All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Schools

Winfield Scott Assistant Principal: Krystle Mayginnes

Leave a comment
Krystle Mayginnes and her family. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series profiling new educators in Bourbon County schools.

Krystle Mayginnes, 35, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education from Kansas Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Emporia State University,  and currently is  in her second year as a Educational Leadership Doctoral student at Baker University.
Mayginnes has taught 11 years of  secondary language arts.
She and her husband, James have an 11-year-old daughter, Klaire and a 2-year-old son, Jimmy.  Salina is where she grew up.
Mayginnes has a variety of interests when not in school.
“I love to volunteer at the library and animal shelter,” she said.  “As a family, we enjoy being outdoors including fishing, camping.  My husband and I love to attend Bluegrass Festivals whenever we are able.  Personally, I love to read and enjoy talking about and collecting books.”
Why did you become an educator?
“I have always had a love of school.  My mom always talks about how when I was little I used to play school with my siblings, and I was always the teacher.  I went into leadership because I think that teaching is the most noble profession, and I want to be a part of helping teachers become the best that they can be while also helping students.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I have always been inspired by the teachers/professors that I have learned from throughout my educational experience including my teacher colleagues who have helped me become a better teacher and a better leader.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“The best thing about being an educator is that I get to hang out with kids all day.  Our youth are such a precious commodity, and I get to be a part of helping them discover who they are, and who they want to become.”
What is a challenge?
“I think the most challenging thing about being an educator is that there are lots of things that we cannot control in the world.  We have students who are coming from all different backgrounds and experiences, and we have to teach them all.”
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of July 5

Leave a comment

Minutes are unapproved until the 7/19/2022 meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of July 5th, 2022                           Regular Meeting #13

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 5th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: City Commissioner, Tim Van Hoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Gregg Motley, Thomas Russell, Kevin Allen, Nancy Maze, Rob Harrington, Delores Covey, Shana Miller, Tobyn Schubert, Melissa Goff, Marianne Crane, Lavetta Simmons, Billy Duren, Dakota Crumby, Don George, Kim Boham, Tanya Miller, Tayton Majors, Frank Schubert, Ronda Hassig, Angie Kemmerer, Dona Spencer, Harry Spencer, Sarah Maike, Jason Dickman, Doug Guns, Jerry Morgan, Julie Saker, Sandy Gibbs, Billy Willett, Michael Hoyt, Frankie Miller, and Michael Mix.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:  None

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 21st, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1315-A totaling $405,044.03.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform – CIPP Sanitary Lining Project – $7,246.69

 

  1. Request to Pay – Susan Bancroft – Financial services – $446.88

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Nancy Maze – Nancy Maze, Chairperson, Lake Advisory Committee, informed the Commission that it was a busy and safe weekend at Lake Fort Scott. There were lots of boats on the water and lots of enjoyment.  She stated that the Lake Advisory Board is meeting this Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. and they will address the policies and procedures for the sale of lake lots as well as the deed restrictions that were approved by the City Commission.  She invited them to attend the meeting if they can.

 

Delores Covey – Ms. Covey said that she wished to speak in support of the ex-Animal Control Officer.  She doesn’t feel like anyone knows what the community lost.  She was very caring and did what was best for all the animals in this community.  She was a phone call away.  She also worked with various agencies in the placement of the animals.  Her number one priority was caring for animals, and the City has lost a valuable asset.

 

Kim Boham – She stated that she wants to speak in support of the ex-Animal Control Officer.  She said that animals don’t have a voice and she was a voice for all the animals in town.  She has lived in other cities and the ex-A.C.O. was one of the best she has seen for a small town.  The City should be proud of her and it has taken a step backwards now.  She asked them to reconsider their decision, as this has affected the community as a whole.

 

Melissa Goff – Ms. Goff stated that the City has lost a great asset in the ex-Animal Control Officer.  She has lived here 21 years and never met an Animal Control Officer like her.  She mentioned that there is only one female patrol officer and that there had not been one since 2009. She stated that this position has now been filled with a male now.   She urged them to reconsider their decision.

 

Tobyn Schubert – Ms. Schubert informed the Commission that there is a loss in this community due to the ex-Animal Control Officer’s termination.  She went out of her way to do fundraisers for the shelter.  She showed several pictures of a dog that had been picked up by the ex-Animal Control Officer, and then bathed and cleaned up and loved on, and then pictures of how the dog looks now.  She impacted many animals lives and adopted them out.

 

Marianne Crane – Ms. Crane said that she is a huge dog advocate and had several encounters with the ex-Animal Control Officer.  She was very caring of dogs and did so with kindness.  The dogs were safe and well taken care of.   She also had an ability to find owners for the dogs.  She believes that the City did wrong in terminating her employment.

 

Shana Miller – Ms. Miller appeared before the Commission requesting a stop sign be placed at Van Fossen and Pine Streets.  She said that there are issues with overgrown trees there too that need trimmed.

 

Chief Shelton said that he would check into this and get with Public Works also on the tree issue.

 

Mayor Harrington asked that this be placed on the July 19th, 2022 agenda for more information.

 

Angie Kemmerer – Ms. Kemmerer said that she was representing the Fort Scott Hurricane Swim Team.  They are having an swim event on July 16th, 2022 at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.  She thanked Dave Bruner and Chasity Ware for all of their hard work at the aquatic center each year.  She stated that we have a facility to be proud of.  There will be around 200 swimmers present for this event and could possibly be up to 450 swimmers.  This is their first time hosting this four-state event.  She asked that north parking lot by the pool be closed and one way traffic on Scott Avenue from the 800 to 900 block from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. be enforced.    She will work with Dave Bruner on barricades.

 

  1. Walker moved to approve the closure of the parking lot north of the aquatic center and one way traffic on Scott Avenue from the 800 to 900 block from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 to host a swim event. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

approved the closure of the parking lot north of the aquatic center and one way traffic on Scott Avenue from the 800 to 900 block from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 to host a swim event.

 

Don George, Kansas Wildlife & Parks – Mr. George was present to discuss two items.  The State of Kansas is sponsoring a Great Kansas Fishing Derby.  It began on May 15 through September 15.  This is an event where fish are tagged and if one is caught that is tagged, prizes are awarded.

 

His next topic was that the State is doing a survey on who is using the lake and where are they traveling from. He also mentioned finding out what kind of fish they want to catch, and do they catch and release?  This would be a creel survey and would provide good information.

 

Sarah Maike – Ms. Maike mentioned that people in the City limits need to be respectful of people who don’t have as much as they do.  She is ashamed of people and how they act.   There are a lot of hurting people in the world, and we need to be considerate of them.

 

Rhonda Hassig – Ms. Hassig said that she moved here three years ago and loves the town and loves dogs.   She stated that it is very wrong that the ex-Animal Control Officer was terminated and that there is no voice for the animals now.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of 623 Short Street and possible demolition – Billy Willett and Sandra Gibbs informed the Commission that they need additional time to finish repairing the house. They had until June 24th, 2022 and need more time.  She talked to a contractor about the roof and is expected to get an estimate within the next ten (10) days.

 

Discussion was held that they were first notified and the first resolution to set the public hearing was approved on March 15th, 2022, and then the public hearing was held on May 3rd, 2022.  On May 3rd, 2022, they were given until June 24th, 2022 to repair or remove the structure.

 

Mr. Willett and Ms. Gibbs both informed the Commission that they have tried to contact several contractors with no success.

 

Mayor Harrington informed the couple to appear at the next Commission meeting on July 19th, 2022 for a progress update.

 

  1. Wells gave them 14 days to provide proof of a written contract with a contractor, and have the yard cleaned up, and a date for the contract to begin. S. Walker seconded. J. Jones, S. Walker and M. Wells voted aye.  T. Van Hoecke and K. Harrington voted no.  Motion carried 3-2.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOW 14 days to provide proof of a written contract with a contractor, and have the yard cleaned up, and a date for the contract to begin FOR 623 SHORT street.

 

  1. Consideration of Corporate Golf Rate Season Membership – Doug Guns, informed the Commission that modifications have been made to this agreement.

 

Discussion was held regarding the start date for the membership and changing the golf season passes to a calendar year.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the Corporate Golf Rate Season Membership. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CORPORATE GOLF RATE SEASON MEMBERSHIP.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve to change the golf membership to a calendar year basis. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CHANGE GOLF MEMBERSHIP TO A CALENDAR YEAR BASIS.

 

Appearances:

 

David Lipe – Street Closure Request – Care to Share Fundraiser – 16 N. National Avenue – August 13th, 2022 – David Lipe informed the Commission that he would like to request to shut down National between Wall and Oak and the parking lot to the east of Sharky’s on August 13th, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a Care to Share Bike Ride/Street Dance.  They plan on having two bands, a cornhole tournament, and a silent auction.

 

  1. Walker moved to approve the street closure request. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO SHUT DOWN NATIONAL BETWEEN WALL AND OAK AND THE PARKING LOT TO THE EAST OF SHARKY’S ON AUGUST 13TH, 2022 FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M. FOR THE CARE TO SHARE BIKE RIDE/STREET DANCE.

 

Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Event – September 3rd, 2022 – Temporary Street Closure Request – Mr. Foxworth was not present and had not filled out the request form yet.  City Clerk will send it to him again.

 

Public Hearings:  None

 

New Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Land Bank Board position and approval of budget – Gregg Motley, Land Bank Board Member, appeared before the Commission to request a full-time person be hired for the overseeing of the Land Bank program. By fall, there could be 80 properties in the Land Bank, and this will need to be a full-time position.

 

Discussion was held concerning if the County would split this amount with the City.

 

Mr. Motley said that he does not have a commitment from Bourbon County yet.

 

  1. Jones said that he believes the salary for this position is excessive since it is over $25.00 an hour.

 

Mr. Motley said that they did a salary survey and came up with this amount.

 

  1. Harrington asked the City Manager what fund the salary will come from?

 

City Manager said that it is not a budgeted position.  The funds could come from economic development from the sale of the First Source building, or A.R.P.A. funds.

 

  1. Wells said that we need to be able to fund it. He questioned the demolition fund and what was remaining in it. He also questioned if it could be a 32 hour/week position.

 

  1. Jones said that there is about $20,000 to $25,000 left in the demo fund.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to move forward with the approval of the Land Bank position and to use funds from the sale of the First Source building to fund this position. This is all contingent upon Bourbon County funding half of this position and the total cost. S. Walker seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones and M. Wells voted no.  Motion carried 3-2.

 

Approved to move forward with the approval of the Land Bank position and to use funds from the sale of the First Source building to fund this position This is all contingent upon Bourbon County funding half of this position and the total cost.  

 

 

(The budget was not approved at this time.)

 

  1. Consideration of engineering firm for Lake Fort Scott valve – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that RFP’s were taken for the lake valve at Fort Scott Lake engineering. Michael said that there were two RFP’s received:  Midwest Engineering Group, LLC and Allgeier, Martin & Associates, Inc.  He said that he is familiar with both firms, and they would both do a great job.    His recommendation is for Midwest Engineering Group, L.L.C.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the engineering firm of Midwest Engineering Group, L.L.C. for the Lake Fort Scott valve. M. Wells seconded.  All voted aye.

 

approveD the engineering firm of Midwest Engineering Group, L.L.C.  for the Lake Fort Scott valve. 

 

  1. Consideration of publication of Budget Hearing Amendment for July 19th, 2022 – City Manager said that this needs removed from the agenda as it is not needed.

 

  1. Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 34 relating to Transient Guest Tax and a Tourism Advisory Board – City Manager said that this is the new Charter Ordinance for the tourism board and transient guest tax. This ordinance establishes a convention and tourism committee.

 

  1. Van Hoecke questioned why we did away with the Tourism Board about 6 to 8 weeks ago and now it is being brought back again. He asked who would manage that board.

 

Rob Harrington said that it doesn’t affect him either way.  He feels it is more red tape.  It affects Jackson Tough.  He said that we will continue to work no matter whether there is a board or not.

 

City Manager said that it is however they want to set it up – whether under Bourbon County R.E.D.I. or under the City.

 

City Attorney said that he thought this was their thought process to create this ordinance.

 

  1. Wells said that he thought this would clean up the other ordinance.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Charter Ordinance No. 34. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 34 REPEALING CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 19 AND CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, AND EXEMPTING THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 12-1697 RELATING TO THE LEVY OF A TRANSIENT GUEST TAX WITHIN THE CITY, AND THE EXEMPTION OF K.S.A. 12-1695 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHING OF A CONVENTION AND TOURISM COMMITTEE AND PROVIDING SUBSTITUTE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIOONS ON THE SAME SUBJECTS.

 

  1. Consideration of Demolition Bids: 601 W. 2nd – 604 W. 5th – 722 S. Heylman – City Manager said that bids were taken for 601 W. 2nd Street, 604 W. 5th Street, and 722 S. Heylman.  There is a property owner present for 722 S. Heylman.

 

City Clerk said that they can approve the first two demolitions and then take up the 722 S. Heylman demo.

 

City Clerk said that there were four bids received on 601 W. 2nd Street:  Dave’s Demolition – $2,800.00; Skitch’s Inc. – $2,945.00; J. Fellers Contracting, Inc. – $8,270.00; and Justin Best Construction LLC – $18,500.00.

 

City Clerk said that there were four bids received on 604 W. 5th Street:  Dave’s Demolition – $1,800.00; Skitch’s Inc. – $2,944.00; J. Fellers Contracting, Inc. – $5,190.00; and Justin Best Construction LLC – $17,500.00.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve Dave’s Demolition in the amount of $2,800.00 for 601 W. 2nd Street, and $1,800.00 for 604 W. 5th Street. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

722 S. Heylman Street – Billy Duren stated that he was the owner of this property and would like to demolish the structure himself and asked for time to do this.

 

  1. Jones moved to have significant progress made in 30 days and have it completely done in 60 days with an update from Codes on this in 14 days at the next meeting. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOW BILLY DUREN TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE IN 30 DAYS AND HAVE THE STRUCTURE COMPLETELY REMOVED IN 60 DAYS WITH AN UPDATE IN 14 DAYS BY THE CODES DEPARTMENT AT THE JULY 19TH, 2022 MEETING FOR THE PROPERTY AT 722 S. HEYLMAN.

 

Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

 

  1. City Manager Comments: City Manager gave the Commission an update on his discussion with K.D.H.E. and issues that the City needs to correct. The first item is A.D.M. and the wastewater the City receives from them.  D.M. has reduced their frequency of loads by 30%.    A.D.M. is working on a lagoon to be a healthy aerobic system.  A.D.M. is working with the Missouri Department of Health on a long-term management on a healthy lagoon system, up to and including the possibility of a redundant lagoon.

 

The City is improving its lagoon system with better aeration and testing of A.D.M. waste to determine the best treatment measures.

 

Also, the Davis Lift Station bypass into Buck Run Creek is to be eliminated or reduced at the very least.

 

Kansas Department of Agriculture – City Manager said that he has been in contact with Frank Young of AG Engineering regarding the dam at Lake Fort Scott.  City Manager updated the Commission that there are currently bids out for the buildup for the top of the Lake Fort Scott dam per permit requirements.  Also, No Parking in the overflow spillway is a violation of the City’s permit – Install bollard posts with a cable across emergency spillway with a sign pointing to the parking lot up the hill.  The last item is the lake valve restoration as an auxiliary source of water for the City of Fort Scott.

 

Executive Session:

 

  1. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) until 8:30 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Director Comments:  Jerry Morgan – Jerry gave the Commission a packet of a wish list of equipment the Street Departments needs.  This list included the following:  Cat 963, two work trucks, pad foot compactor, two dump trucks/plow trucks, compact track loader, and excavator. The combined total amount is approximately $560,000.00.  He asked them to consider this list when doing their 2023 budget.
  2. Engineering Firm Comments:

 

  1. Proposal for Street and Sidewalk Improvement on South Horton Street from West 18th to West 6th Street and West 6th Street from South Horton Street to South National – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that this proposal is the agreement for the Horton Street project. This is the design of the sidewalk and street improvements for South Horton Street and West 6th Street. The amount for this project is $136,500.00.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Earles Engineering Inc. proposal in the amount of $136,500.00 for the Horton Street project. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED EARLES ENGINEERING PROPOSAL FOR THE STREET AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT ON SOUTH HORTON STREET FROM WEST 18TH TO WEST 6TH STREET AND WEST 6TH STREET FROM SOUTH HORTON TO SOUTH NATIONAL AVENUE.

 

  1. Consideration of Addendum No. 1 – Wastewater Design Contract – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. said that this Addendum No. 1 is an addendum to the original contract. This addendum allows for the aeration system to replace the existing system. The addendum amount is $167,500.00.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Addendum No. 1 for the Wastewater Design Contract in the amount of $167,500.00. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ADDENDUM NO. 1 FOR THE WASTEWATER DESIGN CONTRACT WITH EARLES ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,500.00.

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim thanked the Fort Scott High All School Reunion committee for their organization of the all school reunion. He said it was great to see so many people in town.

 

Tim also wished all had a great 4th of July.

 

  1. Wells – Matthew informed the Commission that he had gotten a message that Martha Scott had passed away. He said that she was a huge supporter of Fort Scott and that we need to remember her husband and daughter and their family in prayer at this time.

 

  1. Walker – Shane asked about 2nd Street and the water issue.

 

City Manager said that the plan is to start this project next week and make a utility cut.  Brad has been in contact with Bill Lemke and his crew on this project.

 

  1. Jones – Josh asked for an update on National Avenue and when it will be redone.

 

Jason Dickman said that he left a message with Heckert and is waiting on a call back.  He knows they contract out their milling and he may just contact the milling company.

 

  1. Harrington – Katie reminded the public of the upcoming Gordon Parks event to be held on Friday, July 8th, 2022 at the Liberty Theater. She also reminded them up of the upcoming rodeo July 8th and 9th.

 

  1. City Attorney Comments – None

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:01 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

Area News, Business, Jobs

New Pig Farm Being Located Near Bourbon County Line: Help Needed

3 Comments
All photos submitted.

A swine farm is being constructed along the county line next to Bourbon County

The company, Monarch Sow Farm, is owned by Perdue Premium Meat Company, headquartered in Salisbury, MD, and is located in Neosho County.  Their harvest facility is in Sioux Center, Iowa.

“The property is on the county lines of Neosho, Allen, and Bourbon; but in Neosho County,” said Jim Magolski, PHD, Perdue’s Senior Director of Hog Quality and Protocols. “The property is south of Alabama/250th Road, west of York/10th Road, and north of 39.”

The 240 acres of land was purchased in March 2021, and construction began February 2022.  The site will be completed in August of 2022, according to Magolski.

“We birth (farrow) and raise baby pigs until they are old enough to be weaned from their mothers,” said Magolski.

“The farm, when fully populated, will house 1600 sows across five barns, three barns comprised of large pens bedded with straw for gestation and two barns of individual birthing pens for the moms and piglets that is also bedded with straw and wood shavings; all raised in accordance to production protocols that exceed industry standards,” he said.  “Our program is part of a farming system that helps support new and young farmers, independent family farmers and generational farmers that are looking to grow sustainably, humanely raised pigs.”

“This farm is on the Bourbon County line, but is actually in Neosho County,” he said.  “As an antibiotic free production system, biosecurity and the distance to other swine is a key component of this type of production model’s success.  The combination of low pig density, an ideal climate for our open air barns, quality work force, ample access to bedding (straw), and close proximity to our network of independent family farms made this area an ideal location to expand our business while investing in a community we look forward to being a valued member of.”

“The piglets from this farm will be sold to farmers in the region to raise on their land as part of our weaned pig program,” he said. “This program has helped farmers find a way to make a living in agriculture, particularly young farmers who do not have the time to dedicate to farrowing.  Today we have over 600 producers in our network across the Midwest, including over 30 producers in eastern Kansas.”

Employees are needed for the farm.

“We’re hiring!” he said.  “We pay well above minimum wage and have many growth opportunities within a larger company. Ultimately we will have 12 employees at the location.”

For more information go to www.perduecareers.com and search “Kansas”.

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Labconco Manager: Brandon Smith

Leave a comment
Brandon Smith. Submitted photo.

Brandon Smith, 44, is the new plant manager at Labconco, in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.

Labconco, 2500 Liberty Bell Road, Fort Scott.

Smith started on May 9, 2022, replacing Mike Lakeman.

He oversees the daily operations of the plant, with 72 employees.

Smith served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, and has been at the Labconco headquarters in Kansas City, MO for 16.5 years, before coming to Fort Scott.

Labconco is celebrating its 97th year in Kansas City, MO and 34th year in Fort Scott, Smith said “Labconco designs and builds high-quality laboratory equipment.”

“Continuous product innovation keeps researchers safe and meets their exacting and ever-evolving needs for efficiency and performance in chemical and biological ventilation, particulate enclosures, sample preparation, forensics, washers, and water purification,” Smith said. “Labconco’s employees are dedicated to the safety of people and the scientific process, and to the prospect of a world made safer through science.”

Labconco: A Part of the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Research

Labconco has played a big part in the pandemic, Smith said.

“Our biological safety cabinets, which are manufactured in the Kansas City location, and fume hoods, which are manufactured here in Fort Scott, were used in the research and development of the various vaccines currently being used now,” he said.  “A large part of our customer base is medical and pharmaceutical research.  We are an international company, so our products serviced not just nationally, but globally as well.”

The business has also dealt with the supply disruptions of the pandemic.

“We are constantly dealing with supply chain disruptions to this day since the pandemic started,” he said.  “Most of our suppliers have increased their lead times, for various reasons, which in turn has produced new challenges and obstacles on our end with keeping up to the customer demand.”

For more information, visit labconco.com

Fort Scott

As You Are Ministry Moves Forward, Step by Step

2 Comments
As You Are Ministry is located above the Fort Scott Barber Shop, the tallest building in this photo.

Mayra Montanez has a heart for the disadvantaged, because at one time she was one.

She is the daughter of an Assembly of God pastor in Puerto Rico.

And life happened.

“I was a single parent on my own, and needed help,” she said. “I know how it feels to  have limited resources and have pride…to be employed and not have enough money to go to work.”

To this day her heart is touched by the issues of others.

“In the winter, I wake my husband up, it’s snowing, and we will go look for people on the streets,” she said. “It breaks my heart.”

Montanez started the process of of non-profit 501 3c designation last fall, called As You Are Ministry. She has received calls from the community for people in need.

The second floor of the family owned business, Fort Scott Barber Shop, is being transformed to help meet the needs of the community, little by little.

Last month, the family installed a heating and air conditioning system with a separate power line to the second floor of their business building. They recently got a website going.

They have been working on the second floor of the building, for ministering to the community. It has a gathering place, a kitchenette, her office and the future bathroom/shower room.

The third floor is another step down the road, with the idea of providing temporary housing for those who need it.

Mayra Montanez tells about the community gathering place for those who need a place to cool off in summer or get warm in winter.

“You can warm up, or cool down,” in the gathering place they have prepared, she said. There is also a kitchenette to provide some refreshments to those who gather.

“The next step is a bathroom,” Montanez said. “We have no plumbing up here.”

A kitchenette is provided in the community gathering place.

Then, if someone got their water cut off or is homeless, the ministry could provide a bathroom service.

“Sometimes when things happen in life, where their money didn’t go as far the month, we can help,” she said.

“We want to meet people where they are,” Montanez said.

Some of the products/services they can currently provide, besides the community gathering place:

  • school supplies including backpacks
  • hygienic supplies: tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • translation from English to Spanish for legal documents
  • notary public service
  • currently in place of a shower: body cleansing wipes, clean clothes and dirty clothes washed
  • providing hotel lodging for a few nights if needed, because of the weather.

Her husband, Jose, and their children are highly involved in her ministry and helping people, she said.

The goal is to “help people who sometimes need a little push to  move forward, no judgement,” she said. “From there they can do it. We want to be able to help those who need a little or a lot of help. If we can, we will.”

As You Are Ministry is located above the family’s barber shop at 118 E. Wall.

Mayra Montanez shows the third floor that she hopes will eventually be temporary housing for those in need.

They have someone who is willing to do the labor for free for the bath/shower room, if the Montanez’s will provide the materials, she said.

They have applied for a grant through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the toilet and sinks.

If they aren’t approved for that, they will have to wait a little longer, but she is  hoping to have it done by winter, she said.

Hours are by appointment.

For more information: 913.708.5234.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema

Leave a comment

Chamber Coffee hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, July 14th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema, located at 224 W 18th St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

FLAG Church and Fort Cinema will be doing this week’s Chamber Coffee together. Fort Cinema is happy to extend their vision as a community gathering point beyond showing movies. FLAG Church stands for Family Life Assembly of God, and they exist to help people love God and love others. They are based out of Pittsburg, KS and are planting a campus in Fort Scott on September 11, 2022! No matter where life finds you, you are welcomed home at FLAG. They are excited to share heart and vision as a new church in our community.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

 

***

Elections, Kansas

All Registered Kansas Voters Will Be Allowed to Vote on Abortion Regulation

2 Comments

Today, July 12,  is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation.

This year a constitutional amendment known as “Value Them Both” will be on the ballot during the Kansas primary election on August 2, 2022.

This year, the constitutional amendment will be on ALL ballots.

“There is a nonpartisan ballot that will be for everyone other than Democrat of Republican voters, with only the amendment question, so that everyone that is registered will have the opportunity to vote in the 2022 Primary election,” Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton said.

Below is the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that will be voted on in the August primary election, according to https://sos.ks.gov/elections/constitutional-amendment.html

Ballot iconValue Them Both Amendment will be on the
State of Kansas Official Primary Election Ballot.
On August 2, 2022  the following question will be on the ballot for all registered voters.
Regulation of abortion.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Vote:
O Yes
O
Explanatory statement.
The  Value Them Both Amendment
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.

A vote against the Value Them
Both Amendment would make no
changes to the constitution of the
state of Kansas, and could restrict
the people, through their elected
state legislators, from regulating
abortion by leaving in place
the recently recognized right to
abortion.

Kansas residents can check their voter registration status or register to vote through: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli

3 Comments
Marsha Lancaster. Submitted photo.
Marsha’s Deli, a sandwich shop, is located at 6 W. 18th Street in Fort Scott.
Brian Lancaster is the new owner of Marsha’s Deli.

Marsha Lancaster can’t be replaced.

But her nephew, Brian Lancaster, purchased her business, Marsha’s Deli, and with the help of long-time employees Carla Hambric and  Lisa Bradley, will continue her legacy.

“Marsha can’t be replaced,” Lancaster said. “Marsha had established a truly wonderful business and we were lucky enough to be a part of it. My wife, Amanda, and I were interested in continuing the legacy.”

Marsha died in September 2021, and Brian and Amanda became the owners on July 1, 2022. Brian is the full-time manager and his wife maintains her job as a partner at Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, CPA.

“It will be the same food,” Lancaster said. “Carla and Lisa have helped with the recipes.”

Carla Hambric worked with Marsha for over 30 years and Lisa Bradley, over 20.

“The recipes weren’t written down,” he said. But he is working with the two long-time employees to learn them and write them down for future reference.

“Having good help is part of it,” Brian said. “It couldn’t have happened without their help.”

There are eight employees currently, including high school and college student employees who work on the weekends .

The hours of operation for Marsha’s Deli is 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The delivery service is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Marsha’s Deli menu, taken from its Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend

4 Comments
The Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will have a soft opening following the Bronson Day event on Saturday and Sunday. The store is in the background, left and sits on Hwy. 54 that runs through Bronson.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry have been pursuing a building purchase to manufacture their food products for several years.
Yesterday, they received final state approval for a manufacture license to make fudge and a retail license for the new building store front in Bronson. They will be having a soft opening of the business this weekend, following Bronson Day, a community event in this small town in western Bourbon County.
“We received our manufacture license for our fudge and our retail license for the front portion of the country store…(and) we will have a open house on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We are planning for a grand opening on July 30.”
The store open house will have limited items this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.  and Monday 5-9 p.m.
History of the Business
The Perry’s started making pork rinds at the Hume Fair in 2017 and discovered the demand and profit, Kelly said. “So it made sense to push forward. However, because pork rinds are technically a meat product we cannot wholesale or go on any store shelf until we physically built a USDA inspected meat processing facility. Although we do not slaughter any animals, we still have to follow all safety and federal rules regarding meat so we decided to put every penny into building a facility.”
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Perry’s discovered something.
“As we came closer to that reality, we realized, through the pandemic, what a food desert we really have on the western side of the county and felt we could change this! We decided to not only build a pork rind meat production plant but a retail store front for our biggest supporters, our community!”
Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store on Hwy. 54 in Bronson has a soft opening on July 9 and 10
The store will be open following the  vendors leaving town on Saturday.
“Once the Bronson Day vendors close at 3 p.m., we will then open our store,” Kelly said. “We will not be fully stocked, but we will have bags of ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, fountain soda, canned soda, ready-to-eat foods and snacks foods.”
“We should have all of our items available for sale for our grand opening celebration on July 30,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store on Hwy. 54 which is also known as792 Pine Street in Bronson.
Contact info: the store phone 620.224-2052 or email [email protected]
Financing Their New Business
The Perry’s saved money for the down payment for their business and borrowed the rest from Iola Community National Bank.
“They worked with us and believed in our business plan from the beginning,” she said.” We also used another loan through the Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan to help us finish the project and have enough capital to fill the store front upon opening. Out of the second loan we were granted $9,000 in loan forgiveness through the Patterson Family Foundation (through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team).
They currently have six employees and anticipate substantial growth, she said. They will soon go from two production days to five and offer wholesale pork rinds and fudge nationwide.
On the Horizon
“We will not be stopping with just the store front,” she said.  “We are already working on phase two for our property, which is a full hook up RV park for travelers.  This will utilize the large property we have as well as bring revenue to the city with utilities.”
Bourbon County

Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries

Leave a comment
Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.

Allen Schellack has a problem.

He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.

Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.

Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.

“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.

These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact  Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.

The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.

In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with  a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.

Walkers are available for free through the ministry.

In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.

In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.

At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.

Additional services are through partnerships with job search  assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.

FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.

Baby diapers are also available.

Volunteers are welcome.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.
Bourbon County, Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Weekly Food Distribution Offered Through Assembly of God Church Plant

3 Comments
Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott is the distribution site for free food for children under 18 years old, until August 18.

A new Assembly of God Church plant is receiving food to distribute to Fort Scott children under 18 years of age, until school starts in August. The food will be distributed at the Fort Scott Cinema.

Family Life Assembly of God volunteers will be distributing the food, with Grady Proffitt the facilitator here in Fort Scott.

“We have started a distribution that partners with Life 360 Church out of Springfield, MO,” said  Proffitt, who is planting a new church called Family Life Assembly of God in Fort Scott. “They have received government funding that is able to feed kids in communities that are ages 18 and under. They are serving the Southeast Kansas area places like: Baxter Springs, Galena, Girard, Garnett, Ottawa, Humboldt, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott. There might be more, but I know those cities for sure!”

“This partnership is not FLAG Church this is Life360 Church reaching out to our churches in our different communities,” he said.

“For us here in Fort Scott, they serve us every Thursday from 11am-12:30pm in the Fort Cinema parking lot. This will go until school starts with the last Thursday, August 18,” Proffitt said.

“This is for students and children ages 18 under,” he reiterated. “Supplies include lunches and dinners for each child. Milk, dry foods, canned foods, and some frozen meals. The only criteria is that each child must be in the vehicle to receive meal packages while supplies last.”

“This is not FLAG Church, this is Life360 Church out of Springfield, MO that is partnering with local churches to bless communities in the Southeast Kansas area. We are grateful for this opportunity to add to the needs of so many here in Fort Scott!”

Grady Proffit, is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor of Family Life Assembly of God.

To learn more about the church:

New Church Plant Starting in Fort Scott In September

For more information:

www.flagchurch.com

(620) 232-FLAG

Grady Proffitt is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor for Family Life Assembly of God. Pictured is his wife, Jacque and son. Submitted photo.
Business, Fort Scott

Common Ground: New Manager, Revamped Drive Through Window Service

1 Comment
Kalyn Turner, taken from her Facebook page.

Since May, Kalyn Turner has been the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.

Turner is from a small town around Burlington, KS.

She graduated from South Coffey County High School, then got a graphic communication degree from Pittsburg State University.

“I have worked at a lot of random stuff..but every single experience has led me to this one,” she said.

Her duties, she said, include “being a light to the community to help them find their purpose and tell people about Jesus, while selling coffee.”

“I have a heart for worship, leading to Jesus,” she said. “I love Him, and He is letting me serve Him through coffee.”

There are approximately 15 employees at Common Ground, which is a popular community meeting place in downtown Fort Scott. The coffee house is a ministry of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Starting Today

Common Ground Coffee Co. is improving its drive through experience.

Beginning today, July 5, the drive through window will be an online and call-in pick up lane ONLY.

In order to improve its drive through experience, all drive through orders must be placed IN ADVANCE by:
Calling 620-223-2499 or visiting their website fscommonground.com

Or ordering on their new app https://apps.apple.com/…/common-ground-coffee/id1616511138

“The goal is to get people through the pick up area quickly,” Turner said. “There were safety issues, when orders take time…sometimes people don’t have time to wait, so we are trying to speed it up for everyone.”

For the vast majority of Fort Scottians, sitting down with a “cuppa” coffee is still the preferred way to get a drink and meet with friends.

“You can still come in and get coffee,” she said. “We’d love for people to come in.”

Photo courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography and Common Ground Coffee Company.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.