All posts by Loretta George

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Timken to Close Operations in Fort Scott In 2025

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Timken is located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park on the city’s south side.

The Timken LLC Plant at 4505 Campbell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park will close in 2025, according to a press release from Timken Media Relations Spokesman Scott Schroeder.

“Today, we notified employees at our belts facility in Fort Scott, Kan., that we will be gradually winding down operations there and plan to close the plant in 2025,” he said. “While difficult, we’re making this change to streamline our operations and restructure our manufacturing footprint to better compete in a global market.”

“We will provide support to help those employees affected by this change, including on-site counseling, benefits planning and retention and severance pay. We wanted to be transparent and provide as much time as possible so employees can plan for their future,” he said.

“We’re committed to providing at least 60 days notice before an employee’s last day,” he said.

Approximately 155 employees work at Timken’s  Fort Scott facility.

Timken engineers and manufactures bearings and industrial motion products…to help global industries operate more efficiently, according to the Timken website.

 

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Health Care

Questions About the Emergency Medical Service in Bourbon County

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the closure of the hospital in 2018.

The loss of the emergency department in Bourbon County on December 20 is on the minds of many in the community.

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department cited “a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census” in the press release announcing the closure.

Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20

 

Gregg Motley, Southeast Kansas Regional Manager of Landmark National Bank, proposed a question-and-answer interview on the current medical issues between him and Dr. Randy Nichols that would answer some of the questions the community has. Here is the interview.

 

Dr. Randy Nichols, who recently retired from a long medical practice in Bourbon County, answers some frequently asked questions from Bourbon County residents about the future of Emergency Room services in Bourbon County.

Motley:

Why do we need an emergency room?  Would a great ambulance service with high-quality Emergency Medical Services personnel be just as good?

Nichols:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Rooms (ER) are mutually beneficial services.  EMS is to evaluate the on-scene emergency needs, provide the care available on the ambulance, and transport to the closest appropriate ER.  Once EMS is involved, they are legally required to transport the patient to the closest appropriate ER.  An ER, on the other hand, is available to both ambulance transfers and “walk-ins” seeking emergency care.  An ER has lab and x-ray diagnostic capabilities.  It has treatment options not available on an ambulance.   Following diagnostic evaluation, a patient can be treated and dismissed or stabilized and transferred for hospitalization to a facility offering the needed services.

 

Let’s look at our utilization numbers to understand why EMS alone is not adequate.  Approximately 2/3 of our ER visits do not arrive by ambulance.  Of our total ER visits, less than ¼ ultimately require hospitalization.  If most of the people seeking emergency care can no longer bring themselves to a local facility, the number of ambulance calls, and therefore number of transports out of the county, could triple.  To staff this would be a prohibitive expense.  More importantly, emergencies aren’t scheduled, so if multiple health events occur at the same time without a local ER, our ambulance system could be overwhelmed: people will be waiting longer and some will not get the care they need in a timely manner.  Additionally, some people may choose to “ride it out” at home rather than call an ambulance or make a long drive to the closest ER. Both of these decisions put people at increased risk.

A brick-and-mortar ER is foundational to the safety and well-being of our community.

Motley:

Could a stop at an ER without an attached hospital jeopardize the life of a critically ill patient by delaying a life-saving treatment?

Nichols:

EMS is obligated to take a patient to the closest ER providing the needed level of care.  However, that care may be identified as a need to stabilize in the local ER while arranging transport to a higher level of care. This is often a more controlled situation, improves patient safety, and, if for example Life Flight needs to be called, may shorten the time to distant hospitals.

Motley:

Why is government being asked to subsidize a private corporation?  Do other rural communities fund / subsidize their ERs.

Nichols:

Healthcare reimbursement is unlike other business models.  In order to get paid, a healthcare organization must meet a rigid group of CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid) standards. Reimbursement is based on “customary and reasonable” and/or negotiated fees. Reimbursement doesn’t equal charges and in many cases, episodes of care are never paid.  To have an ER, a subsidy is needed whether it is private or “not for profit.”  Of course, the subsidy needs to be based on real and regularly verified numbers.

Many other communities subsidize their health care.  In our area, Iola, Garnett, and Parsons all subsidize.  Nevada has a ½ cent sales tax to support their hospital. Ottawa, Kansas subsidizes about $2 million yearly to cover the cost of indigent care.  In Kansas, more than 50 hospitals are at risk of closure.  The Kansas Hospital Association reports many of these would already be closed if not supported by local subsidies.

Motley:

Are there subsidies for rural health care out there to lighten our local burden? Is it anticipated this will be a perpetual subsidy for the taxpayers of Bourbon County?

Nichols:

Federal designation as a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) is being pursued.  REH would pay $2-3 million a year as a facility fee.  This would support an ER and a limited number of 24-hour observation beds.  REH would provide long-term stability to our situation and probably eliminate the need for subsidy.  Without REH, the need for an ongoing subsidy will be our responsibility.

Motley:

Will the rural health care system be fixed?

Nichols:

To fix rural health care our legislators must understand how it is broken.  Please communicate with them your needs and concerns.  In our immediate situation, we need help with waivers of the current rules limiting our ability to have an ER.  First is a law dictating that the sponsoring hospital must be within 35 miles.  The other is a waiver related to the timing of the closure of our hospital as it relates to qualifying for REH.   Please continue to ask our representatives for their help.

Bourbon County, Food, Government, Kansas, Uncategorized

Perry’s Awarded Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit

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Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.

Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson, were recently awarded the Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“Both Thaddeus and I saw it as an honor to be nominated,” Kelly Perry said. “I have no idea who nominated us. I literally cried when I received the notice letter. It’s very humbling that the community continues to support us.”

“The store has brought people in, that are traveling through,” she said. “We have a lot of folks who just want to check us out”

When people stop in the store they advocate for the community and Fort Scott,  telling them about the attractions and services that are available, she said.

In a letter from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, she commended the Perrys for their outstanding retail service.

The award is through the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards.

“Celebrating your business and its outstanding contributions to the community, state economy, and people of Kansas,” the letter stated. “Your hard work is appreciated and worthy of recognition.”

The business was nominated because it created jobs, products, and services, and has been innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and more, according to the governor’s letter.

The business demonstrated “tenacity, determination, and creativity that was needed to persevere, regardless of the circumstances,” Governor Kelly said in the letter.

The Perrys started out producing pork rind snacks from their home in Bronson, a small town of 300 people in western Bourbon County, in 2017.

They opened a  specialty store in 2022 in Bronson to sell their products and other food, including fresh produce, which is needed when one lives 20 miles from a large grocery store.

To learn more: Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

“We also now have Perry’s Produce Boxes available one time a month,” Kelly said.   “Pick-up is at Bids & Dib (in Fort Scott). Purchases are all done via our website www.PerrysPorkRinds.com and customers can select pick-up in Bronson or Ft. Scott.  Boxes are each just $18 and usually have double that amount of money worth of produce.  Pick up details on our website and FB page.”

One other specialty food is fudge, made on-site.

“The fudge is made by Dee Byrd and I,” Kelly said.

In October 2023 they opened a Recreational Vehicle Park at their site on Hwy. 54, which runs through the town. This venture is to supply accommodations for agri-tourism to the region.

To learn more: Perry’s Open an RV Campground in Bronson

This month they provided honor meals to 59 veterans in their storefront on Veteran’s Day. “We provided brisket, smoked by Thaddeus, loaded baked potatoes, and baked beans. We plan to do this again next year,” she said.

They currently have five full-time and one part-time employee.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott House Fire on November 25

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House fire on November 25 from the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page.
The Fort Scott Fire Department was dispatched to 218 Horton late Saturday evening, November 25,  to a report of a structure fire, according to the FSFD Facebook page.

The fire alarm was received at 10:36,  and the  fire was under control at 10:59 p.m., according to FS Fire Chief Dave Bruner.

The fire scene was cleared by 1:20 a.m.

Nine FSFD personnel responded to the fire.

Crews arrived on the scene of a fully involved structure fire.
A defensive fire attack was made due to the fire already being through the roof and 80% of the home was on fire.
“Fire crews did an amazing job getting the blaze under control before it could cause damage or spread to neighboring homes,” according to the Facebook post.
Crews battled the blaze until the early morning hours.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by FSFD investigators along with assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal.
Unfortunately, the home is a total loss and the tenant lost a couple of pets.
Thankfully the tenant was able to escape and was transported by Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services for evaluation.
The fire department wishes to thank the Fort Scott Police Department and the Bourbon County EMS for their assistance.
The Fort Scott Fire Department fights a fire on November 25, 2023. From its Facebook page.
Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

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The inaugural Christmas on the Bricks Festival is this weekend and behind the scenes, the committee has been working like elves in Santa’s workshop. Today is the deadline for parade entry and sponsorship gathering, see at end of the feature.

“There will be a variety of things that people can do,” Diane Striler, Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman said. “It will be a unique event that people will want to come back to each year.”

The group formed in the spring of 2023, and there are several committees.

Beside Striler, on the Christmas on the Bricks committee are Lindsay Madison, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones.

“Brad Matkin wanted to start a group to bring awesome things to the community,” Striler said. The group started talking about Christmas. “Brad saw cutouts for photo opportunities at Branson (MO.) I love Christmas and said ‘Let me help with that!’, ” she said.

“So many people have helped out,” Striler said. “Denise Beaman is helping with the Fort Scott Downtown Christmas Tree Contest for businesses. The city workers are helping downtown get ready for the event. Mid Continental Restoration is supplying generators for the booths that will be set up downtown. Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) instructors and students designed the booths, and Structural Panel Innovations (SPI) cut the walls for the booths. Niece Products made and donated the firepits that will be used for making s’mores.”

Many, many people have donated time, expertise, or materials to the event, she said.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has had a Christmas Parade for years, ending with the lighting of the huge Mayor’s Christmas Tree at the end of North Main Street.

This year has been added St. Mary’s Catholic School students (Fort Scott)  will be singing at the lighting ceremony, and fireworks will go off as the tree is lit.

Striler said she is a TV Hallmark Channel fan and many of her ideas have come from those romantic drama movies.

One of the first things Striler did was to find horse-drawn carriages that would give rides. “We have Orange Star Carriages from Arkansas who are bringing three carriages. The cost is $40 for four people, with small children sitting on a lap for free. We are encouraging people to pre-register ahead of time. They will be at Wall and Scott Avenue (the depot building) from 6 to 10 p.m.”

The downtown businesses will be open until  8 p.m. each evening.

Businesses are competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest. “This will bring awareness to the businesses downtown. The public can vote at the Courtland Hotel at 1st and Scott Street,” she said.

Vendor booths will be selling “Quality Christmas-related items, that don’t compete with our businesses,” she said.

There will be a public information booth on Wall Street.

At that booth will be sold Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks commemorative items, including t-shirts and sweatshirts (price range $30 to $55) and mini-brick Christmas ornaments created by the Artificers owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, which will sell for $20.

Striler said she has been “asking God to handle the little things and the weather.”

The following is provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce:

Click HERE for a printable PDF copy of the flyer.

Click HERE for more details on the individual activities listed.

Events that require pre-registration include:
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* Candlelight Tours of the Fort
* Gingerbread House Making Contest
* Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic
* Floral Centerpiece Making Class

For places to stay during the event: click here

 

The organizers for the Christmas on the Bricks want to recognize the event sponsors.

To be added to the sponsors for promotion, printed signs, and materials for the event, contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce today, Monday, November 27 by 1 p.m.

 

From the Chamber press release:

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights on Thursday, November 30th at 6 pm, followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir, Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa insideBe the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1 pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9 pm, Sat. 5-9 pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun., 12-5 pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8 pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10 pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10 pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 12-2 pm & 5-8 pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11 am-2 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6 pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9 pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9 pm-1 am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10 am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10 am-4 pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3 pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8 pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8 pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11 pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10 am-2 pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1 pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler; Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison; Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

This is a FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic Fort Scott District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or [email protected] for questions or more information.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Honor Your Hero This Holiday Season at Lowell Milken Center

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

This holiday season, the community can donate to the mission of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes and receive a gift for their heroes, whether it is a parent, grandparent, teacher, aunt, uncle, or any other role models who have made a difference in their life, ,according to Megan Felt, LMC Program Director.

“The Center would like to recognize the special heroes in the lives of its visitors,” Felt said.

A gift-wrapped Lowell Milken Center Hero ornament. Submitted photo.

“For $15 you can get a set of two ornaments that say ‘Merry Christmas-You Are My Hero’ one is glass and comes gift-wrapped,” Kayla Cannon, LMC docent/administrative assistant and graphic designer said. “A (second) wooden one will be displayed on the Tree of Heros with the name of your hero at the Center.”

The glass ornament can be purchased to give to someone to honor them as a hero. Submitted photo.

“For a $5 donation one can get a wooden one with the name of the hero on it, to be displayed at the Center,” Cannon said. “There will be several wooden ones to choose from a bell, tree, snowflake, or reindeer.”

A photo of one of the wooden ornament options for honoring a special hero. Submitted photo.
“All donations are matched by the Milken Family Foundation,” Cannon said. ” Donations support the Lowell Milken Center’s educational outreach programs.”

“All visitors are encouraged to visit the Center and recognize the unsung heroes who make their lives better every day,” said Felt.

“This is a beautiful opportunity to let those personal heroes see their names on the Tree of Heroes and to receive a special gift honoring all they do for others,” she said.

The Center is located at 1 S. Main in historic downtown Fort Scott.

Hours of operation are Monday through  Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, K-State Extension

Buying Gifts In The Community Is Beneficial to the Community

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Graphic from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th and is a day when shoppers are encouraged to buy from local, small businesses for the good of the community they live in.
Supporting local small businesses is beneficial to both the buyer and the business. Savings on gas fill-ups and time are some of the benefits to buyers for buying local, and then there are the benefits to those businesses they buy from.
“What a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! ” said Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison said. And the Chamber has been working to encourage local shoppers.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small, Small Business Saturday, a program initiated by American Express, according to Madison.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Neighborhood Champions work to rally the community to shop at local small businesses.

The Chamber has put together a Shop Small Passport that shoppers may pick up from local retailers this Friday and Saturday, she said.  “If shoppers earn three or more stamps by purchasing $5 or more, they turn in the passport at their 3rd store for an entry to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.  The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 28th.  Chamber Bucks can be used like cash at over 60 Chamber member businesses and restaurants.”

“If you don’t already, we ask you to Like and Follow the Chamber’s Facebook page, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said.  “We have been posting a social campaign over the last couple of weeks to illustrate the importance of shopping local and what a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make!  Some of those social posts have included the following messaging:

  • “Per score.org, for every $1 you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community. Forty-four cents goes to the small business owner and employee’s wages and benefits and 23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses,” she said.
  • “Your $20 spent locally does more than purchase goods, it weaves a community tapestry, where every thread strengthens the whole. That same $20 circulates.  You eat at a local restaurant and tip the wait staff, the wait staff then goes and gets a haircut, the stylist then goes and buys a cup of coffee, the barista then buys a candle at a gift shop, and so on.  When you spend $20 online, that $20 is gone out of our community.
  • “Ten dollars spent at a local store can have a sizable impact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal’s worth of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.”

“As you Shop Small over the weekend, be sure to pick up your Passport,” Madison said.  “Have some fun and earn a chance to win while you’re supporting our local businesses are hit up year-round to sponsor events, support school fundraisers, and more.  It’s our turn to give back to them.”

The Chamber received a limited amount of promotional products from American Express that is being distributed to locally owned Chamber member small businesses to use during Small Business Season, said Madison.

Check out our Chamber member businesses and links to their websites here! https://fortscott.com/members/
#fortscottchamber
#smallbusinessseason
#shoplocal
#supportsmall
#shopsmall
Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.
From Amanda Clasen, Kansas State Extension Community Vitality Agent’s, weekly column:

“In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some ideas to help you shop locally this holiday season may include:

  • Use a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
  • Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
  • Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
  • Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
  • Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants, and businesses of interest.
  • Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSACF Match Day: Grant Will Double A Contribution to a Local Cause

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Match Day Event to double the benefit to local causes.

“We are promoting a match day on Tuesday, November 28 during National Day of Giving where up to $25,000 will be available to match gifts that are given to our Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on that day,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Vice President. “Those matching funds are being made available through a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.”

Becky Tourtillott from the FSACF website.

The FSACF has a unique opportunity, through the grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, to match up to $25,000 for contributions made to eligible funds, according to a press release.

Care to Share, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, and Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation are three local organizations that have recently added an endowed fund with the FSACF, according to Tourtillott.

Those new funds in conjunction with the foundation’s existing funds offer a diverse range of efforts that community members can support, she said.

“Donors will have the ability to specify which specific fund they want to support, including the general foundation fund if they prefer,” Tourtillott said.

A website — https://www.fortscottgives.org/  has been established specifically for this event.

Craig Campbell is the president of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation this year.

“We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day, and the opportunity to grow these endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners,” said FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell. “We invite the community to give together during Match Day because the local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”

The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects, according to the press release.

The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit, according to the press release. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately.

Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways, according to the press release:

  • Online at FortScottGives.org or
  • In-person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
  • By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please make checks payable to: the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Here’s a  synopsis of what those funds support:

About the FSACF Funds

Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds: provides financial support to Fort Scott Community College Endowment Association, Fort Scott High School Scholarship Fund and Uniontown High School Scholarship Fund-all three for scholarships, Mount Orum Baptist Church of Redfield, Uniontown Methodist Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Old Fort Genealogy Society, The Beacon, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Buck Run Community Center, Senior Citizens Center of Fort Scott, Redfield Ruritan Club, and the American Heart Association.

Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund: provides support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial/emotional/and transportation support to individuals.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment:  supports worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County through annual granting.

Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund:  supports programs such as Downtown Historic District enhancements and events, community advancement projects, educational and leadership programs, and youth scholarships.

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund: provides annual funding for competitive grants in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Since its inception in 2009, FSACF has awarded over $386,000 in competitive grants.

Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment: supports the Riverfront Authority, which promotes the preservation and protection of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors.

Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment: benefits the charitable causes that the Irbys supported during their lifetimes.

John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund: supports grants to organizations addressing healthcare needs in Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Shepherd Family Endowment Fund: supports the FSACFC’s annual granting, benefiting the residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County in memory of Ray and Mary Shepherd.

Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation: provides support for the Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Members of the FSACF board: Campbell, Tourtillott, Lindsay Madison, Deana Endicott, Sheryl Bloomfield, Janet Braun, Michelle Bruner, Steve Buerge, Jess Ervin, Carla Farmer, Ronda Hassig, Bailey Lyons, Linda Noll, Kirk Sharp, Travis Shelton, David Shepherd, and Jordan Witt.

 

 

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Food, Fort Scott

Schwalm Family Thanksgiving Dinner For the Community: Perhaps the Last

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Two of the Schwalm family members Margery and her, son David. Submitted photo.

The Margery Schwalm family has been providing free Thanksgiving dinners to the Fort Scott community for 28 years.

The Schwalm family poses following the community Thanksgiving dinner during the pandemic. Submitted photo.

“It takes a good week out of my life to do this,” Margery said. “I would like to fix Thanksgiving dinner for my family next year.”

The best part for her is “talking to all the people that call and are so thankful for the meals,” she said. “I get lots of thank you’s from lots of people.”

“But I am tired,” she said. “I would love to have anyone pick it up.”

But for this year,  she and about 25 family members along with some others, will be cooking, packaging, and giving away turkey with all the fixings.

There is a drive-through pickup and also a delivery service for those who can’t get out, but no sit-down meal.

The event is this Thursday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. People can call Schwalm at 620.224.6769 to order the meals.

The City of Fort Scott supplies the orange cones that help direct the traffic the day of the dinner at the Elks, and her son David helps with the distribution of the dinners to those who pick up.

Schwalm is a lifelong member of the Elks and gets the use of the facility for free, she said.

Elks Club members Bill Brittain and Pat Bishop gather the turkeys and slow roast them, a few days before the dinner.

“We buy the turkeys from G & W Grocery Store,” she said. “Last year I paid about $700 for the turkeys. G & W donates the carryout bags.”

“Then I round up most of my family and a few friends and will debone them,” she said.

“Cindy Ziegler Schwalm makes sure everything in the kitchen is taken care of, she has several people that help her,” Schwalm said. “She has some big strong guys to help whip up those potatoes.”

Cindy Ziegler Schwalm, facing center right, with the kitchen help at the Schwalm family community Thanksgiving dinner. Submitted photo.

Community Christian Church donates 50 pies and 15 cakes for the event.

“They do a wonderful job with the desserts,” she said.

Parkway Church of God donates money for the dinner rolls.

“The rest of the stuff I buy,” she said. “The carryout plates, seasonings, all the extra fixings to pull it all together.”

A free-will offering is accepted to help with the cost of the meal.

“Freewill donations generally pay for what I am out,” she said.

“We will be out there Thursday in the morning,” she said. “The helpers, the cookers, the handlers who pack up the meals.”

“Once I get everything taken care of,  I will be in the background overseeing,” she said.

Aria and Charlee Davis help with desserts and taking meals to the drive-through. Submitted photo.
The packaging of the Schwalm family Thanksgiving dinner. It is an assembly line. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Another Solar Farm Is In Initial Stage in Bourbon County

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Courtesy of NextEra Energy Resources.

Another solar energy facility for Bourbon County is in the initial stages.

Earlier this year Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative put up solar arrays at 135th and Range Roads in the northern part of the county.

To view that story: Heartland Creates Solar Farm To Generate Energy For Local Members

 

The Devon Solar Farm, rural Bourbon County. Behind the fence are rows of solar energy collectors which help provide electricity for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members in the area.

On November 13,  during the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks presented the commissioners with four contracts with NextEra Energy to be signed for solar energy production in the southwest part of the county.

NextEra Energy is the world’s largest utility company, according to its website.

“For more than 20 years, NextEra Energy Resources has been investing in Kansas and is committed to continued renewable energy development,” said Laura Gies, NextEra Energy Resources Communication Specialist.

“Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, is a proposed photovoltaic solar energy facility for Bourbon County,” she said.  “The proposed project will have the capacity to generate approximately 400 megawatts of solar energy that is able to power about 50,000 homes.”

“The electric grid is made up of power generation assets, transmission lines, and distribution centers,” she said. “The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for the energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances. Essentially, the power generated from the Hinton Creek Solar site will be delivered to the electric grid and go where it’s needed. While the power goes where it’s needed, the benefits of Hinton Creek Solar always stay local.”
The development of the facility is a long process.

“Developing a solar project is a multi-year process, which includes assessing existing transmission infrastructure, landowner and county officials’ interest, as well as conducting environmental surveys among other considerations to determine whether this community is right for a renewable energy project,” she said. “Hinton Creek Solar is in the initial stages.”

“Renewable energy projects, like the proposed solar project, are attractive to local communities, as they provide numerous economic benefits, including good jobs and the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, which can be used to enhance schools, roads, and essential services,” she said.

“Hinton Creek Solar will create hundreds of construction jobs, and our goal is to hire as many qualified workers as possible from the local area,” she said.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.(REDI) has been working on this project with NextEra, Commissioner Jim Harris said during the November 13 commissioners’ meeting.

“We’re thrilled to announce an $800 Million Solar Development coming to our region,” Bourbon County REDI Director Rob Harrington said. “REDI played a crucial role in making this happen. Construction is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.”
Harrington thanked Hinton Creek Solar LLC. for selecting
Bourbon County for this monumental project, he said.
“This is the largest single development project that Bourbon County has ever received, and we are delighted they chose to bring this large development to our community,” Harrington said.

 

The site will be in the southwest part of the county, with 27 community members agreeing to put a portion of the solar facility on their properties.

The following are the signed agreements as provided on the county’s website:

Development-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Contribution-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Road-Use-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(3)

Decommissioning-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Here is a brief look at parts of two of the agreements:

 Development Agreement

The development agreement document signed is made between the Board of County Commissioners for Bourbon County and Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, FL 33408, according to the document provided by the county.

The developer, NextEra Energy, intends to construct one or more project companies or phases and operate a solar project, commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek Solar Project, to be located on privately-owned land within the county and includes photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage, inverters, solar monitoring equipment, substations, collection lines, access roads, temporary construction areas, operation and maintenance facilities, and other infrastructures relating to the solar project, according to the document.

The developer has or will enter into lease agreements, easement agreements, and forms of landowner consent documents with the participating landowners within the solar project area.

The county intends to consider the orderly development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar project.

The county acknowledges and agrees that all permits and approvals required for the solar project have been granted and substantial amounts of work have been completed, according to the signed agreement.

Contributions Agreement

According to Kansas law, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for ten taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed and upon the filing of such application for exemption, according to the contributions document provided by the county.

The developer shall make the following contributions to the county:

One initial payment of $1,000 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project made within 30 days after the start of construction. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate initial payment.

An annual contribution of $1,500 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project by January 15 of each year…and continuing through the 9th anniversary of the initial contribution date, for a total of 10 annual contributions. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate annual contributions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Clothing

Key Clothing Sale Starts November 18

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Some of the merchandise that is for sale at the upcoming warehouse sale.

Key Apparel has been a local business for over a hundred years.

“Key has been in business in Fort Scott since 1908 and was founded on bib overalls,” said Brenda Brown with sales support and merchandising for the business.

Key Industries, Inc. in Fort Scott is having its 15th Annual Warehouse Sale from Saturday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., then from Monday through Wednesday, November 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The sale continues on Friday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We have first quality products,” Angie Carr, Key’s Operation Project Coordinator, said. “We also use the sale to sell discontinued styles or colors, and irregulars-say for instance where a stitch is not completed and didn’t pass inspection but we can go ahead and closeout. That will be noted  to the customer, we will specify why it is irregular.”

The sale this year is at a new location at 2400 S. Main St. Suite 200,  between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall.

The annual Key Warehouse Sale has moved to the space between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall on Fort Scott’s south side.

“Previously, we were at the former Gordman’s Store space under a short-term lease,” said  Carr.”We have the same amount of merchandise (in the new space) as in previous years.”

Key Apparel is an official clothing sponsor of the Kansas State Fair and to commemorate that designation, Ike, the Bison, a collectible toy, will be sold.

“They make ideal stocking stuffers,” Carr said.

Ike the Bison will be sold at the annual Key Warehouse Sale.

Payment of cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover will be accepted during the sale.

 

To shop year round:www.keyapparel.com

Art, Bourbon County

BCAC Presents Bad Art by Good People 2023 on November 16

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Marty Read conducting the 2016 Bad Art by Good People Art Auction.

Several local people are donating their artwork, and supporting the local arts council in fundraising.

The Bourbon County Arts Council invites the public to join them in celebrating creativity in our community at this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” Fundraising Event and Auction.

The event is Thursday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton Street on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.

People look over the artwork at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee before the Bad Art by  Good People auction in 2018.

The first “Bad Art by Good People” Event was in 2013. This is where local people try their hand at art and then offer that art to be sold to benefit the Bourbon County Arts Council.

This year’s auction will be the 6th year, with 23 artists participating.

“Since that first auction, 120 community members have donated their time and creative energy (with a bit of humility) to this project, where individuals are given a canvas and asked to create an original piece of art,” Deb Halsey, BCAC President said.

The BCAC Mentoring Workshops provide inspiration and technical advice to those who are creating the art,  with the help of local artists.

This year’s artists include Caroline Barnes, Kelly Barr, Nedra Barr, Donna Bowman, Dave Brezik, Rilie Creollo, Kathy Dancer, Kate Freeman, Trent Freeman, Rachel French, Stewart Gulager, Rob Harrington, Ronda Hassig, Krysta Hulbert, Bobbi Kemna, Megan Malone, David Martin, Madelyn Martin, Matt Park, Carrie Southwell, Joy Self, Diane Striler, and Billy Webster.

Artificers Gallery owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have also donated a series of “Pendulum Paintings” that were created during their 2023 Kids Camp. Proceeds from the auction of these paintings will be donated to Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

At 7 p.m., the event will begin with art viewing and voting for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”.

The winner of this award will receive a certificate for $50 in Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Bucks, which can be spent at any of over 60 local retailers.

Local auctioneer Marty Reed will conduct the art sale at 7:30 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Bad Art by Good People is one way that the BCAC attempts to fulfill its mission to ‘foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts’ in our community,” said Halsey. “The BCAC also supports local students, by donating annually to Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School and providing scholarships to high school seniors in Bourbon County who will be pursuing art-related majors in college.”

Deb Halsey and Elaine Buerge man the reception booth at the event in 2018.

“This year, the BCAC has also made contributions to the Gordon Parks Celebration, as well as the First Kansas Colored Infantry Mural,” she said. “They have also hosted two Patio Concerts at Crooner’s Restuarant and are scheduled to host a Membership Drive Concert and Dinner in February 2024, headlining the musical group “Wednesdays at Herman’s” which features singer Summer Buerge Timperley, daughter of local artist Elaine Buerge, and Steve Buerge.”

The Bourbon County Arts Council is comprised of the following members: Deb Halsey, President; Breann Eden, Vice-President; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; and Steve Floyd, Secretary; as well as Elaine Buerge, Trent Freeman, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Robin Whitlock, Chris Woods, and Vicki Wright. Deb Anderson graciously served as board president for 23 years, Halsey said.

“Come out and enjoy an evening of original art, and cast your vote for this year’s ‘Best Bad Artist’,” she said.

Linda Jackson’s painting from the event in 2018. Submitted photo.