Monthly Archives: November 2021

Bourbon County, Business

Heartland awards $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association for building improvements

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Doug Graham (center left), the communication specialist for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, presents a check for $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association members (from left to right) Laura George, Wilma Hibdon, Diane Brillhart, Mark Brillhart, and Dale Griffiths.

 

Fair participants and others using the buildings at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds will soon benefit from improvements to roofing and HVAC systems made possible in part by a grant from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative.

Heartland recently awarded Bourbon County Fair Association a $5,000 grant through its Concern for Community program.

 

“I often say that we’re not in the business of selling electricity, we’re in the business of powering rural lifestyles,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “Part of that is supporting the communities our consumer-members live in and around. This grant program is a great way to do just that.”

 

The Concern for Community program provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, which covers parts of 12 counties in eastern Kansas.  

 

 

As a non-profit, member-owned cooperative, Heartland issues capital credits to members each year, but sometimes those capital credits go unclaimed. Because those monies were intended to be returned to the communities from which they came, Heartland’s Board of Directors decided to use those unclaimed funds for community grants and started the Concern for Community program in 2019.  

Nine applications out of 25 received were approved for funding by the Heartland board. In total, Heartland distributed around $36,000 in Concern for Community grants this year. 

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tourism Initiatives Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $3.5 Million in New Funding for Kansas Tourism Initiatives

~Kansas Tourism to use funds to revitalize and enhance the tourism industry~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has received $3.5 million in grant funding from the United States Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to distribute to local partners across the state. These funds will accelerate travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation in the state.

“Kansas’ tourism industry is an economic driver for our state, which is why my administration relocated the State’s Tourism Division to the Department of Commerce last year,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This $3.5 million will accelerate our efforts to boost travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation across Kansas – improving quality of life for Kansans and growing our economy along the way.”

Kansas will use these funds to inject immediate momentum into the Kansas tourism industry. The $3.5 million will be invested in four strategic areas:

  • $1.5 million for sub-grants to local communities or businesses in the development of new tourism attractions or to enhance existing attractions in the state;
  • $1.25 million for a strong statewide marketing campaign to increase out-of-state visitation;
  • $500,000 for regional video and photography-asset gathering to support state and local marketing efforts;
  • $250,000 for Kansas State Parks to develop glamping – “glamourous camping” – sites at various State Park locations.

“We are using every tool at our disposal to drive new economic growth in Kansas, and tourism is a key part of our approach,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “These dollars will go a long way in showcasing all of the amazing features Kansas has to offer, while also supporting our businesses and tourism industry partners statewide.”

All 59 states and territories were invited to apply for these grants to support marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel. Additional state grants are expected to be awarded in coming weeks and months.

“Of the many revelations we’ve realized as a result of this pandemic, none may be more clear to us than the very real value of Kansas’ state parks,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Secretary Brad Loveless. “This $250,000 investment comes at a perfect time to improve facilities, increase capacity, and to welcome the many who have yet to camp out-of-doors and need a comfortable introduction.”

“Kansas is ripe with opportunity to grow our tourism industry as we emerge from this pandemic,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Infusing these additional dollars into our statewide marketing and development strategies will bring economic benefits for many years in the future.”

The funds are part of EDA’s $750 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, which provides $510 million in State Tourism grants and $240 million in Competitive Tourism grants that will be awarded to advance the economic recovery and resiliency of communities where the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries were hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The $510 million State Tourism grants – along with today’s reopening of international travel to the United States – are critical steps in the recovery of the travel and tourism sector from the coronavirus pandemic.

For more about EDA’s Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation and other American Rescue Plan programs, please visit: https://www.eda.gov/arpa/.

Fort Scott

Butterfly Garden in the Making for Gunn Park

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The butterfly garden is located just before the entrance to Gunn Park on the south side of Park Avenue. This view is from behind the entrance signs looking southeast to the garden spot.
A butterfly habitat pollination garden is being established in Gunn Park by some residents.
Alison Leach and Krisi Bowman had an idea to create pollination habitats,  and have been working to see the idea come to fruition.
Alison Leach, left,  and Krisi Bowman clears more space at the butterfly garden site just before the entrance sign to Gunn Park on November 6. In the background is the tilled soil that is the prepared site for the planting of seeds to attract pollinators.
The two presented pollination habitat information to the Fort Scott City Commission in  August 2020.
They requested permission to seek a site, resources, and establish a team of volunteers.
“The Covid Pandemic became a barrier as there were limited people able to gather for meetings to consider the vision,” Bowman said.
This did not deter the two and they spent hours seeking a site that provides adequate sun and space, she said.
Fort Scott Parks Director Doug Guns has experience in utilizing pollinator plants on golf courses, Bowman said.
“He was very supportive of the butterfly habitat and realized the benefits,” she said.
At a Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board meeting, Guns gave information on developing a small-scale butterfly habitat project near the Gunn Park entrance.
“He provided some guidelines of signs and warnings of bees that the public may need to be aware of, if allergic, to mitigate any injury,” Bowman said.
The tilled area is waiting for seed. Submitted by Alison Leach.

“Native plants are best since that is what supports pollinators in their natural habitat,” Bowman said. “They are much lower maintenance due to their long roots and require less water than non-natives and thrive in less than ideal conditions. Each species of butterfly has a specific host plant as well. Monarch’s host plant is milkweed which serves as the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. It is important to have diversity in nectar plants for different bloom times so pollinators will have nectar throughout the entire season.”

Gardening is something Bowman enjoys.

“The best part about gardening is that it is for everyone,” she said. “If there is otherwise useless space it can become something beautiful and beneficial for native wildlife even in small spaces.”

 

“When we started this project the main goal was to create more natural habitat space free of pesticides in otherwise unused space to support pollinators and encourage more native plantings in our community,” she said. “Native (plant) gardens are not only beautiful- they also serve a purpose.”

For Bowman, a Monarch Butterfly garden is something she has been enjoying for some time.
She has been growing milkweed and other native plants on her property for years, she said.
Photo of a Monarch Butterfly taken by Kris Bowman this summer.
She has established a connection with Monarchs on the Move out of Kansas City, Missouri.
A Monarch Butterfly caterpillar. Submitted by Bowman.
“April with Monarchs on the Move has had a 501c3 (non-profit status)  for seven-plus years and was gracious to hold a teleconference with Alison and I,” Bowman said.  “April provided clear step-by-step recommendations to prepare the site.  April offered to share her harvested seed for our initial project this fall.”
A Monarch Butterfly in Bowman’s garden.
Leach appeared once again before the Fort Scott City Commission and asked for permission to begin the project to the left side of Gunn Park entrance and it was granted, she said.
Leach and Bowman met with Doug Guns and he advised of a few resources (grants) to review, she said.
“Doug has been an instrumental part of this project coming to fruition,” Leach said.  “City park employees have been accessible and helpful during the preparation of soil and area. Norman Mackey had recently tilled the area and it’s now prepared for the seeding process.”
“The group welcomes volunteers this spring and will announce any opportunities,  on our Facebook page:  Bourbon County Monarch,” Leach said.
A Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, taken in Krisi Bowm’s garden last summer.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Local Health Department Now Offering COVID Vaccine For 5-11 Year Olds

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The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.

If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.

Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.

There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.

Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
Fort Scott

Veteran’s to Parade Past Fort Scott Schools on Nov. 11

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The American Legion Post 25 has planned a Veteran’s Day Parade, following the decision of the Fort Scott Tourism Board to cancel the one they have sponsored for a few years.

“I am proud and excited to announce that we have organized our own parade for Veteran’s Day,”  Jessica Allison, Commander of

American Legion Post #25, Fort Scott,  said. “I am encouraging all of you to participate.”
All veterans who wish to participate will be meeting at Memorial Hall, Third Street at National Avenue, at 9:45  a.m. on Thursday, November 11.
“The parade will be led by the American Legion Riders on their motorcycles, and the rest of you will follow in vehicles. We will not have a float. We will be driving by all of the schools in town.”
“Tom “Short Bus” Metcalf, Jr. has contacted the (USD234) School Superintendent and they will have the students outside to watch,” she said.
“We will end the route at National Cemetery in time for the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11 a.m.,” Allison said. “Please pass this on to any and all the local veterans that you know.”
Contact Allison at 620-224-4733 or Tom Metcalf, Jr at 620-224-7951.
Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 available at CHC/SEK 

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Vaccination promises to help kids more safely resume school and social activities

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 by appointment in its Baxter Springs, Coffeeville, Iola, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Pleasanton locations.  The initial number of Pfizer for children’s vaccinations is limited, however, CHC/SEK expects the vaccine supply to become more readily available and will have children’s Pfizer vaccine ages 5-11 at more clinics in the coming weeks.  

To speed the process for parents and to prevent vaccine waste (open vials have a short shelf life), CHC/SEK is requesting that children’s COVID-19 vaccinations be administered by appointment when possible.  

Parents wishing to have their children vaccinated can schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Those without web access can call their local clinic or 620-231-9873 to schedule.  

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for administration to children under emergency use authorization. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the Pfizer vaccination, with Kansas officials adopting the authorization on Wednesday. 

This latest vaccination authorization includes children 5-11 and those with underlying conditions and previous COVID infection. Vaccinating ages 5-11 allow children the protection to resume normal childhood activities without risking their own health and reduces the risk of bringing the virus home to a more vulnerable family member.

Pfizer’s child shots contain just a third of the vaccine dose that is already been used to vaccinate millions of people 12 and older. The 5- to 11-year-olds will receive two shots, three weeks apart, the same schedule as everyone else but with a smaller amount in each shot, using a smaller needle. 

According to U.S. health authorities and leading doctors’ groups, COVID-19 is causing much preventable suffering among youngsters. About 1.9 million kids ages 5 to 11 have been sickened with COVID-19. Some 8,300 were hospitalized, about one-third needed intensive care, and at least 94 deaths have been verified.

There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.  

While the U.S. has seen a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases, experts worry about virus variants and another uptick in infections with holiday travel and as winter sends more activity indoors where it is easier for the coronavirus to spread.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 News Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, November 8, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, November 8, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – October 20, 2021 – $1,447,671.65

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

F.     FFA Extended Trip Application

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

 

Board members watched a video of Winfield Scott students utilizing new technology as they learn to produce daily announcements.  Board members heard the following reports:

 

·       Audit Report from Terry Sercer

·       Fort Scott KNEA Report from Brenda Hill

·       Administrators’ Reports

·       Academic Director’s Report

·       Superintendent’s Report

·       Business Manager’s Report

 

Board members approved the ESSER II funds application.  In addition, the board approved a January 2022 retention bonus of $500 per employee.

The board members reviewed and updated the USD 234 Area of Focus.  In addition, board members approved the following:

 

·       Roof consulting proposal from Benchmark, Inc.

·       Resolution 21-09 for Withdrawal from Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool

·       RPS Broker Agreement

·       Benefits Committee recommendation for health insurance

·       Erate Application Funding Year 2022 Contract

·       Employee Safety Manual

·       Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for COVID-19 testing

·       Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Scott KNEA

The Fort Scott Middle School VIP Fall Extravaganza will be held on November 22, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the middle school commons and gymnasium.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.   The board approved the following employment items:

 

A.    Retirement of Fredina Gonzales, bus driver, effective December 1, 2021

B.    Resignation of Robert Jackson, Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian, effective Novembe4 5, 2021

C.    Resignation of Mary Watson, middle school paraprofessional, effective October 29, 2021

D.    Leave of absence for Brent Cavin, middle school social studies teacher

E.     Employment of Kaytelynd Keller as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

F.     Employment of Akasha Clements as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

G.    Employment of Jonny Larsen as a 12-month, 8-hour Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

H.    Resignation of Amy Keeton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective Nov. 7, 2021

I.      Employment of Jade Johnson as a high school assistant softball coach for the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Tom Robertson as high school head boys’ golf coach for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Addition of a high school paraprofessional position for the 2021-22 school year.

 

The board adjourned.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Mural In Riverfront Park

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Stephen Toal stands in front of his latest mural, entitled, United We Stand, Divided We Fall, on the Riverfront Loop Road, under the Hwy. 69 underpass on Wednesday afternoon.

On November 8, local artist Stephen Toal was finishing up a new mural he has painted in the tunnel of the Hwy. 69 underpass on the Riverfront Loop Road in Riverfront Park.

He was inspired to create some patriotic themes featuring the Statue of Liberty along with the skyline of New York and the symbol of America, the Bald Eagle.

He said the name of the mural is United We Stand, Divided We Fall, which he felt was fitting for this time in America. The pandemic, social justice issues, and political divides are the news of the day in the last year and a half since the pandemic began.

For Toal, the project was set back a bit by stolen paint left at the site last week.

“Somebody stole my paint,” Toal said. “But it’s pretty cool that people came together and purchased more paint for me.”

“I’m going to open an account for community projects,” he said. “I don’t like messing with money,”

He has done six community murals in Fort Scott parks and has had three paid mural jobs recently, he said.

His first mural was at Gunn Park under the big rock shelter house No. 1, which he completed in spring 2020.

To view prior features on the artist:

New Mural at Gunn Park by Artist Stephen Toal

Art Is Therapy For Toal

Toal said he invites the community to come and visit his latest artwork.

The New York skyline and the American Bald Eagle are featured in Toal’s latest mural.

His mural work is just about finished for the season.

“Spray paint spits, when the weather gets below 40 degrees,” Toal said. “So I do it when the weather is warmer.”

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser

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The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 33rd annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 18 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be a drive through only event this year” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Elizabeth Schafer.

A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $6.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Schafer.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

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Bourbon County, Church news, Fort Scott

  Fort Scott Lighthouse Gathering On Nov. 11

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The community is invited to the Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, in the conference room of Rodeway Inn, 101 State Street.
This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men and youth to worship, pray, fellowship and grow in unity.  We desire to propel the Kingdom forward through the elevation of the knowledge of God. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
We will share a teaching given at our international conference in September.
Our Lighthouse desires the body of Christ to come together to meet the needs of those that cannot speak for themselves.
We are forming a committee and looking for property to get temporary shelter ready for those in need.
For more information contact Amanda Gilmore at (620) 215-0418 or Bob Reazin at (620) 363-0257.