All posts by Submitted Story

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for November 12

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of November 21, 2023                                       Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  E. Woellhof led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tammy Matkin, Shane Lamb, Kevin Allen.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. Wells stated there are (2) amendment requests for the submitted agenda. 1. ADDITION TO CONSENT AGENDA – requested by Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection to add a request to pay Invoice #10052302 from EPEC for the UV Upgrade – $286,540.20 to be Item F and 2. ADDITION TO OLD BUSINESS – requested by Matthew Wells for approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion recommended by the Design Review Board on November 21, 2023 to be Item F and B. Matkin requested that Kevin Allen be extended additional time to address the Commission under Public Comments.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked if the (2) items that came in late could wait until the next meeting or if they were an emergency. M. Wells stated that the Old Business item is for the Fort Scott Pavilion and needed to be approved so that construction and drilling could begin on the project immediately. T. VanHoecke asked B. Matkin if he was aware of the additions.  B. Matkin stated that he was only made aware of the pavilion item after the Design Review Board meeting that afternoon and that (the drilling) had already started.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

– Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 7, 2023, and Minutes of Special Meeting of November 13, 2023.

 

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1348-A – $257,614.70

 

– Request to Pay – Gilmore & Bell – Invoice #8052257 – Preparation of transcript documents, assembly of transcripts, bond printing, and examination of transcript and rendering approving opinion, in relation to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 for $4,925,000 to the City of Fort Scott Matter No. 600234.2003 – Amount due – $25,000.00.

 

– Change Order No. 3 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water Project – widen west 15th at National for approximately 85 feet to straighten the BOC with the entrance to True Value. Increase of $10,000.00 approved by City Manager 11/15/2023 to ensure continuation of work – B. Matkin

 

– October Financials

 

  1. Wells asked B. Matkin about the Franchise Fees for the cell services. B. Matkin stated that he has researched it and is currently working with the City Attorney on this item.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the addition of Item F for the request to pay EPEC $286,540.20 for the UV upgrade. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH ADDITION OF ITEM F.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Kevin Allen – M. Wells called K. Allen to the podium to speak with no time limit as requested. K. Allen addressed the Commission to request that the City invest in the community by helping financially with his improvements to Aunt Toadies with a grant. He stated that Aunt Toadies is currently the only restaurant on the East side of town. The improvements would be (Phase I) to replace outdated kitchen equipment, (Phase II) renovating the home behind the restaurant to be used for reserved seating area, and (Phase III) to build a Pickleball Court.

 

Discussion was had about options. K. Allen was directed to request the Small Business Incentive Program that will hopefully be approved this evening and hopefully be the first applicant and potential model recipient.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

                                                     

Approval of 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule

  1. Matkin stated that the (2) changes to the current year’s schedule are the addition of a floating holiday and October 14th. M. Guns moved to approve the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule as submitted.           E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

 

Approval of Common Consumption Ordinance for the City of Fort Scott- Historic Downtown District

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3756 Expanding the Common Consumption Area. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3756 EXPANDING THE EXISTING COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA.

 

Approval of amended parking lot lease for DCF building

  1. Harrington moved to accept the first amendment to the lease between Silverrock Ventures LLC and the City of Fort Scott, Kansas. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE BETWEEN SILVERROCK VENTURES LLC AND THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

 

Consideration of bids for window replacements of Gunn Park Shelter Houses 2 & 6 – Tabled from 11-7-2023.

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept the low bid from Home Depot for $8,976.00 without tax and not installed. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM HOME DEPOT FOR $8,976.00.

 

Consideration Small Business Incentive Program – M. Wells

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the program as changed (in the work session). M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM

 

Consideration of approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion

  1. Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION.

 

 

APPEARANCES:

 

Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director addressed the Commission to update that the Proteus Probe was received on November 8th, 2023. A meeting was held for training by Zoom on November 15th, 2023. They have begun using the probe since and collecting data. The results of the probe readings from 11/15/2023, 11/16/2023, 11/18/2023, and 11/22/2023 and an ADM Quantity and Consistency Report from 1/2022 – 9/2023 were distributed to the Commission for discussion.

 

Jason Pickert/Chief of Police addressed the Commission regarding the grant for $18,000.00 that was awarded to purchase body-worn cameras.

 

Shane Lamb addressed the Commission to request an update on his request for abatement of all mowing assessments from his property previously known as The Fort Scott Manor. He stated he is coming before them tonight to get a clear title to close with his bank during the first week of December to begin construction on a 22-unit rental. M. Wells asked if S. Lamb would be able to provide a financial commitment from his bank.  Mr. Lamb agreed. Further discussion was had on previous requirements needed and requested from the Commission.  T. VanHoecke checked the November 15, 2022, minutes for the amount owed that was recorded.  The history of the request was reviewed.  M. Wells stated that if S. Lamb could provide a financial commitment from his bank, he felt confident that we could move forward with waving the special assessment fees.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request to waive the special assessment fees up to $9,000.00 for the Fort Scott Manor property once the required permits are obtained, approval by the Fire Marshall and financial commitment papers are submitted by Shane Lamb. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FEES UP TO $9,000.00 FOR THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY KNOWN AS THE FORT SCOTT MANOR AFTER THE REQUIRED PERMITS ARE OBTAINED AND APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE MARSHALL AND THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT STATEMENT IS RECEIVED BY THE CITY.

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

 

Consideration of City Manager contract –   M. Wells stated that he is happy to inform citizens that the current City Manager, Brad Matkin has acquiesced to the Commission’s request to stay on and help continue to guide our city into the future.   M. Wells stated he is looking for a motion and a second to move forward with the contract to keep Brad here for the foreseeable future.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the revised City Manager contract for Bradley L. Matkin for the City of Fort Scott with the one item that was added which was regarding performance metrics. M. Wells seconded. seconded. T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and M. Wells voted yes.
  2. Harrington and E. Woellhof voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE REVISED CITY MANAGER CONTRACT FOR BRADLEY L. MATKIN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL ITEM PERTAINING TO PERFORMANCE METRICS.

 

Discussion was had between Commissioners regarding the contract.

 

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Danny Craig to the Parks Advisory Board

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Danny Craig for a position on the Parks Advisory Board. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT DANNY CRAIG FOR A (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Consideration of 2023 Christmas Parade Permit

  1. Wells moved to approve the application for the 2023 Christmas Parade Permit. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2023 CHRISTMAS PARADE PERMIT.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 3 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016-2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Final measured quantities – Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection requested approval of the final change order contingent upon CDBG’s approval.  T. VanHoecke moved to accept the change order for the 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer project and the amount of a reduction of $14,727.00.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NUMBER (3) FROM BENNETT, INC. PERTAINING TO FINAL MEASURED QUANTITIES FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT, AND THE REDUCTION OF $14,727.00.

 

Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 6 (Final) – $164,623.89

  1. Guns moved to approve final payment number (6) in the amount of $164,623.89 to Bennett Construction for the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project contingent on the CDBG final approval. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY BENNETT, INC $164,623.89 AS FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT. RELEASE OF PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON FINAL APPROVAL FROM CDBG.

 

  1. Matkin thanked the citizens for their cooperation during the sewer project and stated that Bennett, Inc. is “top-notch” and was great to work with as a contractor with excellent communication. M. Wells and J. Dickman agreed.

 

Consideration to go out for bid of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp – B. Matkin stated that according to the City’s Purchasing Policy, we will need to go out for bids for the boat ramp repair, but it will need to be a short bidding time due to winter weather coming.  B. Farmer stated that bids are not required for this project because it is a maintenance project.  B. Matkin stated he would like to follow the Purchasing Policy and go out for bid.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bid for the Lake Fort Scott boat ramp repair work with bids to be opened in one week and engineered by the contractor. Bid was struck. Commission directed B. Matkin to go out for bids.

 

Consideration to combine CCLIP US-54 Projects – Funds to come from the individual departments.  J. Dickman explained that combining Phase I and Phase II of the project, instead of doing them separately. He stated that the state wants to execute the agreement for Phase I and then the city will apply for Phase II with a supplemental agreement if the Commission agrees to combine the projects. This will push the project to bid in the summer of 2025. J. Dickman stated that the benefit of combining the projects has benefits on the construction side with efficiency, cost, and timing. He explained the future of the project.

 

  1. Wells moved to combine the CCLIP US-54 projects Phase I and Phase II. K. Harrington seconded.

 

APPROVED TO COMBINE THE CCLIP US-54 PROJECTS PHASE I AND PHASE II.

 

Further discussion was had about the benefits of combining the projects.

 

Lake Properties discussion – T. VanHoecke stated that a complaint was made to him and the City Manager from a Lake resident, regarding an individual who was using city-owned property (at the lake) to run a business. Equipment was left parked there and the appearance is not right.  T. VanHoecke went to check out the complaint and there appears to be more than one instance.  He met with the City Attorney for options. T. VanHoecke would like to have the Commission direct the City Manager to work with Earles Engineering to finish surveying (6) lake lots that are currently in progress and then have the Commission consider the properties’ futures. He stated that there are also second-tier properties to consider as well. He suggested that the sale of the lots could possibly be a resource for economic development funds, housing funds, Memorial Hall repair funds and possibly take some of the work off city crews who are maintaining those spaces. He asked the Commission to think about it and possibly bring it back to discussion at the next meeting. He also asked the Commission to support having Earles Engineering complete the surveying of (6) lots already in progress to determine what to do with all the land that is at the lake and not currently benefiting the city.

 

Further discussion was had about the history of the lake properties and considerations to keep in mind, sewer requirements and possible violations, annexation, and Lake Fund usage.  J. Dickman commented on lake lots and options for the Commission’s consideration.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the room and returned.

 

  1. Woellhof left the room and returned.

 

City Manager comments

Engineer’s comments

Commissioner comments

City Attorney’s comments

 

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM

 

Next Meeting:

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda of the Fort Scott City Commission for December 5

Leave a comment

                                            

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

December 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  M. Wells

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 21, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1349-A – $573,833.97
  4. Request to Pay – EPEC – Invoice #11202301 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade – $537,301.70
  5. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 – 17th & Eddy Stormwater Improvements – Payment Application No. 7, period ending 11/13/2023 – $17,778.77
  6. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 –    $172,482.75
  7. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – South Industrial Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1,     period ending 11/29/2023 – $119,472.30
  8. Approval of Ordinance No. 3757 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3597 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121
  9. Approval of Ordinance No. 3758 – AN ORDINANCE SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3755 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030
  10. I. Approval of Ordinance No. 3759 – AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.100 AND 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3596
  11. Public Comment:   Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Advisory Boards Update – B. Matkin
  2. Lake Property Continued Discussion – T. VanHoecke

 

VII.    Appearances:

  1. Christin and Chad Young from Lawrence, KS – Request to hold Tent Revival Event at Memorial Hall
  2. Seth Needham – Cub Scout Pack 114 Soapbox Derby – Good Ol’ Days 2024
  3. Kirk Sharp – Kansas Museum Conference 2024
  4.  New Business: 
  5. Consideration of Water Crane rates for 2024
  6. Consideration of CD bids for reinvestment
  7. Consideration of 2024 MOU – IT Support for City of Fort Scott – Shared Services with Bourbon County
  8. Consideration of January 2, 2024, and January 16, 2024, City Commission Meetings

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:
  2.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjournment:

 

Next regular meeting scheduled:  Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 6:00PM

Obituary

Obituary of Cathy Killion

1 Comment

Cathy Jean Killion, age 73, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born March 22, 1950, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

Cathy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  Because Cathy’s dad owned and operated the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, she was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  She trained to be an emergency medical technician and also a certified nurse’s aide.  She was employed for a time with Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott

.  She married the love of her life, John Wayne Killion on August 15, 1970, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.  Cathy worked for a short time at Key Industries prior to the birth of her twins.  She later worked for fifteen years at Wal-Mart.  She later returned to Mercy Hospital where she worked in outpatient scheduling.  She retired from Mercy in 2010 after twenty-two years of service.  Cathy enjoyed gardening, baking and cooking.  She also taught herself how to crochet left-handed.  Since moving to the Medicalodge, Cathy enjoyed coloring, doing crafts and playing Bingo.  She was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; three children, Mike Killion (Diane) of Springfield, Missouri, Bob Killion (Mindy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Lori Westhoff (Ron) of Assaria, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Seth Killion, Andy Killion (Abby), Trevor Killion, Hannah Killion, Coleman Westhoff (Maggie), Carter Westhoff, Cooper Westhoff, Caitlyn Killion (Frank), Chelsea Killion and Hunter Killion; four great-grandchildren, Ember, Kaisley, John and Dominic.  Also surviving are her brother, David Watkins, Sr. (Teresa) and a brother-in-law, Tom Killion all of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Cricket.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, her step-mother, Violet Watkins and in-laws, James and Mary Killion.

 

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Youth

CASA Christmas Celebration is December 8

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County CASA…..

Change a Child’s Story!

You are cordially invited to a

Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA

Friday, December 8th 2023

Mitch and Colleen Quick’s Residence

2086 Justice Road

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

7:00-9:00pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and full bar provided

Giving Levels

Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsor

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor

$1,000 per person and over

Mail your selected giving level to:

Bourbon County CASA

PO Box 146

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

Click here to RSVP, please RSVP by

Friday, December 1st.

Contact CASA Director Christa Horn with any questions or for more information 620-215-2769.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government, Kansas

Recommendations From Kansas Wildlife Task Force

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Receives Final Report and Recommendations from Wildfire Task Force

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force has submitted its final report summarizing and providing recommendations on how to improve the systems, procedures, and personnel that make up the state’s oversight of wildfire events.

In July 2022, Governor Laura Kelly appointed a group of leaders from across the state to serve as the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force to create recommendations for how Kansas communities can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires.

“I created this Task Force last year because Kansas has been devastated by wildfires far too many times, and it was clear we needed to take a deeper look at how we prevent and respond to these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the comprehensive recommendations Secretary Beam and the Wildfire Task Force have provided, and I look forward to working together to better support Kansans before, during, and after wildfires.”

The Task Force was chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and included representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations that have played an active role in responding to wildfires across the state, along with several state legislators.

“I have appreciated the candid, yet cordial, exchange of concerns and suggestions among the Task Force members,” said Secretary Beam. “It’s obvious to me the entities involved in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery have enhanced their collaborations and partnerships in recent years, and they are committed to taking further steps to strengthen the state’s wildfire resilience.”

The Task Force report is organized into three sections: Mitigation and Prevention, Response, and Recovery. In the Mitigation and Prevention section, the Task Force examines the efforts in place to monitor fire risk, major contributors to the fire risk across the state, and work that is underway to mitigate that risk. The Response section examines the response plans and systems in place locally and statewide and how they could be strengthened. The Recovery section examines the strategies for long-term recovery following a wildfire event.

Recommendations include expanding efforts to reduce fuel loads, improving weather monitoring, increasing resources for local fire departments, and enhancing funding for firefighting equipment. Many recommendations focus on the importance of mitigation strategies, recognizing it as a shared responsibility that will require collaboration between public and private landowners. The Task Force also recognized the significant role of volunteer firefighters and the challenges local communities face in recruiting and retaining these volunteers.

State officials will now determine next steps for implementing Task Force’s recommendations.

The full report can be found here or at agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Sunshine Boutique on November 30

Leave a comment

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Sunshine Boutique

Thursday, November 30th

8am

18 E. Wall

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 30th at 8 a.m. hosted by Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St.

Sunshine Boutique celebrated forty-two years of business in the Downtown Historic District on October 18th. Georgia Brown, her granddaughter Rilie Creollo, and team offer unique and quality items including whole bean coffees and fresh teas, candles, bath & body, apparel, home decor, tuxedo rentals, and floral services. Georgia Brown is a legacy in Fort Scott, and we are so excited to announce that she will be the Grand Marshal for the Candy Land Christmas Parade this Thursday night at 6pm. Join us Thursday to see what Georgia, Rilie, and team have new in-store for great gifts and stocking stuffers!

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Click here for their Facebook Page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Obituary

Obituary of Karen Kellenberger

5 Comments

Karen Joy (Geyer) Kellenberger, age 69, died peacefully at home November 21, 2023, surrounded by family and hymns of heaven, after a six-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Karen was born September 13, 1954, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Wiegand) Geyer.

Karen married the love of her life, Ricky Kellenberger, on December 30, 1972. Shortly after, they gave their hearts to Jesus and joined the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha, KS, and have served the Lord together the past 51 years.

Over the next 9 years of Veterinary Medical School, and then Medical School, she accompanied her husband to Manhattan, KS, Normal, Ill, McHenry Ill, Oak Forest, Ill, Carson City, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and Emmetsburg, IA.

Karen worked constantly at different jobs in different cities until the birth of her first child.  Rick has always acknowledged that he would not have gotten through the many years of schooling without Karen’s financial and emotional support.

She stood by Rick through 9 years of education, and 43 years of medical practice, enabling him to care for his patients.

Everywhere they lived, they were active in their church.  In 1985 they settled for 19 years in the West Bend, IA area where Rick worked as a rural family doctor.  Karen raised their 5 children while managing the Dairy Queen Rick and Karen built in Emmetsburg, IA.   Everyone that knew Karen recognized her as a dedicated hard worker with a friendly smile.

Karen and Rick returned to Kansas in 2000, initially living in Stillwell, KS.  In 2001, they moved to Fort Scott to establish a private general practice near their daughter.  They purchased a small farm and Karen thrived in her new role as a farm wife and loved to watch the sunset over their ponds.

Karen brought a passion for music, especially in bringing glory to God. She taught herself guitar and loved to play for family singing events over the years. She also obtained her private pilot’s license to add a safety factor while flying with Rick. She and Rick enjoyed many Canadian and Minnesota fishing trips, some of which included flying.

Karen had a strong sense of humor and soft heart for any person or animal that was hurting. She ended up with many feral cats, as she fed each stray cat. She was a great listener and affirmer, and made each person feel special when listening. She loved to sing at church events and sang at every opportunity.

In addition to her Savior, her dearest joy was her family.   She diligently attended all events involving her grandchildren.  She read books, played games, and invested in knowing every grandchild, including her most recent granddaughter, Juliana.

She will be missed not only by her husband Rick, but by her children/spouses Robin (Justin) Moser of Redondo Beach, CA, Kent (Kelsey) of Lenexa, Kansas, Kristi (Trent) Banwart of Fort Scott, Amber (Ryan) Lewis of Fort Scott, and Ryan (Adrienne) of Fort Scott, as well as her brothers Roger (Melanie) Geyer, Dale (Barb) Geyer, and Walter (Bonnie) Geyer. Her 18 grandchildren (Cody, Garrett, and Natalie Moser; Ellieana and Juliana Kellenberger; Benjamin, Josiah, Noelle, Chloe, Anika, and Ezra Banwart; Micah, Owen, Hannah, and Cooper Lewis; and Calvin, Ainsley, and Claire Kellenberger) will miss her dearly.

Yet they celebrate her faith as Christians themselves.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, December 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3rd at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas and a graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 4th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School or to the Apostolic Christian Harvest Call and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Government, Kansas

State Seeks Input on New License Plate Design

1 Comment

Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate

~~Rescinds License Plate Proposal, Will Establish Public Input Process~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Department of Revenue will pause production on the license plate design revealed last Wednesday and create a process to receive public input before selecting a final design.

“I promised to be a bipartisan governor, and I think we can all admit – I succeeded at bringing Kansans across the political aisle together in disliking this new license plate,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I’ve heard you loud and clear. Elected officials should be responsive to their constituents, which is why we are adjusting the process so Kansans can provide direct input on our state’s next license plate.”

One of the challenges of designing a license plate is meeting the primary reason license plates exist: to be clear and easy to read. Kansans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design among several that follow guidelines that comply with the needs of law enforcement entities and best practices established by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, including:

  • License plate numbers will be seven (7) digits.
  • Any phrase, motto, or slogan must be placed at the bottom of the license plate.
  • Any graphic must be placed on the right or left side of the license plate number.
  • Graphics must not resemble letters, numbers, or special characters in a way that would interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • Background design must not interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • The license plate must have a light background behind the license plate number, and the license plate number must be black.

The Governor’s Office will share more details on license plate options, the voting process, and how this announcement impacts the transition from embossed to print-on-demand plates soon.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Bourbon County, Business

Rural Development Grant Will Impact Small Businesses

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed
Funding from a new $154,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant will allow The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to help create jobs, save jobs, and give local and regional small businesses a better chance at success.

The work will be done through The Center for Economic Growth, a program of The HBCAT. The grant activities will focus primarily on Fort Scott, but will include Allen, Crawford, and Linn counties in educational events and engagement.

The grant will directly impact small businesses like The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, owned by Teri Hamilton, who will work with the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center — a partner of The HBCAT and The CEG — to add three full-time employees in the next two years with a long-term goal of adding 20 employees. Assistance also will include a marketing plan and website.

And, like The Shire Farm LLC, owned by Bradie and Noah Terry, who will develop a business wholesale agreement with a local restaurant, creating two full-time jobs and the potential to expand to include others.

Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store, has been a staple in Bourbon County for many years, and the grant will help the center work with Krista Hulbert to purchase it, saving 4.5 full-time employees and creating an additional full-time job.

Samantha Rogers, who is in her early 20s and running her first business — The Baby Stitch — will work with the center to apply for additional capital so that she can move her online boutique to a physical location. Her plans are to have four full-time employees.

 

“These are just a few examples of the many local small businesses this grant will give us the opportunity to help,” said Rachel Carpenter, executive director of The HBCAT.

 

Providing technical assistance is important to the success of small business, noted Carpenter.

 

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of the second year, 30 percent of businesses will have failed. By the end of the fifth year, about half will have failed. And by the end of the decade, only 30 percent of businesses will remain — a 70 percent failure rate.

“Studies also show that those who receive counseling on business plans and financial strategies are more likely to report positive outcomes and overall survival,” she said. “Having such support services through the SBDC will mean the rate of successful businesses in Bourbon County is bound to increase.”

President and CEO Jody Hoener noted that the county has a high poverty rate and many barriers that prevent a resident from being successful at keeping a small business open and creating wealth for their family.

 

“This grant will help connect clients with financial resources such as loans, gap financing, education, training, and more,” she said.

The grant also will benefit the local and regional community by increasing the number of days the PSU SBDC serves the Fort Scott area from one day per week to three. The PSU SBDC provides customized training and consulting services to help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency, and build their market base.

And, the grant will help The HBCAT offer a central location for interviews, business meetings, and general business needs.

“Providing local businesses with expertise and guidance, especially in these very turbulent times, has shown to be a critical resource to increasing the number of business start-ups and number of available quality jobs,” said Hoener.

Total Capital Injection since October 2020, $3,318,637.28.

 

Other partners taking an active part in the grant include Southeast Kansas KANSASWorks and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

About The HBCAT

The mission of The HBCAT 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.

Learn more at HBCAT.org. Find HBCAT on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyBBCo/

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

b. Exceptions to Including the Full USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Community Christmas Light Contest

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

announces Christmas Light Contest sponsored by Niece Products!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents, and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays.

Niece Products is sponsoring the Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:

Residential : 1st/$100, 2nd/$75, 3rd/$50

Top Business: $100

Top Neighborhood: $100

Other contest details:

  • Lights should be in place by Dec. 5th and judging will take place between the 11th and 13th.
  • Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considers for contest
  • Those wanting to ensure their property or someone else’s judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name, and phone number
  • Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view.

The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season. For more information contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 or by email at [email protected].
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701