Monthly Archives: November 2020

Bourbon County

Wayne Thorpe Receives Don Rezac Memorial Award

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Wayne and Peg Thorpe. Submitted photo.

Wayne Thorpe, a 50 year Supervisor on the Bourbon County Conservation District,  won the Don Rezac Memorial award on Monday, November, 23, according to  Bourbon County Conservation District Manager Mandy Shoemaker.

In the February, 1969 minutes for the Bourbon Co. Conservation District, it was suggested the Secretary should contact Wayne Thorpe to serve as an advisor, according to a press release from Shoemaker. Wayne accepted the Advisor position and attended his first meeting in March, 1969. Almost 1 year later, in January, 1970, Wayne became a Supervisor. In February, 1971, Wayne became the Treasurer and has held that office to this present day, 49 years later.

Wayne has served faithfully as a Supervisor for 50 years and has missed only 1 board meeting (Feb. 1999). More often than not, board meeting minutes end with “motion by Wayne Thorpe to adjourn”. Wayne was and is always ready to finish business so he could visit with the other board members and advisors.

Wayne served on the District’s Youth Committee from 1970 till 2008. He was responsible for getting the poster contest together and working with the many other youth activities throughout the year with the local schools. Every year the District has sent 1 or 2 students to the Kansas Range Youth Camp thanks to the Youth Committee.

In January, 1985, Wayne was involved with the development of the Marmaton Watershed #102. He approved for the District to be an information gathering center for landowners to give their ideas and input regarding the Marmaton Watershed District during that time. He was also involved in approving Technical Assistance from the Conservation District to the Watershed.

In 1991, John W. Reh, Assistant State Conservationist, sent the District a letter looking for participants on the State Reclamation Committee. Wayne was appointed by the District Board to represent Bourbon Co.

Wayne has served on the KACD Grassland Committee and has attended almost all of the KACD Conventions since 1970.

Other meetings Wayne has attended over the years: NACD Annual Meeting

Legislative Fairs at the State Capitol

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce events & meetings Banker’s Tour for conservation awards

Spring and Fall KACD Workshops

The District has had several drills over the years and Wayne was always glad to help work on them when needed. Outside of being a 50 year member of the Bourbon Co Conservation District, Wayne has farmed, raised beef cattle, and dairy cattle.

He is a 40+ year member of the Mirza Shrine Club. Wayne served as President of the Bourbon Co. Shrine Club and has donated countless hours volunteering.

Wayne also volunteers every year for the Salvation Army as a Bell Ringer.

There isn’t anything that Wayne wouldn’t do to promote conservation and help landowners accomplish that. His dedication and quality service to the Bourbon Co Conservation District is why we would like to nominate Wayne Thorpe to receive the Don Rezac Memorial Award.

Sincerely,

Kathy Valentine, Chairman Ronnie Brown, Vice-Chairman Joe Ludlum, Supervisor Deb Lust and Mandy Shoemaker, District Manager.

 

Don Rezac was a lifelong Kansas farmer and rancher. He started his career with only six sows and one boar and went on to become president of Rezac Land and Livestock, according to a press release from Shoemaker.

He was a passionate conservationist who served as a supervisor of the Pottawatomie County Conservation District for 41 years, from 1969 to 2010, and served as director of Area IV for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts from 1995 to 2007.

Don served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1982 to 1994. In addition, he was active in many local organizations, including the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Kansas and Onaga Young Farmers and the Kansas Soybean Association. In 1987, he became only the fifth Kansan in history to receive the National 4-H Alumni Award. Don and his wife, Barbara, were named Master Farmer-Homemaker by Kansas State University in 1996 for their contributions to agriculture and community. He was also an active member of the Onaga school board from 1971 to 1982.

Don Rezac has been described as a man of integrity, intelligence and humor. He will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to public service to his state and community, and to our good fortune, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.

Required Criteria:

  • Candidate has been a district supervisor for a minimum of six years.

  • Candidate has attended the KACD Convention on a regular basis and been active in KACD activities.

Other Criteria for Favorable Consideration:

  • Candidate has served on the KACD Board of Directors

  • Candidate has served as a State Conservation Commissioner

  • Candidate has been involved in outside activities (elected positions, community groups, other state and local associations)

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, nongovernmental, nonprofit, incorporated organization that was established in 1944, two years before the National Association of Conservation Districts was formed.  Its members are the conservation districts located in the state’s 105 counties.

The KACD Board of Directors is composed of five elected members, each of whom represents one of five geographical areas of the state.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Lewis K. Bailey

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Lewis Kenneth Bailey

Lewis Kenneth Bailey passed in peace on the morning of November 20, 2020, when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Lewis’s seventy-eight years on Earth were well spent, and his legacy as a compassionate, dedicated family man will be remembered by many.

Lewis was born in Garnett, Kansas, on March 10, 1942, to Fred and Isabella Elline (Mowat) Bailey.

Lewis was born with a sparkle in his eye, a grin that lit up the room, and a heart of gold.

Lewis’s love lives on through his two children, Tim (Shayla) and Kimberly, and his adored grandchildren: Allexis, Allie, Rayna, Kandace, and Brinley. Many extended family members and friends also felt the warmth and kindness of Lewis’s caring heart. Lewis joined his wife, Joan, and son-in-law Jess, upon arrival to his Heavenly Home.

That caring heart was often accompanied by an ornery twinkle in Lewis’s eye, and he loved sharing stories with family. A favorite family memory is that of Lewis recalling how ornery he was at three years old. When a kindly neighbor asked his name, Lewis is all sincerity responded, “Lewis, Come Back Here”. Apparently, he was very good at keeping his mother on her toes.

Lewis built a life around helping others. A hard worker to the core, Lewis donated much of his time and talent to making life better for others. Whether painting houses, mowing lawns, or raking leaves, Lweis did everything with full effort and an eye for detail.

His tendency to give his all also served Lewis well during his time as a soldier and 106-Gunner in the Vietnam War. Lewis was combat-wounded and received the Purple Heart commendation which was a great source of pride for him. Lewis was proud to be an American and was red, white, and blue through and through.

Lewis’s love of country was only slightly less than his love for his wife, Joan Evelyn. Handsome in uniform upon returning from war, Lewis caught Joan’s eye by purchasing popsicles for the children she was babysitting. Lewis’s family always remarks on that special beginning when enjoying a patriotic “bomb pop” from the freezer.
Lewis and Joan married on July 25, 1969, and moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, shortly after.

During this time, Lewis was able to attend Fort Scott Community College for two years. This was a treasured time in his life as he enjoyed attending art and photography classes. Several of Lewis’s projects from this time are still cherished by the family.

Lewis brought his hard-working nature to family-life as a dedicated husband and father. Whether tossing a baseball with Tim or playing Barbies with Kimberly, Lewis gave his children love, support and encouragement until his very last breath.

Lewis’s dedication also served him career-wise as he worked a variety of careers, most notably taking care and maintaining the SRS building in Fort Scott for 18 years.

In his leisure time, Lewis enjoyed fishing and passed his fondness along to his children. Lewis’s creativity and eye for detail were also apparent as he enjoyed woodworking and created many projects around the home.

While at home, Lewis loved to cheer on the Kansas City Cheifs and especially loved watching the games with his family.

Tim and Kim will miss the patient and kind man they were blessed to call “Dad” every day, but know they couldn’t ask for a more dedicated loving, hard-working guardian angel to watch over the entire family.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested the Bethel Community Church and may be and 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.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Main Street Program Applications Open December 10

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Three New Openings in Program to Revitalize Downtown Corridors, Strengthen Economic Development

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Kansas Main Street program will be accepting applications for up to three new communities in the state interested in joining. The Main Street program – designed to develop and strengthen downtown corridors – has been a proven success for rural communities throughout the state.

“My administration re-implemented Main Street in 2019 because we are committed to providing Kansas communities with the tools and resources they need to prosper,” Governor Kelly said. “Through the program, businesses can access essential technical services, networking, and other training opportunities that will assist their efforts to recruit and retain businesses, and keep talented young professionals in the towns they grew up in. I encourage any community looking to revitalize their downtown to apply.”

During the first 27 years of this program, more than $600 million in redevelopment was invested in designated Kansas Main Street communities. During that same time, nearly 4,000 small businesses were started, creating more than 8,600 new jobs.

Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend an application workshop, scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, December 10. This virtual workshop will explain the Main Street Approach, and the process for successfully completing the application. To register for this workshop, visit this link. Applications must be submitted no later than January 29, 2021, and new communities selected as part of a competitive process will be announced in mid-February.

The Kansas Main Street program, originally launched in 1985 has helped dozens of mostly rural communities work toward ensuring their downtowns remain viable. The program was ended by the Brownback administration in 2012 and brought back in late 2019 under the directive of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers’ Office of Rural Prosperity. There currently are 25 designated Kansas Main Street communities in the program, with all participating in a competitive process to be selected for the program.

The Kansas Main Street program is a cornerstone of the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“The Main Street model works, period,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Now that Governor Kelly and the Office of Rural Prosperity have reinstated the Kansas Main Streets, our communities once again have the tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts. This is a terrific opportunity for communities to change their trajectory by committing themselves to a focused effort to strengthen their downtowns.”

The Kansas Main Street program is affiliated with the National Main Street Center. Main Street is a self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy based on four points: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. While there are no federal funds provided directly to Main Street communities, designated cities are eligible for training and technical assistance designed to help them become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization.

“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,” said Scott Sewell, director of the Kansas Main Street program. “Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is yet another positive step for the State of Kansas.”

For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, contact Scott Sewell, Director of Kansas Main Street, at (785) 296-7288 or [email protected].

Government, Kansas

Aid For Pesticide Products Disposal

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KDA Grant to Fund Disposal of Orphaned Pesticide

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture pesticide and fertilizer program recently received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, to aid in the disposal of orphaned pesticide products.

 

Orphaned pesticide products are herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides and fungicides that can no longer be offered for sale in Kansas. This can include partially used products owned by private citizens, unsold products at retailers, or unused/partially used products owned by an applicator. The grant will support the pickup and disposal of the products by Clean Harbors, an environmental waste company.

 

Although local county weed department or household hazardous waste facilities will often take pesticide waste at little to no charge, sometimes the cost of disposal for the facility is too great or the facility is not permitted to take that particular type/kind of waste. The grant is available for those instances when the local facilities will not take the waste.

 

The orphaned pesticide waste grant applies to waste from farmers, ranchers, businesses or other private individuals. Grant funds can also pay for the disposal of abandoned pesticide waste left on property that was sold or waste that was dumped or abandoned. Funds are limited, and disposal will be approved on a first come, first served basis.

 

To apply for funds to dispose of orphaned pesticide waste, contact the KDA pesticide and fertilizer program at 785-564-6688 or email product registration specialist Judy Glass at [email protected]. You will need to complete a form and receive approval to arrange for pickup of the pesticide waste. This grant helps KDA fulfill its mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the customers they serve, while protecting natural resources and promoting public health and safety.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Beatrice Powell

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Beatrice June Powell, age 79, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, November 22, 2020, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS. She was born June 9, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Cecil Edward Combs and Marjorie June VanDyke Combs. She was the oldest of 6 children. She married Thomas Edwin Powell on July 3, 1959, in Ft. Scott. Beatrice worked as a babysitter for 11 years before working for Medicalodge for 2 years. She then worked for Leaseway Transportation for 13 years as a clerk and supervisor until retirement. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle from the age of 8.

Survivors include her husband Tom of the home; a son, Jerry Powell, Ft. Scott; 2 daughters, Sherri Clark and husband Myron, Mt. Pleasant, NC, and Melany Felt, Ft. Scott; 2 brothers, Cecil Combs and wife Phyllis, and Terry Combs, all of Ft. Scott; 2 sisters, Elaine Brown and husband Bob, Ft. Scott, and Mary Jacquinot and husband Bud, Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Powell, Jr.; a brother, Rocky Combs; and her parents.

Private family services will be held with burial in Lath Branch Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Grace Baptist Tabernacle and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Planning Commission Meets Nov. 30

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The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, November 30th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunications tower to be located north of the Water Treatment Plant located at 910 Burke Street. There will also be a zoning change considered for the property south of 2403 S. Main Street for Peerless Products, Inc.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

National Guard Extension For COVID-19 Response

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Governor Laura Kelly Requests Extension of Federal Authority Allowing Use of Kansas National Guard for COVID-19 Response

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she has sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting his approval of an extension to Title 32 authority, allowing Kansas to continue utilizing the Kansas National Guard in its efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, keep Kansans safe, and keep schools and businesses open.

Title 32 allows governors to mobilize their state’s national guard in order to respond to natural disasters or other emergencies.

“Our Soldiers and Airman play a vital role in Kansas’ response to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “With the President’s approval, this extension will enable Kansas to maintain community-based testing, continue distributing medical and testing supplies, and ensure Kansas businesses can stay open.”

In the letter, Governor Kelly requests that President Trump approve and direct the Office of Management and Budget, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Secretary of Defense to extend Title 32 and 100% of funding for up to 500 members of the Kansas National Guard through March 31, 2021.

“On behalf of the State of Kansas, I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their invaluable support so far as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “I appreciate his consideration of my request, and I remain committed to partnering with him to support coronavirus recovery efforts here at home.”

Read Governor Kelly’s letter here.

Food, Government, Kansas

KDHE and Safe Kids Kansas offers kitchen safety tips

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Safety is the Secret Ingredient to Holiday Traditions

 

 

TOPEKA – With the arrival of the holidays there are many memories to be made and traditions to follow, and having children participate in those traditions is one of the best parts of the season. To ensure the safety of everyone, follow these tips for a safe and happy holiday!

 

Limit your travel and the size of gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It’s hard to be apart, but important to protect the ones you love.

 

“The kitchen can be a busy place with lots of multi-tasking during the holidays, so it’s important to be aware of potential hazards to prevent cuts, burns, poisoning and other injuries,” said Cherie Sage of Safe Kids Kansas.

 

When it comes to holiday meals, we want to keep lead off the menu. According to the CDC, no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, delay development, cause behavioral problems and cause other serious health effects.

 

Reduce your risk of lead poisoning by shopping locally and only buying domestically produced spices. Imported and non-domestically produced spices could contain lead.

 

Handmade pottery and dishes that have glazes or other painted decorations may contain lead. When food or drinks are stored or prepared in these dishes lead can leach into them and be ingested causing lead poisoning.

 

Awareness of possible lead exposure and keeping kids safe from lead sources is the key to prevention.  For more information on lead poisoning please visit KDHE Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.

 

When kids are in the kitchen, supervision is key. Whether children are helping prepare food or just hanging out and watching the action, they should be where you can see them at all times. If you will be busy with preparations, ask another adult or teenager to watch the children and help them join in with some age-appropriate tasks.

Some kid-friendly kitchen tasks include: tearing lettuce, rinsing fruits and vegetables under cold water, stirring ingredients in a bowl, using cookie cutters, measuring dry ingredients, using vegetable peelers or cutting soft fruits with a butter knife.

 

“You know your own children. Don’t give them knives or let them handle anything hot until you know they have the maturity and coordination to do it safely,” Sage said. “Some children mature faster than others, so it’s up to parents to use good judgment about each child’s capabilities.”

 

Here are some additional tips for safety in the kitchen:

 

  • Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot items, especially liquids that can spill or splash.
  • Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables. Be especially careful around tablecloths — children can pull hot dishes down onto themselves.
  • Keep poisons out of sight and reach of children. This includes cleaning products, alcoholic drinks and even some baking extracts and spices.
  • Tie up the electrical cords of small appliances. A toddler playing with a dangling cord can pull a toaster or microwave down from a countertop.
  • Be mindful of sharp objects, keeping them out of reach of little hands.

 

For more information about preventing injuries visit www.safekidskansas.org. For information about the KDHE Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, visit www.kdheks.gov/epi/CLPPP.htm

 

Business, Fort Scott

Shop Small, Shop Local

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Small Small Bonanza
Passport Shopping Event
Shop small, shop local on
Friday Nov. 27th & Saturday Nov. 28th!
Come out and shop local & get your Passport stamped from at least 5 different stores to be put into a drawing for a bonanza basket of Multiple $20 Gift Cards from participating local retailers!
More Shopping to be done ~ FREE!
Participating Retailers (listed soon) will have Passports for shoppers to earn a store stamp by spending $5 (before tax).
Once you have 5 stamps on your card, leave it with the store,
and the Chamber will retrieve them and announce the winner
on Tuesday, December 1st.
The local small retailers are coming together to provide one of the biggest Christmas giveaways we have had in Fort Scott to support local businesses!
SHOP SMALL!
GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED!
BE ENTERED IN A DRAWING FOR
AN AWESOME BASKET FULL OF
$20 GIFT CARDS!
when you shop in local stores on 11/27 & 11/28!
More Details to come on Participating Retailers
#SHOPSMALLBIZSAT
The Holidays are happier when we share them with you!
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26-27

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The City of Fort Scott offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th, 2020 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. The regular offices will reopen on Monday, November 30th, 2020.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Thursday, November 26th, and Saturday, November 28th, 2020 for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Business, Fort Scott

Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Thru Opens Nov. 30

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Fort Scott’s Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Thru opens this week.

A coffee franchise, Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Thru, is opening on  Nov. 30 at 5:30 a.m. according to Ashley Copple-Dunn, the Fort Scott Scooter’s manager.

Scooter’s is located at 2402 S. Main in front of the Hibbett’s Store.

Hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

“Our goal is to offer amazing service, with amazing people, amazingly fast,” said Shawn Bouwen, one of the owners.  “We want to provide people the highest quality experience each and every time they come to visit our store.”

In addition to coffees, teas, hot chocolate, smoothies, and blenders the shop offers breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, cookies, “a little bit of everything,” Demi Bouwen, another owner, said.

One can see the menu, prices, and nutritional values of the products on the Scooter’s Coffee app, she said.

The website is http://scooter’scoffee.com

They currently have 15 employees, she said, and are still taking applications.

The owners of the franchise areDemi along with her dad, Shawn Bouwen, and his wife, Tracy.

“We have been involved with Scooter’s Coffee since 2004,” Shawn said.  “The three of us currently own and operate seven locations and are growing.  My wife and I also have another group of partners that own and operate an additional 40+ Scooter’s Coffee locations in a four-state region.  Scooter’s Coffee has been around since 1998.  Don and Linda Eckles are the original Founders of the Company.”

 

“We really love the demographics here in Fort Scott,” Demi said. “We love to be in a small town where you can be involved with the customer.”

Owner Shawn Bouwens and manager Ashley Copple-Dunn stand in front of the new Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Thru, Nov. 2020.