Area News, Ascension Via Christi

Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg Earns Distinction for Maternity Care

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Ascension Via Christi hospitals designated
Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care

Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg have all earned designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care.

St. Joseph is the only Wichita hospital to earn this quality recognition, which is based on Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s analysis of patient outcomes, satisfaction and additional measures collected as part of its 2023 Maternity Care Provider Survey.

According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care demonstrate expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.

“The criteria for Blue Distinction Center+ designation covers virtually every aspect of maternity care, requiring a demonstrated team commitment to and focus on evidence-based best practices and protocols,” says Samer Antonios, MD, chief clinical officer for Ascension Via Christi. “Thanks to everyone involved for helping ensure that delivering mothers have the best possible experience and outcomes at our hospitals.”

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About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org.

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Amended Agenda For January 23

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

January 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 1/8/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,106.71
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $539,504.23
    4. Approval of November Financials
  1. Susan Walker, CFO
  2. Public Comments
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Selection of Chairman 2024
    2. Audit Contract
  • REDI/Legacy Health Announcement
  1. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Government

KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue

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The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.

A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.

The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.

The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”

This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.

In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.

“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work,  putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”

“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city.  And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”

Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.

Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home,  a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City,  for the Department of Defense, according to his website.

More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.

 

The old Downtowner Restaurant is currently being demolished to build a building that will house the local Kansas Department of Children and Families.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Presbyterian Village on January 25

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Join us for a Chamber Coffee hosted by

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

Thursday, January 25th

8:00 am

2401 South Horton

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee Thursday, January 25th at 8 a.m. hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

 

At Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, they believe experience matters. Our compassionate team members have experience. They are professionals who are experts in their field and have deep ties to the community of Fort Scott, Kansas. They are here to make sure our residents enjoy great service and can live life on their own terms. Whether you are looking to put away the lawnmower and enjoy the active lifestyle of a friendly senior living community, or you need that little bit of extra help with day-to-day tasks that community living can provide, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is here for you.

Any business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Obituary

Obituary of Bernice Carriger

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Bernice Faye Carriger, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Fort Scott.  Bernice was born, along with her fraternal twin sister, Innes Mae, on October 22, 1934, in Augusta, KS to Ernest Vay and Osa Matle (Johnson) Gardner.  She was raised and educated in Augusta, graduating from high school in 1952.  Right out of high school, she married Jimmie Dale Ropp. They were blessed with three children, Craig Allen, Douglas Randall, and Laura Lynn, before the marriage ended.

 

Bernice was an extremely hard worker and known by many as a perfectionist. As a single parent, she worked tirelessly and many long hours while living in Wichita to support and provide for her children.

If Bernice taught her children anything it was to love the Lord and have a strong work ethic. She always led by example!  Bernice loved people and they loved her.  She was a great cook and was extremely generous with her family and anyone in need.

 

On November 13, 1965, Bernice married Richard E. Carriger. They were married for 51 years before Richard passed away in 2016. Richard and his new family were transferred with KG & E to Fort Scott, KS in 1966.  Darren Scott Carriger was born in 1967.  Shortly after, Bernice went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. James Taylor.  She worked there for 28 years before going to work for General Anesthesia Services as the office manager.  She finished her career there, working for Bob Carillo, Will Guilfoyle, and Randy Braswell, happily working until the age of 80.

Bernice considered shopping as her mission in life. Special thanks to her shopping buddies, Carolyn Wenderott, Rita Schroeder, Patty Hutchison, and daughter-in-law, Missy Carriger.

She moved to Credo Senior Living in January of 2018. The staff there provided excellent care to Bernice until her passing. The family wishes to especially thank Betty Allen, Joni Hall, PersianCallahan, Irene Burton and Terri Cox for their loving attention and care over the past six years.

Bernice is survived by four children, Craig and Doug (Patty) Ropp of Fort Scott, Laura (Bill) Dalton of Parsons, KS, and Darren (Missy) Carriger of Osawatomie, KS. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rick Carriger, and three sisters, Helen Spivey, Dorie Shryock and Innes Wike, and daughter-in-law Elaine Ropp.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Graveside committal services will take place at 1:30 PM at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Elvis Tribute Artist Coming to Fort Scott February 17

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Featuring

Jeff Bergen is one of the most exciting and talked about

Elvis Tribute Artists.  More detail at https://www.facebook.com/elvisentertainmentkc/ and https://jeffbergen.com/Reviews.html

 

530 – Happy Hour with Cash Bar with background music

Charcuterie Cup appetizers

Elvis-Themed Silent Auction

630 – Dinner with background music

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast & Herb Crusted Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine

Rolls with butter (thank you Connie Conroy!)

730 – Dessert with background music

Elvis-favorites

-Peanut Butter & Banana Dessert Cups

-Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cups

-Donut Wall (Elvis LOVED Donuts)

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

January 19, 2024

 

Tax relief was debated and passed both chambers.  A bipartisan vote sent Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2284 on its way to the Governor’s desk.  Before the House voted on the CCR, she announced she will veto it.  If she does veto CCR 2284, she’ll stop major tax cuts on:

  • Income tax relief for ALL
  • Eliminates state income taxes for over 340,000 low income tax filers
  • Eliminates state income tax on Social Security helping over 92,000 people
  • Standard deduction increases each year that inflation increases
  • Personal income tax exemption increase to $2,300 per person and increases to offset inflation
  • Veterans with 100% disability personal exemption increase to $4600 with inflation increases
  • Eliminates income tax on all income up to $6,150 ($12,300 married filing jointly) and levels the brackets to 5.25 for taxable income
  • Property tax relief for homeowners that increases each year to offset inflation
  • Eliminates the state sales tax on groceries in 2024, instead of 2025

 

CCR 2284 will provide much needed tax relief and is sustainable.  These are ideas that have been diligently and thoroughly vetted.  In fact, most of the policy was passed last year and vetoed by the Governor.  The veto override failed by one vote in the Senate.  Some believe that it will happen again.  There is over $3 billion sitting in the state coffers. The government has taken too much money from the people.  CCR 2284 will cut taxes and help Kansans.

 

The Governor has proposed tax legislation, but it doesn’t have the tax cut for the 340,000 low income taxpayers; it doesn’t cut income taxes for all Kansans; it doesn’t provide more relief to our 100% disabled veterans;  it doesn’t fight against inflation and cost living increases.  Remember, in 2021 the Governor vetoed tax cuts, calling them reckless and said they would break the state.  We overrode the veto.  The tax cuts didn’t break the state and neither will CCR 2284.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Renewable Energy Projects Announced

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is investing $2.8 million in renewable energy projects to lower energy bills, boost energy production and create jobs.

“Rural Development is helping farmers, ranchers and small businesses be a part of the clean energy economy and directly benefit from it,” Director Davis said. “These investments expand renewable energy infrastructure and save Kansans money on their energy costs that can be invested back into their businesses and communities.”

The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $79,960 grant will help purchase and install two 15 kilowatt (kW) wind turbines for Viets Brothers Inc. of Girard. The project is expected to generate 71,699 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, 100 percent of the company’s electrical usage and enough to power 6.7 homes.
  • A $43,800 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Blevins Farms Inc. of Highland. The project is expected to generate 37,337 kWh per year, 100 percent of the company’s electrical usage and enough electricity to power 3.5 homes.
  • A $22,300 grant will help purchase and install a 16.28 kW solar photovoltaic system for Casey Andersen of Gove County. This project will realize $2,335 per year in savings and will replace 21,358 kWh, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $39,800 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Gene Moritz of Greely County. This project will realize $3,424 per year in savings and will replace 35,124 kWh, enough electricity to power three homes.
  • A $1,000,000 grant will help install an anaerobic digester to produce biomethane gas for Rio Vista Farms LLC of Hamilton County. This project will generate an estimated 80,286 Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu) per year.
  • A $1,000,000 grant will help install an anaerobic digester to produce biomethane gas for Frontier Dairy LLC in Hamilton County. This project will generate an estimated 84,629 MMBtu per year.
  • A $98,720 grant will help purchase and install a 149 kW solar array for Mackey & Sons Inc. of Newton. The project is estimated to replace 187,991 kWh per year, enough energy to power 17 homes. Mackey & Sons Inc. currently has 22 employees.
  • A $100,728 grant will help purchase and install a 180 kW solar array for Bold LLC in Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 158,385 kWh per year, enough energy to power 14 homes. Bold LLC currently has 85 employees.
  • A $25,182 grant will help purchase and install a 13.5 kW solar array for Mid Kansas Marine and RV Inc. of Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 19,068 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home. Mid Kansas Marine & RV currently has eight employees.
  • A $216,000 grant will help purchase and install a 180 kW solar array for Ade-Wifco Steel Products Inc. of Hutchinson. This project is estimated to replace 277,933kWh per year, enough energy to power 26 homes. Ade-Wifco Steel Products currently has ten employees.
  • A $162,845 grant will help purchase and install a 175 kW solar array for Board of Trade Management LLC of Salina. This project is estimated to replace 237,078 kWh per year, enough energy to power 22 homes. Board of Trade Management currently has four employees.
  • A $26,875 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine for Flat Land Farms in Wichita County. This project will realize $2,024 per year in savings and will replace 19,216 kWh, enough electricity to power 1.5 homes.

Please see the attached press release for full details. If you would like an interview with Kansas Director Christy Davis, call 785 207-1171.

 

Allen Pickert

Public Affairs Specialist

State office, Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

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Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street

Bourbon County Local News