All posts by Loretta George

Advance Voting Has Begun In Bourbon County

The “vote here” sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

“In-person advance voting began on July 22nd, it will end at noon on August 5,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said today.  “As of right now we have had 107 voters.”

“The Courthouse is the only location to cast an in-person advance ballot,” she said. Courthouse hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Primary Election on August 6 will narrow the candidates down to two times the number of positions open.

Bourbon County will have a Primary Election for the following offices

CITY OF BRONSON-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

JAMES E. OLSON

DANIELLE MINOR

MICHAEL STEWART

 

CITY OF FORT SCOTT-CITY COMMISSION (3 COMMISSION POSITIONS)

CHERYL L. ADAMSON

HAROLD (PETE) ALLEN

KEVIN “SKITCH” ALLEN

CYNTHIA BARTELSMEYER

CASEY BOLDEN

TRACY DANCER

BOBBY DUNCAN

BOB FARMER

JOSH JONES

DEB MCCOY

DIANA MORRISS

JEANIE PARKER

LINDSEY WATTS

MATTHEW WELLS

 

CITY OF FULTON (1 MAYOR & 5 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

NO CANDIDATES FILED

 

CITY OF MAPLETON (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

NO CANDIDATES FILED

 

CITY OF REDFIELD-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

WILMA K. GRAHAM

JIMMIE JACKSON

L.D. MORRISON

ANGELA HIXON

 

 

CITY OF UNIONTOWN-CITY COUNCIL (3 COUNCIL POSITIONS)

DANEA D. ESSLINGER

DAVE WEHRY

USD 234

JAMES WOOD-POSITION 1

DANNY BROWN- POSITION 2

MICHELLE HUDIBURG- POSITION 2

KELLYE BARROWS- POSITION 3

JOE FOULK SR.- POSITION 3

MICHAEL J. HOYT- POSITION 3

JOSH JONES-POSITION 3

AARON JUDY-POSITION 3

SHAWN GOANS-POSITION AT LARGE

LYNETTE JACKSON-POSITION AT LARGE

BILL MICHAUD- POSITION AT LARGE

 

USD 235

TROY GOODRIDGE-POSITION 1

JASON SUTTERBY-POSITION 2

JOSHUA HARTMAN-POSITION 3

KOLBY STOCK- POSITION 3

SALLY JOHNSON- POSITION AT LARGE

 

FSCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES (3 POSITIONS)

DAVID ELLIOTT

KIRK HART

MICHAEL J. HOYT

CURTIS LEAR

ROBERT NELSON

 

SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT (2 POSITIONS)

DIANE BRILLHART

PETE WILEY

 

 

 

 

 

Gordmans Expands Merchandise to Include Apparel in Fort Scott

This sign seen on the door of the  Fort Scott Gordmans store window tells of apparel coming in July. The store opened earlier this year as a department store but did not carry clothing at that time. On August 10 the new clothing department of the store will be completed.

An apparel department is being added to Gordmans department store that opened earlier in 2019 in Fort Scott. The store is located at 2400 S. Main, in the strip mall on the southside of town.

“Gordmans in Fort Scott will be expanding to a full-fledged Gordmans, which will offer big brands in merchandise for the entire family at very low prices compared to department store prices,”  Blakeley Graham, Manager of Brand Publicity at Gordmans, said. “The complete changeover will be August 10, and Gordmans is planning a special in-store event that day to celebrate the expansion.”

“In addition to the home décor, beauty merchandise, fragrances, accessories and toys already available at Gordmans, there will be name brand apparel for all ages and footwear at bigger deals and smaller prices,” he said.

Gordmans is part of the Stage family of stores.

Stage has opened 74 Gordmans this year, including the store in Fort Scott. By the end of 2019, there will be over 150 Gordmans stores across the country.

Gordmans is located at 2400 S. Main in Fort Scott’s south side strip mall.

More details will be shared soon about the August 10 event, according to Graham.

 

Red Dirt Country Comes to Fort Scott

Dalton Womeldorff sits in the studio of Fort Scott Broadcasting. He is an announcer at the radio station and a recent graduate of Fort Scott High School.

Red Dirt Country is in Fort Scott as of July 1 at 98.3 FM on your radio.

The Red Dirt genre of country music started in Oklahoma and Texas.

“Red Dirt Country is a different brand of country,” Tim McKenney, owner of Fort Scott Broadcasting said.  “Most tell a story…songs that tell stories about the cowboy’s way of life.”

Fort Scott Broadcasting, owned by both Tim and Deb McKenney, is the umbrella company for KMDO-AM 1600 and KOMB-FM 103.9 and now K252KY-FM 98.3.

KMDO started in 1954 and KOMB in1981 and continue to play classic and contemporary music. They were purchased by Tim and Deb in 1996 from Tim’s father.

Red Dirt Country, K252KY-FM started this year.

Fort Scott Broadcasting is the parent company of KMDO-AM and KOMB-FM and is located at 2 N. National Avenue. The parent company of the businesses are Fort Scott Broadcasting, owned by Tim and Deb McKenney. They also own U.S. Cellular at 1711 S. National and 2506 S. Santa Fe in Chanute.

“On July 1 we opened K252KY,” McKenney said. “It started broadcasting a few months ago. We wanted to run it a while to make sure it was going smoothly.”

“We wanted to compete with those (radio stations) that do country, in a different way,” he said.

“It’s been crazy, for signing on quietly,” McKenney said.

 

KMDO-AM and KOMB-FM Radio Stations are located at 2 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott. New in July 2019 is the addition of Red Dirt Country at K252KY-FM, 98.3

 

The broadcasting company plays music 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are several announcers who work for the company: Larry Gazaway, Brandon Tadtman, Dalton Womeldorff, Pam Hutchison, Charlene Bolinger, Brayden Enstrom, Dena Wade  “and a few more of us do some on-air, but not regularly,” McKenney said.

“We still have announcers, it is not automated by satellite,” McKenney said.

In August, Larry Gazaway returns to the radio station as “the morning man on 103.9 and he will be our sports broadcaster,” McKenney said. Gazaway did a stint as Fort Scott’s Director of Convention and Visitor Bureau recently and returns to broadcasting on August 5.

For more information about the business and to see what services they provide, click below

http://kombfm.com

 

 

Help Sheriff’s Office Locate Gray Nissan Ultima, Ks. License plate 169MCN

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several thefts that occurred in the Uniontown area in the last several days.

We are asking for the public’s help in locating a Gray 2006 4 door Nissan Altima with Kansas license plate 169MCN. If you happen to see this vehicle call 911. DO NOT APPROACH the vehicle or confront the occupants of the vehicle.

Business Incubator: Offering Office Space to Entrepreneurs/Professionals To Start Up

The new Bourbon County Business Incubator offices  are located in the old SRS Building at 108 W. Second Street, Fort Scott.

A business incubator is being developed by Bourbon County to attract new entrepreneurs and professionals back to the area.

What is a business incubator?

It is a facility established to nurture young, startup firms during their early months or years, according to businessdictionary.com. It can provide affordable space, shared offices and services, hands-on management training, marketing support and, often, access to some form of financing.

“The business incubator is still under development,” Bourbon County’s Economic Director Jody Hoenor, said. “But is available… it’s a county-wide service.”

“The vision is to have a workspace for a professional business, someone who needs office space,” she said. “The first six months are free, then rent is negotiable. The maximum stay is two years.”

“The point is to get their business up and going without initial opening costs,” she said

Skilled professionals such as web designers, architects, and lawyers. for example, who want to start a business, are the target for the incubator.

Retail would not be appropriate for the space, she said.

“Shane Walker (Bourbon County Information Technology) and Justin Meeks (Bourbon County Counselor) have been working on this before I started in October 2018,” Hoenor said.

There are six office spaces available, one with a reception area attached.

The largest of the offices shown by Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor is 11 feet by 23 feet. The other offices are smaller, but each has a window.

There is a lobby, conference room, kitchen space and bathroom that goes with the office spaces, and includes high-speed internet access.

Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor opens the door to the reception area, next to the largest office space available for skilled professionals to start up a business.

Hoenor can be reached at 210 S National Ave.,

Fort Scott, KS 66701, or 1-620-223-3800 or

1-620-215-5725 Mobile, or

www.bourboncountyks.org

 

Bourbon County repurposed the building at 108 W. Second Street, just west of the courthouse. Years ago it housed the Social and Rehabilitation Services offices, most recently the Bourbon County Attorney had an office there until that office was moved to the second floor of the courthouse.

Currently, the building is being used also by the community corrections office and the driver’s license bureau.

 

 

 

NPR Hospital Closings In Small Towns

Sarah Jane Tribble, of National Public Radio, published this to her Facebook page.

She has been publishing stories on Fort Scott’s Mercy Hospital closing.

No Mercy: What Happens When A Rural Hospital Closes?
Here & There Host Dave Marash and I spent an thoughtful hour discussing No Mercy and rural hospital closures for his radio show on KSFR Sante Fe Public Radio. Listen here: https://davemarash.com/2019/07/22/sarah-jane-tribble-kaiser-health-hospital-closings-in-small-towns/

FSHS New Assistant Principal: Dr. Robyn Kelso

Dr. Robyn Kelso, assistant principal at Fort Scott High School. Submitted photo.
Dr. Robyn Kelso is the new assistant principal of Fort Scott High School as of today, July 22.
She hales from Eudora, KS and has 20 years experience following her education at Kansas State  University where she earned a degree in agriculture, then teacher certification from Ottawa University and both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from Baker University.

“My contract starts today,” Kelso said. Her duties  are still  being sorted out, “but I will be the career and tech education coordinator and oversee truancy concerns, along with teacher evaluations and discipline issues.”

Following are responses to questions to Kelso:
How did you become an educator?
Education was a second career for me after spending some time in the journalism field.
Did someone inspire you?
I had some awesome teachers in high school, but what inspires me is the students and teachers who come each day willing to contribute and make their school the best it possibly can be.
What is the best part of education for you?
The best part is knowing each day I get a chance to make a difference, whether that is small or large.    Whether for students or adults, having that chance each day is the best part of education for me.
What are the greatest challenges?
A challenge I personally face is learning what it means to be a Fort Scott Tiger – I am anxious to dig in and discover the great things both the schools and the community have!
She is married to Mike Kelso and has two sons – Matthew and Mason.
Fort Scott High School.

Governor appoints two members to the Board of Pharmacy 

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dr. Terica Gatewood and Dr. Tiffany Strohmeyer to the Kansas Board of Pharmacy.

 

“We have an obligation to protect Kansans from situations of inadequate and unsafe pharmaceutical practices,” Kelly said. “Dr. Gatewood and Dr. Strohmeyer are strongly positioned to take on the issues and challenges in the area, for the good of all Kansans.”

 

The board licenses and registers entities conducting business relating to the practice of pharmacy. They protect the public health and welfare against improper, unauthorized practices of pharmacy.

 

  1. Dr. Terica Gatewood, Topeka, currently serves as Pharmacy Talent Sourcer and University Relations for Genoa Healthcare. Gatewood received her doctor of pharmacy from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Dr. Chad Ullom.

 

  1. Dr. Tiffany Strohmeyer, Topeka, currently co-owns and operates as a staff pharmacist and pharmacy consultant at Barry’s Drug Center and Dunne’s Pharmacy in Manhattan, Kan. Strohmeyer received her doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Dr. Robert Haneke.

 

The Board of Pharmacy consists of seven members, six of whom are licensed pharmacists, and one that represents the general public.

 

The office of the state board of pharmacy is located in Topeka.

 

Fort Scott’s New Municipal Judge: John Bullard

John Bullard, Fort Scott Municipal Judge. Submitted photo.

John Bullard was hired as the  Fort Scott Municipal Judge recently.

 

The position is part-time, according to a press release from the city.

 

Bullard hears cases that come before the municipal court and renders his decision on those cases.

 

Cases are heard on citations written by Fort Scott Police Officers, Codes Officers and Animal Control Officers.

 

Bullard earned his JD in law at Washburn University.

 

He is also the municipal judge for the City of Columbus from 2015 to the present and has been practicing law in southeast Kansas for over 30 years.

 

He has appeared in Bourbon County District Court many times and is familiar with Fort Scott and the local legal community, according to the city press release.

 

Judge Bullard lives in Columbus, KS and is active in his community.

 

He has a heart for working with children in the judicial system, according to the press release.

 

“We are excited to have Judge Bullard serving in our Municipal Court,” Deb Needleman, Director of Human Resources for the City of Fort Scott noted. “He has shared some of his thoughts and ideas on changes we might consider for some of our ordinances so they are more effective and provide more options in dealing with various situations.”

 

Fort Scott’sMunicipal Court is held the first and third Thursdays of every month at 3 p.m. in the City Commission Room at city hall, 123 S. Main.

 

If unsure of a court date, or need to reschedule, please contact the Municipal Court Clerk.

 

 

To learn more about Fort Scott’s Municipal Court click here:

https://fscity.org/174/Municipal-Court

 

Free Fans Available For Elderly and Disabled

WESTAR ENERGY DONATES FANS TO THE SALVATION ARMY

Annual Donation Helps Those In Need

 

Elderly and disabled people without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather can receive fans by appointment beginning Monday, June 29th at the local Salvation Army Extension Unit at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center/Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N Main.

The fans are intended for elderly, disabled, and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants will need to provide ID and proof of address. Applications will be accepted until all fans are distributed.

Westar’s local gift of fans is part of a large contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.

For further information, contact Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, 620-223-2212.

Allen Schellack
Allen Schellack is the Compassionate Care Pastor for Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
He is also Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center,
 The Bourbon County Coordinator for CarePortal and Treasurer, Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance.
He can be reached at PO Box 774 or 26 N. Main,Fort Scott, KS  66701.
Office:  620-223-2212

Bourbon County Fair: Rewards for Projects

The 2019 Bourbon County Fair is in full swing this week, highlighting the work of 4-Hers and others in many different categories of projects.

 

Open Class Superintendents Jackie Warren and Terri Williams input prize money awards into a computer Wednesday in the Myers Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.

Over 1,000 special awards are given by merchants and individuals for all open class prizes, Open Class Superintendent Jackie Warren, said.  “Not counting the livestock,” Superintendent Terri Williams said.

Highlighted in photos are the top ranking winners in each category.

Congratulations to all who did their best and earned top places.

 

4-Her’s serve a meal to a customer at the Chuck Wagon Cafe, which is run by 4-H Club members.
A customer gives her order to Chuck Wagon volunteers Wednesday at noon.

 

 

Barnstormers 4-H Club won the booth grand prize.

 

 

 

 

 

AD: Darlene’s Collectibles Online-Only Closeout Auction

Darlene’s Antiques and Collectables, 16 Scott Avenue is liquidating all the contents of the store.

A long-time Fort Scott business is liquidating its assets.

Darlene’s antiques and Collectibles is having the third round of an online-only auction.
If one is looking for furniture and other items to fill a home, vacation home or rental property with some quality items, take time to look at all that is offered and make an online bid.
Online Bidding ends Sunday, July 21, 7:00 PM.
Visit www.crawfordauctionservice.com click on Ozarkbid Online Auctions, scroll to Darlene’s Antique and Collectibles 3 to view and register to bid. The store was owned by Darlene and Jim Shoemaker.
“We welcome you to the third round of Darlene’s Antiques and Collectibles,” Jim Shoemaker said. ” We hope that you’ll browse our catalog and see the very nice 383 lot line up of some of the most beautiful and well-cared for antique pieces including glassware, furniture, primitives, advertising pieces, and much, much more!”
In the listing this round are:
Vintage tobacco tins; Windsor Cutlery Co. Knife w/hoof handle; vint. military knife; Vint. Maytag oil cans; wood Coke, Pepsi & fruit crates; framed art & decor; framed Remington & Western Winchester ads; Table linens; oil lamps; lanterns; die-cast toys; stoneware jugs; old radios; Cram can; 100s of radio/ audio tubes; tables & chairs; enamel top table; hutches & cabinets; baking & kitchen cabinets/cupboards; corner cabinets; ant. dresser & wardrobe; nesting boxes; records, 33 & 78s; W.L. Davey hand pump; Ant. Rainbo Bread screen door, 32”x96”; Windsor organ; ant. wood doors; iron bell; Dazey churn; crosscut saws; washtubs; cradle; and much more.
Watch for more upcoming auctions.
Item pick up is in Fort Scott, Kansas on Monday, July 22, from 9 am to 6 pm. Item pick up in Hermitage, MO WareHouse Monday, July 29 from 9 am to 6 pm.
The following photos are of some of the items.
To see the whole lot, visit www.crawfordauctionservice.com click on Ozarkbid Online Auctions, scroll to Darlene’s Antique and Collectibles 3 to view and register to bid.