Monthly Archives: September 2019

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Burris Hall Ribbon Cutting Sept. 20

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Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566

FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the expansion of Fort Scott Community College’s Agriculture Building at 2108 South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

The event will take place on Friday, September 20th at 4:00 p.m.

The Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department was established in 1975. Burris Hall, named after N. Jack Burris, was completed in 1989.

This 3,600 square foot building housed agriculture based classes and offices for instructors.

Thanks to donations from the Boileau family and the Cleaver family, FSCC was able to add approximately 3,000 square feet and renovate the original building to continue to grow their prestigious agriculture program.

Please join the Chamber of Commerce and Fort Scott Community College on Friday, September 20th, 2019 for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 2108 South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566s for more information.
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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Sept. 17

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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: September 17th, 2019

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer                                                                                   Corrected: _______________                                                                                                

3rd District-Nick Ruhl                                                                                  Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

 

          9:00 – 9:45 – Jim Harris – Road & Bridge

 

          9:15 – School Zone, Indian Road

 

9:45-11:00 – Commissioners will be gone to a fence viewing between Union Pacific & Brian Comstock (fence viewing begins at 10:00 am)

 

          11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks- 20 minute Ex. Session (Non-Elected)

 

          11:30 – Justin Meeks & Shane Walker – Elm Creek

 

          12:00 – 1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

 

          1:30 – Terry Sercer – 2018 Audit

 

          2:00 – Will Wallis – Disaster debris removal

 

          2:30 – Lora Holdridge-Holiday Dinner

 

         

 

 

 

                   

         

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

 

Obituary

Obituary of Kara Niemeir

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Kara Rebekah Niemeir, a resident of Lenexa, Kansas, age 37, beloved daughter of Doug and Diana Niemeir, and beloved sister of Kristin Niemeir passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, September 13, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi emergency room in Fort Scott, Kansas.  At the time, Kara was staying with her parents in their home for a few days in Fort Scott as she recuperated from a knee surgery.

Kara was born on August 27, 1982, in Newton, Kansas.  She was welcomed home by one sister, Kristin, 4 years her senior, and immediately they became “best buds”, despite the age difference.  This never changed and not a day went by that they didn’t talk, no matter how many miles separated them.  At the age of 2, Kara moved with her family to Fort Scott, where she attended the public schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2001.  After high school graduation, she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated with honors from there in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Systems Engineering; then in 2007 a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering.  Kara enjoyed school and always excelled in her studies.

After college, Kara began working at Agricultural Engineering Associates, Inc. in Uniontown, KS.  She worked there for 11 years, from 2007 until 2018.  During that time, she had the opportunity to advance her engineering knowledge in many areas as well as work with some wonderful colleagues.  Also during that time, in 2009, she passed her state boards qualifying her as a licensed professional engineer.

In September, 2018, she began work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Hydrology section of the Kansas City district.  She had just completed a year of working there and was very happy, feeling she had found her niche in the Corps and some really special colleagues with whom to work.  She had also recently found and purchased a home in Lenexa, Kansas — a home in which she was looking forward to living for many years.

Kara turned her life over to Jesus when she was only 3 years old, and she followed Him faithfully, never looking back, for the rest of her life.  Wherever she moved, whether in Lincoln, Nebraska as a college student; in Iola, Kansas, where she lived while working at Ag Engineering; or most recently, in the Kansas City area, she looked immediately for a “Bible believing church” with which to become involved.  It is a wonderful blessing to her family, in the tremendous pain of her loss, to know they will see her again when it is there time to follow her home to Heaven.

Kara leaves behind her immediate family, whom she cherished and loved deeply: her mother and father, Doug and Diana Niemeir of Fort Scott, Kansas, and her sister, Kristin Niemeir of Oak Point, Texas.  She further leaves behind numerous much-loved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a plethora of well-loved friends.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 21st at the Rinehart Christian Church, 9443 S. 900 Rd., Richards, Missouri.  Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to Cru Missions; the ministry of Anne and Ryan Mansfield, missionaries and dear friends of Kara, whom she loved and financially supported.  They work in mission fields around the world under the auspicious of Global Aid Network (GAiN).  Donations may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Uncategorized

Kansas Opens New Park Oct. 12

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Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park to Open October 12

 

Topeka, KS – The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 83.  A grand opening celebration with speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 a.m. The two permanent trails will open after the ceremony and close at sundown, approximately 7:00 p.m. Free snacks and water will be available.

 

Grand opening activities include free, guided tours departing from the parking lot on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Space for the guided tours is limited and advance registration at nature.org/littlejerusalem is required. All visitors may hike the two permanent trails at Little Jerusalem at their own pace. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint. The Life on the Rocks Trail winds 1.5 miles along the rim of the formations from which visitors can enjoy a variety of views and two scenic overlooks. Visitors are not allowed off-trail unless accompanied by park staff on a guided tour.

The 332-acre area encompasses 220 acres of dramatic chalk rock formations and is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a global non-profit conservation organization. Beyond the impressive scenic views, the area serves as nesting habitat for ferruginous hawks and is home to rare plants. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018 after The Nature Conservancy partnered with KDWPT to have the area designated as a state park. Together, the organizations developed two trails, parking and additional infrastructure at the park. A long-term agreement allows KDWPT to manage outdoor recreational activities in a manner that protects the fragile rocks while The Nature Conservancy continues to own the land and manage the natural resources.

 

“The Nature Conservancy’s chief purposes for Little Jerusalem are, first, to protect the pristine natural features and, second, to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” said Conservancy director Rob Manes. “Striking that balance took time and we are confident that the partnership between The Nature Conservancy and KDWPT provides the public with the best possible experience. We can’t wait to share Little Jerusalem with everyone next month.”

 

“From the start, we’ve envisioned this property as a special kind of state park, where natural resource conservation is the highest priority,” agrees Linda Lanterman, KDWPT state parks director. “That means that public interaction with the landscape will necessarily be limited to only activities that have the least impact. We’ve struck a great balance with the trails that allow visitors to experience a diversity of views.”

After the grand opening, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will be open to visitors from sunrise to sunset daily, all year round. Visitors will be required to purchase a daily vehicle permit, currently $5, at the park or have an annual Kansas state parks vehicle pass. Guided tours provided by KDWPT staff will be available by appointment.

 

For more information, please visit nature.org/littlejerusalem and KSOutdoors.com/Little-Jerusalem.

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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. In Kansas, the Conservancy has protected 140,000 acres of the state’s most ecologically important lands and waters. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/kansas.

 

The mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is to conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources. The Department also strives to provide opportunities to use and appreciate the state’s natural resources. The Department provides opportunities to promote diverse communities, natural assets, and the State of Kansas as a tourism destination. It is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor of Kansas. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. Visit KSOutdoors.com or TravelKS.com for more information.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee: Lowell Milken Center to Celebrate 20 Years Of Sendler Project

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Please join the Lowell Milken Center and the Chamber for the
20 year celebration of
“Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project”
following the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 19th at 8am
The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes will be celebrating 20 years of
“Life in a Jar:
the Irena Sendler Project”
and hosting the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 19th following the Chamber Coffee at 8am. (1 S. Main St.)
Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker who risked her own life to rescue a significant number of Jewish children during WWII. Her story was unknown for 60 years until high school students from Uniontown, Kansas uncovered its details in September of 1999, and shared Irena’s story with the world. The students wrote a performance that has now been presented more than
375 times across the United States, Canada and Poland. Their goal to bring Irena Sendler’s story to the world continues.
Visit the Lowell Milken Center website by clicking HERE
Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports

Fall Activities of Buck Run Community Center

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735 Scott Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620.223.0386
Fax: 620-768-0487

BRCC Hours: M-F 5AM-9PM
Sat: 8 am- 5 pm October thru April
Sun: 12noon-5 pm
Recreation Office Hours: 8am – 5pm

Fall Schedule:

September 19                         Corporate Challenge Meeting

September 19                         Tiger Kids Practices Begin

September 21                         Fall Soccer & Flag Football Begins

September 24                         Youth Volleyball Begins

October 3                                Corporate Challenge Begin

October 11                              Deadline for Youth Basketball

October 11                              Tiger Kids Performance—Football

October 15                              Adult Dance Lessons Begin

October 18                              Deadline for Adult Volleyball

October 25                              Youth Kick ball @ BRCC

October 26                              Creepy, Crawly Crafts

October 29                              Pumpkin Carving Contest & Games

November 4                             Adult Volleyball Leagues Begin

November 24                           Turkey Shoot

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Aaron Judy: Exterior/Interior Painter

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Aaron Judy paints a local home.

Aaron Judy began his business, H2 Painting LLC, earlier this year.

“I started working in 8th grade at Max’s Way Station (Restaurant) washing dishes, and I’ve had a job ever since,” Judy said. ” I’ve spent my whole adult life working for someone. After five years at Timken (Company), my family and I decided that Friday was my last day of making money for someone else and putting my own business to the side… I decided to finally take the leap and become fully self-employed! I look forward to embracing it and working just as hard as I was for customers!”

“I began painting in the last few years, but officially began my business as H2 Painting in early 2019,” Judy said.

“I saw a need for painting in this area, and an opportunity for me to go ahead and start my business officially,” he said.  “It’s fulfilling to see people enjoy their home or business again, or maybe more than they ever have after they see it repainted.”

“I provide interior and exterior painting in residential or commercial settings,” Judy said.

Aaron Judy paints a sign in Fort Scott

He also provides metal building or barn painting, power washing and soft washing services, along with parking lot lining.

“I have done quite a few residential and commercial repaints,” he said. “I am currently getting more involved in new construction and commercial painting job settings and expanding our range and business rapidly.”

“I try to provide a quality job with an affordable price for my customers,” he said.

Judy is the owner and operator, who hires part-time time employees when necessary, depending on the job.

Contact info: 620-605-2769 or [email protected]

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Air Ambulances?

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The following is part of a series that National Public Radio is doing on the closure of Mercy Hospital in December 2018.
Sarah Jane Tribble shared a link to the group: No Mercy: What Happens When A Rural Hospital Closes?

The latest out of Fort Scott and the No Mercy series. Big thanks to Dawn Swisher-Anderson, who allowed me to interview her wise and well-spoken kids. Both Susan Glossip and Dawn told me last week that they did not buy a membership.