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Fort Scott, Government

FS Planning Commission Meets May 10

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The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, May 10th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for the property at 124 S. Judson Street; a change of zoning from A-G (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 Jayhawk Road; and a change of zoning from R-1 (Residential) to I-1 (Industrial) for the property at 310 N. National Avenue.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Kansas

Veterans: Explore Creative Arts Career

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Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission to hold webinar series for military artists

TOPEKA – The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) will present a virtual Artist INC Express workshop for military servicemembers, veterans and their family/caregivers living in Kansas who want to explore career options in creative arts industries.

The Artist INC Express workshop will introduce Kansas military members and veterans to career options in the creative arts sector. These highly interactive sessions will provide resources and an understanding of numerous career pathways in arts professions. Workshop sections include writing about your work, building a personal brand, goal setting and more.

“KCAIC specializes in high-quality professional development programs, and this particular workshop will provide an incredible opportunity for our military and veteran community in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Their experiences and perspectives are welcome and needed in creating meaningful, expressive art that enriches communities and lives. I strongly urge military servicemembers, veterans and their families to participate in this valuable and interesting workshop to discover and explore ways to engage in the arts industry.”

Artist INC Express is sponsored by KCAIC in partnership with the Arts Council of Johnson County and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University.

“The Artist INC program has a proven track record of connecting creatives in all disciplines to the resources and networks necessary to build a successful practice,” KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said. “This workshop will provide critical skills to members of the military community who wish to pursue a career in the creative sector, build professional relationships, and continue service to their community through personal experience and creative expression.”

The workshops will be facilitated by experienced Artist INC peer professionals Erin McGrane, Chris Dahlquist and Erica Iman. Participants will have access to networking opportunities in discussions and activities with the artists and facilitators.

Dates and times:

  • Friday, May 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register for the workshop, click here.

This 3-day workshop is for veterans, military servicemembers and their family/caregivers living in Kansas. Registration is required, however, admission to the workshop is free. All participants must be at least 18 years old and attend all three days. Seats are limited to 20.

Priority registration ends at midnight on Sunday, May 16.

The workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will be highly interactive. Registrants must have a microphone and camera-enabled computer or iPad/smart tablet or smart phone, along with a strong internet connection.

For additional questions, please contact Kathy Liao at [email protected]

To learn more about the KCAIC webinar for military artists, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of May 5

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

May 5, 2021

  1. Welcome: Twelve members representing twelve agencies joined the Zoom meeting. Billie Jo Drake shared that the Coalition Board was able to approve 31 applications for the family swim pass program. She also shared that the Coalition Board had received a $6,000 donation from the Key Charitable Trust to be used for the swim pass program and rent/utility assistance. The number of requests for rent/utility assistance has been down the past few months, no doubt, due to the government programs for Covid.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Holly, Healthy Home Start: There will be a drive-through community baby shower on May 12 beginning a 10:00 a.m. at the health department, 524 S. Lowman. Holly can be reached at 417-661-0308 for additional information.
  • Elizabeth, Feeding Families: This program continues to serve meals to approximately 300 people each Wednesday evening.
  • Sandy, RSVP: She has enrolled several volunteers from the High Rise; she is in need of service projects. She does have Hallmark bags available.
  • Nancy, American Red Cross: Red Cross needs volunteers. Information and sign-up options can be found on the Red Cross website.
  • Allen, Compassionate Ministries: He has been able to help a number of people, including two Covid cases, with housing. He has also received a large donation of queen-sized bedding that needs to be disbursed to those who are in need.
  • Mandy, Healthy Families: They have programs for children aged 3 months to five years; she will be starting a parent support group later this month.
  • John, Thrive Allen County: Signs are all ready for the Prairie Spirit Trail – the safest way to bike from Fort Scott to Iola. He will be working to place signs soon.
  • Dena, DCCCA: DCCCA will be offering a summer youth conference for middle and high school students June 1-15; sessions will be student-led. May 9-15 is Substance Abuse Awareness week. This month’s Third Thursday Prevention topic will be “Marijuana and updated Legislation.”
  • Christine, Southeast Kansas Works: The Pittsburg office is now open with access by way of a doorbell. They are closed from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for lunch. Christine is also continuing to be in Fort Scott at the BWERC building one day each week. She will be here Friday this week and then begin coming on Mondays.
  • Cinda, Red Cross: The recent blood drive in Fort Scott was not as large as usual; Red Cross now requires appointments to be made online, and calling only comes from the office in Wichita. The next drive in Fort Scott will be held in June.
  • Alice, SEKCAP Head Start: The home-based program works with children from prenatal through five; there is currently no waiting list.
  1. Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
  1. Open Forum: Following discussion, the consensus was that the June 2 meeting will be a hybrid meeting. We will provide the Zoom link; in addition, we will meet in person at the community room at the High Rise, 315 Scott Avenue.

Nancy mentioned that the Good ‘Ole Days celebration will be held this year in Fort Scott.

  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be June 2, 2021.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At The Nu Grille May 6

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Join us for this weeks Chamber Coffee hosted by
Nu Grille Restaurant
24 N. National Ave.
8 am
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE!
In May 2021, Nu Grille Restaurant is celebrating its 15-year anniversary at the downtown Fort Scott location under the ownership of John & Cindy Bowman.
And, 75 years of business
for the restaurant overall!
Come join us for coffee, biscuits & gravy,
cinnamon rolls and a door prize drawing!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
5/13 ~ Billiard, Hammer, Hartman Insurance Agency
5/20 ~ KOMB FM 103.9 & 98.3
5/27 ~ FSHS Strength & Performance Program
6/3 ~ Good Ol Days -Celebrating 40th Year!
6/10 ~ Sharky’s Pub & Grub ~ Celebrating 10 Years!
6/17 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm
Area News

Safehouse Crisis Center Available For Victims

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Safehouse Crisis Center is continuing to accept victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Human Trafficking into our shelter.

If you are working with or know anyone in need of shelter, please contact 620-231-8251.

If you are working with or know anyone who does not want shelter but would like outreach services, please contact 620-231-8692.

Some of our outreach services include protection order assistance, Court accompaniment, safety planning, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, information on victim rights/victimization, helping navigate through the systems, etc.

If you have any questions about our services or would like more information, call our office number at 620-231-8692.

All of our services are completely free, and  are ready to assist anyone 24/7.

—

Submitted by Megan Rogers

Victim Advocate

Safehouse Crisis Center

1-620-231-8692

Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting May 4

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  3. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 20th, 2021 and special meeting of April 27th, 2021 and amended minutes of April 6th, 2021.

  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1287-A totaling $270,376.88.

  3. Certificate of Appropriateness – Unsung Heroes Park sign murals

  4. Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $7,335.00-River Intake Project

  5. Approval of Cereal Malt Temporary Beverage License – Good Ol’ Days – Beer Tent – June 4th & 5th, 2021

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments

  1. Director Update: Allyson Turvey-Smart Growth/T-Mobile Update

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Emilie Zalfini – NLC Presentation

Shaun O’Brien – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:

Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue

     Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street

     Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street

     Wall Street from National to Scott

     First Street from National to Scott Street

     Second Street from National to Scott Street

     Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza

     Heritage Park at corner of First and Main

     Parking lot behind Heritage Park

     Parking lot at corner of Third and Main

     Parking lot at Second and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott

     Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library

     Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

     Old Fort Blvd – South side from National to alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

Skubitz Plaza – (No special set up for event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on east bound from Main.  All closed Thursday and Friday.

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – 10 N National – Allow residential living on the first floor

  2. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – $1,914.00

  3. Consideration of Curbside Pickup Program

  4. Consideration of RFQ’s – Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering

  5. Discussion of Proposed and Recommended Deed Restrictions from Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee

  6. Consideration to purchase mini-excavator

XI. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIII. Adjournment:

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: David Prickett

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Free Friday Night Concerts are sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by Ralph Carlson. The event is usually at First and Main Streets, Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, the event is moved to indoor venues.

Each Friday evening at the Heritage Pavilion in downtown Fort Scott live music performances are offered to the community from 7 to 8 p.m.

 

“This week’s featured artist will be David Prickett on guitar and vocal,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer, said. “David made his career in Alaska, moving back to Deerfield Missouri upon retiring. David has a wide range of music, from gospel, Hymns, classic country, and old standards. David has been a great supporter of our Chamber of Commerce music series and it is a real pleasure to get him back.”

“In addition, another regular contributor will be Floyd Feezell, a local native who made a career in California and Washington states,” Carlson said.  “Floyd has been a regular at the pavilion since his retirement and return to the area. Floyd also does a mixture of music including hymns, classic country traditional and gospel”.

In the event of bad weather, the event will move to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.

Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Register For Town-Wide Garage Sale May 5 at Chamber

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SPRING
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
MAY 7TH & 8TH, 2021
IN FORT SCOTT!
FORT SCOTT BUSINESSES!
CALL THE CHAMBER AT 620.223.3566 TO GET YOUR AD ON THE MAP!
ADVERTISEMENT INCLUDES:
KOMB FM 103.9 RADIO, FS TRIBUNE, THE CHAMBER WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, AND ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Email Art & AD information: [email protected]
Government, Kansas

Kansas April Tax Receipts Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces April Tax Receipts

~April receipts show $91.3 million more than estimated~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas saw a $91.3 million, or 10.2%, growth over the estimated tax receipt with $982.4 million in total tax collections during the month of April. That is $404.3 million, or 69.9%, better than last year. This increase is due, in part, to businesses having opened back up compared to the same month last year.

“Our April tax collection numbers are encouraging, but we must maintain fiscally-responsible policies as we continue to recover from COVID-19 to ensure our continued growth,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

With federal stimulus money, federal tax refunds, and state tax refunds getting into the pockets of Kansans, retail sales and compensating use tax collections were more than the estimate. Retail sales tax collections were $236.5 million; a 9.5%, or $20.5 million, growth from the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were $59.2 million; up $13.3 million, or 29.0%, for the month.

In addition to changing consumer purchasing patterns, another contributing factor to the increase in compensating use tax collections is the fact that more out-of-state businesses are registering with the state to collect and remit taxes that are due and owing.

Individual income tax collections are $26.5 million, or 5.8%, more than the estimate with $487.3 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $152.8 million; a 23.9%, or $29.4 million growth from the estimate.

To view a complete breakdown of April tax receipts, click here.

Area News, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID-19 Health Challenges Persist For Many

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Cognition and Swallowing Among the Common Challenges Persisting for Many Americans After COVID-19

Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help Patients Regain Health and Quality of Life, NRMC Expert Stresses During Better Hearing & Speech Month

With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing “long-haul” symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, Nevada Regional Medical Center speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is encouraging the public to seek care from qualified experts who can help them regain their functioning and quality of life. Wydick is sharing this message in recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19,” said Wydick. “From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.”

How They Help

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:

• Cognition

Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.

• Swallowing

People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.

• Communication

People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.

People who have severe speech and/or language difficulties may need to find other ways to answer questions or tell people what they want, such as through gesturing with their hands, pointing to letters or pictures on a paper or board, or using a computer. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLPs help find the appropriate AAC method to meet an individual’s needs.

Where to Find Care

SLPs work in settings that include hospitals, long- and short-term care facilities, private practices, and patients’ homes. Many SLPs are also providing their services via telehealth at this time. If you or a loved one are experiencing communication challenges, Wydick recommends letting your doctor know.

For more information, Vernon County and area residents can contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790, or visit www.asha.org/public.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Restaurants: Apply For Revitalization Grants

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Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansas Restaurants Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants

~Revitalization Fund Grants will boost hospitality industry and aid continued economic recovery~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today urged Kansas restaurants and eligible businesses in the hospitality industry to apply for federal funding through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Registration for the RRF began on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 8 AM CT and applications will open on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11 AM CT.

“These RRF grants will boost our hospitality industry and aid our continued economic recovery as we get our state back to normal,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for this program and thank the SBA for their partnership to provide relief for Kansas businesses.”

The SBA will be co-hosting a webinar for Kansas businesses with the Governor’s Office of Recovery, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, May 5 at 9 AM CT. Learn more about the webinar at https://covid.ks.gov/rrf/.

“Restaurants are vital to our state’s hospitality sector, and this program exists solely to help them,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Hospitality businesses have been incredibly resilient through this historic and unprecedented challenge, and restaurants have had to be creative to get through the storm. This program is a lifeline for them, and I would encourage all Kansas restaurant owners who need help to take full advantage.”

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Entities eligible for the RRF include:

  • Restaurants;
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts;
  • Caterers;
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns;
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars;
  • Additional entities if onsite food or beverage sales are at least 33% of gross receipts (e.g. Bakeries, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries and/or microbreweries, Wineries and distilleries, Inns).

“Restaurants and the food service industry are critical to the economic wellbeing of our communities,” said Michael Barrera, District Director, SBA-KC District. “Restaurants are gathering places for our cities and towns and are where many milestones and everyday conversations take place in our lives. The RRF will help keep these ‘centers of influence’ going and we here at the SBA look forward to working with our Kansas partners to make this program a Kansas success!”

“The RRF provides critical support to restaurants, food trucks, small caterers, coffee shops and other food service companies hit hard by the pandemic,” said Wayne Bell, District Director, SBA-Wichita District. “We want Kansas small businesses to be fully prepared for this opportunity.”

“As we look toward the future, it is crucial that we support the restaurant industry in every way we can,” said Ryan Wills, Kansas Department of Commerce Hospitality Industry Liaison. “Food service organizations provide nourishment to our community not just through food, but also through fellowship. They are essential to our economic vitality, and the Department of Commerce is looking forward to the RRF providing much needed relief to businesses across our great state.”

Learn more about the RRF and apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.