Monthly Archives: May 2021

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

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Voters at  Bourbon County Clerk’s Office in a prior election…

Next Tuesday, June 1,  is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.

“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.

As of May 25, the following have filed to run:

For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.

For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.

For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.

For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.

For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.

For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.

For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.

For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart

For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin

For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.

The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.

All the filing deadlines, for each entity,  is noon June 1st, 2021.

The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.

The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.

In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.

The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

 

For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.

 

For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.

The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

 

Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.

If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Flags Half-Staff For Memorial Day

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff for Memorial Day

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective from sunup until noon on Monday, May 31, 2021, in recognition of Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, let us all come together to honor and remember the women and men in the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our freedom and our way of life,” Governor Kelly said. “Today and every day, we owe them our gratitude.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools, Sports

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program, Thursday, May 27th at 8 a.m. located at the FSHS Gymnasium, 1005 S. Main St. Attendees should enter through the northwest doors of the gym facing 10th Street.

Jared Martin, FSHS Strength & Performance Coach, is excited to showcase the program’s top-notch facility at Fort Scott High School. The USD-234 school board and administrators have made a considerable investment in the development of student’s health and performance.  A summer program will be starting soon and for students ranging from 11-18 years of age. The focus for middle school students is to provide high quality opportunities for them to learn how to train properly in a fun and exciting environment.  The high school age group will focus on performance enhancement as we build team chemistry and comradery through training together.  

Homemade sticky bun-style cinnamon rolls and homemade sausage rolls reminiscent of Johnson’s at the old Daylight Donuts will be served.  Fresh fruit and coffee from Common Ground will be provided as well.  Along with that, there will be a variety of Tiger gear giveaways.

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 as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Parade Entries Registration Due June 2

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The Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
is taking registrations for
Parade Entries
for the
40th Annual
Good Ol’ Days Festival!
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE for a printable registration form.
The 2021 Good Ol’ Days Festival Parade
is drawing near!
The deadline for entries is
Wednesday, June 2nd
@ 1:00 p.m.
Entries which arrive without pre-registering
will not be allowed in the parade.
The theme for this year’s festival is
“40 Years of Family, Friends & Fun”
For full festival information, please visit the
Good Ol’ Days website by clickinghere.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,
231 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.223.3566
or email to: [email protected]
Area News, Kansas

Clean Energy Jobs

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Kansas Leaders Highlight Benefits of Renewable Energy on the State’s Workforce
Panel addressed job creation and economic benefits through wind and solar energy growth
Wichita, KS – Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion today that took a closer look at job creation and career development in the clean energy sector. The virtual event, “Boosting Kansas’ Workforce Through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders in education, industry, and workforce experts today who highlighted that Kansas is well-positioned to lead the nation’s transition to renewable energy generation.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Deputy Director, Randi Tveitaraas Jack, kicked off the conversation, “Renewable energy has brought remarkable economic opportunity to Kansas. It has put us on the map as a hub for specialized manufacturing and helped attract new business in search of clean energy to our state.”
Watch the event here.
Kansas ranks second in the nation in share of electricity generated by renewables, accounting for 42 percent of the state’s energy generation – enough to power 2.2 million homes.
“In a time of uncertainty with the pandemic on our heels, one thing the state can count on is renewables and its expected growth at the national scale,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.” Our state’s natural resources along with the advancing renewable energy sector will play an integral role in boosting the state’s economy, setting an example for other states to follow.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wind and solar technicians are two of the fastest growing jobs in the nation. Supporting 3,000 jobs in Kansas, wind and solar energy provide unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion.
Kristin Brighton, founder of HirePaths added, “By providing young Kansans with the right opportunities and proper training, the renewable energy sector can provide opportunities to retain young people in our state while adding diversity to our local economies.”
“Renewable energy not only creates direct jobs, it creates workforce opportunities up and down the supply chain,” said Michael White of The Kansas Contractors Association. “The benefits of renewables in Kansas extend far beyond what meets the eye.”
With more than $13 billion invested in the state, clean energy industry provides $52.5 million in annual revenue for state and local governments and another $32.3 million in annual lease payments to landowners – offering a stable source of income for farmers and ranchers during unprecedented weather events.
Kansas has 41 wind projects and 1,104 solar installations across the state. With more projects in the works, renewable energy will play an integral role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities.
“Pitt State does its part to keep Kansas on the map for its renewable energy excellence by helping to fuel its workforce,” said Shawn Naccarato, Chief Strategy Officer at Pittsburg State University. “I am proud to be a part of an institution that champions the renewable energy sector and all of its benefits for future generations.”
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Clean Power Association
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the voice of companies from across the clean power sector that are providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the American economy and driving high tech innovation across the United States. ACP works to transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies, along with manufacturers and construction companies, developers and owners/operators, utilities, financial firms and corporate purchasers, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States. Visit ACP’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits renewable energy brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting May 25 At 6 p.m.

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to discuss the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Fort Scott Lofts, LLC. They will also discuss potentially amending the agreement that was previous awarded to Bettis Asphalt for the mill and overlay of National Avenue from 13th to Highway 69. An Executive Session for attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) will also be held.

After the special meeting, at 7:00 p.m. the 2022 Budget Work session will begin.

This meeting is open to the public.

Obituary

Obituary of Laura Steele

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Laura Marie Steele, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Allen “Bert” Wallen and Inga Marie (Ekstedt) Wallen. She had eight older brothers and was the last of her family, with the exception of two nieces, Teresa Wallen of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Mary Kay Easton of Lexington, Kentucky.

Following her graduation from Fort Scott Community College, Laura worked at several companies over the years as a secretary and bookkeeper including Fort Scott Hydraulic Cement Co., Bruce Marble and Granite Works, the F.B.I. in Kansas City, Missouri, The Western Insurance, and Citizens Bank (now Landmark).

Laura married Russell Steele, a grain farmer of Uniontown, Kansas, in 1973, having met when she worked for The Western. She was a farm wife and homemaker until his death in 1992.

Laura was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Scott. She played the piano for F.C.C., as well as for other churches in the area.

In addition to her husband, Russell, Laura was also preceded in death by her parents, and her eight brothers, Frank, Albert, Charlie, Harry, Raymond, Robert, Richard, and James Wallen.

Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Marvin Nahon Jr.

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Marvin Dean Nahon, Jr., 65, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at his home. He was born February 22, 1956, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Marvin Dean Nahon Sr. and Gloria Jean (Cabodie) Nahon. He married Teresa Ames on June 20, 1994, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Marvin was a Registered Nurse at Nevada Regional Hospital and had recently retired after fourteen years.

In addition to his wife Teresa, Marvin is also survived by his mother, Gloria Nahon, of Frontenac, Kansas; his daughter, Kristi Nahon, of Arma, Kansas; two sisters, Linda Filby and husband Kenny of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Pam Trahan and husband Ken of DeSoto, Kansas, and one grandchild, Dyllan Nahon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Nahon, Sr.

Following cremation, family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday afternoon, May 29, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at a later date at the West Liberty Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to SE Kansas Humane Society and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Skating Is Coming To Fort Scott

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Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

On June 26, a new sport will be added to the offering at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

A roller skating rink will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, in the small gym at the center.

The cost will be $3 if one owns their own skates and $5 if skates need to be rented, according to Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones.

“It was (Fort Scott Commissioner) Pete Allen’s idea,” Jones said. “The sponsor’s are the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Community Foundation awarded a grant for (purchasing) the skates”

“I think it’s great we are trying something new for the kids,” Fort Scott Recreation Commission Director and Buck Run Community Center Manager Tom Robertson said. “To bring back roller skating to Fort Scott is an awesome thing.”

The recreation center is providing staff for the skating rink.

There will be staff to check people in and those to hand out skates, and additionally a safety person on the floor “to help those who fall and for help following the safety rules,” Robertson said.

While aimed at the youth of the city, there might be older residents who would like to try the sport again for nostalgic reasons, Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.

“Any additional options we can offer the community, make it more attractive,” he said.

“I think we can occasionally step in and partner with another entity such as the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Frazier said.

“A lot of people have worked on bringing this to the community,” he said. “A lot of credit goes to Ally Turvey (Fort Scott’s Community Development Director.)”

“We have a pool, parks, a golf course…I think we are serving our community through these,” Frazier said.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert Features Rick Hite

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This Friday Night Free Concert at the Heritage Park Pavilion, First and Main Street, features artist Rick Hite on the guitar and vocal.

“Rick is a long-time crowd favorite,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer, said.  “His repertoire is diverse with a mixture of Gospel, country classics, old standards and some classic rock.”

Hite, a Fort Scott native, retired as a college professor and returned home.

“We look forward to his stylings and artistry,” Carlson said. “Rick will have an open mike period mid-concert, allowing walk-on musicians to show their talents.”

The audience should bring folding chairs as seating is limited.

In the event of adverse weather, the show will be moved to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop on 12 E. Wall St.