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Light towers to be replaced on U.S. 69/54 in Bourbon County

 

 

Wednesday, April 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic.

 

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Bird Flu Identified in Two Kansas Diary Operations

HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.

At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.

We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.

HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds

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City of Fort Scott Special Meeting Agenda for March 26

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn

Fort Scott-Change Order No. 2_240320_103751

Downtown Meet and Greet at City State Bank on April 2

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for April 2nd!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 2nd from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at City State Bank,

202 Scott Avenue.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

LIEAP Application Deadline This Friday March 29 For Those Who Need Help With Utilities


The Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP
application period will end soon

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of.  First, the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, is Friday, March 29. LIEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday.  The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. More information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx

In addition, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Sunday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.

When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Sunday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

 

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Bo Co Commission Agenda For This Evening, March 25

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 3-22-2024

Payroll 3-22-2024

February Financials

January Financials

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

 

March 25, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 3/11/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $295,311.50
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $445,254.99
    4. Approval of January and February Financials
  1. Public Opening of Hay Bids at 5:35 p.m.
  2. Public Comments
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Retailer’s Sales Tax Election
    2. KDHE Public Notice
    3. Real Property Relief Application 928 S. Osbun
    4. Contingency Funds
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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 th  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.

 

Be Winsome and Win Some by Carolyn Tucker

 

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Be Winsome and Win Some

 

Winsome is not an adjective we often use in our speech, but we should try to incorporate it into our daily conduct. The definition of winsome is being attractive or appealing in character. It’s a quality that makes someone want to be around us and enjoys our company. No one minds being around a person that’s engaging, sweet, endearing, charming, delightful, or winning.

 

As believers, we must be winsome if we intend to win some to Christ. It’s been said that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Showing love and mercy to others is the honey we need in order to be attractive. “If any of them [nonbelievers] do not believe God’s word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is” (1 Peter 3:1,2 TEV). I like to talk, but sometimes it’s a good idea to save my breath and simply show love and mercy instead. (Then I don’t have to take my foot out of my mouth.)

 

It would be a good idea to make a mental checklist to ensure we love when others hate, and forgive when others hold grudges. When we build a bridge to someone, we’re  actually building a relationship with that individual. Becoming a winsome friend to the “down and out” can result in winning him/her to Christ. Friendly and caring conduct can actually win someone without sharing a truckload of Bible verses. We need to put our money where our mouth is in order to prove we walk the walk.

 

Jesus quoted this verse from the Old Testament: “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices” (Hosea 6:6a NLT). God desires His children to have flexible hearts of compassion. Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Philippi and instructed them to fasten their thoughts continually on what is truly important. “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]” (Philippians 4:8 AMP). This translation uses the word “winsome,” and I like that. We need to think about how we can be winsome so we can win some to Christ.

 

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay” (1 Peter 4:8,9 NLT).  I believe Peter and his wife were hospitable, and a great tool to win some to Jesus is to feed some. My relative, Joanne Montgomery Jones, authored a book entitled, A Time to Laugh…A Time to Cry, and here is my favorite quote: “Today, hospitality has become so ’dutiful.’ Menus are carefully planned, shopping must be done, and tables must be set immaculately. Have we, somewhere along the way, lost the pure joy of sharing our food, our love, and our time with our friends? Chipped plates, glasses that once contained jelly or peanut butter, and worn mismatched silverware graced our table, but the love and laughter that abounded there far surpassed anything that might be achieved by today’s hostess following the rules of Emily Post.”

 

The Key: Let’s be winsome and win some for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Walk Kansas Event At Riverfront Park on April 13, Register By March 31

Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

Southwind Extension District Walk Kansas Connection Event to Be Held in Fort Scott

 

Spring is officially here, which means it is almost time for Walk Kansas!

This year, the Southwind Extension District will be hosting their Walk Kansas Connection Event at the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park (400 N. National Ave.) in Fort Scott on April 13th at 9 AM.

Get outside, get moving, and get connected with other Walk Kansas participants as they walk this scenic trail together!

Everyone who attends the event will be entered to win a Walk Kansas prize package including a Walk Kansas travel mug, tote bag, and keychain, as well as a copy of a book which goes along with this year’s Walk Kansas theme of “making healthy habits stick.”

There is no extra cost to participate in this event, but you must be registered for Walk Kansas to attend so be sure to visit WalkKansas.org to get signed up before the eight-week program kicks off on March 31st.

If you would prefer to complete a paper registration form, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242 to request one or stop by their office in the Bourbon County Courthouse to pick one up.

For more information, contact Clara Misenhelter with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].

 

# # #

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Scheduled for April 2nd

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 2nd at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave, from 8:00am-9:00am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown.  Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! March 22nd Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Radio Auction EVERY Thursday and Friday starting at 3pm, MUST have a bid number/contact 620.223.4500 or stop by the station at 2 N. National to grab one, you can bid on the radio or online at kombfm.com, click here for more information!

2024 Lenten Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus at Kennedy Gym, each Friday from February 16 – March 22nd from 5-7pm, everyone welcome-freewill offering, they do ask for a $8.00 minimum for a to-go order!

Deadline to submit Award Nominations for Chamber Annual Dinner is April 5th at 8:30am. Click here for a printable form along with all the details!

3/22 ~ Informational gathering on the proposed Pike Reservoir project as a water source, land owners & community welcome, Mapleton Community Center, 4:30-6pm. Click here for flyer.

3/22-23 ~ Find The Golden Egg Shopping Event hosted by The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, most stores in the downtown area plus several additional locations will be participating in the hunt, golden eggs will contain coupons/promotions/Chamber Bucks/MORE, see flyer below for more information!

3/23 ~ Annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park Shelter House #2, 11am SHARP, all ages of kids are welcome to come and have fun!

3/23 ~ The Beauty Lounge’s Birthday Bash, Celebrating 2 WONDERFUL years, mini derma plane or hydra facials, IV infusion bar, blow outs, hair tinsel, permanent jewelry, and a special surprise, click here for more information!

3/23 ~ POSTPONED TO LATE SUMMER 1st Annual Greyhound Legacy Football Symposium (SRO), Ellis Fine Arts Center, see flyer below for more info!

3/23 ~ Faith’s Journey returns to Fort Scott for an evening of “Absolute Country, Definitely Gospel” music hosted by First United Methodist Church, freewill offering, 6-8pm, click here for more information!

3/24 ~ Palm/Passion Sunday at First United Methodist Church, freewill offering and all are welcome to join, 10:30am-11:30am, click here for more information!

3/24 ~ Sunshine Boutique Easter Floral Centerpiece Class, $15 due at sign up with $15 due at the beginning of class, Papa Don’s Pizza, click here for more information.

3/27 ~ FSCC Community Conversation with Dr. Jason Kegler, 5:30-6:30pm

3/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Tri-Valley, 4305 Campbell Drive, 8am

3/28 ~ Maundy Thursday Special Service with First United Methodist Church, no charge and all are welcome, 7-8pm click here for more information!

3/29-30 ~ Southeast Kansas Spring Classic at Bourbon County Fairgrounds, a fun weekend for the WHOLE family, click here for more information!

3/31 ~ Easter Brunch at Crooners, adults/16/person and children (12&under) $10/person, click here for a full menu and for more information!

4/2 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank located at the corner on 2nd and Scott Street, 8am-9am.

4/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 & 98.3 FM at Arnold Arena, 8am

4/5 ~ DAR Commemorative Ceremony Recognizing Local Vietnam Veterans, Memorial Hall, 5-7pm, click here for more information!

4/5 ~ Middle School (only) Fun Night at FSMS, parent helpers needed, contact Winter Moore at [email protected] to sign up, 7-9pm

4/6 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show by KOMB 103.9FM and 98.3 FM, Arnold Arena on the campus of FSCC, 9am-4pm, click here for more info.

4/11 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Public Library, 8am

4/12 ~ Preschool Round-Up at Fort Scott Preschool Center, call Tammy at 620.223.8965 to schedule an appointment, enrollment decisions will be made by May 31st.

4/12 ~ Community Green Zone Advocacy Training at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 8:30am-2:30pm, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ St. Mary’s Gala ~ Dinner and Auction at Liberty Theatre, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Harley Race World League Wrestling at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for more information!

4/16 ~ CORE Friend Training hosted by CORE Community, attend this zoom training session, click here for more information and to sign up!

4/17 ~ Panel Unveiling for Holocaust Survivor and Unsung Hero Pavel Weiner at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, click here for more info.

4/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, 8am

4/18 ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration – let’s pull up our bootstraps n’ round up as a community to celebrate achievements & saddle up for opportunities ahead, social & silent auction at 5:30pm with dinner/awards/live auction to follow at 6:30pm, click here to register and see the various ways you may participate!

SAVE THE DATE!

4/19 ~ REDI on the Green Golf Tournament hosted by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, INC., 100% of all proceeds goes to support local scholarships, checkin 9am with tee off at 10am, click here to register and for more info.

4/20-21 ~ Civil War Encampment at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, experience artillery/cavalry/infantry troops, click here for more info.

4/21 ~ Civil War Camp Dance, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for flyer.

4/22 ~ Downtown Spring Clean Event on Earth Day, 4-6pm, all welcome to help with planned projects, hosted by the Chamber, call or text Bailey Lyons 620-224-7795 to volunteer, dinner served to volunteers following the event! Free t-shirt to the first 150!

4/27 ~ NICA Bike Race in Gunn Park, click here to visit their website and to get more information!

4/27 ~ 3rd Annual MarshaFest featuring Disco Dick at Liberty Theatre, profits from this event will support local in Marsha’s name, tickets are on sale at Marsha’s Deli, 6 W. 18th St.

5/3-4 ~ Town-wide Garage Sale, now taking signups online, by phone, or in person at the Chamber! $12 to list your sale, $35 to purchase a business ad on the map! Click here for info.

5/4 ~ Opening Day of Farmers’ Market, 8am-12pm!

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here 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

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

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.

Spring Open House, Downtown Around, Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event!

The Beauty Lounge Birthday Bash! Celebrate The Beauty Lounge turning TWO!

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet hosted by City State Bank located at 202 Scott Ave!

Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show hosted by KOMB-FM All Hit 103.9 & KMDO-AM 1600

Community Green Zone Advocacy Training at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center!