All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Health Care

Stephanie Hallacy: New Nurse Practioner At Uniontown Clinic

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Stephanie Hallacy is the Nurse Practioner when the Uniontown Clinic opens in April 2021. Submitted photo.

Stephanie Hallacy, APRN, FNP-C. will be the medical care provider when the new Girard Medical Center at Uniontown opens in April 2021.

 

“We hope to open in the first couple of weeks in April, but that is dependent upon when our Rural Health Clinic Certification is completed,” Hallacy said.

 

Hallacy has worked for Girard Medical Center since 2013 as a Nurse Practioner in their clinics as well as its walk-in clinic, she said.

From 2006-2014 she was a flight nurse for EagleMed.

 

Prior to that, she worked as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit in Oklahoma from 1994 – 2006.

 

Hallacy received her 1994 associate degree in nursing from Grayson County College in Denison, TX,  her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Oklahoma, and her master of science in nursing from Pittsburg State University in 2012.

She was originally a pre-pharmacy major in college.

 

“But that changed while working there as I realized that I wanted to be more directly involved in the care of the patient,” she said.

The clinic is housed in a building on the campus of Uniontown High School, south of the football field and will serve both the school and the community.
The Girard Medical Center at Uniontown Clinic is located south of the Uniontown High School football field. 

“We are hoping to be a resource for the Uniontown school for their student physicals and hopefully other medical services,” she said.  “We also want to be the provider for the community for both acute illnesses as well as for the prevention, screening and management of chronic health conditions.”

 

In the first stages of the brand new clinic, she will be part-time.

“I believe initially the days that I will be providing care will be Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.,” she said.  “This may change as we depending upon the volume of the clinic and needs of the community.”

 

To see prior features on the clinic:

Girard Medical Center of Uniontown To Open In March 2021

Uniontown Collaboration: New Health Clinic Coming

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FS Thespians Will Entertain Young and Old On March 6

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Freshman Cadence Tuck portrays a step-sister in “Cinderella” from “Snow White Gets Her Say.” Submitted photo.

Due to the frigid temperatures in late February, the Fort  Scott High School Thespians will host their Third Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue on March 6 at the high school auditorium.

“We began offering the Royal-Tea Party as a way for the community and especially children to interact with the princesses and princes they grew up loving from fairy tales,” Angela Bin, director, said. ” It offers an immersive theatre experience where the audience can actually talk with the characters and take pictures. Many audience members also dress in period attire and become part of the fairy tale realm.”

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com.

Tickets may be available at the door but are not guaranteed.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks and social distancing are required.

All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.

Doors will open 15 minutes early.

Sophomore Izzy Carreno portrays King Arthur in a monologue from “Camelot.” Submitted photos.

Some of childhood’s favorite princesses and princes, queens, and kings will sing, dance, and perform for the audience.

Children may have their photos with their favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

 

The musical is directed by FS Theatre Director Angie Bin, FS Music Director Mary Jo Harper, assistant music director Taylor Qualls, and choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

The cast performs “Knights of the Round Table” from “Spamalot.” Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Project Breaks Ground This Week

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Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Jayhawk Wind farm facility breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, according to a press release from Apex Clean Energy, the developer.

The project will consist of 70 General Electric wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MegaWatts.  The project will provide more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue, according to the press release.

The following is an email interview with Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager.

 

Apex sold to WEC yet you will be doing the construction and operating of the windmills?

“Apex Clean Energy has not been sold to WEC Energy Group. Jayhawk Wind, the wind project developed by Apex in Bourbon and Crawford Counties, has been sold to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy.

“The power produced by the project will be injected into the Southwest Power Pool grid, the electric grid network that serves Bourbon and Crawford Counties.

To learn more about the Southwest Power Pool: https://spp.org/

“Facebook signed a contract to purchase the power from Jayhawk Wind after the previous power purchase agreement (PPA) was mutually dissolved. The tech company will buy that power to help support its operations in the region.”

Facebook is a valued Apex customer, according to a Bloomberg Business press release about the transaction:

https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2021-03-01/apex-sells-jayhawk-wind-with-facebook-ppa-to-wec-energy-group-and-invenergy

 

 

Apex sold to WEC but will still construct and operate the farm?

“Apex Clean Energy will manage the construction of Jayhawk Wind on behalf of its new owners, and IEA Constructors will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project.

“Under this contract, IEA will be responsible for working to hire subcontractors, vendors, and local personnel. Upon completion of construction, Invenergy will take over operations.

“IEA Constructors is a subsidiary of IEA that manages utility-scale renewable energy and heavy civil infrastructure projects. They will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project,” according to Chilton.

 

 

A question was asked if Apex was planning on selling Jayhawk Wind from the beginning?

“Yes. Our plans to work with a financing counterparty on Jayhawk Wind have been a part of our discussions with the community since the beginning of this project. Apex is honored to help design and permit excellent projects like this one for companies that want to support and own renewable energy facilities. We believe WEC and Invenergy will be wonderful long-term partners for this community.”

 

 

You will be hiring locals, so where is the info if someone is interested in seeking a job with Jayhawk Wind.

“Jayhawk Wind has been running a local vendor program, which is ongoing.

“More information about this program is available at https://www.jayhawkwind.com/local_vendor_program.

“Through this program, local contractors and vendors have been signing up to let us know they are interested in supporting the construction of Jayhawk Wind.

“As promised, we have been preparing to share this information with the Balance of Plant contractor. We have continued to aggregate a locate vendor list throughout development and vendors are welcome to continue to submit their information on our website for consideration.

The Balance of Plant (BoP) is a power engineering term that refers to the various supporting and auxiliary components of a power plant system required to produce energy, according to https://ifsolutions.com/what-is-balance-of-plant-in-power-plants/

“Now that IEA has been selected as the Balance of Plant contractor, we will be sharing our local vendor directory with them directly.” 

Business, Fort Scott

New Downtown Business: Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market

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Rosemary Harris is the owner of the new business on Main Street. Submitted photo.

Rosemary Harris, 52, is the owner of a new downtown business at 18 N. Main, Suite A, Barbed Wire, and Roses Vintage Market.

 

Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market is located in the northern storefront of what used to be a part of Country Cupboard Store, a decades-long mainstay of downtown Fort Scott.
The store hours are currently Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

She began her business journey helping a friend that owned a store, then opened her own flea market on January 30, 2021, she said.

 

“We have a variety of items ranging from vintage to antique to customized and repurposed,” Harris said.   “Our vendors bring their own unique style to the store and each booth has its own special charm.”

“We have unique furniture pieces, vintage items, and collectibles.  We love to help you find items you are looking for in your collections.  We also will be looking to buy estates soon.”

 

“I started this business because I love seeing vintage and antique items find new life and purpose,” she said.   “I enjoy the stories and pictures people share of their collections and why they started collecting.   I’m so glad to be a part of the downtown business district.”

Rosemary Harris in her flea market on Main Street. Submitted photo.

Harris can be contacted at 620-224-7764 or find the business on Facebook.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

CHC/SEK: COVID-19 Vaccines Will Increase

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Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was one of 250 health centers, out of 1,400 health centers in America, that was selected to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine directly from the federal government, according to Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK said.

 

“They have a million doses to distribute weekly, so we expect to receive – for the whole 10-county region we serve  – up to 4,000 doses per week,” she said “Which means – I am excited to say – that we should have enough vaccine – along with what the counties are receiving —  to take care of everyone in southeast Kansas over the next few months. We are required to still follow state guidelines on priority groups, but counties do have some flexibility.”

 

CHC staff spent last week building the infrastructure needed to set up a toll-free phone line and appointment schedule.

 

“We have already started calling our patients ( more than 7,500 people) who are 65 and older and getting them an appointment as early as Thursday,” Postai said.

 

“Companies who have been notified by the State of Kansas that their employees are now eligible to be vaccinated should email Dawn McNay at [email protected] with their contact information, employee count and a copy of the letter. She will be working with our outreach teams to take the vaccine to the companies,” Postai said.

 

 

Elections, Fort Scott

Sales Tax Proposition On March 2 Ballot

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Susan Bancroft. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott residents have the opportunity to vote on a proposed .5% sales tax for the City of Fort Scott on Tuesday, March 2.

 

The tax would go towards streets, parks, and community facilities improvements, which has been a call from the citizens of Fort Scott.

A history of the tax proposal

In 2010, Fort Scott residents passed a .5% sales tax for improvements to Buck Run Community Center and the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. This sales tax was for 10 years and set to expire June 30, 2021, according to a press release from Susan Bancroft, Fort Scott’s Finance Director.

 

“In December of 2020,  Fort Scott City Commission voted to petition for the continuation of the 0.5% sales tax for a different dedicated purpose for five years set to expire June 30, 2026,” she said.  “The city commission voted unanimously that 90% of the proposed .5% sales tax would go to streets and 10% to parks and community facilities. Based on the past five-year average, the .5% sales tax has the potential to raise on average $698,000 per year.”

 

“The .5% sales tax is not an additional tax, it is the renewal of a prior .5% sale tax,” Bancroft said. “The difference of proposing a sales tax versus a property tax for the community is that those visiting from other communities are contributing to the improvements of our local infrastructure.”

 

“The 90% dedicated to street improvements includes sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter work,” she said. “The street advisory board and the public works director have been working to develop a five-year plan of potential street improvements and have preliminary plans in place.”

 

“The 10% dedicated to parks and community facilities include improvements such as ADA compliance, public bathroom facilities, playground equipment, trails, and memorial hall preservation,” Bancroft said.

 

“The parks advisory board has also met with the public works director to begin a five-year plan of potential projects and reported to the city commission at their work session on February 23, 2021, priorities they feel need to be addressed,” she said.  “Year one they have proposed repairs to shelter houses and bathrooms in Gunn Park and repairs to the playground fall area at Nelson Park. Year two priority recommendations include an additional bathroom between shelter house 6 and 7 and further upgrades to the campground in Gunn Park.”

“During the election in November of 2020, the citizens passed a countywide 1% sales tax for Bourbon County,” Bancroft said. “The city commission committed to using 90% of the funds generated from this sales tax to be dedicated to the operations and maintenance of the street department. The remaining 10% would be used for the general purposes of the city. Collectively, the revenue generated from two sales tax initiatives would generate enough funding to put together a sustainable street program.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Micro-Meat Processing Plant Being Considered For a Property South of Fort Scott

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The is an image of the proposed micro-meat processing plant. Submitted.

The Fort Scott Planning Commission is meeting at 4 p.m.  March 1 at city hall, 123 S. Main, to consider a conditional use permit for property south of the town for a micro-meat processing plant.

The property being considered is south of the Kansas Department of Transportation property, according to the press release from the City of Fort Scott.  The K.D.O.T property is south of the LaRoche Baseball Park.

Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.

The Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor sent the following information on the proposed plant.

“Billy Madison, the owner of W Diamond M Meats, will be seeking the approval of a conditional use permit from City of Fort Scott Commission,” Hoenor said.  “He plans to return to his hometown and build a $2.7million micro meat processing plant located approximately two miles outside the city limits of Fort Scott and south of the Fort Scott Industrial Park.”

“The processing plant will add to our efforts in building resilient and self-sustaining food systems,” Hoenor said. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for these smaller-scale processing plants, and we are very fortunate to be considered for this expansion. This proposal has potential to help farmers and ranchers with extra supplemental income act as a stimulus for other sectors such as retail trade and services.”

“The site is currently zoned correctly as heavy industrial for use,” she said.  “The City of Fort Scott codes requires an additional conditional use permit approval for a meat processing plant to be built.”

The City of Fort Scott Water Department and Codes Enforcment were consulted on sewer and wastewater issues, she said.

“The codes department let us know we would need a conditional use permit to build on the selected site,” Hoener said.

Since July 2020, Madison has been working with Hoener and Bourbon County Economic Development Council Chairs, Steve Buerge (previous), and more recently Gregg Motley, she said.

“It is Madison’s goal is to be a good neighbor, bring above-average wage jobs, and provide value in under-developed land,” Hoenor said.  “Financing of the project and acquisition of land is pending approval of the conditional use permit.”

“All impacts on social, economic, and environmental conditions were investigated thoroughly including air and water quality, crime rate, property valuation, wage growth, employment growth, occupational health, and odor,” she said.

“State of the art wastewater system is used to remove suspended matter such as oils and solids,” Hoenor said.  “This is measured through biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).  The equipment skims any leftover matter and is sold. Bacteria growth is what creates an offensive odor,” she said.”The requirements in cleaning are incredibly stringent and does not allow time for bacteria to grow. As a result, there is no offensive odor in the processing plant.”

“This is a highly regulated industry with a USDA inspector office on sight,” she said.  ” It is a requirement in building plans that the USDA inspector has a separate office with his/her own shower.  This inspector is on-site at all times while in operation.  There are 3-4 additional inspections per month, in order to keep our food safe to consume.”

“There will be no outdoor pens or holding areas for animals, mitigating smell downwind or in the vicinity,” Hoenor said.  “Animals are delivered in the very early morning hours and several hours later slaughtered and processed.”

 

“Letters of support from residential houses in Johnson County and commercial businesses have confirmed the business is a conscientious neighbor,” she said.

In addition, the product can be sold in other states and will bring new jobs.

“W Diamond M Meats is FSIS approved, allowing the meat to be sold across state lines, injecting capital into our economy,” Hoenor said.  “This business will bring 30 full-time jobs that pay higher than Bourbon County average.  The new construction increases overall county valuation in property and affords the opportunity to reduce the overall tax burden.”

 

Art, Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Health Care

Presbyterian Village Auction: One and One-Half Years Accumulation on Feb. 27

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Lots of furniture will be for sale at the Presbyterian Village auction on Feb. 27 Submitted photos.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has set individuals and groups rethinking fundraising ideas.

This is true for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, which will have its’ annual fundraising auction this Saturday, Feb. 27 at the former Gordman’s store, 2400 S. Main. The auction begins at 10 a.m.

Hand-made quilts will be auctioned at the sale. Submitted photos.

 

“Traditionally, the auction is known for a great crowd, good food, and lots of good deals,” said Executive Director Ginger Nance.  “This year, the need remains for financial support for the Good Samaritan Program and other resident-centered programs.  However, the auction looks different this year.  We will not provide food or raffles or any of the usual festivities.”

 

Cast iron and other pans will be offered at auction. Submitted photos.

The auction helps fund programs to benefit the elderly residents who live at the assisted living facility.

 

Crystal and other glassware will be offered at auction. Submitted photos.

 

“The 2021 auction benefits resident programs at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village,” Nance said. “Our mission is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.  Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to pivot and rethink the way we serve the mission and how the community can interact with our mission.”

 

Dining tables will be auctioned. Submitted photos.

“Due to the pandemic, our campus has really limited the public’s access and even at times restricted the access of visitors and guests,” she said.  “We have to be incredibly careful in keeping our residents and staff safe.  So, the auction items moved out of our storage and to a place where folks can go.”

 

The auction has been moved to the former Gordman’s building on South Main Street, in between Hibbits and Tractor Supply stores.

Beds, dressers, chests of drawers, nightstands will be offered at auction. Submitted photos.

The auction is usually in May, but this year will be February 27.

“Everyone’s lives have changed because of the pandemic and so have schedules,” Nance said.  “The collection of items has been growing since late 2019 in preparation for the 2020 event.  Imagine our collection now…almost a year and a half later.  We are busting at the seams.  By moving the auction site, it allows all of the stored items to be removed so access to resident vehicles is easy.  As they say, the show must go on.  So February is as good of a time as any.  We just hope the weather is good and people are understanding.”

Crockery and other kitchen items will be for sale. Submitted photos.

The Village received grant funds to help with COVID-19 issues.

The facility received Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas grant money in the fall of 2020 in the amount of $84.000

 

“With the help of leadership at our home office, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village submitted an application in August of 2020 for Personal Protection Equipment, technology enhancement for screening and resident communication, staffing, and testing expenses,” Nance said. “We were also able to use the funds to facilitate safe visiting for family members, four stations have been established inside doorways of the community and set up with coffee machines, rolling carts, trash cans, and tables for visitation. There are also enhancements for the life enrichment team to have a rolling station of activities for residents.”

 

 

“The staffing dollars allocated helped us with payroll for employees that traditionally work in one department but are needed in other areas to assist,” she said.  “It also helped with payroll for employees that were exposed to COVID while working.  The SPARK money has been a blessing beyond measure!  It has allowed for PPE, testing, monitoring, infection control, and reopening supplies to be purchased and available at all times for staff and residents use to keep everyone safe to the best of our ability.”

 

 

“We are grateful to have the assistance of the PMMA organization to secure grants and other stimulus money that has helped us during such a challenging time in health care,” she said.

“It is important to recognize the amazing support from donors, volunteers, and families who have given donations to the Presbyterian Village and our system and I cannot thank those donors enough!  It truly takes a ‘village’ of people to pull together during challenging times.”

 

“We have a great community of people who have given crafts, books, hobby items and financial donations to help keep our residents engaged during what seemed like a very long year of social distancing,” she said.

“Our team’s energy and focus is committed to serving our seniors in the best possible way and without God and the assistance of our supportive community we couldn’t be successful,” Nance said.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 17

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February 17, 2021                                          Wednesday 3:00 pm

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in an open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Susan Bancroft was also present for the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey reported that his employees put forth a great team effort when dealing with the recent winter storm we had.  He said they experienced a lot of issues with equipment freezing up.  An east-bound vehicle pulled out in front of a north-bound road grader at 18th & Horton; Eric said there was no damage to the grader.

 

Eric said the spreader box was going to cost $5,000 to have someone else repair it; they repaired it in-house.  He said they are taking the Mack truck for repairs on February 23rd.

 

Eric reported that the County removed the overburden at the Beth Quarry and said they would get a blast scheduled for there; Jim said the County needed to re-do a contract with the Beth Quarry with a new legal description.

 

Eric said they received the motor back for the rock crusher, but was still having issues with the motor; he hopes to have the motor back in the next few days.  He said they are getting behind in making chips.

 

Eric said Ag Engineering is finalizing the report for the dam at Elm Creek Lake.

 

Eric recommended a yield sign be replaced with a stop sign at 175th & Tomahawk; Clifton made a motion to change the yield sign to a stop sign for the east/westbound traffic at 175th & Tomahawk, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said he is still trying to get an estimate for a trailer that was recently wrecked as well as getting another estimate to fix a Sterling truck.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job duties, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 3:28, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and Susan Bancroft).  Lynne made a motion to come out of the executive session and resume the meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.  No action was taken.

 

Justin Meeks arrived at the Commission meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job duties, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 3:43, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks).  At 3:43, Lynne made a motion to come out of the executive session and resume the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to do a Resolution for a GIS IT position for $32,000 annually and made a motion that the County participate in an apprenticeship program & to hire someone for this program @ $10/hour, Jim seconded the motion, Justin said this is a Federal program & there will be monetary help with the apprenticeship program, Lynne said this program is used to help keep young people in Bourbon County, all approved the motion.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to remove Susan Bancroft & Bobby Reed from the agenda since their issues had been resolved, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

David Neville met with the Commissioners regarding the door edge replacement for the elevator; he had two quotes, KONE quoted $8,674 and MEI quoted $3,789.28.  Jim questioned the large difference in the quotes; David said he hadn’t used MEI for work before and said KONE has done work on our elevator before.  Jim made a motion to approve MEI to do the repairs to the elevator for $3,789.28 and that Lynne signs the agreement with MEI, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Bourbon County Appraiser Clint Anderson met with the Commissioners; he said he had applied for an extension from March 1st – March 15th for the mailing of the valuation notices.  Clint requested to move any remaining funds from the Appraisers 2020 budget to the Appraiser reserve funds; Susan Bancroft said that fund had a beginning cash balance that was incorrect by $30,000, Susan and Clint will visit regarding this issue.

 

Shane Walker met with the Commissioners; he said there have been communication issues with the Sheriff/dispatch for the Garland area.  Wisper Internet agreed to sell Bourbon County a 300’ tower for $1,000 and the County can buy land and save money versus leasing land for a tower for the internet.  Justin said this was a safety issue and can turn into help for economic development, Lynne made a motion to sign the land contract and the Wisper Internet contract, Clifton seconded, and all approved and Lynne signed the documents.

 

Emergency Manager William Wallis met with the Commissioners regarding a recent winter storm Bourbon County had.  KDEM informed Will that 22 counties in Kansas would have issues with natural gas conservation.  Some cities purchase natural gas in bulk when the price is lower and then sell the gas to their customers; however, due to the recent cold weather many areas have run out of their bulk supply and now the purchase price for the gas will be much higher for those cities.  Will said Uniontown purchases natural gas (Uniontown then sells the gas to customers) in bulk from the broker KMGA during the summertime when the price is lower and said their reserve is gone.  Will said the price of fuel for the City of Uniontown could increase 100-120%.  Will said the elementary school there can be used as a warming center if needed.  Will said if the County adopted a resolution titled Extreme Severe Cold Weather Emergency Declaration there may be funds available to help the City of Uniontown.  Jim questioned if there was any assistance to help others that will be facing higher utility bills due to the storm.  Lynne made a motion to approve Resolution 11-21, an extreme severe cold weather emergency declaration, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed the Resolution.

 

Justin Meeks said he and Susan Bancroft would be meeting to discuss overtime issues; he said even though the Courthouse closed due to the recent weather there was still emergency personnel that had to work.

 

Justin said he will work with Clint Anderson regarding a KORA issue.

 

The Commissioners are not ready to schedule the 2020 audit yet.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve Resolution 12-21, a wage resolution adding the position of GIS Tech and the apprenticeship position, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim suggested that the County consider purchasing an incinerator for the Landfill in order to accept trash from other areas to burn trash to generate revenue.

 

Susan Bancroft said she had met with three different departments regarding their 2020 budgets.

 

The February 23rd and the March 2nd Commission meeting will be held at City Hall beginning at 9:00 am.

 

At 5:20 Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

February 23, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Fort’s Survey: Needs, Motivations and Evaluation of NPS Digital Media

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The bike rack at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The fort at the end of Main Street that has given Fort Scott its’ name, is reaching out to National Park Service visitors who want an online experience.

“Fort Scott National Historic Site is participating in a nationwide survey to characterize the NPS virtual visitor population so we can better meet their virtual needs, describe visitors’ motivations, and evaluate the effectiveness of NPS digital media products,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Manager, said.

“We are part of a pilot/pre-test program consisting of a handful of National Park sites nationwide,” he said. “This survey will run four weeks, February 16 through March 14, 2021. These National Parks are making weekly posts, on each social media platform they support, to invite virtual visitors to participate in the survey once they have completed their virtual visit.”

 

“The virtual tour of the park is a series of 360-degree images from all of the rooms here at the site,” Brenner said. “The Virtual Visit, as it is called in the survey, is browsing the posts on each of the social media platforms to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the park.”

 

To take the virtual tour:

http://www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/photosmultimedia/360tours.htm

 

Fort Scott NHS participates on the following social media platforms:

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/fortscottnps

https://twitter.com/FortScottNPS

Fortscott.biz interviewed Brenner by email.

Here are the questions and responses.

What is it designed to do?

“The public expects nearly all desired information to be found quickly and easily through websites and social media channels. They also expect that organizations frequently update these assets. The National Park Service (NPS) directly manages thousands of digital media web pages, mobile app pages, and social media channels. They also supply content, directly or indirectly, for third-party providers that share digital media information with the public. Within this large digital ecosystem, millions of online users from around the world rely on these resources for a wide range of information. While NPS has an established program for measuring and monitoring physical visitation to its park units, the program for describing and evaluating virtual visitors to its online resources is still being developed.

This study is part of that development. It aims to characterize the NPS virtual visitor population so we can better meet their virtual needs, describe visitors’ motivations, and evaluate the effectiveness of NPS digital media products.”

 

What will be done with the results?

“Through this program, the NPS, and specifically Fort Scott NHS, can better understand and meet the needs of our virtual visitors. We will be able to better evaluate the effectiveness of our digital media products in terms of the virtual visitor experience. With this information we can better prepare visitors for future visits,  increase resource protection, build a deeper understanding of the history and stories of our nation’s heritage, and build better connections to and stewards of National Park Service resources. Additionally, NPS will determine if the current allocation of resources for digital media is generating congruent virtual visitor value, and the NPS will be positioned to more strategically deploy resources where digital information needs are not being sufficiently met and/or where the highest value is being provided.”

 

When will the survey results be collected and analyzed?

“The evaluation of the virtual visitors’ experiences and digital media effectiveness will begin immediately following the close of the survey and we are hoping to receive results by the end of the summer.”

 

 

The fort’s contact info:

Office – 620-223-0310

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/FortScottNPS

http://twitter.com/FortScottNPS

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on March 6 at the FSHS Auditorium. The show was postponed to this date due to weather conditions.

Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks and social distancing are required. All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty. Doors will open 15 minutes early.

 

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

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Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]