Monthly Archives: December 2020
Quarterly Downtown Meeting Jan. 12
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Bronson Locker Expands Due To Demand During Pandemic
Bronson Locker, 504 Clay Street, Bronson, KS has been expanding during the COVID 19 pandemic.
“We have had an overflow of work,” said Helen Bolling, who along with her husband, Raymond, known as Chubb, owns the meat locker. “We have had to put on more employees. We expanded our business. A new cooler, a new processing room.”
“People are buying local meat,” Bolling said. “People are wanting farm-raised meat. We are USDA inspected.”
Several Bourbon County meat producers provide meat to the locker, she said. J.D. Russell and Kevin Gleason from the Redfield area; Ryan Tuchscherer, Fort Scott; Henry and John Ericson, Hiattville all provide meat to Bronson Locker, to name a few, Bolling said.
They have spent a large amount of money to expand their meat locker business that processes beef, swine, sheep, and goats, Helen said. During deer season they add deer processing too.
The waiting list to process beef is up to Dec. 2021, Helen said.
“We are accepting deer anytime,” Mandie Ericson, wife of Helen’s grandson Garret, said.
Mandie and Garret hope to buy the family business from Chubb and Helen someday, Mandie said.
They do not sell deer meat, they merely process it.
Currently, Mandie is the supervisor, Helen said.
From the Bronson Locker Facebook page:
“For people discouraged about the waiting list for beef appointments…
“It is always a good idea to… call and check regularly. We want your business as much as you want to sell your beef or stock your freezers.This week we were able to work seven people up off the waiting list. This week alone. Don’t feel discouraged we will make sure we take care of as many of you as we possibly can without sacrificing quality.
“Thank you to the farmers and families for all of your continued support.”
They are currently selling beef bundles at 25 pounds for $100.
“They average $4 a pound for this farm-raised beef,” Helen said.
The locker is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be contacted at 620-939-4575.
Family Owned and Run
They have twelve full-time and two part-time employees, all from Bourbon County, she said.
This is a family-owned and family-run business and 10 of the employees are family.
Besides Chubb and Helen, their son Mike is a butcher. In addition, Amber Ericson, their daughter, works at the locker when she is not teaching school at West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown. Helen’s nephews Jesse, Robert and Jim Kuns, the Bolling grandchildren Mandy and Garrett Ericson, and another grand-daughter in-law, Tyler Ericson, all work at the locker.
In addition, they have a long-term employee, Tom Bradbury, technician, “who keeps us up and going,” Mandie said.
The family has purchased some of the buildings adjacent to the locker and have opened an antique store on the main street of Bronson as well.
Governor Kelly’s Accomplishments 2020
Year in Review: Despite Pandemic, Kelly Administration Reaches Historic Accomplishments
~Kansas breaks record for new capital investment in 2020~
TOPEKA – As 2020 ends, the Kelly Administration highlights progress made in Kansas despite unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we enter 2021, it’s important that we do not let the events of the last year be exclusively defined by hardship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Due to good public policymaking and fiscally responsible decisions my administration has made from day one, our state has been able to weather the worst of COVID and protect the foundation that will keep Kansas on the path forward.”
Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced 2020 is officially the most successful year for new capital investment in the State of Kansas since the creation of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
As of this week, in 2020 alone, Governor Kelly’s administration has:
- closed 131 projects in 2020, worth more than $2.5 billion in capital investment and
- created and retained a total of 13,871 jobs.
Since Governor Kelly has been in office, her administration has:
- closed 224 projects worth more than $3.8 billion in capital investment
- which promise to create and retain 26,661 jobs.
Economic Development: Governor Kelly’s administration remains committed to rebuilding Kansas’ economic foundation. In addition to reaching a historic, record breaking milestone, the Kelly administration has worked diligently to rebuild Kansas’ foundation:
- SEPTEMBER: Governor Laura Kelly announced a new KANSASWORKS KanVet website to provide Kansas veterans specific resources and benefits on a one-stop webpage.
- NOVEMBER: Governor Laura Kelly announced the creation of the Kansas Main Street Affiliate Community Program, an initiative designed to introduce more Kansas communities to the resources and technical assistance offered through Kansas Main Street.
- NOVEMBER: Announced that nearly 2,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic would receive a share of more than $130 million in Small Business Working Capital (SBWC) grants.
- DECEMBER: In 2020, Governor Kelly distributed more than $34.7 million in Community Development Block Grants to projects across Kansas.
Transportation and Infrastructure: Governor Kelly has always prioritized transportation and infrastructure throughout her administration.
- APRIL: Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan Senate Bill 173 into law, creating new 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.
- JULY: The Office of Rural Prosperity completed the 2020 virtual listening tour to continue the Kelly administration’s work towards solutions that will foster growth and prosperity in rural areas.
- JULY: The Office of Rural Prosperity launched a partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation to engage, empower, retain and recruit young people in rural Kansas.
- AUGUST: Governor Laura Kelly announces Grain Belt Express transmission line project with Invenergy to save up to $7 billion in electricity cost savings for Kansas and Missouri consumers by 2024.
- OCTOBER: Established the Office of Broadband Development through EO #20-67, a step towards achieving the administration’s commitment of universal broadband coverage across Kansas.
- NOVEMBER/OCTOBER: Secured $135 million in statewide funds and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant funds to expand broadband, specifically is underserved communities across Kansas.
- NOVEMBER: Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $6 million in local transportation, technology projects statewide, marking the first-ever awards for KDOT’s Innovative Technology program made possible by the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.
- DECEMBER: Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $5.1 billion in grants as part of the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program.
- DECEMBER: Governor Kelly announced First Statewide Housing Needs Assessment in 27 Years.
Education: Continuing her promise to fully fund public education and improve access and opportunity for our state’s children, Governor Kelly made significant headway for students and teachers this year despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
- Fully funded K-12 education in the 2020 budget.
- Secured more than $57 million in early childhood grants.
- FEBRUARY: Received a $26.8 million grant from the Administration for Children and Families to continue efforts to strengthen the early childhood system in Kansas.
- APRIL: Awarded $8,943,000 as part of three-year federal Preschool Development Grant.
- NOVEMBER: Secured more than $2.1 million in grant funding to fuel 59 ‘All in for Kansas Kids’ Quality Subgrants to help communities, service and child care providers, and other early childhood champions address needs and gaps in the early childhood care and education system through locally-driven ideas and approaches.
- SEPTEMBER: Secured $21,700,000 in CARES Act funds for education.
- JULY: Signed Executive Order #20-53, implementing Foster Care report cards to improve the transparency and function of Kansas’ foster care and public education systems.
- AUGUST: In partnership with the DCF, Governor Kelly expanded the eligibility criteria for the Hero Relief Program and announced additional benefits for those receiving child care assistance to support families with delayed school openings.
- NOVEMBER: Governor Kelly received the 5 of 5 Award from the National President of Jobs for America’s Graduates in recognition of Kansas meeting or exceeding national performance measures in five categories, including graduation rate and positive student outcomes.
Wreaths Across America 2021: Fundraising Underway
Fundraising Efforts Underway to Support
Wreaths Across America 2021
Local volunteers are already working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at Fort Scott National Cemetery are honored next December on National Wreaths Across America Day. Now through January 15, 2021, any $15. wreath sponsorships received through the local “Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery” fundraising group will be matched by Wreaths Across America.
Our community was recently blessed with the goal met to lay a wreath on over 6200 graves at Fort Scott National Cemetery. The goal for next year is to again place a wreath at the headstone of every veteran buried at Fort Scott National Cemetery and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifice they made for our country. Each wreath is a meaningful gift of remembrance for an appreciated American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy. We are grateful to the community of Fort Scott and the volunteers who participated in our mission to “ Remember, Honor and Teach”.
To sponsor a $15. Veteran’s wreath through Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery you can mail checks payable to Wreaths Across America to Stewart Realty Co., P. O. Box 937, Fort Scott, Kansas, or call for instructions to use your debit or credit card (620-223-6700). This is an excellent opportunity to double the effect of your donations. Fundraising for this local event is a monumental task and it is not too early to start. Your support is greatly appreciated. All donations for this matching funds effort must be received no later than January 15, 2021.
Obituary of Kenneth Clampitt
Kenneth Leon Clampitt, age 43, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at his home following an apparent heart attack.
He was born July 20, 1977, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. In earlier years, Kenny worked for Extrustions. He later farmed for Mike and Shana Emerson for eighteen years.
Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time around a bonfire. He often smoked meat for family gatherings and other events. He also enjoyed raising game fowl. Kenny also officiated at several weddings.
Survivors include his parents, David and Brenda Hathaway, of the home in Fulton; two brothers, Clinton Clampitt also of the home and Kyle Hathaway (Shannon), of Ft. Scott; three sisters, Angela Carpenter (Jeff), Rhonda Cole (Ben) and Rachel Thompson, all of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.
There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 P.M. Saturday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place at a later date in the Barnesville Cemetery east of Fulton. Memorials are suggested to the Kenny Clampitt Memorial Fund 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.
Guide to Dec 2020 COVID Relief Bill
This new version focuses on businesses with 300 or fewer employees that can demonstrate a revenue loss of 25% or more in any quarter of2020 (vs. 2019).
The Loan amount is 2.5 times the average monthly payroll; restaurant and hospitality businesses receive 3.5 times. Additional expenses qualify and simplified the forgiveness process.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP)
ACTION: Consult your lender
Here’s another reprise – SBA loan payments paid for you. Three additional P&I payments starting February 2021 for existing loans, 5 more months for smallest and hardest-hit businesses – capped at $9,000. New loans also eligible for the program.
SBA DEBT RELIEF EXTENDED
ACTION: Payments are automatic, but consult your SBA lender
GUIDE TO DEC 2020COVID RELIEF BILL
Actions You Can Take
Gig workers, self-employed and independent contractors receive extended benefits through march 14, 2021. Increased benefit period to 50 weeks.
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
ACTION: File for unemployment:
https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx
Yes, it’s back! But focused on businesses and non-profits in low-income communities. May also receive top-up to $10K on their previous EIDL Grant.
$10,000 EIDL GRANT
ACTION: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loans
Extended and expanded Employee RetentionTax Credit (ERTC)
All forgiven PPP expenses are tax-deductible
EIDL grants no longer reduce PPP forgiveness amounts
Extended payroll tax credits for paid sick &family leave
Grants for entertainment venues (live events, movie theaters, cultural institutions
$600 direct payments to taxpayers
OTHER ASSISTANCE
www.kansassbdc.net/covid19
FOR KANSAS BUSINESS OWNERS
This summary information is based upon currently available information at the time of publication and is subject to interpretation at all levels of government.
December Uniontown 4-H Report
Submitted by Kendyl Bloesser, Club Reporter
The Uniontown 4H Club met on Sunday, December 13th for their monthly meeting. During the meeting, members were recognized for their 2019-2020 4H achievements in three main categories: MIG (Member in Good Standing – 4H participation summary), Membership Pins, and KAP (project based Kansas Award Portfolio). Below are members and achievements recognized during the ceremony.
Kendyl Bloessser: Junior purple MIG, 3rd year clover pin, 1st junior foods KAP and 2nd junior fiber arts KAP
MaKinlee Bloesser: Junior purple MIG, 2nd year bronze pin, 1st junior fiber arts KAP and 2nd junior foods KAP
Jack Endicott: Cloverbud pin
Bareigh Farrell: Senior blue MIG and 3rd year clover pin
Austin Maycumber: Junior purple MIG, 2nd year bronze pin and 1st junior space tech KAP.
Will Maycumber: Intermediete purple MIG, 2nd year bronze pin, and 1st intermediate space tech KAP
Hunter Minor: Intermediate red MIG
Lane Minor: Intermediate red MIG and 1st year membership pin
Hailey Shadden: Intermediate blue MIG and 2nd year bronze pin
Seth Shadden: Intermediate purple MIG and 2nd year bronze pin
Bane Stone: Junior blue MIG and 1st year membership pin
Marley Sutton: Junior purple MIG, 3rd year clover pin, 1st junior swine KAP and 2nd junior sheep KAP
McKinley Sutton: Junior purple MIG, 3rd year clover pin, 1st junior sheep KAP and 2nd junior swine KAP
Tucker Sutton: Cloverbud membership pin
Calvin Walker: Intermediate blue MIG and 2nd year bronze pin
Additional awards recognized were: Club Seal – Purple, Community Leaders, Project Leaders and Teen Leaders. Melanie Bloesser: 6th year community leader, Laura George: 30th year rabbits, Deidra Maycumber: 1st year comunity leader, and Sara Sutton: 3rd year community leader.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Available For Heating Bills
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Low-Income Energy Assistance Program to Begin, Help Heat Kansas Homes
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that to help keep Kansans warm this winter, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) will begin accepting applications for its Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Monday, Jan. 4.
“During the cold winter months, it is important that all Kansans have access to the resources they need to heat their homes and ensure their families can stay safe and healthy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all those who qualify to apply for this program. My administration is committed to protecting Kansas families now, throughout the pandemic, and into the future.”
LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. In 2020, about 34,000 households received an average benefit of $960.
“Winters in Kansas have the likelihood of bringing frigid temperatures, add in the financial pressures of the pandemic, it’s especially important this year that families have access to this important service to avoid financial concerns,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “Our staff is prepared to begin processing LIEAP applications, so families have warm homes this winter season.”
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility requirements are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel and utility rates.
Applicants need to have made payments on their heating bill two out of the last three months. Those payments must be equal to or exceed $80 or the total balance due on their energy bills, whichever is less.
Applications for the program have been mailed to households that received energy assistance last year. LIEAP applications are also available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies starting Jan. 4. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. To apply online, visit https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal. For more information, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.
Applications will be accepted from Jan. 4 to March 31.
Income eligibility determination:
Funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
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Union Lofts Apartments Open For Rental In Downtown Fort Scott
Union Lofts Apartments, 20 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott, will be available to move into in mid-January 2021.
The building has been under demolition then reconstruction since 2018, at the corner of 1st and Main Streets.
Tony Krsnich, Flint Hills Holdings, (located at 7301 Mission Rd, 326 Prairie Village Campus, Prairie Village) is the developer.
Twenty-five apartments fill the three-story historic building, and eight have already been leased.
Some of the perks for living in them?
“The tenants will be living in a newly renovated historic building,” said Mandy Maples, Flint Hills Holdings Vice President of Operations. “There will be a courtyard area with seating and a BBQ grill, indoor workout facility, every apartment is uniquely designed.
No two apartments are the same. Every apartment is unique and holds its own personality.”
Residents may move in the middle of January and there are apartments available for leasing now, she said.
Applications can be picked up at 8 East First Street, at the apartment building across the street.
For questions, call 620-223-1718.
Following are prior stories on the building:
Flint Hills Holding
Flint Hills Holdings Group was established in early 2014. FHHG specializes in historic preservation and multifamily developments. FHHG has developed over $100MM of real estate in Kansas and Missouri since its inception in early 2014 and currently works in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report Dec. 30
Nancy Evans Retires From CHC
After 17 years working for CHC/SEK, Nancy Evans, RN, BSN, will retire at the end of December. CHC/SEK established a scholarship in her honor for her service and dedication.
CHC/SEK’s first employee retires, scholarship created in her name
To honor Nancy Evans, RN, BSN, for her 17 years of service to Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and a lifetime dedicated to nursing, CHC/SEK has established the Nancy Evans Nursing Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.
The scholarship will be given annually to an individual, selected by Nancy, pursuing a degree in nursing.
“While we can’t replace Nancy, she can now help us find someone who may one day try,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK CEO and President in a video announcing the scholarship. “Enjoy your well-earned retirement Nancy and for always, always, being where we needed you the most and when we needed you. God bless you and thank you for all you’ve done.”
People who wish to contribute to the scholarship endowment can send a check made out to CHC/SEK Evans Scholarship Fund Attn Douglas Stuckey, Trustee P.O. Box 1832, Pittsburg, KS 66762-1832 or call Douglas at 620-240-5011.
Over the span of 17 years, Nancy was part of the beginnings of many services at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, from dental to flu shots and prescription assistance to diabetic education.
Nancy, who most recently served as a Nurse/Certified Diabetic Educator, is set to retire at the end of December.
“I’m looking forward to retiring but I most certainly will miss this place, it’s been a wonderful job,” she said.
Nancy started working for CHC/SEK out of the Wesley House. The dental program then began at Wesley House and she continued to be part of the program when it moved over to 924 N. Broadway in Pittsburg.
Later on, with a kitchen table for an office, Nancy worked in the CHC/SEK doublewide trailer where she provided prescription assistance. She looked at her log recently, and since becoming employed Nancy has provided prescription assistance for over 14,000 encounters. Nancy didn’t do it alone, she said, she often had volunteers working with her or a part time employee to help do paperwork.
Providing prescription assistance grew the need for case management.
“When you do prescription assistance, they tell you what they are needing and why they can’t afford things and one thing just turned into another and you work with them to try to get food or shelter, all kinds of things,” Nancy said.
Krista noticed Nancy was frequently educating diabetic patients and encouraged her to become a certified diabetic educator. Nancy became the first diabetic educator at CHC/SEK.
“That’s something I never thought about,” Nancy said. “I thought I’d get bored because it was pretty much doing one disease entity and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do that, but now – by all means – it is my passion.”
Before testing, the certification required 1,000 hours of teaching and she had to do it within four years. Completing her certification became quite the undertaking because CHC/SEK kept growing and growing.
As she was preparing for her certification, Nancy was involved in a prescription assistance program, (PALS) which was “up and running and huge,” she said. Nancy also provided nutrition education, went to health fairs, traveled to southeast Kansas schools and gave vaccines to students. She became the “flu shot lady,” delivering thousands of shots as she went from one business or company to another to provide flu shots.
Diabetic education became such a strong passion for Nancy because there is such a need not only in southeast Kansas, but also globally. There are thousands just in Pittsburg who are diagnosed with diabetes.
“It’s on the brink of an epidemic, partly because of the obesity factor and the fact that you can buy pop for a whole lot less money than a gallon of milk,” she said. “I really think the biggest reason is the lack of exercise, which is contributing to the obesity too.”
It’s rewarding to see the changes in patients when they get their diabetes under control, she said, adding that when somebody has high blood sugars, nothing about them feels good, they are tired all of the time, and nothing feels right.
“If we can get your blood sugars down to where they are supposed to be, you are going to be delightfully surprised how much energy you have and how many more things you can do, and how much bigger your life is going to be,” Nancy said.
The people – her patients – are what made CHC/SEK a special place for her.
“That’s what I’m going to miss when I leave, my people, and they are the world to me,” Nancy said. “I see them out on the streets and I have some that text or call me to tell me stuff, someone brought in their new baby the other day, and somebody came in saying something about just needing a hug – that’s the kind of the thing I’m going to miss when I’m not here anymore.”
Nancy beams with pride when she shares with people about her career and CHC/SEK. She gives the credit to the founder and employees and other visionaries of what CHC/SEK has come to be and continues to grow into.
“When I start going through all the things we do, I kind of take a step back and I’m so impressed,” she said. “And I work here and I’m part of it, but I’m still impressed by all that we do and the resources we provide, it’s pretty darned amazing.”