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RAMSEY ASSUMES ROLE AS FSCC THEATER MANAGER/TECH DIRECTOR
Josh Ramsey, much like an understudy fully prepared to step into a lead role, has assumed the duties of theater manager/technical director at Fort Scott Community College.
Ramsey, originally from Parsons, succeeds Lawrence Alford in the position and came highly recommended by his successor, who is moving to Oregon this month after five months at FSCC.
“I am super excited to get right to work here at FSCC,” said Ramsey, who worked with Alford as the assistant technical director at Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center in Pittsburg before his hiring at FSCC. “As the new technical director/theater manager, I will be responsible for designing and building sets for FSCC drama productions, operation and maintenance of all equipment in the Ellis theater, as well as scheduling events for the auditorium, lobby and meeting rooms.”
After graduating from Labette County High School in 2018, Ramsey earned a bachelor degree in communication with an emphasis in theater and a minor in graphic design from Pittsburg State University in 2022. While attending PSU, he worked for the theater department as a student carpenter for four years.
He came to FSCC from his job at Memorial Auditorium.
On the personal front, Ramsey is planning for a wedding soon.
“I proposed to my high school sweetheart, Shakota, just this last December, and we plan to get married in about a year,” he said. “This last month, we welcomed into our home a 3-month-old husky/Great Pyrenes puppy named Khonshu. He is so spoiled.”
In his free time, Ramsey enjoys playing video games and board games with his family and friends.
“I also love cooking, reading and watching movies and television,” he noted.
Ramsey can be reached at [email protected].
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Hosting the Kansas Chamber of Commerce
This week, the Kansas delegation had the privilege of hosting members of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. It was great to meet with members of the chamber and discuss the state’s economic growth. On Wednesday evening, I helped lead the group on a night tour of the U.S. Capitol. It is a special experience to see our nation’s Capitol at night and share the beauty of this incredible building and all that it represents. Thank you to our chamber members and staff for the discussion this week and for their efforts to invest in our state and people.
Bo Co Commission Minutes of Sept. 11
September 11, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the Deputy County Clerk present.
Jon Lowery, Michaela Lucas, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Kathy Brennon, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from the 8/28/23 and 9/7/23 meeting, approval of payroll totaling $237,409.87, and the approval of accounts payable totaling $408,015.91. Jim seconded the motion and both Commissioners approved.
Matthew Wells, Mayor of Fort Scott, was present to request the Commissioners waive the fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for the disposal of the building at 2 S. National. Mr. Wells stated the building is currently privately owned and will be demolished, and new building erected, and then rented to the state. Jim asked Mr. Wells if he knew an approximate tonnage and he stated he did not. Clifton said there are three buildings being demo’d downtown and we are not giving them free dump fees. Mr. Wells stated the city is demolishing the building as an in-kind donation to the state for the project to be located downtown. Clifton said as a Commissioner he is not here to use taxpayer dollars to support private businesses. Jim stated his concern is that we would be setting a precedence if we do it for you, we will have to do if for the next one as well. Jim said he will not be making a motion tonight since Clifton already said no but told Matthew he could come back when Nelson gets back if he would like.
Anne Dare asked about page 12 of the accounts payable report and why we are paying four different law offices. Jim said the Sheriff’s department has one in Kansas City on fees all the time and we have to pay the different attorneys appointed by the judges for individuals who do not have an attorney. Anne asked what the proposed payment to REDI will be for next year and it was explained zero at this time the money was put into a contingency fund, and it will be discussed at the beginning of next year. Anne requested that in the future the name of the recipient of the Meals on Wheels payment be changed for clarity.
Kathy Brennon with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging came in to provide a corrected handout outlining the services they have provided. Kathy stated they have provided over 15,000 meals as well as an array of services that equate to a $225,000 in Bourbon County. Kathy said there have been comments made about the frozen only meals and stated there are other Meals on Wheels providers not associated with their agency which is why they try to call their program as 60+ Nutrition. Kathy said if there is a problem or complaint to please call her. Clifton said he wanted people to understand you provide more than just meals and that you are not funded to the level you should be by the government. Clifton stated there is a misconception that programs like yours and others are flushed with cash coming in from the federal and state governments and that’s not true. Kathy said it is a requirement of the Area Agency on Aging program to go out and ask for donations and stated they pay for the food, gas, and have had to raise their minimum wage to $10 an hour just to get people in to work and that if they do not receive donations that will put them in a deficit.
Michael Hoyt handed out copies of the Constitution. Michael spoke about a public notice in the newspaper raising water 3%. Michael also handed information out to the Commissioners regarding a property that is being condemned by the city that is in both the city and county limits and asked the Commissioners to look into the matter.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, handed out the monthly culvert report for the Commissioners to review and sign. Eric stated they have completed 6 miles, or 12 lane miles, of the chip and seal project on 215th Street and are now down to Soldier Road. Eric said that Linn County has graciously allowed us to use their machine so that we are able to chip and seal this year. Eric stated they are evaluating their budgets to determine whether they will do more chip and seal or move to asphalt as fuel prices are up and continuing to go. Eric said they submitted two applications for an off-system bridge grant and was selected for our bridge at 60th and Grand Road. The total cost of the project will be $916,000 with our share being $75,000. Eric said the bridge on Jayhawk between 195th and 205th Streets was not selected and the application for the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program bridge on 215th Street and Valley Road over the railroad tracks was not selected either. Eric stated they have two belly dump trailers hauling rock, are mowing ditches, and cleaning ditches out as well.
Selena Alvarado, Deputy County Clerk, presented a letter from Kristen Duffey who has resigned as Marmaton Township Clerk due to moving out of state. The Marmaton Township Board has met and submitted a recommendation letter asking that Debra Duffey be appointed to fulfill Kristen’s term. Clifton made a motion to appoint Debra Duffey as Marmaton Township Clerk per their request. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jon Lowery with Bourbon County EMS informed the Commissioners that they received a $4,000 grant from Walmart which they are using to purchase furniture for their day room as what they currently have came from patient rooms when Mercy closed. Mr. Lowery thanked Rob Harrington with Bourbon County REDI stating they were instrumental in getting the paperwork completed for the grant. A copy of the runs through the end of August was handed out and it was stated 60 more runs were made this year compared to the same time frame last year.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, came to the Commissioners regarding the standby services for the Marmaton Massacre race. Teri stated that when they provided standby services for the race in the past EMS was under the City of Fort Scott who did not charge for the services. Teri asked if the Commissioners wanted her to bill their normal $75 per hour rate. Clifton said no because we standby for football games. Jim stated it is a big event for Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Teri informed them that they do bill for football games. Jim said they probably shouldn’t bill for football games. Clifton asked if it is an extra crew, and Teri stated that an off-duty crew comes in to provide the standby services. Clifton said in his opinion we either charge everybody or we charge nobody. Jim said in his opinion we should not charge any of them. Jim said he would like to not charge them this time since it such short notice and Clifton agreed and suggested they re-address in the future.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege with possible litigation. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 10 minutes with both Commissioners and Justin Meeks present and will return to the Commission room at 6:17. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:17 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
During the Commission comments section Jim stated FSCC baseball will be in town this week and FSHS football will be at home Friday.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:19. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
9-18-2023 Approved Date
Scarecrow Contest Submissions Needed by Sept. 20
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The Super Step Walking Challenge
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Log your daily steps and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk from Fort Scott to a fictional Kansas town known for its superhero origin story. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.
- Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Drop-in reception after the contest ends for all participants
Register here: https://forms.gle/nYq9ireLHAFMqiSTA or fill out a paper form at the library.
The contest begins on Saturday, Sept. 25, is open to everyone, and free of charge. Registration will remain open until October 2, so invite your friends and relatives to join you! If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected]. For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.
Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/walkintobooks/
Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the library’s and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant
The SEKnFind Newsletter September 2023
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Special Chamber Coffee at Kansas Rocks on Saturday, Sept. 30
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The Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission This Evening
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
- Public Comments
- Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 2022 Audit Letter
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Efforts Toward Civic Engagement: Kansas Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19
September 19 proclaimed Kansas Voter Registration Day, joining a national effort toward civic engagement
TOPEKA –
–Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring September 19, 2023, Kansas Voter Registration Day. This aligns with the National Voter Registration Day events taking place across the United States. The goal is to reach Kansans who either haven’t yet registered to vote, or simply need to update their registration due to things like a move or name change, by engaging communities through this statewide, single-day event.
On September 19, the State Library, along with libraries and community organizations across the state, will host events encouraging voter registration. Leah Grote, a reference librarian at the State Library, attended a Federal Depository Library Program training on voter engagement and learned about NVRD initiatives from other state libraries. “I thought Kansas should have an initiative like that too,” Grote said. “I’ve worked to create a webpage with information and resources Kansans need to register to vote and host their own registration drives. Our hope is that this initiative will inspire people across the state to make sure they are registered and to help others register to vote.”
Nationally, the holiday has helped more than 5 million Americans register to vote through the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, libraries, election officials, and citizens just like you. Kansas Voter Registration Day is about building community while building democracy–together. Kansans are welcome to visit the State Library on Kansas Voter Registration Day to register or check their registration and pick up NVRD stickers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese (while they last).
Resources for individuals and community organizations, and the full text of the Governor’s proclamation, can be found at kslib.info/1523/National-
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 18
Muscles for the Mountains by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
I readily admit that I don’t have cheerleader qualities — it takes a lot of strong muscles to stack people on top of each other and not collapse. I’m also mesmerized at the ability of individuals who can to do the same thing at the same time with a bunch of other people. My daughter played saxophone in the Pitt State marching band and, as an onlooker, I was astonished. If I’d been in the band, I would have spent most of my time on the ground being trampled because I would have been out of sync with everybody else.
I’ve celebrated a number of birthdays and often say, “I ain’t 22 anymore.” Recently, my two kids and I had a frank conversation about aging muscles. Shortly afterwards, I joined the fitness center in order to stand firm and fight against the course of nature. Everything was fine until the day my trainer, Mr. Flex, had me do 30 minutes of squats with hand weights. Apparently, I hadn’t used those particular muscles since grade school. I was impressed that I could even walk to my vehicle on rubbery gelatin legs like that. Lying down in the parking lot and getting run over almost seemed like a realistic option.
The choices we make today impact the quality of our lives spiritually and physically. Our spiritual health can be compared to our physical health because we’re equipped with both types of muscles. But we have to work at staying strong — it doesn’t just happen automatically. We have to make the choice to do preventive maintenance and upgrading on purpose. The road of life is often uphill and we need to be strong in order to make it to the top. But, there’s help for the climb. “The joy that the Lord gives will make you strong” (Nehemiah 8:10 GNT). You might say that God has a storehouse of muscle rub.
Coasting down a hill works just fine until a mountain of crisis appears on the horizon. When you need power to climb, but discover there isn’t any reserve, you can find yourself in a world of hurt. God’s Word has a lot to say about the importance of our strength. We must take the initiative to encourage ourselves in the Lord, just like King David did. “But I know that God helps me. The Lord is the one who keeps me going” (Psalm 54:4 NIRV). God will keep His children strong, but we have some important instructions to follow if we want to flex those spiritual muscles.
Jesus strongly cautions us about what will happen if we foolishly think we can coast through life with no preparation for storms. “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT).
I chose not to lay down in the parking lot, and believers can choose not to lay down spiritually. Paul wrote to the believers in the Church at Ephesus: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT).
The Key: Keep your spiritual muscles strong so you won‘t collapse under pressure.