Art, Business, Fort Scott

Hobby Turned Into A Business For Carol Jones

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Carol Jones. Submitted.
Crafting started out as a hobby and became a business for Carol Jones.
Jones began her Rainbow Unicorn Boutique business at a booth in a flea market in 2018 and opened a  storefront shop downtown this month at 5 E. Wall.
The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique is located at 5 E. Wall. Submitted photo.
“I make about 80 percent of all I sell,” Jones said.
Jewelry for sale at the Rainbow Unicorn Boutique. Submitted photo.
Jones works with many different mediums for her crafting, which focuses on custom jewelry and custom kitchen towels, she said.
Submitted photo.
She uses leather (both real and faux), natural stones, semi-precious stones, stainless steel and sterling silver.
Submitted photo.
Jones also offers classes or parties including painting and wire-wrapping crafts.
Submitted photo.
She also has Easter baskets for this time of year.
Her hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday.
She can be reached by phone at 904-609-8155.
Jones is a local girl who moved to the southern U.S. for a period, but returned home.
“Many people here probably knew my parents and grandparents,” she said.  “I grew up on a farm with a huge pond near Jayhawk Road. My mom was Carol Lawson-Winship, my uncle was Charles Lawson and my grandfather was Woodrow “Pete” Lawson who had a radiator shop in Belltown.”
“I moved to Tulsa (OK)and then Savannah (GA), lived there for about 30 years and moved back due to health and wanting to be near my family, (son-Josh Jones),” she said. “My other son Dustin lives in Jax, Florida. My daughter Kendria is still in Savannah, and my youngest daughter lives in California.  I have 11 grandkids and I love to travel. Cruising is my favorite.”
Government, Kansas

Kansas Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Relaunch of Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program

~RESEA program will assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and provide career counseling~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling.

“By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “It’s not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”

RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.

“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.

This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:

  • Quickly assist unemployed Kansans in finding new, meaningful work in our state;
  • Strengthen the integrity of Kansas’ unemployment program;
  • Promote alignment with the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);
  • Establish RESEA as an entry point to other workforce system partners.

Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.

Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sprucing Up Downtown

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo. From left: Bailey Lyons, John Crain, Rachel French, and Angela Simon.

All participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop. Sponsors of the event will be listed on the back of the t-shirt.

With the new calendar year also came new membership for the Fort Scott Downtown Chamber Committee.

Committee members are now Bailey Lyons, chairwoman, and owner of Lyons Realty Group; John Crain, owner of Crane Insurance Agency; Angela Simon, owner of Bids and Dibs and Angie Dawn’s Boutique; and Rachel French of W/K Holdings Company.

Each member of the Downtown Committee is also a Board Member of the local chamber of commerce.  

In February, during their first meeting of the year, the committee wasted no time in getting to work! They decided to change their 2021 focus and take the committee in a new direction – one that they hope the community will find exciting!

Chairwoman Bailey Lyons shared the board’s thoughts behind this change of focus. “In the past, this committee has mainly helped with retail promo events downtown, but Lindsay Madison and Rita Schroeder of the Chamber are now handling those,” Lyons said.  She explained that since Madison and Schroder have done such a good job in this area, it makes sense for the 2021 Downtown Committee to choose a different focus.“We are trying to redirect our efforts on tangible projects that will make a positive impact, while continuing to support the retail efforts.” she said.

DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN

The first new thing to come of this committee is a plan to host a downtown clean-up day periodically, the first of which is slated to take place on Friday, April 16th starting at 3:00.

The group has identified many projects which they plan to tackle, such as re-striping the parking spaces, implementing “artistic crosswalks”, cleaning off and repainting benches and trashcans, clearing parking lots and sidewalks of dirt and debris, washing windows in vacant buildings, and much more.

In addition to this list, they are open to suggestions from the community, so if you have an idea of something that would make the downtown area more esthetically appealing, please share that idea with Bailey Lyons as soon as possible, as she is organizing for labor and materials. Lyons can be reached via call or text at 620.224.7795. 

The downtown committee welcomes and encourages volunteer laborers for the  April 16th Spring Clean.

They intentionally scheduled the event at the end of the workweek in hopes that area employers – especially those with a presence downtown – would allow some of their employees to participate in the event as community service.

Lyons says to let her know if you, or your organization, would like to help with these efforts, so that she can plan enough projects to keep everyone busy, and enough materials to get the job done. 

She said that she and her fellow committee members “have lofty goals for this event, but are hopeful the old adage ‘many hands make light work’ will play out and everyone’s collective efforts will produce an immediate visible change in the historic downtown area.”

IMPROVED HOLIDAY DECOR

The second new item to come from the downtown committee is a plan to adopt a project which they will focus their attention on each year.

The project they have identified for 2021 is the improvement of the downtown Christmas decor, and as such, this group will be fundraising to purchase new Christmas decorations for the downtown area. 

When asked why they identified this as their goal for the year, Lyons said “The current decorations have been used for more than 30 years and community members have asked for enhancement in this area. The committee feels this is a project that we can tackle to improve community esthetics and morale, and one that will impact both locals and visitors.”

They plan to purchase 8’ LED toy soldiers to hang on the light posts – a fitting nod to the historic Fort located just North of downtown. The soldiers will add extra beauty during the holiday season, while also paying tribute to our town’s great history. The committee is asking for help in these efforts to make the Fort Scott downtown more festive. The cost to purchase one 8′ toy soldier silhouette is $400.

You may “adopt” (purchase) an LED toy soldier on your own, with a group of friends or family, or through a workplace or organization. Lyons explained that “in appreciation for contributions, those who have purchased a toy soldier silhouette will be recognized when the decorations are put up each year”. If you’re not able to cover the full cost of a toy soldier, but simply want to donate to the cause, the committee says that is also welcomed with gratitude. Every bit will help update and replace the current dilapidated Christmas decorations.

A photo of the soldier lights. Submitted photo.

You can view these new Christmas decorations or donate to “adopt a soldier,” by visiting the new website that the committee put together to share information: https://fstoysoldier.wixsite.com/home.

You can also contact any downtown committee member (Bailey, John, Angie, Rachel), or the Chamber of Commerce, to make your tax-deductible donation. 

The committee has additional plans in motion to host a fundraising event in mid-September that will further support these efforts; more details will come on that at a later date. The proceeds of the event will go to the new decorations.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Orders To Protect Pandemic Recovery

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Emergency Response Bill, Will Re-Issue Executive Orders to Protect COVID-19 Recovery

~Executive orders to be revoked on March 31st will be reissued on April 1st~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed a bill to ensure Kansas can continue providing communities with resources and support critical to the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

Among other provisions, Senate Bill 40 modifies the procedure for the declaration and extension of a state disaster emergency under the Kansas Emergency Management Act, and extends the current disaster declaration to May 28, 2021.

“This bipartisan compromise will extend the State of Disaster Emergency that allows us to provide hospitals with PPE, support food banks and pantries, and otherwise respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “The bill includes provisions that I do not support and that could complicate our emergency response efforts. But I will continue to work with legislators and local leaders to keep Kansans safe and healthy during this pandemic.”

Several executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire on March 31 in conjunction with the expiration of the state of disaster emergency. Senate Bill 40 includes a provision that revokes all current executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Governor retains the authority to re-issue orders under the new process imposed by the bill.

On April 1, the Governor will re-issue the following orders, which will remain in effect until rescinded or until the statewide state of disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier:

The following orders will not be re-issued and therefore allowed to expire:

View SB 40 here.

Obituary

Obituary of Linda Zornes

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Linda Lou Zornes, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went to be with the Lord, her Heavenly Father on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott, Kansas.

She was born November 11, 1956 in Iola, Kansas.

Linda graduated from Iola High School with the class of 1974. She had worked as an aide in the home health care field for many years.

Linda enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, this was her favorite summertime activity.

She enjoyed putting together puzzles and loved the companionship of her three dogs.

Linda always enjoyed going to garage sales, she stopped at everyone she could. She loved adding to her knick-knack collection as well.

She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Linda was a devout Christian and her faith was of the upmost importance to her. She loved sharing her love of Christ with others.

Linda was blessed with a large and loving family. She had eight children who will love her and miss her forever.

 

Linda is survived by her children, Tisha Crump, Mt. Washington, KY, Richard Springston, Melissa Springston, and Kenneth Springston, all of Fort Scott, Sarah Gilpin, Lenexa, KS, Kelsey Lampe, LaHarpe, KS, Sara Burris and Kaci Peres, Iola, KS.; two brothers, Terry Zornes, Iola, KS. and Tracy Zornes, Weatherford, TX., a sister Joyce Vest, Crawfordville, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Karen Dible, and a brother, Larry Zornes.

 

There was cremation. A celebration of Life will be held at Fellowship Regional Church in Iola, KS. Friday, March 26th at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Iola. Local arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS. 66701.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Coming, But Reduced

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Next week’s Johnson & Johnson vaccines to be smaller than anticipated

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has learned that the number of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines slated for delivery next week will be smaller than expected. Approximately 16,500 doses are scheduled to arrive next week, rather than the estimated 100,000 that had initially been indicated.

According to national reports, the full supply of vaccine expected from J&J has been delayed due to production issues and may not be ready to ship until the second or third week of April. In an attempt to boost the J&J supply, Merck – another international pharmaceutical company – has agreed to help manufacture J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to the J&J vaccine, Kansas is receiving an increase in Pfizer Prime doses 47,970 and 38,100 Pfizer Boost along with 27,800 Moderna Prime and 27,800 Moderna Boost.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC: No General Fees to Fall 2021 Students

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HEERF funds cover fall 2021-summer 2022 fees

Fort Scott, KS. — Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is pleased to announce a plan to utilize federal funding to assist in paying student fees for fall 2021 through summer 2022. Federal funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) will be utilized during the next academic year to pay general fees for all students. FSCC believes the plan will save students nearly two million dollars for the next academic year.

To take advantage of the opportunity to attend FSCC without paying general fees, visit the Fort Scott website at fortscott.edu to apply and enroll today. General fees are 55 dollars per credit hour and courses at all campus locations, including online and concurrent high school courses, will be covered. Some fees for specialty items, such as a cosmetology kit, are not eligible for this funding. Please contact the admissions office at [email protected] with any questions.

Government

Pandemic Assistance For Producers

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After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute Resources More Equitably

USDA Reopens Program Sign-Up to a Larger Share of Producers with Plans to Expand Outreach and New Programming

Washington, D.C., March 24, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was needed, said Vilsack, after a review of previous COVID-19 assistance programs targeting farmers identified a number of gaps and disparities in how assistance was distributed as well as inadequate outreach to underserved producers and smaller and medium operations.

“The pandemic affected all of agriculture, but many farmers did not benefit from previous rounds of pandemic-related assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to helping as many producers as possible, as equitably as possible,” said Vilsack. “Our new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will help get financial assistance to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, small and medium sized producers, and farmers and producers of less traditional crops.”

USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

The payments announced today (under Part 3, below) will go out under the existing CFAP rules; however, future opportunities for USDA Pandemic Assistance will be reviewed for verified need and during the rulemaking process, USDA will look to make eligibility more consistent with the Farm Bill. Moving forward, USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers will utilize existing programs, such as the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach, and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and others to enhance educational and market opportunities for agricultural producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers – 4 Parts Announced Today

Part 1: Investing $6 Billion to Expand Help & Assistance to More Producers  

USDA will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding that went unspent by the previous administration. Where rulemaking is required, it will commence this spring. These efforts will include assistance for:

  • Dairy farmers through the Dairy Donation Program or other means:
  • Euthanized livestock and poultry;
  • Biofuels;
  • Specialty crops, beginning farmers, local, urban and organic farms;
  • Costs for organic certification or to continue or add conservation activities
  • Other possible expansion and corrections to CFAP that were not part of today’s announcement such as to support dairy or other livestock producers;
  • Timber harvesting and hauling;
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm workers and specialty crop and seafood producers, processors and distributors;
  • Improving the resilience of the food supply chain, including assistance to meat and poultry operations to facilitate interstate shipment;
  • Developing infrastructure to support donation and distribution of perishable commodities, including food donation and distribution through farm-to-school, restaurants or other community organizations; and
  • Reducing food waste.

Part 2: Adding $500 Million of New Funding to Existing Programs

USDA expects to begin investing approximately $500 million in expedited assistance through several existing programs this spring, with most by April 30. This new assistance includes:

  • $100 million in additional funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which enhances the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.
  • $75 million in additional funding for the Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, which encourages and assists socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches.
  • $100 million in additional funding for the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, administered by the AMS and Rural Development, which supports the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises and value-added agricultural products. 
  • $75 million in additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, administered by the NIFA, which provides funding opportunities to conduct and evaluate projects providing incentives to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers
  • $20 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to improve and maintain animal disease prevention and response capacity, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. 
  • $20 million for the Agricultural Research Service to work collaboratively with Texas A&M on the critical intersection between responsive agriculture, food production, and human nutrition and health.
  • $28 million for NIFA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture to expand or sustain existing farm stress assistance programs.
  • Approximately $80 million in additional payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton based on a formula set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that USDA plans to deliver through the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills program.

Part 3: Carrying Out Formula Payments under CFAP 1, CFAP 2, CFAP AA

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020 requires FSA to make certain payments to producers according to a mandated formula. USDA is now expediting these provisions because there is no discretion involved in interpreting such directives, they are self-enacting.

  • An increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive these payments beginning in April. Information on the additional payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Eligible producers do not need to submit new applications, since payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $1.1 billion to more than 410,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.

 

  • Additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of eligible crops identified as CFAP 2 flat-rate or price-trigger crops beginning in April. This includes alfalfa, corn, cotton, hemp, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat, among other crops.  FSA will automatically issue payments to eligible price trigger and flat-rate crop producers based on the eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application. For a list of all eligible row-crops, visit farmers.gov/cfap. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $4.5 billion to more than 560,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
  • USDA will finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance program in the following categories:
    • Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass sod;
    • A formula correction for row-crop producer applications to allow producers with a non-Actual Production History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield in the calculation;
    • Sales commodity applications revised to include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus payments, as required by statute; and
    • Additional payments for swine producers and contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold and are likely to require modifications to the regulation as part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however, FSA will continue to accept applications from interested producers.

Part 4: Reopening CFAP 2 Sign-Up to Improve Access & Outreach to Underserved Producers

As noted above, USDA will re-open sign-up for of CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021.

  • FSA has committed at least $2.5 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach efforts intended to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

Please stay tuned for additional information and announcements under the USDA Pandemic Assistance to Producers initiative, which will help to expand and more equitably distribute financial assistance to producers and farming operations during the COVID-19 national emergency. Please visit www.farmers.gov for more information on the details of today’s announcement.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Business, Fort Scott

Motorcycle Service Shop Opens On National Avenue

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Old 54 Cycles is located at 223 N. National Avenue. Submitted photo.

Motorcyclists in the community will now have some help with repairs.

Jesse Hazen spent the last eight years working for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles as a research and development mechanic.

Jesse Hazen is the owner-operator of Old 54 Cycles. Submitted photo.

“Before that, I was a race mechanic for an amateur racer in Phoenix,” Jesse said.

He recently opened a new motorcycle service shop at 223 N. National and is the owner-operator.

Old 54 Cycles is a full-service shop.

“I am Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Suzuki certified, but can work on it all,” he said. ” We work on American V-twins, import motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides. We are in the process of getting part supplies. We can do anything from tire changes, services all the way to full builds.”

“Quality work, growth, and exposure are our number-one priorities,” Jesse said.

Business hours are Monday through Friday,  9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

His cellphone number is 928-230-0642, and he is in the process of getting a business line, he said.
The business email is old54cycles@ gmail.com, and one can find it on Facebook and Instagram page that both are Old 54 Cycles.
“We are hosting a Chamber Coffee on April 1st,” he said. “Currently, we are planning a car and bike show for April 3rd. We also plan on trying to do other events, such as car and bike nights, benefit rides, etc.”
“My Wife Kaytlin is going to be my support at the shop,” Jesse said.  “She will be working a full-time job as well, so she might not be here all the time.”
Kaytlyn and Jesse Hazen. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Health Care

NPR Interviews Fort Scott Residents

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Rural Americans, Who Doubted The Pandemic, Now Hesitant To Get Vaccinated

 

March 14, 20217:52 AM ET
Heard on Weekend Edition Sunday

Sarah Jane Tribble

4-Minute Listen

 

Along with skepticism about the pandemic’s seriousness, some rural Americans aren’t interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, HOST:

As the massive coronavirus vaccination effort has gotten underway, we’ve talked a lot about vaccine hesitancy, people who do not plan to take the coronavirus vaccine. Roughly a quarter of both white and Black Americans don’t plan to get the vaccine, according to the latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey. Thirty-seven percent of Latino respondents said they would not get the shot. White Republicans, though, are more vaccine-hesitant than any other group, with 49% of Republican men saying they do not plan on getting vaccinated. And rural residents were more likely to say that they don’t want the vaccine, too.

In the small town of Fort Scott, Kan., 1 in 11 people has been infected by the coronavirus. Even so, reporter Sarah Jane Tribble found some are still questioning how severe the virus really is.

SARAH JANE TRIBBLE, BYLINE: Seventy-year-old Linda Findley lives just outside of Fort Scott. She’s always been active in the community, helping with the Elks and fundraising. Like a lot of people here, she doesn’t think COVID-19 is that dangerous.

LINDA FINDLEY: I don’t even know what I think about it. I don’t know if I trust the testing if – because it’s so messed up or – I’ve had nieces and nephews that have it. I’ve lost good friends to it, or supposedly it’s to that. It seems like no matter what is…

TRIBBLE: Findley pauses to calm her two little dachshund dogs. They get excited when she’s on the phone.

FINDLEY: Everything seems to be coronavirus. I mean, it’s just – no matter what somebody has, it’s coronavirus. I don’t know whether it is or isn’t.

TRIBBLE: Her husband died about two years ago. Robert ran a popular auto body shop. He slipped on the ice and hit his head hard at the end of a workday. The emergency room, along with the hospital, had closed days before. Fort Scott is one of nearly 140 rural communities that have lost a hospital in the past decade. But not having a hospital doesn’t really come up when people here talk about COVID.

DAVE MARTIN: You know, when I got it, I was in good health, and it did take me a while to recover.

TRIBBLE: That’s Dave Martin. He’s the former city manager, and he’s pretty sure he caught COVID-19 at work last August.

MARTIN: I do remember waking up one of my bad nights and thinking – when I was running a temperature and not feeling very well. And I’m thinking, oh, wow, this could kill me – that I can get killed the next day, too. So it didn’t really stick with me.

TRIBBLE: After recovering, Martin went ahead with his retirement. He took his wife to Disney, and then they hiked Yellowstone. That casual disregard for the dangers of COVID worries health care leaders here.

Jason Wesco helps lead the regional clinic that took over primary care services when the hospital closed.

JASON WESCO: Me, my family – I think we are a significant minority. I think most people just keep doing – have maybe modified a little bit. Maybe they put on a mask in public. But I – the way I see it is I think life here has changed a lot less than it’s changed in D.C. And I think we’re seeing the impact of that, right?

TRIBBLE: Like much of rural America, the coronavirus skipped over Fort Scott last spring. But the pandemic hit hard in the fall, peaking in December. Across the county, two dozen have died from COVID, and most people know someone who had the virus and survived. But residents just seem tired of talking about it. And Findley says she won’t get the vaccine.

FINDLEY: How did they come up with a vaccine that quickly? And how do they even know for sure that it’s working?

TRIBBLE: The three vaccines approved by federal regulators in the U.S. are being given out to millions, and their efficacy has been shown through massive clinical trials in the U.S. and globally. But Linda’s skepticism isn’t unusual in southeastern Kansas, and that also concerns health leaders like Wesco of the Community Health Center.

WESCO: Yeah, I mean, yeah, there’s hesitancy. I’m sensing that it’s less. But I guess my point is when directly provided the opportunity to get it, it’s probably a different discussion when the vaccine is widely available.

TRIBBLE: Wesco says he’s hopeful attitudes are changing. His clinic has a waitlist for vaccines and is giving out as many doses as they can get their hands on.

I’m Sarah Jane Tribble.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: That reporting came from NPR’s partnership with Kaiser Health News.

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Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

CHC Fort Scott Offers COVID-19 Vaccine This Saturday By Appointment

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas/Fort Scott will be vaccinating against COVID-19 using Moderna vaccine on Saturday, March 27 at the 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. clinic.  All vaccinations are by appointment.

 

Individuals age 18 and older qualifying under KS Phase 3-4 include  persons with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including: Cancer; Down Syndrome; heart conditions; Type 1 & 2 diabetes; Pregnancy; Asthma; Cystic fibrosis; Liver disease; Neurological conditions like dementia; and other medical risks.  Non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including: Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases; workers performing in-person activities indoors; Utility workers; Social service and government workers not included in previous phases; Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers; Water and wastewater workers; Shelter, housing, and finance workers; information technology and communication workers. Persons from previous phases are also eligible to be vaccinated.

 

Request an appointment by clicking the get-my-shot button at www.chcsek.org,  or by calling 866.888.8650.

 

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing sickness and death from the virus. It is up to each of us to do our part to get life back to normal, schedule your COVID-19 vaccination today with CHC/SEK.

 

Bourbon County Local News