Fort Scott, Housing

FS Manor Property to be Developed Into Apartments, If Grant is Approved

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Fort Scott Manor is located at 736 S. Heylman.

The Fort Scott City Commission approved a resolution to support an application by a Desoto, KS  property developer to turn the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home into apartments.

Following that approval, Shane Lamb, Rural ReDevelopment Group LLC, sent a Housing Investors Tax Credit application in for the property located on Fort Scott’s west side at 736 S. Heylman.

Lamb and Susan Galemore, who is with Southeast Kansas Economic Development Coalition, appeared together before the commission on Feb. 7. Galemore helped Lamb prepare the application.

Lamb has applied for tax credits from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation to develop the property into 19 rental units.

“Fifteen will be one-bedroom units, four will be two-bedroom units,” Lamb said. “It is on less than two acres and the building is approximately 20,000 square feet.”

Lamb purchased the Fort Scott Manor property in January of 2022, he said. “It was closed down by the state several years ago, then went through bankruptcy proceedings. I believe it has been closed for three years.”

The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals, Galemore said. “They will be standard market, not income based.”

“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said.   “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”

“We have 13 projects completed across different states, the closest to Fort Scott is one in Yates Center,” Lamb said. “We have 18 projects in the works.”

The grants are very competitive, Lamb said. “If I don’t get it the first time, we can apply again. I think it is every three months.”

The grants awarded are based on the communities need, he said. “Which community needs housing more than others.”

“I am on their timeline,” he said. “Once I get the green light, I can start and have 18 months to finish.”

Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.

“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy.”

Lamb said he should know by the end of March 2023 if he was awarded the grant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas, Schools

Learning Recovery Grants For Public School Students

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Governor Kelly Announces Qualifying Families
Can Now Apply for $1000 per Student
for Learning Recovery

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) is open to applications from qualifying parents and guardians of Kansas students. KEEP provides a $1,000 award per student to pay for various educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities.

“This program will provide Kansas students with new opportunities and resources to help them thrive in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all families that qualify to apply for KEEP.”

KEEP funds may be used on various enrichment and educational activities, including:​

  • Day and overnight camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Curriculum and educational materials, including certain technological devices
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons
  • Tutoring

The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.

Eligibility for KEEP funds is determined by financial need, and funds will be distributed to actively enrolled K-12 Kansas students between the ages of 5-18. Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.

Subject to funding availability, future waves of funding may be provided with expanded household income eligibility parameters.

Families can learn if they qualify, apply for the program, read the full handbook of rules and instructions, and browse the marketplace of qualified service providers at www.keep.ks.gov. Program participants will have access to a web and mobile app for using their awarded funds.

Earlier this year, businesses that offer educational opportunities and services were invited to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist students and families. Parents and guardians can now search for those opportunities across Kansas on the KEEP Marketplace. Parents and guardians may also submit requests for additional businesses to be added to the Marketplace if they know of a business that would qualify.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery to provide educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars approved through the SPARK process.

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Obituary

Obituary of Voneta Lewis

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Voneta V. Lewis, age 96, resident of Fort Scott, KS died peacefully at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott on February 20, 2023. She was born January 26, 1927, in Coyle, Oklahoma to Nathaniel Arthur and Frances Vontelle (Morgan) Lamb. On October 3, 1948, she married John D. Lewis of Blue Mound, Kansas.

Together they owned and ran the Town and Country Insurance and Real Estate Agency in Fort Scott for many years.  Voneta was a member of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Glenda Ball and LaVerne McGee, an infant brother, nieces Linda & Becky Lamb and Marsha McGee Daves, and nephews Robert Ball and Ronald McGee.

Voneta is survived by her brother, LeRoy Lamb and his wife, Nadine of Mound City KS, her sister, Marjorie Campbell of Raytown MO, and several nieces and nephews, also several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers Voneta’s family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Fort Scott, History

Leon Perry’s Book: A Slice of Bourbon County History in the 1950s

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The Leon Perry book.

Author Leon Perry will be featured during a book signing this Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Hedgehog INK bookstore, 16 S. Main, Fort Scott.

Leon Perry. Submitted photo.

Perry was a young child when his family came to Fort Scott in the 1950s to look for employment. They were staying in a motel in Belltown, on the city’s north side, when there was explosion in their room that killed his parents and a sibling.

Perry chronicles the kindness and help that he and his remaining sibling received from the community as he recovered from severe burns to his body and the loss of his parents.

He and brother, Ernie, were taken to the Goodlander Children’s Home, where they stayed until they were adopted by a local farm couple.

He tells of the life on the farm, school, 4-H and FFA that allows readers to understand life in Bourbon County during that era of time. He went on to be an educator and school administrator in  Kansas and Missouri.

For more information contact the store at

(620) 670-2752  or
[email protected]
To learn more about the book and it’s author, view the prior story in fortscott.biz:

https://fortscott.biz/news/leon-perry-god-l…through-the-fire

Government, Housing

Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund in hold phase

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New applications to be reviewed, processed subject to availability of funds

 

The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has dispersed nearly all program funds and will close soon. KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $42,599,772 to 3,797 households.

The KHAF program is now in the Hold Phase, the second of three closure phases. On January 30, 2023, households were encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible. The program has now received enough applications to exhaust all current funds, ending Final Funding phase. Applications submitted during Final Funding Phase will still be reviewed and processed, subject to available funding.

 

The closure process will follow three phases. Here’s what this means for Kansas homeowners in need of assistance:

1. Final Funding Phase: On Jan. 30, 2023, homeowners seeking KHAF support were encouraged to apply to be considered for final funding.

2. Hold Phase: The program has received enough applications to fully expend all KHAF funds. Applications submitted during Hold Phase will be placed on hold and will not be reviewed or processed unless sufficient program funds are available.

3. Closure Phase: When all program funds are exhausted the program will close and will stop accepting new applications.
The KHAF program is now in Hold Phase. The length and dates of each phase will be subject to a variety of factors, including application volume and amount of assistance requested. Each program closure phase will be announced on the KHAF webpage.

 

For more questions, applicants can reach KHAF customer service at 855-307-KHAF (5423), or review the KHAF closure FAQs. KHRC’s ongoing housing programs will continue to serve Kansans beyond the closure of the KHAF program.

 

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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

611 S Kansas Ave., Suite 300 | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]
Bourbon County

Starlite FCE Minutes February 2023

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The Starlite FCE held its February meeting at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Nine members and one guest were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for twelve hours and had recycled thirty-five pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report, and Karen Peery announced that the Area Recognition Day will be April 18th at the Methodist Church in Humboldt.

 

Old business consisted of a report that the Valentines we had signed were delivered and that we had received a thank you from the VA hospital.

 

New business was planning the March meeting on Men’s health, which we are opening up to the community.  Glenda Miller and Deb are presenting the program, Doris Ericson will be providing the paper products, Terri Williams will provide refreshment of cobbles, chocolate cake, and ice cream, Joyce Allen will provide the drinks and Betty Johnson the sugar and creamer.  Glenda Miller also announced the Jack Jackson will be presenting the program for the Uniontown Ruritan meeting on March 20th.

 

Glenda Miller asked that all the members bring a dozen filled Easter eggs to the March meeting to be taken to Tri-Valley.

 

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Taylor Bailey seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the club enjoyed a program on Woman to Woman searching for Chocolate (Hearth Fire lesson #7) presented by Karen Peery.  The lesson gave the history of chocolate.  Karen also had candy bar fortunes and identify the candy games.

 

Refreshments of a layered chocolate dessert, assorted chocolates and water were prepared by Karen Peery and Betty Johnson and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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February 24, 2023

 

Removing Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) 15% limit on alternative investments, Senate Bill (SB) 23, was scheduled for debate on the Senate floor.  Just before the bill was to be debated, it was pulled from the schedule because several of us questioned removing the limit.  We were told the bill was needed because current “alternative” investments are bumping the 15% limit and the KPERS Board would be forced to liquidate some investments at an inopportune time.  After more research, it was discovered that nothing requires liquidation or selling alternative investments at the 15% limit, but the Board is restricted from participating in additional alternate investments.

 

Gun Safety courses would be optional in public schools if SB 116 becomes law.  After a cordial debate, the bill passed the Senate 30 to 8.  I voted yes.

 

County Identifier on License Plates is the intent of SB 130.  It’s helpful to see the two character code identifying a Kansas county on license plates.  Custom plates and specialty plates have not been including the county ID.  SB 130 would require the county ID on these plates.  The county ID will help with people who have wrongly received a ticket or bill from the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) because they have the same number on their license plate as someone from another county.  Many people like seeing the ID.  The bill passed the Senate 32 to 4.

 

Presidential Primary instead of Caucus is a bill that I requested.  Kansas has been holding party caucuses, instead of primary elections for President mainly because of cost.  National party conventions to nominate candidates for President are usually held in July, while Kansas primaries are in August.  Thus, party caucuses are used to decide Kansas nominees for President.  It would make sense to move the Kansas primary so that it could include candidates for President.  This would address the cost issue and allow primary winners more time between the primary and the general elections.

 

Property Tax Relief  Just a reminder about tax relief programs passed by the legislature last year.  The Secretary of Revenue is working on problems people have had using the forms to apply for these programs.  The link for the application for property tax relief for low income seniors and disabled veterans is posted at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf and the application for some property tax relief for businesses shut-down or negatively impacted by the Governor’s shutdown during COVID is at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront

 

You may also call KDOR at 785-368-8222 or e-mail [email protected] with questions about the programs and applications.

 

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Beauty Lounge

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting event Thursday, February 23rd at 8 a.m. hosted by The Beauty Lounge located at 2 S. Main St. in the Downtown Historic District. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

The Beauty Lounge is a one-stop shop for esthetics, hair, nails, massages, and skin care products. In January, The Beauty Lounge celebrated their one-year anniversary with the grand opening of their new location.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community and learn about the host business or organization.  Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

 

Obituary

Death Notice of Voneta Lewis

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Voneta V. Lewis, age 96, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Monday, February 20, 2023, at Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, February 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:00 Monday morning at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Cheney Witt Chapel.

Bourbon County Local News