All posts by Loretta George

Area News, Entertainment, Exercise, Youth

Getting More Kids On Bikes

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Submitted photo from NICA.

A state league mountain bike race will be in Fort Scott on April 23.

Kansas NICA is coming to Gunn Park Trails!

The primary goal of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is to get more kids on bikes, according to information from  NICA.  NICA provides opportunity for student athletes, 6th through the 12th grade, to compete in the growing sport of mountain biking, and develop the life-long skill of cycling.

Submitted photo from NICA.

Gunn Park will be closed April 23-24 to the Public

On April 24, Fort Scott’s wooded and hilly Gunn Park Trails will be one of the venues this year for the Kansas League of NICA.  Setup will begin on Saturday, April 23, and Gunn Park will be closed for the weekend except to spectators, volunteers, and obviously participants.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking IS for flatlanders too.

Mountain biking is synonymous with off-road biking/trail-riding, as opposed to paved or gravel trails.  As long as you have elevation, rocks and dirt, you can have a trail, according to information provided by Frank Halsey, who is the liaison between the race organizers and The City of Fort Scott.

Halsey is an avid mountain bike rider and hosts other local mountain bike races in Gunn Park during the year. He initiated the trails in the park and started the Gunn Park Trails organization several years ago.

He was contacted by Tina Kahn, Director for Kansas NICA, about eight weeks ago, for permission to host a mountain bike race on Gunn Park Trails. He approached the city commission about “this great opportunity to showcase our local trails as well as the awesome hospitality of Fort Scott,” Halsey said, and the city commission approved.

Submitted photo from NICA.

“To host this type of event is an honor for our team of volunteers and tremendous opportunity for Fort Scott”, said Halsey. “The whole thing is very, very organized, and follows a 200-page rules and regulations book produced by the NICA.  It’s kids, so they are ultra-careful about doing things safely and professionally”.

“It is quite the production,” he said.  “Their infield/staging area is awesome with vendor and sponsor tents set up, everything fenced off, creating a pro-sport atmosphere.  It’s all about the experience for the athletes.”

New Fort Scott Team Next Year?

“The nearest team is currently from the Pleasanton-Louisburg area, but I hope we can field a team next year,” Halsey said.  “There are currently about 140 (Kansas) student athletes, making up eleven different teams from across the state.”

Submitted photo from NICA.

To learn more about the Kansas league: https://www.kansasmtb.org/

NICA’s Kansas League is asking for 40-50 volunteers to help with the event and one can sign up here: https://signup.com/go/oFWBuyG

To learn more:

2020 NICA Dirt Tour – final

Submitted photo from NICA.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Uncategorized

Marketing, Apparel and Printing Services Move Downtown

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Vehicles are reflected in the window of 5 S. National Ave. This space is the temporary home of My One Stop until the space next door to the south is renovated.

Rachel French is the president of My One Stop, which has had a office in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park since 2005.

The business offers marketing print and digital services, signage, labels, apparel and embroidery printing services and more.

“We are moving downtown to because we wanted to be a part of the revitalization of downtown,” French said. “We wanted to be more accessible to businesses in Fort Scott…We can help them in gaining business and traffic.”

“We were looking for the right space and found this place was available and were excited to make the move,” she said.

The storefront at 7 S. National, just north of E3 Ranch store, is currently being renovated to meet the needs of the business, she said.

The building at 7 S. National Ave. is in the renovation process by the owner, Jennifer LaRoche. Submitted photo.

In the meantime, French and her team of employees have moved into 5 S. National, sharing space with the Lillian Rose Foundation, until the renovation is completed.

Jennifer LaRoche, who owns the building and is doing the reno, told French the reno will most likely be completed in June.

“I wanted to be close to the construction,” French said.

Her My One Stop  team is comprised of Ann Marie Buster-web and graphic designer, Rosemma Perry-sales representative, Tina Wilson-sales representative and Casie Yount-graphic design lead.

“We have hit the ground running,” French said. “Since we came, we saw the traffic downtown, and we are using our knowledge to help the downtown revitalization.”

The east side of 7 S. National Ave. looks out into the courtyard dining area of Common Ground Coffee Shop,  whose storefront is around the corner on East Wall Street. Submitted photo.

The business just recently created a downtown loyalty program, to encourage businesses in that area.

“We want to bring pride into our downtown again,” she said. “And people to be excited and have a business here.”

Included in the loyalty program is a Downtown Fort Scott Loyalty Card.

Eleven businesses have come on board and the card will provide the purchasers $55 worth of discounts for just $10.

The cards can be purchased at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall; or the My One Stop office currently at 5 S. National.

Ten percent of the sale of each card will be donated to the Fort Scott Downtown Chamber Committee to be used for future projects to benefit the downtown area.

That committee is in charge of the Downtown Clean-up Day April 22. “We are donating all the t-shirts for the clean-up,” she said.

French is a member of that committee and also she partners with Fort Scott High School and Pittsburg State University in a paid internship program. She also does the mentor program at FSHS with the Chamber.

“We think it’s important for youth to see what businesses do on a daily basis and see what Fort Scott has available,” she said.

French is looking forward to the move into 7 S. National, she said.

“Then you’ll be able to have a custom-designed t-shirt before you leave,” she said. “We would love to do more t-shirts for organizations. and businesses.”

Rachel French. Submitted photo.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Watch Fun in the Mud April 23-24 at Bo Co Fairgrounds

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Mike Hayden and son.
Submitted photo.

A Fort Scott 4×4 Mud Run to benefit a local recreation center is coming to town on April 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Spectator’s cost is $5 person, or $10 for carload (6 and under free).

Participating Mud Run entries are $20.

All proceeds are being donated to the Fort Scott Recreation Center, according to the event organizer Michael Hayden.

“We really appreciate him doing this, the additional funds really help out,” Tom Robertson, director of Fort Scott Recreation Center, said. “This assistance will help with scholarships for kids and families that can’t afford to sign up for a program such as baseball, swim lessons or cooking class, anything with a fee attached.”

Bourbon County was chosen to have the event because leadership was welcoming, Hayden said.

“We wanted to have a mud run somewhere in the southeastern Kansas area to give our members a larger event to attend in a part of the state that is often overlooked for bigger cities,” said Hayden. “After contacting a few different counties, the leaders in Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott seemed most open and welcoming to the idea.”

Submitted photo.

The event will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, located on South Horton in Fort Scott, just across from the community college.

 

“Mud Runs involve a mud pit dug to a specific depth and length in which a vehicle attempts to power through and reach the other side in the shortest time possible,” Hayden said. “Heavy equipment is standing by to pull out those that get stuck before reaching the end.”

There are typically several different classes of vehicles to keep competition fair, he said.

“We will have two different mud pit depths and three different classes, based on tire size,” Hayden said. “The vehicles need to be registered and street legal, with the exceptions of a few minor modifications. The intent is to allow the average person to be able to come out and have fun! We we have trophies and door prizes in all classes.”

The mud run is organized by the Kansas Ram Club.

“Our major sponsors are Ron’s Tire and Service in Fort Scott, Simon’s Dirt Work in Fort Scott and Buddy’s Home Furnishings in Pittsburg,” he said.

“Also, we have added an additional exhibition night for Friday night at 6 P.M. in which the Kansas Gambler 500 vehicles are going to be coming through the mud pit as part of their annual cruise,” Hayden said. “They plan to have somewhere around 100 eccentric vehicles and should be an exciting time!”

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday April 9 at 11 a.m.

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The Easter bunny, in 2018 portrayed by Carmen Flater, gets a little help before appearing to the children from her husband, Scott.

The Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt has been going on for about 50 years, John Crain, president, said.

The tradition continues when the Kiwanians will be in Gunn Park this Saturday, April 9 distributing the eggs and getting the hunt areas set up before the hunters are released to search for their eggs.

The hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp, on that day, and at11:05 a.m., “It’s all over,” chuckled Bob Eckles, who is the chairman of the annual hunt.

The Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in 2018.

“We hope everybody brings their kids and enjoys the morning,” Crain said.

Each child needs to bring their own basket to collect the eggs, which will have coupons from area businesses or candy in them.

Preschool children should go to the area below #2 Shelter House, kindergarten through second grade children will meet south of the #2 Shelter House and third, fourth and fifth grade children will meet on the north side of the entrance road to the park, Crain said.

Parking is by #1, #2 and #3 Shelter houses.

The Easter Bunny will be there and photos can be taken with the bunny by parents, Eckles said.

Fort Scott High School Key Club and the Mud Turtle Softball Team helped stuff the eggs with coupons and candy, Eckles said.

Some Key Club students will help the morning of the hunt as well, he said.

The annual event is funded by donations from the community that includes cash from Diehl, Banwart and Bolton CPA, R & R Equipment, Heidrick’s Hardware, Big Sugar Lumber, Don’s Spirits, Iron Star Antiques and Such, Merle Humphrey Insurance and Photography,  Max’s Way Station.

Coupons for the eggs are provided by the following businesses:

Fort Cinema, Marsha’s Deli, Leanna’s Flowers, Nu Grille, McDonald’s Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Papa Don’s Restaurant, Bids and Dibs Resale Shop, and HedgehogInk Bookstore.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Museum of Creativity Spring Happenings

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Beaux Art Center

 

Submitted photo, 2020. From top left to right:Theodore, Lawrence, Vivian, Adelaide, Marshall, Johnathan, Lorina, and Harriet Bowman

The Bowman family purchased the building at 102 S. National Avenue in March 2020.

They have been slowly building it into The Museum of Creativity, which is a children’s play place, a gift shop, a snack bar, a party rental space and a place to display many exhibits.

They provide a family safe environment to have fun, learn new skills, discover talents and develop hobbies for all ages, according to Lorina Bowman.

“It is the perfect mix of interactive and display exhibits for all generations to enjoy,” according to Bowman. “We hope to grow our support and continue to provide workshops, clubs and events to enrich our community.”

They have a fund raiser planned for next month to provide funds to make the building handicapped accessible.

The museum has updated spring hours of
Friday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 .am. to 4 p.m.
The following are some upcoming events offered:
The LEGO CLUB is every Thursday and costs $2/person.
13+ years of age meets from 4 pm-6 pm
7-12 years of age meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The LADIES CRAFT NIGHT is also every Thursday from 6-8 p.m
On the 1st Thursday of the month, bring your own project to show off, work on or get help with, the cost is $2 per person.
On the 2nd Thursday of the month, there is a card making workshop, the cost is $5 per person.
On the 3rd Thursday of the month is needle craft night (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, etc) –  $2/person
4th Thursday, there will be special workshops – $5/person
More information is on their Facebook page. (Click the “Events” tab and make sure to click “see more” to view them all.) Or message them on Facebook with any questions.
The museum is having Easter activities for children.
On April 9, the Easter activity from 10 am – 4 pm, with a cost of $3/person.  There will be crafts, games and “fun”, she  said.
Register for one of their Easter egg hunts held at 11 am – 1 pm – 3 pm for $5/dozen filled eggs.
On May 6-7, the museum will have an indoor yard sale/bake sale during the regular hours.
The museum is accepting donations of gently used items to add to the sale. Contact Angela Handly at 785-204-2881 or Lorina Bowman at209-204-9743 to arrange drop off or pick up.
“ALL proceeds from the yard sale and quilt auction will go toward getting our building handicapped accessible,” she said. “After a little research on pricing of the ramp and chair lift and the construction changes needed to install both, we have a goal of raising $15,000.”
“Any donation helps,” Bowman said. “Whether it is money, time, used items for the yard sale, or items for the auction, we appreciate your support so much! We want to continue improving our guest’s experience at the museum.”
On May 7, there will be a quilt auction at 1 p.m.
Quilts will be on display and open for silent bids during the museum’s open hours Friday and Saturday.
The silent auction will end at 2:30 p.m. when the live auction begins. “We will be on Facebook Live too, so you can bid that way as well,” Lorina said.
“We are accepting donations of prizes, finished quilts or finished quilt tops until April 30th but the sooner the better so we can post them to draw more attention to the event,” she said.
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Learn About Human Trafficking On April 19 at FSCC

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Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a seminar on human trafficking at 6 p.m. on April 19 at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton. The event is open to the public.

“Does human trafficking only occur in larger cities or small rural areas?

What demographics make up a human trafficking?

“These questions will be answered by attending the seminar,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said in an interview.

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

The presentation will by the chairwoman of the Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board, Jennifer Montgomery. The board advises the Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office on the issues of human trafficking.

The following is from the attorney generals website:

“Human trafficking is the criminal activity of holding another person for the purposes of exploitation through forced labor and sex trafficking. Many experts view human trafficking as the second greatest criminal enterprise in the world, second only to the illegal sale of drugs.  Even here in Kansas, men, women, and children are forced to work for long hours under deplorable conditions for little or no pay without the freedom to leave.

By utilizing a four pronged approach of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership, the Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board is exploring:

  • Development of a public awareness campaign focusing on the hidden issue of human trafficking;
  • Identification of victims of trafficking;
  • Provision of comprehensive and culturally competent services to victims of human trafficking;
  • Appropriately addressing the needs of domestic victims of human trafficking;
  • Securing adequate resources and support needed to develop a task force to effectively investigate cases of human trafficking;

  • Development of a statewide structure for collaborative efforts across disciplines and jurisdictions to ensure prosecution of human traffickers.”

Bourbon County, Schools

Seventeen New Teachers, 3 New Administrators in Bourbon County Schools Next Year

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There will be many new faces in school districts in Bourbon County for the upcoming school year.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
For St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School there are no resignations, according to Principal Josh Regan.
USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
USD 234 has received 10 resignations thus far.
Connie Billionis, U234 Board Clerk sent the following:
From Fort Scott High School:
Math Teacher – William Hall
Math Teacher – Jeff Armstrong
Social Science Teacher – Tami Campbell and the district has hired Jonathon Barnes to fill the position.
English Teacher – Jennifer Hartman
From Fort Scott Middle School:
Science Teacher – Kelly Toll
Special Education Teacher – Shelly Sanborn
From Eugene Ware Elementary School:
5th Grade Teacher – Mary Mauer
Music Teacher – Mary Jo Harper
5th Grade Teacher – Kristin Duffy
3rd Grade Teacher – Carrie Southwell
“We have hired an elementary Instructional Coach, Suzan Durnell,” Billionis said .  “This position was vacant this year.”
Uniontown High School.
USD 235 2021–22 Resignations and New Hires for 2022–23
Three administrative positions will have new people in the Uniontown School District, U235, according to the school superintendent. In addition there will be five teachers for current vacancies and  two more added because of COVID-19 funding.
Bret Howard resigned as Superintendent and will be replaced by Vance Eden, who is currently the elementary school principal.
Eden,  West Bourbon Elementary Principal, resigned and will be replaced by Tema Gilion.
Jim Lambert,  UJH/HS Principal, resigned and will be replaced by Dalaina Smith
Five teachers have resigned in this school district.
Neva Rowland, Uniontown High School Band and Choir teacher will be replaced by  Morgan Egidy.

Johnathan Stark, Uniontown Junior High and UHS Physical Education Teacher will be replaced by Zach Mason. Mason will also be the new head high school football coach.

Andrew Ables, UHS Science, resigned and the district is  taking applications.

Mike Durnell, UJH/UHS Math, resigned and the district is taking applications.
Linda Rogers resigned from first/second grade and the ESSER 2 Funded position will not be refilled.
There are two newly created teaching positions, funded by ESSER Funds.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, and included Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds for K-12 schools, according to the Kansas Department of Education website: https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Federal-Disaster-and-Pandemic-Relief
These ESSER grants provide school districts with emergency relief funds to address the impact COVID-19 has had elementary and secondary schools.

 A UJH/UHS Language Arts Teacher position is filled by Brianna (Hampton) Taylor. This is a new position using ESSER 3 Funding.

In 4th/5th Grade, Kaitlyn Bradbury is a new 4th/5th grade teacher, using ESSER 3 Funding.


Fort Scott

Free Tree Offer to Fort Scottians Deadline Is April 4

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The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club on a workday at Gunn Park in August. 2020, one of many community projects/events of the club. Submitted photo.

A local organization is helping to add more of a tree canopy to the community.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club is offering free trees to residents of the city.

To be considered for trees contact the City of Fort Scott at 620.223-0550, by April 4. Trees will be planted sometime in April.

“This is made possible through a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Phil Gorman, treasurer of Kiwanis, said.  “Sixty trees will be purchased and planted by the club in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, and the City of Fort Scott.”

“FSCC,  and the high school, we are going to use some of their organizations for labor to help us get the trees in the ground,” Gorman said.

“The city helped us with the grant and they will help dig the holes and also help with logistics of where the trees will be planted,” he said.

Two large-growing tree varieties are being offered,  Swamp White Oak and Shumard Oak.

For safety, the group won’t plant trees in the way of high lines or on street corners, Gorman said.

The Kiwanis tree planting program has been done for many years, Gorman said.

“Some street trees all around the city were planted by Kiwanis years ago,” he said. “I’d say in the thousands.”

The group is rejuvenating the program and hopes to make it an annual event.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis logo. Submitted.

About Kiwanis

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community, at a time.

They meet each Tuesday at noon at the Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford.

“There are currently 35 members,” Gorman said. “We are always open to new members.”

Addisyn Fowler, Fort Scott High School Key Club member, left, along with Fort Scott Kiwanis Club members Bob Eckles and Clyde Stepps serve pancakes at the annual Pancake Feed in February 2020.
Angelyka and her dad, Daniel Simonds, pick up Easter eggs in the preschool section of the Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt in this 2018 photo.
Some of the projects of the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club were showcased on a poster of the gym at Buck Run Community Center during the annual pancake feed in 2020.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 22

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March 22, 2022, Tuesday at 6 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne, Jim, Clifton, the
County Counselor, and the County Clerk.
Also present for the meeting were, Joe George, Don & Mary Pemberton, Bill Martin,
Nancy Holt, Jess Ervin, Matt & Amber Kelley, Kyle Knight, Bobby Rich, Brad Stewart,
Jared & Heather Lord, Marla Sutterby, Kevin Sutterby, Beverly Peel, Dale & Lisa
Griffiths, Bobby Reed, Roy Dare, Larry & Judy Jurgensen, Kelly Perry, Danielle Minor,
Kayla Greenway, Schotze Griffiths, Dana Esslinger, Lyle Robinson, Rob Herrington,
Matt Quick, Shane Walker (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some
were present for the entire meeting).
Jim thanked everyone for coming to the meeting encouraged questions from the
public.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne
seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey reported a permit for an extension for Paul Hopkins at 2528 240th St that has been
completed. There was a second permit for Christian Gospel Chapel at 2305 Maple Rd for a new
culvert as well as an extension. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit for a culvert and
extension at 2305 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS. Clifton seconded. All approved. Eric said that at
240th & railroad tracks the 36” culvert has been extended 10’ and is complete and they are going
to Arrowhead just west of 267th but due to weather they have postponed that until next week. Jim
asked if the railroad was cooperative. Eric said they were cooperative.
Eric said that Schwab Easton was going to be in town either late today or in the morning to do
the bi-annual bridge inspections as well as the low water crossings.
Eric presented maps regarding speed limit signs on Deer Rd. Eric said there are 30 mph signs on
210th going south and Deer Rd going East. Jim said is there one going North. Eric said not but
they could post one going north or take the other two down. Lynne asked if there any residence
in the area. Eric said there was one house in the area. Bobby Reed said that going south it is only
30 mph for ¼ mile, he said that he knows that because he has had kids to drop of there on a bus
route. Clifton asked if it then went 45 mph. Jim answered that it is 55 mph on county roads when
it is not posted. Jim said that he will talk to the individual again and get some more information
and then they can discuss it further.
Eric said that dump truck #145 caught fire and they have received the insurance check for
$57,924.63. Eric asked that with trucks being hard to find if the commission will consider
allowing him to purchase one up to a set dollar amount if they find one available with low miles.
Jim said he would be in favor of doing that. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to spend up to
$80,000.00 on a dump truck. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Eric presented information on a product that he learned more about at the 17-county regional
meeting. He said this product would help get some longevity out of the roads they have recently
resurfaced. Jim asked if this is in lieu of chip and seal. Eric said that it would replace chip and
seal and the cost is very similar. He said that there are several surrounding counties that are using
this. Eric said it is turn-key, they do everything from the prep, applying the product, traffic
control, and notifying the residents. Eric said this would be something they would want to apply
to the roads they recently laid that do not have the crakes in them to help preserve them, Eric also
said that the product has a 5–7-year life and will remail black in color for that time which could
also in the winter. He said that the name of the company is Onyx and it started in Texas and has
worked its way into this area.
Eric said that he has submitted a final punch list regarding the windmills today and that they will
be wanting to turn the roads back over to the county soon.
Don Coffman asked if the material was man-made or natural rock? Eric said it is like sand
aggregate. Don asked if it was man made or natural rock. Eric said he was not sure but would
find out. Don said that some of the man-made material can really eat up a snowplow blade. Jim
assured the public that Eric will do more research and make sure that won’t be an issue if they
use it. Eric said he didn’t think it would hurt the snowplows or all these other places would not
be using it but he would research it further.
Kayla Greenway asked if Eric had a chance to look at the stop sign outside of Bronson, she said
she was at the work session last week and had asked about it. Eric said he would have to check
with the sign crew and see if they had made it out there, he wasn’t sure, but it is on their list.
Kayla also said that John Stokes would like for Eric to contact him in regard to getting some chip
and seal for the city of Bronson.


Jim said that the resolution has been prepared allowing liquor sales in the county and asked
County Counselor Meeks if he had time to review it. Meeks said he did and it was fine as long as
the commission approves it. Clifton stated that it will allow liquor sales in Bourbon County but
will follow the guidelines set by the State of Kansas. Clifton made a motion to approve
Resolution 10-22 allowing the retail sale of liquor in its original packaging and that said hours of
operation shall be determined by Kansas law. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and
individual proprietorships, it will be for 10 minutes returning to this room at 6:28 pm and will
include the 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Herrington, and Susan Bancroft. Lynne
seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:28 pm with no action. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation
with the representative(s) of the body or agency, with the reason of possible litigation. It will be for 5 minutes returning to this room at 6:34 pm and will include the 3 commissioners, and Justin
Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Susan Bancroft presented December, January, and February financials. She said that the
Treasurer’s Office, Clerk’s Office, and herself have been working together to work through some
of the issues there have been in the past. She said that at the end of February the two numbers
should match and there are several reconciling items that need to be entered. She said that she
has been working with Rhonda Dunn and you should see those cleaned up in March and then
you will see less and less of that moving forward. She said there are some training issues that
need to happen with the clerk’s office as well as the treasurer’s office as far as reconciling things
instead of carrying them, but we are working on those diligently. She said that the clerk’s office
is starting to get the daily’s so we are getting caught up on those and she feels really good about
moving forward. She said that with the cash balances that carried over, there were some funds
that did better than expected which gives the commission the option to increase the budget at the
end of the year or just keep it in reserves. The commissioners and Susan discussed how
important it is to have up to date information for departments to be able to operate and stay
within their budgets. Ashley Shelton asked if everything was closed through February. Susan
said that it is. Ashley said that she would try to get end of month reports for February sent out to
department heads by the end of the week.
Susan asked if the commission had thought any more about the gas provider. She said that Pro
Solutions is going out of business and if we don’t do anything before June 1st the service to
transfer to Kansas Gas but it’s a higher rate than what we have been paying. She said there is a
company, Hamlin Energy, that we could contract with and they would find us the best rate and
give recommendations as well as review monthly bills to see if it would be in the best interest of
the county to change companies or lock in a price. This would be for both the courthouse as well
as the correctional center. She said due to the time constraints and the fluidity of the market she
would recommend going with this company at least for now until we have more time to research
other options. The commissioners said that they would be ok with that but would like to view the
information from Hamlin first. Susan said that she would forward the information to them and
have the contract ready for the next commission meeting if that is the option that they choose.
Kayla Greenway said that her and Amber Kelly came to the last meeting to represent Bronson
and Uniontown regarding the old highway. She said that she did talk to Rob Herrington about the
grant that Susan had mentioned and they said they would be great to work on that in the fall
when that grant becomes available and they have talked to Bronson businesses about getting the
letters that Susan said would be needed and Amber is talking to Uniontown. She said they are
working and trying to get the hazardous section of Maple Road between Bronson and Uniontown
fixed especially since it is now also a bike trail. She encouraged any business that would want to
write letters to go with Susan and Rob to apply for the cost share grant to get the road fixed to
please do that and explain why they feel it is necessary. Susan said that she has a meeting with
KDOT on another project and while she is talking to them, she will ask if there is any other
funding for this type of project due to it being a bike trail as well. Clifton asked if it was the road just North of the gas station in Uniontown. Dale Griffiths said that is the road and it has only
ever been redone from the gas station to the top of the hill and it is in very poor condition.


Don Coffman asked if the county had looked into the KDOT surplus when looking for trucks.
Jim said yes they do, they look everywhere and that used trucks are hard to find right now. Don
said that if you can find a KDOT district truck they usually have lower miles and come with a
spreader or a plow.


Skeet George asked the about the asphalt on the road from Linn County line to Hiattville, and if
that was done in two lifts? Jim said that he wasn’t here and that he wasn’t sure. Skeet said that he
thought that some areas were and others were not and maybe the areas that weren’t should be
some high areas of concern for maintenance. Jim said that it is on the list. Skeet also asked if the
county was getting all the rock that it needs? Jim said no. There was discussion of how many
hours the crusher operates per day and different options that may help increase production. There
was also discussion of needing a bigger crusher.


Larry Jurgensen asked if there was any way that if the city pays county for material to chip and
seal areas in Uniontown would the county donate the labor. The commissioners said that they
would look into that but they were not sure if they would be able to or not but they could look
into it.


Michael Hoyt said that last year he was locked out of the budget process due to covid and wanted
to know if the documents would be available for the public this year. Ashley said that the clerk’s
office is now sending all supporting documents that they have available when they send out the
agenda so that information is available to the public.


Mary Pemberton said that she commends Susan for the job that she is doing and helping to get
things updated and operating better at the county. She discussed the audit from the prior year and
how it effects the grant application process for the county. She discussed employee benefits and
different options to change that as well as letting the employs know what the benefits are worth
as well as updating the employee handbook as well. Susan stated that the county has been having
department head meetings that have been going really well to build relationships with the
departments and they are all working together to update the handbook as well as updating policy
and procedures. Mary also discussed concerns with the public works department and the rock
crusher operation as well as with their policy for buying supplemental rock when they cannot
meet demand. There was discussion regarding the process of operating the crusher.

Clifton
commented on the benefits the county offers. Kayla Greenway asked if there were other benefits
that could be offered such as how the City of Fort Scott offers pool passes and golf course
passes. Susan said the county doesn’t have those things to offer and even at the city, the
employee is taxed on those benefits.


Don Pemberton asked how long the county has been crushing rock. Jim responded that they
began in 2000. Don explained that he understood that when they started doing it they were
meeting a need, but now that need is not being met and maybe they should look at other viable
option other than buying a bigger crusher prior to making the purchase.

Dale Griffiths asked when the plan to work on Old 54 Hwy between Uniontown and Bronson.
Eric said that he was concerned that they would have to take it down to gravel before they could
go back in and asphalt it. Eric said that they drilled and the base is good but they do not have a
defendant plan yet. Eric also said the on Yale Rd the base is failing and they will have to redo
that. Dale asked why they were mowing and running a brush cutting in January. Eric said they
had mowed earlier but were trying to go back in and get up to the fences and between the
weather and being short on help they were just doing it whenever they had time and manpower.
Dale also asked if the county had an in-house mechanic. Eric said that they do for maintenance
but if repair is needed on a large piece of equipment, they outsource that. Dale suggested that
may be a way to save money is to have an in-house mechanic that could do that work as well.


Kayla Greenway asked who oversees the grant money for the bike trails and could they use some
of that to help maintain the road that is a bike trail. Susan said that they are their own board and
you would have to talk to the HBCAT board.


It was asked about a recreational tax for recreational hunting on land bought by out-of-state
people. Clifton said the county is not zoned and that they would not tell people what they can do
with their land. Matt Quick added that the land is taxed based on use and it is classified as crop
or grass and crop ground is taxed higher than grass.


Sheriff Bill Martin thanked the public for coming to the meeting and said that he has an open-
door policy and they are welcome to come by the sheriff station at any time and talk to him.
Jim thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commisioner

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter April 1

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
April 1st Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
Save the Date for the Downtown Clean-up Event!
Let us know if you would like to volunteer!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
4/1-2 ~ Laree + Co. Sidewalk Sale, Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm – up to 85% off!
4/1 ~ Lenten Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus, 705 S. Holbrook St., 5-7pm
4/1 ~ Old 54 Cycles April Fools Bike Night, 223 N. National Ave., 5pm
4/2 ~ Visit the Easter Bunny at Bourbon County Angels Foundation, 10am-2pm, see flyer below for details.
4/2 ~ Bourbon County Commission Meeting, Mapleton, 6pm
4/2 ~ Fort Scott Middle School TWIRP Dance, 7-9pm, Buck Run, $5 per student, 70’s theme.
4/6 ~ Wednesday Writers, Hedgehog.Ink, Every Wednesday in April in the Great Room, 1:30-3:00pm
4/6 ~ Career Fair at FSHS, click here if you want to have a booth!
4/6 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event – Financial Success, 104 N. National Avenue, 5-8pm, click here.
4/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by KOMB 103.9, Kick-off of the Annual Home, Sport, Farm & Garden Show, Arnold Arena on FSCC Campus, 8am
4/7 ~ Early Childhood Spring Fling, 409 S.
Judson, 5:30-7pm, click here for details.
4/8-9 ~ KOMB 103.9 FM Home Sport Farm Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm,
Arnold Arena on the campus of FSCC
4/8-10 ~ FSCC Presents ‘Godspell’ Fifty years after its theatrical debut, the musical “Godspell” returns to the stage at Fort Scott Community College in an exciting, powerful new form next month.7:30pm March 25-26 and 2pm March 27. Admission is $5. FSCC students, faculty and staff are admitted free of charge. Masks are required.
4/9 ~ Hopping Crappie Tournament, Lake Fort Scott, 6am, click here for FB event.
4/9 ~ Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Kiwanis, Gunn Park Shelter 2, 11am sharp!
4/9 ~ Paint & Pizza Easter Cross Party at Papa Don’s, click here for details.
4/9 ~ FS Christian Heights 8th grade Car Hop & Bake Sale at the school, 4-7pm
4/9 ~ Joe Erie Benefit, Holmtown Pub with Bourbon County Revival, 12-2pm
SAVE THE DATE:
4/13 ~ One-Day Shuttle Trip to view the Gordon Parks exhibition, Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, 8:30am-6pm, click here.
4/14 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion Post 25 at Memorial Hall, 7pm
4/16 ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown Fort Scott Historic District
4/15 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Spring Off Road 101 Course, 2051 130th St. Mapleton, KS, 9am-5pm
4/23-24 ~ Civil War Encampment Weekend at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, click here.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
Laree + Co. Sidewalk Sale
Easter Bunny at Bourbon County Angels
Fort Scott Community College Presents “Godspell”
Fort Scott Christian Heights Car Hop Dinner & Bake Sale
Lenten Fish Fries by Knights of Columbus
April Fools Bike Night
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
…
Bourbon County, Clothing, Food, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Angels Group Rents Building to House Donations

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Bourbon County Angels new building is located at 111 W. Third, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Angels started because some local women saw that there are local families having a difficult financial time in their lives.

“We have seen a severe need in our community when we were doing Christmas (lists) for  (area) children and a lot of them had clothing items on their wish list that was sent to us,” Lisa Thurston, Fort Scott, one of the three organizers, said. “We want to be able to provide the clothing items and household items and even food to those that are having a hard time.”

“We have clothing, hygiene items, household items, and food,” she said. “It is hard to say exactly what we have as it changes with every donation we receive.”

The group recently attained a building at 111 W. Third, Fort Scott, to house all the donations and allow for people to come and choose what they need.

“Mayor Kevin Allen gave it to us to use monthly, he is donating the building until grant money comes in,” Thurston said. “We have Melissa Guns writing grants for us.”

“We started the actual building adventure this January, but the ‘angels’ actually started just for Christmas two years ago,” she said.

The other organizers are Sara Roufs, Redfield and Erin Thurston, Lisa’s daughter, Fort Scott.

Bourbon County Angels. Submitted photo. From left: Ronni Clayton, Sara Roufs, Lisa Thurston, Sadie Thurston, Erin Thurston, and Angie Clemens.

“Sara started Bourbon County Angels to provide Christmas presents for children,” she said. “People started volunteering so we started getting lists from about 75 families…this year we got 121 families. On their lists the kids were asking for shoes or coats or blankets. That’s when we decided to open a building and offer them all year long. So children could ask for toys instead of everyday items.”

“Living in a small town, we see a lot and we knew that there was a major need for people to be able to come get the items that we use in our everyday lives without having the worry of, (for example) if they got new shoes, how they could pay a bill or feed their families, and we want to be able to help with that.  No one should have to stress over being able to get the stuff that they need. With everything going on right now, a lot of people have been left without jobs or just don’t make enough to be able to provide everything that is needed in our everyday lives.”

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the group received calls from people saying they needed food to make it through a few days.

“We would gather meals and deliver to their doorstep,” Thurston said. “We probably did 20 families when COVID was rough in our town. We have also been providing food for a homeless gentleman in our town.”

The group is planning several upcoming events:

Saturday, April 2 at the facility at 111 W. Third, the Easter Bunny will be there  to hand out candy and have pictures taken with children, for free, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 9 at Lake Fort Scott’s handicapped dock, there will be a fishing tournament, sponsored by Backroads Bait. The fundraiser starts at 5:45 a.m. with a check-in and has a 2 p.m. weigh in. Proceeds will help the Bourbon County Angels with rent.

For more information contact Thurston at 620.644.8291.

See the latest information on the groups Facebook page.

Hours the facility is open are Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Saturdays are a donation exchange, she said. “Say kids clothes don’t fit anymore, you can leave those and take what you need. But some people just leave donations and some people just take what they need.”

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Free Seminar Targets Women Starting/Growing Their Business

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Healthy Bourbon County Action Team staff have organized a fourth seminar targeting women who are seeking information on starting/growing a business.

The event is Wednesday, April 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the HBCAT office, 104 N. National Avenue.

“This will help local women entrepreneurs know their resources and learn from local women leaders on how to create a sustainable business,” said Rachel Carpenter, program director. “This is an opportunity for women to network and create relationships to help their businesses take the next professional step.”

For this Dare to Dream seminar, the time has been scheduled for table-talk discussion with past keynote speakers and panelists.
“This is the fourth part of the Dare to Dream series,” Carpenter said. “We will have some of the past keynote speakers and panelists available for table discussion. This will be a time for any questions to be answered from the audience.”
“Any questions you may have you will be able to ask some of the women leaders of Bourbon County. We want you to be SUCCESSFUL! There will be more time for social networking and building relationships,” according to its Facebook page.
Past speakers who will be available for a round table open discussion are Erin Vann, Hwy. 3; Dacia Clark, PSU Small Business Development Center; Katie Casper, Union State Bank; Angela Simon, Bids and Dibs; Rebecca Williams, The Butcher Block; Kelly Perry, Perry’s Pork Rinds; Lindsay Madison, The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Rachel Carpenter and Jody Hoener of the HBCAT.

Please note there is one registration per person to help us with registration.

Melissa Wise, the keynote speaker, is the owner of Wise Tax and Accounting and has over 20 years of experience with accounting, payroll, and taxes.

Melissa Wise. Submitted photo.

Registration is required for childcare.

There will be a taco bar catered by La Hacienda, and Margaritas available for purchase.

Dinner and networking from 5-5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 5:30 p.m.

Funding for this event is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of Bourbon County Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant and the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, according to its Facebook page.

“Through this grant, we are partnered with Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center to organize this event,” she said.

“We will be giving away a PSU gift basket and a tablet as door prizes,” Carpenter said.