Monthly Archives: May 2025
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and their communities.
During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, and the two newest inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame.
This year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony will be held this fall, bringing together leaders, innovators and supporters from across the state to celebrate business excellence. The awards also underscore Kansas’ commitment to celebrating and supporting businesses at every stage of growth. The day and location of the event will be announced soon.
“Each year, our To The Stars honorees exemplify the vision, passion and drive needed to excel in business and have a lasting impact,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “They go the extra mile for their customers and communities — and it’s an honor to recognize all they do for the Kansas economy. I encourage everyone to nominate their local stars for these distinguished awards.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:
- AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
- Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
- Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
- Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
- Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
- Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
- Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
- Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
- Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award (state-level only) – Honors a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
- Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
- Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
“During the past year, the surge of economic development successes driving the Kansas economy continued unabated,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “Kansas businesses both small and large are giving outsized contributions to their communities and the entire state. We look forward to highlighting the efforts these honorees make.”
Award nominations will be accepted until July 7. To learn more, view past winners, and to submit nominations, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Spring Highlights & Summer Sneak Peeks at the LMC
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Anne Frank Exhibit Coming to Fort Scott This June
FORT SCOTT, KS – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is honored to announce the arrival of a powerful international traveling exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, coming to Fort Scott this June.
This impactful exhibit, presented in partnership with the Anne Frank Center—official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the United States and Canada—offers visitors a rare and meaningful opportunity to learn more about Anne Frank, her family, and their courageous actions during one of history’s darkest periods.
Through historical photos, powerful stories, and visuals of the actual Anne Frank House, visitors will be immersed in the life of a young girl whose words and resilience have touched millions around the world.
The Center is especially proud to share that this exhibit was made possible through the efforts of Megan Helberg, a 2021 Lowell Milken Center Fellow and the current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center. Her connection to both organizations helped bring this significant educational opportunity to Fort Scott.
“We are proud to be the featured location for this meaningful exhibit,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center. “Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever—reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope.”
The exhibit will be displayed from June 2nd through June 26th at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sundays. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
For more information, visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org or follow the Lowell Milken Center on social media.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting, April 28, 2025
Susan Walker, County Clerk, spent the first several minutes of the meeting bringing new District 3 Commissioner Mika Milburn and the other commissioners up to speed on the county’s quarterly financial report.
Last year, the county saw a major dip in sales tax from $1.6 to $1.2 million, which affected the county’s ability to deal with hard surface roads.
Commissioners approved the quarterly financial report for publication.
Pest Control Bid Opening, 3 year
Quality Pest Control Inc. Bid a $375 initial service charge and monthly service for $375.
Ashcraft Pest Control, bid a 3 year contract for $500.
PestX Solutions, the county’s current vendor, bid $310 per month.
Milburn expressed desire to be transparent with county business and give local business owners an opportunity to bid on county contracts.
Commissioner David Beerbower said he favored the Ashcraft bid because it was local. Milburn said that while she favored local, she wanted to be careful not to set an unwise precedent, because it’s not her money being spent.
The commissioner unanimously approved the Ashcraft Pest Control bid.
Trash Service Bid Opening, 3 year
Lynn Sanitation bid $470 per month, no additional fees, no yearly increase.
WCA out of Missouri bid $440.30 with a 7% annual increase possible.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt made motion to hire Lynn Sanitation and the commission approved it.
Executive session for employee performance
Resumed normal session with action
Milburn made motion to move $6,500 from the commission fund to the clerk to cover the funds needed for Resolution 1425, adopted by the commission earlier this year.
Milburn also moved to create a floater position to help around the courthouse through October and to post the job opening. Commission approved both motions.
Old Business
Policies and Procedures
Milburn moved to adopt the employee procedures for deviation and the deviation form that goes with it as an addendum to the employee handbook. Walker will prepare the resolution for the next commission meeting.
City of Fulton request for reduced landfill rates on condemned house debris
Fulton has 6-8 city-condemned houses, some falling in and some with unreachable owners.
Milburn recommended the commission adopt a resolution allowing Bourbon County cities with populations of less than 400 to bring construction and demolition waste to the landfill for $0 for the gratification of Bourbon County. This is for buildings or structures condemned by the city, not individuals.
Beerbower asked to table it for a week to have time to study the issue.
Work Comp Procedures and Benefits
Walker said that the county’s procedures for work comp are in the handbook. The first seven days is not covered, but it can be in severe instances. When an individual takes insurance that is voluntary, they are expected to pay it. With work comp, no taxes are taken out, so the person is made whole.
Sick leave can be used whether injury happens on or off the job. If a county employee feels that their situation is not covered by the employee handbook, they can file a deviation form and come speak to the commission in executive session about their situation.
Beerbower asked that they bring it back next week for further discussion.
Road Closure Application
Milburn moved to publish the road closure with GIS location to the official Bourbon County social media page, local news and certified mailings where appropriate so the commission can take into account any disputes before the meeting in two weeks. Commission approved.
Milburn also moved to create a resolution to require those who petition for road closures to cover the cost of the administrative functions of that road closure, including but not limited to newspaper publications and certified mailings because they are gaining a piece of property through that action.
Walker offered to check the state statutes about fees the county is allowed to charge and apply it to the resolution before bringing it to the next meeting. Commission approved.
Human Resources
Beerbower took Kruger’s position as commissioner liaison for human resources. His role was to be the disciplinary portion of a Human Resources position. The rest of the county’s HR needs are handled by the clerk’s office. Commissioners mentioned needing an actual HR person.
They decided to gather more information and discuss again next week.
Sheriff Vehicle request
Beerbower moved to fund the vehicle replacement costing $66,914 out of the general fund to be partially reimbursed by the insurance payment when it arrives.
Walker suggested paying for it from the jail sales tax fund, which is used to pay for other vehicles and which has a bit of a surplus right now. She said that the general fund doesn’t have a lot of money, and there’s no extra money setting there at this time.
Brian Murphy, deputy and advisor for the sheriff, said that the jail funding isn’t reliable. Murphy’s opinion says the money needs to be set aside in case of a problem at the jail.
Whisenhunt amended the motion to take the funds from the jail sales tax fund and the motion carried.
Budget
Walker gave the commissioners a list of those county officials and department heads who must come to speak to the commission regarding budget matters as the commission prepared the 2026 budget. She said they are running out of time to complete the work needed before June 15, when they get their tax numbers. They need to have the budget ready for those numbers by June 15 so that Walker can plug them in and the commission make any necessary changes to complete a budget by July 20, which is the legal deadline.
Walker said not to base the budget on the tax numbers, but on what the various department heads request in their budgets.
Milburn moved for a budget work session for Wednesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. to include Greg Motley as an advisor, as well as Susan Walker.
The commissioners set the date of June 1 to have department heads turn in their budgets to Susan Walker.
Whisenhunt made the motion to that affect and the commission approved it.
Redevelopment Project Slated For Completion This Year
Twenty-two new standard market apartments will be available this year in Fort Scott, if all goes as planned.
Shane Lamb is president of Rural Asset Management and Rural ReDevelopment Group, De Soto, KS., and decided to take on the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street as a redevelopment project.
He purchased the property in January 2022, which had been closed for approximately three years, intending to create 24 standard market apartments.
In a prior interview, Lamb said they didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds. They did apply for them but did not receive any.
Work began last year on the project.
“We went drastically over budget and over time,” he said. “All our contractors were slow, winter was slow.”
“We jumped off that project to finish phase 1 of a project in Iola,” Lamb said.
Lamb said the Fort Scott project will be restarting this week.
Phase 1 of the Fort Scott project will take approximately 60 days once started. It will take six months for the whole project to be completed.
The building is approximately 20,000 square feet and has been completely gutted, and all new materials have been used.
The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market, with prices for the large one-bedroom apartments at $675 to 695 per month, Lamb said.
“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said in a prior interview. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”
Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.
“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy. We do have a couple from Fort Scott, Chanute, and Iola.”
Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Commerce Offers Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
TOPEKA – Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson today announced applications are being accepted to attend the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) on June 2-5 in Indianapolis. Small business owners, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), ecosystem builders and university partners are encouraged to apply. Applicants selected will become part of the 40-member Kansas delegation attending the event.
Hosted in a different rising entrepreneurial city each year, the GEC is the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders — uniting thousands of founders, policymakers, investors, researchers and ecosystem builders from more than 200 countries. Over the four-day program, delegates engage in high-impact sessions that challenge outdated approaches, share breakthrough ideas, and form new collaborations across sectors and geographies.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas communities, and this delegation ensures their voices are part of the global conversation,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “By connecting Kansas entrepreneurs with world-class ideas and international partners, we’re helping them bring innovation home — and strengthening our state’s economy from the ground up.”
The state’s delegates will participate in exclusive networking opportunities, high-impact learning sessions, and direct engagement with international investors and policy leaders.
To ensure financial barriers do not prevent a small business from participating in this opportunity, 20 scholarships of $1,500 each are available to eligible delegates to help cover airfare, hotel, and meal expenses. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the criteria outlined in the application.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 9. For additional information or to apply, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Obituary of Matthew Wiebelhaus
Matthew Joe “Matt” Wiebelhaus, age 48, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born August 7, 1976, at Ft. Scott, the son of Gary Frederick and Judy Wiebelhaus.
Survivors include mother, Judy Wiebelhaus, of the home, siblings Mike Wiebelhaus (Tina) of Pleasanton, Kansas, Bob Wiebelhaus (Jan) of Garland, Kansas, Mary Froese of Wichita, Kansas, Gary Dean Wiebelhaus of Lawton, Oklahoma, Roy Wiebelhaus (Jenn) of Chehalis, Washington and Tim Wiebelhaus (Rebekah) of Lawrence, Kansas. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Matt loved spending time with his family and friends and embraced his role of being “Uncle Matt”. He was an avid KC Chiefs fan. He enjoyed traveling, playing games with friends and regularly attending the dinner theatre. He was also a movie buff. Everyone who knew Matt loved him, and he will be missed by all.
Matt was preceded in death by his father, Gary Wiebelhaus and a nephew, Matthew C. Wiebelhaus.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service with the rosary being recited at 10:30 A.M.
Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Building 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 remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 6
USDA Announces New Presidential Appointee to Serve Rural Kansas
(Topeka, Kan., May 6, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Gimmie Jo Jansonius is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Kanas. Director Jansonius will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.
“I’m excited to help our farming communities prosper,” said Director Jansonius. “The entire nation thrives when our farmers and ranchers thrive. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve rural Kansas and America.”
Gimmie Jo Jansonius serves as State Director for Rural Development in Kansas. A sixth-generation rancher actively involved in production agriculture, Mrs. Jansonius’ family business consists of a cow calf herd, small row crop farm, and direct beef sales enterprise where the seventh generation has also put down roots and returned home to rural America working in agriculture and healthcare.
State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Racy’s Are the New Owners of Common Ground Coffee Co.
Wayne and Stacy Racy are the new owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., as of May 1. They took over ownership from Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
“Wayne and I have always supported Common Ground, even since they opened on Main Street,” Stacy said. “When we travel, we make it a point to stop at coffee shops, enjoying a good cup of coffee in a relaxing setting. Wayne has served on the coffee shop board (at their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene) for several years. Three years ago, we began volunteering at the coffee shop and started spending numerous hours inside Common Ground, which allowed us to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.”
Stacy usually works in the kitchen, while Wayne serves coffee and chats with customers. About a year ago, Timken LLC, Fort Scott, announced it would be closing.
“He had worked at Timken for several years, and when an opportunity arose that would take us out of Fort Scott, we both felt mixed emotions,” she said. “This was my hometown, and we had always imagined that we would retire here.”
Stacy’s parents, longtime farmers in Bourbon County, are now older, and she didn’t feel she could move away and leave them behind.
“We have built our family to love Fort Scott just as much as we do,” she said. “Our youngest daughter, Samantha Burenheide, started volunteering with us three years ago and later became the manager until a permanent replacement was found. Leaving Fort Scott wasn’t an option for us, especially with our parents, and children, Katie and Samantha, and grandchildren living here.”
“I felt early on that the Lord was calling us to become more involved with Common Ground Coffee, and by November, we realized it was time to take the next step and become the owners. Wayne spoke with Pastor Virgil Peck about our intention to buy the coffee shop. Pastor Virgil understood our passion for it, and soon after, our proposal was presented to the Coffee Shop Board and the Church Board, both of which approved it.”
The planning began, and Common Ground transitioned from a non-profit to a for-profit business.
“After hours of paperwork, on May 1st, we officially took ownership. We are excited to serve our community and eager to see what the Lord has in store for Common Grounds. We anticipate some challenges ahead, but we also believe we live in one of the best cities around.”
Stacy will continue running her business at Healing Hands Massage and Salon, and Wayne will remain at Timken until he completes his time there, after which he will join Common Ground Coffee full-time.
“Most Saturday mornings, you can find both of us at the shop, working alongside our team,” she said.
Heidi Dixon will continue as manager, and Suzanne Griffin will continue to cater for Common Ground and keep the case full of her delicious desserts, along with Teri Hamilton and the baristas.
“We will continue to work with our baristas on learning new techniques and consistency on each coffee they make for our customers,” she said.
“Common Ground will still be a place that you can come and use the Wi-Fi to work or study, ” she said. ” We will also still offer free space for Bible studies and small groups to meet. I would eventually love to find someone to start a book club, etc. Just a place to reconnect with friends and build memories. People are welcome to come in and bring games to play with family and friends. Just a place to feel at home. Besides amazing coffee, we offer smoothies, teas, lemonades, and dirty sodas for those who don’t like coffee.”
The phone number will continue to be 620-223-2499, and the name will stay the same, Stacy said.
They don’t own the building, the owners are still Jennifer and Adam Laroche. They own the business.
KS Governor Asks Congressmen To Protect Medicaid
Governor Kelly Calls on Federal Leaders to
Protect the Medicaid Program
~Letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation requests
they reject proposed billion-dollar cuts to Medicaid that
would harm Kansas hospitals and providers~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that she has sent a letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation, requesting they protect Kansans from the looming federal Medicaid cuts that threaten quality, affordable health care access for the most vulnerable Kansans. Under the latest plan proposed by Congress, Kansas’ Medicaid program could lose up to $1 billion in federal funding within the first year alone.
“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care.”
The state’s Medicaid program covers more than 443,000 vulnerable Kansans, including low-income seniors, children, pregnant mothers, and individuals with disabilities. The suggested reductions in federal funding put these Kansans at risk of losing their health care coverage. Additionally, the 64% of Kansas rural hospitals already at risk of closing will be further financially strained under these cuts due to an increase in uncompensated care costs and lower reimbursement rates.
Kansas is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid, which has subjected the state’s hospitals and providers to high levels of charity care expenses for the uninsured. Governor Kelly has consistently introduced proposals to expand Medicaid every year of her administration, but due to the Legislature’s inaction on this issue, over $7 billion in federal funding has been left behind in Washington D.C., dollars that should have been injected into the state’s healthcare ecosystem and economy. Since Kansas is already operating with reduced resources and limited federal funding, billion-dollar cuts proposed at the federal level would further destabilize the state’s health care system.
By restricting access to care, the reduction in federal funding will weaken Kansas’ health care workforce, jeopardize the health of Kansans, and worsen financial instability. Governor Kelly urges federal and state leaders to work together to stop these cuts and build upon the progress made thus far by continuing to invest in the state’s health care system.
Governor Kelly’s full letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation can be found here.
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