Electric Transmission Line Approved For Route Through Bourbon County

KCC approves siting permit for Wolf Creek to Blackberry transmission line in SE Kansas

 

TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a siting permit establishing the route for the Wolf Creek to Blackberry 345 kV transmission line in Southeast Kansas. Approximately 83 miles of the line will be in Kansas, crossing Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford Counties. NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest (NEET Southwest) will construct and operate the line.

The order, approved in a 2-1 vote, states “The Commission finds that the method that NEET Southwest used to select its route and the route proposed by NEET Southwest are reasonable and that the siting permit requested by NEET Southwest complies with all statutory requirements and should be granted.”

In August, the Commission granted NEET Southwest a limited certificate of convenience and necessity as a transmission-only public utility, after determining that the transmission project will benefit customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion, and improving the reliability of the transmission system.

In addition to approving the proposed route today, the Commission granted NEET Southwest micro-siting authority. Micro-siting allows the transmission owner to make minor modifications to the route and the placement of infrastructure to accommodate landowner preferences or to avoid environmental concerns. However, material, major adjustments, and any adjustment for which landowners would not have received notice, must be approved by the Commission before implementation. In addition NEET Southwest is required to file its permit and county and private landowner reclamation plans with the Commission when they are completed.  Also, the company must demonstrate evidence that they notified all landowners along the route of the landowner’s ability to request an electromagnetic field (EMF) study after the line is completed.

Commission Chair Susan Duffy and Commissioner Andrew French voted in favor of approving the line siting permit. Commissioner Dwight Keen voted against approving the line siting permit and filed a dissent stating, among his concerns, objection to locating the line parallel to an existing Evergy line and to not remanding the matter to SPP for reconsideration of double circuiting the lines on shared poles and right of ways or for other options to reduce landowner impact for 22.5 miles or roughly one fourth of the route. Double circuiting was evaluated, but not pursued due to estimated increased costs, significant time delays and differences in construction methods between the two companies.

The Wolf Creek to Blackberry project originated from the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a Regional Transmission Organization mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices on behalf of its members. Kansas is one of 17 states served by SPP. In 2019, the Wolf Creek to Blackberry line was identified by SPP as a necessary economic project to increase transmission capability and reliability and relieve transmission congestion from western Kansas, east to SPP load centers.

The Commission’s order also noted a need for SPP to provide an avenue for state input and involvement early in the design process on future projects and the Commission’s intent to open a general investigation into principles and priorities to be used in future line siting proceedings. SPP will be made aware of both the Commission’s concerns and the results of its general investigation in order to better facilitate future cooperation and expectations.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by all Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

Today’s order and Commissioner Keen’s dissent can be viewed here.

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Taco Azul Food Truck: A Mom and Pop Business

Submitted photo of Taco Azul fare.
Erin and Sebastian Macik, Fort Scott, are owners of Taco Azul, a food truck that they hope will turn into a restaurant business.
The Taco Azul Food Truck. Submitted photo.
They make Mexican street tacos, using pork, beef, or chicken, in flour tortillas or handmade corn tortillas; homemade salsas, and also street corn on the side, Erin said.
“We’ve been prepping and planning for over a year now,” Erin said. “Sebastian picked up the food truck in April, and we plan to fire it up at the Good Ol’ Days festival here in Fort Scott at the beginning of June.”
“We hope to open up a restaurant in the future, but for the short term, our plan is to stay local and get a good customer base before expanding,” she said.
“You will see us at Fort Scott’s Good Ol’ Days Festival to kick off the summer, and then we’ll be set up by the Washateria on National Avenue for the most part,” Erin said. “We’ll be posting consistently on Facebook so people know where to find us. We are really looking forward to the summer!”
Sebastian Macik taught third grade in Mexico City, and discovered true Mexican street tacos while he was there.
“Coming back state-side in 2014, he started searching for the real deal in the U.S. without much luck,” she said. “All that time he was working on his own tacos: making his own salsas and corn tortillas, trying out various marinades and cooking techniques, until they became exactly what he was looking for. When the opportunity arose to get a food truck, it was a no-brainer. We’re excited to offer this in Fort Scott! Mexico City-style tacos are unlike anything you can find at any chain restaurant in the United States.”
Erin and Sebastian Macik with their children. Submitted photo.
Contact info: 

Obituary of Alice Tripp

Alice May Tripp, age 89, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Chase County Care & Rehabilitation Center in Cottonwood Falls.

She was born October 29, 1933, in Deerfield, Missouri, the daughter of George L. Crosby, Sr. and Beulah Parker Crosby.  Alice attended Ft. Scott schools and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1951.

She worked for the Western Insurance Company for four years.  She then went on to become a licensed cosmetologist in 1956.  Alice was an entrepreneur, and in 1958, she opened her own shop in Ft. Scott, which she operated for forty-three years.  Alice had many regular clients who were also close friends

She was a member of the Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1980, Alice married Ray Tripp.  He preceded her in death on May 21, 2014.  Alice was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by a brother, George L. Crosby, Jr. (Alice Fay) and her sister, Rosa Marie Bolinger (Jim); five nephews, two nieces.  Also surviving are four step-daughters, Rhonda McAlister (Ted) of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Sandra Buntain (Mike) of Springfield, Missouri, Marsha Heiser (Jerry) of Prescott, Kansas and Laura McDysan (Lee) of Berryton, Kansas and a host of other friends and family members.

 

Pastor Mike Bright will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church 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.

The Artificers June Happenings

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The Artificers In June

Happy June! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this Month!

Register for Classes Here!

Artist Opening Reception

Master Artist

Phillip Ortiz, Mixed Media Artist

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR KIDS ART CAMP!

Obituary of Mary Lou Young

Mary Lou Young was born in Wichita, KS on May 27th, 1955, to Gilberta Mae Burger. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Friday May 19th, 2023.

Mary was united in marriage to Wade Douglas Young after rekindling their young love on August 26th, 1982, in Fort Scott, Kansas on the steps of the United Missionary Baptist Church. They cherished each other for 40 years and from their union came a beloved daughter, Kimberly Young. Who joined her two sons Shawn and Larry Judson from a previous union.

Mary had a green thumb and loved to working outside in her flower garden and decorated for every holiday. She was a woman of routine and habit which included the Days of Our Lives right before an afternoon nap. Usually, the right hand of her beloved husband, they could be found cruising through town together.

Mary was a loving mother who treated every child as her own. She loved being a Nana and a great grandmother. Those left to treasure her memory are her children, Kimberly Young (Brett),  Larry Judson (Tasha), Shawn Judson (Becky), Step-Children Cyress Alexander (Todd) and Wade W. Young (Rusty); bonus daughters, Chelsea Zandler and Danielle Wisely (Shawn); twelve grandchildren, Keegan, Nicholas, Wade, Bekah, Elisha, Mary, Benjamin, Jonathan, Donathan, Darian, Gabrielle and Alessandra; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Whitney, Melissa, Moses, Rhysland Wade, Rhys and Riser. Siblings Patricia Malone. In laws; Nellie Satterfield (Terry), Wayman Young (Linda), Floyd Young, Frank Davis, Rodney Young, Rhonda Warren (Ike).

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Wade D. Young who passed just this year. Also preceding are her Mother Gilberta Burger and siblings Bonnie Busby, Walter Sanders, and John Heidrick. In laws Teresa Davis, Junior and Elouise Young, Goldie Young and Janice Ray.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial gathering held at 12:00 PM June 2nd, 2023, at Gunn Park shelter house #7.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mary Young Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Farmers Market Opportunity For Fundraising

Fort Scott Farmers Market is looking for groups or organizations that would like a fundraising opportunity.
“We’ve just had two incredibly successful weekends of Breakfast on the Bricks for two local groups,” said Teresa Hamilton, president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market. “This is a free location at our Saturday Farmers’ Market, open to anyone hoping to raise a little cash. Spread the word, and contact us via  Facebook Messenger. We’ll give you all the details and get you on the calendar!
We can’t wait to hear from you!”

Jayci Cosens: Teacher of the Year at Fort Scott Middle School

Jayci Cosens, who teaches 7th grade science, is the recipient of this years Dale Hammons Award, Teacher of the Year, for the Fort Scott Middle School.
Fort Scott Middle School.
“The criteria we used was someone that builds strong relationships with students and staff, sets high expectations for their students and themselves, listens well to their peers, works well with others, and sets a positive example for students,” said FSMS Principal Zach Johnson.
“I feel very blessed to teach at USD 234,” Cosens said. “It is a district filled with great educators, administrators, support staff and students. The middle school is full of other teachers who are just as deserving of this honor as I am. I have spent the past decade learning from them about what great teaching looks like.”
Cosens began her teaching career at Fort Scott High School in 2001, after graduation from Pittsburg State University.
“I taught for three years and quit teaching in 2004 to be a stay-at-home mom following the birth of our first son….and returned to the classroom in 2011, when our youngest started kindergarten and I taught for one year at Heritage Christian in Olathe.
“I started teaching 7th grade science at the (Fort Scott) middle school in 2013,” Cosens said. “Along the way, I have coached interscholastic and intramural volleyball, basketball, and track both at the high school and middle school level.”
Have you always taught science there?
“I have always taught science, but my minor is in history, so I could also teach history in the future. Over the years, I have taught grades 6-12 in: General Science, Physical Science, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health. During my ‘stay at home’ years, I also went to nursing school (graduated with an ADN in 2010 from Fort Scott Community College and I still keep my nursing license current. I worked as a nurse for five years (2010-2015) in the intensive care unit and emergency room.”
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
“I actually started college planning to go into Physical Therapy. All through my undergraduate classes, I would find myself thinking, “When I have my own classroom, I will teach this concept this way’ and would then quickly have to remind myself that I was not going to be a teacher! In my senior year, I finally changed my major to education. I guess the short answer is that I chose teaching as a career because I felt like God was calling me to this profession, I just ignored that call for the first few years of college!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, it’s probably building relationships with my students. Teaching in a small town, I get the opportunity to see them go on from 7th grade and graduate high school and beyond. I love seeing them excel in the paths they choose and know that I was a small part of their journey. Teaching is never boring! Each day (and each class) is different and that means that I am always having to adapt and change. What worked in one class might not work in another, and I have to quickly figure out how to change what I’m doing to stay effective. Science is never boring either! Students have a natural curiosity about the world around them. Helping them better understand it is rewarding every day.”
What is the biggest challenge?
“Trying to find new ways to keep kids engaged is a challenge. Our whole society, not just kids, has become more and more distracted. The things that worked to engage students twenty years ago when I started my career may not necessarily work with this generation of students. At the same time, I think educators are trying to overcome the idea that every single thing that happens in school has to be fun and entertaining. That’s just not the reality of the real world. Some things are boring, it doesn’t lessen their value.”
Care to name family?
“I grew up just outside of Redfield (my dad told me to say that) and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1996. My parents are Steve and Marci Williams (he told me to say this too). I have been married to Chad since 2002, he’s a 1995 Fort Scott High School graduate and owns 1842 Wealth Management, a retirement planning group. We have two sons. Dryden is 19 and just finished his freshman year at Fort Scott Community College where he’s also a part of the baseball team. Cal is 17 and will start his senior year at FSHS in the fall-he plays football, basketball, and baseball. We have a very large extended family in Fort Scott and chose to raise our family here where our sons would be surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.”
About Dale Hammons, in whose memory the award is given.
 Hammons was a 1946 graduate of Fort Scott High School, Johnson said. He graduated Pittsburg State University, then became a full time assistant principal at Fort Scott Junior High in 1977.
“Mr. Hammons was instrumental in helping the 1983 transition from the Fort Scott Junior High School to what is now Fort Scott Middle School,”  Johnson said. “Mr. Hammons will long be remembered as an effective middle school principal who was loved and respected by students, and staff.”
Editors note
This last paragraph incorrectly had Phil Hammons as the title.
The following is from Betsy Hammons Reichard, his daughter:
“While overseas in the Army, dad took many correspondence courses through the University of Maryland and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Military Science. After he retired from the Army in 1970, he went to PSU and earned his Master’s degree in Counselor Education and then his Education Specialist. Dad truly was loved and respected by students, staff and throughout Fort Scott and beyond. The day of his funeral, stores closed and flags were flown at half mask in honor of him. This award is special to our family and I am always thrilled to know who receives it.
Congratulations Jayci!
Betsy Hammons Reichard

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Greyhound Football Legacy Center on May 25

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Greyhound Football Legacy Center
Thursday, May 25th
8am
11 N. Main St.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee hosted by Greyhound Football Legacy Center this Thursday, May 25th at 8am located at 11 N. Main St. Everyone is invited to come and see the Legacy Center, enter the drawings, and enjoy light refreshments.
Following the closing of the FSCC football program, former FSCC Football players and supporters have created the Greyhound Football Legacy Center and have high hopes to bring back FSCC Football for the 2023 Season. It is their mission to provide sustained support to improve the FSCC athletic program, connect with teammates and meet new fellow Hounds. They will be providing updates and news about the Save Football Initiative. The Legacy Center is a gathering place for the group and will house football memorabilia, including uniforms and trophies. Milligan, Doug Ropp, Jerry Witt, Jim Barrows, Steve Williams, Matt Glades, welcome members of the community to view the center located at 11 N. Main and join their mission.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Click here for their Facebook page!
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS: Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winner

NPS Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in  a row.  Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.

 

This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.

 

From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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