Ogallala Aquifer Depletion Discussion Feb. 24-25
Ogallala Aquifer Virtual Summit to Engage Stakeholders in Tackling Tough Questions
This event will be February 24-25, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CST). Through panels and facilitated workshops, participants will discuss and identify actionable activities and priorities that could benefit producers, communities, and this critical groundwater resource.
At 8 a.m. (CST) on February 24 and 25, producers and other water management leaders will grab their coffee cups, fire up their devices, and wade into a series of highly interactive conversations designed to tackle several tough questions faced by communities that rely on the declining Ogallala aquifer resource. For example, what on-farm, district, or state-level decisions and policies could support shifts in water management to ensure future generations will be able to continue to farm and live in the Ogallala region? What can be done so that rural communities remain vital in parts of the region where aquifer depletion means irrigated agriculture will no longer serve as much of an economic backbone in coming years or decades?
This event is being led by the USDA-NIFA Ogallala Water Coordinated Agriculture Project (OWCAP) team, along with the Kansas Water Office, Texas A&M AgriLife, and the USDA-ARS supported Ogallala Aquifer Program, and support from individuals in all eight Ogallala states. Between the pandemic, an extended period of drought, and lower commodity prices, summit organizers wondered if producers and other water management leaders would be inclined to meet virtually. Together, they assessed that the value of this event, which encourages people to meet one another and exchange a wealth of practical and technical expertise, would not be diminished if held online. In fact, more than ever, having an opportunity to help people connect and hear from one another and from producers in particular on many important dimensions of the water-dependent future of this region, seemed right and necessary. This event will serve as the capstone outreach event for OWCAP, an interdisciplinary, collaborative research and outreach project underway since 2016 involving researchers from 9 institutions based in 6 of the 8 Ogallala states.
Topics covered during the summit will include updates on projects, new programs, activities and policies that were inspired at least in part due to an earlier 8-state Ogallala summit event held in Garden City, Kansas in April of 2018. Together, participants will share their expertise and identify opportunities and gaps requiring attention, resources, and expanded collaboration within and across state lines to benefit agriculture and the region’s communities.
“The increasing depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer is one of the most daunting water problems in America. Extending and restoring the life of this resource, and, in turn, the economies and livelihoods that depend on it, will require collaboration across a diverse range of water-focused stakeholders and entities,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “This summit will provide a unique opportunity to foster and strengthen that collaboration. It will cover emerging innovations, research, and policies as well as help identify opportunities for working together across state lines to address the water-related challenges facing this region and its communities.”
Registration for the summit costs $40; the fee for producers and students attending the 2-day event is $20. Participants from each of the eight states overlying the Ogallala aquifer will be represented: South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. A detailed schedule of this event is available at https://www.ogallalawater.org/. Members of the media are invited to attend.
Contaminants Possible in Buck Run Creek:Don’t Enter
Stream Advisory Issued for Buck Run Creek, located East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas
Residents and animals should not enter the Creek at this time
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Buck Run Creek, along the area East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The stream advisory is a result of a manhole overflow due to heavy rainfall. The city of Fort Scott has repaired the problem and the overflow has ceased as of Monday afternoon.
The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in Buck Run Creek as it flows northward through residential areas to the Marmaton River. If you live or have activities near this stream, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.
Kansas Department of Health & Environment will rescind the advisory once flows recede and subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.
For further information, please contact at the city of Fort Scott, Michael Mix at 620.215.6319.
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Johnson Honored At Public Health Hero
Last week, Governor Laura Kelly recognized Rebecca Johnson as a Public Health Hero in Kansas at her 4 pm press conference:
https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/3948694321829209
Johnson is the director of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department and her office is in Fort Scott.
The following is a submission by Johnson.
I am honored to be recognized by Governor Laura Kelly, but do not consider myself a hero. I care about and have a vested interest in the health and well-being of the counties and communities I serve and am trying to fulfill the duties of the Local Health Officer/Administrator to the best of my ability.
Just like as for many others, this last year has been extremely trying and stressful for me. COVID-19 has forced me from my comfort-zone and made new-norms for my everyday life, as it has for the rest of us. I am thankful to God for all the blessings and support He has given me. I would like to thank my husband and children, family, friends, my church, my staff, my board and medical director for all of their support. Without them, I may not have made it this far, as around 1/3 of the Local Health Officers/Administrators in Kansas have left their positions for one reason or another, since COVID-19 began.
There have been many people that have supported our organization and I over the past year and who still are, from city/county personnel and community members and local organizations to regional and state representatives. Thank you to all of these folks for your un-ending support-we still have a ways to go!!
I would like to recognize my amazing staff, the heart and soul of our health departments, many of whom have worked countless hours after they’ve gone home at night and throughout the weekend on COVID-19 related issues, but have missed out on so much with their own families, to promote and protect the health of the communities they love. They have continued to be adaptable and determined as they have trudged through, where many in their shoes would have already given up. These are the extraordinary people who work for SEK Multi-County Health Department and serve Public Health in the counties of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson.
Allen County:
Public Health Nurse: Megan Neville
Administrative Assistant: Ruby Gulick
Accountant: Traci Ridge
Planning & Outreach Coordinator: Susan Belt
Home Visitor: Vicki Howard
WIC Coord/Public Health Nurse: Deidre Wilson
Anderson County:
Public Health Nurse: Samantha Mason
Administrative Assistant: Mika Mader
Bourbon:
Public Health Nurse: Alice Maffett
Public Health Nurse: Hannah Geneva
Administrative Assistant: Kristi George
Home Visitor: Holly Fritter
Woodson:
Public Health Nurse: Chardel Hastings
Administrative Assistant: Joni Diver
We have also been blessed to have been able to hire some part-time staff that work primarily on COVID-19 within our four counties. These exceptional people are: Cara Walden RN, Lisa Goins RN, Sara Goins, Jennifer Hyer RN and Benjamin Fischer, plus several others that have assisted us throughout the last several months: Stacy Sauerwein RN, Robin Hughes RN, Stachia Cooper RN, and Vicki Tureskis RN and numerous volunteers.
UHS BASKETBALL GAME 9 RESULTS vs PRAIRIE VIEW 1/22/2021
The end of the First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament saw success for both of the Uniontown teams. The Lady Eagles won their tournament, and the boys ended up second overall.
The girls’ Varsity team beat the Prairie View Buffalo 65-25. Danielle Howard scored 26 points and had 7 assists and 13 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 19 points and had 3 steals. Sammie Hampton and Gwenyth Fry each had 5 boards.
“It was a good night for Lady Eagles Basketball,” Coach Miller said. “After a long week of competition, the girls played their best game of the tournament. Winning the Inaugural Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament will be a memory that these girls will cherish for years to come.
“A nice addition to the win was getting to celebrate Karleigh Schoenberger’s induction to the 1000-point club. She is only the 3rd Lady Eagle player to achieve such a milestone. Karleigh has joined the ranks of Trisha Eldridge Newton (1250 pts) and Shalina Harper (1325 pts). She has worked hard to reach this goal and it has been our pleasure to watch her do it. With several games to be played to finish up her senior season, we hope to see her continue to climb the leaderboard. Thank you KB for your hard work!”
The boys’ team also beat the Buffalo, with a score of 53-48. Jake Harvey once again led with 24 points, and also had 2 assists and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach had 8 boards, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Drew Perry had 5 assists and 3 steals, and Clay Sutterby had 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 11 points.
“I thought our defensive energy against Prairie View was really good. Prairie View was a big, strong, and athletic team, and I challenged our guys to out-scrap them. I thought for the most part, we did that. We are looking forward to jumping back into league play next week,” said Coach Hays.
-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 22, 2021
January 22, 2021
Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1602 titled Value Them Both (VTB) was supposed to be debated on the Senate Floor but it didn’t happen. It needs 27 votes to pass but senators were gone or refused to vote Yes or No. The House passed their resolution, House
Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5003, with the same language on Friday. The Senate will debate it next week and if it passes there will be no need for the Senate resolution.
It is an important issue and should be debated. A few years ago, the legislature passed a bill banning dismemberment abortion in Kansas. A supermajority, 2/3 the legislature, supported the bill. The Governor signed it into law. However, the Kansas Supreme Court
nullified the law by issuing an extreme ruling that the Kansas Constitution allows dismemberment abortion. Where in the Kansas Constitution does it say that? The rogue Kansas Supreme Court is legislating from the bench again. The proposed constitutional
amendment, SCR 1602 and HCR 5003, would at least stop the Court from legislating on abortion. That duty is the responsibility of the legislature.
A constitutional amendment requires a resolution to pass in both chambers with a supermajority. Then the amendment would be on a ballot for all Kansas voters to cast a Yes or No vote. It is a high bar and should be to change our Constitution. The constitutional
amendment would reset the law as if the Court ruling hadn’t occurred. It is not a ban on abortion as such, but it would allow the people, through their elected legislature, to regulate
abortion.
COVID-19 testing parameters were quietly changed by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) earlier this month and by the World Health Organization (WHO) last
week. The change in Kansas decreases the cycle threshold for testing. This is important because, according the medical experts, the higher threshold results in more false positives.
The WHO parameter change requires a person to have symptoms along with a positive test before anyone is diagnosed with COVID-19. These changes will lower the number of COVID-
19 cases. You can bet the news and others are going to say how the cases dropped because of vaccines or government mandates. How will we know what caused the decreased number
of cases when the definition of positive test changed?
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5003, with the same language on Friday. The Senate will debate it next week and if it passes there will be no need for the Senate resolution.
It is an important issue and should be debated. A few years ago, the legislature passed a bill banning dismemberment abortion in Kansas. A supermajority, 2/3 the legislature, supported the bill. The Governor signed it into law. However, the Kansas Supreme Court
nullified the law by issuing an extreme ruling that the Kansas Constitution allows dismemberment abortion. Where in the Kansas Constitution does it say that? The rogue Kansas Supreme Court is legislating from the bench again. The proposed constitutional
amendment, SCR 1602 and HCR 5003, would at least stop the Court from legislating on abortion. That duty is the responsibility of the legislature.
A constitutional amendment requires a resolution to pass in both chambers with a supermajority. Then the amendment would be on a ballot for all Kansas voters to cast a Yes or No vote. It is a high bar and should be to change our Constitution. The constitutional
amendment would reset the law as if the Court ruling hadn’t occurred. It is not a ban on abortion as such, but it would allow the people, through their elected legislature, to regulate
abortion.
COVID-19 testing parameters were quietly changed by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) earlier this month and by the World Health Organization (WHO) last
week. The change in Kansas decreases the cycle threshold for testing. This is important because, according the medical experts, the higher threshold results in more false positives.
The WHO parameter change requires a person to have symptoms along with a positive test before anyone is diagnosed with COVID-19. These changes will lower the number of COVID-
19 cases. You can bet the news and others are going to say how the cases dropped because of vaccines or government mandates. How will we know what caused the decreased number
of cases when the definition of positive test changed?
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
State Tourism To Relocate To Kansas Dept. of Commerce
Governor Laura Kelly Proposes Agency Reorganization to Spur Economic Growth
~Governor Kelly to realign Tourism Division under the Department of Commerce~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intent to submit an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) to the Kansas Legislature relocating the State’s Tourism Division to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The move comes as the result of input from businesses, destination marketing organizations and other key industry partners, including the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK), The Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA), and the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), to consolidate Kansas’ tourism efforts primarily as an economic development tool.
“Consolidating our Tourism focus within the Department of Commerce sends a clear message to our industry partners and prospective companies that this administration will use every tool at our disposal to spur new economic development,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This realignment will benefit our business community, our tourism industry, and Kansas’s economic recovery as a whole.”
“This is a move the tourism industry has supported and it is the right time for this change,” TIAK President Jim Zaleski, Labette County CVB said. “Kansas Tourism and the Department of Commerce have a shared goal of bringing revenue into the state. A coordinated marketing effort will help establish and promote a consistent, strong state brand and a single “front door” to Kansas.”
“The Kanas Restaurant & Hospitality Association agrees the Kansas hospitality community will be best served by having our Travel and Tourism efforts within the Kansas Department of Commerce,” Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association President Adam Mills said. “At a time when hospitality needs every reform possible this reorganization will reposition us as we grow out of the recent strains of the pandemic.”
“The KEDA Board supports the ERO to move tourism promotion back to the Kansas Department of Commerce and believes that, utilizing the expertise and outreach of the state’s lead economic development agency, the move will increase awareness of tourism opportunities among visitors to our state,” President of the Kansas Economic Development Alliance, Steve Jack said. “Our organization serves 76 Kansas communities and counties, and we see the positive impact of the Department of Commerce’s efforts every day across the state. We are confident that Commerce will bring a similar spark to our state’s tourism.”
The Tourism Division will be housed within Business Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Department already features several tools aimed at increasing tourism, including the Kansas Athletic Commission and the STAR Bond program.
“This move will create a more robust, centralized effort to attract Tourism to the state of Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “I appreciate the work that the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has put into this vital program, and I’m excited to see our team pursue new possibilities to increase tourism to Kansas.”
As a result of the ERO, the KDWPT will be designated as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
“It’s exciting to see Tourism being positioned as a key part of our state’s economic development strategy,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “I fully support this decision and look forward to continued collaboration with the talented Tourism Division staff to promote our state’s wonderful natural resources.”
Governor Kelly will submit the ERO to the Kansas Legislature on Jan.25. The ERO becomes effective on July 1, following its transmittal to the Legislature, unless within 60 calendar days of transmittal, either the Senate or House adopts a resolution disapproving it.
Obituary of Anthony W. Milton
Anthony Ward “Tony” Milton, age 58, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, January 23, 2021, at his home.
He was born May 16, 1962, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Ward and Temple Milton. He married Pamela Ada on December 23, 1994, in Venita, OK.
Tony worked as a welder for Kline Tools in Ft. Scott, a security guard at Price Chopper in Gardner, KS, and for USD 234 in various capacities including driving the special needs bus. He greatly enjoyed the children he transported.
Tony also served as a volunteer sheriff’s deputy.
He liked playing video games, watching broadcast news, and listening to the radio.
Tony was a huge Chiefs fan.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as head usher and formerly as deacon.
Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; 5 children, Maneka, Arthon, Ackland, Aztreia, and Mishken Milton; and several brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Andre Milton.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM Friday afternoon at the First Baptist Church.
Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at the church.
Memorials are suggested to the Tony Milton Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Donald W. Marsh
Donald William Marsh, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, finished the race and went to join his wife, Barbara, on her birthday, January 23, 2021.
He was born February 3, 1936, in Fulton, Kansas, the son of Orin P. Marsh and Leona Fay Ballou Marsh. He married Barbara J. Baysinger on February 24, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma.
In earlier years, Donnie had worked as a heavy equipment operator for Charlie Large for sixteen years. He later worked as a mechanic for Montgomery Ward and then for Baxter Tire.
He retired in 2001. Following retirement, Donnie continued to do mechanic work out of his home.
Donnie was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa. He loved spending quality time with his family especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as racing. In the early 1960’s, Donnie and some others started the Family Tradition Racing Team which competed in races throughout the area. He was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals as well as the KU Jayhawks.
Survivors include his five children, Mike Simmons (Marsha), of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jerry Simmons (Lavetta), of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Donnie Marsh (Sandy), of Deerfield, Missouri, Ronnie Marsh (Mary), of Ft. Scott and Tammy Miller (Doug), also of Ft. Scott; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Buckie Ballou, of Kansas City and a racing buddy, Larry Ballou.
Donnie’s wife, Barbara, preceded him in death on December 22, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Farmer, a sister, Barbara Moll and racing buddy, Bob Turner and a good friend, Ronnie Button.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 29th at the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.
New Esthetics Business Opened
Esthetician Hallie Grillot, 20, opened a new business in September 2020.
An esthetician is a worker skilled in giving beauty treatments, according to the Free Dictionary.
Her business, Pure Skin Esthetics, is located inside Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon, at 117 E. National Avenue.
“I always had a passion for beauty and wellness so i wanted a career which incorporated that,” Grillot said. “I knew in my heart esthetics would be a great fit for me! It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Making people look good also makes them feel good; which in turn, makes me feel good. I love what I do, and it shows through my work. I am lucky to have found a career that I love so much.
Grillot graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2019, then attended Bellus Academy, Manhattan, for esthetics. Her parents are Dale and Vonnie Rickerson.
In addition, she is a full-time student at Fort Scott Community College, working towards obtaining a business degree.
“I perform cosmetic skin treatments, facials ranging from $30- $75- such as hydro, aromatherapy, anti-aging, acne treatment, chemical peels. I also offer body treatments, and waxing.”
For Valentine’s Day, Grillot is offering a “love your skin special.”
“It’s 20% off discount code through the whole month of February – Use the code “LOVE” when book your appointment online!
Go to the website
Additionally, there is a “book now” big button on the business Facebook page.
Contact info: 1(620)-215-5790
Board Leadership Series Planned for February
K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of virtual Board Leadership workshops across the Southwind District February 16, 18, 23 & 25.
Designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards, the series will be hosted by local Extension professionals from the Southwind and Wildcat Extension Districts, and participants are invited to join from any remote location of their choice.
Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities. K-State Research and Extension’s Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member. Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.
The series will kick-off on February 16 with Organizing/Leading Effective Meetings. During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure, and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.
On February 18, the topic will be Generations & Behavioral Management. This session will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process.
The February 23 session will cover Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management. Participants will learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.
Strategic Planning will be the final topic on February 25. Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.
All sessions will be conducted from Noon to 1:00 pm. Workshop participants will meet virtually and upon registration will receive a link to participate in the live, web-based discussion.
Pre-registration for the event is required by February 12, 2021. The cost of $20 covers for all four sessions for one board member. Each registration buys a seat, which can be rotated by participants. Registration also includes a copy of the meeting materials that will be mailed prior to the workshop. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/BoardLeadership2021 or by going to www.southwind.k-state.edu. If you have questions or would prefer to register by phone, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
CHC/SEK provides tools to give newborns and moms a good start
A new maternity program funded by the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Giving Circle draws from a Finnish tradition designed to give all children, regardless of background an equal start in life.
It’s a starter box of clothes, sheets and toys with a mattress in the bottom so the box becomes a baby’s first bed.
The boxes are being filled for distribution by CHC/SEK pregnancy case managers to the area’s most vulnerable population – mothers from Crawford, Bourbon, Cherokee and Labette Counties under the age of 19 who often lack stable housing and resources to care for a newborn. In 2019, 158 teenagers gave birth in these four Southeast Kansas counties – most of them patients of CHC/SEK or Labette Health. CHC/SEK has partnered with the hospital to provide an in-house family resource specialist who will provide educational, vocational and parenting support throughout pregnancy and parenting.
The Finland baby box dates back to the 1930’s as a national initiative to give expectant mothers the tools they need to raise a healthy baby. Some credit the concept with helping Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates by pairing education with medical support through a box full of newborn necessities that doubles as the child’s first safe sleep space up to the age of six months.
“Babies used to sleep in the same bed as their parents and it was recommended that they stop,” according to University of Helsinki Professor Panu Pulmain. “Including the box as a bed meant people started to let their babies sleep separately from them.”
Since then, the concept has been incorporated into Sleep Awareness programs in the U.S. to reduce bedsharing, the leading cause of infant mortality in the first eight days of life. The boxes include a waterproof sleeping mattress, sheets, diapers, wipes, clothing, thermometer, a parenting book and other baby basics, including a HALO SleepSack. This program is the first of its kind in Kansas and is part of a maternal/child health initiative which pairs CHC/SEK case managers with young women during their prenatal care and for a year following delivery.
“The health care system is a hard enough place to navigate, and having an advocate to help you get through and a bridge to help you connect all of the resources together are proven to make families healthier,” said Patient Education and Support Manager Julie Laverack.
The Baby Box is one component of a larger program designed to provide a safe sleeping option in less than an ideal environment, discourage bed sharing, and encourage breast feeding. It is one step toward CHC/SEK’s larger goal of reducing the impact of generational poverty and lower the rate of neglect and abuse in the southeast Kansas region.
About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing affordable, high quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. For more information, visit www.chcsek.org.