Caleb Bell Promoted in Fort Scott Police Department

Caleb Bell. Submitted photo.

Caleb Bell, 33, was promoted to Patrol Lieutenant in the Fort Scott Police Department on February 28.

“My former job status was a Patrol Sergeant,” Bell said.

Lieutenant position duties consist of  directing general operations of the Police Department.

Lieutenants supervise, assign duties, and review work performance of the persons assigned to a specific division. The position requires continuous study of changing criminal and related laws, methods, and procedures related to law enforcement. A Lieutenant may be called upon to command the department, divisions, or units temporarily, or permanently, as department needs arise.

“I have been assigned to command the patrol division and will perform the aforementioned duties regarding patrol,” he said.

Bell has been a law enforcement officer with the Fort Scott Police Department since December 2010.

He enjoys many aspects of this career.

“It has allowed me to positively impact people,” he said. “This career has allowed me to develop lifelong friendships. It has provided me with the opportunity to protect my community and serve those in need. This job is difficult, but it’s worth it.”

Even though he enjoys the job, there are challenges.

” A current challenge we face is finding good, quality candidates to join us in our efforts,” Bell said. “So, if you’re an individual who meets the city’s law enforcement criteria, come see us.”

Starlite FCE March 2023 Minutes

 

 

The Starlite FCE held it’s March meeting at the Yeager Building on the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Eleven members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for thirty-four hours and had recycled three hundred and ten pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She announced that the Area Recognition Day will be April 18th in Humboldt, the Aging with Attitude will be April 28th in Parsons, and the Spring Social will be May 4th.

 

Glenda recognized Ida Ford and Claudia Wheeler for their birthdays.  It was also announced that the Program “Herbs, Plant to the Plate” will be held April 6th at 12:00 at Buck Run Community Center, presented by Krista Harding, and Clara Wicoff.

 

Old business consisted of putting together the Easter eggs for Tri-Valley and the gift basket for Jack Jackson.  Glenda announced that Jack would be presenting the lesson on men’s heath to the Uniontown Ruritan Club.

 

New business consisted of putting together a team for Walk Kansas which will start March 26th and run through May 20th.  Our team consists of Glenda Miller, Letha Johnson, Karen Peery, LeAnna Taylor and Brian and Terri Williams.  A motion was made by Deb Lust for Starlite to donate $50 to open class as Fair premiums.  Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Letha Johnson moved that we donate $40 to 4-H for Fair premiums, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Betty Johnson moved that Starlite make a Scarecrow and a hay bale for the fair, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Doris Ericson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Karen Peery seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Deb Lust presented the lesson on Container Gardening.

Refreshments of a Lime dessert, mints, nuts and water was provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 23

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

March 23, 2023, 9:00 AM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 3/9/2023 and 3/20/2023
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable $423,388.77
    3. Approval of Payroll $339,592.33
  1. Jennifer Hawkins-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works Director
  3. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  • Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  • Commission Comments
  1. Meeting Adjourn

attachments:

Payroll Report 3-24-23

APLT 22 3-24-23

 

 

 

Updated Federal Grants Handbook Available From Sen. Marshall

Sen. Marshall Unveils Updated Federal Grants Handbook

(Washington, D.C., March 22, 2023) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. announced an updated federal grants handbook now available on his official website. This updated handbook is designed to help Kansans understand existing federal funding opportunities and how to navigate the application process.

“Our federal agencies offer a wealth of opportunities for the people, places and organizations of Kansas. Unfortunately, the process to secure these federal grants can be complicated and overwhelming,” Senator Marshall said. “This updated handbook serves as an easy to understand, accessible guide for Kansans exploring each agency’s funding opportunities, including sources for specific issues such as childcare and wastewater infrastructure, and how to apply for them. My office stands ready to assist Kansans applying for federal funding in any way we can.”

Sections in Senator Marshall’s updated handbook include:

  • How to apply for federal funding;
  • Funding opportunities available from each agency;
  • Funding for specific issues or needs; and
  • Federal lending opportunities.

You may click HERE to access the updated federal grants handbook. This material is also available in the “Grant Requests” section under the “For Kansans” tab on www.marshall.senate.gov.

Kansans in need of assistance with federal grants should contact Senator Marshall’s Salina office by calling 785-829-9000.

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Scheduled for April 4th

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 4th at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave from 8am-9am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown.  Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.

 

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery: Hometown Baked Goodies

The Hamiltons. Submitted photo.

Teri, 49, and Michael Hamilton, 47,  own The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

Their bakery focuses on slow fermented sourdough products using only high quality ingredients, Teri said.

“This process takes up to 72 hours and increases the body’s absorption of nutrients and is a healthier food option for our community,” she said.

They offer a variety of sourdough breads, including original, roasted garlic and rosemary, jalapeno cheese, and even a triple chocolate sourdough loaf. They plan to add new items such as cinnamon rolls, scones, seeded wheat loaves, focaccia, bagels and pretzels,  all made from sourdough.

The Hamiltons started their bakery in April  2022 with just a few loaves at a time and have grown their business in the last year, selling up to 100 items each week, she said.

May through October, one can find the business at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market, located in front of Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza, Saturdays 8 a.m. –  noon and Tuesdays 4 – 6 p.m, from May through October.
November through April, they have a pre-order and porch pick up system for Fort Scott. Order via messenger and pay by 9 p.m. Wednesday for Saturday porch pick up.
Shop items marked not available are simply not available in the current season, but will be available as they come back into season.
The business accepts cash and credit card.
One can place orders via Messenger or the website.

The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery is a cottage bakery without a storefront located in Fort Scott.

Chocolate Cherry Swirl Bread from the business Facebook page.

Future Plans

Within the next year, they plan to expand to surrounding counties’ farmers markets and craft fair events. Eventually, they would like to open a storefront in Fort Scott, she said.

Recent  Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Grant Recipient

The Hamiltons feel honored to receive the $5,000 business start up grant from HBCAT, Teri said.

“They have been an invaluable resource from the very beginning, helping set up an LLC, bringing focus to our goals for the future and helping articulate a sustainable business plan,” she said. “HBCAT is a phenomenal support to small businesses in South East Kansas.”

The Hamiltons plan to use the grant money to purchase a specialty oven, designed for use in a cottage bakery setting. Their production will increase 300% by utilizing this new oven, Teri said.

They also plan to invest in printed banners to increase their advertising at local farmers markets.

These two main investments will enable The Hamilton”s Artisan Bakery to serve the Fort Scott area more efficiently and increase their ability to provide healthy, handmade breads to surrounding communities, she said

About The Hamiltons

Michael ran a few businesses in Arizona and Teri grew up in a bakery in Northern California,  she said.

After moving to Fort Scott in 2020, they were inspired to put those experiences to use and started selling bread at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.

The Hamiltons quickly saw a need for healthy, handmade breads that are an alternative to those available at mainstream groceries. Because of that need, they decided “to dedicate their creativity, energy, and resources” to slowly building a bakery that could sustain itself without any debt.

They love to create “unique, delicious products that are a special addition to family tables” in their community, she said.

“We are especially excited to develop relationships with community members that they get to see weekly at the farmers markets, she said..

They can be found online at:

https://thehamiltonsbakery.square.site/

https://www.facebook.com/TheHamiltonsBakery

https://www.instagram.com/thehamiltonsbakery/

Sourdough bread from the Hamilton’s Bakery Facebook page.

21586E8A-BF7A-4BD7-980B-2EBE2469B262_1_201_a.heic

Kansas Virtual Job Fair on March 29

Commerce Announces Virtual Job Fair in March For State Agency Jobs

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to attend a State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29. This virtual fair will focus on highlighting employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies.

“Our Kansas agencies are brimming with opportunities for Kansans to have good paying jobs with excellent benefits and a variety of employee perks and discounts,” Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We need talented people that are interested in doing important and meaningful work across the state to join one of our many winning teams.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate via any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Click here to register for the March 29 Virtual Job Fair.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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Bourbon County Local News