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Obituary

Obituary of Samuel Evans

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Samuel Roy Evans, age 71, lifelong resident of Devon, KS, died Saturday, August 20, 2022, at his home.  He was born March 12, 1951, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Samuel and Nina Henning Evans.  He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1969.

Sam married Linda Shelton on April 16, 1971, at the Devon United Methodist Church.

He worked for over 20 years for Bourbon County as a heavy equipment operator until retiring in 2016.

Sam enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding horses in his younger days.  He always had a dog by his side.  He was passionate about his grandchildren and was so proud of each of them.  Sam could be described as a unique individual.  He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge #92 for over 25 years.

 

Survivors include his wife Linda, of the home; 2 daughters, Kelly Eastwood and husband Ken, Nevada, MO, and Katie Casper and husband Bo, Devon, KS; 2 sisters, Shirley Jefferis and husband Jim, Moran, KS, and Mary Ellen Beck, Mt. Vernon, MO; a brother, Gene Evans, Ft. Scott; 6 grandchildren, Marine Lance Corporal Corbin Eastwood, Caleb Eastwood, Mesa Casper, Kodi Jo Casper, Bryn Casper, and Samuel Cole Casper; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Sam Evans; his mother, Nina Evans McCullough, and 2 brothers in law, Joe Beck, and Dennis Shelton.

 

Pastor Danny Brown will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 25th, in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 AM Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Transportation 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.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fall Control of Sericea Lespedeza

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Chad Guthrie
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]


Sericea Lespedeza is labeled as a noxious weed by the state of Kansas.

This means landowners are required by law to control the weed. In the Southwind District, landowners and
producers continue to fight this weed on rangeland, pasture, and small acreages.

There are multiple herbicides and cultural practices that can help control sericea, but proper timing is
very important. Our district has experienced below average rainfall most of the summer, and producers that usually target sericea in June with Tricoplyr likely weren’t able to make their applications, or their applications may not have been effective. August and September offer a second chance at controlling this tough weed.
The month of August, and into early September offer a great chance at controlling sericea while it is actively blooming.

Targeting the plant while it blooms not only kills the top
growth of the weed, but it also prevents the plants from producing a viable seed.
As many landowners have figured out, sericea is a prolific seed producer. A single stem can produce upwards of 1500 seeds, equating to over 300 pounds of seed per acre in pure
stands of sericea. With this many seeds being added to the soil’s seedbank, killing off existing plants will only provide space for new seeds to germinate, so keeping this plant from producing
seed is vital in achieving good control and eradicating the weed species.


Herbicides containing metsulfuron are recommended while sericea is blooming.

Recommended rates for broadcast spraying commonly found herbicides are: 0.5 oz/acre Escort XP, 0.625 oz/acre Cimarron Plus, and 2.5 to 3 oz/acre Chaparral. All herbicides containing
metsulfuron should be mixe with a non–ionic surfactant (NIS).
For producers looking to spot spray sericea, a tank mix of Escort + a NIS can achieve good control: 1.0 oz Escort + 1 qt NIS in 100 gal water, or 5 grams Escort + 1.5 floz NIS in 5 gal water. Adding .5 fl oz PastureGard HL per gallon tank mix can increase control.
Burning sericea lespedeza in the fall is gaining interest across the state. Where herbicide applications can cost upwards of $20 per acre, burning pastures can cost around $0.20 per acre.


Burning sericea while it is blooming or developing its seed in late–August to mid–September can remove top growth, and prevent the plant from producing a viable seed.


Burning sericea can be a challenge for producers. In the Southwind district, tall fescue is the dominant species, and is actively growing in August and September. It is often stockpiled
for late fall and winter grazing. In these situations, burning is not recommended.


Burning is recommended in non–ag situations, native pastures, and in pure stands of sericea. If properly done, patches of pure stands of sericea can be burned in fescue pastures,
but the risk of the fire spreading is always there.


Burning also will cause scarification on the existing sericea seeds in the soil and cause them to germinate, often appearing to make the situation worse.

Opinion

Business Trends by Gregg Motley

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Business Trends

 

It is difficult for the average citizen to assess the relative health and growth of the Bourbon County business community because we do not have ready access to sales numbers of private businesses.  We tend to go by feel and whether or not our favorite stores are still open, but what does the data say?  Let us look at two counties in Southeast Kansas that are most comparable in size and complexion to Bourbon County: Neosho County and Allen County.

 

The simplest way to compare private business activity from county to county is to look at total payroll outlays.  Here is a seven year look at the three counties, ending is 2019, which is the last year available:

 

Dollars expressed with three zeros omitted.

County 2012 2019 % Change 2020 Pop. 10yr % Change
Allen $128,442 $160,725 23.3% 12,526 -6.3%
Bourbon $120,638 $148,724 23.3% 14,360 -5.4%
Neosho $164,261 $173,656 5.7% 15,904 -3.7%

 

Like Nevada, Missouri, Neosho County tends to rely upon a single large employer for their growth and future prosperity.  Although we do not have access to the gross sales of the one company, I suspect the lack of growth in Neosho County payroll is reflective of the relative success of the one company.

 

Allen County has a 2020 population base that is 1,834 less than Bourbon County, but much stronger payroll numbers.  Despite losing a higher percentage of their population over the last 10 years, their payroll growth kept pace with Bourbon County.  Much of this can be attributed to a larger geography draw for their employee base, as the competing cities in other counties are remote. Additionally, Iola draws from a wider geography for retail sales. Recently, a large Bourbon County employer chose Iola for their expansion over adding additional space in Fort Scott, presumably to tap into a new employment base.

 

It is encouraging that Bourbon County business continues to grow despite our population loss, and housing and infrastructure challenges.  We have a diverse group of strong, independent manufacturers and branch locations of major corporations that bodes well for our future.  We also have a solid group of local retailers and a growing traffic count along 69 Highway as the highway expansion continues, bringing more consumers through Bourbon County.

 

Our city and county governments continue to support the economic development efforts of Bourbon County REDI.  We are intently focused on health care and housing in order to retain our workforce, and give our employers a chance to attract more to facilitate their growth.  These efforts will be augmented by the launch of a Land Bank in our jurisdiction to deal with blighted properties, which has also garnered support from our government entities.  This will go a long way in helping the curb appeal of our communities and giving responsible owners of adjoining properties the respect they are due.

 

Of course, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities to introduce business investors to the overall quality of life that Bourbon County affords.  In the end, it is quality of life that business owners and their employees alike value most.

Area News, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Announces Winner of 22nd  Annual Truck Raffle Drawing   

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From left to right; Bill Fiscus (TVDS CEO), Tricia Campbell (TVDS Special Projects Coordinator), Diane and Jeffrey Brown (prize winners), and Jeff Lassman (Steve Faulkner Ford).

The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 22nd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing:  Diane Brown of Oregon.  Diane’s ticket was drawn from 1,725 entries on Friday, June 24th at 1:30 pm by TVDS Quality Enhancement Coordinator, Joanna Iden.  Diane was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won.   Diane and Jeffrey Brown came to Chanute on August 17th to collect her prize.  She is now the proud owner of a 2022 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS. 

Diane and Jeffery Brown. Submitted photos.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.  This year’s raffle drawing raised $18,300 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).   Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex.  These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.   The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 23

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 23, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Bob Reed – Jail Update
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or
trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 19 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

August 19th Weekly Newsletter

Get the school year started off in Fort Scott…

share with your friends & family!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

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

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

8/19 ~ Retirement Reception for Ann Stark of Atkins Insurance Agency, 3 E. Wall St., 2-4pm

8/19 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park, featuring Rick Hite, 7-8pm, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st and Main, bring a lawn chair due to limited seating.

8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.

8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.

8/20-21 ~ Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Show & Sale, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, see flyer below.

8/25 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development Inc.) , 8am, 200 S. Main, please enter through east door and go upstairs, elevator available

8/26 ~ FSHS Football Jamboree, click here for more info.

8/31 ~ The 2022 Grant Cycle for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is now open through August 31st! If you are affiliated with a qualifying 501c3 organization, consider applying!

The process is all online this year:  https://fsacf.com/nonprofits/grants/

8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.

9/1 ~ Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, hosted by Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store, 8am, 702 Pine Street, Bronson, Kansas

9/2-9/5 ~ Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic, click here for details!

9/5 ~ FSCC Free Basketball Clinic by FSCC Men’s Basketball, click here for flyer.

9/5 ~ Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, 11am to 1pm, Uniontown, click here for more info.

9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale

9/10 ~ Golf Tournament for Tri-Valley Developmental Services

9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park, click here for flyer.

9/17-9/18 ~ 4×4 Mud Run, click here for flyer.

SAVE THE DATE:

9/23-9/25 ~ 6th Annual Doug Hazelbaker Memorial Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway & Dummy Roping

9/24 ~ FortFest, 4-band music festival, see flyer below.

10/1 ~ Michael Jeffers Memorial Bullriding

10/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event

10/6-10/8 ~ The 19th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, click here for more info.

_____________

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
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.

The Heartland Showcase National Boer Goat Sale and Show will be happening at the Fairgrounds this weekend. Increased traffic around the fairgrounds, Friday – Sunday.
Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!

Join in on the fun at the Marmaton Massacre event!

FORT SCOTT 4X4 MUD RUN ~ COME OUT AND ENJOY THE SHOW!
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!

Job Fair being hosted by the Chamber Wed., August 31st!

Employers can click here to register for a booth!
ST. MARY’S TRASH BAGS ON SALE THRU 9/6
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION OPEN THRU AUGUST 31ST ~ APPLY TODAY IF YOU ARE A QUALIFYING 501C3!
Application process is online only this year,
click graphic below for the website.

Don’t miss out on FortFest2022, Sepetember 24th!
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
…
Obituary

Obituary of Clifford Carpenter

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Clifford Eugene Carpenter, age 66, resident of Liberty, MO, died Friday, August 19, 2022, at Liberty Health and Wellness Nursing Home in Liberty, MO.  He was born March 12, 1956, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Chester and Betty Dixon Carpenter.  Clifford retired from Hallmark Greeting Card Distribution Center in Liberty, where he worked as a forklift operator.  He greatly enjoyed treasure hunting at flea markets and dealing with antiques in his spare time.

 

Survivors include his mother, Betty Carpenter, Lamar, MO; 3 brothers, David Carpenter and wife Teresa, Jasper, MO, Norman Carpenter and wife Tonya, Ft. Scott, KS, and Carl Carpenter, Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in by his father.

 

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 24, 2022, in the Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Special FS City Meeting for Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing on August 23

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The City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. for a special meeting at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  This meeting will be held to hold a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and consider the adoption of a Resolution for this also. The Commission may also discuss the 2023 Budget and give authorization to publish the public hearing. A Certificate of Appropriateness will also be considered for signage at 17 S. Main Street.

 

This meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel.

Bourbon County

Visioning Meeting to Bring Community Stakeholders Together

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BOURBON COUNTY REDI PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday, August 23rd Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc will bring Bourbon County Commissioners, city commissioners from Fort Scott, Uniontown, Bronson, Mapleton, Fulton, and Redfield, as well as Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce board members, the Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT), Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) board members, USD 234 and USD 235 board members, and the Fort Scott Community College board together to discuss a unified vision and how to grow Bourbon County together.

The Visioning Meeting will be held at The River Room above Luther’s BBQ at 5:45 PM.

The meeting will be facilitated by Rob O’ Brien of O’Brien & Associates, an economic and community development consulting firm from Joplin, MO.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “We want to bring the community together in a unified effort; get everyone to pull on the same end of the rope so we can achieve our agreed-upon goals in a more expedient manner. To my knowledge this type of gathering with so many stakeholders has not been done in Bourbon County.”

This will be the first of three meetings in which stakeholders will meet to create a unified vision for Bourbon County. The goal will be to take these recommendations and work with other members of our communities to make them a reality.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

For more information contact Rob Harrington, (620) 215-0144.