Bourbon County Garden Club, 2018. From left, front row: Barb McCord, Martha Scott, Priscilla Sellers and Karen Billiard. Back row: Rosemary Harris, Sheryl Bloomfield, Janet Irvin, Doris Ericson and Jim Logan.
The Bourbon County Garden Club hosted the weekly Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee June 28 at the Heritage Park Pavilion on Main Street.
The club maintains the plants in Heritage Park, Skubitz Plaza, the hanging baskets on Main Street and the flower bed at the swimming pool, Martha Scott, a member told the attendees.
They also provide a service to the community by answering gardening questions for the public.
“We are happy to make Fort Scott look pretty,” Scott said.
“We are looking for volunteers to help us weed,” she said.
Garden club member Barb McCord told the attendees that they are looking for gardens for the annual garden tour for 2019.
There will be no weekly Chamber coffee next week.
For more information on the club: Sheryl Bloomfield, 620-215-4313, Deb Lust, email [email protected] or Rosemary Harris, rharris@usd234. org
As the nation reflects on its freedom on Independence Day, Fort Scott National Historic Site honors those who have lost their lives fighting for this freedom with Symbols of Sacrifice.
The Symbols of Sacrifice commemoration features thousands of American flags displayed in a Field of Honor on the historic Parade Ground.
Their purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who have died in all wars that Americans have fought in.
The flags will be displayed from Friday, June 29, through Friday, July 6.
Volunteers are needed on Friday June 29, starting at 8:30 a.m. to put up the 7,000 flags for the holiday. See contacts below.
The park is pleased to welcome local musicians Pat and Steve Harry, who will perform a special concert of patriotic music on Saturday, June 30 at 7:00 pm.
Following the musical performance, you are invited to participate in an evening cannon firing.
On Wednesday, July 4 at 10:00 am and at 3:00 pm, the staff at the historic site will honor the fallen through a discussion of the meaning of the Field of Honor, followed by an artillery salute.
At 11:00 am, visitors can join an 1840s Infantry Soldier and an Officer’s Wife as they share perspectives on “What Independence Day Means to You?”
At 2:00 pm, come and witness infantry soldiers as they fire a salute to the 13 original colonies.
You are welcome to fall in with the soldiers and assist in taking down the 30-star flag at 4:00 pm.
The schedule of activities is as follows:
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 (EVENING)
7:00 pm – Patriotic Musical Performance by Pat and Steve Harry
8:00 pm – Evening Cannon Firing
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
10:00 am – Honoring the Fallen: A Salute to Sacrifice
11:00 am – “What Independence Day Means to You?” Guided Discussion
2:00 pm – 13 Gun Salute: The Pursuit of Liberty
3:00 pm – Honoring the Fallen: A Salute to Sacrifice
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat
Bourbon County Road Crews completed the new asphalt on Maple Road just east of 95th Road recently.
Bourbon County Road Crews have been busy this spring and summer laying asphalt on prioritized road, filling in the potholes and otherimprovements to the county’s roads.
“We took a new approach on how to repair roads,” Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner Lynne Oharah said. “It’s a leveling course, 1.5-inch asphalt. If you have a decent base, then you go back and do a chip and seal a few years later.”
“We get 6.5 miles, about $30,000 a mile using this technique as opposed to a 3.5-inch overlay, which costs between $80,000 to $95,000 per mile to overlay,” Oharah said. “I’m excited the way it’s turned out. We’ve come up with a new tactic to save money on roads and cover more miles.”
The new leveling course tactic was used three years ago in Oharah’s district, in the area just west of Uniontown on Maple Road to 85th Road. The asphalt has now been put on Maple Road all the way to Fort Scott, a road that runs parallel to U.S. Hwy. 54.
Next year, if all goes according to his plan, Maple Road to 85th will be chipped and sealed, Oharah said.
“If money permits, we’ll do more,” Oharah said.
Other recent completed asphalt projects have been the west side of Lake Fort Scott, which was completed yesterday, he said.
Then a short piece of 205th Road off of U.S. 54 Hwy. to Native Road will be completed today with asphalt overlay.
One and one-fourth miles on Eagle Road completed a few weeks ago, was given a 3.5-inch overlay, he said.
“Before that Native Road past the landfill a mile and a quarter, a 2-inch overlay was done on that, completed in April,” Oharah said.
The next big project that Oharah hopes to accomplish is 125th Road south of Mapleton for three to six miles, he said.
“Then I’ll start doing chip and seal on 125th between Hwy. 54 and Maple Road and also west of Uniontown to 85th,” Oharah said.
In addition, the county road crews will start working on low water crossings that near repair.
Three low water crossings have been closed in Bourbon County:
Range Road at 265th Road. “We’re going to have to replace that,” Oharah said.
Northeast of 65 Hwy., on 75th. “We are going to fill in the void under the crossing with rock and concrete,” Oharah said.
North of Unity Road on 95th. “We’ll repair it by pouring more concrete, boxing at the end of the culvert,” Oharah said.
Another low water crossing is in need of repair on 115th Road north of Range Road, he said.
Work will begin on these crossings in July, Oharah said.
Changes in the courthouse
The commissioners will soon be moving their workspace and public meeting room in the Bourbon County Courthouse, to make it more accessible to the public.
“I’m really excited about moving forward with moving everything on the second floor…to the first floor”, Oharah said.
The move is a result of the new law enforcement center completion and then the sheriff’s department and jail vacating the north side of the courthouse.
He said the move looks like it will be “very affordable.”
“We are working to have it done by the last part of September,” Oharah said.
“People have trouble getting to the second floor, this will make it convenient for them,” he said.
The county clerk, treasurer, and the commission room, every office on the second floor, will all be moved from the second to the first floor. He is hoping the driver’s license bureau will also be moved to the first floor, he said.
The second floor will then be the county attorney’s office.
“That increases the security of the second and third floors,” Oharah said.
From left front row: Nikos Giannopoulos, Lauren Jensen, Katie Craven. Back row: Dave Martin, Penny Heath, Paula Franklin, Thomas Dennison and Jolynne Mitchell.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its Fellowship to 12 educators this year.
This week six fellows were given the key to the city by Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin and Mayor Jolynne Mitchell. Last week also six fellows were honored in this way.
The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, located at Wall and Main in downtown Fort Scott, has been a part of the renewing of the downtown area, Dave Martin told the LMC Fellows in welcoming them to the city.
The Fellows were presented with a key to Fort Scott and a welcome bag.
This week Lauren Jensen from Virginia, Penny Harth from Oklahoma, Katie Craven from Minnesota, Paula Franklin from Tennessee, Thomas Dennison and Nikos Giannopoulos were the Fellows that came to Fort Scott.
The Center selects model teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history, according to a press release from the center.
See the center’s Facebook page at
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Norm Conard, far right, introduces Dave Martin and Jolynne Mitchell to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellows and staff Tuesday morning at Fort Scott City Hall.
A renovation has begun on the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store project at Wall and Scott streets.
The building at the corner of Scott and Wall streets has seen better days.
But with the purchase of the property formerly known as the “The Spoiled Brat” building, there will be new activity. Spoiled Brat was the name of the beauty salon that was located there years ago.
Roy and Jody Hoener own the property now.
The Hoener’s envision this to be breathing new life into a previously condemned structure that sits at a gateway to Fort Scott.
The Hoener’s own The Hole In the Wall Liquor Store, currently located at 13 W. Oak.
The business has been in the family for three generations, Roy Hoener said.
“My grandpa, Roy Louderman, bought the business in 1985,” Roy said. “My mother, Connie Hoener, bought the one-half interest in 2005. In 2015 Jody and I took it over from my mom when she retired.”
But come October they are hoping to be moved to the new site at 124 E. Wall, Jody Hoener said.
“We are doing pretty good on the timeline,” Roy said.
Over the next month’s several local businesses will be helping the Hoeners transform the once blighted and deteriorating building into the store and in addition, apartments on the second floor.
The liquor store will be 24 by 84 foot in dimensions, Roy said, with the apartment space above having the same dimensions.
“We are trying for two apartments,” Roy said. “That will be down the road.”
Behind, to the south of the store, will be an event space, Roy said.
“It will be for wine tastings, etc.,” he said
Those businesses hired by the Hoeners are Hofer and Hofer and Associates Inc.-general contractor, Agricultural Engineering Associates-structural engineers overseeing the entire project, RII Concrete Construction LLC-steel work outside, Geiger Plumbing-plumbing, KTK Electric LLC-HVAC and new wiring and lights, Great Expectations LLC Restoration Company—inside floor joists, Murphy Roofing-roof, Kirby’s Cabinets-counter and display, Miles Woodworking-shelving, and Perry Cannon-interior painting.
Senator Richard Hilderbrand, Republican, Senator from Galena, can be contacted by email [email protected] or cell phone 417.529.3262 .
The United State Supreme Court ruled recently ruled that states can now collect online sales tax from out-of-state vendors, according to a press release from Richard Hilderbrand (R-Galena).
“Before the Kansas Legislature moves forward, we must look closely to see how this will impact hardworking Kansans,” Hilderbrand said.
“The Supreme Court opinion on online sales taxes would work like this,” he said. ” Any taxing entity in the U.S; can now collect sales tax from any business that sells online to a customer that resides in their taxing jurisdiction.”
“This will put a huge burden on small businesses that currently sell online,” Hilderbrand said. “They will now have to answer to thousands of taxing entities. They will have to know what each sales tax rate is, and will also be subject to audits from those taxing entities.”
“Because this is an interstate commerce issue, it will be up to our U.S. Congress, and U.S. Senate to address this situation,” Hilderbrand said. “The state will have to decide on whether or not to start collecting taxes on out of state businesses that sell online to Kansas citizens. If the state decides to start collecting that sales tax, it will be another tax increase on Kansas citizens.”
“We cannot place another tax hike onto Kansas taxpayers for the third year in a row. An implementation of online sales tax must be coupled with a decrease in the overall sales tax rate. It is an embarrassment that Kansans pay some of the highest sales taxes in the Midwest. Our first priority should be to ease the financial burden on families by making Kansas a more affordable state,” according to the press release.”
“In 2017, the legislators passed a $1.2 billion retroactive income tax increase on the citizens of Kansas,” Hilderbrand said. “In 2018. the legislators failed to pass a tax-reform bill that would have allowed the citizens of Kansas to take advantage of the federal revenue windfall.”
“In failing to pass this legislation a significant number of Kansans, who previously benefited from income tax relief by itemizing deductions on Kansas returns, will no longer be able to do so because they will not be able to itemize at the federal level,” he said.
“The result of not passing this bill, is another income tax increase, specifically on Kansas homeowners who claimed the mortgage interest and property tax deductions in years past,” he said.
“The Senate passed this bill 21-19, but it failed in the house on a 59-59 vote. By not passing this tax-reform bill, it will lead to a tax increase of almost $500 million over the next three years,” Hilderbrand said.
“In 2019 the legislators will now be faced with this U.S. Supreme Court opinion and how it will affect our citizens. There are a lot of legislators that want to collect that extra tax and spend it. If that happens that will make it three years in a row that Kansans’ would have had a tax increase. If we are going to be serious about allowing our business’s in Kansas to be more competitive with our neighboring states, we cannot continue to be the highest sales tax state in the midwest.”
“The sales tax rate must be lowered so Kansans can keep more of their money in their pockets instead of being forced to send more and more money to Topeka,” Hilderbrand said.
Vickie Shead stands in front of her new high tunnel hoop house on the family farm, named by the family “The Garden of Eden”.
Following a lifelong dream to experiment with gardening in a controlled environment, Vickie Shead, rural Garland, applied for and received funding to build what is called a high tunnel or hoop house on the family farm.
Vickie Shead shows the growth of a cucumber vine in her hoop house, one of 22 varities of vegetables grown in the controlled environment.
Since getting it up and going this year, there has been a learning curve in gardening.
“I thought I knew about gardening,’ she said. “But I have learned a lot.”
“We realize that this year is a huge learning curve as we have everything to learn about this new way of growing quality, organic produce. We are very thankful for the grant helping us get started in this adventure in gardening,” Vickie said.
The inside view of the Shead hoop house.
The addition of mesh siding to keep out pests has cut back on much of the insects that normally feed on garden produce, but she has help to work on the insects that do manage to get in.
Her grandchildren.
They help by handpicking insects and insect eggs and also weeding in the high tunnel garden bed.
She also uses low-technology help such as sticky yellow pads, much like flycatchers of old, to aid in getting rid of insects.
One of the ways Vickie Shead helps reduce the insects in the hoop house is with this large sticky yellow flycatcher. One can see it is successful by the number of insects on it. Her grandchildren also help my handpicking insects and their eggs off the produce.
And additionally, they added insect cloth on the sides of the hoop house to lessen insect invasion.
“I needed a controlled environment from the weather and insects,” she said.
The Sheads use no chemicals on their gardens.
The following is an interview with Vickie Shead.
What is a high tunnel growing system? Where did you get the grant from?
“High Tunnel System Initiative, commonly called a ‘hoop house,’ is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and can be applied for through the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service).”
“The seasonal high tunnel system for crops does not include greenhouses or low tunnel systems covering single crop rows.”
What is the grant for?
“The goal is to assist producers to extend the growing season for high-value crops in an environmentally safe manner.”
“NRCS hopes to encourage growers with high tunnels which can aid in improving plant quality, soil quality, reduce nutrient and pesticide transport, improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs, and reduce energy use through local consumption. It is to be used on cropland where climatic conditions due to heat, cold, severe weather may interfere with the producing of vegetables, fruits, and other consumable crops.”
“The grant allows the producer to choose the company, the size, the style, and method of installation for their high tunnel kit.”
How much was the grant for?
“When we applied, we received a grant for $6,732 for our high tunnel system.
However, in order to adhere to the Shead-Spread Farm’s organic standards and future plans, we added to the grant with our own money so that we could comply to organic certification we wish to obtain in the near future. The additions included: metal framework instead of treated lumber, roll down sides and fans to increase ventiation, end walls with big doors, and shade cloth for temperature control and insect cloth (50% shade cloth) to lessen insect invasion. These additions have proven to make a wonderful growing environment that we fondly call ‘The Garden of Eden’.”
When did you get it? When did you get it up?
“The grant was received in the fall of 2016. The 60 x 30 feet Gothic Style High Tunnel wasn’t erected until July of 2017, so this is the Shead’s first growing season. We classify this as the learning season!
It is an on-going project far from finished.
We have yet to add permanent plumbing, electrical wiring, and rainwater irrigation system, all of which are awaiting financial resources.”
Why did you seek the grant?
“For many years, the Shead-Spread Farm has provided fresh, organic, nutrient-packed produce from our gardens and orchards.These fruits and vegetables have fed four families (their children and grandchildren) and are used either fresh, canned, frozen, or dried. We hope to expand the growing season of our organic crops in order to sell our quality fruits and vegetables, along with our dried and powdered products through the local Fort Scott Farmer’s Market, at the farm, and through the internet. “
The Shead’s call their farm The Shead Spread.
“However, we found that because Kansas abounds in insects, growing organic vegetables and fruits is tedious and time-consuming and next to impossible. We needed a more controlled environment for improving plant quality and climatic conditions.”
“The NRCS High Tunnel Initiative was just what we needed because it helps producers raise crops in a more controlled environment, which reduces insects, protects the plants from wind and storm damage, and lengthens the growing season. “
Who is involved in your work in the high tunnel?
” I am the instigator of the project with my husband, Larry, as the main support and muscles. However, other family members also help, including many of our 17 grandchildren, who are often by my side as I work.”
The Buffalo Grill, 3 W. Oak, was purchased in May 2018 by Al Niece.
Al Niece, the owner of Niece of Kansas Inc., purchased the Buffalo Grill, 3 W. Oak in May 2018 from Dean Mann.
“It’s a fantastic building, lots of options are open” for the development of the property, Niece said.
“The building looked too good a building to be left unattended,” Niece said. “In talking with people in the community and the city, there are not many large eating facilities in the town.”
“When I walked in earlier this year, I was amazed at the condition,” he said.
Conventions, graduations, weddings, Christmas parties “and who knows what else” can use the River Room on the second floor of the building, Niece said. “We’ve already booked events for fall, two weddings and Christmas parties.”
The River Room name will stay the same for the second-floor event space, he said.
“The restaurant will be an additional component to it,” Niece said. “There are a lot of options for that. We don’t know whether we will keep the name Buffalo Grill or not.”
“We are talking to a couple of franchises,” Niece said.
In addition, the business suite on the north-west side of the building is up for rent, with 2,400 square feet of space.
The restaurant will likely be open in the third quarter of 2018 he said.
Jared Leek is the manager of the facility for Niece and can be reached at 620-224-9787.
In May, Walmart announced a new associate education benefit program designed to help employees to enroll in college and graduate from college in certain fields of study, according to a press release.
Benefits include free college credit for Walmart Academy training and options for employees to earn a college degree without student loan debt.
Walmart employees will be able to access affordable associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business or supply chain management.
These programs are available to full-time, part-time and salaried Walmart U.S. store, supply chain, home office and Sam’s Club employees.
Degrees will be offered through the University of Florida at Gainesville; Brandman University, Irvine, California; and Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska. These schools were selected for their focus and strong outcomes on serving working adult learners, according to the press release.
Program highlights include:
AFFORDABLE
The associate contribution toward a college degree would be just $1 a day. Walmart will subsidize the cost of tuition, books, and fees, which helps get rid of student loan debt, according to a press release.
Also, associates can start their path by earning college credit for paid training at Walmart Academies. Hundreds of thousands of associates have already undergone skills training equivalent to more than $210 million in college credits. This will save associates both time and money in completing their degree.
RELEVANT
Walmart selected universities with a specialized focus on serving working adult learners and top outcomes for the working adult demographic. Walmart is also collaborating with these universities to tailor the curriculum to relevant skills for jobs and advancement across industries for today and in the future.
ACCESSIBLE
The goal is for all employees who apply for admission to be accepted, and the three selected universities have a dedication to high graduation rates for their students.
SUPPORTED
Employees will receive support from a coach on everything from the application and enrollment process to selecting the appropriate degree. This kind of academic counseling has been shown to help students complete their degree.
Walmart kicked off a scalable approach to creating educational opportunity for America’s workforce, said Rachel Carlson, chief executive officer and co-founder of Guild Education, with whom Walmart is collaborating to provide the program.
Guild Education helps people gain an education through their employer’s tuition benefits which lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention, according to http://www.guildeducation.com
Walmart is also leading innovation in workforce development and higher education to help associates earn college credit for on-the-job training, Carlson said.
The Lumina Foundation has agreed to research and measure the impact and effectiveness of the program and will work with the Walmart team to share findings.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING OFFERINGS
Walmart’s new education program underscores the importance of education in helping employees prepare for the future with degrees in supply chain management or business. This is part of a broader approach to preparing the workforce to succeed today and into the future.
Initiatives include:
· Developing a broad suite of offerings across roles from frontline to executive levels develop job-related skills for advancement.
· Covering the complete cost for employees and eligible family members for earning a high school diploma or GED.
· Offering employees and eligible family members access to tuition discounts, financial aid assistance, and education coaching across Guild’s broader network of more than 80 accredited, nonprofit university partners, including schools such as The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Columbia University and Purdue University. These institutions are made available through EdX.
· Giving access to professional development courses including college prep, leadership training, and ESL.
Walmart associates can learn more by visiting WalmartOne.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is one of the hub sites for the bike share program.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announce the Fort Scott Bike Share Program is officially up and running, according to Lindsay Madison, executive director of the Chamber.
Madison has facilitated the program in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott Community College is one of the hub sites for the new bike share program.
“Riders can check out bikes at any of the hub locations,” Madison said. “The bikes can be returned to the same hub or one of the other hubs.”
Peerless Products is one of the hub sites of the new bike share program.
Hub location staff will take a copy of rider’s driver’s license and the bike rider will sign a waiver form.
Riders must be 12 years of age, and those under 18 will have waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
Riders are encouraged to wear a helmet, but helmets are not provided.
“Bikes can be checked out for up to 24 hours unless otherwise specified by hub location, FSCC will have shorter check-out times to allow more student usage of bikes,” Madison said.
Bikes need to be returned to hub location during their normal business hours.
Nate’s Place is one of the hub sites of the bike share program.
Bikes are not to be used on non-paved trails or off-roads.
Bikes were purchased with grant funds from the #BCBSKSPathways to Healthy Kansas Grant in support of the non-motorized transportation policy the City of Fort Scott commissioners approved.
“The bike share program provides non-motorized transportation to be utilized by local community members and visitors,” Madison said.
“The bikes may be used for exercise and leisure purposes to get outside and explore the town.
Community members may use the bikes for transportation to work, the store, school, or other destinations.”
“Fort Scott and Bourbon County are making healthy, active living a priority and the bike share program is another way to promote the healthy choice as the first choice,” she said.
Fort Scott’s Walmart, 2500 S. Main, is no longer open 24-hours a day.
As of June 2, the store is closed from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., according to an assistant manager at the store.
“We’re continually looking at how we can best serve our customers,” according to a statement sent to fortscott.biz. ” Based on a recent review of shopping patterns at our Fort Scott store, we are adjusting hours and reallocating resources to better serve our customers during peak shopping hours.”
Fort Scott Police are seeking public assistance in details of a robbery of five late model cars in the early morning of Sunday, June 17.
At 4:30 a.m. June 17, 2018, FSPD officers received information on a possible crime in progress at Briggs Automall of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main, according to a press release from the FSPD.
After arriving, officers discovered several new vehicles were leaving the convenience store across from Briggs Automall. The officers attempted to stop the cars, which were northbound on Hwy. 69.
A high-speed pursuit began.
Officers ended the pursuit a few miles north of Fort Scott.
“Our officers discontinue pursuit when in their estimation, it is dangerous,” FSPD Captain Shaun West said.
Officers returned to Briggs Automall, where it was discovered the building was broken into. Briggs personnel were notified and requested to the scene. The personnel then confirmed that five new vehicles were missing from the dealership.
According to Captain West, the vehicles stolen were:
2018 black Ford Mustang GT Coup
2017 red Mustang Eco Boost Coup
2018 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee
2018 red Dodge Challenger SXT
2018 gray Dodge Challenger GT
Law enforcement agencies were notified in Bourbon, Linn, Miami, and Johnson counties, which lead to the recovery of two vehicles in Miami County and three vehicles in Johnson County.
At this time one suspect is in custody in Johnson County.
This is an ongoing investigation and law enforcement is seeking aid from the public in connection with the case.
If anyone has information, contact the FSPD at 620-223-1700.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
