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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

May 27, 2022

 

The legislature was called back on May 23.  In an unusual move, a motion was made to end the 2022 session, sine die.  Even though it was an abrupt end to session, we were able to complete some important work that day.

 

The legislature overrode two of the Governor’s vetoes.  One was legislation that would prevent the Governor or the Secretary of State from altering election procedure without the consent of the legislature since the legislature is responsible for authoring election laws.  The Senate override vote was 27 to 10.  I voted Yes.  The House also passed the override so the legislation will become law.  The other veto override was on legislation that would stop the Governor from closing churches during an emergency as she did in 2020 and it would stop a new contract from being let for the KanCare system until January 31, 2023.  The KanCare contract will be a multi-billion dollar contract and will define medical assistance programs in Kansas.  After the current Governor and Administration signed a multi-million dollar contract with a foreign owned company to replace the Unemployment system, it raises questions and a super majority of Representatives and Senators thought it best to delay this decision until 2023.  I voted Yes.  The legislation will become law.

 

The legislature passed tax Conference Committee Reports (CCR) 2136, stopping the accelerated/pre-payment of sales tax so businesses only pay sales tax on actual sales, allows Atchison County to vote on a county-wide sales tax, delays the delivery and postage sales tax for one year to 6/1/2023, and establishes a reimbursement program for store front businesses to receive up to 1/3 of their property tax due if they were shut down during COVID (remember some government officials deemed them “non-essential”).  It is capped at $5,000 per business location.  The Department of Revenue will be establishing the application and monitoring the program.  It passed the Senate unanimously and with one No vote in the House.  The Governor could veto the bill and there would be no chance to override since the 2022 session is over.

 

All bills that did not pass both chambers died May 23rd.  It was odd, because some bills had been negotiated in conference committee (representatives from the House and Senate) and were voted on in one chamber but not the other.  A couple of examples are CCR 331 and CCR 2597.  Both reports had been signed but for some reason, leadership in one or the other chamber did not recognize or make the motion to move the legislation forward.  Myself and others worked diligently on some of this legislation, so we most likely will see it next year.  The Senate passed CCR 2597, removing income tax on Social Security, decreasing income tax on retirement income, increasing the standard deduction based on inflation, removing state sales tax on commercial electric and other utilities, and other tax cuts.  The House didn’t to take action on it.

 

A Senate Resolution defending American Sovereignty and denouncing the U.S. Administration’s proposed amendments to the World Health Organization (WHO) that could be used to justify economic and financial actions against a target nation that does not heed lockdowns, mandates, vaccine passports, and digital health surveillance imposed by the WHO.  The Resolution passed on a voice vote.  I voted Yes.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Obituary

Obituary of Stanley Grubin

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Stanley Marion Grubin died after a long battle with cancer in Pittsburg, Kansas on May 25, 2022, at the age of 92.

 

Stan is survived by his children Marty Grubin and wife Leslie (Dunwoody, GA), Lucy Gladbach and husband Jim (Deerfield, MO), Marcia Haskell (Aliso Viejo, CA) and Nancy Jensen (Pittsburg, KS); siblings, Wanda Turre (Cherry Hills, CO), Charlie Grubin (Anchorage, AL) and Diane Shranz (Denver, CO).  He has 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his spouses Mary Grubin and Joyce Grubin; daughter Cindy Beshara, siblings Edward Mazur, Thomas Thompson, Walt Mazur, Eugene Grubin, Chester Grubin, Eugenia Grubin and Jeanette Grubin.

 

Stan was born on November 6, 1929, in Colorado Springs, CO to Eugene and Wanda Grubin. His parents emigrated from Poland and raised 11 children on a farm in Colorado during the Great Depression. At the age of 13, he left home riding freight trains across the western United States looking for work. He worked various jobs including hunting bears that were decimating sheep ranches, driving ambulances, and acting as a bouncer at a local ballroom.  He joined the Army in 1952 and served as a sharpshooter in the Korean War.  Stan served his country with distinction receiving commendations for his expertise in winter warfare.

After the Korean War, Stan returned to Colorado and married Mary Jean Saam.  They welcomed 5 children over the next eight years.  Stan graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Electrical Engineering while working for Western Electric as a telephone cable installer.  In 1960, Stan was promoted to Department Chief, Industrial Relations in New York City.  While living in Randolph Township, New Jersey, Stan was elected Mayor and was active in the Urban League in Newark, New Jersey.  Over his 37-year career at Western Electric, he managed thousands of workers at several large manufacturing plants in Oklahoma City and Dallas, Texas.

Stan retired to Laguna Niguel, CA in 1982 and in 1997 moved to Fairhope, Alabama.  As one who never shied away from the spotlight, Stan volunteered to be the Grand Marshall of the Fairhope Christmas Parade, made his presence known on the golf course and nurtured new friendships at St. Thomas Hospital where he purportedly worked out, but was mostly seen drinking coffee and holding court.  He spent time with dear friends, Jason, and Michele Braly, and attended Saint Lawrence Catholic Church.

 

For those who knew Stan, he had a larger-than-life presence and never met a stranger.  His children remember him as a loving father with a great sense of humor who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

 

A memorial service will be held at a future date in Fairhope, AL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Presbyterian Village Good Samaritan Fund or Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

SUMMER READING 2022: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES

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Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library

SUMMER READING 2022: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES
Read, craft, play, and earn prizes at the library’s summer reading program this summer, from June 1 – August 10. The program is FREE, open to the public, and separated into age groups for regular weekly events to ensure that kids enjoy age-appropriate stories & activities.
READING PROGRAM
This year, we’re doing something new! Kids & teens won’t have to meet a goal each week in order to earn a prize and be limited to one small prize each week. Instead, they will enter their minutes, pages, books, or chapters read & earn a prize each time they meet a set goal. There will be a limit to how many reading prizes they can earn. Kids 5th grade & under can also choose to read for goals OR to compete head-to-head for better prizes. 6th-12th graders will earn Library Loot for reading, volunteering, and winning select games. Library Loot can be spent right away or saved up for higher-quality prizes such as board games, movie tickets, and craft kits.
REGULAR MEETINGS

During non-performance weeks, choose between in-person story & teen meetings or online ones.

In-Person Birth-5th Grade Meetings:
Tues. at 10 am at the library
(Birth-K do Stories then Crafts & Snacks; 1st-5th do Crafts & Snacks, then Stories)
Virtual Birth-5th Stories & Craft Demos are pre-recorded and air Thurs. at 10.
6th-12th will have mostly hybrid meetings, meaning we will meet simultaneously live online & in person, Wed. at 4 pm. Some special game nights & parties will only be in person.
PARTIES
Pirates: June 13 @ 4
Mermaids: June 27 @ 4
Sharks: July 11 @ 4
All parties require pre-registration and will be held in the library’s event room.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Jr/Sr High School Library Summer Reading Program Party June 1

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Get Soaked! at the Middle & High School Summer Reading Kickoff Party

This year, the Fort Scott Public Library’s 6th-12th grade summer reading program will begin on June 1 at 4 p.m. with a kickoff party at the Marmaton Riverfront Belltown Walking Trail main pavilion. The party will run from 4 – 5 p.m.

Partygoers will play water games, eat delicious treats provided by donors, drink cold water provided by G & W Cash Saver (with ice donated by 5 Corners Mini Mart), and earn library loot, which may be used to “buy” prizes throughout the summer. Throughout the summer, teens will meet at 4 pm on Wednesdays to play games, do art projects, participate in volunteer efforts, and celebrate through special parties from June 1 to August 10.

Sunscreen, old clothes, and towels are recommended, as attendees will likely get wet. Bathroom facilities are also scarce near the party site, so please plan accordingly.

The library will be collecting summer care items for families in need, with a donation box available at the party. Please bring unused swim diapers, sunscreen, feminine sanitary products, etc. to donate. Clothing and food donations will not be accepted. Donated items will be available for anyone to take as needed in the library’s downstairs computer room throughout the summer (while supplies last). The library will also have a donation box for young adult books available at the party. Donated books will be offered as prizes at future summer reading program events.

Teens may register for summer reading at the party, or receive an extra library loot dollar for each 6th-12th grader who pre-registers by May 30 at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library, Buck Run Community Center, Hedgehog.INK!, Rusty Spur Energy and Nutrition, Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union, and Billiard Hammer Hartman Insurance Agency. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk, by mail, or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible by the Riverfront Park Authority, which has approved the reservation for hosting the event. All library programs are free and open to the public.

 

 

Opinion

Less of Me by Carolyn Tucker

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There are times when silence is golden and times when it’s actually annoying. When I’m making personal preparations to go somewhere (because I don’t want to look like I just crawled out from under a rock), I listen to a Christian speaker or music. It gives me something to think about as I overhaul my face and hair. It takes me longer to paint the barn and tidy up the haystack than it did when I was 22. Anyway, the other day, I was listening to an a cappella bluegrass arrangement by Bob Lovett and Red Letter Edition that really grabbed my attention.

 

The song, “Less of Me,” written and recorded by Glen Campbell in 1967, is a great two-minute sermon of downright truth. Partial lyrics are: “Let me be a little kinder, let me be a little blinder to the faults of those about me. Let me praise a little more. Let me be when I am weary, just a little bit more cheery. Think a little more of others and a little less of me. Let me be a little braver when temptation bids me waver. Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be. Let me be a little meeker with the brother who is weaker. Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me.” I’m no psychologist, but I’m thinking if everyone would live by this philosophy we could solve half of the world’s problems.

 

The prevalent “What about me?” syndrome should be treated like a gunnysack full of rattlesnakes. Run from it as fast as your legs can carry you! John the Baptist was speaking of Jesus when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV).  Magnifying ourselves is a miserable way to live because it’s flat-out selfishness and that will never bring satisfaction or happiness.

 

Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 MEV). Believers want to be like Jesus, but I’m not sure droves of us are interested in seeking a lifestyle of meekness. The word itself is generally misunderstood. Meekness is not weakness, it’s a strength. Jesus is the greatest person who ever lived on earth and He exemplified meekness. A weak person can’t do anything, but a meek person can do something (like spew insults), but chooses to refrain from doing so. Meekness is power under self-control.

 

If Christ followers are going to be a people after God’s own heart, we must be meeker with those who are weaker. Thinking less of ourselves and putting into practice patient endurance of offenses and self-restraint isn’t an easy pill to swallow. Displaying a gentle, humble, and merciful attitude toward others doesn‘t always come naturally. To be meek and lowly in heart is a decision to depend on Jesus to help us live it out. It’s also a decision to be submissive and obedient to God, which includes loving others as Jesus has loved us. (Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.)

 

Few people would stand in line to buy a book entitled, “How to be Meek.” Yet Jesus tells us to learn from Him regarding this underrated attribute. Actually, we already own the Best Book on meekness. “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (Proverbs 19:11 NLT). It’s not a good idea to speed-read the verses where Jesus tells us how to live our lives.    

 

The Key: Think less of yourself, run from snakes, and do more for others for Jesus‘ sake.

Area News

KDHE Urges Kansans to Practice Water Safety over Memorial Day Weekend

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to encourage the public to exercise caution while enjoying streams, rivers and lakes over the Memorial Day weekend and through the summer. Prolonged rains in most parts of the state have contributed to an increased risk of unintentional injury and bacteria in open bodies of water.

Harmful bacteria, parasites and algae are common in surface water, and those who visit lakes in Kansas should be careful not to ingest the water. People should avoid recreational activities in streams and lakes after rainfall and runoff events while the water is cloudy or opaque to minimize the risk of exposure to germs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the germs found in the water and sand often come from human or animal feces. Water from the heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including feces from where animals live and can drain into swim areas. Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it or can cause an infection if you get into the water with an open wound.

Individuals should take precautions such as not swallowing the water, keeping sand away from their mouths and children’s mouths, taking frequent bathroom breaks and washing their hands before preparing or eating food.

Exposure to contaminated surface water can lead to Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others such as Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC), can cause life-threatening illnesses. Last year there were 5 STEC cases among children associated with recreational activities at Eureka Lake. As a reminder, children are more likely to swallow water while swimming than adults. The symptoms of a STEC infection vary for each person. Symptoms often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Individuals may experience a fever, usually not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within five to seven days. For more information about STEC, including a complete list of symptoms, visit the CDC website. If individuals believe you are experiencing symptoms of STEC after swimming in a Kansas lake, please contact your health care provider.

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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 31

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 31, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Deb Needleman – Bourbon County Senior Citizens Budget Review
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: 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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Agenda Request-K9 Retire Davidson

Add Funding Request BB Cty Commissioners Ltr

Purchase Agreement for Retired (Law Enforcement) K9

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 17

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May 17, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.

Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Matt Crystal, Bill Martin, and Robert Harrington were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.

All approved.

Jennifer Hawkins, Public Works Department, presented two culvert permits. One is for Travis Schilling at 895 209th Terr. The other is for Joshua Sharp on 255th North of Osage Rd. Lynne made a motion to approve the new permits for Travis Schilling and
Joshua Sharp. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Will Wallis, Emergency Preparedness, presented the Hazard Mitigation Plan that was approved back in 2019. This is a new one and the next one will be in 2026. If we were to have a disaster hit the county and FEMA brought in mitigation money then we
would qualify for it. This agreement does that. Clifton made a motion for Chairman
Harris to sign the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add SEK Mental Health before County Counselor comment. Lynne seconded. All approved. Nathan Fawson, CEO, SEK Mental Health along with Dr. Wright, Chief Operating Office, presented budget request for continued services in the amount of $91,800.00 no levy support.

This money goes for those who are unable to pay. The types of services we provide are Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance Abuse. Mr. Fawson gave some history of the decline in mental health services and funds back in the 1990’s and a return to these
services with possible expansions and access which allows us to be more responsive to immediate needs. Dr. Wright stated that in rural Kansas we always kind of come in last place when the state’s voting on how to fund things. Dr. Fawson stated that currently people have a wait time of 3 days to get into a facility. Crisis intervention
center could help lessen that burden. We’ve been exploring possibilities in that area.

Dr. Wright stated they’ve had requests for therapist in the schools and the college in this community.

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, stated the title company has raised their rates from $85.00 to $110.00 per parcel. Wanted to make you aware before Commissioner Harris signs the agreement.

Susan Bancroft presented a financial report including a 5 year look-back of sales tax and then whatever the current year versus previous year to show if we are over or under we’ve brought in for sales tax. We are looking pretty good as we are up $103,000.00 as of the end of April. Alcohol is another one that we are starting to see
some money coming through on those funds assuming that is with the new addition at the south end of town. Other major sources of revenue include culvert sales, landfill receipts, chemical sales, sewer district, EMS and the medical building so we can track month by month so we can see if we are hitting the target that we need to. I am
concerned with EMS and what we brought in last year. I’m going to reach out to OMNI and see if we can get some reporting from them. Susan stated that we had an audit last week. There were a few concerns that Terri will discuss later. No big surprises
which was encouraging. We knew there would be a few violations. Clifton made amotion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy regarding contracts and job performance for 20 minutes including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin
Meeks, and Shane Walker returning at 9:48am.

Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action at 9:48am. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners for minutes returning at 9:59am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session
at 9:59am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign contracts for  CIO and Public Works Director. Lynne
seconded. All approved.

The other contract is to go out for a replacement at the
hospital.

CIO Comment: No Comment

Public Comment: Clint Walker stated that our #1 concern in this area is housing. The thing I’m bringing up to the commissioners today is they are giving money to developers in a community our size to develop apartments and we need to keep track of that and make sure they are aware. Hopefully that will encourage developers in
our area. That is state dollars not federal. There was discussion that the county did the NRP program to help those building or expanding.

Commission Comment: Clifton stated that he received the feasibility study this morning at 7:15am. He received paper form only. We will receive an electronic version eventually. Clifton asked Justin to weigh in on whether the information
should be released to public at this time. Clifton is concerned that there is some proprietary information in the report and shouldn’t be released at this time. Anne Dare asked about getting a copy. Clifton stated we charge 35 cents per page. He said we would eventually have an electronic copy at a later date. Anne asked if she could
make an appointment to come and review the report at the courthouse, not leaving the premises with it. Clifton stated that a potential evaluation of PPS or REH legislation that will be January 2023 we are not part of that legislation currently. We
would have to file an exception to be part of that. We as a county do not apply for that. The operator would have to do that. Anne Dare asked what the next step is now that we have the feasibility report. Clifton stated that now Noble Health is gone we are actively looking for partners to operate the facility. Clifton stated his personal opinion is that we should not be building owners and we have no business running a hospital. Justin stated that he glanced through the hospital feasibility report and there is proprietary information that needs to be removed before it is viewed by the public. Justin will review over the next two weeks and get back with
the Clerk’s office and let them know which parts should be removed.

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for job performance including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for 10 minutes returning
at 10:38am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:38am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Anne Dare asked if she could come review the feasibility study and review it in the commission room. They approved.

Jim congratulated USD 234 on hiring a superintendent. Excellent choice. Jim also stated the meeting next Tuesday, May 24th will be held at Garland Community Center at 6:00pm.

At 10:39am Lynne made a motion to adjourn meeting. Clifton seconded. All
approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
May 24, 2022, Approved Date

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott May 26 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
May 26th Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
5/27 ~ Friday Night Concerts in the Park – Prairie Sunflower Strings, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st and Main, 7pm
 5/28-5/29 ~ Kansas 6A Baseball
Tournament, LaRoche Complex
5/27-5/30 ~ KanRocks Memorial Weekend, click here.
5/27-5/30 ~ Symbols of Sacrifice Flags displayed on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, volunteers welcome to help put out flags on Friday, 5/27.
5/28 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, Breakfast on the Bricks will be served by the Richard’s family as a fundraiser for Care to Share, Skubitz Plaza, 8am-12pm
5/28 ~ Angel Gifts Fundraiser, Bass Tournament, BBQ & Bourbon County Revival Band, Union Station, Uniontown, click here for FB event.
5/30 ~ Memorial Day Program, US National Cemetery No. 1, 10:30am.
5/30 ~ Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament
5/31 ~ Parents Meeting Youth Football League, Buck Run Community Center, 6:30pm, click here for FB event.
6/1 ~ Bourbon Girls Night Out – Airbrush Tanning, Better in Bourbon, 5-7pm
6/2-6/5 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
6/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Good Ol’ Days, 8am, Skubitz Plaza
6/3-6/4 ~ Good Ol’ Train Show & Quilt Auction, Museum of Creativity, See flyer below.
6/3-6/4 ~ Kansas Junior Limousin Breeders Field Day, Bourbon County Fair Grounds
6/3-6/4 ~ Good Ol’ Days Festival, click here for all the details.
6/3 ~ Good Ol’ Days Parade, Starting at 6th & Main St., 6pm, Deadline to register for the parade is May 31st, click here.
6/3-6/4 ~ Model Train Show at the Museum of Creativity, click here for info.
6/4 ~ Car & Bike Show hosted by Old 54 Cycles, Riverfront Park!
6/4 ~ Quilt Auction, Museum of Creativity, 1-3pm, click here.
SAVE THE DATE:
6/7 ~ Becoming a Destination Business and Community Workshop by Jon Schallert, River Room Event Center, 8am-1:45pm, Register here.
6/8 ~ City Commission Meeting, City Hall, 6pm
6/8 ~ Between the Lines Baseball Tournament
6/8 ~ Eastern Regional Retreat for NetWork Kansas E-Communities, Empress Event Center, 10am-3pm
6/9-6/12 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
6/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia, 110 E 23rd St., 8am
6/10-6/11 ~ Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series, Bourbon County Fair Grounds
*********************
The Good Ol’ Days Festival is coming June 3rd-4th. Get your Chicken Dinner tickets at the Chamber ~ only $8 for a 3 piece meal from Chicken Mary’s!
********************
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
Good Ol’ Train Show & Quilt Auction
6A Tournament Update
Good Ol’ Days Car & Bike Show
The Symbols of Sacrifice “Field of Honor” is available for viewing all Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 27 through, Monday, May 30. Guided fort tours daily at 10 am and 1 pm.
Bourbon Girls Night Out – 15 Minute Airbrush Tanning Sessions at Better in Bourbon, 5-7pm
Jon Schallert presents a Destination Workshop in Fort Scott!
Early bird registration by May 31st $50, $75 after May 31st!
Click here to register online.
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
…
Opinion

Traffic by Gregg Motley

1 Comment

 

When thinking about economic development, one has to put themselves in the mindset of site selectors and those local businesses that are considering expansion.  One of the critical factors often evaluated in this process is traffic counts; a business that relies on local clients has to be visible and accessible.  Also, in my role as a banker, I help clients evaluate potential locations, often looking at current and historical traffic count data provided by Kansas Department of Transportation (“KDOT”) to help us make decisions.  In addition to economic development, traffic count information can be helpful to governments in determining where to invest public works dollars.

 

I have spent a significant amount of time evaluating Fort Scott numbers issued by KDOT and have discovered some interesting trends when comparing 2010 data to that of 2019 (the latest available).  The numbers have to be put in context of what I know about construction projects and events that may have rerouted traffic temporarily.  One also has to look at population trends, which we know have fallen in Fort Scott over the time period considered.

 

Some observations:

  • As one might expect, local streets have experienced a decline in numbers when 2019 data is compared to 2010. The major streets that I considered dropped an average of 8.97%.
  • Local streets on the West side of 69 Highway generally saw a larger decline in traffic counts than that of the East side. One might conclude that the population loss we have experienced has disproportionately impacted the West side of town.
  • State highway traffic counts, except 54 Highway west of 69 Highway, have steadily risen. The average change over the nine years was 2.77%; knowing that there are fewer Bourbon County residents on the highways, this can only mean that we have more nonresidents driving through our area or coming here for work.
  • Only two local streets experienced significant increases in traffic: Indian Road west of 215th Street and Jayhawk Road east of Liberty Bell Road.  I surmise that increased activity at Lake Fort Scott and ReproLogix, along with more people driving in from Missouri to work in Bourbon County account for those exceptions.  Estimates are that about 1,000 employees in the county commute from another jurisdiction.
  • Sales tax collections have steadily increased, which would seem to indicate that more nonresidents are spending money in Bourbon County.

 

The good news is that the two major state highways continue to increase in traffic count, bringing more people through Bourbon County.  This is an opportunity that can be exploited.  It is a safe assumption that the completion of the widening of 69 Highway all the way into Pittsburg will perpetuate that trend and continue to help us with sales tax collection.

 

Bourbon County REDI will continue to focus on data that can help our businesses strategize and make us more attractive to new prospects.  We have a much better chance of economic success by staying informed as a community.