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Area News, Government

Increased Patrol on Hwy. 69 Starts Today

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Expect increased traffic enforcement on Safety Corridors

Drivers will notice increased activity by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol along four designated Kansas Safety Corridors beginning in mid-September. The increase is part of the continuing efforts being implemented to reduce fatalities and serious injuries along the corridors.

These agencies are working to save lives by deterring dangerous driving behaviors including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving as well as occupant protection violations.

The four corridors under the Safety Corridor Pilot Program include:

  • I-135: Sedgwick and Harvey counties, from 53rd Street in Park City to Exit 34 in North Newton.
  • U.S. 24: Pottawatomie County, from St. Marys west to Manhattan.
  • U.S. 83/50: Finney County, from Plymell north through Garden City and west to the Holcomb exit.
  • U.S. 69: Crawford County, from the U.S. 400 junction north through Frontenac and Pittsburg to the U.S. 160 junction.

The five-year Safety Corridor Pilot Program is a strategic initiative of the Drive To Zero (DTZ) Coalition, which is a partnership comprised of state and professional organizations whose mission is to have zero traffic fatalities. The Safety Corridors were selected based on a history of fatal and serious injury crashes, availability of additional law enforcement and input from local transportation safety partners.

From 2016 to 2021, over 500 crashes occurred on these corridors resulting in 35 deaths and 68 serious injuries. For more information, visit the corridor website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/safetycorridor.asp.

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Bourbon County, Fair, Youth

Austin Maycumber Places in Photography at KS State Fair

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Austin Maycumber. Submitted photo.

Southwind Extension District 4-H members from Bourbon and Neosho Counties competed on Sunday, September 10 at the Kansas State Fair Photography Judging Contest in Hutchinson.

In the intermediate age group Austin Maycumber, Bourbon County, placed 32nd, and  Jackson Han, Neosho County, placed 33rd and in the state.

They were accompanied by their coach Terri Kretzmeier.

Fort Scott, Government

City Commission Agenda for Sept. 19

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. 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.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5, 2023
to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for Special City Commission Meeting on Sept. 14

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 14, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: T. Van Hoecke
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV: New Business:
A. Consideration of Bids for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street Repair – J. Dickman
B. Consideration of Proposal for Inspection for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street – J. Dickman
C. Consideration of Approval of (2) Beer Gardens for Fort Fest 2023 –
September 30, 2023 – Riverfront Park – B. Matkin or Cory Bryars
XI. Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:

Government, Kansas

Fort Scott to Receive Highway Geometric Improvement in the Amount of $1,500,000 

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Governor Kelly Announces 27 Cities to Receive $22M for Highway Improvements

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 27 cities across Kansas will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).

“My administration is committed to preserving and improving Kansas highways by investing transportation dollars in the projects where they can do the most good,” said Governor Kelly. “Thanks to our increasingly solid financial footing at the state and federal levels, Kansas is finding ways to solve problems and bring resources directly to communities across the state.”

KDOT was able to increase CCLIP funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026.

Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program. Local matching funds are required based on city population.

In total for this CCLIP cycle, KDOT received 60 applications requesting $53 million.

“Pooling resources is an excellent way for cities to maximize the benefits of additional funding for local transportation investments,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Investing in highways that also serve as city streets is a huge benefit to communities to improve safety and create a better environment for business activity.”

CCLIP projects can be submitted in three categories: Surface Preservation, which involves maintenance work such as resurfacing; Pavement Restoration, which includes full-depth pavement replacement and possibly drainage issues; and Geometric Improvement, which addresses turn lanes, intersection improvements, or modifications to lane configurations.

For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:

  • Abilene – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Atchison – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Colby – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Council Grove – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Emporia – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Harper – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Larned – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Leavenworth – Surface Restoration, $400,000
  • Lyons – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Stockton – Pavement Restoration, $700,000
  • Winfield – Surface Preservation, $400,000

For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:

  • Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Ellsworth – Geometric Improvement, $1,100,000
  • Emporia – Geometric Improvement, $1,200,000
  • Fort Scott – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
  • Girard – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
  • Hoisington – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
  • Lakin – Pavement Restoration, $1,400,000
  • Meade – Pavement Restoration, $1,300,000
  • Ness City – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
  • Pittsburg – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
  • Russell – Pavement Restoration, $1,000,000
  • Sedan – Pavement Restoration, $1,250,000
  • Wamego – Pavement Restoration, $650,000
  • Westwood – Pavement Restoration, $400,000
  • Yates Center – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000

 A map of these CCLIP projects is available here.

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Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK’s CareVan Transportation Program Expands to Bourbon County

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Bourbon County residents now have additional access to transportation through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas CareVan program.

The ride service officially will roll out on Sept. 15, with a van featuring an accessible wheelchair lift designed to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities. Plans call to increase the
number of vehicles as they become available.

The project is funded by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.

Ride services are available 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Rides are scheduled by calling 833-228-7433. There is no charge to
patients for the service. Donations to the program are accepted.

“In rural communities, we understand that transportation is critical to an individual’s independence, so we do our best to get residents where they need to go,” says Dee Yount, CHC/SEK’s Transportation Program Manager. “We provide in-county trips to doctor’s
appointments, grocery shopping, work locations, social outings, and more, we want to remove the barriers that the lack of transportation can cause so our communities have every opportunity to thrive.”

Although CareVan provides rides to anyone in need of transportation services, Yount reminds potential riders that unlike an on-demand taxi service, reservations must be made and rides are
available on a first come, first served basis.

Riders who need additional support when traveling receive help from trained drivers who will escort riders with door-through-door service, Yount says. Dispatch and drivers are trained to provide more than just safe transportation, but positive social interactions and sense of community with each ride, Yount added. “Our mission is to provide our guests and the communities we serve with dignity, respect and compassion,” he says.

Obituary

Obituary of Ida Rae Davis

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Ida Rae Davis, 82, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Sunday evening, September 3, 2023. She was born July 13, 1941, in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Wilbur Joseph Staten and Elnore Belle (Hays) Staten. Ida married Raymond McIntosh and he preceded her in death. She later married Dave Davis who also preceded her in death.

Ida is survived by her children, Donald McIntosh, Daniel McIntosh, both of Fort Scott, David McIntosh, Buffalo, Kansas, and Cecil McIntosh, of Kansas; and three sisters, Judith Marie Staten, Patricia Sue Staten, both of Nathrop, Colorado, and Carolyn Ann McIntosh, of Hutchinson, Kansas; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Major General Kenneth Eugene Staten.

Following cremation, the family will hold private interment services at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest is September 21

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Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Fall Fest late-night shopping event featuring horse-drawn hayrack rides, live music, drawings and more will take place Thursday, September 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm in the Downtown Historic District.

 

Stores will have festive offerings such as pumpkin snacks, hot cider, and a pumpkin passport to submit for a chance to win a Chamber Bucks gift certificate.  Participating retailers include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Brickstreet BBQ, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Museum of Creativity, Papa Don’s Pizza, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.

 

Special activities planned by participating stores and Chamber include the following:

  • Horse-drawn hayrack rides will be offered complimentary by Steve and Marci Williams starting at the Depot parking lot at Wall and Scott Streets. The trailer holds 20-24 people at a time and each ride will take a 15-20 minute loop around Downtown.
  • The Fort Scott High School Orchestra will play from 6-7pm at the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park.
  • Angie Dawn’s Boutique will have a “guess the number of candy corn” to win a $50 gift certificate.
  • Bids & Dibs will have a fall photo backdrop and sponsor a scarecrow art contest for children.
  • Brickstreet BBQ will have DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival performing live on their patio from 5pm-8pm.
  • Museum of Creativity will have a fall-themed cookie decoration table for $1 per person plus horse-drawn hayrack rides starting at the Depot across from the Chamber.
    The Artificers will have hot spiced cider along with a drawing for a certificate to attend their “Harvest Pumpkin Class”.
  • The Wagon Roadies will be selling pumpkins at Wall and Main Streets.

 

The Chamber also announces a Scarecrow Contest is underway with the deadline to turn in entries of September 20th.  Key Industries is sponsoring the contest with gift certificates for the top three individual or family entries, and the top business winner will receive one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the year.  More details on the contest may be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page or fortscott.com.

 

Downtown Fall Fest offers fun for all to get out and support local while taking in the season, finding some great deals, and seeing what’s new in apparel and holiday décor.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Riverfront Park on Sept. 14

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

Care to Share

Thursday, September 14th

8am

400 N. National

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee Thursday, September 14th at 8am hosted by Care to Share Cancer Support Group at Riverfront Park located at 400 North National Ave. Coffee and snacks from Papa Don’s along with

Twigs and Berries will be available.

Care to Share Cancer Support Group began in 2007 with the mission statement, “Caring and Sharing with our local cancer fighters and their families”. In 2022, Care to Share was able to financially help 1274 times totaling $97,137 all within Bourbon, Crawford, and Linn County! Care to Share Board Members along with FortFest Planning committee members will be sharing details of their upcoming event FortFest23 which is held on September 29th & 30th and Riverfront Park. This two-day event includes a Friday night street dance with two live bands and Saturday from 12-9 with four live bands, a car show, over 40 arts/crafts vendors, food and drinks, and so much more! Admission is free and all ages are welcome! For more information, please visit facebook.com/FortScottFortFest.

Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.

 

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