virus.
“The best thing Kansans can do is be informed,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “COVID-19 is a new virus and, as a result, many people have questions about it and how to keep their families safe. The COVID-19 resource center will provide a centralized location for Kansans to go to learn the most up-to-date information.”
The public can visit www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus to learn more about the virus. The site contains detailed information, answers to frequently asked questions and updated videos from Secretary Norman. Information will also be shared on KDHE’s social media channels.
“KDHE is working closely with local and federal authorities to ensure that every effort is made to keep Kansans safe and healthy,” Norman said. “In addition to educating yourself about the virus, the public can also take precautions to prevent the spread of it by doing simple things like washing your hands, practicing good hygiene techniques and staying home if you’re sick. This is the best defense to COVID-19.”
The 2019 novel coronavirus infections were initially diagnosed in Wuhan City, China and have now been reported in 60 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. KDHE, along with its community partners, continue to investigate this illness.
If you have recently traveled to areas including China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea and have developed fever with lower respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel or have had contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is celebrating Women’s History Month in March with weekly Saturday interpretive programs. “Though in 1861, the constitution of the newly created state of Kansas includes ‘the rights of women to participate in school district elections’, it wasn’t until 1919 that Kansas ratified the 19th Amendment,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “This series of programs around Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Amendment is the beginning of a larger discussion the park will host throughout the year.”
March 7, Noon: Alice Paul and the Suffrage Movement
In 1920, the 19th Amendment was certified into law, giving women the right to vote. Paul believed the vote was just the first step in the quest for full equality. Join us in a discussion of women’s suffrage and equal rights in the United States
March 14, 1 pm: Frontier Gossip
An interpretive program based on the letters written by Charlotte Swords and her husband, Thomas. Captain Thomas Swords was the post quartermaster. He and his wife were prolific writers and were eager to tell the stories of the times.
March 21, 1 pm: Woman’s History Tour of the Fort
Discuss the women that made a difference at the fort and in shaping the west on this walk through the Fort.
March 28, Noon: Alice Paul and the Suffrage Movement
In 1920, the 19th Amendment was certified into law, giving women the right to vote. Paul believed the vote was just the first step in the quest for full equality. Join us in a discussion of women’s suffrage and equal rights in the United States.
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, March 2, at the Board of Education office for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
Minutes
Bills and Claims
Payroll – February 20, 2020 – $1,394,668.42
Financial Report
Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
Activity Fund Accounts
Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report. Administrators from each building shared information with board members.
Superintendent Ted Hessong discussed legislative updates, a Stop School Violence grant, daily attendance rates, and Public School Week.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, gave a report on the Business Department.
Board members approved the following items:
Resolution 19-09 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020
Fort Scott High School course additions/changes for 2020-21
The board tabled action on handbook changes for the Fort Scott High School Parent/Student Handbook.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment matters:
Retirement of Ellen Kendrick, high school art teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
Resignation of Emily Clayton, high school teacher aide, effective March 6, 2020
Extension of contract for Ted Hessong, Superintendent, through the 2021-22 school year
Employment of administrators for the 2020-21 school year
Amber Toth – Principal – Fort Scott High School
Robyn Kelso – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott High School
David Brown – Principal – Fort Scott Middle School
Matt Harris – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott Middle School
Stephanie Witt – Principal – Eugene Ware School
Joy McGhee – Principal – Winfield Scott School
Martin Altieri – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott School
Andrea Scott – Principal – Fort Scott Preschool Center
Rick Scholes – Special Education Coordinator
Employment of district directors for the 2020-21 school year
Joe Allen – Transportation Director
Robin Button – Food Service Director
Jeff DeLaTorre – Fort Scott High School Athletic/Activities Director
Daniel Koppa – Facilities Director
Stephen Mitchell – Technology Director
Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2020-21 school year
Employment of Breann Eden as Winfield Scott art teacher for the 2020-21 school year
Employment of Torrie Singmaster as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
Resignation of Jeff DeLaTorre as high school head boys’ basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 season
Resignation of Drew Graham, high school assistant baseball coach, for the 2019-20 school year
Employment of Josh Messer as a high school assistant baseball coach for the 2019-20 school year
Termination of James Feezell, Eugene Ware 12-month custodian, effective February 28, 2020
Transfer of Terry Barrager, Eugene Ware/Winfield Scott 10-month custodian, to Eugene Ware 12-month custodian for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year
Addition of a high school CTE computer teaching position for the 2020-21 school year
The Uniontown Eagles played against the Girard Trojans in our last regular-season game. All four of our teams lost to Girard, but Uniontown is still proud of all our athletes. JV players were dismissed from practice, so we hope they had an amazing season!
The Varsity girls were defeated by Girard with a score of 27 to 50. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 12 points and had an assist. Danielle Howard had 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Sammie Hampton had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry scored 4 points and had 3 rebounds. Breleigh Harris had 3 rebounds and Sivanah McAnulty had 4. McAnulty and Kaydra Woods both had 2 steals. Coach Miller stated, “We knew coming into this game that it would be a tough one. The matchups were not favorable for us and their ability to go deep into the bench with their rotation would challenge us as the game progressed. However, it was good to play a team of that caliber as we prepare to play Jayhawk for our first round of sub-state.”
The Varsity boys lost to the Trojans 34 to 56. Luke Perry lead the team in points, scoring 9 points. Luke George had 7 points and 6 rebounds and Jake Harvey had 6 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Hunter Schaaf and Clay Sutterby also scored 6 points each, and Schaaf had 6 rebounds while Sutterby garnered 5. Drew Perry had 3 assists. “It was a tough night for our team,” said Coach Hays. “We couldn’t get many shots to fall and their ball pressure gave us trouble. Girard is a good team and they are well coached. We will learn from this one and get ready for sub-state next week.”
The Uniontown Lady Eagles faced the Jayhawk-Linn Jayhawks in the first round of sub-state on Monday. We managed to beat the Jayhawks and will move on to the second round, in which we will face St. Mary’s Colgan on this Thursday.
The girls played incredibly well during this game and beat Jayhawk 58 to 47. Danielle Howard scored 34 points and was 14 for 16 on her free throws. She also had 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Sammie Hampton also had 6 rebounds, as well as 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 5 rebounds, Sivanah McAnulty had 4 rebounds, and Alie Fuhrman had 3 rebounds. Coach Miller said of the game, “The girls’ hard work is paying off. They played hard, overcame adversity, and got the job done tonight. We will get back in the gym tomorrow and prepare to take on Saint Mary’s Colgan on Thursday night.”
The boys’ basketball will face the Pleasanton Blu-Jays at home in their first round of sub-state on Tuesday, March 3. We wish them the best of luck and hope to have a large turnout to the game!
