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Obituary

Obituary of Willis Hamilton

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Willis Karl Hamilton a.k.a. Will Hamilton went home to be with the Lord on October 29, 2021. He was born to Garfield (Willie) and Marie Turner Hamilton on January 11, 1963. He was raised in South Bend, Indiana and graduated from John Adams High School.

He moved with his wife, Joy, and daughter, Varonica to Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2006. While living in Missouri, they were members of Evangelistic Center International Ministries where he participated in the EC Kids Ministry engaging the children with the life-sized puppets, he hand-crafted. The products of his Mid-West Puppet Designs business.

Anyone who knew Willis was touched by his kindness, humor, and mild temperament. His greatest joys were his Savior Jesus Christ, family with whom he loved spending time, his numerous musical instruments, photography, and motorcycles.

Willis was a truly talented and creative singer, songwriter, and musician with a catalog of over 300 songs including his very first cut—an LP 45—at age 16 entitled “Jesus is Knocking” to his newest song that will be shared posthumously, entitled “Dream Machine.”

His creativity also extended to the radio station WUBS where the jingle he wrote, “If you keep us locked in, we’ll keep you lifted up,” can still be heard.

In addition, he designed a “Guard Dog” (logo) that still stands watch today outside the Eaton Corporation, where he previously worked, in South Bend, Indiana.

One of his greatest creative works was “Lord, Have Mercy,” an original movie, that premiered locally at the Glenwood Theatre in 2015.

Willis earned college hours related to computer networking at Metropolitan Community College, KCMO. He also completed certifications in 2D and 3D digital drafting and design as a participant in RW2 Career and Technical Education.

Willis also loved his job in shipping and receiving at Corbion in Grandview, Missouri as well as the people with whom he worked.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents Garfield and Marie Hamilton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy to whom he was happily married for 28 years; three sons and one daughter – Abner (Shawna), Elijah (Erin), Willis II (Faith), and Varonica Hamilton. Also surviving are two sisters, Anna Marie Dorsey (Phillip), Judy Eady (Ken); and two brothers, Garfield Hamilton, and Gary Hamilton; a special sister Kewana Lawshea (Charles) and five grandchildren, Jacob Hamilton, Azariah Hamilton, Bear Hamilton, Ember Hamilton, and Pearl Hamilton; and nephews and nieces Melissa Lehman, Terance Gamble, Kaitlyn Eady, Xavier Lewis Tunnage, LaDonna Johnson, and John Rybolt; and life-long friend, J. Findley May

. We will all miss him more than words can say.

Willis’ Favorite Scripture: John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 11th, at the Evangelistic Center International Ministries, 1800 Washington Blvd., Kansas City, KS. Services will be live streamed on the Evangelist Center Church YouTube channel.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 prior to the service

. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM Friday, November 12th in the West Plains Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to RW2 Career and Technical Education scholarship fund for students in need at https://bit.ly/3kE7qIK or mailed in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

New Grant Program Launches for Historic Building Revitalization

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities.

The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community.

“We have a shortage of ready to occupy buildings across the state, but also an abundance of historic buildings with good bones that make them great candidates for rehabilitation,” Lieutenant Governor/Secretary Toland said. “The HEAL program provides an immediate opportunity to close financial gaps in restoring these properties and making downtown districts throughout our state more economically vibrant, while also creating new jobs and services for Kansans.”

There are two funding categories under the HEAL program. Emergency HEAL grants provide immediate relief for buildings at risk of collapse. Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted from November 8-19 with awards announced November 23. All non-Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted until December 20 with awards announced January 10, 2022. Eligible properties must have historical or architectural significance and be in a downtown business district in cities of less than 50,000 population.

The Department will be conducting expedited reviews of Emergency HEAL applications in recognition of the likelihood of collapse of some structures across the state, and the impending winter weather. Applicants selected for Emergency HEAL funding will receive notification prior to Thanksgiving.

Applications must be submitted by building owners in coordination with a local nominating organization. Eligible nominating organizations include: cities, counties, non-profit organizations, designated Kansas Main Street or affiliate cities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, Small Business Development Centers or local community foundations.

A virtual workshop on the specifics of the program is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., November 8th via Zoom. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration.  Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/healprogram.

HEAL is possible through a collaboration of the Community Development Division, Kansas Main Street, and the Governor’s Office of Rural Prosperity at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

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 in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Nov. 3

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

November 3, 2021

To help us with the decision on when to return to face-to-face meetings only, please let Billie Jo Drake know if your agency is continuing the ban on face-to-face meetings. If still not attending in person, is there a timeline for when it is possible?

  1. Welcome: Fifteen members representing fifteen agencies attended. Billie Jo reported that we will continue to have our General Membership meetings at the Scottview Apartments; the December meeting will be at noon; beginning in January, we will meet at 1:00 p.m. In an effort to resume face-to-face only meetings, she will poll the membership to ascertain when we might be able to discontinue the Zoom meeting option. She also thanked the members for making a last minute location change due to the heating problems at the HBCAT office.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Megan Rogers, Safehouse, noted that they have programs available for those in crisis situations; call 620-231-8251 for more information.
  • Shana McClure, DCF, updated members on several programs available now or in the near future; consult www.dcf.ks.gov to get information. She also noted that LIEAP applications will be available in December.
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, noted that the Early Childhood Coalition is making good headway with school readiness. She provides in house support for children before they enter school; she has several openings.
  • Christine Abbott, SEKansasWorks, noted that the recent Youth Summit had 94 participants; another summit will be planned for the spring. She has funding available for helping youth with careers. She continues to be available at the HBCAT office on Mondays.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department, announced that WIC will be on Monday next week due to Veterans Day. She reminded members that there are incentives for those who successfully participate in the “Baby and Me – Tobacco Free” program.
  • Jody Hoener, HBCAT, urged county residents to complete the HBCAT survey which is available until the end of November; survey can be accessed at HBCAT.org. There is an incentive to complete and submit the survey. Jody then introduced Rachel Carpenter.
  • Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, shared that the organization has developed three grant programs, funded by the Patterson Family Foundation, for minority, women-owned or low-income start-up businesses, restaurants and food retail, and farmer/ranchers. Rachel will be the program coordinator.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP, informed members that she now has twelve volunteers in Bourbon County working at the Scottview Apartments and The Beacon.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reminded members that all monies raised in the Salvation Army bucket campaign will remain in Bourbon County; he can always use more volunteers to ring bells. Because Compassionate Ministries received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grant, he is able to help people with heaters and taxi tickets, as well as, provide help to the homeless.
  • Allen also shared some news from Jackie Sellers, Bourbon County Senior Citizens: There will be no Meals on Wheels delivered on November 24 and 25; there will be no taxi service on November 25 and 26.
  • Amanda Gilmore, Fort Scott Lighthouse, announced that they have a service on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott Inn. They host a Bible study and prayer meeting every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at 728 Heylman.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has a waiting list for one-bedroom apartments but has several two and three-bedroom apartments ready for occupancy now. She also noted that the Kansas KEBA program is still taking applications for rental assistance.
  • Elizabeth Schafer rejoiced that the handicapped swing donated by the Pioneer Kiwanians has now been installed at Gunn Park.
  • Jean Tucker, Feeding Families in His Name, announced that she has 34 more days as the director of the program; then, a committee of volunteers will be taking over that duty. She noted that they were providing 300-350 meals each Wednesday and several other churches and organizations were helping with the process which has been in existence for ten years. Jean also introduced Chris Eshelman, minister of the First United Methodist Church
  • Hannah Geneva, SEK Multi County Health Department, was unable to attend because they were doing a booster dose clinic at the health department. They are now offering COVID-19 booster vaccines; contact 620-223-4464 for further information/scheduling.
  1. Program: Stacy Dickerhood, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. This is a non-profit agency serving seniors (60+) in Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties. The Area Agency on Aging provides attendant care and homemaker services to those individuals meeting functional and financial guidelines with the goal of keeping people in their homes. The agency also provides funding for information and assistance, Meals on Wheels, Medicare counseling, Legal Services, caregiver support, case management, and respite care. Additional information can be found at 620-431-2980 or 1-800-794-2440. The care giver support group in Fort Scott meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at Papa Don’s
  1. Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 1, 2021.
Government

2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway

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2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway

 Ballots To Be Mailed to Eligible Voters Beginning This Week 

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. To be counted, producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or be postmarked by Dec. 6, 2021.  


“Now is your opportunity to elect fellow farmers and ranchers in your community to serve on the local county committee,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “These committees are a critical piece to the work we do by providing knowledge and judgment as decisions are made about the services we provide. Your voice and vote matters.”  

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation but may not have applied or received FSA program benefits. Also, for County Committee elections, producers who are not of legal voting age, but supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, are eligible to vote.  

Producers can find out if their LAA is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office. To find your local USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information. 

About Committees 

Each committee has from three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office, and at least one seat representing an LAA is up for election each year. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2022.  

Urban and Suburban County Committees 

Ballots to elect urban committee members were sent beginning Nov. 1, 2021. These elections will serve local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. A fact sheet on the urban county committee election and a list of eligible cities can be found at fsa.usda.gov/elections. 

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to form urban county committees as well as make other advancements related to urban agriculture, including the establishment of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Urban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices. Committee members will provide outreach to ensure urban producers understand USDA programs and serve as the voice of other urban producers. Additionally, the new county committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote and encourage community compost and food waste reduction. Learn more at farmers.gov/urban. 

More Information 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

  

  

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC All-American Meat Judgers

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Submitted by Sara Sutton, Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Instructor

“Our season has come to an end but I wanted to share some exciting academic news,” she said. “Eight All-American meat judgers are selected at the end of each season. This is based on high contest scores as well as GPA. Our program had 4 of those 8 spots! This is not an easy accomplishment so if you have or see the following students, please congratulate them.”

 

First Team All American

Sierra Graham

Cord Dodson

 

Second Team All American

Ethan Westerman

Lila wood

 

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At VFW

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Join us for this week’s
Chamber Coffee hosted by
VFW Post 1165
Thursday, November 4th
8 am
1745 S. National
Fort Scott, KS
VFW is the largest and oldest war Veteran’s service organization, and they have a long and proven history of providing vital assistance and support to America’s servicemen and women worldwide
Click here to visit their Facebook page.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE’S
11/4 ~ Chamber After-hours Event hosted by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation at Landmark National Bank
11/11 ~ No Coffee… Veterans Day
11/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Compassionate Ministries
11/25 ~ No Coffee…Thanksgiving Holiday
12/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott National Historic Site
12/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique
12/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by City of Fort Scott
12/23 ~ No Coffee…Christmas Holiday
12/30 ~ No Coffee…New Year’s Holiday
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Guidelines for Pfizer Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

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Kansas Adopts FDA, CDC Guidelines for Pfizer Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas will adopt the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations for administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-11 under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), making all Kansans 5 and older eligible for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

“With this new development, the tools we need to keep kids safe and in school – and finally return to normal – are more accessible than ever,” Governor Kelly said. “We’ve been preparing for this announcement for months – and we stand ready to distribute this vaccine quickly and efficiently to every Kansas community. The vaccine is safe, effective, and free – and I encourage all Kansas parents to get their kids aged 5 and older vaccinated as soon as possible.”

This vaccine dose was designed for children, and underwent additional clinical trials specifically for people ages 5-11 to determine that the vaccine was safe, effective, and appropriately dosed to minimize any possible side effects.

The Pfizer vaccine formulation has already been administered more than 380 million times in the United States since it was first authorized in December 2020 and continues to prove effective while undergoing intensive safety monitoring.

“While we have seen lower rates of COVID infections in children as compared to adults, the Delta variant brought the levels of infections in kids to record highs. This important development will help keep children safe and stop the spread of COVID-19,” Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said. “These vaccines have been proven to prevent COVID-19 infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are important to get even if your child has already had COVID. But don’t just take my word for it – talk to your local doctor, get all the facts, and make the best choice to protect your family. Vaccination is the key to beating this pandemic.”

All 5 to 11-year-old children can now receive their Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from a large network of vaccine providers across Kansas, including doctor’s offices, retail pharmacies, local health departments, and clinics.

In addition, many community partners and schools may also offer the COVID-19 vaccine for Kansas children. Information on locations offering vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 will be available at  https://www.vaccines.gov/, and we recommend calling your local provider to confirm availability as well.

Children under the age of 5 are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and FDA will continue to monitor the safety and efficacy data of vaccines and consider expanding eligibility for vaccines at appropriate doses for children under the age of 5, pending further review. Additionally, the FDA and CDC have not yet provided approval or guidance on Moderna’s vaccine for children aged 5-11. Please refer back to KDHE’s website for up-to-date information as guidance on vaccines for children continues to evolve at https://www.kdheks.gov/.

Bourbon County, Business

Evergy Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results

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  • Third quarter 2021 GAAP EPS of $1.95; Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) of $1.98
  • Increasing quarterly dividend 7%, to $0.5725 per share, annualized to $2.29
  • Raising and narrowing 2021 GAAP EPS Guidance to $3.71 to $3.81; Adjusted EPS Guidance to $3.50 to $3.60

 

Kansas City, Mo., November 3, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced third quarter 2021 earnings of $449 million, or $1.95 per share, compared with earnings of $365 million, or $1.60 per share, for the third quarter of 2020.

 

Evergy’s adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were

$455 million and $1.98 per share, respectively, in the third quarter of 2021 compared with $393 million and $1.73 per share, respectively, in the third quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are reconciled to GAAP earnings in the financial table included in this release.

 

Third quarter earnings per share were driven higher primarily by higher retail sales from warmer weather, increased transmission margin, higher other income, and lower income tax expense, partially offset by a decrease in weather-normalized demand.

 

“We continue to execute on all elements of our strategy, including investment in energy infrastructure and disciplined cost management.  This execution and favorable sales in the third quarter, driven primarily by warm weather, have allowed us to raise and narrow our 2021 adjusted earnings guidance range to $3.50 to $3.60 per share from $3.20 to $3.40.  We are also increasing our fourth quarter dividend by seven percent, reflecting confidence in the outlook of our business.” said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “As we look ahead, we will remain focused on executing our strategy and delivering benefits to all of our stakeholders.”

 

Earnings Guidance

 

The Company raised and narrowed its 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range to $3.50 to $3.60 from its original guidance range of $3.20 to $3.40.   The Company affirmed its 2022 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.43 to $3.63, as well as its long-term adjusted EPS annual growth target of 6% to 8% through 2025 from the $3.30 midpoint of the original 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

The Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.5725 per share

payable on December 20, 2021. The dividends are payable to shareholders of record as of November 19, 2021.

 

Earnings Conference Call

 

Evergy management will host a conference call Wednesday, November 3, with the investment community at 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT). Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing (888) 353-7071, conference ID 3955549. A webcast of the live conference call will be available at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Members of the media are invited to listen to the conference call and then contact Gina Penzig with

any follow-up questions.

 

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed third-quarter financial information, the

Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, and other filings the Company has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the Company’s website at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

 

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) exclude the income or costs resulting from non-regulated energy marketing margins from the February 2021 winter weather event, and costs resulting from executive transition, severance, advisor expenses and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of results.  Management believes that adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) provide a meaningful basis for evaluating Evergy’s operations across periods because it excludes certain items that management does not believe are indicative of Evergy’s ongoing performance. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board of Directors. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted earnings per common share as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP).

 

 

Evergy, Inc

Consolidated Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended September 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

449.4

  $

1.95

  $

364.5

  $

1.60

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

1.9

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

3.3

 

0.02

 

—

 

—

Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

—

 

—

 

28.7

 

0.13

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

1.2

 

—

 

9.7

 

0.04

Income tax benefit(f)

(1.0)

 

—

 

(9.6)

 

(0.04)

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $

454.8

  $

1.98

  $

393.3

  $

1.73

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Year to Date September 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

826.3

  $

3.60

  $

567.3

  $

2.49

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

(95.0)

 

(0.42)

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

5.9

 

0.03

 

—

 

—

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

10.6

 

0.05

 

—

 

—

Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

2.8

 

0.01

 

55.3

 

0.24

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

8.4

 

0.04

 

26.1

 

0.12

Income tax expense (benefit)(f)

…

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Bourbon County, Business, Jobs

Grants Available for Economic Stability and  Rural Food Systems

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Inc. (HBCAT) has developed three grant programs, funded by the Patterson Family Foundation, for minority, women-owned or low-income start-up businesses, restaurants and food retail, and farmers/ranchers. Tools and technical assistance to increase the chance of a sustainable business model will be provided, free of cost, by a team of support organizations at the Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth (Center).

The Center’s team is made of Dacia Clark, Assistant Director with Pittsburg State Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Lindsay Madison, President and CEO Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Jody Hoener, President and CEO HBCAT, Rachel Carpenter, Program Coordinator HBCAT, and Christina Abbott, Southeast KANSASWORKS. Together the collaboration is offering a one-stop-shop to community members seeking to build financial stability.

Each grant program will have separate eligibility criteria.

All three grant programs will require the applicant to be an official client of the PSU SBDC at the Center, develop a plan and financial projections.

Food retail/restaurant and farmer/rancher grants will be required to submit documentation of a wholesale relationship.

“One goal with this funding is to support our local farmers and ranchers,” Jody Hoener, HBCAT, “We want to be able to eat food grown locally or meat raised in Bourbon County in our schools, restaurants, and stores.”

In addition, the Center is seeking to support individuals who have dreams of building their own business but don’t know where to start.

“Many of our clients have innovative ideas and develop solid business plans, they just need a little extra financial support to kickstart their business,” Dacia Clark, PSU SBDC.

Like many rural communities, Bourbon County has seen inadequate levels of venture or capital injection and historically no programming available to focus on employment, mentoring, business planning or other wealth-building strategies. The Center is addressing this need.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the three programs are encouraged to reach out to Rachel Carpenter at [email protected].

Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #healthybbco

Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Community. Its mission 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.

Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-5725
[email protected]

Rachel Carpenter
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-2562
[email protected]

Mary Hunt, Interim Operations Director
Southeast KANSASWorks
Desk: 620-232-1222
Cell: 620-670-0006
Website: www.sekworks.org

Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC
[email protected]
785-445-2537

Lindsay Madison, President and CEO
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
(620) 223-3566

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