Submitted by Carl Jowers

The Fort Scott dialysis center recently closed. There were several Bourbon County Veterans who would not have been able to travel for dialysis treatment in Pittsburg.

The VA allowed me to repurpose the Fort Scott- Topeka/KC shuttle service to transport these Veterans to Pittsburg for dialysis treatment.

With the new schedule, the Fort Scott VA shuttle will only be able to transport veterans to Topeka or KC two days a week.

The shuttle will still stop at Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa on Mondays and Wednesdays to pick up Veterans needing rides to Topeka or KC.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Carl Jowers. Shuttle Coordinator.

Fort Scott VA Shuttle

The local Fort Scott VA shuttle began transporting area Veterans from Fort Scott to Pittsburg for dialysis treatment on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

The new VA shuttle schedule is as follows:

· Mondays. Fort Scott to Kansas City or Topeka VA Hospital.

· Tuesdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

· Wednesdays. Fort Scott to Kansas City or Topeka VA Hospital.

· Thursdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

· Saturdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

The Monday and Wednesday VA shuttle can stop in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up Veterans needing rides to Topeka or KC.

Veterans needing a shuttle ride for their VA medical appointments must call 785.925.0261 to schedule a shuttle seat or more information.

Additional shuttle drivers are also needed.

Drivers will be using a VA provided van as the shuttle. The VA also covers gas and maintenance costs for the vehicle as well.

These are the Driver requirements

· Have a valid state issued driver’s license. A CDL license is not required

· Proof of insurance. Driver is covered by VA insurance when driving the shuttle.

· Pass a VA driver physical

· Pass a background check.

The driver does not have to be a Veteran. This information is important as several people I’ve spoken to thought that only Vets could drive for the VA.

This program is not an American Legion or VFW sponsored program. It is a community-based program to assist our area veterans in receiving medical care. Several of our drivers are not Veterans or spouses of Veterans, just local individuals who wanted to give back to Veterans.

Any area residents interested in becoming a shuttle driver should contact Carl Jowers at 620-215-1688 or email him at [email protected] for more information or to become a shuttle driver.

Opinion

The Best Day Ever by Pastor James Collins

October 5, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1

Very few ladies have been as blessed as my wife, Amanda.

Besides the obvious blessing of me rescuing her from being a sad unmarried spinster, there have been many other blessings which have come from our union together. Not the least of which has been the way that I have lavished her by spending money on her. Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.

For our honeymoon, I took her to the luxurious Jumping Toad Motel in beautiful Frogville, Oklahoma.

In the past two decades, we have dined at extravagant restaurants. We have delighted in the barbeque at Sam’s Pig Stand in Burt Corn, Alabama; fried chicken at the Pretty Foul in Belt Buckle, Tennessee; Mexican food at Nacho Problem in Ding Dong, Texas; and sirloin steaks at the Beef-o-rama in Greasy Corner, Arkansas.

In our lives together, I have given Amanda many opulent gifts. Amanda’s jewelry box is full of the world’s finest cubic zirconia. The genuine aluminum plated engagement ring I gave her cost at least $17.00. Last year for our anniversary, I surprised her with a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner from Walmart.

Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.

The other day, Amanda asked me to go shopping. She said, “It will be fun.” Shopping is not my idea of fun. But if it makes my sweetie happy, okay, I’ll do it. I was ready to indulge her shopping spree and spend a lot of money.

We left early in the morning and spent most of the day in the big city mall. It wasn’t until the stores were closing that we made our way back home. The shopping trip didn’t hurt me financially. She really didn’t spend that much. But it hurt me physically. Over ten hours of being on my feet, following my wife as she ran from store to store, wore two inches off my height.

On the way home, Amanda leaned over and said, “Today has been a great day – one of the best ever.” I thought, “One of the best ever? How could today be better than our wedding day? Or the days our three children were born? How could a day of shopping be better than any of those major life events?” Then it hit me – Amanda spells love T-I-M-E.

Amanda builds her life around me and our children. However, for one day, totally and completely, I built my life around her and what she wanted to do. My willingness and my company made the day special.

I spent time with God this morning… Most of the time I expect God to be with me and He is, but could it be that He appreciates my making time for Him?

The Bible often uses the phrase “bless the Lord.” The Hebrew word translated “bless” literally means “to kneel.” It is a word picture of someone kneeling in worship. To “bless the Lord” means to praise and exalt God. In other words, God is blessed when we spend time with Him – when we focus our complete attention on Him.

The point is: God wants your time. The Lord is glorified when you bless, praise, and acknowledge Him. When was the last time you spent time with the Lord?

Jesus Christ spared no expense when He paid the price to save you from your sins. Why not show Him how thankful you are by spending some time with Him today?

It might just be your best day ever…

James Collins is pastor of Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. He can be reached by phone at (620) 223-2986 or by email at [email protected].

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Fort Scott Scuttlebutt

October 5, 2019 Loretta George Leave a comment

Membership

American Legion Fort Scott Thompson-Harkey Post 25 now leads 2^nd District in membership. Today’s numbers have Post at 60 members or 78.96%.

Our 2020 membership goal is 76. We are currently 16 members short of 100%. Help Post 25 reach 100% by renewing your membership or recruiting a new member.

You can easily renew online at www.legion.org. It’s safe and secure and takes less than five minutes

You can also mail in your $40.00 renewal to the Post 25 Finance Officer.

Darrell Spencer

1183 185TH ST

Fort Scott, Ks, 66701.

I can also arrange to meet with you to pick up your renewal. I’m retired so I can easily work around your schedule to meet you, but no 3 AM meetings please!

You can also pay your 2020 dues at our next general membership meeting on October 7th.

LEGION Act

Any Veteran who has served one day on active duty since December 7, 1941 and was honorably discharged can join the Legion. This is due to the LEGION Act recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump. If you know of a local Veteran who meets this new, expanded membership requirement, invite them to a Post 25 meeting or contact me about a membership form. There are probably several hundred Bourbon County Veterans who are not aware of the LEGION Act and are now eligible for American Legion membership.

If you know of one, invite them to join the American Legions. We are a community of Veterans “Still Serving.

Upcoming Events

October 5. Post 25 Community Awareness at the Fort Scott Wal-Mart from 9 am – 12 pm. Stop by and visit other Post 25 Legionnaires or bring a new member to join Post 25.

October 7. American Legion Post 25 meet and greet at Memorial Hall starts at 6:30 pm.

October 7. American Legion Post 25 general membership meeting at Memorial Hall starts at 7:00 pm.

October 10. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 general membership meeting at Memorial Hall starts at 6:00 pm.

October 10. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at Memorial Hall starts at 7:00 pm.

October 12, 2019. EISENHOWER PILGRIMAGE in Abilene starts at 9:30 am. Department Vice Commanders Homecoming … immediately following the Eisenhower Pilgrimage.

November 2, 2019. Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Vintage Toy/Comic Books/Sports Cards Show from 9 am – 3 pm. See attached flyer for more information.

January 31 – February 2, 2020. Department of Kansas Midwinter Forum at Fort Scott.

Informational Items

Additional shuttle drivers are needed. The VA-provided shuttle now transports dialysis patients to Pittsburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays plus area Veterans for VA hospital appointments on Mondays and Thursdays. Call or email me for more information on becoming a shuttle driver.

Auxiliary Unit 25’s first outreach program is to provide support to Veteran mothers of newborn babies at the Topeka VA Medical Center. They are currently collecting needed items for newborns and all donations are greatly appreciated. Diapers, body wash and shampoos, blankets and clothing are among the items requested. Call Unit 25 Vice President Marilyn Gilmore at 785.214.5618 for more information or to donate items. A copy of the flyer is attached.

Our Taurus G2C raffle is sold out. The drawing for the winning ticket will be at our October 7^th membership meeting. The winner will be contacted, and information provided on picking up their new pistol.

The Post 25 fundraising collectibles show on November 2 is taking shape. We have 10 tables sold now.

If you know of someone with cases of Hot Wheels, storage totes of Barbies or sports cards or boxes of comic books, encourage them to rent a table at the toy show. All proceeds will go towards our scholarships for Boys and Girls State, Cadet Law and other Post sponsored programs.

Volunteers will be sought to contribute a few hours to make this 1^st ever collectibles show a success.

For more AL news, click below:

SALute. October 2019

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Submitted by:

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688

Government, Kansas

Dam Rehab Program Approved

October 5, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FEMA Grant Awarded for High Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Program

$409,298 awarded for use on eligible dams in Kansas

The Kansas Water Office (KWO), with assistance from Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation applied for the FY 2019 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant. The approval was recently announced and Kansas is being awarded $409,298 in grant funds for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.

“Many Kansans were able to see firsthand benefits of dams helping to minimize downstream flooding this year across the state,” said Kansas Water Office Director Earl Lewis. “Utilization of resources such as this HHPD Rehabilitation Grant will help to ensure eligible projects will function properly into the future.”

The purpose of the HHPD Grant is to make funds available to eligible dams for technical, planning, design, and pre-construction assistance. Two eligible dams, McPherson County State Lake Dam and Lake Sherwood Dam, were part of this initial Kansas request to FEMA. Both were approved and there are 34 other eligible dams with the option to apply for the grant funds through KWO. In order for a dam to be considered eligible it must be a non-federal dam located in a state with a state dam safety program, classified as high hazard potential by the state dam safety agency, have an approved emergency action plan, and pose an unacceptable risk to the public.

“Overtime, some dams have been reclassified as high hazard structures and are now out of compliance,” and,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With the award of the HHPD Grant funds, we will have the ability to work with eligible dam owners throughout the state to bring their high hazard classified dams into compliance. Having these dams in compliance will reduce risks to the public, decrease flood potential, and in some cases, protect critical water supplies.”

The official and final grant award notification was received by the KWO on September 19 with three years to utilize funds. The KWO will again work with the KDA Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation to revise the grant work plan to appropriately distribute the additional funds.

For more information about the grant please contact the Kansas Water Office at 785-296-3185 or email [email protected].

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Presbyterian Manor hosting professional organizer

October 4, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Rightsizing focus of Just Ask event

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Each year, there are changes that affect Medicare coverage. Find out what’s changing for 2020 and prepare for Medicare Part D Election Period. That’s the theme of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s “Just Ask” session October 15.

“What’s New With Medicare?” will be presented by Joy Miller, family and consumer sciences extension agent with K-State Research and Extension in Bourbon County. Miller will share what you need to know before you enroll in Medicare Part D for 2020. The free presentation will begin at 2 p.m. October 15 at Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton.

A certified Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansans (SHICK) volunteer, Miller helps beneficiaries and caregivers understand their Medicare benefits and options and assists with plan comparisons and Medicare D enrollment during the annual election period. Miller has been with K-State Research and Extension for 11 years and has been a SHICK volunteer since 2012.

RSVP by October 11 to Becky Kellum, marketing director, at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

“What’s New with Medicare?” is part of Presbyterian Village’s Just Ask lifelong learning program featuring speakers and topics of interest to seniors and their adult children.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. It is a member of the nonprofit Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America network of 17 communities and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri. Learn more about PMMA at PresbyterianManors.org.

Government, Kansas

Governor directs flags to be lowered October 6

October 4, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor to honor National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 6, 2019, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 6.

“Today, let us begin Fire Prevention Week by honoring all who put their lives on the line every day to protect people, property and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “We also must remember and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Kansas.”

The honor is extended for all fallen firefighters – such as veteran firefighter John Randle, 67, who served as a first responder and EMT for the Wamego Fire Department. After returning from a structure fire on January 1, 2018, Randle fell and suffered head injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.

“John Randle made lasting contributions in his community, and we are grateful for his dedication and commitment to helping fellow Kansans,” the governor said.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Supports DACA

October 4, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor joins other states in amicus brief supporting DACA

Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, Montana Governor among other supporters

Governor Laura Kelly today joined other states in legal action supporting the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Kelly joined Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, as well as Montana Governor Steve Bullock, in filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of DACA.

The friend-of-the-court brief, filed in Department of Homeland Security, et al., v. Regents of the University of California, et al., Case No. 18-587, opposes the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind DACA.

In the brief, Governor Kelly argues that rescinding DACA will cost Kansas millions of dollars in tax income and economic growth, while unfairly punishing undocumented Kansans who are contributing to the Kansas economy and enhancing the state’s culture.

“It goes without saying that we need Washington to finally fix our country’s broken immigration system. But here in Kansas, we care about the well-being of all of our children,” Kelly said. “We simply shouldn’t punish children for decisions their parents made years ago. That’s not who we are as Kansans.

“These young people have worked hard, attended our schools and continue to give back as teachers, nurses, police officers, or by serving in the military. They belong here, and we welcome their contributions in our communities and to our economy.”

In Kansas, nearly 6,000 DACA recipients generate $111 million in annual spending power and pay $12.6 million annually in state and local taxes. The Cato Institute conservatively estimates that rescinding DACA will cost the Kansas economy $1.76 billion over the next decade, while the Center for American Progress estimates that the Kansas economy would lose $335 million in annual gross domestic product (GDP).

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on Nov. 12, 2019. More than 25 governors or state attorneys general are participating in the case in support of DACA

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Oct. 2019

October 4, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter

October 2019

In this Issue

Welcome

Programs and information for Adults

For Kids

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

New books–Adult Fiction

New books–Adult Nonfiction

New books–Young Adult Fiction & Graphic Novels

New books–Juvenile Fiction & Non-Fiction

More new items

More Newsletters

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.

Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

Programs and information for Adults

Coloring for Adults

Wednesdays at the Library from 2:00-4:00

We supply coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own supplies and projects, if you prefer.

Ongoing Book Sale

We have a shelf and 2 carts of books for sale downstairs ALL the time!

Paperback     $0.25
Hardback    $0.50
Other Items   $1.00 (or as marked)

www.hoopladigital.com

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Sunflower eLibrary

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

Digital Book eLending

Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Storytime

Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes: Llamas, Music, Fish, Fall, and Halloween.

Tell us your child’s theme ideas here.

Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at [email protected].

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.

For Families

Come to Cardboard & Recyclables Maker Monday!

October 21, 4 – 5 pm.

Create what you like using cardboard and recyclables, with our craft supplies to decorate and assemble it all. Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Help us shape the program for the upcoming months by suggesting new group names and joining in a vote on September 11. An ongoing reading challenge began last week and will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.

The October meetings will run as follows:

October 9, 4:15-5 pm: Mini Pumpkin Painting at the Library

October 16, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library

October 23, 4:15-5 pm: The Lone Wolves Book Club at the Keyhole

October 30, 4-5 pm: Halloween Party at the Library

Need a ride from public school to FIGHTERS? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.

New books–Adult Fiction

A better man
by Louise PennySearching for a missing woman amid a catastrophic flood and blistering social media attacks, a demoted Armand Gamache bonds with the victim’s distraught father, who contemplates a murder of his own. By the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Kingdom of the Blind.

Hart’s Hollow farm
by Janet DaileyWhen 73-year-old Emmy Hart asks her to help revitalize Hart’s Hollow farm, Kristen accepts, despite her fears about becoming too attached to the family; and then there’s Emmy’s ruggedly handsome grandson. By a New York Times best-selling author.

Killer instinct
by James PattersonA sequel to Murder Games finds the suspicious death of a professor reuniting Dr. Dylan Reinhart and Detective Elizabeth Needham against a terrorist plot targeting New York City. Co-written by a #1 best-selling author.

Obituary

Obituary of Margaret Dalby Fowler

October 4, 2019 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Margaret Dalby Fowler, age 91 died October 3, 2019, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott, KS. She was born Emma Margaret Dalby on December 5, 1927, in Dalby Springs, TX, the daughter of Clarence Winston Dalby and Sarah Della Young Dalby. She married Herman Hugh Fowler on Jan. 24, 1953, in Dalby Springs, Texas. She was a bank teller in DeKalb and also in Bryan, TX, while Herman was attending Texas A & M University.

Margaret was a housewife who took great pride in getting clothes ready for her husband’s business meetings and packing many suitcases for him as he traveled as Chief Engineer for Rockwell International.

She was mother to two daughters and was well known for her cake baking and sharing of delicious food with friends and neighbors. She also was an avid shopper, shopping for friends and family and mailing the items to them in other states. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, NE, for over 50 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Carol Johannsen and husband Mike of Gibbon, NE, and Joyce Davenport and husband Larry of Fort Scott, KS; grandchildren Jenna Pilant and husband Darrel of Pauma Valley, CA; Evan Johannsen, of Gibbon, NE; Craig Winston Davenport of Joplin, MO and Chris Winston Davenport and wife Jessica of Overland Park, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1987, and brothers Billy Fountain Dalby, Clarence Winston Dalby, Jr., and sisters Virginia Dalby Messer and Della Dalby Icenhower. Margaret was the last remaining sibling of five.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 10:00 am at the Bates Family Funeral Home, with Graveside services following at 11:00 am at Pulaski Cemetery in New Boston, TX with Robby Bates officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Kearney, NE or Dalby Springs Cemetery Association for Pavilion and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Celebration of Gordon Parks Legacy

October 4, 2019 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Gordon Parks Celebration began its annual event, Oct. 3 with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee.

Winners of the Gordon Parks annual photo contest were given their awards during the coffee.

First, second, and third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively and all finalists received a set of prints of Gordon Parks photos.

There were five honorable mention awards given: “In Death Lies The Erosion of Truth.” by Alexis Michalski (La Cygne, KS ); “Finding Joy in your Friends.” by Alexis Marchiano (Fort Scott); “The Master and the Apprentice.” by Jezeriah Simpson (Fort Scott); “Escape.” by Lawson Hall (Fort Scott); and “Lots of Trust.” by Julia Allen (Fort Scott).

The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by a quote by the Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Tree.

“We received a lot of great entries this year and the judges were very impressed by the skill level of the photographers. It was very difficult for the judges to determine the winner with all of the great entries,” said museum director Kirk Sharp.

The photo exhibit is on display in the Lunt Lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College through October 14. The building is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ashton Nolan, a student at Fort Scott Community College won first place with a photo entitled: *Always Choose Family*

Ashton Nolan, first place winning photo.

Elli Milburn, Fort Scott High School student won second place with a photo entitled: *No Quit.*

Elli Milburn’s second-place winning photograph.

Ashton Nolan also received third place with her photo entitled: Cherish Childhood

Ashton Nolan’s third-place winning photograph.

The Merle Humphrey Photography sponsored the photo contest.

There were 65 entries in the contest that was themed: “My Learning Tree, Life Lessons Learned.” Judges for the contest were Kassie Feugate-Cate, Tammy Helm and Merl Humphrey.

Also on display were some of Park’s photos and poems and in addition a section of behind-the-scenes photos of the film “The Learning Tree”, which was filmed in Fort Scott in 1969.