Monthly Archives: July 2024
BEE Better Health Club Is Now In Fort Scott
BEE Better Health Club has moved locations.
Wesley DeHaven, 24, is the owner and coach of the business and last year in June he opened the fitness center on his family’s farm.
On June 10, 2024, he opened the fitness center at 212 E. 1st in Fort Scott.
The BEE Better Health Club is a group fitness studio for women.
“I’m a certified group fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I worked at a CrossFit gym where I began my weight-loss journey and began coaching women’s Boot Camp classes. I’ve been working with clients and coaching classes since November 2022,” he said.
“I was initially located southeast of town in a garage on the family farm. The initial plan was to always get in town and be easily accessible to provide my services,” he said.
“As a fat loss and body recomposition coach, all group fitness members receive nutrition coaching,” he said. “I also offer one-on-one coaching services. I run what I call a hybrid model, in-person and remote which makes it easy for me to work with work schedules. In terms of products, I am an authorized retailer for 1st Phorm a supplement company. The most loved products are protein bars, high-protein meat sticks, and protein powders. “
“Inside group fitness we have 16 members and I have another 12 that I currently work with one-to-one,” he said.
Current class times are 7 AM and 5:30 PM.
Text or call DeHaven at (620) 644-8150 or visti the Facebook page: The BEE Better Health Club
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 9
AD: Rick James For Kansas House of Representatives District 4
Preserving Rural Kansas
It isn’t just about conserving land; it’s about safeguarding a way of life. In the heartland of America, our rural communities like Bourbon and Linn counties embody values of hard work, resilience and family which make up our nation’s identity. We are the custodians of our agricultural heritage, the stewards of our natural landscapes, and the backbone of our economy. Preserving rural Kansas means investing in its infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable practices that ensure its prosperity for generations to come.
Preservation goes beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and community pride. It’s about empowering local leaders, amplifying rural voices, and celebrating the rich tapestry of traditions that define our rural way of life. Rick James would be that voice in Topeka.
Recently Eastern Kansas has come under attack from green energy companies wanting to claim our land for their profits. In Bourbon and Linn counties wind turbines took the first shot. Bourbon County faced zoning challenges which allowed some wind turbines into their community. Linn County managed to shut them down. Both counties face another attack, commercial solar farms. It was published that 10,000 acres in Bourbon County and 8,000 acres in Linn County were being considered for these commercial solar units. Additionally, there is an investor wanting to use 10,000 acres in Mapleton to develop “Pike’s Reservoir”. Rick James, candidate for KS State Representative, recently attended a meeting with approximately 200 angry residents. The project has been put on hold, but the fight is real. Farms would be lost, cemeteries moved or flooded over, and no doubt eminent domain would be claimed.
Projects, such as the development of solar farms and commercial reservoirs threaten rural Eastern Kansas. Together these projects would take nearly 30,000 acres away from farmers and ranchers, claiming valuable pasture, crop land and homesteads. In addition, there is the environmental effect on wildlife. We can do better, and it must be stopped. We need to be vigilant on the local and the state level. So let us stand together, to preserve the heart and soul of rural Kansas. For in its fields, farms, wildlife, and communities lies the essence of who we are as Kansans.
Please vote Rick James for Kansas State Representative on August 6. You are invited to click here and follow him on Facebook.
Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.
City of Fort Scott Begins Flushing of Chlorine from Fire Hydrants Starting July 15
Press release for 2024 Flushing/Burnout
Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility
What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.
When: Starting on Monday July 15th and lasting approximately 2 weeks.
Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.
Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.
The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.
There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.
A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.
Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.
However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine, and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern.
Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.
Surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.
Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.
Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
During the flushing and burnout, you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water.\
It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.
The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Downtown Meet and Greet July 9 at 110 S. Main
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Horton Street Update
Update on Horton Street: Wick and Hecker, a contractor working for the City of Fort Scott, has started on the Horton Street Project. I will try to give you updates weekly so you can be aware of the street closures or happenings with the project.
7/8/2024 – Water and Sewer work will be started from 8th street to 18th street. Wick and Hecker will be placing barricades in area that work is being done on. Unless road is completely torn up, residents will still have access to their residence, and the street will more than likely be open after 6:00pm each night during the water and sewer work.
This is coming from the project manager at Wick and Hecker.
Thank you for your patience, this is going to be a long process but it will be very nice once completed.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
Obituary of Curtis Platt
Curtis Ryan Platt, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri. He was born March 28, 1986, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to Alan Joe Platt and Linda Kratzberg Platt. Curtis graduated from Central Heights High School in Richmond, Kansas with the Class of 2004.
He started his career with Holland Quarry as a plant operator with his dad. He then worked road construction for Lexico with his Uncle LeRoy where he inherited the nickname, Gilligan. After Lexico, Curtis worked for Doherty Steel in Paola, Kansas before going to work as a supervisor for Fabcon Precast in Pleasanton, Kansas where he worked until his death.
Curtis was united in marriage on February 2, 2013, in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Tausha Malone. Curtis and Tausha were married for eleven wonderful years. Not only was Curtis committed to Tausha, but he was also committed to his new stepdaughter, Hayley who he loved as his own. Curtis and Tausha were also blessed with a son, Jase Ryan on August 27, 2014.
Curtis enjoyed working on four wheelers and razors for family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was hopping in the razor with Jase and going on a night ride with all his friends. Curtis also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing softball, which is how he and Tausha met. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with Tausha, Hayley and Jase. Curtis and his contagious smile will be lovingly missed by his family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife, Tausha and son, Jase of the home, a stepdaughter, Hayley Bean and grandson, Kyson Castleberry of Arkansas, his parents, Joe and Linda Platt of Richmond, Kansas, two brothers, Erik Platt and wife, Chloe of Princeton, Kansas and Chad Platt and girlfriend, Victoria McMoran of Garnett, Kansas and his grandmother, Elsie Kratzberg of Greeley, Kansas. Also surviving are his in-laws, Brandon and Kathy Malone of Ft. Scott and Linda Rogers and Al Schaffer of Jefferson City, Missouri, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Sara Kottwitz of Barnett, Missouri and Heather and Thaine Geiger of Ft. Scott.
Curtis was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Nick Kratzberg and Edward Platt, his grandmother, Waunita Porter, three cousins, Kris Stockard, Rebecca Jones and Ricky Jones and a sister-in-law, Leesa Haehn.
The family will receive friends 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 13th at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Cindy Molini will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, at the St. Boniface Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas.
Following the graveside service, the family will gather at St. John’s Hall, 406 Prairie St., Greeley, Kansas for a time of fellowship. Memorials are suggested to the Jase Platt Education Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembr
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer
This is part of the series on candidates on the August Primary Ballot.
For the Bourbon County Treasurer position, there are two candidates.
Michael J. Hoyt, 66, Fort Scott, is one of two candidates running for Bourbon County Treasurer.
He has 25+ years executive-level corporate for an NYSE, trading $4 billion in revenues.He has managed outside legal counsel for corporate governance, environmental, health and safety issues., Workman’s Compensation claims, OSHA, EPA, and other compliance issues, acquisition due diligence, phase 1 environmental inspections and remediations. Interacted with outside auditors for areas of SEC, financial reporting, and other audit issues reporting to a board of directors, and had internal consulting roles as assigned by CEO for management deficient in performance and crisis situations.
From the University of Richmond, VA he earned a B.A. Business Management graduated Magna Cum Laude and B.A. Paralegal Studies. From Park University, he earned a Masters in Public Administration, emphasis in Business & Government. From Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, a Masters of Law. Johnson County Community College – Licensing Mediation Core and Family Law.
“The focused role of the Treasurer is to act as the ‘Banker’ for the County. To be an honest, diligent custodian of the County Citizen’s tax dollars. Achieve the highest rate of return on deposited dollars; acting in response to interest rates raising and/or falling, using a ‘laddered’ theory. This has allowed the City of Fort Scott in the past (18) months to achieve a multi- $100k reserve to direct to projects as determined by the City Commission. Establish and achieve financial controls – checks and balances – to date has NOT provided confidence to the citizens or the Commission of transparent reporting or controls. The audit firm states that the audits recently have less errors but must make note that producing ‘after the fact’ receipts to justify purchases is not an acceptable control. The Treasurer’s Office functions are to be completed to the color and spirit of the Kansas State Constitution in all areas of property tax collection, delinquent property tax sales conducted on a consistent schedule, and smooth operation of the vehicle license processing through adequate training and support of personnel; fix past deficiencies and improve the services to the Citizen’s. Last but not least, to work with the County Commission to publish budgets, goals, reporting and feedback for success.”
Jennifer Hawkins, 35, is the current county clerk, but is running for the county treasurer position.
She been employed by Bourbon County for the last eleven years, with five years of experience in the Treasurer’s Office.
“I am familiar with the day-to-day operations, software, and duties required of the Treasurer. My years of experience with the County have provided me with a unique opportunity to see how the duties performed in many offices all connect to help the County operate. I have created relationships with other employees, department heads, and elected officials that allows us to work together for the common goal of the betterment of Bourbon County.”
In the last few years, she has worked with the Treasurer and CFO to create policies and procedures to help avoid future audit violations and to ensure there are checks and balances present in many offices. “We have made great progress in the organization as evidenced by the recent clean audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by using my knowledge and experience as Treasurer.”
A lifelong resident of Bourbon County, she attended Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College., and has completed the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide financial statement training, three years of Municipal Services Budget Workshops with the Kansas Department of Administration, Revenue Neutral Rate seminars with the Kansas Department of Administration, LEAD Bourbon County with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Homestead Training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, (Kansas Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act training with both the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties, how to spot fraud seminars, motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicle training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, driver’s license examiner certification with the Kansas Department of Revenue, MSRP training with the Property Valuation Division of KDOR, as well as Subject Matter Expert classes with the Kansas Department of Revenue as well as locally with other Treasurer’s Offices in the Southeast Kansas district.”
“I feel that collecting and distributing all money owed to the County, keeping an accounting of all money paid in and out of the County to ensure compliance with Kansas laws and statutes, and administering motor vehicle titles and registrations are the primary roles of the Treasurer.”
“The most pressing issues for the Treasurer are the timely reconciliation of all accounts to ensure compliance with laws and statutes and avoid audit violations, to monitor rates for our certificate of deposits to ensure the County is earning the most interest possible, and to operate the office accurately and efficiently as the State pushes more motor vehicle duties upon the County without increasing the amount they allocate to us to operate.”
Bo Co Democrats: Sidewalk Sale This Saturday
The Bourbon County Democrats will host a booth at Sidewalk Sales Saturday on July 13th.
The sale will be located near 24 N. Main St. from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will have four drawings, plus free items and information.
Visit the booth and text 620 215 1505 for more information!
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office July 8
Boneless Skinless Lips by Carolyn Hayward Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Hayward Tucker
I had dipped out some chocolate ice cream into a bowl, shoved in the spoon, and then left it on the counter while I did a quick chore. When I returned and took the first bite, my lower lip stuck solidly to the frozen spoon. (The stories about little kids being told to lick a frosty flag pole suddenly flashed through my mind.) I couldn’t believe this painful disaster was happening to me in my own kitchen by my own hand! Before I could get my lips and clinging spoon to the water faucet, the spoon fell off my lips and took the skin with it. I immediately looked in the mirror and discovered that my lipstick was running. Except I wasn‘t wearing any — it was blood! I was surprised to find that my ice cream-eating experience had ended so very badly.
Life is full of surprises — some are good and some are bad. When the bottom drops out of our world, that’s when we look up and reach out to the One who can rescue us. We all live with the challenge of pressing on in the bad times (trials). In the Old Testament, we find that David didn’t cave-in during hard times. When David and his mighty warriors returned to Ziklag (their headquarters), they found it had been burned with fire and all their women and children were taken captive. The men wept until they had no more strength to weep and then, as a bad surprise to David, his own trusted men talked of stoning him. “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6 MEV).
Times of calamity can fall on us without any warning. When your shins have been kicked until they’re skinless and you feel like throwing in the towel, throw in a heart-felt prayer instead. David trusted God and knew how to get ahold of Him. And when he did, he and his men found the strength and courage to double down and recover everyone and everything that was stolen. A wishbone does no good when a backbone is what’s needed.
Later, David wrote a song of thanksgiving and praise after the Lord delivered him from all his enemies: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior; the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise and He saved me from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:1-4 NLT).
Life’s trials are opportunities for a believer’s faith in God to grow. I don’t particularly like that statement, in fact, I don’t like it at all. But I know it’s true because I’ve personally experienced it. Plus there’s scripture to back it: “My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 TEV).
When God strengthens your backbone and encourages your heart, you’ll come out stronger in the end than at the beginning. The following hymn lyrics were written by G. A. Young: “God leads His dear children along. Some through the waters, some through the flood. Some through the fire, but all through the Blood. Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song in the night season and all the day long.” Your finest spiritual growth may be the outcome of a painful surprise in your life.
The Key: When your lips are skinless and bleeding, God will be your place of healing.