This is our new asphalt emulsion storage tank that was delivered yesterday to the public works facility. It is a 7,000 gallon tank that will handle a tanker load of material. It is a companion tool to work with our Total Patcher machine.
This will allow us to make our own asphalt for our SSMP and for filling potholes. This is the new norm for making street and highway repairs and it includes the latest technology in the development of asphalt emulsions.
We will have at our hands, the binder necessary for 250 tons of asphalt that will be heated and constantly agitated for proper care of the emulsion. It will also save us 24 trips to the plant in KC with our truck and patching machine…. that is 24 days of patching instead of driving to KC and back without the cost of transporting the material.
This tanker will put repairs in our hands, instead of an asphalt plant, and at a much cheaper price.
I am very proud and thankful to the governing body for making this purchase.
The tank is being paid for with sales tax revenue. The tank was ordered in March, but as with everything these days, delays caused by material and labor shortages resulted in it just now arriving. It is too late in the season to fill the tank, but it will be erected and ready to go for next season.
Nice thought, but sometimes you have to look pretty hard for that lining. Take last week, when Dave and I decided to take our tandem kayak on an early morning, fun excursion around the lake. We had not kayaked for three years, so we went over our check list several times.
Look at the weather report. Check
Key to unlock the padlock that connected the kayak to our dock. Check
Waterproof case for my phone. Check
Pedaling flippers for navigation. Check
Oars. Check.
Seats that attach to the kayak frame. Check
Life jackets. Check
Fishing pole and lure. Check
Let the fun begin.
And it would have, were we 30 years old, but 70+ year old knees do not bend well, so just trying to lower ourselves from our dock into the kayak was not an exhibition of athleticism. After pushing off, we began circling. Yes, circling. Something was wrong with the toggle that operated the rudder that allowed us to go straight or turn.
“My arm really hurts when I reach behind me like this,” Hubby said, trying to jiggle the wires that support the rudder. Perhaps we really are too old for this activity, I told myself.
While circling, I realized that I had left my phone on shore, but since I didn’t really need it (unless, of course, there was an emergency and I had to call 9-1-1 which always is a possibility), we would go without. Every time Dave leaned backwards to correct that rudder-thingy, he would groan. Perhaps I would need that phone after all.
Once Dave fixed the rudder, we took off…just not for long. “I forgot my fishing pole,” said you-know-who. After returning to the dock to retrieve his pole, I was instructed to peddle and operate the rudder with a hand toggle. Dave would peddle and catch fish.
“Stop peddling,” said Captain Dave, not long after taking off. “I’ve caught a fish.” Only it wasn’t a fish. The lure had snagged something at the bottom of the lake. The next snag was an actual fish, but when Dave tried to remove the lure from its mouth, he cut his finger on the barb. “I’m bleeding,” he said. His injuries were mounting.
When the clouds rolled in, covering what had been a clear sky, we were at the other end of the lake. Our fastest peddling could not outrun the downpour, so at the end of our “fun” excursion, we were drenched. Walking uphill from our dock to our house, I was groaning, but Dave saved the day with this comment: “Well, at least you won’t have to water the grass.”
Is that the best? Little had gone the way we had planned, even with our check list, but none of this was a big deal. I mean, maybe we were wet and bleeding and our bones hurt, but so what, right?
Dave’s comment helped me help my attitude. I needed to look for that silver lining. I needed to know Who is in charge of my day. I needed a Proverbs 17:22 adjustment: A joyful heart is good medicine… I’ll take that over a 9-1-1 call any day.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.
The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am. The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour. A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity. For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].
Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project.
“We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”
In 2021, Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation, outlined the recommendation for Rural Champions in its Power Up and Go report, an effort begun by former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers prior to his appointment as State Treasurer. The need for the Rural Champions program was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success.
In order to apply, communities describe current activities, challenges that are stifling progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit advancement. Twelve communities will be selected for the pilot program and will receive a stipend for wages for the Rural Champion. Projects could include anything that the community designates as critically needed, including, but not limited to:
a new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center;
health and wellness projects such as a trail system or shared bike program;
rehabilitation or construction of new housing units; or
entrepreneurship development.
Eligible applicants, which must be located in counties with less than 40,000 population, include:
Cities or Counties;
Economic/Community Development Organizations;
Community Foundations;
Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism groups;
Nonprofit organizations including 501(c)3 or 501(c)6;
Main Street organizations or affiliates; or
Federally recognized tribal communities.
“The program was designed to help revitalize rural communities,” said Trisha Purdon, Director Office of Rural Prosperity. “The Rural Champions will play an integral part in identifying projects – and then making them happen. Every community is unique, and this program provides the flexibility to develop a project that fits their goals.”
Rural Champions will receive direct guidance and technical assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure project success. The Office of Rural Prosperity will assist with the development of a rural community playbook to share with other communities for future projects.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16. An informational webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit our website at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions/. Rural Champions will be announced in late September and will have one year to complete their projects.
Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at [email protected] or 785-207-5206.
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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Patterson Family Foundation:
Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/
Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –Thursday, August 11 (8/11) is National 811 Day – a good reminder to call 811 before starting any digging project. To promote public awareness, now through August 11, Kansas Gas Service is challenging residents to “Take the Pledge” to dig safely at BeADigHeroKansas.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
“Many people don’t remember, or even know, how important it is to call 811 before planting a garden, removing trees or installing sprinklers,” said Trey Pool, manager of Public Awareness and Damage Prevention for ONE Gas, parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “We hope to help change that by raising awareness about the free 811 service, which helps increase the safety of our communities.”
Why Call 811?
To prevent damage to underground facilities, harm to yourself and others, unnecessary costs and service disruptions, always call 811 to have underground facilities marked before any digging project.
A call to 811 is the safest way to know where utilities are buried in your area.
Underground lines may be found in yards or below sidewalks, driveways or streets. By making the free call to 811 or visiting Kansas811.com at least two full working days before digging begins, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s the law!
To learn more about safe digging and sign the Safe Digging Pledge, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.
AboutKansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services this week in the Industrial Park!
Join us this Thursday,
August 11th at 8 a.m.
Tri-Valley will be showcasing their new bailer, which is courtesy of Advantage Metals Recycling. Tri-Valley offers DocuShred services where they contract with local businesses for document shredding, then they bail the materials and recycle them to eliminate landfill waste.
Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the communities they call home. We help them live as independently possible. And we help them belong.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) earlier this year. This partnership stitches together 53 local Chambers of Commerce across Kansas to offer an Association Health Plan entitled Chamber Blue of Kansas.
Chamber Blue of Kansas is an association health plan (AHP) that allows for employers to join together to purchase insurance. The larger pool of people enrolled in the plan allows the possibility for more plan options, and potentially, lower cost.
The initial rates will be based upon employers who complete an interest survey; completing the survey does not obligate your organization to enroll in the program but it does provide access to the initial group. The survey is live currently with a deadline of August 18, 2022, for all interested parties to submit.
In the two weeks since the survey link went live in Bourbon County there has been 16 organizations representing 62 employees complete the survey and at the state level, there has been 1,300 organizations complete the survey representing over 20,000 employees! The response has been phenomenal and is poised to be one of the largest association health plans in Kansas. This is the best opportunity and lowest barrier of entry for small employers to access large group health insurance.
The initial rates will be determined in September 2022 based on groups/businesses that have completed the survey and plans will become effective January 1, 2023.
Fort Scott area business owners, non-profits, and organizations are encouraged to complete the interest survey. A previously recorded informational webinar is available to view by clicking here.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit 501c(6) chartered organization of business, industry, organizations and individuals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life and advocate and elevate our members’ economic prosperity and to be a catalyst for a bright future in Bourbon County.
About Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas:
As a private not-for-profit 501(c)6, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) operates with the primary goal of serving its membership by providing excellence in professional development, networking, resource, and idea exchange opportunities. Also, CCEKS provides guidance and leadership training to chambers across the state and the board members who serve in local communities.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas:
For 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
Betty Jean Barnes, 90, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Fort Scott Medicalodge. She was born January 6, 1932, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Grover B. and Florence (Lounsbury) Barnes. She was the last of her immediate family.
Betty graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1949, and received a B.S. degree in 1953 and an M.S. degree in 1956 from Pittsburg State University. She taught high school mathematics in Bonner Springs, Kansas, returning to Fort Scott in 1966 where she was a high school counselor until her retirement in 1993.
From childhood she was a member of the Presbyterian Church in which she served in a variety of ways, including that of Elder. In 1999 she became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she also served.
Betty especially enjoyed her church work as well as her volunteer work at the hospital and in the Presbyterian Village office. Her special interests included music and animals.
Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Scott, with burial following in the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Friends may come to call at the funeral home any time until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
