All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County Ballot For Nov. 3

October 13, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

COUNTY CLERK’S NOTICE OF CANDIDATES TO BE VOTED ON

AT THE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020

State of Kansas County of Bourbon

In compliance with K.S.A. 25-105, and the General Election Laws of the State of Kansas, I submit herewith the list of National, State and District Candidates certified to me by the Secretary of State, and the list of those filed as candidates in Bourbon County in the forthcoming General Election to be held, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

And, I hereby give further notice that the election will be held in the voting places listed below in Bourbon County, Kansas, and that the polls will be opened and closed at the regular time specified by law for the conduct of elections. All precincts in the county will open at 7:00 am and will close at 7:00 pm.

Sales Tax Question on the ballot:

To vote in favor of any question

submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“YES”;

to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“NO”.

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas,

levy (renew) a one percent

countywide retailers’ sales tax to

take effect on July 1, 2021, and

expire on June 30, 2031, with the

allocated shares pursuant to

K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be

used as follows: (1) to Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

maintenance and construction of

hard surface roads, and (2) to

each city located in Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

providing funding for public

services?

Residents living in the City of Fort Scott vote at the following locations:

1^st Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

2^nd Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

3^rd Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

4^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

5^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

6^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

7^th Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Residents living out in the county vote at the following locations:

Drywood Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Franklin Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Freedom Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

East Marion Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

West Marion Bronson Community Building – 504 Clay Street, Bronson, KS

Marmaton Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Millcreek Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Osage Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

Pawnee Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

North Scott Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

South Scott Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Timberhill Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Walnut Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICES

For President and Vice-President of the United States
		Joseph R. Biden / Kamala D. Harris	1209 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, DE 19807	Democratic
		Donald J. Trump / Michael R. Pence 1100 S. Ocean Blvd. Palm Beach, FL 33480		Republican
		Jo Jorgensen / Jeremy “Spike” Cohen	Greenville, SC	Libertarian
For United States Senate
	Barbara Bollier		6910 Overhill Road Mission Hills, KS 66208	Democratic
	Roger Marshall		PO Box 1588 Great Bend, KS 67530	Republican
	Jason Buckley		8828 Marty Ln Overland Park, KS 66212	Libertarian
For US House of Representatives – District 2
		Michelle De La Isla	3250 SW Briarwood Dr Topeka, KS 66611	Democratic
		Jake LaTurner	2329 SW Ashworth Pl Topeka, KS 66614	Republican
		Robert Garrard	2287 N 300 Rd Edgerton, KS 66021	Libertarian
Kansas Senate, District 12
		Mike Bruner	1002 Pecan St. Humboldt, KS 66748	Democratic
		Caryn Tyson	PO Box 191 Parker, KS 66072	Republican
Kansas Senate, District 13
		Nancy J. Ingle	511 E. 21^st Pittsburg, KS 66762	Democratic
		Richard Hilderbrand	240 Cleveland Ave Baxter Springs, KS 66713	Republican
Kansas House of Representatives, District 2
		Lynn D. Grant	202 S. Appleton Frontenac, KS 66763	Democratic
		Kenneth Collins	102 E First Street Mulberry, KS 66756	Republican
Kansas House of Representatives, District 4
		Bill Meyer	14 Golfview Drive Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
		Trevor Jacobs	1927 Locust Road Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Commissioner – District 2
		Jim Harris	2302 Jayhawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Commissioner – District 3
		Clifton Beth	2236 215^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
		Phillip G. Hoyt	2422 242^nd Terrace Fulton, KS 66738	Democratic
For County Clerk
		Kendell Dawn Mason	2 S Eddy Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Treasurer
		Patty Love	901 Shepherd St Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For Register of Deeds
		Lora Holdridge	1814 Richards Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Attorney
		Jacqie Spradling	PO Box 576 Spring Hill, KS 66083	Republican
For County Sheriff
		Mike Feagins	1964 Justice Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
		Bill Martin	502 Meadow Ln Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Drywood		Richard Cullison, Jr.	506 260^th Garland, KS 66741	Republican
Franklin		Tony Bradbury	631 Soldier Rd. Bronson, KS 66716	Republican
Freedom		Janice Seested	2330 215^th St. Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Marion		Steve Geiger	1121 Hwy 3 Uniontown, KS 66779	Republican
Marmaton		David Duffey	1201 Locust Rd Redfield, KS 66769	Republican
Millcreek		Yvonne Beck	1821 159^th Street Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Osage		Brian Wade	2618 Soldier Rd. Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Pawnee		Karen A. Endicott-Coyan	1635 Fern Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Scott		Jim Sackett	2019 Maple Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Timberhill		Dan Laughlin	2275 105^th St. Mapleton, KS 66754	Republican
Walnut		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

TOWNSHIP TREASURER
Drywood		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Franklin		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Freedom		Karen A. Paddock	608 W Cedar St. Fulton, KS 66738	Republican
Marion		Rex Wilson	905 Clay St. Bronson, KS 66716	Republican
Marmaton		Wilma K. Graham	102 W 4^th Redfield, KS 66769	Democratic
Millcreek		Betty L. Graham	1458 Tomahawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Osage		Kathleen Valentine	2638 Tomahawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Pawnee		Sharon Middleton	1374 Eagle Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Scott		Harold Rogers	2189 Ironwood Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Timberhill		David Scharenberg	1045 Yale Rd Mapleton, KS 66754	Republican
Walnut		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

STATE OF KANSAS OFFICIAL JUDICIAL BALLOT
Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judges, District Court Judges and District Magistrate Judge
Question #1,		Shall the following Supreme Court Justice be retained in office?
		Eric S. Rosen	1928 S.W. Indian Woods Ln. Topeka, KS 66611	Position 4

Question #2,		Shall the following Court of Appeals Judges be retained in office?
		Sarah E. Warner	Kansas Judicial Center 301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 4
		David E. Bruns	Olathe	Position 6
		G. Gordon Atcheson	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 8
		Karen M. Arnold-Burger	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 9
		Kathryn Gardner	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 14

Question #3,		Shall the following Judges of the District Court be retained in office?
		Terri L Johnson	PO Box 311 Pleasanton, KS 66075	District 6, Division 2
		Mark A. Ward	829 190^th St Fort Scott, KS 66701	District 6, Division 3
		Steven C. Montgomery	22404 S. Roosevelt St. Spring Hill, KS 66083	District 6, Division 4

Question #4,		Shall the following Judge of the District Magistrate be retained in office?
		Valorie R. Leblanc	210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701	District 6
Shall the following be adopted? Shall Bourbon County, Kansas, levy (renew) a one percent countywide retailers’ sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2021, and expire on June 30, 2031, with the allocated shares pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be used as follows: (1) to Bourbon county, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon county, for the purpose of providing funding for public services?

Kendell Mason, County Clerk &

(SEAL) Bourbon County Election Officer

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 13

October 13, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Click below:

101320a

101320r

Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

See Tiger Football On The Big Screen Friday Night

October 12, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Fort Scott Cinema is located at 224 W.18th.

Brent Cavin, manager of Fort Cinema, has come up with a collaboration to allow Fort Scott High School Tiger Football to be seen on the big screens.

“As new movies continue to be pushed back months we have switched our mindset and focus from being not only a movie theater, but into a gathering place for the community,” Cavin said.

Recently, they have made theater rentals available for private movie and video game parties on the big screens.

To view the previous story on theater rentals, click below:

Fort Cinema Gets Creative In Offerings

“This is the next step for our community to help keep their theater open,” Cavin said. “It was an idea that came to us as we realized some of the away football games have limited fan attendance. When we noticed that the upcoming football game is several hours away we decided this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the community.”

The number of fans is limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions.

Cavin contacted FSHS and Fort Scott Broadcasting on Friday to pitch the idea, and both were enthusiastic about the concept.

“All three screens are capable of broadcasting the game via Fort Scott TV,” he said. “We are hoping that broadcasting conditions will be optimal Friday night from Wamego, and we are making sure our theater will be able to hopefully stream the game without any hiccups.”

Admission is free.

The staff is asking those who want to attend to come and get a ticket sometime this week between the hours of 6 p.m.and 8 p.m.

“This is solely to give us an estimate on crowd size,” Cavin said.

“There will be a free will donation bucket available for anyone who would like to donate money,” he said.

“Our concession stand will be open with food that all fans are familiar with when they attend games: popcorn, pretzels, nachos, candy, and pizza by the slice from Papa Don’s will be sold,” Cavin said.

The cinema is located just off South Main Street at 224 W. 18th Street.

Doors will open at 6:00 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00.

Come support the undefeated Tigers, while supporting the local cinema.

The Fort Scott High School football team celebrates in a 2015 game.

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19

Ponderosa Farm: SPARK Grant Recipient

October 9, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Chet and Linda Bower received news that they are a recipient of the Kansas SPARK Grant.

The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is leading Kansas forward in recovery from the effects of COVID-19. They are responsible for statewide distribution of the U.S. Coronavirus Relief Fund.

The Bowers own five acres northwest of Fort Scott, of which one acre is in garden produce.

The Bower’s grant will be used for repairing or updating farm equipment, Linda said. “The equipment must be repaired or purchased by Dec. 31, according to the grant.”

“This will allow us to effectively increase produce to supply to local people,” she said.

The Bower’s have been vendors at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market for many years.

In addition, they supply produce to Papa Don’s Restaurant, Fort Scott and Emory’s Restaurant in Missouri.

“Excess produce is donated to the Beacon,” Linda said. “Also local assisted living facilities. We hate to throw anything away.”

The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market ends the last Saturday in October.

“Right now there is squash, tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers, potatoes, zucchini, pumpkins, baked goods, pies, chicken, eggs, honey, and crafts,” Linda said.

The market is located on Skutbitz Plaza, in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, at the end of North Main Street.

The vendors set up shop on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Chet and Linda Bowers on their Ponderosa Farm.

Bourbon County, Elections, Fort Scott, Government

Bourbon County Cities Need 1-percent Sales Tax Proposed on Nov. 3

October 8, 2020 Loretta George 10 Comments

Bronson, Fort Scott, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown all benefit from the upcoming proposed 1-percent sales tax that will be on the Nov. 3 Bourbon County Ballot.

In fact, if the proposal fails to renew (the sales tax has been in place for years), cities will have to make hard decisions concerning services they can provide their communities, according to authorities.

Several community officials have responded with what the possible impact on their communities will be.

“If a no vote prevails, each entity receiving this sales tax would have troubling decisions that would set our communities back even further,” Fort Scott’s Financial Director Susan Bancroft said. “Some communities may be forced to raise property taxes to cover lost revenue and some may face having to make the decision to unincorporate.”

“Citizens may ask why a sales tax rather than a property tax,” Bancroft said. ” Local residents and nonresident consumers buying in Bourbon County share in the revenue generated from a sales tax. Essentially, visiting consumers help financially support improvements in our communities versus a property tax solely coming from Bourbon County residents.’

“Currently, The City of Fort Scott generates roughly $750,000 per year from the 1% sales tax,” Bancroft said. “Approximately 67% ($500,000) of the sales tax is used for the street department for operations and basic maintenance to our city streets.”

“Additionally, 20% of the sales tax supports any capital improvements needed for parks, public safety, recreational facilities and public buildings,” she said. “The remaining 13% of the sales tax supports general fund operations for things such as: public parks, municipal airport, Woodland Hills Golf Course, aquatic center, Buck Run Community Center and public safety.”

FS Commission Recent Change: 90% Will Go To Streets

“At the October 6^th commission meeting, the (Fort Scott)City Commission made a bold decision to change their current allocations of the 1% countywide sales tax to the street department,” Bancroft said. “The current 67% will increase to 90%, and will be dedicated to the street department for operations and maintenance if the sales tax passes on November 3^rd. The remaining 10% will be used to continue to fund public parks, public buildings, recreational facilities, and public safety.”

Bronson, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown use the portion of their sales tax to support general operations and are a significant part of their budgets, Bancroft said.

Bancroft broke down the following percentages for how much the countywide sales tax generates in each entity as a percentage of total revenue received:

Bourbon County 35%
Bronson 18%
Fort Scott 11%
Mapleton 29%
Redfield 27%
Uniontown 14%

“I encourage the citizens of Bourbon County to research the facts to understand the impact this vote could make on our county. The proposed sales tax is not a new sales tax. This sales tax is simply renewing the current sales tax in place, and for all entities, it is to support the day to day activities that keep our communities running.” Bancroft stated.

Bronson

“The City of Bronson relies on the countywide sales tax to supplement our general fund to reduce the burden on property taxpayers,” according to Bronson City Clerk Ellen Harper. “Our general fund pays, in full or in part, expenses for general operations of the city wages, liability insurance, street maintenance, community center, library and parks. We would lose over $25,000 a year, which may not seem like much, but for a small city it would be detrimental to our finances. An estimated loss of 18% revenue would mean an approximate increase of 43 mills if it were to be added to property taxes. We couldn’t put that kind of burden on our citizens. So many services and benefits would have to be cut.”

Uniontown

“The City of Uniontown receives approximately $22,000 annually from this tax,” Uniontown City Clerk Sally Johnson said. “These funds are deposited to the general fund to help fund our public services to our community. These funds have not been earmarked for specific projects but have been used to fund a portion of patch material for city streets, culverts, ditch repairs, street lighting, signal light at Hwy. 3 intersection, help maintain the community center and much more. The City of Uniontown would like for citizens to consider renewing this tax so we can continue to provide services to our community.”

Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Finance Director Bancroft states “The City of Fort Scott depends heavily on the countywide sales tax. If the sales tax does not pass, the impact will be greater than the $750,000 generally generated from the sales tax. The $750,000 of sales tax will be lost revenue and an additional $500,000 will need to be cut from other areas to continue to supply the same essential operations and maintenance in the street department. This equates to 1.2 million dollars that would need to be cut if the countywide sales tax does not pass. Areas that would be affected are public safety, parks, economic development, recreational facilities, aquatic center and staffing.”

Fulton

“Without the allocation of funds to the City of Fulton that are obtained through this sales tax, we would be cutting our yearly general fund in half,” Misty Adams, Mayor of Fulton said. “This would not be operable for our small town. The loss of revenue would be a huge loss and devastation for our small town and many other small rural communities. We would be operating in the red by year-end and be seeking assistance from our county commissioners. Without the passing of the 1% sale tax, we residents would see an increase in our property taxes and for some, this would create a financial hardship. Many small rural towns are housed by retirees who are budgeting their monthly expenses and are on fixed income, so increase in expenses is not what we are looking to do.”

The sales tax will appear on the Bourbon County November 3, 2020 ballot, as follows (taken from the county’s website):

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas, levy (renew) a one percent countywide retailers’ sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2021, and expire on June 30, 2031, with the allocated shares pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be used as follows: (1) to Bourbon County, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon County, for the purpose of providing funding for public services?

To vote in favor of any question submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word “YES”; to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word “NO”.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Halloween Guidelines In A Pandemic

October 8, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

KS Dept. of Health and Environment Guidance for Celebrating Halloween, September 2020

This document outlines guidance and considerations for celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic. As typical Halloween celebrations do not allow for minimizing contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. Refer also to any specific city or county guidance in your community which may be more restrictive than what is outlined below.

Halloween Activities Not Recommended

• Gatherings, events, or parties with non-household members
• Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions
• Door to door trick or treating – It is very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure everyone (trick or treaters and residents of homes being visited) are properly wearing face coverings, and because food sharing is risky.
• “Trunk or treating” – It is difficult to avoid crowding and sharing food at such events.
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.

Recommended

• Online parties or contests (e.g., costume contests, pumpkin carving)
• Car parades
o Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate vehicles and drive by judges that are appropriately physically distanced
o Drive through events where individuals remain in vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays
o Drive in events where individuals receive a treat bag (with commercially packaged, non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle
• Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters
• Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants, complying with restaurant protocol
• Halloween themed art installations at an outdoor museum, complying with museum protocol
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations

Personal Protection Measures

Regardless of how you celebrate, there are important recommendations for how to keep yourself and your household members safe.

• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others who are not part of your household.
• Avoid confined spaces, including indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6-feet between you and others.
• Practice physical distancing – place at least 6-feet between yourself and other people who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean frequently touched items regularly.
Safer Trick or Treating and “Trunk or Treating”
Although KDHE does not recommend trick or treating or “Trunk or Treat” events as ways to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make these choices for yourself or members of your household.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home.
o Incorporate face coverings into costumes.
o Face coverings should not be worn by children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, and anyone who is otherwise unable to remove their cloth face covering without assistance.
• Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals while outside your home.
• Consider carrying sanitizing wipes to disinfect candy or other items accepted from homes. Or, sanitize items individually when you get home before consumption. Remember to also examine treats for choking hazards or tampering before eating them.
• Accept only commercially packaged, non-perishable items.
• Practice physical distancing.
o Always leave at least 6-feet of space between yourself and people not in your household.
o Do not crowd sidewalks, driveways, or porches.
o Wait until a porch or doorway is empty before approaching a home.
o Move aside on sidewalks and driveways to allow space between yourself and other trick or treaters.
o Keep a safe distance from cars – do not walk in the street.
• For “Trunk or Treat” events, follow all guidelines above while also considering:
o Maintain at least 6-feet of distance between yourself and other attendees as you walk around.
o Wait for others to depart a car/trunk before approaching. Do not congregate at a car/trunk with other attendees unless they are members of your household.

Guidance for Homes Accepting Trick or Treaters

• When answering the door or coming into contact with trick or treaters, correctly wear a cloth face covering.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals; hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be substituted if soap and water are not available.
• Regularly clean and sanitize frequently touched items such as door handles, door bells, and door knockers. Consider having sanitizing wipes by the door for quick access between trick or treaters.
• Distribute only commercially produced, non-perishable items to trick or treaters.
• Do not use “grab bowls”, where trick or treaters reach into a communal bowl to retrieve candy.
• Practice one-way trick or treating
o Consider spacing items 6-feet apart on your porch, in your yard or on a table in your driveway with a sign advising trick or treaters to “Take 1”. Watch from a safe distance and replenish items as needed.
o Alternatively, make individual goodie bags for trick or treaters to pick up as they walk by. If your home has a fence, consider hanging individual goodie bags on the fence for trick or treaters to take as they walk by.

• For “Trunk or Treat” events, also consider:
o Participating cars should be parked at least 6-feet apart.
o Make individual goodie bags and place them in your trunk so they are not touching. Maintain a distance of at least 6-feet from other attendees and replenish bags or items as needed.
o Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals.
o Sanitize high-touch areas at regular intervals. Consider having sanitizing wipes on hand.
Halloween Parties
Although KDHE does not recommend hosting or attending parties as a way to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make this choice for yourself or members of your household.
• Remind potential guests who are sick or waiting on results of a COVID-19 test to stay home.
• Host activities with only people from your local area as much as possible.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering around others who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Consider only hosting or attending parties hosted in large, outdoor spaces that allow for physical distancing of at least 6-feet between attendees. If an event must be hosted indoors, make sure the space is well-ventilated (for example, open windows and doors).
• Maintain at least 6-feet between yourself and people who are not members of your household, especially when cloth face coverings are removed for eating and drinking.

• When setting up tables and chairs, create individual seating areas of various sizes spaced 6-feet apart to be utilized by individual family or household units. Encourage guests to sit only with those who are members of their household, especially for eating and drinking when cloth face coverings will be removed.
• Avoid activities that require guests to be in close contact or to share items, such as games or food.
• Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
• Limit people going in and out of areas where food is being prepared, such as kitchens or grills.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.

General Halloween Health and Safety Tips

In addition to modifications to Halloween activities to reduce the spread of COVID-19, remember the following general Halloween health and safety tips to keep you and members of your household safe.
• Avoid trick or treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Hold a flashlight while trick or treating to help you see and others see you.
• Walk, don’t run, from house to house.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Avoid walking in streets and roadways. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the far edge of the road facing traffic in order to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting costumes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only commercially produced, non-perishable treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Do not enter homes unless you are with a trusted adult.
• Only visit well-lit homes.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near candles or luminaries. Wear flame-resistant costumes.
References
1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Guidance for Celebrating Halloween. Retrieved September 2020 from http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/community/GuidanceHalloween.pdf.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Halloween Health and Safety Tips. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/index.htm.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Personal and Social Activities. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#gatherings.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Holiday Celebrations. Retrieved September 2020 from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital

Second Podcast of No Mercy by Sarah Jane Tribble.

October 7, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Click below to hear the second in the series of podcasts about the closing of Mercy Hospital in 2018.

Featured in this segment: Reta Baker, David Martin, the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Wells, Roxine Poznich and Krista Postail

https://www.facebook.com/groups/KHNewsNoMercy/permalink/645492132636666

COVID-19, Food, Fort Scott

Beacon Will Reopen For Oct. 13 through 31 For Application Sign-Up

October 7, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

David Gillen, right, accepts a donation for the Beacon from the Elks organization. Submitted photos.

The Beacon Board of Directors made a decision to close the building on March 16 after receiving notice from the Feeding America, (a food bank) state, and local health authorities in response to the COVID-19 virus.

The Beacon is a local helping agency, whose main focus is food to those in need.

At the time of the building closure, a new procedure for obtaining The Beacon Food Box was initiated.

Clients were asked to call during normal business hours and arrangements were made to pick up the food off the dock at the rear of the building, Director David Gillen said.

“We felt this was our best approach for our staff and our clients to maintain social distancing,” Gillen said. “We also asked our clients in need of financial assistance or guidance to please call in and ask to speak with the director.”

After having been employed for four years by the Beacon, David Gillen became the director in June 2020. Patty Mowen became the assistant director, at this time.

“The Beacon will open its doors by appointment only starting Oct 13th thru Oct 31st for our clients to apply for their 2021 Beacon Cards,” he said. “At this time we will also be doing the sign-up for the 2020 Adopt A Child Program / Elks Christmas Baskets.”

Work On The Building

In recent weeks there have been some physical changes to the Beacon building at 525 E. Sixth. Some for esthetics and some for protection in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The front entrance of the Beacon has been given a new facelift, with paint and new flooring, Gillen said in an email interview.

The waiting area for clients. Submitted photo.

In addition, new racks have been built for food storage, the main priority of the ministry.

“These improvements could not have been accomplished without the help of Wib Mowen, Patty Mowen’s husband, volunteering,” Gillen said.

A new sign for the back dock of the Beacon which states they will only receive food donations. Wib Mowen is on the left, Joe Lee on the right. Submitted photos.

Dave Gillen’s office at the Beacon. Submitted photos.

Personal protective sneeze guards have been placed on desks in the building.

“Plastic face shields will be used for our protection and the clients when they are allowed in the building, and our clients must wear masks,” Gillen said.

Patty Mowen’s office at the Beacon. Submitted photos.

Also going on at this time has been the entering of all the Beacon clients information into a computer, allowing accurate records to be kept, he said.

Beacon Food Distribution

“The Beacon Food Distribution is for all Bourbon County residents who qualify for a Beacon Food Card.,” Gillen said. “Their cards can be used immediately after they are qualified. Cards can be used two times a month.”

“Emergency food requests are granted for anyone in the county who has lost their job, illness as caused them from being able to work, house fire, or any other extraneous circumstance as it is our goal to help those in need.”

“The food we distribute comes from a monthly budget and grants we have received,” he said. “We make purchases from the Kansas Food Bank, GW Foods and Walmart. We also receive generous donations from local food drives, churches, civic organizations, businesses, schools and the local post office. We also receive donated items of meat, bakery and produce items from Walmart three times a week as part of their supporting the Feed America Program.”

Clients receive eggs, butter, fresh meat, bread, canned goods, peanut butter, beans, rice, soups, potatoes, mac and cheese, spaghetti with sauce, cereal and pastry,

“Baskets vary in size according to family size,” Gillen said. “We also offer fresh fruit and vegetables when available.”

“The Beacon is so blessed to exist in a community that so many people help us to help others,” he said.

The Beacon has a new mural done by Joe Lee. Submitted photos.

Retired professional sign painter Joe Lee, a personal friend of Patty and Wib Mowen, painted a mural of a lighthouse for display in the Beacon.

“Joe volunteered his time and supplies,” Gillen said. “The Beacon is so thankful for this wonderful gift…Joe also painted our sign by the back deck…which was made by Wib Mowen.”

The back porch has been extended to allow more free items to be left out, Gillen said.

“Thank you Ralph Carlson and Don Tucker for volunteering and the material you provided,” he said.

Bourbon County, Elections

County: Renewal of 1-percent Sales Tax Is Needed For Public Roads

October 6, 2020 Loretta George 5 Comments

The sales tax that is up for renewal on the November 3 General Election has been in place for 20 years, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah.

“(It) is essential for the maintenance and improvement of the hard service road system in Bourbon County which is around 140 miles,” he said.

“Thirty-five percent of the Bourbon County Public Works Department budget comes from this sale tax revenue and (it) can only be used on hard service roads within the county,” Oharah said.

“The total (tax collected) is about $2 million for the county and all the cities in the county,” Oharah said. “Our part is used for our hard surface road program, about $1,100,000 per year, for maintaining and improving our hard surface roads.”

The county gets one-half of the sales tax, the rest goes to the other cities in the county, he said.

Hard surface roads include mowing 280 miles of ditches at least three times a year; ice and snow removal and application of brim/chip application for better traction, pothole repair, maintaining easements which includes ditching, equipment updates, side trim of rights-of-way and replacing culverts into people’s property, he said.

“With a sales tax, everyone pays, which includes out-of-county residents that use our county road system,” Oharah said. “This responsibility to maintain and repair hard services roads in Bourbon County does not fall on to the property owner of Bourbon County.”

The Bourbon County Road Service Department has costs below the standard for the industry, he said.

“You get more roadwork for less cost,” Oharah said.

“Norm Bowers, who is a retired engineer and surveyor and teaches at the University of Kansas Transportation Center, did a study on Bourbon County asphalt program, a year or two ago, and indicated the average cost per ton for asphalt applied to hard service road in Bourbon County is $90 per ton and the average per ton in the open market for Bourbon County to hire a contractor is $180 per ton to apply the product to the hard service road,” he said.

Oharah said the following are county costs for roads.

$30,000 to $35,000 for 1-inch overlay per mile in Bourbon County.
$13,000 for chip and seal of hard service road per mile in Bourbon County.
$80,000 to $110,000 per mile for a 3-inch new road service per mile, which includes most of the prep work in Bourbon County.

“Bourbon County can produce chips for hard surface roads, snow and ice safety for about $4 dollars a ton which is under half the cost of retail,” Oharah said. “This is a huge saving to the Bourbon County citizens. Its over $10 in the marketplace.”

The sales tax will appear on the Bourbon County November 3, 2020, as follows (taken from the county’s website):

Shall the following be adopted?

To vote in favor of any question submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word “YES”; to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word “NO”.

Uncategorized

Bourbon County Ballot For Nov. 3

October 6, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

COUNTY CLERK’S NOTICE OF CANDIDATES TO BE VOTED ON

AT THE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020

State of Kansas County of Bourbon

Sales Tax Question on the ballot:

To vote in favor of any question

submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“YES”;

to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“NO”.

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas,

levy (renew) a one percent

countywide retailers’ sales tax to

take effect on July 1, 2021, and

expire on June 30, 2031, with the

allocated shares pursuant to

K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be

used as follows: (1) to Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

maintenance and construction of

hard surface roads, and (2) to

each city located in Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

providing funding for public

services?

Residents living in the City of Fort Scott vote at the following locations:

1^st Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

2^nd Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

3^rd Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

4^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

5^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

6^th Ward Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

7^th Ward Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Residents living out in the county vote at the following locations:

Drywood Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Franklin Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Freedom Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

East Marion Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

West Marion Bronson Community Building – 504 Clay Street, Bronson, KS

Marmaton Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Millcreek Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Osage Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

Pawnee Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

North Scott Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

South Scott Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Timberhill Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Walnut Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICES

For President and Vice-President of the United States
		Joseph R. Biden / Kamala D. Harris	1209 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, DE 19807	Democratic
		Donald J. Trump / Michael R. Pence 1100 S. Ocean Blvd. Palm Beach, FL 33480		Republican
		Jo Jorgensen / Jeremy “Spike” Cohen	Greenville, SC	Libertarian
For United States Senate
	Barbara Bollier		6910 Overhill Road Mission Hills, KS 66208	Democratic
	Roger Marshall		PO Box 1588 Great Bend, KS 67530	Republican
	Jason Buckley		8828 Marty Ln Overland Park, KS 66212	Libertarian
For US House of Representatives – District 2
		Michelle De La Isla	3250 SW Briarwood Dr Topeka, KS 66611	Democratic
		Jake LaTurner	2329 SW Ashworth Pl Topeka, KS 66614	Republican
		Robert Garrard	2287 N 300 Rd Edgerton, KS 66021	Libertarian
Kansas Senate, District 12
		Mike Bruner	1002 Pecan St. Humboldt, KS 66748	Democratic
		Caryn Tyson	PO Box 191 Parker, KS 66072	Republican
Kansas Senate, District 13
		Nancy J. Ingle	511 E. 21^st Pittsburg, KS 66762	Democratic
		Richard Hilderbrand	240 Cleveland Ave Baxter Springs, KS 66713	Republican
Kansas House of Representatives, District 2
		Lynn D. Grant	202 S. Appleton Frontenac, KS 66763	Democratic
		Kenneth Collins	102 E First Street Mulberry, KS 66756	Republican
Kansas House of Representatives, District 4
		Bill Meyer	14 Golfview Drive Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
		Trevor Jacobs	1927 Locust Road Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Commissioner – District 2
		Jim Harris	2302 Jayhawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Commissioner – District 3
		Clifton Beth	2236 215^th, Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
		Phillip G. Hoyt	2422 242^nd Terrace Fulton, KS 66738	Democratic
For County Clerk
		Kendell Dawn Mason	2 S Eddy Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Treasurer
		Patty Love	901 Shepherd St Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For Register of Deeds
		Lora Holdridge	1814 Richards Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
For County Attorney
		Jacqie Spradling	PO Box 576 Spring Hill, KS 66083	Republican
For County Sheriff
		Mike Feagins	1964 Justice Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
		Bill Martin	502 Meadow Ln Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Drywood		Richard Cullison, Jr.	506 260^th Garland, KS 66741	Republican
Franklin		Tony Bradbury	631 Soldier Rd. Bronson, KS 66716	Republican
Freedom		Janice Seested	2330 215^th St. Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Marion		Steve Geiger	1121 Hwy 3 Uniontown, KS 66779	Republican
Marmaton		David Duffey	1201 Locust Rd Redfield, KS 66769	Republican
Millcreek		Yvonne Beck	1821 159^th Street Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Osage		Brian Wade	2618 Soldier Rd. Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Pawnee		Karen A. Endicott-Coyan	1635 Fern Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Scott		Jim Sackett	2019 Maple Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Timberhill		Dan Laughlin	2275 105^th St. Mapleton, KS 66754	Republican
Walnut		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

TOWNSHIP TREASURER
Drywood		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Franklin		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Freedom		Karen A. Paddock	608 W Cedar St. Fulton, KS 66738	Republican
Marion		Rex Wilson	905 Clay St. Bronson, KS 66716	Republican
Marmaton		Wilma K. Graham	102 W 4^th Redfield, KS 66769	Democratic
Millcreek		Betty L. Graham	1458 Tomahawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Osage		Kathleen Valentine	2638 Tomahawk Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Pawnee		Sharon Middleton	1374 Eagle Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Democratic
Scott		Harold Rogers	2189 Ironwood Rd Fort Scott, KS 66701	Republican
Timberhill		David Scharenberg	1045 Yale Rd Mapleton, KS 66754	Republican
Walnut		No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

STATE OF KANSAS OFFICIAL JUDICIAL BALLOT
Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judges, District Court Judges and District Magistrate Judge
Question #1,		Shall the following Supreme Court Justice be retained in office?
		Eric S. Rosen	1928 S.W. Indian Woods Ln. Topeka, KS 66611	Position 4

Question #2,		Shall the following Court of Appeals Judges be retained in office?
		Sarah E. Warner	Kansas Judicial Center 301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 4
		David E. Bruns	Olathe	Position 6
		G. Gordon Atcheson	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 8
		Karen M. Arnold-Burger	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 9
		Kathryn Gardner	301 SW 10^th Ave Topeka, KS 66612	Position 14

Question #3,		Shall the following Judges of the District Court be retained in office?
		Terri L Johnson	PO Box 311 Pleasanton, KS 66075	District 6, Division 2
		Mark A. Ward	829 190^th St Fort Scott, KS 66701	District 6, Division 3
		Steven C. Montgomery	22404 S. Roosevelt St. Spring Hill, KS 66083	District 6, Division 4

Question #4,		Shall the following Judge of the District Magistrate be retained in office?
		Valorie R. Leblanc	210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701	District 6
Shall the following be adopted? Shall Bourbon County, Kansas, levy (renew) a one percent countywide retailers’ sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2021, and expire on June 30, 2031, with the allocated shares pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be used as follows: (1) to Bourbon county, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon county, for the purpose of providing funding for public services?

Kendell Mason, County Clerk &

(SEAL) Bourbon County Election Officer

Business, Fort Scott

E3 Ranch Opens Store in Fort Scott

October 5, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

A neon sign on National Avenue tells of a new business opening in downtown Fort Scott, E3 Meat Co.

A Bourbon County business, E3 Ranch, opened the store at 13 S. National on October 1.

The store will sell E3 Meats, E3 K-9 Treats and Bones, Otterbox products, and E3 Merchandise, according to Kasey Gross, whose title is chief of staff for the business.

Adam and Jennifer LaRoche and Jake Gross are the owners of the store.

“Founded by retired MLB ballplayer Adam LaRoche and his family, the E3 Ranch is located in Fort Scott, Kansas,” according to its website. “Our devotion to sustainable and humane practices leads to the highest quality beef in America. E3 Certified black and red Angus cattle are grass-fed, grain-finished, given ample room to roam and never subjected to antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones. This responsible, holistic approach is rooted in our pledge to be good stewards of the land and animals under our care.”

Hours are: closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more about the company: https://e3ranch.com/