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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to Award $49,000 in Grants
Health is economic stability. The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc. (HBCAT) aims to increase access to wealth building opportunities to Bourbon County residents through our local and regional partnerships at the Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth.
Providing local businesses expertise and guidance, particularly in these very turbulent times, has shown to be a critical resource to
increase the number of business start-ups and number of available quality jobs.
HBCAT will be awarding nine grants totaling $49,000 on August 23 rd in their office at 104 N National Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 at 12 pm. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook and is also open for the public to attend in person and celebrate the grant awardees.
With the support of the Patterson Family Foundation, the HBCAT has awarded a total of $195,000 to low-income, minority owned, women owned or food-based businesses in the past two years. Each grantee is a client of the Pittsburg State Small
Business Development Center (PSU SBDC) at the Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth.
There has been a total of four grant cycles in the past two years.
Please join us in congratulating following businesses:
Restaurant/Food Retail Recipient ($7000):
Brick Street BBQ
Brick Street BBQ, a women-owned start-up has a mission is to bring quality BBQ to Bourbon County.
“Fork tender and delectable” describe the smoked offerings found at Brick Street BBQ. It’s not just the meats that get a new twist, but also the sauces which come in nontraditional tasty flavors. They have a wholesale agreement with E3 Meat Co. to sell E3 Beef Products.
Lotus Express
Lotus Express, a minority-owned business, is a staple Chinese restaurant in Fort Scott. Families can dine in with generous servings and affordable prices, or they can take out and eat it at home watching their favorite movie!
Lotus also has a drive-through for those on-the-go families that need a quick, quality meal. Lotus’ menu has many different options of Chinese entree staples like General Tso, Sweet and
Sour, Chicken Lo Mein, and the local favorite, Meme’s Chicken. All meals are cooked from scratch and made fresh for their customers. Lotus is looking forward to establishing local connections through
farmers/ranchers and other small businesses to support the community.
7 Low-Income, Minority, or Women Owned Startup Businesses Recipients ($5,000 each):
The BEE Better Health Club
BEE Better Health Club, a low-income startup, will provide a variety of fitness classes at their gym located just south of Fort Scott, Kansas. Some of the classes offered are group fitness, personal training, kid sessions, and nutrition training. At this health club, the community members are tight-knit, which will serve as accountability for everyone to strive for a healthier life. This gym will increase access to physical activity in Bourbon County, giving another option for community members to better their
health. There are different memberships offered that will fit the different needs of the clients. BEE Better Health Club will also offer classes for youth. The importance of routine fitness throughout the
summer is important, especially for youth .
Country Kids Daycare
Country Kids childcare, a women-owned establishment, is available to children aged 3 months to 12 years of age. Country Kids encourages positive childhood development by providing opportunities for children to meet new friends, try out new activities and learn through play. Children’s happiness,
security, social and cognitive development are Country Kids Daycare main objectives.
Morning Birds Daycare
Haley Ellis is the owner of Morning Birds Daycare, a woman-owned childcare provider, and has recognized the need for childcare in Bourbon County. She decided to open a KDHE-licensed daycare,
Morning Birds Childcare, LLC, on August 28th, 2022. At Morning Birds Childcare, the children’s health and education are priorities. Haley makes sure that the kids are active and eating healthy foods. The daycare will be accepting DCF in the near future. She makes sure that she has the max capacity for infant care, because of the great need in Bourbon County.
Organized by Karis
Karis Poyner started the business Organized by Karis, a woman- and minority-owned startup business at the beginning of 2023. She realizes the importance of having a clean, quality place
to live. The clients she helps often aren’t able to clean or organize their belongings, or they don’t have the time and energy. She’s providing the services to fulfill that need and reduce
health risks that can come from irregular cleaning.
Refine MedSpa
Kayla Boyd, owner of the woman-owned startup Refine MedSpa, received services at HBCAT’s Center for Economic Growth. With the beauty industry growing quickly, the need for more advanced
medical spas is increasing drastically. The business will be offering these advanced services to Bourbon County and surrounding areas, including Botox®, filler, micro needling, cryotherapy, and vitamin
injections. Laser hair removal, other laser therapies, and additional advanced medical spa services are planned as future offerings. Refine MedSpa’s goal is to increase their patients’ happiness with their complexions and health. Refine MedSpa will have affordable prices for these luxurious services that will attract people from all over.
Hulbert’s Jewelry dba Bartlesmeyer Jewelry
Krysta Hulbert worked with the Center for Economic Growth team to prepare loan documents to open this new woman-owned business. Krysta is the sole owner of the business. After learning the unique skills from John Bartelsmeyer, her husband will become a full-time employee. Hulbert’s Jewelry will
purchase the inventory from Bartelsmeyer as a part of the business acquisition. “We are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries ahistory of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”
Tiny Green and Herbs
Tiny Greens and Herbs, LLC is a new woman-owned microgreens business located in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Tiny Greens and Herbs will provide Bourbon County families and community members with convenient, year-round access to locally grown, nutrient-packed greens and herbs. This startup produces sustainably grown microgreens, which are tiny, immature vegetable and herb plants that are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts. Sometimes these nutrients are referred to as phytonutrients, phytochemicals or antioxidants. These plant-produced compounds provide health benefits to the body. Along with antioxidants, microgreens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavor, and are easy to prepare and fun to eat!
The HBCAT grant program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation with the intent to increase access to local resources that help provide opportunity for economic stability and reduced poverty, with a broader goal of encouraging upward mobility in employment. Each applicant is required to enroll with
the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University (PSU SBDC.)
Located at the university’s Center for Economic Growth, the applicant will work with a local team to develop a
sustainable business plan with three-year financial projections.
To build more resilient food systems, grants to food retail, restaurant and farmer/rancher have an additional eligibility requirement to build and document wholesale relationships.
Supporting local foods and local food production offers multiple benefits:
• Providing incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation;
• Expanding consumer choice and fresh food access;
• Improving negotiating power to local producers;
• Supporting rural economic revitalization; and
• Protecting the food system against severe shocks through decentralization of production.
According to Smart Growth America, in today’s world, business growth is driven by collaboration among
many types of entities that must interact frequently and work together creatively. Operating within this
new model, the Center for Economic Growth is a multi-partner collaboration of the HBCAT, Fort Scott
Area Chamber of Commerce, PSU Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Southeast
KANSASWORKS and multiple local business owners.
PSU SBDC is available to businesses in southeast Kansas to provide technical assistance for the
development of business plans needed to secure capital and increase the chances of successful
ventures. Southeast KANSASWORKS is the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) that serves 17
counties in southeast Kansas, including Bourbon County. Southeast KANSASWORKS contributes to
economic growth and business expansion by ensuring the workforce system is job-driven, matching
employers with skilled individuals.
For more information about services provided at the Center for Economic Growth, please contact Rachel
Carpenter by emailing [email protected]
Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #healthybbco
Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy
Kansas Community. Its mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity,
promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic
growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and
inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for
economic success in any industry and in all cities.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-2892
[email protected]
Rachel Carpenter, Program Coordinator
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-2562
[email protected]
Mary Hunt, Interim Operations Director
Southeast KANSASWorks
Desk: 620-232-1222
Cell: 620-670-0006
Website: www.sekworks.org
Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC
[email protected]
785-445-2537
Lindsay Madison, President and CEO
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
(620) 223-3566
Continue reading The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to Award $49,000 in Grants
Obituary of Edgar Graham
Edgar Henry Graham, Jr. died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital East in Lee’s Summit, Mo., where he was being treated for issues likely related to his years-long battle with NASH cirrhosis.
Known as “Ed” or “Eddie” depending on when you got to know him, he was born on Feb. 17, 1955, in Iola, Kan. Ed grew up in Uniontown, Kan., and attended school in the USD 235 district, graduating as high school valedictorian in 1973.
Ed married Nancy Sue Russell Graham in 1971 and the two remained married until his death. Their son, Christopher Andrew, died shortly after he was born.
Marrying and enduring tragedy at age 16 was not easy for Ed or Nancy, but the pair persevered through many trials and together had three more children between 1980 and 1991: Nicholas Adam (Karen), Douglas Russell (Kristen), and Krisanna Georgia Elaine.
Ed and Nancy have nine grandchildren: Leia, Piper and Isabelle from Nick and Karen in Uniontown; and Gabby, Andrew, Ellie, Katherine, Peter and Daniel from Doug and Kristen in Girard, Kan.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Laura Graham and Edgar Graham, Sr., an infant son, Christopher, and a sister, Ruth Townsley.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Betty Oharah (Jerry) of Overland Park and Nancy Corrao (Patrick) of Edgefield, South Carolina.
Ed took pride in being a provider for his family. He started his professional life following in his father’s footsteps, building many homes throughout the area. Toward the end of his tenure as a full-time contractor, he co-founded Big Sugar Lumber.
In the early 1990s, Ed branched out from construction and built a successful insurance agency in Fort Scott. Later, as an American Family Insurance district manager based in Salina, Kan., he coached agents throughout the western half of the state.
Ed had a passion for civil service and was often considered a level-headed voice of reason by his colleagues. He served on the Fort Scott City Planning Commission, the USD 235 school board, the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, and the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush) Board of Directors.
Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church, where Ed grew up attending with his mother.
Burial will follow at the Centerville Cemetery, with a message from Bro. Paul Rooks of Grace Baptist Tabernacle, where Ed and Nancy were members.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, which has provided invaluable support to Ed’s grandson Peter throughout his ongoing leukemia treatment and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Garold Billionis
Garold (Gary) Billionis, 77, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2023. Gary was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on June 25, 1946.
Gary graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1964 and served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. Gary attended Pittsburg State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1973 and a master’s degree in 1977.
Gary Billionis was a lifelong educator and coach. He taught in Coffeyville, Altamont, and Parsons, before moving to Fort Scott to teach middle school physical education. Gary coached many sports, including high school football and track. Gary was the Director of Student Activities and Intramurals for ten years.
During his 30-year career, Gary served on many committees relating to middle school education and athletics. In 1994, Gary was named a Kansas Master Teacher by Emporia State University. He also served as the Chairman of the National Intramural Sports Council, Director of Program Development for the National Middle School Activities Association, and received the Champion for Children Award, the Dale E. Hammons Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Kansas Association of Middle Level Education Oasis Award, along with several other honors.
Gary was a member of Community Christian Church.
Following his retirement from education, Gary was elected to the Fort Scott City Commission in 2003 and served as the mayor of Fort Scott from 2004 to 2007. He was first elected to the USD 234 Board of Education in 2013 and served in that capacity until the time of his death.
Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie. He is also survived by two sons, Matthew Simpson and wife Spring, Nicholas Billionis, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Billionis. In addition, Gary is survived by two brothers, Mike Billionis and wife Vicki, and Rick Billionis and wife Val. Gary leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Marin, Grace, and Amelia Billionis, and Tarin and Kinley Simpson. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas; parents, Robert and Waynith Billionis and by Connie’s parents, Wayne and Bonnie Meek.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, immediately following the funeral service.
Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Richard Peoples Jr.
Richard Wayne “Ricky” Peoples, Jr., age 36, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kanss, passed away Monday, August 21, 2023, at his home. He was born March 24, 1987, in Ft. Scott, the son of Richard Wayne Peoples Sr. and Cynthia Jean Page Peoples. Ricky graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. Throughout his life, Ricky worked at a variety of odd jobs including lawn care. He enjoyed going to stockcar races and tractor pulls. Many memories were made traveling throughout the country with his family.
Ricky will be lovingly remembered by his many family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Following cremation, a private burial will take place at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Randy Burns
Lawrence “Randy” Burns, Jr., 58, resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 17, 2023. He was born September 26, 1964, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Lawrence Randall Burns, Sr. and Judith Ann (Norris) Burns.
Randy lived his life to the fullest. He loved going to concerts, fishing, and boating, He loved the Kansas City Chiefs, exploring new places, spending time with his family, and so much more. He was always so full of energy and life. He was a very strong and good-hearted man. Randy will be truly missed.
Randy is survived by his daughter, Brittany Burns; a sister, Becky Ryder, of Kansas City, Kansas; a brother, Danny Burns, of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Aleson Hill, Ajaxx Hill, Rilee Warner, and one more on the way, Gatlin Warner. He is also survived by four nephews, one niece, and three great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his life-partner, Carol “Tina” Burns.
Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life, for family and close friends at 12:00 noon at Gunn Park Friday, August 26, 2023.
Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Cadillac McNack
Cadillac McNack was born on February, 19, 1952 to Mary Delores Lindsay (Willard) and Wallace McNack, Jr. in Kansas City, MO.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace McNack, Jr., mother, Mary Delores Lindsay (Willard); grandfather, Henry Lindsey, grandmother Adell Johnson; aunts, Ella Mae Lindsey (Grant) and Bernice Powell; uncles, Chester and Charles Hall. Her favorite cousins, Wanda Grant, Barbara Jo and Mike Johnson.
Cadillac was educated in the public school of Fort Scott, KS. and later attended Fort Scott Community College. She maintained employment at Key Industries Inc., after the sewing department closed she worked at the Best Western Motel.
Cadillac enjoyed her life to the fullest and was always thinking of others. She loved reading books, court TV, playing solitary and spending to with family and friends.
Cadillac leaves behind to cherish her memory her son’s Anthony and Timitri McNack (Sherry), daughter, MaWaca McNack; brothers, Wallace McNack, Marion and James Willard (Liz); grandchildren, Breonna Martinez, Jelecca McNack, Terez McNack, Damya Bagley, KyAira and Kamorra Crockett, Amitria, Tianta and Shataya McNack; great-grandchildren, Mykeyana Ackles, Messiah and Izmyel, Bryant, Tresen and Tarez Jr. McNack; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for 12:00 P.M. until service time at the chapel.
Memorial are suggested to the Cadillac McNack Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Old Settlers Picnic is September 2-4 at Uniontown
Butch Hall Memorial Fishing Tournament is September 2
Chamber Coffee/Ribbon Cutting hosted by Structure by Margo on August 24
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 24th at 8am hosted by Structure by Margo located at 19 S National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Structure by Margo is a full-service salon that consists of Owner/operator and stylist Margo Davis, stylist Lucas Runyon, stylist Jordyn Huff, stylist/nail technician Apachelynn Severance, and esthetician Avery Dorsey. They offer cuts (barbering included), color, chemical, shampoos, waxing, skin care, special occasions etc. Structure not only aims to provide exceptional professional services to the Fort Scott Community, but also wants to help recent cosmetology graduates find a salon home.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 22
Street Dance On September 2: Bourbon County Revival
