Mary Del Sparks, 93, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday afternoon, January 10, 2020 at the Country Place Living Center. Funeral arrangements for Mary Del Sparks are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Via Christi Opens Clinic in Downtown Fort Scott Jan. 13
Dr. Katrina Burke’s first day at the new AscensionVia Christi Medical Clinic in downtown Fort Scott is Monday, Jan. 13.
She will be accepting new obstetrics and pediatric patients.
Burke will also see previous patients but is accepting no new adult patients, according to her receptionist Kristal Farmer.
Dr. Burke said that the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), her previous employer, did not send out letters, telling of the change to her patients when she left on Dec. 31. She had given CHC a 90 days notice of her intent to leave CHC/SEK.
Hours for the clinic, located at 109 S. Main (north of the Liberty Theater) are 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday.
Thursday afternoon she is out of the office, but is in the office in the morning, according to her receptionist.
To contact the office call 620-223-7008.
New clinic employees are Farmer, Registered Nurse Rachel Judy, and Medical Assistant Chelsea Harrison.
For more information about the clinic, visit
viachristi.org/ftscott-clinic.
Governor’s State of the State address to be broadcast live on TV
For the first time since 2015, the Governor’s State of the State address will be broadcast on live television in Kansas.
During the annual State of the State speech, Governor Kelly will report to the Kansas Legislature and to the state on her administration’s priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.
When: Live broadcast: Wednesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Smoky Hills Public Television; KTWU in Topeka; KPTS in Wichita; Check your local PBS network listings for information on the live and replayed State of the State broadcast on those stations and others throughout Kansas.
Kansas Animal Health Board to Meet January 16
| MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Board will meet via conference call at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting.
The meeting is open to the public. Individuals who have questions about the meeting, including how to access call-in information, should contact Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith at 785-564-6601 or [email protected].
Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.
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WHO: Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Animal Health Board
WHAT: Regular board meeting via conference call
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020
WHERE: Conference call |
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 10
FSCC HVAC Ranks in Top 10 for “Best Value HVAC School”
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) program received top ranks based on degree, cost, post-graduation average salaries, and median pay. According to data collected from Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System (IPEDS), College Scoreboard and the Bureau of Labor and Statistics collected by airfiltersdelivered.com, FSCC HVAC ranks number 10 out of the top 17 community colleges with the HVAC program, which also makes FSCC in the top 15 in the nation based upon location.
“It is always nice to be recognized, but this would not be possible without the hard work and team effort of the FSCC staff”, says Chris Sterrett, FSCC HVAC Instructor.
Airfiltersdelivered.com describes FSCC’s HVAC program as “[a] program [that] incorporates electrical and mechanical systems and prepares students to earn the EPA refrigerant handling certification and other industry-recognized credentials. Small class sizes give students time for a variety of hands-on experience” (2020).
“It is an honor to be receive this recognition and Chris Sterrett our instructor certainly does an outstanding job teaching each of the students and truly giving them an excellent value when it comes to their training for a successful future”, says Kris Mengarelli, Director of FSCC CTEC.
For more information on FSCC’s HVAC program, please go to fortscott.edu/HVAC or call 620.232.5644.
Medicaid Expansion In Kansas
Governor, Senate Majority Leader announce compromise
proposal to lower healthcare costs for Kansas families
Bipartisan agreement paves way for both Medicaid expansion and reinsurance
TOPEKA – After weeks of negotiations, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly and Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning today announced a compromise proposal to expand Medicaid while lowering health insurance premiums for Kansas families.
“This process is far from over, as there are still several critical steps to be taken by the Kansas Legislature,” Kelly said. “But today, Senator Denning and I are proud to stand together to propose a bipartisan compromise that will expand Medicaid and lower healthcare costs for Kansas families. This proposal includes elements of my plan, of Senator Denning’s plan, of the 2019 House plan, and of the bipartisan plan that passed both chambers in 2017.”
The compromise proposal includes key elements to address concerns raised from both parties, in both chambers:
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- Full Medicaid Expansion: The proposal includes a full expansion of Medicaid to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) with a 90/10 match, to be effective no later than January 1, 2021.
- Reinsurance: Pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of a 1332 waiver and release of funding by the State Finance Council, the proposal includes a reinsurance program to be effective no later than January 1, 2022. The agreement also requires the Kansas Insurance Department to complete an actuarial study of the reinsurance proposal and submit to the State Finance Council.
- Medicaid Funding: The proposal includes an annual hospital Medicaid expansion support surcharge of up to $35 million, which has been endorsed by the Kansas Hospital Association, to be effective July 1, 2021. This compromise proposal does not require a tax increase.
- Promoting Personal Responsibility: The agreement includes a robust work referral program that promotes self-reliance for non-working Medicaid beneficiaries, while limiting costly administrative red tape that drives up overall costs to taxpayers. Enrollees within the expansion population will make a modest contribution for health services through monthly premiums of up to $25 per month, or $100 for a family of four, as proposed in House Bill 2066. The bill does not contain any lockouts. Instead, it collects unpaid premiums through the state’s debt setoff program. A hardship provision is also included.
- Rural Health Care Innovations: The proposal creates an advisory committee within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to support rural hospitals in assessing viability and identifying new delivery models, strategic partnerships and implementing financial and delivery system reform to improve the health of rural communities.
“My top priority is to lower the cost of healthcare for Kansans across the board. We want to give as many Kansans health care coverage as we can, in the Medicaid market and the non-Medicaid market,” Denning said.
While this proposal is the most sweeping compromise offered since the debate over Medicaid expansion began in 2013, both Kelly and Denning underscored that more work remains.
“We’ll both be working with our respective caucuses in the coming days to get their feedback and buy-in,” Denning said. “But all sides can find something in this bill to like. That means it’s probably about as middle of the road as it can get.”
“This compromise was an important first step, but our work is not over yet,” Kelly said. “Legislators, many of whom were here today, have the ability to bring this over the finish line in the early days of the 2020 session. I am calling on them to do just that.”
Via Christi Supports Expanding Medicaid In Kansas
Response to today’s announcement of a bipartisan agreement on Medicaid expansion
” Ascension Via Christi extends our appreciation to Gov. Laura Kelly and Sen. Jim Denning for
reaching an agreement on expanding Medicaid in Kansas. Ascension Via Christi, along with the
Kansas Hospital Association and many other healthcare organizations, have been advocating for
Medicaid expansion for the past eight years as a way to make sure that all of our citizens have
access to care.
Expanding Medicaid will bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to our state, giving Kansans
residents increased access to health care coverage while supporting healthcare providers and our
entire Kansas economy.
Across Ascension’s markets we know that expanded Medicaid has enhanced access to coverage
and care, resulted in more appropriate utilization of services, and has created financial security
among the poor and vulnerable.
Our ministry’s support of Medicaid expansion is rooted in our mission to serve all persons, with
special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable, and to protect and promote the inherent
dignity of all human life from conception until natural death .”
-Submitted by Don King, chief executive officer, Ascension Via Christi
Fort Scott City Commission Work Session Jan. 15
There will be a work session of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This work session will be held to discuss water and sewer lines in the City of Fort Scott. This work session is open to the public.
Vince by Patty LaRoche
Sometimes I’m selfish. You probably are too. We’re born that way, you know. To get our way we cry, pout, throw a temper tantrum and, if not careful, become a teensy bit bratty. That’s because some of us never grow up. We think of ourselves measured only by our needs and desires before thinking of anyone else. And even though some of us (like me) were blessed with parents who demonstrated the opposite side of that self-centered coin, if we’re not careful, our greedy genetic pool will represent a sewer system rather than a stream of living water.
Dave and I have a friend who lives to bless others. He and his family reside in Stilwell, Kansas, but own a house next to ours at Lake Fort Scott. In spite of working full time and having three very active teens and a wife whose job sends her all over the world, he has a knack for hearing of a need and then meeting it. His name is Vince, and if “givingest” were a word, that would describe him. For the months Dave and I are gone in the summer, he mows our yard. A few weekends ago, he gave up a Friday evening and Saturday morning to help Dave with some electrical work. He never complains or reminds us of all he does for us. Ask and we receive. Don’t ask, and our friend will somehow sense what he can do to make our lives easier.
I hope you have such a neighbor. This is a first for us. In the past, “neighborly” would not describe those living beside us. They have borrowed and not returned, helped themselves to whatever was in our refrigerator (even my last piece of cheesecake—seriously put me over the edge!), ignored us, introduced themselves only to ask if we smoke or host loud parties, and talked nonstop about their perfect family. You get the picture. But then there’s Vince. Dave and I don’t know how to reciprocate, for even a pitching pointer for his son or an occasional meal does nothing to move the benevolent pendulum that swings decidedly in Vince’s favor.
I recently heard a disturbing statistic that 75% of Americans don’t know their neighbors. It made me wonder what our country/city/neighborhood/family would be like if we all modeled our giving after Vince. What if we looked for ways to help instead of keeping tabs on how little others have done for us? What if we never guilted anyone into meeting our needs? What if we all tuned our ears to hear a need and then did what it takes to make someone’s life better? Better yet, what if we figured out that need without ever being told about it? Jesus was great at that, you know. He washed his disciples’ feet, a menial job designated for servants. In his day, feet were filthy. Grunge between the toes. Dirt imbedded in the callouses. No hot-rock pedicures for these guys. Still, while dining with his disciples, Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed their feet.
Daily, Jesus allowed himself to be inconvenienced and interrupted and invaded. He made time for others. Ephesians 2:10 lets us know we are to do likewise. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Get that? Our Heavenly Father has gone before us to give us opportunities to bless others, so perhaps 2020 could be the year when we become a little more Vince-like and pay attention to God’s nudgings.
Free Parenting Classes Offered at The Health Department
“Parenting the Love and Logic Way”, a free parenting class, will be conducted by Jan and Dave Elliott, with class pre-registration beginning next week.
The Elliotts are independent facilitators of the curriculum.
Classes are presented in six sessions beginning Jan. 23 at 6:00 P.M. at the Health Department. Other sessions will be Jan. 30, February 6, February 13, February 20, and February 27.
There is no charge for participation in the sessions but space can be limited.
The new site for the health department is located at 524 S. Lowman St., 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.
Please pre-register at the health department by calling 620-223-4464. The deadline for sign up is Jan. 16th. The target audience is individuals that have children or take care of children.
The curriculum was developed by Jim Fay, Ph.D., and Foster W. Cline, M.D. of the Love and Logic Institute Inc. in Golden, Colorado.
“The goal of the program is to provide parents the opportunity to gain practical and proven tools for raising respectful, responsible, and happy children,” Alice Maffet, RN, said. “The program will teach responsibility and character, how to lower your stress level, have immediate and positive effects and up the odds that you will enjoy lifelong positive relationships with your children and grandchildren.”
For more information, click below:
Farmers’ Market Workshop in February
Regional Farmers’ Market Workshops Scheduled for February
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will host six regional workshops in February 2020 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2019, 57 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
“Farmers’ markets provide growers a wonderful opportunity to have real interaction with consumers, and a chance to tell their farm’s story,” said Londa Nwadike, consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell at a farmers’ market.”
Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Main topics include:
- Double Up Food Bucks Program and Accepting EBT
- Food Safety and Regulations on Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
- Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Certified Farmer Training
- Marketing Tips
- Produce Grower Panel
KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.Dates and locations for the Farmers’ Market events are as follows:
Saturday, Feb. 1 — Iola: Allen Community College
Saturday, Feb. 8 — Wichita: Sedgwick County Extension Office
Friday, Feb. 21 — Olathe: KSU Olathe
Saturday, Feb. 22 — Hiawatha: Fisher Center
Friday, Feb. 28 — Beloit: Beloit First Christian Church
Saturday, Feb. 29 — Leoti: Wichita County Community Building
Registration for the February workshops is now open. The cost is $20 per participant to cover the cost of lunch. Lunch will only be guaranteed to those participants who register prior to the respective workshop date. Registration for the workshops can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop or at local extension offices.
Onsite registration for the workshops will open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. The Wichita workshop will begin onsite registration at 8:15 a.m. and the workshop begins at 8:45 a.m., concluding at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, K-State Research and Extension, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The farmers’ market workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.