All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Marci Francisco

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This is part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Marci Francisco

Age: 68

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Lawrence, KS

Current occupation:

  • Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
  • Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing

Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.

Party affiliation: Kansas Democratic Party

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it: The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.

I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.

Give your views on food sales-tax: The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana: As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid: Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Kelly Standley

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This is part of a series on the candidates for the general election November 6.

United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)

Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

Name: Kelly Standley

Age: 49

Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District Kansas

Place of residence: Saint Paul, Kansas

Current occupation: Business owner and job creator

Community involvement:

Homeless shelter where we help to clothe, feed, find jobs and give them a place to stay while doing all this.

Party affiliation: Libertarian

  1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue I see for Kansas is we need more jobs in the rural areas. Right now if people in the rural areas of Kansas want a job they may have to move to a larger city. We need jobs available to our residents, not that farming does not employ a large number of people but as we automate there will be a need for jobs that do not involve farming. As a Federal Representative for the people in the 2nd District, I will seek out companies looking to expand and help guide them to the right areas of Kansas that need those jobs.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Considering the fact that Kansans pay a higher sales tax on food than most other States I am for lowering the tax. Here is my problem with doing that though, will the stores take advantage of that and see an opportunity to raise prices on products so they can have a better bottom line? Some large retail stores advertise they are lowering prices on products but what they don’t say is that when they lower prices on select items they raise prices on other items to make up the difference. I know this to be true, I have worked large retail before and I never thought that was fair to the consumer.

 

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I lived in Colorado for several years and I saw the downside to legalizing it, but I can say that the downside came when they made it open for recreational use. At the same time I saw new schools being built, a larger number of law enforcement agencies having staff and supplies they needed. I saw hospitals not worrying about how patients were going to pay a bill. I would support putting this option on a national ballot for the people in each state to vote on and decide if it is what they want. The Federal Government has no place regulating this product and it should be left up to the states individually.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Medicaid needs to be addressed and no more hospitals like Mercy in Fort Scott, Independence should have to close down because of Medicaid shortfalls. I would like to see the State of Kansas come up with a solution that works for the hospitals instead of against them. Hospitals in rural areas are very important to their communities and we have no time to play around when lives are at risk!

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I’m for women having choices to do what they want with their bodies but I am also not for abortion. What I would like to see is instead of the Federal Government pushing Planned Parenthood agencies to have specific quota numbers for abortions. It would be more beneficial to see Planned Parenthood work with adoption agencies to get children adopted and not aborted.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introduction to the Candidates: Steve Watkins

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This is part of a series featuring candidates for the Nov. 6 election.

United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)

Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

 

Steve Watkins

Name: Steve Watkins

Age: 42

Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives, KS-02

Place of Residence: Topeka, Kansas

Current Occupation: Engineer

Community involvement: Member, Philip Billard VFW Post 1650
Party affiliation: Republican

Policy Questions
1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

The most important and biggest issues our nation faces today are protecting Social Security and Medicare, keeping taxes low, and securing our southern border. What stands in the way of these pivotal issues for the American people is the partisan obstruction by Democrats. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, I spent years leading diverse groups of people through difficult situations. In order to work toward solutions to our most prevalent issues, we must elect leaders that are willing to work across the aisle and put aside their party labels for the betterment of the American people.

2. Give your views on a food sales tax:

While I personally oppose sales tax on food, there are currently no sales taxes on food or anything else at the federal level. Sales taxes are all levied at the state a local level, so those are the choices of state and local leaders. In Congress, I would oppose any
efforts to impose a federal sales tax. Further, while my opponent has advocated to repeal some of the recent tax cuts signed into law by President Trump. I would seek to make them permanent for hard working Kansans.

3. Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

Although I am not personally in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I am also a strong believer in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution and I believe this is an ultimately a state’s rights issue. However, I am sympathetic to the push to legalize
marijuana strictly for medicinal purposes. As a Veteran myself, I have read many studies that suggest medical marijuana can help veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as to treat symptoms of serious illness and other conditions. I believe further research
should be done in this area.

4. Give your views on health care in our state, including Medicaid:

First and foremost, Congress must repeal and replace Obamacare and work together toward a patient-centered healthcare system that protects those with pre-existing conditions, reduces costs, promotes competition in the marketplace, and gives patients
more control over their health care. Obamacare did the opposite. Introducing crippling tax mandates and excessive regulations that were geared more toward an urban setting than a rural setting. This has unfairly targeted rural areas and has had a very negative
impact on our rural hospitals leading to a loss of access as was recently demonstrated here in Fort Scott. Lower quality of health care, fewer choices, and skyrocketing premiums is not “Affordable Care”. While Medicaid expansion is one possible short term
fix, the real solution to our healthcare system is building a new system that allows for more choices and more adaptability to the individual patient and the individual healthcare setting.

5. Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am and always have been committed to protecting the sanctity of life, at all costs. By signing the National Right To Life Pledge, I vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to never vote for pro-choice legislation in Washington. My opponent, on
the other hand, has a long record of voting against life, including votes in support of late-term abortions. Planned Parenthood, a major donor to the Democratic Party, is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. It is unacceptable that over 500 million
taxpayer dollars is given to Planned Parenthood year after year. I have been endorsed by both Kansans for Life and the National Right to Life Committee. As your congressman, I will never vote for the pro-choice legislation.

Fort Scott, Government

City Commission Approves Raise For Martin

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Dave Martin

The Fort Scott City Commission budgeted this year for a three-percent raise for the city employees.

“When the commission approves the budget, we build in what we can for the employees, a three-percent raise,” City Manager Dave Martin said. “It takes effect on the anniversary date of when they started.”

Martin started in August 2010.

Fort Scott City Mayor JoLynne Mitchell introduced the City Manager’s Employment Agreement to the city commission Oct 2 at their regular meeting, according to the minutes of the meeting.

She asked each commissioner to speak to City Manager Dave Martin about his evaluation.

Commissioner Cindy Bartelsmeyer thanked Martin for his leadership and for the “hard work” he has provided. Ongoing improvements in street conditions need to be addressed, she said, according to the minutes.

Commissioner  Jeanne Parker said she” can’t remember a person who has taken such great strides with the city… and he has done a terrific job.”

Commissioner Randy Nichols said that the Martin is very “forward thinking” and  has a “great staff that works with him and is very positive.”

Mayor Mitchell said he does “a tremendous job.” She said that they “sometimes don’t speak the same language but they get along great.” She hopes that Martin recognizes that he has a “great City Commission” behind him.

The City Commission then approved a raise for Martin.

He received a three-percent increase in salary bringing his salary to $107,462.78.

One year was added to his contract, which will take his employment through August 21, 2023.

If Martin should leave, he would be paid for his sick leave and vacation time.

All members of the commission voted to approve the raise, with the stipulations listed.

Martin thanked the commission and said that he “appreciates the opportunity to serve the city and the city commission.” He said he “couldn’t do this job without his good team of employees.”

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Rob Hodgkinson

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This part of a series on the candidates for the November 6 election.

Secretary of State (vote for one)                              

Brian “BAM” McClendon1200 Oread Avenue #703 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Scott Schwab 14953 W 140th Terr. Olathe 66062 Republican

Rob Hodgkinson 7111 W 151st St #104 Overland Park 66223 Libertarian

Jordan Photography 913-814-7740 www.jordanphotography.com

Name:  Rob Hodgkinson

Age:  59

Candidate for the position of Kansas Secretary of State

Place of residence: Stilwell Kansas

Current occupation: Realtor

Community involvement: Immediate past State Chair for the Libertarian Party of Kansas

Party affiliation: Libertarian

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

Improve transparency of the office.

Making elections accessible, accountable and secure.

I see this in three parts for elections – voter registration, voter participation and numbers of candidates. Voter registration needs to be much simpler/easier than in the past. Voter participation needs to increase candidates: I love the fact we have five candidates in the governor’s race this year – I will work to have many candidates all the way through the ballot. When we have many candidates, rather than throwing mud and being negative, we get the chance to hear about issues.

Strengthen the new regulations for audits in elections (effective 1/2019). The current wording of the audit requirements leaves a lot of wiggle room as to how they will be done.

Ending Crosscheck, this program is faulty and not used by all 50 states making its intended purpose useless
.
Lobbying to have the election commissioner of the four big counties election offices locally elected rather than being appointed by the Secretary of State.

Updating the KSSoS website, today it is not mobile friendly, the navigation is awkward, and is hard to read due to too much legal language being used rather than plain tone it should use.

 

I believe the KSSoS can do a similar thing to what the State Treasurer does with the 529 college savings plans to help improve voter registrations and voter turnout, that is to make public announcements about voting: Here is how you register to vote, here are the important dates, remember that there is an early voting option that can be used, etc.

2)Give your views on food sales tax:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

6). Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What in your background most prepares you to serve in this office?

I have an IT background with experience being responsible for a company’s entire IT/IS enterprise. I also have small business experience and an exterior remodeling company I was a partner/owner in; tripled in size during the recession. I have election experience from a third party “Outsider” perspective. I will not be wearing the uniform of one of the 2 big political parties We need the KSSoS office to be fair in its election dispute settlements to Kansans, not parties.

Fort Scott, Recipes

From Linderhof’s Kitchen by Martha Meinsen Scott

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When we were in the city, sometimes we’d stop at Mimi’s Cafe for I loved their bleu cheese dressing and their muffins and carrot bread.      They’ve been generous by publishing their recipes on line and I make the carrot bread — sometimes for a breakfast bread basket when I have company, sometimes because I like a little sweet bread for our breakfast, and sometimes to be eaten as a dessert or for tea.     But it’s really carrot cake minus the cream cheese frosting!     However, whether you call it bread or cake, it’s a good recipe!

 

MIMI’S CAFE CARROT RAISIN BREAD

 

1 ½ c. flour
1 t. Baking soda
2 t. Baking powder
2 t. Cinnamon
½ t. Salt
1 c. vegetable oil
1 ½ c. brown sugar, firmly packed
3 eggs
½ c. chopped pecans (or you can use walnuts)
½ c. canned crushed pineapple, drained
½ c. raisins
1 c. shredded carrots

 

Mix first five ingredients in a mixing bowl.

 

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar and eggs

 

Stir the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and stir until combined.

 

Add pineapple, nuts, raisins and carrots and stir until it’s all incorporated

 

Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan and bake in a preheated 350 oven for about 40 minutes.
NOTE:   You can also bake this recipe in four mini-loaves — baking time for these is about 30 minutes, however.
Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.
Bourbon County, Elections

Introducing The Candidates: Patty Love

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This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election.

Patty Love does not have a challenger in the election.

Patty Love

Name:  Patricia (Patty) Love

Candidate for the position of  Bourbon County Treasurer

Place of residence:  Fort Scott, Kansas

Current occupation:  Bourbon County Treasurer

Community Involvement:  Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Bourbon County Republican Committee, Kansas County Treasurers Association

Party affiliation:  Republican

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue that Bourbon County currently faces is the high property and vehicle taxes.  It is my goal as county treasurer to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expense within budget and cut expenses where possible.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introducing the Candidates: Bryan Hoffman

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This is part of a series on introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.

Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)

Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic

Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican

Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian

Name: Bryan Hoffman


Age: 35


Candidate for the position of Kansas Senate District 13


Place of residence: Mulberry, KS


Current occupation: Job Superintendent – Construction of Roads and Bridges


Community involvement: I have coached little league and I am a member of the producers cooperative in Girard.


Party affiliation: Democrat

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue is expanding access to affordable healthcare with Medicaid expansion. Southeast Kansas needs a leader who will fight to provide Southeast Kansans with access to healthcare by protecting our community hospitals and clinics. We must ensure federal tax dollars paid by Kansas taxpayers are returned and invested right here at home.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Kansas has the highest food sales tax in the country, and that’s not okay. I am in favor of lowering the food sales tax rate in order to reduce the burden on hardworking Kansas families.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I would be willing to consider legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I would not be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Providing Southeast Kansans with access to affordable healthcare means a healthier and more productive workforce. I support expanding Medicaid. In addition to providing more Kansans with access to healthcare, it creates more good-paying jobs and stimulates our economy.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life. However, abortion is a federal issue because Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introduction To The Candidates: Richard Hilderbrand

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This is part of a series  introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.

Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)

Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic

Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican

Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian

Name: Richard Hilderbrand
Age: 49
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Senate, District 13
Place of residence: Galena, KS
Current occupation: Small Business Owner
Community involvement: Local Business Owner, Economic Development, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #71
Party affiliation: Republican
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
We need fiscal accountability in Topeka.
The biggest issue that we are facing in Kansas is the out of control spending and high taxes. I will continue to fight against the out of control spending budgets that increase spending by $1.1 billion; continue to rob $355 million from our employee’s retirement, and $580 million from our highway funding; cuts $114 million from education funding, and still out spends our revenue by $304 million over two years. I will continue to fight to lower taxes in the state of Kansas, especially our high property taxes, and sales tax.
2 )Give your views on food sales tax:
We are 1 of only 12 states that tax food sales. We have the second highest food sales tax in the nation. This is just down right embarrassing. We have to control our state spending so that we can lower this.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I do no support it.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
Healthcare like everything else, is becoming more urbanized.
When Obamacare was passed, it cut reimbursement rates for our elderly and disabled by $1 trillion to set up Medicaid expansion to the able-bodied. We have to restore those cuts, so that we can give the most vulnerable the care that they need. We have to continue to cut regulations on hospitals so that they can offer more services in rural areas, such as telemedicine.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am endorsed by Kansans For Life. I would vote in favor of any legislation that would ban, or make it more difficult to kill an innocent unborn child. I don’t have any positive views on Planned Parenthood.
Bourbon County, Schools

New Fitness Center Opens at Uniontown

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The ribbon cutting of the new USD 235 fitness center was led by Jake Steinfeld, Thursday morning, Oct. 11.

Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils,  along with students and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on Uniontown’s new $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center, during a ceremony in the West Bourbon Elementary School gym.

Fitness ambassador students get a run-through before the ribbon cutting with Don Payne, Equipment Director for TuffStuff Fitness Int.
Four students from each grade, 4th through 12th, were randomly selected to be student fitness ambassadors. They were given prior training in the weeks leading up to the official ribbon cutting.

During the opening speech before the students, teachers, and guests, Steinfeld said that exercise helps students stay focused and therefore improves student learning.

He encouraged the students to stay active their whole lives.

“When you have your health and you have hope, that’s what I believe the American dream is all about,” Steinfeld said.

The opening of the new USD 235 Fitness Center created excitement at the West Bourbon Elementary School Thursday morning, not only for students but the Uniontown community.

The reason: Community members will be using the equipment in the future, as well as students.

Last month USD 235 Superintendent Brett Howard was uncertain if the community would be able to use the equipment in addition to the students as originally planned, due to liability insurance issues.

The insurance issues were resolved at the board meeting this week, WBE Principal Vance Eden, said in an interview.

 
In a later email to fortscott.biz, Eden said community members will need to come to the office of WBE to pay and get their card for the fitness center from him.

The details of the public use of the fitness center will be worked on this week, and it will be open to the public next week, according to Howard in an interview.

The ceremony moved from the elementary school gym to the site of the new fitness center across the road at the junior high school, where the ribbon cutting took place. The center is housed in the former library of the school.

The Uniontown High School former library, pictured here, is the site of the new center.

 

Uniontown High School 2018

The USD 235 students starting at 4th grade will begin using the facility next week, Physical Education Teacher Jackie Hall said.

“We are so excited for our kids to have this opportunity,” she said.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introduction To The Candidates: Ken Collins

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This is part of a series of responses from candidates for the Nov. 6, 2018 election. There are two people running for 2nd District Representative.

State Representative, 2nd District (vote for one)

Adam J. Lusker Sr. 452 S. 210th St. Frontenac 66763 Democratic

Kenneth Collins 102 E. 1st Street Mulberry 66756 Republican

These are Ken Collins responses:

Ken Collins.

Name: Ken Collins

Age:55

Candidate for the position of: Second District Kansas State Representative

Place of residence: Mulberry, Kansas

Current occupation: Retired from AT&T and working to establish a convenience store business.

Community involvement: Adjutant of American Legion Post 176 in Mulberry.

Party affiliation: Republican

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

An important issue for me is economic growth in Southeast Kansas. I plan to advocate for continuing improvements on US Highway 69 and to look for ways to reduce taxes including sales, gasoline property and income taxes. We are in competition with neighboring states in several ways so we need to keep our tax rates as low as possible.

2)Give your views on food sales tax:

We need to try to find a way to lower sales tax, especially on groceries. Many states have reduced sales tax rates for food. A large percentage of Kansans live in close proximity to Missouri so we are losing business when consumers choose to cross the state line to shop. Missouri’s sales tax rate for groceries is 1.23% as compared to our basic rate of 6.5%. on all items including food.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I haven’t seen any reliable information yet on how legalization has had an effect on states like Colorado so I haven’t come to a decision.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

We need to find some new ways to provide health care in rural areas. It is shocking news to everyone that Mercy Hospital of Fort Scott will soon be closing but hopefully solutions can be found to fill the gaps in service that will result. I’m generally leery of Medicaid Expansion, although the program would be federally subsidized it would still cost the Kansas taxpayers.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am strongly pro-life and if elected I will vote in a manner to protect the unborn. I would not support any taxpayer subsidization of Planned Parenthood.

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Chicken Shak Opens Nov. 3 In Bronson

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Clint (Spanky)McKinnis, owner of the refurbished Chicken Shak in Bronson, at his cash register Oct. 7.

Even though he has a full-time job, Clint McKinnis took on the project of refurbishing a restaurant in Bronson.

The Chicken Shak has been in Bronson for over 55 years, with different owners, McKinnis said.

“I felt like I wanted to revive it,” he said. “The Good Lord told me to buy it and make it what it was before.”

His family still has a farm down the road from Bronson and they used to go to eat chicken at the restaurant after church.

“I want to give back to the community,” he said. “To have good fellowship and good chicken.”

He recently had a “soft opening” of the restaurant with friends and family only.

The building had been vacant for nine months before McKinnis purchased the restaurant in January 2018.

After 10 months of repairing and painting the building, the restaurant will open next month.

A giant fowl decorates the outside of the Chicken Shak in Bronson.

Something new, is a bar with two big screen TVs in the back dining room of the restaurant.

The backroom of the Chicken Shak includes a bar.

“The La Rue’s (previous owners) added a bar about three years ago,” he said.

The restaurant officially opens Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. The hours will then be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The restaurant has 10 employees, including chief cook, Cheryl Blythe.

The phone number of the Chicken Shak is 620-228-5228.

About the owner

McKinnis is known by some as “Spanky”.

“I was nicknamed at 4-years-old by a friend of my dad’s,” he said. “He thought I looked like Spanky of Our Gang.”

He went to Uniontown schools for a period of time, then his family moved to Fort Scott where he graduated in 1997.

He now lives in Pittsburg where he works full-time at Performance Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Clinic.

The front dining room of the Chicken Shak.