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Monthly Archives: December 2022
Gordon Parks Museum receives Plaza-Hawkins bookcase
A bookcase from the historic Plaza–Hawkins School was donated recently to the Gordon
Parks Museum by Fort Scott resident John Dobbins, a longtime tutor at Fort Scott Community College.
Gordon Parks attended Plaza–Hawkins, the segregated school for grades kindergarten through eighth located
at what was formerly 111 Hendricks St., situated on the east side of what is now the Fort Scott National
Historic Site.
“This bookcase was part of the Plaza school in the 1920s when Gordon attended there,” Dobbins said in
making the donation to museum director Kirk Sharp. “My parents bought in in the 1950s when the school
closed and the furnishings were sold.”
In 1946, the school was renamed from the “Hawkins School” as a tribute to and in memory of professor E.J.
Hawkins, a longtime educator, administrator and coach at the institution.
The school, a large, two–story building with a full basement, was razed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as
part of the urban–renewal project under way at the time. A wayside memorial of the school is located in the Fort
Scott National Historic Site recreational–vehicle parking lot behind the Chamber of Commerce building.
The bookcase, along with other artifacts from the Plaza–Hawkins School, is on display at the Gordon Parks
Museum on the camps of FSCC.
For more information or to schedule museum visits and tours, call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email
[email protected].
Kansas Virtual Job Fair on Dec. 14
Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Job Seekers to Attend End-of-Year Statewide Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly invites job seekers and employers to participate in the last Statewide Virtual Job Fair being offered in 2022. This virtual fair is hosted by KANSASWORKS and will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14.
“Since 2109, we have attracted more than $14 billion in capital investment from the private sector and created more than 53,000 jobs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This type of monumental growth requires a workforce to meet the needs of these businesses. I encourage any Kansan looking for a new opportunity to participate in the virtual job fair.”
Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in.
“The Statewide Virtual Job Fairs have been very successful in helping Kansans find new career paths,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With companies hiring throughout the state, there are jobs available for anyone that is looking and our KANSASWORKS centers are ready and willing to help.”
Workforce development teams provide assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more. Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview on the spot.
Candidates can participate via any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Click here to register for the December 14 Virtual Job Fair.
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Obituary of Fredrick Judy
Fredrick Eugene Judy, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born March 24, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Fredrick Samuel Judy and Anna Georgia Downing Judy.
Fred married Christina M. Cook on December 30, 1972, at Ft. Scott. In earlier years, Fred had worked at Klein Tools in Moran, Kansas and later Labconco in Ft. Scott. He also owned and operated his own trash service. Fred later took a job with the USD #234 where he worked as a custodian and as a bus driver. He worked full time for the school district for over twenty-five years. At the time of his death, he was still driving the pre-school bus for the U-234 pre-school program where his young passengers affectionately referred to his as “Mr. Fred”.
Fred enjoyed helping others and serving his community. He had served for a time as a Bourbon County Commissioner. He enjoyed carpentry work and camping. Fred loved spending time and traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed taking trips to Branson.
Fred put his faith in the Lord and was an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Chris, of the home; six children, Debra Merritt (Wayne) of Warsaw, Missouri, Carol Judy of Franklin, Kansas, David Judy (Cindy) of Cherokee, Kansas, Donna Castellani (Robert) of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tim Judy of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Brian Judy (Amanda) of Carl Junction, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Misty Judy of Warsaw, Missouri, and a sister, Edith Hixon of Ft. Scott.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Samuel Judy, Tony Doan and Christopher Judy and two sisters, Thelma Bulla and Ruth Dunckhorst.
Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery south of Redfield, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital 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.
Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.
The Holly’s began their a new business in 2020 when they started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.
“We value knowing where the meat we are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”
“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”
In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.
In the Spring of 2021 they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”
“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”
This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.
“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”
The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.
“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area, which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”
The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.
If there are questions about the business, contact via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook for more information.
“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.
The Family’s Background
The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.
Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children while managing the daily farm chores.
Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.
The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 8
City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13 at city hall at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service –
Executive Session –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of November 7, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDHE Wastewater and Water Systems inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMGA Prepay Project –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at _____________.
Attachments:
USDA Loans and Grants to Create and Expand Rural Businesses
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that the Department is investing $7,168,490 in loans and grants to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas communities.
For example:
- A $6,971,000 loan will help refinance debt held by another lender for Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC of Gove County. Triple Crown Energy specializes in acquiring, developing and operating oil and gas properties in a variety of basins in the Continental US. One of Triple Crown’s subsidiaries, Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC, owns and operates producing wells in Ness, Gove and Hodgeman counties.
- A $178,607 grant will help provide technical assistance to rural grocery stores transitioning to mutually owned business models, including the cooperative model in rural communities. The Rural Grocery Initiative will work with Kansas State University and partners across Kansas to enhance and deliver cooperative development services. The primary objective is improving the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. This project will assist 30 businesses and save two jobs.
- An $18,883 grant will help provide technical assistance to West Central Missouri Community Action Agency to advance its START HERE revolving loan fund and Business Acceleration Network in Appleton City, Missouri. This project will help serve microentrepreneurs in West Central Missouri and Southeast Kansas. This project is expected to assist 20 small businesses.
Submitted by
Allen Pickert
Public Affairs Specialist
State office, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: 785-271-2700 Cell: 785-207-1171
“Together, America Prospers”
Stay Connected with USDA:
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Uniontown City Council Minutes of Nov. 7
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 7, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend but gave an update to Mayor Jurgensen and Clerk Johnson. Heaters should be installed soon, if not already; waiting on part for one toilet and screws for the partition panels.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October 2022 Treasurer’s Report was presented on paper with no questions from Council. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $368,427.21, Receipts $32,640.05, Transfers Out $5,026.00, Expenditures $32,335.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,706.17. Bank Statement Balance $364,335.65, including Checking Account Interest of $41.54, Outstanding Deposits $21.54, Outstanding Checks $651.02, Reconciled Balance $363,706.17. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,133.18, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,411.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $440,872.52. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $311.44, and Utility CDs $264.92 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $576.36. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchased-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, Total Transfers of $5,026.00. Net Loss for the month of October $4,721.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $39,962.67. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $98,498.80 (93.4%), Expenditures $92,104.18 (70.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,253.15 (81.9%), Expenditures $30,141.03 (73.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,306.66 (78.3%), Expenditures $122,843.57 (50.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $133670.01 (104.0%), Expenditures $120,426.86 (72.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,6614.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,049.736 (94.6%). The November 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $42,463.90 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 11, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE will be here to inspect the wastewater lagoons on November 16.
The springs on the rollup door at the barn have been replaced and has ordered two hinges with rollers and weatherstrip for the door.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent but Clerk Johnson reported a building permit for an addition was approved.
Clerk Johnson reported that a request for donation for SOS was received.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to SOS for the after graduation party
She presented a letter from KDHE and a copy of a survey by another city regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. She asked if the Council wanted her to adapt the survey and send the letter and survey out with November bills or wait until after the first of the year. Council consensus was to wait until after first of year.
The public hearing for citywide trash service will be December 13. She has been in contact with the attorney to make sure the wording of the notice is correct and will publish by the end of the week.
Our burn site was inspected in October and everything was in order.
KMEA is conducting a survey of cities on whether they would be interested in pursuing a grant to install electric vehicle charging station(s). Council said no.
KMGA is wanting an assigned primary contact that will be available 24/7. Mayor Jurgensen was appointed that contact.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – Clerk Johnson gave her an update on the black/white collie she asked about last month. It was picked up and redeemed and has been properly registered along with another dog in the household.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the canopy trimming. It was completed while Bobby was gone to seminar. Clerk Johnson inspected and approved. Rich and Jurgensen reported that complaint had been received about branches over Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. Rich will contact property owner about trimming.
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Mix Contracting has completed the dirt work and waiting for the rock to be delivered by the County. They will not deliver until they are finished with asphalt.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has been working out of town and has not yet scheduled the committee meeting to review exercise equipment but will continue to work on getting it scheduled.
American Rescue Plan Act update – two sealed bids were received last week and another contractor will be here tomorrow with his sub-contractors to view the site and prepare a bid for the ADA unisex bathroom at City Hall. All bids will be opened at the December 13 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:42PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:42PM with no action from session. Councilman Ervin asked Clerk Johnson what she found out about SB24 which will require the city to allow propane tanks in city limits. According to League of Kansas Municipalities and our attorney, SB24 supersedes our ordinance banning propane tanks. Kansas Corporation Commission recommends an ordinance that regulates propane tanks with the same safety requirements as the gas system. Johnson will consult with the attorney to get an ordinance drafted.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:50PM
Unveiling Party on Dec. 8 at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office
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Christmas Lights Contest With Prizes
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST SPONSORED BY NIECE PRODUCTS
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays. Niece Products is sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:
Residential: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50
Top Business: $100
Top Neighborhood: $100
Other contest details:
- Lights should be in place by December 15th and judging will take place between the 15th and 17th.
- Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considered for contest
- Those wanting to ensure their property is judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name and phone number. Otherwise, no registration necessary and the judges will do their best to seek out lights in the area.
- Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view
The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season. For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or by email at [email protected].
Obituary of Sam LaFerrara
Sam LaFerrara, age 98, a resident of Fort Scott, KS. Died Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the Horton House in Fort Scott. He was born July 22, 1924, in East Moline IL. to Pete and Lena LaFerrara of Sicily Italy, the first American born in his family. He joined and served during WWII. He was a crane operator with John Deere for 30 years before retiring to Arkansas. In his retirement years he kept a large garden every summer and enjoyed raising goats. Sam was a lifetime member of the VFW and recently joined the Elks.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Joey, sisters, Rosie and Mary; as well as two wives, Rusty in 1992 and Diane in 2011. He is survived by his daughter Sandra(Don) of Fort Scott, stepson Gary Troutman(Alyce) of Vilonia, AR., grandsons Connor and Jimi; brothers, Georgie and Bennie, sisters Angeline and Irma; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russel will conduct graveside services at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. or the Elks 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.