Monthly Archives: December 2023

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

2023 Christmas Parade Winners

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who attended or participated in the 2023 Christmas Parade held Thursday, November 30th in the Downtown Historic District.

The theme was “A Candy Land Christmas” and many of the entries did an exceptional job of coordinating with the theme.

 

The parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.

The panel of judges selected the following winners out of fifty-four entries:  1st place as Extrusions, Inc., 2nd place as Fort Scott FFA, and 3rd place as Carhelp/Washateria.

 

The contribution of many is what makes events like the Christmas parade successful.  The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, announced, judged, and otherwise had a part in the parade.

 

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

 

Government, Health Care

Open discussion and planning are core to Older Drivers Safety Awareness Week

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As the population of drivers aged 65 and older continues to grow, maintaining safe mobility is important. Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 4-8, encourages seniors and their families to assess age-related changes and how best to remain safe on the road or choose other kinds of transportation.

Older drivers are considered more susceptible to serious injury and death in a crash. In Kansas, 72 drivers aged 65-99 were involved in a fatal crash in 2022. Another 3,694 were involved in a serious injury or injury crash. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), more older drivers are in fatal crashes on rural roads versus urban roads.

“If you have an older driver in your family, consider having a positive and engaging conversation about driving,” said Chris Bortz, Transportation Safety Assistant Bureau Chief for the Kansas Department of Transportation. “These conversations should focus on their current driving behaviors and the resources that are available if they need to stop driving.”

KDOT and NHTSA recommend older drivers and their families work together to:

  • Promote awareness of the impact aging has on driving.
  • Understand how medical conditions and prescribed medications can impact physical fitness, reflexes and vision when driving.
  • Discuss knowledge on new road designs such as round-abouts, diverging diamonds or other traffic flow changes along route.
  • Plan trips during the day and when traffic is light.
  • Work with older drivers to understand new vehicle technology such as lane departure, back up cameras and blind-spot detection.
  • Make sure they correctly use headlights at night, and buckle up every trip, every time.
  • Assist older drivers who may no longer be able to drive and help them plan for safe mobility by family, friends or public transport.

For more information and resources on senior driving and transportation, visit www.nhsta.gov/road-safety/older-drivers
Government, Kansas

Industrial Hemp Advisory Board Virtual Meeting December 20

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Board will hold its annual board meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The meeting will provide an update on hemp production in Kansas.

The meeting is a scheduled board meeting and is open to the public. Anyone desiring to attend via video conference must pre-register to be provided with a video link. For information about the meeting, including how to listen to the meeting via Zoom, please go to the Industrial Hemp page of the KDA website at https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/plant-protect-weed-control/industrial-hemp.

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

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WHO:            KDA Industrial Hemp Advisory Board

WHAT:          Annual board meeting

WHEN:         1:30 p.m. on December 20, 2023

WHERE:       Virtually, via Zoom

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Industrial Hemp Advisory Board Virtual Meeting December 20
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on December 4

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 4, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Payroll Totaling 287,844.75
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $430,050.06
    3. Approval of Minutes from 11/27/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Vance Eden-Letter of Support for USD 235 Grant
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Mary Pemberton- Solar Agreements
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Budget Amendment
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Appointment of Marmaton Township Treasurer
  2. Justin Meeks, County Counselor
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
    2. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Payroll 12-1-2023

Accounts Payable 12-1-2023

 

Opinion

What Are You Yuckin’ At? by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

My good friend, Ralph, shared a funny story about his young neighbor boy. Many years ago, this cute little guy was about three years of age and he couldn’t speak very clearly.   One day, Ralph was over there visiting and the youngster noticed that Ralph was looking at him.  Somewhat annoyed, he bluntly asked, “What are you yuckin’ at?”

 

Jesus knows that mankind tends to be judgmental and critical of others, and this sets a bad example for all who identify as Christ followers. We simply are not to judge another person. “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults — unless, of course, you want the same treatment” (Matthew 7:1 MSG). For one reason, we don’t have all the required information to make a proper judgment. One of Elvis’ best songs (in my opinion) has the following lyrics: “Yah, before you abuse, criticize, and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.“ The only person a believer is to judge is himself/herself. But oftentimes we’d rather judge others because, when we inspect our own heart, we may find jealousy, a lack of love, and pride — ouch!

 

God intends for us to treat one another’s background story with the same kind of love, respect, and mercy as He has shown us. Everyone needs compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. We need to remember that the past failures of a redeemed individual are  gone in the eyes of God. So let it be gone in our eyes too. “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:8-10,12-14 NLT). If Jesus forgives and forgets sins, then we should too. Everyone’s journey is full of twists and turns, highs and lows, and it’s personal and confidential between the individual and their Savior.

 

Sometimes the decision to follow Christ begins in the gutter. In the Book of John, we find that the religious scholars and Pharisees had brought to Jesus a woman who’d been caught in the act of adultery. They said that the Law gives orders to stone her to death and they asked what Jesus had to say. He responded that the sinless one among them could throw the first stone. After hearing Jesus’ wise statement, they all walked away. When they inspected their heart and judged themselves, they discovered they weren’t as righteous as they had thought. Jesus came to change rules and lives by His love and His blood. “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ’Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ’No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ’Neither do I. Go and sin no more’” (John 8:10-11 NLT).

 

God is awesome, holy, perfect, and to be revered. Yet, He forgives and forgets our sins, failures, and shortcomings. So who do we think we are to not do the same with our friends and family? If God can, that means we must. Rather than judge, let’s be a reflection of mercy and lend a helping hand, a loving heart, and a warm smile.

 

The Key:  God’s work of art is a constant work of heart in all believers.

Fort Scott

Grief Share: Support in the Journey

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The welcome page of the first session of Grief Share journal workbook. Submitted.

A first session to introduce people who are grieving loss is offered to the community on December 5 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 705 S. Holbrook in room 203.

“This first December session will have hot teas, hot cocoa, and a sack lunch provided and participants will be given a helpful journal workbook to support their journey,” said Laura Meeks, the group’s facilitator.

Grief Share is built around three components: a 30-minute video, small group discussion, and a personal workbook,” Meeks said. “Grief Share provides a comforting place with others who are also on this path.”

“All are welcome,” she said. “It is non-denominational.”

Please pre-register to Meeks at 740.317.6379 or email at [email protected].

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections 2.1 Percent Below Estimate

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November Total Tax Collections at $649.6M; 2.1% Below Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2023 with total tax collections at $649.6 million. That is $13.8 million, or 2.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 1.1% from November 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $291.8 million. That is $10.7 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate, and down 0.2% from November 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $35.5 million. That is $10.4 million, or 41.5%, higher than the estimate and up 168.8% from November 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.0 million, which is $14.2 million, or 4.7%, below the estimate and down $13.9 million, or 4.5%, from November 2022.

Click here to view the November 2023 revenue numbers.

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Second Bourbon County Farm Classroom Planned

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Leadership at Fort Scott USD234 is partnering with Pittsburg-based nonprofit organization, Community GreenFarms (CGF), to bring an innovative farm classroom to the district.

The farm classroom projects being established by the nonprofit are located inside converted shipping containers outfitted with state-of-the-art hydroponic growing systems. Each unit is capable of producing nearly 500 heads of leafy greens per week, all
year round.

Once at the school, Agriculture and other teachers oversee students who manage the farm from seed to harvest, the majority of which is taken directly to the cafeteria and served in school meals. Schools may also choose to sell produce to restaurants or at farmers’ markets, donate it to nonprofits, or even send it home with
students for families to eat.

CGF was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Children and Families to accelerate
their statewide farm-to-school program, the goal of which is to improve the health and habits of high school students at seven Southeast Kansas schools while teaching them new skills. The counties of focus are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Wilson. While each of these schools will have the cost of their farm classroom covered by the grant, projects in other counties were funded differently.

In Cherokee, Crawford, and Neosho counties, the nonprofit established farm classrooms through a grassroots fundraising
a campaign similar to the one planned for Fort Scott.

This is the second such project planned for Bourbon County, as Uniontown USD235 is being provided one through a grant opportunity. While both schools applied to be the recipient of the grant-funded farm classroom, Uniontown was ultimately the school district selected by CGF.

The leadership at Fort Scott still wanted to bring one to their district and have been in discussion with the nonprofit on how to get that accomplished.

The funds for the project will be raised through a community-wide fundraising effort and the writing of grants.

According to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Matt O’Malley, the project has the potential to have an incredible impact on students and their schools. “Students who help run these farms get unique experiences that may lead to career paths in agriculture, education, nutrition, business management, or food services.

Not only that, but these farms produce a significant amount of fresh food for schools, in some cases completely eliminating the school’s
need to purchase sub-par lettuce from outside sources. The student-grown food is then introduced to the lunchroom which can change the eating habits and health of entire student populations.”

Uniontown’s farm classroom was delivered last week and is expected to be online in February. The fundraising campaign to bring the farm classroom to Fort Scott will begin immediately, hoping that theirs could be up and running by the spring semester.

For more information, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or website at
www.CommunityGreenFarms.org.
Matt O’Malley / picture attached /
Executive Director
Community Green Farms
c) 620-249-6353, o) 620-404-2812
[email protected]

Fort Scott, Jobs

Ashley Heathman Is the New Assistant Director at the Beacon

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Ashley Heathman. Submitted photo.
Ashley Heathman, 32, started her new job as assistant director at The Beacon in May 2023.
“The Beacon is a not-for-profit food bank that helps families and individuals facing food insecurity, ” she said. “We also do some financial assistance to help pay utilities and certain necessities.”
“I answer the phones, process The Beacon applications, and help our members find other resources,” she said. “Along with day-to-day activities to keep The Beacon running smoothly.”
She and Beacon Director David Gillen are the only employees of the helping organization.
“The best thing about my career is being able to help families in need and seeing the relief on their faces when they realize you care!”  Healthman said. “The most challenging aspect of this position is not being able to do more to help in certain situations, but we do the best we can!”
Heathman is currently in the process of getting an associate’s degree at Fort Scott Community College for business management.
“I have worked in health care most of my life which really prepared me for this position, as opposite as they are, you need a big heart to fulfill the duties in both career paths.”
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AD: Level Up Your Career At Fort Fort Scott Community College

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Want to level up your career or need to take classes that transfer to a 4-year college?

Enrollment is OPEN for the spring and summer semesters at Fort Scott Community College!

Dive into a world of knowledge from the comfort of your home.

Spring classes start on January 10. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your skills and achieve your academic goals.

Plus, did you know that most classes at FSCC transfer?

Join us on the journey of learning! For more info, go to https://fortscott.edu/admissions and contact Admissions today!

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets December 6

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The regular monthly meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition is coming up this Wednesday, December 6, in the Conference Room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

December 6, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  CHC: Tobacco Cessation

In January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be January 3, 2024.