All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 11

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January 11, 2021                                            Monday 10:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

 

Lynne reported they were having the meeting due to receiving a KOMA complaint; the Attorney General issued an opinion on the complaint, the KOMA complaint included the following allegations… the Commissioners failed to “comply with the statutory requirements for recessing into an executive session, failure to include an attorney in an executive session held for “attorney client privilege”, improperly including a third party in two executive sessions held for consultation with an attorney; and holding an executive session for personnel matters of nonelected personnel that did not pertain to an identifiable employee.”  Justin Meeks said the County did have technical KOMA violations, he said the Commissioners need to include in their motions for an executive session the reason for the executive session, plus additional details for the session, include a K.S.A. when making a motion to go into executive session, the exact start and stop time of the session and make a motion when coming back into open session.  Justin said the Commissioners went into an executive session for windfarm discussion for attorney client privilege but should have gone in for proprietary information instead.  Justin reported that Nick Ruhl had already signed the consent order from the office of the Attorney General, Lynne signed during the Commission meeting, Jeff Fischer said he would have to review the consent order before signing; he said if Justin had shared this before the meeting, he could have reviewed it.  Jeff told Justin he saw this complaint for the first time in October/November timeframe, and at that time Justin said he would take care of this.  Jeff read a portion of the consent order and said he would not sign this. If the Commissioners participate in KOMA training, the $50 penalty for each Commissioner for the KOMA violation will be waived, (Justin suggested doing the KOMA training).

 

This is Jeff Fischer’s last Commission meeting as a Commissioner; he said he had enjoyed serving with this Commission, he said he admired Lynne for his work in preserving the taxpayers interest, and said it was nice to see he advocated for a reduction in the mill levy.  He told Clifton that he enjoyed working with him and appreciated his ability to quickly learn & get to the heart of an issue, he wished him the best.  Lynne said he appreciated the compliment and said it had been a trying time the past two years and said he has tried to save taxpayers money.  Jeff said he could count on him to make decisions for the taxpayers.

 

At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, concerning medical, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:32am, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks).  At 10:32, Clifton made a motion to go back into open session, Lynne seconded and all approved, no action was taken.

 

Lynne asked that a 30 minute executive session be scheduled on the January 12th agenda for medical discussion.

 

At 10:33, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

January 12, 2021, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Government

New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

Jeremy  Frazier was selected by the Fort Scott City Commission in a unanimous vote to become the next city manager in January 2021.

 

He starts in that position next Monday, February 1.

 

He replaces Dave Martin, who retired in October 2020.

 

Frazier will bring new vision and ideas to the city, according to a January 21 Fort Scott City Commission press release.

To view the city’s press release:

Jeremy Frazier To Begin As Fort Scott City Manager on Feb. 1

 

“Jeremy brings to this position over a decade of public sector experience,” according to the press release.

 

Frazier has managed cities of various size towns of from 1,800 people to his most recent in El Reno, Oklahoma, population approximately 20,000 people, according to the release.

 

He will earn $115,000 per year plus benefits as the new city manager.

To view the entire contract:

FedEx Scan 2021-01-20_14-12-31(1)

 

The following is from an email interview with Frazier.

Why did you pursue your career? Was there someone who inspired you?

“I chose to pursue city management as a career because after graduating from college and landing a position with a great company, I found myself financially secure but unfulfilled and lacking passion within my organization.”
“So I put serious thought into what I enjoy, how I could serve others, and how I could create lasting changes in the lives of others. I knew that I felt a calling to public service but was unsure as to how best to execute it. After all, I knew very few public servants at the time.”
“Fortunately, I met some great public servants through the Oklahoma Municipal League such as Missy Dean and the City Management Association of Oklahoma which include Tim Rundel, Eric Benson, Jason Orr, and many others.”
“While the opportunity that I desired did not materialize immediately, I stayed close to the industry and received encouragement from various industry professionals for which I had great respect and admiration.”
“Finally,  a few years later, I was offered an opportunity to serve in a small community of 1,800. There the city manager felt it important that I learn every position and task from code enforcement to billing and collections and public works. At the time I did not appreciate these lessons as I thought I was hired to be more of an administrator, in my mind.”
“In hindsight, this was the best learning experience that I could have ever asked for and I’ve been hooked on public service every since, building upon my knowledge and skills with each community that I’ve served.”
“Now I look forward to bringing my passion for public service, skills, and knowledge to serve the community and residents of Fort Scott.”
What affiliations/community involvement interests you outside of your employment?
“I have served as a board of trustees appointee to a local university, worked closely with local volunteer organizations to perform community projects, served as a member of local civic organizations such as Toastmaster’s International and the Lions Club, and was active with local government organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) and the City Management Association of Oklahoma (CMAO).”
“I hope to be active in similar organizations in the state of Kansas. I might also find interest in local home building or restoration non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and others.”
Frazier said he has been married “nearly 15 years to a wonderful woman and mother and I have two young boys.”
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Local Author Brian Allen: Book Idea Originated In History Club

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Brian Allen works as a teacher’s aide in an automotive technology class at Fort Scott High School. Because of a special interest in history, Allen sponsors the high school history club that meets monthly.

He is also president of the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association.

 

Because of this love of history and wanting to create interest in the students, he started telling stories of local murders during a period of the late 1800s in Bourbon County.

 

 

“I started researching stories for the high school kids in history club (at the school) and found that they liked a good murder mystery or story,” Allen said. ” I did 30 years’ worth of short stories and asked Fred Campbell (a  local historian) to proof-read it for me. When he finished he insisted that I have it published.”

 

 

“The name of the book is Murder and Mayhem, and covers Bourbon County murders that occurred between 1868 and 1898,” he said.

 

 

 

“I never thought about doing it, but (Campbell’s) enthusiasm pushed me to go ahead and look into it,” he said. “This is the first book I have had published, but I do have three more manuscripts completed and am working on a fourth.”

 

 

“It was published in December of 2020 and was printed by SeKan printing here in Fort Scott,” he said. “Don Banwart designed the cover, and I included a photo of the original courthouse on it. It took me about a year to write it as it was never my original intention to publish it. It is available at the Hedgehog Ink as well as the (Fort Scott) Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Hedgehog INK is a bookstore at 16 S. Main and the chamber is located at 231 E. Wall.

 

“My future books will be about World War 1, a second murder book, and other crime and punishment stories in Bourbon County,” he said.

 

 

Allen also volunteers as a member of the Fort Scott Street Advisory Committee.

 

 

He graduated from FSHS in 1985 and graduated from Fort Scott Community College.

 

Allen is married and has three children and four grandchildren.

 

 

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas COVID-19 Recovery Orders

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Governor Laura Kelly Re-Issues, Signs Executive Orders to Promote COVID-19 Recovery

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Executive Orders #21-01 and #21-02 as part of her administration’s commitment to protect Kansans and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate effective virus recovery efforts.

E.O. #21-01 allows Kansas employers to continue to withhold income taxes based on the state of the employee’s primary work location, and not based on the state in which the employee is temporarily teleworking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many aspects of our lives – including how and where we do our jobs,” Governor Kelly said. “This order helps ensure that tax season can go on without a hitch for Kansas businesses that have adjusted working schedules and employee work sites to keep people safe during the pandemic by allowing them to proceed with income tax withholdings as usual.”

Several executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire on Jan. 26 in conjunction the expiration of the state of disaster emergency. Because the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 14 to extend the state of disaster emergency until March 31, 2021, certain previous executive orders must also be extended. Under E.O. #21-02, the following executive orders already in place will be extended until rescinded or until the statewide state of disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier:

  • 20-37 – Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-39 – Extending professional and occupational licenses during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-40 – Temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-video communication technology during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-43 – Temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-56 – Amended Licensure, Certification, and Registration for persons and Licensure of “Adult Care Homes” during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-61 – Temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions
  • 20-66 – Amended provisions related to drivers’ license and vehicle registration and regulation during state of disaster emergency
  • 20-70 – Provisions related to drivers’ license and identification cards during the state of disaster emergency

“These Executive Orders allow Kansas to continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and assist our efforts to keep Kansans healthy, keep businesses open, and get our kids back to school as quickly as possible,” Governor Kelly said.

Today’s actions also affect rules regarding unemployment benefits for Kansans. Executive Order 20-50, which had been in place since June 30, 2020, had suspended the requirement to continue searching for work in order to receive unemployment insurance benefits. That order expired yesterday and will not be extended. Executive Order 20-71, issued previously, waives the requirement that new unemployment claimants wait a week before receiving benefits and will continue in effect because the Legislature did not include a waiting week waiver in the pandemic legislation passed last week.

View E.O. #21-01 here.

View E.O. #20-02 here.

Fort Scott, Government

New Administration in City of Fort Scott, New Collaboration

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Josh Jones. Submitted photo.

 

There is a new mayor and president, and city manager for the City of Fort Scott in the past week.

 

Josh Jones was selected to replace JoLynne Mitchell on the Fort Scott City Commission on December 1, 2020.

 

Jones became the mayor on January 7, 2021, with Kevin Allen selected to be president, according to the City of Fort Scott commission minutes. Allen was sworn in on Jan. 2020 to the commission.

 

The other city commissioners are Randy Nichols, Pete Allen, and Lindsay Watts.

 

New to the community is Jeremy Frazier, who was selected as the new city manager late last week.

 

The City of Fort Scott has operated under a city commission/city manager form of government since 1975, according to City Commission | Fort Scott, KS (fscity.org) . The city commission consists of a mayor, president of the commission, and three city commissioners. All members of the city commission are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis by the citizens of Fort Scott. The mayor, the president of the commission, and the city commissioners all serve without any compensation.

 

The Fort Scott City Commission elects the mayor and president of the board annually at their first meeting in January, according to the website.

 

The mayor, who has the same authority as the other commissioners, presides over the commission meetings, provides the official signature on documents, and represents the city at official and ceremonial functions. In the absence of the mayor, the president of the commission fulfills the duties of the mayor, according to the website.

 

The duties of the commission are to pass city ordinances and resolutions, establish policies for the city, approve the annual budget, appoint members to city boards and appoint a city manager.

 

 

A little about Jones

Jones owns rental houses in Fort Scott and also manages Bourbon County Cars, a local used-car dealership. He is a life-long resident of Fort Scott.

 

He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 20 years and has twin daughters, Madison and Taylor, who are 20 years old, and one son, David, 15.

 

 

A little about Allen

Kevin “Skitch” Allen was selected last week to be the president.

Allen has had a local construction company for 27 years in Fort Scott.

“Everything from construction dirt work to trash roll-off services and porta-potties,” he said. “I also own several buildings and homes in the community that I rent out.”

He is a 1988 Fort Scott High School graduate. He then attended Fort Scott Community College for two years and then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pittsburg State University.

He has two daughters, Maddie Thorpe and  Jocie Allen, and two granddaughters and a grandson on the way, he said.

 

 

The commission hired a new manager last week.

 

“The commission unanimously selected Jeremy Frazier to be hired as city manager of Fort Scott,” Jones said.  “All five commissioners believe Jeremy is the best fit for Fort Scott and we are very excited to utilize Jeremy’s vision and ideas to move Fort Scott forward.”

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

 

 

“Jeremy will start February 1st and (Interim Manager)Jeff Hancock will leave February 3,” Jones said. “Jeff’s leadership and knowledge have been very valuable in the short time he has been here.”

 

To view a bio of Frazier:

https://fortscott.biz/news/jeremy-frazier-t…manager-on-feb-1 ‎

A new collaboration

 

Also new is the sharing of business services with the Bourbon County Commission.

 

“With the new makeup of the city commission and the county commission we feel like now we have the opportunities to save taxpayers money by sharing services,” Jones said.

 

“This will be a case by case basis, so we can evaluate each item and come up with what we believe will save the most money for taxpayers. By joining into an agreement with the county on the Finance/Business Manager need, it will save the city roughly $40,000 per year.”

 

The City of Fort Scott Finance Director Susan Bancroft was hired by the Bourbon County Commission last week to be its’ business manager, part-time.

 

 

 

The City of Fort Scott meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month in the city commission meeting room at 123 S. Main.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.

Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 9 RESULTS vs PRAIRIE VIEW 1/22/2021

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The end of the First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament saw success for both of the Uniontown teams. The Lady Eagles won their tournament, and the boys ended up second overall.

The girls’ Varsity team beat the Prairie View Buffalo 65-25. Danielle Howard scored 26 points and had 7 assists and 13 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 19 points and had 3 steals. Sammie Hampton and Gwenyth Fry each had 5 boards.

“It was a good night for Lady Eagles Basketball,” Coach Miller said. “After a long week of competition, the girls played their best game of the tournament. Winning the Inaugural Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament will be a memory that these girls will cherish for years to come.

“A nice addition to the win was getting to celebrate Karleigh Schoenberger’s induction to the 1000-point club. She is only the 3rd Lady Eagle player to achieve such a milestone. Karleigh has joined the ranks of Trisha Eldridge Newton (1250 pts) and Shalina Harper (1325 pts). She has worked hard to reach this goal and it has been our pleasure to watch her do it. With several games to be played to finish up her senior season, we hope to see her continue to climb the leaderboard. Thank you KB for your hard work!”

The boys’ team also beat the Buffalo, with a score of 53-48. Jake Harvey once again led with 24 points, and also had 2 assists and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach had 8 boards, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Drew Perry had 5 assists and 3 steals, and Clay Sutterby had 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 11 points.

“I thought our defensive energy against Prairie View was really good. Prairie View was a big, strong, and athletic team, and I challenged our guys to out-scrap them. I thought for the most part, we did that. We are looking forward to jumping back into league play next week,” said Coach Hays.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Business, Fort Scott

New Esthetics Business Opened

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Esthetician Hallie Grillot holds a gift certificate for her facial services. Submitted photos.

 

Esthetician Hallie Grillot, 20,  opened a new business in September 2020.

 

An esthetician is a worker skilled in giving beauty treatments, according to the Free Dictionary.

 

Her business, Pure Skin Esthetics, is located inside Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon, at 117 E. National Avenue.

 

“I always had a passion for beauty and wellness so i wanted a career which incorporated that,” Grillot said. “I knew in my heart esthetics would be a great fit for me! It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Making people look good also makes them feel good; which in turn, makes me feel good. I love what I do, and it shows through my work. I am lucky to have found a career that I love so much.

 

Grillot graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2019, then attended Bellus Academy, Manhattan,  for esthetics. Her parents are Dale and Vonnie Rickerson.

 

 In addition, she is a full-time student at Fort Scott Community College, working towards obtaining a business degree.

 

“I perform cosmetic skin treatments, facials ranging from $30- $75- such as hydro, aromatherapy, anti-aging, acne treatment, chemical peels. I also offer body treatments, and waxing.”

For Valentine’s Day, Grillot is offering a “love your skin special.”

“It’s 20% off discount code through the whole month of February – Use the code “LOVE” when book your appointment online!

Go to the  website

Additionally,  there is a “book now” big button on the business  Facebook page.

Contact info: 1(620)-215-5790

 

Pure Skin Esthetics, 117 E. National. Submitted photos.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Board Leadership Series Planned for February 

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

 

K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of virtual Board Leadership workshops across the Southwind District February 16, 18, 23 & 25.

Designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards, the series will be hosted by local Extension professionals from the Southwind and Wildcat Extension Districts, and participants are invited to join from any remote location of their choice.

Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities.  K-State Research and Extension’s Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member.  Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.

The series will kick-off on February 16 with Organizing/Leading Effective Meetings.  During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure, and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.

On February 18, the topic will be Generations & Behavioral Management. This session will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process.

 

The February 23 session will cover Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management. Participants will learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.

 

Strategic Planning will be the final topic on February 25.  Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

 

All sessions will be conducted from Noon to 1:00 pm. Workshop participants will meet virtually and upon registration will receive a link to participate in the live, web-based discussion.

 

Pre-registration for the event is required by February 12, 2021. The cost of $20 covers for all four sessions for one board member.  Each registration buys a seat, which can be rotated by participants.  Registration also includes a copy of the meeting materials that will be mailed prior to the workshop. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/BoardLeadership2021 or by going to www.southwind.k-state.edu. If you have questions or would prefer to register by phone, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.

 

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK provides tools to give newborns and moms a good start  

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CHC/SEK Family Resource Specialists, from left, Lauren Stiles, Colette Lee, Julie Laverack, Leah Anderson, Keele Allen stand next to a Baby Box, also known as a Finn Box, while holding a grant certificate from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. The grant allowed for the purchase of 80 Baby Boxes for teenage mothers in Crawford, Cherokee, Bourbon, and Labette counties.

A new maternity program funded by the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Giving Circle draws from a Finnish tradition designed to give all children, regardless of background an equal start in life.

It’s a starter box of clothes, sheets and toys with a mattress in the bottom so the box becomes a baby’s first bed.
The boxes are being filled for distribution by CHC/SEK pregnancy case managers to the area’s most vulnerable population – mothers from Crawford, Bourbon, Cherokee and Labette Counties under the age of 19 who often lack stable housing and resources to care for a newborn. In 2019, 158 teenagers gave birth in these four Southeast Kansas counties – most of them patients of CHC/SEK or Labette Health. CHC/SEK  has partnered with the hospital  to provide an in-house family resource specialist  who will provide educational, vocational and parenting support throughout pregnancy and parenting.
The Finland baby box dates back to the 1930’s as a national initiative to give expectant mothers the tools they need to raise a healthy baby. Some credit the concept with helping Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates by pairing education with medical support through a box full of newborn necessities that doubles as the child’s first safe sleep space up to the age of six months.
“Babies used to sleep in the same bed as their parents and it was recommended that they stop,” according to University of Helsinki Professor Panu Pulmain. “Including the box as a bed meant people started to let their babies sleep separately from them.”
Since then, the concept has been incorporated into Sleep Awareness programs in the U.S. to reduce bedsharing, the leading cause of infant mortality in the first eight days of life. The boxes include a waterproof sleeping mattress, sheets, diapers, wipes, clothing, thermometer, a parenting book and other baby basics, including a HALO SleepSack. This program is the first of its kind in Kansas and is part of a maternal/child health initiative which pairs CHC/SEK case managers with young women during their prenatal care and for a year following delivery.
“The health care system is a hard enough place to navigate, and having an advocate to help you get through and a bridge to help you connect all of the resources together are proven to make families healthier,” said Patient Education and Support Manager Julie Laverack.

The Baby Box is one component of a larger program designed to provide a safe sleeping option in less than an ideal environment, discourage bed sharing, and encourage breast feeding. It is one step toward CHC/SEK’s larger goal of reducing the impact of generational poverty and lower the rate of neglect and abuse in the southeast Kansas region.

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing affordable, high quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. For more information, visit www.chcsek.org.
Opinion

Half-Baked Biscuits and Christians by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

While preparing breakfast the other morning, I placed the biscuits on the baking sheet. Then I started making the gravy while waiting for the oven temperature to preheat to 375. After several minutes, I glanced at the temp light and noticed the oven wasn’t even turned on. When stuff like that happens, it’s really annoying. A raw or half-baked biscuit isn’t fit to eat. I intended to turn on the oven, but I got sidetracked. When I discovered my error, I quickly fixed it ‘cause you can’t eat gravy without a biscuit!

Anything that’s halfway finished or halfheartedly performed is either a huge disappointment or just flat worthless. For example, what cowboy wants to eat bloody jerky? What person in his right mind would eat half-baked chicken? I thought about the way some Christians live with a halfhearted commitment to God. If I was annoyed over the biscuits, just think how annoyed God is when His children are half-baked.

Christ delivers a severe warning to all believers in the last book of the New Testament: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15,16 NLT). The term “hot” represents those who genuinely love and obey God with all their heart and are on fire for His Kingdom. The term “cold” indicates unbelievers who admit they’re lost. “Lukewarm” represents Christians who have no real commitment, obedience, or power, and are satisfied with their half-baked lifestyle.

In the Old Testament, we find that Caleb wholly followed the Lord. While some who believed in God were content to simply follow, Caleb went full throttle after God. “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it” (Numbers 14:24 NKJV). Those who wholeheartedly obey God and seek His presence will always enjoy His blessing upon their lives.

In 1 Samuel Chapter 15, the Prophet Samuel gave King Saul a message from the Lord. He was to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation (all the men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys), including King Agag. Long story short, King Saul spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the animals and anything else that appealed to him. Sadly, King Saul did not wholly follow the Lord, and God rejected him because halfhearted (partial) obedience is not obedience at all.

When you search your heart and find you’re between hot and cold, you can quickly fix it by repenting. You shouldn’t be satisfied to live as a lukewarm Christian. Jesus’ words are very clear: “You must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and ALL your mind“ (Matthew 22:37 NLT). The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to help those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

The Key: Get rid of your lukewarm half-baked biscuits and wholeheartedly serve the Lord.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Jan. 22

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What’s Happening
in Fort Scott
January 22nd
Weekly Edition
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10 AM & 1 PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8 am-5 pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10 am or 1 pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! The guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
1/23 – Pickleball from 8-10 am at Buck Run, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page here for any location changes or cancelations. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays
1/22-23 – Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
1/22 – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
1/24 – Kansas City Chiefs play at 5:40 pm, watch the game, or order carryout from a local restaurant! See below for Luther’s BBQ Tailgate Package! Holmtown Pub, Sharky’s, Luther’s & other restaurants will be open for the game, click here for our restaurant member listing.
1/26-28 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, click here for flyer.
1/28 – Chamber Coffee, 8am, to be hosted by Stutesman’s Action Realty at one of their commercial listings, 306 E. 23rd St.
1/29 – National Kansas Day, Local retailers and restaurants will be participating in this celebration by giving a 10% Discount off your purchase for shopping or dining by wearing any Kansas or Sunflower attire! Look for the Participating Flyer.
1/30 – Real Estate & Personal Property Auction of the Roxine Poznich Trust, 10am, 1519 E. Pine St. by Chamber member Anderson Auction Service. Click here for all the info.
Radio Auction by KOMB FM 103.9 every Thursday & Friday through February at 2 pm! Get your bid # and view the items on their website here. In addition to calling in your bid, you can also bid online this year and even “Buy it Now” ~ or bid by text to 620-724-7962.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
  • SPIN classes now offered by Smallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tues & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
  • Total Body Fitnesswith Karen Reinbolt at Buck Run Community Center, Mon & Wed 8:15 am $20 for 8-week session.
  • Zumba with Monalynn Decker at Buck Run, Mon, Wed, Fri 6 pm, $40 for a 12-week session.
  • Indoor Fitness/Gyms at I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
LUTHER’S BBQ TAILGATE PACKAGE
FOR THIS SUNDAY’S BIG GAME!
LUTHER’S BBQ TAILGATE PACKAGE SPECIALS
FOR THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GAME
THIS SUNDAY 1/24, GAME TIME 5:40 PM!
Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate Package:
$44.95, serves 4.
1 lb Burnt ends, 1 lb Pulled Pork and a Slab of Ribs w/ 2 sides
Available Chiefs Gameday only ends at halftime. Dine-in or Carryout.
Also, bringing back the Tomahawk BBQ Chop Sandwich. Chiefs Gameday, all day. Dine-in or Carry Out.
CALL 620-644-9880
GO CHIEFS!
FORT CINEMA SHOWTIMES!
GIVE A TOAST TO THE SUNFLOWER STATE ON KANSAS DAY! #ToTheStarsKS
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT BUCK RUN
2-DAY JOB FAIR TO BE HOSTED BY TIMKEN!
JOB SEEKING IN THE FORT SCOTT AREA
YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW
LOOKING FOR A JOB IN FORT SCOTT?
Give a Like to our Fort Scott Jobs FB page!
Clickherefor link.
Visit the Jobs posted by Chamber members
on our website fortscott.com!
Click here to view jobs.
See additional Job Seeker resources below!
JOB SEEKER RESOURCES
FOR CAREER SEARCHING IN THE FORT SCOTT AREA
The Chamber posts a “JOB OF THE DAY” posting on our Social Media accounts as requested by area employers or as we notice them in the newspaper and various employment websites.
           Chamber Social Media accounts
where jobs are posted:
Facebook:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @fortscottchamber
o  Fort Scott Jobs – Fort Scott, Kansas @fortscottjobs
Instagram:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @fortscottchamber
Twitter:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @FSChamber
LinkedIn:
Chamber Website, fortscott.com – Jobs are posted under the Jobs/Housing tab:
·        The Chamber issues a monthly “Help Wanted” flyer which is available on our website and in hard copy at the Chamber office.
·        Fortscott.com/jobs also includes positions posted directly to our website by Chamber member employers.
KANSASWORKS – the State of Kansas employ
…

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Bourbon County, Government

Jim Harris Sworn In As County Commissioner

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Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, District 2.

Bourbon County Commissioner District 2 Jim Harris was sworn in on January 11, 2021.

” I plan on following through with my campaign promises,” Harris said. ” I believe it’s time for the Bourbon County citizens to be heard and for the government to represent the people with respect and provide transparency to our government.”

 

“I believe we have to visit with folks to fully understand what services they want and don’t want,” he said. “We are hoping to have a town hall meeting in March, if we can get warmer weather.”

 

“I would like to continue holding town hall meetings this year to give me the opportunity to visit with folks and to understand their concerns,” he said.

 

He said he enjoyed having a town hall meeting in Gunn Park, but if not perhaps the Empress Event Center, in downtown Fort Scott.

 

“I hope with our town hall meetings, folks will get involved in a positive way,” he said.

 

The commission is collaborating with other entities to provide services.

“We are working with the City of Fort Scott and our health care providers to continue providing long-term health care,” he said.

 

“I am excited that we have a new BEDCO (Bourbon County Ecomonic Development Council) committee with high expectations of moving forward with economic growth. If we can grow and expand our tax base and ensure efficient, responsible spending we can lower our mill levy.”

” We have begun working with the City of Fort Scott with shared services to reduce the cost of operations and to discontinue duplicated services,” Harris said.

 

“Another area of concern is our infrastructure, mainly bridges, that we must continue to fund and make necessary repairs to keep our roads open.  We currently have a ten-year road program and I plan on requesting we put together and ten-year ditching and bridge replacement program with adequate funding.”

 

Since being sworn in, he has one appointment added.

 

“To date I have been appointed as a member of the Lake Advisory Committee,” Harris said.

 

” In closing, I want to express my thanks for the folks that elected me,” he said.  “I will always be accessible and be a humbled servant of the folks that are my boss which is the citizens of Bourbon County.”

 

 

To view his candidate profile from July 2020:

Jim Harris: Candidate For Bourbon County Commission

 

 

Contact info is [email protected] and 620-224-0230.

Bourbon County Local News