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Federal Funding Announced to Protect Historic Rural Properties

Governor Kelly Announces $750,000 to Protect Historic Rural Properties

~~National Park Service Awards $750,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $750,000 in federal funding will go toward preserving historic properties in the downtown commercial cores of Kansas’ rural communities with populations under 30,000. The Kansas Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the Kansas Rural Main Street Grants, was among 13 subgrant programs in 12 states to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.

“Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state’s and our nation’s past,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the National Park Service and the Kansas Historical Society, we can protect our rural communities for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

The National Park Service awarded nearly $9.7 million in 2023 to support the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities across America. The Paul Bruhn Historical Revitalization Grants are named for a former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont.

Congress appropriates funding for various programs through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), including the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant. The HPF, authorized through 2023, uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, assisting with a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars.

The Kansas State Historical Society will be scheduling a grant workshop soon. To be placed on a notification list for further details on the available subgrants, contact Katrina Ringler, Cultural Resources Division Director, by phone at 785-272-8681, ext. 217, or by email at [email protected]. More details about the subgrant program are available here.

More information about the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant can be found at go.nps.gov/revitalization.

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Bo Co Commission Budget and Regular Meeting Agenda for August 21

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 21, 2023 4:30 p.m.

 

A budget work session will be held at 4:30 p.m. before the regularly scheduled Commission meeting.

 

August 21, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/14/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Resolution 14-23
  • Appointment of Drywood Township Treasurer
  • Bourbon County Conservation District
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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

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

attorney-client relationship.

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

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

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

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

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

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Trail Cameras Prohibited on Kansas Public Lands

Trail Cameras Prohibited on KDWP-managed Lands in Response to Growing Public Concerns

PRATT – Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft and privacy concerns. After much deliberation – including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on Department lands and waters, including Walk-in Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).

“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”

As a result, Department staff and Commissioners agreed the regulation change – which is now in effect – should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on Department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.

KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.

While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on Department lands and waters is prohibited, the use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.

For the full regulation, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations and click “Department Lands and Water” then “115-08-25, Trail or game cameras and other devices.”

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 18th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

August pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore August Special: 25% off gently used fiction books!

Register your garage sale listing for only $12! Garage sale flyers will be distributed throughout the entire city, so don’t wait! Click here to register!

8/18 ~ Deadline to take the Interest Survey if interested in BCBS Health Insurance for 2024 thru the Chamber Blue program, click here for info. and survey link. If already on the program, you don’t need to take the survey.

8/18 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring Bourbon County Revival at Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St., seating is limited so bring lawn chairs, starting at 7pm

8/19 ~ Farmers’ Market, 8am to 12pm, Skubitz Plaza, 1 Old Fort Blvd. in front of the Fort

8/19 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm & Store open 9am to 1pm, click here for info.

8/19-20 ~ Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Show, Bourbon County Fairgrounds starting 9amSaturday and 12pm Sunday.

8/19 ~ VFW 8 Ball Tournament, registration begins at 11am with calcutta starting at 12pm, $10 entry fee with 100% payout, click here for more info!

8/21 ~ Fort Scott welcomes muralist Cbabi Bayoc the week of the 21st, painting the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Mural on the north end of Main Street, overlooking the Fort! Thank you to a grant from the Kansas Dept. of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity and other donors to make this possible, you can still donate and learn more here! Follow the Murals of Fort Scott FB page!

8/22 ~ Business Exit Planning – Breakfast @ Carson Wealth, enjoy breakfast while talking about how to prepare to successfully exit your business, 8-9am, click here for more info!

8/24 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting at Structure by Margo, 19 S. National Ave.

8/25 ~ Deadline for youth Fall sports signups through Fort Scott Rec. Dept./Buck Run Community Center. Click here for their FB page for more info.

8/25 ~ Patio Concert hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council, “Flagship Romance” on the Liberty Theatre Patio, Members-$15/Non-Members-$20, contact Terri Floyd 620.224.7221 or Deb Anderson 620.224.8650 for more information.

8/25 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring Jam Session, Heritage Park Pavilion, limited seating bring lawn chairs, 7-8pm, click here for more info!

8/25 ~ FSHS Football V/JV Pre-Season Jamboree @ Louisburg, 7pm

8/26 ~ Todd Royce Comedy at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for more info.

8/26 ~ Larry Ballou Jr. Alongside Care to Share, Biscuits and Gravy at the Farmers’ Market from 8am-12pm/free will donation, cornhole tournament with registration starting at 12:30pm/$20 per team, Fat Kids BBQ will be serving $15 meal deal from 12-5pm, click here for more info!

8/31 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National, 8am

9/1-4 ~ Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic, parade/craft and food vendors/drawings and games/Dale Jackson Memorial Care Show, click here for more info!

9/2 ~ Super Smash Bros, Ultimate Esports Tournament by FSCC, click here for more info!

9/2 ~ Butch Hall Memorial Fishing Tournament, 6am-4pm.

SAVE THE DATE!

9/5 ~ GriefShare Support Group hosted by Community Christian Church, a weekly grief support group that will meet for 13 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm, anyone is allowed to sign up, click here for more info!

9/8 ~ The Tucker Family Band Concert – 70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style, River Room 3 W. Oak Street, Free Admission, doors open at 6pm with concert starting at 7pm.

9/8-9 ~ Town-Wide Garage Sale, starting Thursday September 8th at 10am copies of the official garage sale maps may be found around town, click here for more details.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

25% off gently used Fiction Books at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

Breakfast and Business Exit Planning!

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

grant applications are now being accepted thru 8/31 from eligible 501c3 organiations & other entities!

Click here for the application link.

Town-Wide Garage Sale!

Click here to register your sale!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Obituary of Amy Inez Watkins

Amy Inez Watkins, age 42, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a brief illness.

She was born September 15, 1980, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Jack Pryor, Sr. and Marveline Hukill Pryor.

Amy grew up in Mindenmines, Missouri and graduated from the Liberal, Missouri High School.

Amy married Scott Watkins on June 12, 2021, at Ft. Scott, Kansas.  In earlier years, she had been employed by Wal-Mart first in Lamar, Missouri and later in Ft. Scott.  She recently accepted a position as a service advisor at Briggs Automotive in Ft. Scott.

Amy will be remembered for her caring personality and devotion to children.  She loved listening to live music and traveling.  She and her family had recently returned from a summer vacation in Florida where many wonderful memories were made.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, Scott, of the home; seven children, Zoe DiToro (John), Keirsten, Mellicia and Trinnade Kuffler and Xavier, Xander and Xation Watkins and two grandchildren, John John and Lux.  Also surviving are her mother, Marveline Sprinkle (Bruce), brothers and sisters Charles and Sherry Osborne, Jody Pryor, Travis Pryor, Jack and Rhonda Pryor, Tina Burdick, Ben Burdick, Daniel Sprinkle and Christopher Sprinkle and father and mother-in-law, David Watkins, Sr. and Teresa as well as sister and brothers-in-law, Alicia Watkins (John), David Watkins (Alisha), Billy Watkins and Tracy Watkins.  Also surviving is her former husband, Eldon Kuffler.

Amy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Pryor, Sr. and a brother, Donald Sprinkle.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 22nd at the Community Christian Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Amy Watkins Memorial Fund 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.

Paula Kay Goodman-Schweikhardt

Paula Kay Goodman-Schweikhardt, age 65, of Fort Scott, KS passed away after a long battle with Colon Cancer at her home on Monday August 14th, 2023. She was born on January 25, 1958, in Independence Mo. to Melvin and Lois Goodman.

 

Paula graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence MO where she resided until moving to Fort Scott KS. Paula was a dedicated nurses aid for twenty years at Fort Scott Manor until accepting the position of assistant cook and food prep worker. She later went to work as a Home Health Aid until accepting a position at G&W Foods in the deli department. Paula enjoyed taking care of the elderly community and had a love of cooking for others. She was a lover of all things outdoors; you could often find her working in her garden tending her flower beds. She would also spend numerous hours crafting handmade Christmas ornaments for her family and friends.   She was an avid collector and lover of Coca Cola memorabilia. Paula was one of the biggest fans of the Kansas City Chiefs football team, with one of her dreams coming true when she was finally able to attend a game with her boys. Paula’s greatest joy in life was her three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along with spending time with her family and friends.

 

Paula is proceeded in death by her father Melvin Goodman and her sister Laura Stagg.

She is survived by her mother Lois Goodman (Independence MO); her sons, Christopher Goodman (Kay), Joshua Schoemig, and Matthew Schweikhardt; her grandchildren Demitrious Goodman (Elizabeth), Krishawn Goodman (Taylor), Zarius Goodman (Sydney), Jordan Johnson, Kaleiah Johnson, Kaniyah Johnson, Emma Hibbs, Grace Hibbs, and Max and Royal Schweikhardt; great- grandchildren Jaelyn, Braxton, Zara, Violet, and Westen; her sisters Debbie Gillen (David), Brenda Smith (Doug); brother in-law David Stagg; and many aunt’s, cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

A celebration of life and lunch will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at the Community Christian Church (Gym) 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott KS 66701. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions be made to the Paula Goodman-Schweikhardt Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Obituary of Ronald “Ron” Lee Rains

Ronald “Ron” Lee Rains, age 84, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully Monday morning, August 14, 2023. He was born on June 18, 1939, in Chanute, Kansas to Charles Edgar Rains and Eva Leota Grogan Rains.  He grew up in Chanute where his father was a pastor at the Highland Avenue United Brethren Church and graduated from Chanute High School with the class of 1957.

 

Ron joined the Army in 1958 and served until 1963.  At the conclusion of his service, he held the rank of a Specialist 4. His primary duty was surveying coordinates for the world’s first surface-to-surface nuclear missiles (Honest John missiles).  During his time in the Army, Ron was also a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles.  He was very proud to serve his country and told many stories of his adventures.  After serving in the Army, Ron moved to Fort Scott where he began working for the Kansas Department of Transportation.  This is where he met his future wife, Sharry.  Ron married Sharon Ann Martin on April 16, 1967, in Chanute, Kansas.  They were wed by his father, Pastor Edgar Rains. Together they had two children, Cecilia Jill Rains Evans and Shannon Lee Rains.

 

Ron worked as a surveyor and engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation in Fort Scott.  After retiring from KDOT, he was an inspector for Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers.  Ron was a woodworker and made many cherished pieces for his family and friends.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a Coca-Cola and Nascar collector, and had a spirited personality.  His laugh was contagious, and each one of his family members have a story to tell about him and his orneriness.

 

Ron was an amazing husband, dad, and the absolute best grandpa.  He loved his family and would do anything for them, especially his grandkids.  During his later years in life, he was Sharry’s caregiver while she battled cancer until her passing in 2019.  Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott.  He loved the Lord, and we rejoice in the fact that he is now reunited in heaven with those we love and hold so dearly.

 

Ron is survived by his daughter, Jill Evans and husband Chris of Spring Hill, Kansas; his son, Shannon Rains, of Fort Scott; his grandchildren, Bethany Minter and husband Kahn, Jordan Phillips, and Robert Rains; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharry; his parents, Edgar and Eva Rains; and his sisters, Sheila Hansen and Myrna Whitmer.

 

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will officiate funeral services for Ron at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday August 22, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Whose Advice Do You Seek? by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023

When I was young, I loved reading “Dear Abby,” especially advice on how to deal with a rude neighbor or an inattentive boyfriend or a bratty child.

I, of course, didn’t need Abby.  I had my friends.  “You don’t have to put up with that.” “Try out for cheerleader.” “Get a credit card.” “Just call in sick.” “Stop being so nice.”  “Don’t let your mom know.” “Marry for money; love will follow.” “Stick up for yourself.” “You’re better than that.” “Let’s sneak away to Oklahoma.”  “It’s just marijuana” (one piece of advice I never, praise God, followed). “It’s the thought that counts” (said by a friend, consoling me over the weed eater Dave bought me for my birthday).

I wasn’t exactly a wild child, but I sure did some bone-headed things, and rarely did I seek wise counsel.  (By the grace of God am I alive to write this article.)  How times have changed!  Now that I am older, I am very careful about the advice I receive. Now, I am picky about whom I ask for help.  Now, I make sure my advice-givers are God-followers. To do that, they need to know the Bible.

For good reason, the Bible is called a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” My friends who know scripture guide me according to its principles, principles that instruct me about forsaking pride and choosing love. Psalm 32:8 is a reminder of who  should mentor me: I (God) will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  But let’s face it—bad advice is not in short supply.

My book A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection came out a few weeks ago.  In it, three women tell their stories, women who were advised by our high school counselor that they weren’t smart enough to attend college, much less major in their desired fields.  All graduated with advanced degrees but never forgot the degrading “tip” they had been given.  Only because they had encouraging parents did they forge ahead, ignoring what they had been told.  But what about those who had no such counsel?

The problem with advice, of course, is that well-intentioned people can make mistakes.

There is one story in scripture that reeks of poor advice.  Job, tempted by Satan, is being counseled by his pals and wife as to why God turned against him and forced him to suffer. Not once do his pals admit that they might not really know the answer. They are adamant in their criticism. They are wrong.  Pastor Andy Cook studied Job and recommended we always ask these questions of human counsel:

1.  Is it biblical?

2.  Is it factual?

3.  Is it necessary?

4.  Is it teachable?

5.  Does it acknowledge the imperfections of human counsel?

6.  Is it spoken in love?

I’m wiser than I used to be. I understand the importance of good advice. I now know how little I know, so I am reluctant to tell someone what to do…unless, of course, my answer meets those six qualifications…or it involves a weed eater as a gift.