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Fort Scott, Government

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE APPLICATION FOR CDBG FUNDS URGENT NEEDS CITY OF FORT SCOTT

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The City of Fort Scott will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., in the Fort Scott City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, to discuss the City’s submission of an Urgent Need application for the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The maximum Urgent Need grant that may be requested is $400,000.

No involuntary displacement of persons will be proposed.

For the Urgent Need application, the City proposes to address concerns on 8 and 16 North National Avenue including: the loose and deteriorated masonry at the top of the walls, joint reinforcement, framing shoring, installment of parapet caps, reconstruction/repair of building corners, removal of all interior plaster and finishes from the exterior face of the walls, repoint and patch old joist pockets, install anchors over entire wall surface, and remove old joist ties from the exterior face of the wall.

Proposed financing is $400,000 from CDBG funds, and $285,000 from City funds.

Other project proposals introduced at the hearing will be considered.

Oral and written comments will be recorded and become a part of the City of Fort Scott’s CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to persons with disabilities. Requests should be submitted to the City of Fort Scott Clerk’s Office at 620-223-0550.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Presents the New Musical “Ranked”

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The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the new musical “Ranked” by Kyle Holmes and David Taylor Gomes.

Performances are Nov. 9, and 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium. Over fifty FSHS students are involved in the acting, singing, dancing, and technical aspects of the show.

“Ranked” presents a dystopian high school where the theme, “Buy your grades. Buy your future. But what happens when the rest of the world finds out?” comes to the surface.

Rankedmusical.com describes the plot this way: “Lily is Above the Average, barely. Soon the giant, and very public, academic leaderboards will update everyone’s class rank, and for another day, everyone will know their place. If you fall Below the Average – say goodbye to college, and pretty much everything else… In the face of an intense and perverse culture of performance, Lily must find her place in the status quo as she watches friends and enemies alike destroy themselves and each other to score their way to the top. When an impossible lie is discovered, the fate of these students’ futures hangs in the balance.”

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for those under 18. Reserved tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Parental guidance is suggested.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor: New Fed Vaccine Mandate Is Not the Solution For Kansas

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement Addressing New Federal Vaccine Mandate

TOPEKA – The following can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Biden Administration’s new vaccine mandate: 

“Yesterday, I reviewed the new vaccine mandate from the Biden Administration. While I appreciate the intention to keep people safe, a goal I share, I don’t believe this directive is the correct, or the most effective, solution for Kansas.

“States have been leading the fight against COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic. It is too late to impose a federal standard now that we have already developed systems and strategies that are tailored for our specific needs. I will seek a resolution that continues to recognize the uniqueness of our state and builds on our on-going efforts to combat a once-in-a-century crisis.”

Opinion

The Trouble With Alexa by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Dave, my husband, is struggling with Alexa, our know-it-all internet gadget given to us by one of our sons. When Alexa hears her name, a white light spins around her top, letting us know that she is ready to respond. Last night, Dave and I were trying to recall the name of the new movie about Serena and Venus Williams’ upbringing. “Alexa,” Dave said, “What new movie will soon be released that is about Serena Williams and her family?”
“Too many words,” I told him. Alexa: “I don’t understand your question.” Me: “That’s because you used too many words,” I offered. Dave: “Alexa, what new movie will be coming out soon that is about the Williams’ tennis sisters and their family?” Me: “Much better,” I said, trying not to laugh. Alexa muttered something about Serena Williams’ most recent tennis tournament. Dave: “Could you hear her?” (I could not.) “How do I tell her that I can’t hear her?” Me: “Tell her that you can’t hear her. Or maybe you could just Google your question and get a faster answer.” Dave was not about to lose this competition. “Serena, please speak louder. No, I don’t mean Serena. I mean Alexa. Alexa, please speak louder.” Me: “Definitely improving. Much shorter sentences.” At this point, I cracked up. After two more attempts, Alexa admitted that she did not have an answer for us. Dave thanked her anyway, and she responded, “No problem.” “You thanked her for trying?” I asked. “She’s a machine. She’s not your friend.” “You never know,” Dave muttered, texting his question to Google. Alexa, like the rest of us, has her limitations. Sometimes she interrupts our conversations, even when she’s not invited. She doesn’t hear all. She doesn’t see all. She doesn’t know all. Most of the time she tries to help, but often, she can’t. As one of my friends said, “Well, she isn’t God, you know.” And my friend is right, even though it’s hard to fathom that God knows everything. He knows how many hairs are on our heads, the number of days of our lives, what we are thinking, how we will die and where we will spend eternity. No one has ever lived who understands life as He, our Creator, does. I love the (yes, over-told) story of the group of scientists who decided that man no longer needed God. So, they picked one scientist to go and tell Him so. The scientist walked up to God and said, “God, we’re at the point that we can clone people and do miraculous things; we don’t need you here anymore, so you can go your way. ” God listened patiently to the man and then responded, “Very well, but how about this? Let’s say we have a man-making contest just like we did in the old days with Adam.” The scientist replied, “Okay, great!” and then bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt. God looked at him and said, “There’s just one slight problem here. Get your own dirt!” This morning, Dave Googled his tennis question and learned the Williams’ movie is King Richard. While he was figuring out how to word his question, I asked Alexa to “play contemporary Christian music.” Four words. That’s all. Alexa obliged. Sometimes you just have to know how to ask.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Christian Heights School Chili Feed and Bake Auction, Nov. 6

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seasonal_pumpkins.jpg
Sending on behalf of Chamber member
Fort Scott Christian Heights…
Fort Scott
Christian Heights
Chili Feed & Bake Auction
November 6, 2021
Fort Scott Christian Heights Auditorium
Supper from 4 to 6pm
Bake Auction starts at 6pm
1101 S. Barbee St.
620-223-4330
Supper includes your choice of chili or soup, salad bar,
dessert & drink.
Adults $7
Children 5-9 $4
4 & Under Free
To learn more about Fort Scott Christian Heights, click here.
Thank you in advance
for your support!
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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