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Governor praises NBAF operations transfer to USDA

 

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly praised federal officials for taking an important step toward transitioning operations of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) from New York to Manhattan, Kan.

 

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement that formally outlines how the two departments will transfer ownership and operational responsibility for the NBAF from DHS’ Science and Technology Directorate to the USDA.

 

Under the terms of the memorandum, DHS retains responsibility for completing construction and commissioning of the $1.25 billion facility, while the USDA will assume responsibility for all operational planning and eventual operation of the facility. DHS’ efforts are on schedule and on budget to complete construction in December 2020 and to complete commissioning in May 2021, when ownership of NBAF will be formally transferred to the USDA.

 

“We’re grateful to the Trump administration and our congressional delegation from Kansas for their support of this important project,” Governor Kelly said. “NBAF will help protect the nation’s food supply for many years to come, while also providing an economic boost to the animal-science corridor and entire Kansas economy through private animal-health firms and others involved in research at the site.”

 

The state-of-the-art NBAF facility in Manhattan will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York. The Kansas site strategically places it near the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world, providing access to important veterinary, agricultural and biosecurity research and expertise.

 

The facility will be the only one of its kind in the United States. NBAF will provide scientists unique access to high consequence pathogens that affect large livestock, as well as enhanced diagnostic capabilities that will speed up the response time to threats that harm the nation’s food supply. As the only biosafety level-4 large livestock research and diagnostic laboratory in the nation, NBAF seeks to protect the nation’s agriculture and public health by understanding and developing vaccines for zoonotic (animal-to-human) and high consequence foreign animal diseases.

 

“The mission of the Kansas Department of Agriculture includes protecting animal health, promoting public health and safety, and ensuring a safe food supply,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “NBAF will provide fundamental research ensuring livestock, food and fiber industries in Kansas remain secure.”

 

The agriculture industry impacts the state’s economy more than any other sector, accounting for more than $63 billion to the Kansas economy each year. In an economy that relies heavily on the agriculture industry, innovative research is imperative for future progress and security.

U.S. 69 expansion in Bourbon County celebrated June 24

 

 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the U.S. 69 expansion in Bourbon County will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 24, at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church south of Fort Scott. The church is on the east side of the U.S. 69 and Cavalry Road intersection.

 

Governor Laura Kelly, Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz and Highway 69 Association President Ken Brock will speak prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Blake Benson of the Highway 69 Association is master of ceremonies.

 

Construction on U.S. 69 began in the spring of 2017. The project, part of the T-WORKS transportation program, expanded six miles of the highway to a four-lane upgradable expressway from south of Fort Scott to the Bourbon-Crawford county line.

 

The event is open to the public.

What’s Happening In Fort Scott June 21

2019 Chamber Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, July 26th, Registration: 11am, Tee-Off 12pm

For more information or to register, click HERE

Kids Eat Free Lunch At The Keyhole, noon to 1pm, Mon.-Fri., now through July 26th!! 10th & Main St., across from the Fort Scott High School

Sack lunches will be provided to those under 18. Children check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals. Open to all kids, regardless of income; no need to reside in Fort Scott

Hedgehog.INK is now open on Sundays from 1:00-5:00pm!  Make sure to check out the gardening books on the sale rack in the front of the store – These books are FREE, for a donation to Fort Scott High School Thespians. Funds raised will help send students to the international competition in late June

Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)

Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call
620-223-3720.
21-22
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
21-23 Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament – LaRoche Complex, Dave Regan Stadium

For complete details, visit: https://www.tourneymachine.com/Public/Results/Tournament.aspx?IDTournament=h201811050447401285d27edd5b27742

21
Red Cross Blood Drive hosted by Community Christian Church – 1919
S. Horton, 9am-1pm

Please call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment (see flyer below)

21 Art Walk hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council – Liberty Theatre Patio,
113 S. Main St., 5-8pm

Join us for an Art Walk hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council!

If interested in being a vendor contact Debbie Anderson
Email:  [email protected] or phone:  620-224-8650

Visit the BCAC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Bourbon-County-Arts-Council-501555123229545/

21 Friday Night Concert in the Park – This week’s concert will be moved to the First Southern Baptist Church at 1818 S. Main St.

The International Music Day 2019 is a day celebrating music all over the world. Celebrated yearly on this day, it is a time to enjoy music of all kinds and a chance for community to come together with a common love for music.  This is our 1st annual International Music Day Concert event. Featured musicians are: The Hemphill Family Band, The Prairie Sunflower Strings,  and Ryan & Amber Goodbody

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited

21
Flicks on the Bricks – sponsored by FS Fire Department & FS Police Department – Skubitz Plaza, 100 Old Fort Blvd., movie starts at sundown

This month’s flick: Planes: Fire & Rescue

22
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

22 Children’s Miracle Network Kids Carnival – Walmart parking lot, 10am-2pm
(See flyer below for more info)
22
Fresh peaches coming to Tractor Supply Company – 2420 S. Main St., 11:30am-1pm

Peaches are $27 for a 1/4 bushel box (approx. 12.5 lb.) or $45 for a 1/2 bushel box (approx. 25 lb.).

Reserve your fruit at https://freshfarmsusa.com/ or purchase at the truck! (There is a $4 fee to purchase at the truck)

22 Fort Games at Smallville CrossFit – 13 S. National Ave., 1-4 pm

2019 Fort Games is back for the 3rd year! Fort Games is a same-sex partner fitness competition

For full details, visit Smallville’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/330767534234517/

22
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
22 Wade Brown performs live at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Tickets are $10, available at the Brewery, 10 S. National, or the Visitors Center/Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. (See flyer below)

Visit Boiler Room’s website: http://www.boilerroombrewhaus.com

22 BCAC Concert on the Patio: Whiskey Raccoons – Liberty Theatre Patio,
113 S. Main St., 8-10pm

Bourbon County Arts Council presents WHISKEY RACCOONS; part of the BCAC Concert Series on the Patio (See flyer below)

Tickets $10 BCAC members, $15 non-members. Contact Teri Floyd at
620-224-7221

Watch a Whiskey Raccoons video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=F7cQtDXYoeo

23 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room

24 Summer Reading Alien Parties – FS Public Library, 201 S. National,
2:30-4pm
25-26
Summer Reading Program: Space Travel & Engineering – FS Public Library,
201 S. National, 10am-12pm

With guest Professor Heather Davis

25 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center, 3-4pm
25 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
25 Trinity Lutheran Church VBS – 2824 S. Horton, 1-3:30pm

Join us at Trinity Lutheran for a 2 day VBS!!! June 25 & 27, 1:00-3:30. Snack provided.

VBS Fellowship June 30 following 9:00am service; VBS offerering goes to Care To Share. Please call 620-223-3596 to register. Limited to 50 kids

25 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

25
Author Talk and Book-Signing at Hedgehog.INK!

Meet and greet author Ronda Hassig. She will be discussing her book titled “The Greatest Test of Courage”, which follows Edward Mack during World War II. Stationed in the Philippines, his life changed forever on December 7, 1941. Learn about Edward Mack’s story and how his ring found in California in 2007, prompted the writing of his story

There will be an author talk, Q & A and book-signing in her home at 512
S. Judson (former home of Ken and Charlotte Lunt) (See flyer below)

26 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center, 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month – 735 Scott Ave.

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run.  Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee.  Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission. (Free)

26 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
26
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave.,
2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
26
Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – Book Club
27
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Integrity Home Health & Hospice, co-hosted by Integrity’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team
For more on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, click HERE
There will be a bake sale during the Chamber Coffee
Location: 902 S. Horton
27
Krista Harding provides horticulture services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720 (See flyer below)
27 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
27
Trinity Lutheran Church VBS – 2824 S. Horton, 1-3:30pm

Join us at Trinity Lutheran for a 2 day VBS!!! June 25 & 27, 1:00-3:30. Snack provided.

VBS Fellowship June 30 following 9:00am service; VBS offerering goes to Care To Share. Please call 620-223-3596 to register. Limited to 50 kids
27 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.,
6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

27 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from
7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star

27
Fort Scott Chamber Music Series, sponsored by BB County Arts Council and Key Charitable Trust – Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St., 7-9pm

This concert will showcase the restoration of the Steinway Grand Piano, played by competition winning pianist, Baolong Zhang

Featured Musicians:
Baolong Zhang – Piano; Raul Munguia – Violin; Christine Grossman – Viola;  Matt Sinno – Viola; Ben Clinesmith – Cello; Kathleen Clinesmith – Bass

28-29
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
28-30 Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament – La Roche Complex,
4805 Campbell Dr.
28 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St.,
7-8pm

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited

29
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
29
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
29 Paint and Sip at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Class size is limited to 30 painters – Reserve your seat by going to the Brewhaus and paying Barbara $25, or go to Brewhaus’ Facebook page, post your RSVP, and a PayPal request will be sent to you for $25

29 80’s Party at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave., 8-11pm

DJ RAY RAY will be on the Patio playing your favorite 80’s music. Dress to impress, there will be a prize for the most authentic outfit. Ladies get your hairspray, men find your parachute pants and “Miami Vice” jackets. Some of your 80’s favorite cocktails; B-52’s, Slippery Nipples, Alabama Slammer’s and Blue Lagoons will be served all night long. The party starts at 8pm, June 29th , on the Holmtown Pub Patio!

30 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room

30 Bronson Independence Day Celebration – Bronson Baseball Park,
7:30-10:00pm

Starting at 7:30 pm there will be free ice cream & cake, with the fireworks starting at dark. Bring your lawn chairs!

Donations appreciated but not required

July 2 Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, hosted by the Chamber – La Hacienda Restaurant, 24 N. Main St.

The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings

2 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center, 3-4pm
2 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
2 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

2 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
3 Summer Reading Performer: Juggler Brian Wendling – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 10-11am
3 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
3 Monthly Grief Support Luncheon hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel – at The Carriage House, 301 S. Main, 12-1pm

Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend.Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House,
301 S. Main.Call 620-223-1186 for more info

3 Bourbon County Coalition Monthly Meeting (public welcome) – located in the basement of the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Ave., 12-1pm
3
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave.,
2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
3 Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – Community Service
3 Uniontown’s 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration – Union State Bank in Uniontown, 204 Sherman St., 6-9:30pm

Union State Bank is hosting the 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Uniontown City Park on the 3rd of July! Hot dogs, chips, and water will be served, starting at 7:00. Jump houses, selfie bar, and entertainment will make for an enjoyable evening with friends and family. Fireworks will start at dark. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the evening!

4 No Chamber Coffee in observance of the 4th of July holiday
4 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720

4 37th Annual Burke Street Parade – Starts at 10th & Burke St., 10-11am
4 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
4 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.,
6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

4 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from
7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!

Save the Date:
– July 5 – Patriots Classic Baseball Tournament hosted by FSHS
– July 5 – YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League
– July 5 – Friday Night Concert in the Park
– July 6 – Farmers’ Market
– July 6 – Cinema Saturdays at Gordon Parks Museum
– July 7 – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus
– July 7 – Fort Scott Chamber Music Series Concert
Click here for full events listing on our website.

Art Walk: Downtown This Evening

Please join the
Bourbon County Arts Council
for an
ART WALK
THIS EVENING, June 21st
from 5pm-8pm!
The Bourbon County Arts Council
is hosting an
ART WALK
on the Liberty Theatre Patio,
113 S. Main St.,
THIS EVENING, June 21st from 5pm to 8pm.
For more information, contact Terri Floyd by email: [email protected]
or by phone: 620-224-7221
OR
Deb Halsey by email:
or by phone: 620-224-0684

Congressman Holds Roundtable At FSCC

Marshall holds a discussion with Bourbon County and Allen County leaders.

On June 14, U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall held a business roundtable at Fort Scott Community College with leaders of the Bourbon and Allen county communities to hear about the concerns, issues and opportunities of both counties.

 

Many of those in attendance cited a lack of skilled workforce and people qualified to fill the jobs available but praised both Fort Scott and Allen County Community Colleges for working together and striving to offer programs that provide training to fill jobs in the region. 

 

The closure of the century-old Fort Scott hospital in 2018 sparked conversation of healthcare in Bourbon County and access to care for residents in the community.

 

Following the roundtable, the Congressman participated in a tour of ReproLogix and learned about the company’s industry-leading work in livestock reproduction. 

Marshall tours ReproLogix.

 

Fort Scott Actors In Pittsburg Community Theater This Evening

The Fort Scott community is  invited to experience “We Are Monsters” at 6 pm  and 8 pm this evening  at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center.
“I am the music director of this 2-week summer theater camp and we have several Fort Scott kidlets performing, including Abel Chaplin, Mila Newman, Chrislen Newman, Analeise Rupprecht, and Emma Bin,” Mary Jo Harper, said. “Our kids are rocking it!”

 

“Each summer for many years, PCT has supported Jr. Starz, an intensive, two-week children’s theatre workshop that culminates in a free performance for the community,” according to the Pittsburg Community Theatre Facebook page.

The workshop dates were June 10-21 and the show date: June 21

Session 1 – 8 a.m. to noon (show is June 21 at 6 p.m.)
Session 2 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (show is June 21 at 8 p.m.)

Governor announces Council on Tax Reform co-chairs

 

 

Honoring her promise to pursue commonsense, bipartisan reform of the Kansas tax code, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of two former state senators to serve as co-chairs of the new Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.

 

Kelly selected Steve Morris of Hugoton and Janis Lee of Kensington to lead the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform, charged with thorough review of the state’s tax code and recommendations for a more fiscally responsible and fair tax structure.

 

Morris, a moderate Republican, served 20 years in the Kansas Senate, including eight years as Senate president. During Lee’s 22 years in the state Senate, she was a longtime ranking Democrat on the Senate Tax Committee. She also is a former chief hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.

 

Kelly served with Morris and Lee in the state Senate, and said their experience and bipartisan approach would be instrumental as the new Council on Tax Reform moves forward in pursuit of sound tax policy.

 

“The people of Kansas elected me to bring fiscally conservative and responsible principles back to our government,” Kelly said. “To that end, I expect the Council on Tax Reform to thoughtfully evaluate tax policy and recommend prudent, sustainable changes for the future.

 

“I know Steve and Janis share my desire to keep the state tax burden as low as possible. They also understand how important it is to ensure that our tax code supports public investment in areas such as education, public safety and infrastructure needed to help Kansas prosper.

 

“While it’s necessary to proceed with caution due to economic uncertainty, it’s also time to begin the conversation on tax reform that’s beneficial for families and businesses alike,” the governor said.  “We can and should build a sensible tax system that benefits Kansans who need it most, and ultimately all Kansans.”

 

Kelly plans to issue an executive order establishing and announcing the full membership of the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform, and detailing the full scope of work involved in the coming weeks.