All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

Voters at  Bourbon County Clerk’s Office in a prior election…

Next Tuesday, June 1,  is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.

“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.

As of May 25, the following have filed to run:

For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.

For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.

For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.

For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.

For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.

For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.

For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.

For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart

For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin

For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.

The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.

All the filing deadlines, for each entity,  is noon June 1st, 2021.

The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.

The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.

In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.

The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

 

For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.

 

For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.

The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

 

Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.

If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.

Skating Is Coming To Fort Scott

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

On June 26, a new sport will be added to the offering at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

A roller skating rink will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, in the small gym at the center.

The cost will be $3 if one owns their own skates and $5 if skates need to be rented, according to Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones.

“It was (Fort Scott Commissioner) Pete Allen’s idea,” Jones said. “The sponsor’s are the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Community Foundation awarded a grant for (purchasing) the skates”

“I think it’s great we are trying something new for the kids,” Fort Scott Recreation Commission Director and Buck Run Community Center Manager Tom Robertson said. “To bring back roller skating to Fort Scott is an awesome thing.”

The recreation center is providing staff for the skating rink.

There will be staff to check people in and those to hand out skates, and additionally a safety person on the floor “to help those who fall and for help following the safety rules,” Robertson said.

While aimed at the youth of the city, there might be older residents who would like to try the sport again for nostalgic reasons, Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.

“Any additional options we can offer the community, make it more attractive,” he said.

“I think we can occasionally step in and partner with another entity such as the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Frazier said.

“A lot of people have worked on bringing this to the community,” he said. “A lot of credit goes to Ally Turvey (Fort Scott’s Community Development Director.)”

“We have a pool, parks, a golf course…I think we are serving our community through these,” Frazier said.

 

Fort Scott Barber Shop Opens for Business May 25: Come and See

Submitted photo. Jose Montanez creates a special haircut.

The Fort Scott Barber Shop will have an open house on Tuesday, May 25 at 9 a.m.

“We are ready to roll,” owner Jose Montanez said.

“There will be a drawing for free haircuts and shaves.,” he said.

“We also have vouchers ready to give to the city manager for all city personnel including police, EMT’s and firemen,” he said. “Free haircuts and shaves for 120 people.”

Jose Montanez is the owner of the shop and the other two barbers are his children:  his daughter, Jaylisha Montanez, and son, Giancarlo Montanez.

His wife Mayra does bookkeeping for the business “and everything else,” Jose said.

The family has had a barbershop in Overland Park, Kansas for 20 years.

“Jose won an award for best barbershop in the midwest and the Trailblazer Award of Kansas City,” she said. “Jose started training other barbers.”

The barbershop specializes in straight razors, which give a clean, direct shave to the face, Mayra Montanez said.

To view a prior feature:

Opening Soon: Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall

 

Prices at the barbershop range from $10 to $30 for services. Submitted photo.

The shop is located at118 E Wall Street, Fort Scott, and the owners, Jose and Mayra Montanez can be reached at (620)215-1192.

Hours for the barbershop are Tuesday-Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm,
Saturday 8:00 – 2:00 pm. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday.

Submitted photo.

Sport of Axe Throwing Comes To Fort Scott

Mac Stoughton has a  plan is to open an axe bar/ throw house, at 212 East First Street, behind Doctor Patterson’s office.

 

Mac Stoughton. Submitted photo.

“As of now, we are planning to open around the end of June beginning of July,” he said.  “We will have available two double lanes and four single lanes and also a knife lane.”

“There are no age requirements as long as there is a parent or guardian present,” Stoughton said.  “We had a 12-year-old on our team that destroys most men, Ella Campbell. If you are over 18, you’re  good to go.”
“We are planning to operate from 4  to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and Monday and Tuesday will be league night,” he said. “Saturday and Sunday we will open from 1 p.m. to midnight, as of right now. Depending on how many sign up for a league.”

“We will be doing a weekly league that will consist of seven weeks of gameplay and on week eight, a tournament,” Stoughton said. “To see who has what it takes to be number one!”

“The leagues will consist of a standard hatchet, hatchet duals, big axe, and knife throwing,” he said.

“The cost will be $20 per person per hour, 12 and under $15 per hour per person,” he said. “I’ll have a group rate upon request and also private parties available.”

“Walk-in customers will be able to experience the zin of slinging steel and if you have never thrown…. no worries we can teach you,” Stoughton said.

“We have thrown with the best in the world,” he said. ” When you arrive at M’axe you get to pick a lane and we will coach you and get you started on how to throw.”

“We want to make everyone’s experience fun!” Stoughton said. “The sport of ax throwing goes way further than just the competition… this sport instills sportsmanship and is not just for the athletic or talented …. this sport is anyone’s and almost all ages.”

“If you can score high enough to rise to the top, you could have the opportunity to go to the ax-throwing U.S. open or the world finals (competitions). “I have been to 2020 world finals and the 2021 U.S. open, and man what an experience!”

” Axe throwing is new and it can be dangerous,” he said. “It’s part of the beauty of the sport. So… throw better!”

A bullseye landing for this axe thrower. Submitted photo.

 

 

USD 234 Retirements

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
USD 234 has a slate of personnel retirements this school year which ended May 13, an unprecedented year in education because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The following teachers responded to an email request to feature them on fortscott.biz.
Kyle Parks. Submitted photo.

Kyle Parks was the Fort Scott High School Agriculture Instructor
from 1983-2021.

“My entire career was at FSHS,” Parks said. “I truly enjoyed working with youth that had ties or interest in the agriculture field. They are more mature, responsible and just a blast to be with compared to the non-ag students. I also enjoyed the teachers and admins at the high school. They are a great bunch to work with.”

For Parks, the last year with the COVID-19 Pandemic has been a challenge.
“The Covid and Zoom (classes) and other newer technology was a struggle for me,” he said.

RoAnn Eden. Submitted photo.

RoAnn Blake has been a third-grade classroom teacher at both Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware Elementary Schools in Fort Scott from 2008 until 2021.

“The best part of teaching was seeing the students every day and sharing with them in their successes,” she said.
*The most challenging was making sure each student’s needs were met, even with all the bumps in their paths.”
Sondra Ruhl. Submitted photo.

Sondra Ruhl taught Special Education at Eugene Ware Elementary School from 2012-2021.

“In 1987, I worked as a paraeducator at Winfield Scott Elementary School for 12 years,” she said. “Then I moved to the high school where I worked for three years. I then went back to college and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I was hired in Missouri and taught Special Education for eight years while getting my Masters Degree in Special Education Teaching. In 2012, I was hired to teach Special Education at Eugene Ware where I have been for the last 9 years.”

“The best part of teaching is seeing my students have that ‘Aha’ moment when they were finally able to understand a concept that used to be hard for them,” Ruhl said.

“The most challenging part of teaching is all of the paperwork that goes with teaching special education,” she said. “This year has been the biggest struggle with Zoom meetings and the challenges that came with COVID teaching.”

Donna Davis. Submitted photo.
Donna Davis has been a special educator at Winfield Scott Elementary School from 1995 to 2021.
“I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University in psychology/special education in 1982,” she said. “I began teaching special education grades K-2 in Missouri from 1982 to 1995. I received my master’s degree in early childhood special education from Pittsburg State University in 1994. I came to Fort Scott in 1995 to teach the special education preschool and finished my teaching career as the first-grade special education teacher at the end of this 2020-21 school year.”
For Wilson, the best part of teaching has always been the children. “Watching them learn and grow has given me great joy throughout the years. I have always loved my job and I will truly miss it!”
A challenge has been teaching during the pandemic, she said.
“Missing out on the end of the 2019-20 school year was very difficult for both the students and teachers.”
Martha Clements. Submitted photo.
Martha Clements  was the 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

from 1989-2021.

“I have taught all 32 years as an FSMS 7th-grade social studies teacher,” she said.
“The best part of teaching for me was being able to share with my students a subject I had been excited about since I was their age,” Clements said.
“Teaching was the challenge I pursued and I have truly enjoyed that challenge.”
Ronda Peterson. Submitted photo.

Ronda Peterson has taught for 36 years.

She taught eighth-grade math for 19 years (2002-2021),
5th grade for three years (1998-2002), and 4th grade for 14 years (1985-1998).
“The best part of teaching was being around kids,” she said. “They are so full of energy! I loved it when I saw student’s eyes light up when they realized they grasped the concept. I also enjoyed watching students helping their friends understand different concepts.”
“Teaching is a profession where students learn but those working with children also learn. I have a greater appreciation for the saying, ‘You learn something new every day.’ I hope I continue to learn something new every day in my retirement. My colleagues also made going to work one of the best parts of teaching!”
This school year has been a challenge for many teachers.
Not only did teachers have to learn to teach distance learners through Zoom meetings and the troubles that go along with loss of internet or connections to students, we were also to continue to have live in-class learning. There was a lot of struggling with this type of learning and we had to adapt sometimes several times a day.”
“There was a lot of new technology we were forced into mastering, whether we wanted to or not. Wearing masks 100% of the time was difficult at best. Many times, we had to remind students to pull their masks up, even though we did not want to wear masks either. Trying to socially distance 14-year-olds is a task many people would find impossible to do.”
“I am sure I will miss teaching….the students, the colleagues, the field trips, the good times. But I am thinking I am going to enjoy retirement….time with family and time to relax.”
Patty Giltner. Submitted photo.

Patty Giltner was the 7th grade English Language Arts teacher 6th-8th grade English as a Second Language teacher at  Fort Scott Middle School from 1995 until 2021.

” I have been teaching in Fort Scott for 26 years,” Giltner said.  “Prior to that, I was employed by Tri-County Special Education and worked as a para-educator in Fredonia schools for 13 years.”
“One of the best things about teaching was having the opportunity to spend my days teaching and building relationships with all of my students over the years,” she said.
“One challenge of teaching was making sure I provided the best possible learning experiences for all of my students while meeting their individual needs.”

Continue reading USD 234 Retirements

Campbell Receives Mayor’s Citizenship Award

Craig Campbell from his Facebook page.

At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on April 29, the City of Fort Scott honored Craig Campbell with the Mayor’s Citizenship Award. 

Mayor Josh Jones thanked Campbell for the many volunteer hours he has given the community and his willingness to help others, in presenting the award to Campbell.

“Fort Scott is a better place to live, work and play because of you,”  Jones said. “You are the definition of what a public servant is!”

Campbell is a Fort Scott native and has worked for Mercy Health Systems for 21 years, according to a press release from Jones. The first 15 years he served as the director of the hospital pharmacy. The last six years as the Mercy Pharmacy Performance Improvement Director for 35 hospitals and 27 retail pharmacies. He will retire from Mercy on June 30th, 2021.

Campbell has been involved with the Good Neighbor Action Team for about ten years, which has helped improve over 200 local properties, according to the press release.

“During the East Wall Street Blitz, there were close to 300 volunteers who worked on 32 properties painting, repairing porches, install energy-efficient windows and doors, and hauling over 30 loads of yard debris,” Jones said in the press release.

“In 2021 they are focusing on grants for older citizens who meet income guidelines to be used for bigger projects and working with the Codes Department when issues arise where they can assist,” Jones said.

Campbell and his wife, Jane, have four children: Ryan, Brett, Trevor, and Jenna.

Campbell is a graduate of Southwest Oklahoma State University School of Pharmacy.

He is a board member of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, a board member of Bourbon County C.A.S.A., and a board member of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

He also serves as an Elder on the Session at the First Presbyterian Church.

 

New Mural at Gunn Park by Artist Stephen Toal

Stephen Toal in front of the mural he created at Gunn Park for the public to enjoy. Submitted photo.

Stephen Toal saw some graffiti on the wall of the lower level under the No. 1 Shelter House at Gunn Park and decided to use his artistic abilities and do something about it.

“Someone had written some hate graffiti on the wall and I felt the need to cover it with something positive,” Toal said.

“I had spoken with Josh Jones (Mayor of Fort Scott) about doing the project,” Toal said.

 

One can have a picnic and feed the ducks while enjoying the new mural under the largest rock shelter house in the park, Shelter House #1.

He used his own art materials and spent about 10 hours on the project, he said.

Stephen Toal described himself as ” a long time resident of Fort Scott, a husband, father of three  and three step-children.”

 

Steven Toal and his wife, Stacy, Submitted photos.

Toal also said he is a “recovering addict/alcoholic, who has been clean and sober three years”

“Art is a way to express myself and helps me stay clean,” he said.

The colorful mural is a depiction of springtime, Toal said.

 

Springtime by Artist Stephen Toal.

 

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program

Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science News Column

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or [email protected]

Release: May 14, 2021

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, What Do You Need to Know?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began providing financial assistance for funeral expenses under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Funeral Assistance program is one of the ever-evolving schemes to take advantage of a vulnerable economic moment. Read on to learn more about the Funeral Assistance Program and tips to avoid being scammed.

Beginning in April, survivors can apply for up to $9,000 in qualifying funeral expenses if a loved one past away after January 20, 2020 related to COVID-19.

To be eligible for the funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions.

  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 related death must have occurred in the United States or U.S. territories.
  • No requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien.
  • Applicant(s) is a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses for a death attributed to COVID-19.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. No online applications will be accepted. Prior to calling, start gathering documents such as official death certificate, funeral expense receipts and contracts, and proof of funds received from other sources specifically used toward funeral costs. This information will need to be submitted after registering the application. Review the Funeral Assistance frequently asked questions page for qualifications, covered expenses, and information needed to apply at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance|FEMA.gov.

FEMA reports that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for funeral expense benefits. To avoid government imposter scams, here are some tips:

  • FEMA will not contact you until you call or apply for assistance.
  • The government won’t ask you to pay anything to get this benefit.
  • Don’t give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who randomly contacts you.

If you get a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or call 620.223.3720.

New Fort Scott Business: Spyder, Inc.

Nedra Barr from the Spyder Inc. website

Nedra Barr started her insurance career at age 16 in Fort Scott, and this week announces that she is bringing her new business home.

 

 

“I started my insurance career in Fort Scott while in high school,” Barr said.  “After a great career in the insurance industry, I started developing software that served this market.  I’ve designed various software products serving this industry.  It’s very exciting to develop the Spyder (her new company) product.  It will help producers and home offices modernize, digitize, standardize and simplify their business.”

 

She is the Cheif Executive Officer of Spyder, Inc., and Sharon Ross, Charlotte, SC,  is the Chief Operating Officer, with Bob Peacock, Denver, CO  the Chief Technology Officer of the business.

Sharon Ross from the Spyder, Inc. website.

 

Bob Peacock, from the Spyder, Inc. website.

 

“All three of us are software executives in the insuretech/fintech industry,” Barr said.  “I am an award-winning software executive.  I have won a Top 50 Tech Visionary award in 2019, a Top 50 Tech Leaders award in 2021, and last week named one of the most impactful women in technology,” she said.

 

See the feature of her award here: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/The-10-Most-Impactful-Women-in-Technology-2021-Volume-5/#page=1

 

“Once our offices are ready, I will be spending lots of time in Fort Scott as well Sharon and Bob,” Barr said.

 

The office is located at  102 W 2ndSt, Fort Scott,  with hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact  Barr at 620-531-0368.

 

“The first two Spyder products will be released in June,” she said.  “The first two products will be cybersecurity device certifications and a document storage solution that is purpose-built for the insurance industry.  Additional products will be coming in the fall timeframe as well.”

 

 

 

Barr has led teams and guided technology firms for many companies, including SunGard Insurance Systems, Insurance Technologies, Experian, and Docupace Technologies. Most recently, Nedra was Chief Revenue Officer for Skience,

 

See the business website:  www.spyderloop.com

 

The Spyder logo, taken from the website.

 

 

” We are excited to get our software company going strong to contribute to the economic growth and employment of Fort Scott,” Barr said. ” We believe we will be hiring employees in the fall timeframe.  We will work closely with the Healthy Bourbon County initiative and the Chamber of Commerce to contribute to the well-being and beautification of Fort Scott.”

New Venture For the Shead Family: Organic Homestead Festival

The Shead family, minus three grandchildren who hadn’t been born yet. Submitted photo.

Larry and Vickie Shead are opening their farm next week for the community to view the organic homestead they have created.

All the Sheads will be helping on the day of the Organic Homestead Festival, including themselves, their adult children and their spouses, along with their 20 grandchildren.

The Organic Homestead Festival has several purposes.

“To share our family farm’s story-touring the farm, which will be laced with the history….to show our gardens, orchards, high tunnel, animals, bees and others, to supply ideas and information from what we learned in 43 years, to stir up interest in sustainable organic lifestyle, to sell products: produce, plants, kittens and poultry, to serve lunch for hungry people, to strengthen the community with other like-minded people and to sign-up for future classes,” Vickie said.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with single tickets-$5 or a family, $20.

A walking taco meal will be available for an additional $5.

Vickie Shead inside the high tunnel greenhouse on their farm.

To view a Shead YouTube on spring planting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dk-j18Ox5Y

Education is an important part of the Shead farm. Pictured is a graphic depicting all parts of a carrot, with the plant featured below the graphic.
Part of organic farming is natural pesticides. Pictured is a praying mantis nest.
This old turkey was roaming free on the farm on May 7.
Beehives on the Shead farm.

There will be a SheadStead Market Store with fresh produce picked that day, veggie powders-which add nutrients to any meal, Guatemala sun hats, egg-gathering aprons, and herbal salves.

Vickie Shead demonstrates the egg apron’s usefulness. The aprons will be for sale on the day of the festival.

In addition, they will be selling some of their animals: peacocks, turkeys, chicks, ducklings, and kittens.

Poultry will be for sale at the Organic Homestead Festival.

“We have always been a farm where people would come to learn and help,” she said. “Now, we have seen an increase in people asking us for information on how to grow their own organic fruits and vegetables.”

Rows of vegetables on the Shead farm on May 7.

“Gardening and homestead-type living off the land are becoming very appealing to many because of the uncertainty of our future and the number of chemicals farmers are using,” Vickie said. “Many are asking if we will teach them…to plant, harvest and preserve, which includes canning, dehydrating, and freezing, as well as have one’s own meat and eggs.”

“There will be lots of fun for the whole family,” she said. “Questions and answers session on sustainable organic lifestyle..for adults.”

“In the children’s areas, they can…milk a cow and learn how to churn cream into butter, pet the animals in the petting yard, take pictures in photo cut-outs, hear a story about working on a farm, gather eggs…play educational games and meet Kernal Corn himself!” Vickie said.

A graphic of the Shead Farm.

The Shead farm is located at 2468 Cavalry, Garland, south of Fort Scott.

For more information:http://sheadfarm.com or 620.224.4149.

Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability

Dacia Clark and Jody Hoener.

The group that set up an office on the second floor, above the Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  has changed the name, but not services.

 

 

“The partners that made up the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (BWERC) have decided to name ourselves The Center for Economic Growth,” Jody Hoener, director of the center, said. “We have the same space, model, operations, and services that were provided before.” The one exception is the Bourbon County Commission is not a part of the partnership, she said.

 

“Our mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth,” she said.  “We wanted our program and name to tie directly to our mission.”

 

 

 

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Board and our partners re-branded our collaborative efforts,” Hoener said.  “Our work to build healthy communities and address the social determinants continues, with health and economic stability as the focus of the center.”

 

 

“Specifically, we are working with community members and our partners on economic stability,” she said.

 

 

“Priority is given to those businesses owned by low-income, minority, female, or veteran,” she said. “Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center uses the U.S. Small Business Administration small business definition…typically 500 employees or less with less than $5m in profit in a two-year period.”

 

 

Jody Hoener at her desk at the Center For Economic Growth, 17 S. Main, second floor.

 

 

 

“Poverty and low income are drivers of poor health,” Hoener said. ” Bourbon County is a rural community… with higher rates of poverty.  Our community has seen low investment and low upward mobility in employment.  We are working to create economic opportunities to generate wealth and income for Bourbon County residents.”

 

 

 

The partner organizations are the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce,  Fort Scott Community College, Kansas Works, Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center, and  BAJA Investments.

 

 

Hoener’s work as the Bourbon County Economic Director ended in March

 

Continue reading Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability

10 Years of Ministry: Feeding Families in His Name

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Feeding Families in His Name celebrates 10 years of ministry on May 11, 2021.

 

 

“We started the ministry because of a seen need of school children being food insecure,” Jean Tucker, coordinator of the weekly meal, said.

 

 

“Tom Braker had the idea ten years ago and gathered a group of people who started the program on May 11, 2011,” she said. “The administrative board of the First United Methodist Church voted unanimously to start the program.”

 

 

The meal is offered each Wednesday evening at 301 S. National, the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

 

 

“From May 11, 2011, until March of last year we served the meal in the basement Fellowship Hall,” she said. “This allowed us to visit with the families and get to know them and their needs other than a hot-home cooked meal. Now we must visit with them as they drive through.”

 

Feeding Families in His Name offers a meal to Fort Scottians each Wednesday evening.

 

 

“Since the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions, we have served to-go-meals only,” Tucker said.

 

 

“The ministry has extended past the serving of a meal,” she said.  “Some of our dinner guests have become our valued weekly volunteers. We believe that the meal is a delivery system for God’s love!”

 

 

 

Currently helping weekly are Tom Braker, Steve and Susan Cole, Tom Coyan, Joey Beerbower, Linda and Leroy Cox, Betty and Pat Galan, Koyle Link, Lisa Robertson, Phyllis Colthart, and Don and Jean Tucker, plus a group of 15-20 dessert bakers who bake one or two desserts every week, Tucker said.

 

St. Martin’s Academy students clean up after preparing and serving the meals for Feeding Families in His Name on May 5 . From left to right:  Oliver Stover, Jack Costanzo, Deneys Lategan, and Aidean Harris.  In the background is volunteer Tom Coyan,  who is responsible for FFiHN food inventory and kitchen. Submitted photo by Steve Cole.

 

A different group helps with the entrée and serving every week.

“The first Wednesday (of each month) is St. Martin’s Schoolboys; the second Wednesday during the school year, the Community Christian Church, under the direction of Gail Sackett, alternates with the First United Methodist Church; the third Wednesday is the Nazarene Church Small Group, under the direction of Gretchen Goodyear; the fourth Wednesday is the First Presbyterian Church under the direction of Alesha Martin and Sandra Cowan, and the fifth Wednesday is Pioneer Kiwanis under the direction of Kelly Collins,” she said.

 

The amount of meals served has grown.

In  March 2011, the ministry served 44 meals, on  March 10, 2021, they served 281 people a meal, Tucker said.

 

 

“The most we have served is 422 meals on a Wednesday last November,” Tucker said.

 

 

” I just did some math and the number of meals served since we began May 11, 2011, is over 98,000 and we have averaged 1,233 meals each month for the past year,” she said.

 

 

The ministry receives funding from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

 

 

For more information, contact Jean Tucker, Coordinator of FFiHN at 620-223-4617 or church office at 620-223-1950