Monthly Archives: August 2021

Fort Scott, Government

FS Golf Course Advisory Board Vacancy

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The Fort Scott Golf Course Advisory Board has a vacancy.

There is one opening for a city resident.

The function of the Golf Course Advisory Board is to advise the City Commission in all matters referred to them regarding the Woodland Hills Golf Course. They will also independently evaluate all aspects of the operation of the Golf Course and make recommendations to the City Commission and City Manager. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this Board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any of these boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by September 17th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Budget Work Session Sept. 2

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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 2, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Budget Work Session

 

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Old Settler’s Picnic Is On for Sept. 3-6

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The Boy Scout Pack and Troup 114 and Girl Scout Troup 71650 lead the children’s parade in the Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic festivities in this 2019 photo.
Uniontown’s Old Settlers Weekend is on for Sept. 3-6 after a hiatus of one year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There will be three rodeos, a kids fishing derby, a community church service, and a family game night preceding the day of the annual picnic on Labor Day.
Olson Ranch Wally and Jennifer Olson,
Travis and Kellie Duncan pose following a win at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo. Submitted photo.
On Labor Day, vendors will line the town’s square, including food vendors to feed the crowd that usually shows up for the parade at 10 a.m.
The event has been going on in the small town of about 300 people for 115 years.
“The theme for this year is Hats Off For Hometown Pride,” said Shayla Knight, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee, which meets year-round to plan the event
“We have rolled the theme over from last year,” Knight said.
“We are excited to be having Old Settlers Picnic this year.”
“All of our traditional events will be taking place, she said. “Saturday morning is the kid’s fishing derby.”
“Sunday at 10 a.m. is church in the park with Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church hosting our community. As always donuts and coffee will be available. Sunday evening at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a family game night in the park. Two years ago we started this and for the first time, it went very well. There is something for everyone on family game night! Cornhole, bubble gum contest, watermelon contest.”

There will be concessions available through the UHS Cheerleaders and other organizations and vendors.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Monday are our traditional events featuring the baby contest, kid parade, parade, drawings, and kids games,” she said.
Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn were honored as Grand Marshalls in the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Also this year will be the 2nd annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show,” Knight said. “Two years ago there was a great turnout and this year we are hoping for even more. Cars are welcome to participate in the parade if they choose to or just in the car show. Sara Roufs has been solely committed to the car show since day one and has exceeded all expectations. We as a committee appreciate the wonderful addition to the Old Settlers Picnic.”
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“In addition, we will have bounce houses available for the kids,” she said. “We are still currently looking for volunteers to help man them. All volunteers must be 18 or older. We have a sign-up link on our Facebook page if anyone is willing to volunteer for an hour.”
“Overall we are happy to be able to hold this event this year and look forward to the fun weekend,” Knight said.
Contacts for the events are the fishing derby-Shayla Knight at 224-8493 or Kyle Knight at 224-8436; the rodeos-Wayne Hall 363-4206; vendor and craft registration and the baby contest-Hope Workman at 224-8196; the parade line-up- Becky Shinn at 223-9532, family night games and the children’s parade lineup-Rhonda Dewitt at 215-1939; kids games-Candice Clayton at 224-8945.
Flyers are available at Union Station, Uniontown City Hall, Uniontown Post Office, and HB Salon.
Those helping with the event are Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Wayne Hall, First Missionary Baptist Church, Marty DeWitt, the City of Uniontown, Bobby Rich, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Receives Humanities Grant For Community Reading Project

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TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas awarded $1,481.00 to the Fort Scott Community College Library last fall to support a community read project. Susie Arvidson serves as project director. Due to various COVID restrictions, the event was postponed. FSCC is pleased to announce that the community read project will kick off the week of September 6, 2021.

This project encourages the FSCC campus community to interact with the local communities in a common book reading and discussions club. The books to be read are A Choice of Weapons by Gordon Parks and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. Parks’ book was selected as this autobiography addresses the themes of racism, discrimination, and poverty and how the author chose to address and combat those issues. Moore’s book was selected as it addresses the issues of fate/choice, race, inequality, injustice, discipline, and violence culminating in the support of the theme of expressions of truth.

Readings will occur individually with a suggested reading timeline. Discussions will occur through in-person book discussions hosted on the college campus and various hosting locations throughout the community when possible. Synchronous virtual meetings are available upon request, as well as some discussion via social media. Finally, each reading and discussion will culminate with a guest speaker who will speak on the overall, central theme of culture and diversity.

The first book to be read will be the Gordon Parks book. The culminate during the Gordon Parks Celebration hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College. This event will be an informal book discussion with John Mason, Associate Professor, , Associate Chair, University of Virginia Department of History and Eli Reed, Choice of Weapons Honoree.

“Humanities Kansas believes that communities are strengthened through the exchange of stories and ideas,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director. “This project brings the people of Fort Scott together to read, discuss, and share experiences, encouraging community connection and engagement on significant topics.”

If you are interested in participating you can contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700, ext. 3441.

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

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Government

New Heirs’ Property Relending Program Accepting Applications

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Lenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program 

 

Manhattan Kansas, August 30, 2021 – Intermediary lenders can now apply for loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications today through October 29, 2021, and cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for these competitive loans, which ultimately will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues.  

 

“Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues,” said Charles, Pettijohn, Acting State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency (FSA). “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and removing barriers faced by heirs’ property owners is part of that effort.”  

 

Through HPRP, FSA loans up to $5 million at a 1% interest rate to eligible lenders. Then, those eligible lenders will reloan funds to heirs to help resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan.  

 

How to Apply 

Intermediary lenders should apply by the October 29, 2021 deadline using the HPRP application form (FSA-2637), which can be submitted to FSA by mail: 

 

FSA Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs 

Loan Making Division 

STOP 0522 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.  

Washington, DC 20250 

 

Additionally, FSA will host a webinar on September 15 at 2 p.m. ET for interested lenders, who can register or learn more on the FSA Outreach and Education webpage. 

 

Eligible Lenders 
Intermediary lenders must: 

  • be certified as a community development financial institution, and 
  • have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature. 

 

If applications exceed the amount of available funds, FSA will prioritize applicants that both:  

  • have at least 10 years or more of experience with socially disadvantaged farmers; and 
  • are located in states that have adopted a statute consisting of enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA). A list of these states is available at farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

More Information 

Frequently asked questions (including those in Spanish, Thai and Chinese), the August 3, 2021 overview webinar, and other resources can be found on farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

After the loans are announced, USDA will distribute information for heirs on how to apply. Information for heirs is also on farmers.gov/heirs/relending.  

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

A Fair Day’s Wage: Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Labors of Fort Scott

Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6, 2021, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the sights, sounds, and smells behind the Labors creating the “Crack Post on the Frontier”.

 

Labor Day weekend activities include artillery demonstrations, historic cooking, breadmaking, construction skill demonstrations, and a variety of interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, laundress, and an officer and his wife and find out if everyone earned a fair day’s wage. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Saturday, September 4.

  • Living History stations are available throughout the day
  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • Noon – Historic Construction Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm- Artillery Demonstration
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

Sunday, September 5

  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00  pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

Monday September 6

  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00 pm – Artillery  Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm – Crack Post of the Frontier – Construction Tour of Fort Scott
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

The National Park Service currently requires that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in all federal buildings and outside when others are present and physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot be maintained.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 3 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 

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Ten 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Coach), Clay Brillhart, Sadie Marchiano, Kristy Beene, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Byron Fry, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry, Leah Mueller. Pictured virtually by phone, Aidan Yoho. Submitted photo.

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District 4-H Volunteer

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 21-22 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Sadie Marchiano, Clay Brillhart, Carly Dreher, Kristy Beene, Gwen Fry, Byron Fry, Leah Mueller, Haleigh O’Brien, Tate Crystal and Kyser Nemecek.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2021 Champion Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Team. Top individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Gwen Fry, 10th and Sadie Marchiano was named High Individual Overall after excelling in all contests.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition and both Southwind teams qualified. Southwind #4 (Brillhart, Marchiano, Dreher, O’Brien) was seated first after the test and was later named the State Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (G. Fry, Crystal, Mueller, Nemecek) earned 7th best out of 26 teams in the contest.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 227 contestants and 44 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #4 (Marchiano, Crystal, Dreher, Beene) was 2nd in Sheep/Goats; 3rd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 2nd in Reasons and named Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #1 (Mueller, Nemecek, G. Fry, O’Brien) was 7th High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Sadie Marchiano – 4th Sheep/Goats; 7th Hogs; 2nd Reasons; 5th High Individual Overall
  • Carly Dreher – 7th Beef
  • Tate Crystal – 10th Sheep/Goats; 8th Beef; 8th Reasons; 6th High Individual Overall
  • Haleigh O’Brien – 8th Sheep/Goats

    As the State Champion Livestock Judging Team, Southwind District (Marchiano, Crystal, Dreher, Beene) will represent Kansas 4-H at a national 4-H contest later this fall.

    The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #4 (Dreher, Marchiano, Brillhart, G. Fry) was 3rd in Placings, 3rd in Reasons, 5th in Retail ID and 6th Team Overall.

  • Clay Brillhart – 2nd High Individual Overall, 5th Reasons; 5th Retail ID
  • Carly Dreher – 2nd Placings
  • Tate Crystal – 4th Placings
  • Sadie Marchiano – 7th Placings

    For the first time in many years, youth from the Southwind District participated in the Intermediate Meats Judging Contest with 13 total teams. Southwind #5 (Sutton, Sutton, K. Bloesser, Maycumber) was 4th Placings, 8th Questions, 4th Retail ID and 5th Intermediate Team Overall. Southwind #6 (Bloesser, H. Shadden, S. Shadden) was 10th Placings, 6th Retail ID and 9th Intermediate Team Overall. Individually, Kendyl Bloesser was 6th in Retail ID and 8th High Individual Overall. Hailey Shadden was 5th in Placings and Marley Sutton was 9th in Placings

    In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on understanding livestock biosecurity, and understanding issues in livestock reproduction. Southwind #4 (O’Brien, Marchiano, Dreher, Crystal) was 5th in Exam, 2nd in Practicum and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #1 (G. Fry, Mueller, Beene, Nemecek) was 7th Team in Practicum. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:

  • Sadie Marchiano – 2nd Exam; 4th Practicum; 4th High Individual Overall 
  • Haleigh O’Brien – 10th Practicum 

                 This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Reserve Champion Livestock Judging, Reserve Champion Livestock Skillathon, Champion Quiz Bowl Team and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

Photo caption:  Ten 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Coach), Clay Brillhart, Sadie Marchiano, Kristy Beene, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Byron Fry, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry, Leah Mueller. Pictured virtually by phone, Aidan Yoho.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) Automatic Increases

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Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

If you have a health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov, you may see a decrease in your monthly premiums beginning September 1.

The American Rescue Plan enhanced premium assistance for 2021 and 2022 by lowering the share of premiums people pay. This includes people who already qualified for the APTC with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with income over 400% of the federal poverty level, and those with unemployment benefits in 2021.

Starting September 1, HealthCare.gov will automatically update the advance premium tax credit for some enrollees. If an enrollee is eligible to be automatically redetermined, HealthCare.gov sent notices in late July. Redetermination will occur for enrollees who have not updated their HealthCare.gov application since April 1; currently pay a premium; and previously chose to receive their full APTC up-front.

Enrollees who have received or been approved to receive unemployment compensation in 2021 will have their APTC automatically redetermined if they have confirmed since January 1 that they receive or have been approved to receive unemployment in the current month; have not updated their HealthCare.gov application since July 1; currently pay a premium; and previously chose to receive their full APTC up front.

Some enrollees are not eligible for the automatic APTC redetermination including those who already returned to HealthCare.gov since April 1, current enrollees, or July 1, unemployment enrollees; taking less than the full APTC amount; and those in zero-premium plans.

Adjustments can be made to increase or decrease qualifying APTC by updating the 2021 application by selecting “Life Change” and manually updating how much of the APTC to apply. A reminder that all premium tax credits are reconciled for the year when completing taxes. If income is underestimated for the year, enrollees may owe back a portion of the APTC and repayment forgiveness will not apply for 2021 plan year.

For more information and FAQ, visit Health Reform: Beyond the Basics at https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/. For local assistance, contact me at 620-223-3720 or [email protected]. Marketplace 2022 open enrollment is November 1 through December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Sept. 2 Sponsored by Stewart Realty

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Chamber Coffee hosted by Stewart Realty

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, September 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Stewart Realty. The location for the coffee will be at 1519 S. National Avenue and will be showcasing the old Bartelsmeyer’s Jewelry property. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may enter a drawing for door prizes.

Diann Tucker invites everyone to the Chamber Coffee and has this property is listed on the Stewart Realty website and Facebook.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.