School may be out for the summer, but Fort Scott area kids still have opportunities to enjoy a good book and time spent learning. Angie Bin, Theatre Director at Fort Scott High School, filled in as storyteller for Angie Kemmerer at today’s story hour. Today’s theme was “pirates,” and Bin spoke to an eager audience of children who listened intently to her expressive reading of the stories, including character-specific voices.

The story hour is part of a weekly summer program called “Dig Into Reading” put on for area children. According to Julie Townsend, the story hour is split up into two groups, one on Wednesdays for younger children, and the other on Saturdays for older children. “We get twice as many kids involved that way,” Townsend said.

Angie Bin emphasized the importance of literacy and learning for children. “It’s extremely important to read to kids every day,” Bin said. Bin said that the Parent Teacher Organization got involved with the story hour program 3 years ago. “It’s a fun way to get them interested in reading,” Bin said of kids’ involvement in story hour. Bin mentioned that activities for the younger and older kids’ groups are tailored to the age of the children involved. In order to cater to effective learning styles for younger children, Bin said that the younger group does “hands on” learning in the form of crafts projects that are designed to go along with that day’s story theme.

Upon walking into Everything Pets, a customer is met with the clean environment for the animals that is no doubt the work of owner Dawn Bryant and her family. Birds chirped happily in one corner, while several playful kittens and puppies enjoyed the company provided by visitors to the store.

Bryant began her business to better serve pet lovers in the community. She said that her family has lots of animals, and that they were “just tired of going to the city for things.” Bryant said, “A hermit crab actually started it.” Since the crab needed a bigger shell and the then existing pet store did not have the shell available, Bryant realized that there existed a need in the community for a pet store that served a wider variety of customers.

When asked what her favorite part was of being a business owner, Bryant said, “We love working with the animals. Playing with the puppies and birds is therapeutic. Interaction with people just makes it better.”

Though Everything Pets is a business, it does an important humane service to the community by finding homes for local kittens. The kittens are housed safely in a clean environment and provided with fresh food, water and other necessities while they wait to find a home.

The store offers more than puppies and kittens, however. The newest addition to the line-up is micro mini pigs. These tiny pigs grow to be just 20-30 pounds rather than the several hundred pounds a full-sized pig would weigh.

Bryant also wanted readers to know that Jenny Guilfoyle is now grooming for Everything Pets.

As the name of her shop implies, Mary Eastwood has been in the upholstery business for quite some time–37 years, in fact. “It has a double meaning,” Eastwood said of the name. “Here we go again moving, and here we go again furniture.” The Eastwood family returned to Fort Scott about 4 years ago, and are now sharing their talents with the community once again. Customers may recognize Eastwood’s work, as it has been featured in the Vintage Junk Trunk in the past. The new shop is located at 9 N. Main in downtown Fort Scott. Her unique blend of the classic and modern makes her furniture appeal to a wide variety of decor styles, including shabby chic, Western and patchwork.

Eastwood began to do upholstery work when her mother purchased an existing business from a friend. Eastwood said she learned how to upholster by doing. “Tear it up and put it back together–that’s the only way to learn,” Eastwood said. When asked about her decision to locate her business downtown, Eastwood said that she had started out with the Vintage Junk Trunk and had done well in the downtown area. “I love to see the business doors opening,” Eastwood said. Eastwood added that her favorite part of being a downtown business is “just seeing the people all day long.” “I love it!,” Eastwood said.

Here We Go Again Upholstery sells a variety of items, from re-purposed furniture to handmade scarves, purses, and affordable clothing and jewelry. The shop also features the work of Marion Eastwood, Mary’s husband, who creates whimsical light fixtures from mason jars, colanders, and other re-purposed household items. One charming chandelier currently in the shop is comprised of a mason jar and an old bicycle wheel.

One of the best things about the shop is that the merchandise is largely, if not completely, of local origin. “We want things [in the shop] that local people have made,” Eastwood said. In addition, Eastwood also repairs furniture out of her shop, and even makes house calls to repair larger items that cannot be moved.

In the future, Eastwood said she would like to expand the floor space in her shop and get involved in the Good O’l Days. Eastwood said Dusty James, who sells items in her shop, suggested expanding into the room in the back of the building.

The friendly atmosphere and unique affordable products available from Here We Go Again Upholstery make for a very pleasant shopping experience. Be sure to stop by and look around!

 

 

County Commissioners met with County Attorney Terri Johnson today in order to discuss upcoming budget-related issues generated by recent concealed carry legislation. House Bill 2052 amends several longstanding statutes, and these statutes present budget quandaries for Kansas counties.

Bourbon County recently applied for and received a 6 month exemption from HB 2052, but beyond that point, the county will have to implement potentially costly measures to remain exempt for the next 4 years.

Several suggestions were made to help solve the problem at hand, whether to implement adequate security to remain exempt from concealed carry in county buildings or let the law take its course. In any event, County Attorney Terri Johnson reported that concealed carry would be in effect with no exemptions in January 2018, unless legislation is reversed.

In the meantime, Bourbon County Commissioners must decide whether to implement security measures in the interim or take no action. “The way the law is written, you either take the signs down, allow the concealed carry in, or if you don’t wish to do that, then you have to provide adequate security,” Johnson said.

These security measures, however, would require additional staff and scanning equipment. Discussion centered around the expense that would be generated in securing the entire courthouse versus securing only one floor of the building. County Custodial Supervisor David Neville pointed out that the most effective way to prevent unlawful weapons from entering the courthouse would be to secure the front door of the building. “That would be the most effective by far,” said Commissioner Harold Coleman, “but it would also be the most expensive by far.” Despite the expense, Johnson reported that both Lynn and Miami Counties have implemented building security at the entrances for their buildings.

Johnson suggested securing just the 3rd floor of the courthouse, which contains the courtroom.“We as a county are responsible for the safety of the inmate, and for others,” Johnson said. If commissioners were to adopt this strategy, Johnson said that the county would “probably need another person” on duty, which would be less of an expense than the original proposal of hiring 3 new personnel, one for each courthouse floor. Johnson brought forward the idea that a deputy hired for courthouse security could also work for the Sheriff’s office when court was not in session. “If it’s going to cost taxpayer dollars,” Warren said, he would like to meet with the Chief Judge to discuss adequate security measures before any decisions are made.

Commissioner Barbara Albright brought up a logistics issue involving vacation time for the proposed deputy position. Sheriff Gray said that the county would be looking at a minimum of two armed guards for the 3^rd floor, but that arming an existing county security official would reduce spending. “If you could incorporate the Bailiff, that would take away half of that cost,” said Gray.

According to Johnson, the county is exempt from any liability associated with the implementation of concealed carry in county buildings should the county decide to forgo the 4-year exemption. In addition, the bill states that jails, other law enforcement agencies and schools still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry in their buildings.

In addition, commissioners also met with County Public Works Director Marty Pearson in order to address ditching work. Warren suggested parking graders during dry weather in order to put those employees on other currently pressing tasks. “If we’ve got a grader just running his grader up and down the roads so he can keep his job, we’re not doing the right thing,” Warren said. “Dry weather’s the time that you ditch. I think we need to look at how we use our graders and maybe emphasize that we need to be ditching.”

Commissioner Harold Coleman asked about the process for ditching, to which Pearson replied that the county must report the coordinates at which they will be digging before they begin. “It would be great to see some ditches cleaned out,” said Commissioner Barbara Albright. Albright pointed out that the ditch by the Shead farm is one that needs to be done soon, to which Pearson agreed.

In other business:

• Terry Sercer presented a rough version of the county budget,“For the most part I’ve used the 2013 budget to create the 2014 budget,” Sercer said.  “I have nothing on my agenda except to finish the budget in the next two weeks,” Sercer said. Sercer also mentioned that at the start of the process for last year’s budget, the mill levy was projected to rise 7+ mils, but the budget was pared down until there was no change in the mill levy from the past year. Sercer reported that the projected increase in the mill levy for 2014 was 6.7 mil, but that this number was expected to drop drastically as the budget nears its final form. “One year we started 10 mils, 11 mils over. This is a real rough,” Sercer said of the budget and current projected mill levy increase. “It’s always a heart attack when you first look at it.” Sercer reported that 4.6 mil of that projected rise was due to increased spending mandated by changes in expenses, such as KPERS going up 10% and an 8% projected rise in the cost of health insurance.
  However, Sercer reported that some areas of possible revenue that could reduce the estimated mill levy had not been factored in, such as revenue from tax delinquent properties.

Bourbon County Fairgoers may have been disappointed to find that Saturday’s tractor pull event had been cancelled. However, the Missouri State Tractor Pullers have been rescheduled and will make an appearance at the fair grounds Friday evening August 23rd. The event will begin at 7:30 PM, and according to Allen Warren of the Fair Board, advance tickets that had been purchased for last Saturday’s event are still good for the 23rd.

Bourbon County 4-H’ers competed in all kinds of barnyard-inspired games this afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair. Olympics teams consisted of 4-H members, community members “over 40” and one celebrity member from the community for each team. Clubs represented were Barnstormers, Northeast, Northwest, Uniontown and Hiatville 4-H clubs.

Events included balloon herding, wheel barrow barrel races, an Oreo eating contest and relay races involving fly swatters, a course, water, sponges and balloons. Needless to say, peels of laughter rang out from both spectators and participants as each competition presented them with a new challenge. Events were officiated by Drew George, a former member of Uniontown 4-H. The Northwest 4-H club ended up with the cumulative high score for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Sheriff Ron Gray tendered his resignation, effective August 9th, at today’s commissioners’ meeting. “I’m conflicted and heartbroken. It’s killing me because this is my dream,” Gray said. Gray said that his reason for leaving involved time with family, and that he had been offered “other opportunities” elsewhere. “Being away from your family has kind of a toll on you,” Gray said. Gray mentioned that he has only been able to see family on a limited basis in recent years.

“Who knows, someday I might come knocking on the door asking to come back. I didn’t sleep much last night. My heart’s with this county and this town,” Gray said, citing 23 years of service with the county. “Things change, plans change—my family needs me,” Gray said. Gray added that someone once told him he had to choose what is important to him in life, and Gray said that 15 years later, he is taking those words to heart.

Of the situation that he leaves behind, Gray said that he had not been vocal on certain issues because he knew taxpayers could not afford a mill levy increase, but that there have to be “other ways to deal with them.” “I have an excellent jail staff and second,” said Gray.

“Ron was the first Republican sheriff in 73 years in this County,” said Commissioner Harold Coleman. According to Kendell Mason, Gray was in the first year of his second term, and the process for electing a new sheriff will depend on party guidelines.

According to Kansas State Election Director Brad Bryant, the Bourbon County Republican party chairperson will call a party district convention, and the precinct man or woman will receive a notice from the county party chairperson. The precinct will then hold a convention within 21 days of the notice, and will select a candidate at that time. The governor will then issue an appointment letter following the candidate selection.

“You always hate to lose experienced people,” Commission Chairman Warren said. “It’s not a good time—talking about security of the courthouse and the jail. He’s one that we counted on. “Sherrif Gray will be missed. He’s been very conscientious,” added Commissioner Barbara Albright.

In other business:

• Sheriff Ron Gray brought forward his department’s proposed budget for the coming year. “You’ve done a great job in putting this together,” Warren said of Gray’s work on the budget. Gray said that the department is asking “only $400 more” than last year. This new figure includes the purchase of eight new vehicles for the Sheriff’s department, and also leaves room for the “high side” on payments. The amount allotted for the 2013 budget was $532,583, and the request for 2014 is $532,987. The budget includes new bullet-proof vests for officers. “[Vests] only have a 5-year life expectancy,” said Gray.
• County Clerk Kendell Mason presented the Clerk’s Office budget proposal, as well as the budget proposal for elections. “I cut $2,400 out of the clerk’s budget,” Mason said. “I may be a little close, but I think that’s doable.” Mason requested $84,600 for 2014. With regard to the Election budget, Mason said that she had reduced it by $11. However, Mason did say that “what’s happened this morning could change my budget for election. That may be one I have to adjust later on.”

 

 

 

 

A number of 4-H contestants competed in Junior, Intermediate and Senior showmanship with their pigs this afternoon. Contestants wowed the audience with their demonstration of confidence and control over their animals. Judges quizzed participants and gave constructive feedback to each class that entered the arena, and bystanders enjoyed a cool drink along with the afternoon’s entertainment.

At today’s Chamber Coffee, attendees found themselves surrounded with cut flower displays, contest-winning food and photographs, as well as colorful quilts crafted by area fair participants. The meeting, which was held in the Myers Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, centered around announcements of several upcoming events in the area.

Lindsey Madison, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Arts off the Junction” Art Crawl, which will be held Friday, July 16th from 5 PM until 8 PM. Madison explained that the Crawl will showcase local artist’s work, in addition to the talent of local Fort Scott entertainers. According to Madison, this first Art Crawl will be located mainly on the block containing City Hall and the Liberty Theatre. Booths will be set up along this block of Main Street to house merchandise, from which the public will be able to purchase locally created items. Madison said as of today, there was one booth opening left, and that interested parties should contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce. Madison also mentioned that those planning to display artwork or entertain attendees should register with the Chamber by 5 PM on Thursday, July 25th.

Madison encouraged area artists to participate, but emphasized that artwork does need to be authentic, original artwork. “It does need to be true art–not a craft,” Madison said. In addition, Madison said that for those selling artwork, the Chamber has a sales tax form to be filled out and sent to the State of Kansas.

Scheduled entertainment includes performances by local musician Ralph Carlson, and musical entertainment from the Cherry Jammers from 7-8 PM in the Heritage Park Pavilion.

Art Crawl Registration Form

In other news:

• David Shepherd of Shepherd Team Auto Plaza announced the company’s 61st year as a Bourbon County car dealer. Shepherd said that he still had discounted, hail-damaged vehicles available at savings of $50-$75-$100 per month on payments.
• Don Miller of the Historical Preservation Association (HPA) announced the need for a volunteer to help with the Homes for the Holidays Tour. Miller said the HPA needs to add two more historic homes to its tour this year to make the event possible, and the association also needs a volunteer to co-chair the event. Miller mentioned that the Homes for the Holidays Tour had been going on for 33 years, but that “we are in danger of not having one this year.” According to Miller, the tour brings hundreds of people to our city every year during the tour, which helps stimulate economic growth and revenue of city businesses. Lindsey Madison added that 1-2 bus tours have already scheduled their trip to attend the tour in December.
• Jerry Dorsey of Ward Kraft announced that the company has 2-3 open positions in production for press and machinery operators. Dorsey added that the company also has 2 open positions for customer service representatives. “It looks like we’ve got some pretty solid opportunities for WK holdings [to offer job openings],” Dorsey said.
• City Manager Dave Martin announced that an award, Newest Pool Built within Historical Reference, had been given just this past week to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. Martin said that the pool had generated some extra revenue, but that the extra money had to be used on pool-related projects. In addition, Martin said that the city had recently seen several new people move to town, and that the city wanted to keep people moving to the area in order to get the Bourbon County valuation “turned around.”
• Allen Warren announced that the fair had experienced growth in the goat projects being presented at the fair, and that the George family had donated a 40 ft addition to the goat and dairy barn on the fairgrounds. “In this day and age, who thought we would have added on 40 ft and filled it up,” Warren said.
  Warren also reminded attendees about Thursday evening’s entertainment at the Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Center, the Friday evening Garden Tractor Pull and the 4-H Livestock Sale Friday night at 7:00 PM. “Some of them vet pretty creative things,” Warren said of the garden tractor pullers, including dropping a 350 car engine into a garden tractor. Warren also encouraged the public to attend the Livestock Sale and support the efforts of the 4-Hers. “This is the climax of the year for these kids,” Warren said, highlighting the hard work the 4-Hers have done in raising and training their animals.

During the past week, the Bourbon County Road and Bridge Department has been working to lay new asphalt on Justice Lane just west of city limits. Discussions at recent county comissioners’ meetings have included discussion about scheduled road work, including this project.

Fair Schedule Courtesy of the 2013 Bourbon County Fair website

Wednesday July 17^th

8:00 AM Open Bucket Calves Judging

9:00 AM Dairy Cattle Judging

9:00 AM-11:00 AM Family and Consumer Sciences Judging Contest

10:00 AM 4-H and Open Class Dairy Goats Judging

10:00 AM-9:00 PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

1:30 PM Horticulture Judging Contest, 4-H Building

2:00 PM “Cook Once” Eat for a Month Program presented by Starlite FCE

6:30 PM Beef Cattle Judging

6:00 PM-7:00 PM Free Health Screenings, Yeager Building

 

Thursday July 18^th

8:00 AM Swine Judging

8:00 AM Chamber Coffee, Myers Building

10:00 AM-9:00 PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

2:00 PM 4-H Fashion Revue Practice

3:00 PM Round Robin Showmanship

5:30 PM 4-H Fashion Revue

7:30 PM Triple Showcase Music Entertainment, Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

 

Friday July 19^th

9:00 AM Livestock Judging Contest

10:00AM-9:00PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

1:00 PM Barnyard Olympics

5:30 PM Buyer’s Appreciation Supper

7:00 PM Junior Livestock Sale

7:00 PM Garden Tractor Pull

 

Saturday July 20^th

8:00 AM-9:00 AM Check Out 4-H Exhibits and Clean Up to follow

8:00 AM-10:00 AM Check Out Open Class Exhibits

7:00 PM Missouri State Tractor Pullers Association

4-Hers and Open Class contestants provided a colorful spectacle for fairgoers this morning. Multicolored chickens, furry rabbits, squeaky-clean cattle, textiles, photographs and garden produce were just a few of the items evaluated by judges and admired by bystanders this morning. In addition, many hardworking volunteers kept the crowd fed and cool through their efforts.