Category Archives: Bourbon County
December 13: Boost Your Business
The Healthy Bourbon County Team center is hosting an event, Boost Local Business, that will be held at Healthy Bourbon County Action Teams’ office at 104 National Avenue on December 13 at 6 p.m.
The event is to help local business owners learn of the resources available to them.
An additional event with the same information will be offered on December 20th at noon, for those unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.
The event’s purpose is to showcase different ways to support employees and employers, according to Rachel Carpenter, the director of Healthy Bourbon County Team’ s Center for Economic Growth program.
“Southeast Kansasworks is a hidden gem for businesses and community members,” Carpenter said. “At this event they will share about their services and the different ways they can support employees and employers. They strive to help individuals be in the careers they want to be in by supporting them in getting education and certifications.”
“Business owners and community members are welcome to attend this event,” Carpenter said. “They register through an Eventbrite link found on the Facebook event or at HBCAT.org. The event is free and there is a for $40 gas voucher for each participant, food will be provided, and free childcare.”
“HBCAT contracted with Kansas University Medical Center… for their grant funded program COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said. “This helped establish the LHEAT (Local Health Equity Action Team) in Bourbon County. The LHEAT is comprised of community organizations, Community Health Workers, and community members.”
“The LHEAT has started off with $40,000 to help support the initiatives that the LHEAT strategizes,” Carpenter said. “One event that the LHEAT has done in the past is distribute produce boxes through out Bourbon County back in May.”
This event is also being sponsored by the Local Health Equity Action Team and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Kansasworks.
The event will include a HBCAT overview, a KANSASWORKS overview, an explanation of business services offered and info on a registered apprenticeship.
Speakers are Brandi Galbreath – Outreach Manager (Presenting 12/13/22) on KANSASWORKS Services
Jim Jenkins – Business Services Director (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services
Dustin Troth – Business Services Representative (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services)
Nadia Qureshi – Outreach Coordinator (Presenting 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Services
Chastity Troxel – Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager (Presenting on 12/13/22) on Kansas Registered Apprenticeship.
Carpenter graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University. She previously received certification in Community Development and Grant Writing also through Fort Hays State University.
A 1940’s Christmas Concert at Common Ground This Friday
Common Ground Coffee Co. presents “A 1940s Christmas Concert” with CMT this Friday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Ensemble members are Ralph Carlson on acoustic guitar and vocals, Stephan Moses on electric lead guitar and vocals, Carolyn Tucker on keys and vocals, Aaron Tucker on drums and vocals, and Mariam Tucker Self as lead vocalist.
“The World War II era has long been recognized as one of the most prolific musical periods of the 20th century. Hundreds of songs which became popular during this time have continued to maintain their hold on our memories,” band member Ralph Carlson said. “Some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and fun songs of the season will be featured this Friday.”
The audience will hear a variety of Big Band, classics, standards, traditional carols, gospel, and blues Christmas tunes. A partial song list includes I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear, Silent Night, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Merry Christmas Baby, and more.
The concert will be held at the Loading Dock inside Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street. An assortment of goodies and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to the concert is free. Sound is provided by Dave Oas and Jim Butler.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 13, 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 BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – Renewal of Cafeteria 125 Plan
• Ashley Shelton – Sanitation Price Increase
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Insurance Broker Review
o Bank Bids
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor 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 measure
Attachment:
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of Dec. 7
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2022
- Welcome: Fifteen members representing ten agencies attended. Billie Jo informed the members that the Board had assisted 23 families involving 69 children with rent and utility assistance in 2022. The Board was also able to increase the family assistance monthly allotment for 2023.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Diann Gambill, Family Resource Advocate, introduced Donna Cunningham, the new Family Strong Response Advocate for Bourbon County. The organization is able to assist with any family crisis. For more information, Donna’s number is 620-238-0009. They will be announcing the location of the Bourbon County office in the near future.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP, is seeking volunteers for two hour shifts to help with the Red Cross Blood Drive on December 20 and 21 at Buck Run. To volunteer, contact Sandy at 620-432-0422.
- Christine Abbott, SEKansasWorks, reminded members that she is in Fort Scott in the HBCAT office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; she can work with youth to find work, GED programs or training. They can also help adults older than 18. She noted that at present the KansasWorks website lists 63,000 jobs available in our state with only 7,000 applications on file.
- Amy Hagan, Family Resource at CHC, specializes in helping mothers who are struggling; she is also car seat certified.
- Lindsay Waterman, Lindsey McNeil, and Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE, shared that they have helped 153 people since the inception of the grant; they go into homes and also work with the homeless. They maintain a presence in the HBCAT office.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, SNAP Educator through K-State, works with third grade and up. She announced two programs she has coming up: “Eating Smart and Saving Money” in January and February at the Methodist Church and “Walk With Ease” at BRCC, also in January and February. For further information, contact Lea Kay at [email protected] .
- Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, continues her “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program; she will meet with the mothers at their convenience.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSECPS, shared that she is at her maximum of thirty clients and has several babies enrolled for the program.
- Nick Johnson, FSPS USD234, has 102 students enrolled; the maximum number they can handle at the present location is 120. They are required to leave some vacancies as children with needs can age into the program during the year. They continue to conduct screenings the first Friday of each month.
- Patty Simpson, FSHA: All 190 apartments are occupied at present housing 360 individuals. She does continue to process applications for the waiting list. She is willing to include announcements from agencies in her monthly newsletter if there is a need.
- Allen Schellack , Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries was unable to attend; however, the Salvation Army could still use volunteer bell ringers.
- David Gillen, Beacon, was also unable to attend; however, members were reminded that the Beacon distribution will be on December 16 at Community Christian Church.
- Program: Ronda Hassig – Lowell Milken Center. Ronda’s main jobs at the Center are writing grants and giving tours. She shared how Fort Scott was fortunate to be the sight for the Lowell Milken Center and how it came about, several stories about unsung heroes, and how students can become involved in research projects. To date, over three million students have researched unsung heroes; many have won monetary awards for their efforts.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 4 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Dec. 8 Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.
The Holly’s began their a new business in 2020 when they started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.
“We value knowing where the meat we are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”
“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”
In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.
In the Spring of 2021 they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”
“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”
This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.
“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”
The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.
“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area, which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”
The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.
If there are questions about the business, contact via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook for more information.
“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.
The Family’s Background
The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.
Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children while managing the daily farm chores.
Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.
The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.
City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13 at city hall at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service –
Executive Session –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of November 7, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDHE Wastewater and Water Systems inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMGA Prepay Project –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at _____________.
Attachments:
Uniontown City Council Minutes of Nov. 7
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 7, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend but gave an update to Mayor Jurgensen and Clerk Johnson. Heaters should be installed soon, if not already; waiting on part for one toilet and screws for the partition panels.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October 2022 Treasurer’s Report was presented on paper with no questions from Council. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $368,427.21, Receipts $32,640.05, Transfers Out $5,026.00, Expenditures $32,335.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,706.17. Bank Statement Balance $364,335.65, including Checking Account Interest of $41.54, Outstanding Deposits $21.54, Outstanding Checks $651.02, Reconciled Balance $363,706.17. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,133.18, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,411.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $440,872.52. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $311.44, and Utility CDs $264.92 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $576.36. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchased-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, Total Transfers of $5,026.00. Net Loss for the month of October $4,721.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $39,962.67. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $98,498.80 (93.4%), Expenditures $92,104.18 (70.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,253.15 (81.9%), Expenditures $30,141.03 (73.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,306.66 (78.3%), Expenditures $122,843.57 (50.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $133670.01 (104.0%), Expenditures $120,426.86 (72.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,6614.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,049.736 (94.6%). The November 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $42,463.90 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 11, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE will be here to inspect the wastewater lagoons on November 16.
The springs on the rollup door at the barn have been replaced and has ordered two hinges with rollers and weatherstrip for the door.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent but Clerk Johnson reported a building permit for an addition was approved.
Clerk Johnson reported that a request for donation for SOS was received.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to SOS for the after graduation party
She presented a letter from KDHE and a copy of a survey by another city regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. She asked if the Council wanted her to adapt the survey and send the letter and survey out with November bills or wait until after the first of the year. Council consensus was to wait until after first of year.
The public hearing for citywide trash service will be December 13. She has been in contact with the attorney to make sure the wording of the notice is correct and will publish by the end of the week.
Our burn site was inspected in October and everything was in order.
KMEA is conducting a survey of cities on whether they would be interested in pursuing a grant to install electric vehicle charging station(s). Council said no.
KMGA is wanting an assigned primary contact that will be available 24/7. Mayor Jurgensen was appointed that contact.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – Clerk Johnson gave her an update on the black/white collie she asked about last month. It was picked up and redeemed and has been properly registered along with another dog in the household.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the canopy trimming. It was completed while Bobby was gone to seminar. Clerk Johnson inspected and approved. Rich and Jurgensen reported that complaint had been received about branches over Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. Rich will contact property owner about trimming.
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Mix Contracting has completed the dirt work and waiting for the rock to be delivered by the County. They will not deliver until they are finished with asphalt.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has been working out of town and has not yet scheduled the committee meeting to review exercise equipment but will continue to work on getting it scheduled.
American Rescue Plan Act update – two sealed bids were received last week and another contractor will be here tomorrow with his sub-contractors to view the site and prepare a bid for the ADA unisex bathroom at City Hall. All bids will be opened at the December 13 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:42PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:42PM with no action from session. Councilman Ervin asked Clerk Johnson what she found out about SB24 which will require the city to allow propane tanks in city limits. According to League of Kansas Municipalities and our attorney, SB24 supersedes our ordinance banning propane tanks. Kansas Corporation Commission recommends an ordinance that regulates propane tanks with the same safety requirements as the gas system. Johnson will consult with the attorney to get an ordinance drafted.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:50PM
Unveiling Party on Dec. 8 at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bids and Dibs: Largest Resale Boutique In Kansas
A local consignment store is celebrating 10 years serving the community, and has acquired some recognition.
In conjunction with the anniversary, they are hosting the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
To learn more about the special deals/discounts:
Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Upgrading Technology in January 2023
“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said. “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”
Wreaths Across America Ceremony Dec. 17
Wreaths Across America for the Fort Scott National Cemetery has announced that the 2022 goal has been met. Location Coordinator Diann Tucker says this was made possible by many individuals, groups and businesses who donated and sponsored the nearly 7000 wreaths. This event receives greatly appreciated local community support, as well as support from across the country to honor our military laid to rest in Fort Scott. It is a huge effort and we thank each of you for your participation.
A convoy escort is planned for the CFI Wreaths Across America truck. The CFI drivers for Wreaths Across America are veterans who volunteer and donate their time for delivery for this occasion. Anyone interested in participating in the escort should meet on the parking lot of the FSCC Harley Davidson School at 274 N. Industrial Drive, Pittsburg, Kansas (on the north end of Pittsburg) about 8:15 AM on December 17. There will be a Crawford County sheriff escort to the Bourbon County line when the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will lead the Wreaths Across America truck escort on to its destination at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Motorcycle and private automobile escorts are welcome.
A brief ceremony followed by laying of remembrance wreaths is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, beginning at 11 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery. There will be some limited transportation available within the gates of the cemetery for anyone needing assistance. The public is encouraged to come and help in this recognition of our military and the Wreaths Across America mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach”. We encourage everyone to be a part of the wreath placement. No registration is required for volunteers.