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Bourbon County Angels started because some local women saw that there are local families having a difficult financial time in their lives.
“We have seen a severe need in our community when we were doing Christmas (lists) for (area) children and a lot of them had clothing items on their wish list that was sent to us,” Lisa Thurston, Fort Scott, one of the three organizers, said. “We want to be able to provide the clothing items and household items and even food to those that are having a hard time.”
“We have clothing, hygiene items, household items, and food,” she said. “It is hard to say exactly what we have as it changes with every donation we receive.”
The group recently attained a building at 111 W. Third, Fort Scott, to house all the donations and allow for people to come and choose what they need.
“Mayor Kevin Allen gave it to us to use monthly, he is donating the building until grant money comes in,” Thurston said. “We have Melissa Guns writing grants for us.”
“We started the actual building adventure this January, but the ‘angels’ actually started just for Christmas two years ago,” she said.
The other organizers are Sara Roufs, Redfield and Erin Thurston, Lisa’s daughter, Fort Scott.
“Sara started Bourbon County Angels to provide Christmas presents for children,” she said. “People started volunteering so we started getting lists from about 75 families…this year we got 121 families. On their lists the kids were asking for shoes or coats or blankets. That’s when we decided to open a building and offer them all year long. So children could ask for toys instead of everyday items.”
“Living in a small town, we see a lot and we knew that there was a major need for people to be able to come get the items that we use in our everyday lives without having the worry of, (for example) if they got new shoes, how they could pay a bill or feed their families, and we want to be able to help with that. No one should have to stress over being able to get the stuff that they need. With everything going on right now, a lot of people have been left without jobs or just don’t make enough to be able to provide everything that is needed in our everyday lives.”
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the group received calls from people saying they needed food to make it through a few days.
“We would gather meals and deliver to their doorstep,” Thurston said. “We probably did 20 families when COVID was rough in our town. We have also been providing food for a homeless gentleman in our town.”
The group is planning several upcoming events:
Saturday, April 2 at the facility at 111 W. Third, the Easter Bunny will be there to hand out candy and have pictures taken with children, for free, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 9 at Lake Fort Scott’s handicapped dock, there will be a fishing tournament, sponsored by Backroads Bait. The fundraiser starts at 5:45 a.m. with a check-in and has a 2 p.m. weigh in. Proceeds will help the Bourbon County Angels with rent.
For more information contact Thurston at 620.644.8291.
See the latest information on the groups Facebook page.
Hours the facility is open are Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Saturdays are a donation exchange, she said. “Say kids clothes don’t fit anymore, you can leave those and take what you need. But some people just leave donations and some people just take what they need.”
March 15, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners, Jim Harris and Lynne Oharah, and the County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal, Don Coffman, Bill Martin, Bobby Reed, Troy Arnold, Clint Walker and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Eric Bailey reported no permits this week. We made it through another winter storm.
We are starting today on extending the culvert at 240th & the tracks. MSHAW was here last week and some areas of concern they want us to address and they will be
back in a couple of weeks. We will report back to the commission when we get the final report. Eric requested a budget report. Eric reminded everyone of work session today at 1:00pm. Windmills update: still working on final punch list and may have
that completed this week. Lynne asked that they patch some potholes in front of the Fire Station in Devon. Lynne also reported that there is a need for gravel north of the convenience store in Uniontown. Also, a ditch on Range Rd needing cleaned out. Eric
stated they are in the process of moving equipment to Thomas quarry.
Resolution for Liquor Sales – tabled as Clerk’s office is working on it.
Bobby Reed requested a resolution to allow his office to bill at the maximum billable
amount by State. The charge is for parolees arrested in Bourbon County. Jim made a
motion to adopt resolution 09-22 to allow Corrections to bill for parolees at the
maximum billable amount by State. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks stated he wanted to have an executive session to finish up some
discussion regarding healthcare contract. He suggested waiting until Clifton Beth was
present. Justin stated that he continues to work on the tax sale.
Susan Bancroft stated that there needs to be someone appointed for the Lake
Advisory Board. Susan stated Mark McCoy stated he would be willing to serve on the
board. Jim made a motion to appoint Mark McCoy as a Bourbon County representative
to the Lake Advisory Board. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Public Comment: Clint Walker stated that Public Works is doing a good job putting in
whistles where requested.
Elected Official Comment: No Comment
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Eric to present a culvert permit for
Troy & Jennifer Arnold at 1170 250th St to add a couple of culverts and maybe an extension or two. Lynne made a motion to accept the request for culvert/extension
by Troy & Jennifer Arnold at 1170 250th St. Jim seconded. All approved.
Commission Comment: Lynne issued a reminder that the Commission meeting for
March 22, 2022 will be at 6pm at the City Hall in Uniontown. Jim reminded everyone
of the work session today at 1:00pm. Open to the public. Don Coffman asked if we
test our rock. Jim stated that each quarry has been tested. Don stated we need to
have traffic counts, etc. to prioritize the roads due to increase in price. Jim stated
that they go by traffic count and condition of the road. Jim stated the grid they use
is put out by the University of Wisconsin rated from 1 – 10. Don asked if the property
where the old landfill used to be, be put to walk-in hunting? Jim said he didn’t think
it was ever discussed. Jim stated that we do hay it. Jim stated he would look into it.
Lynne made a motion to adjourn at 9:33am. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon Cou
Developmental screenings will be available for children ages 3-5 who may need special education and related services on Monday, April 4, 2022 at West Bourbon Elementary, Uniontown, KS.
Vision, hearing, speech, and developmental screenings can be conducted for children ages 3-5 at no cost. This free screening is sponsored by the Southeast Kansas Interlocal #637 and USD 235.
Appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting Jennifer Vaughn at (620) 704-6549.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team staff have organized a fourth seminar targeting women who are seeking information on starting/growing a business.
The event is Wednesday, April 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the HBCAT office, 104 N. National Avenue.
“This will help local women entrepreneurs know their resources and learn from local women leaders on how to create a sustainable business,” said Rachel Carpenter, program director. “This is an opportunity for women to network and create relationships to help their businesses take the next professional step.”
Please note there is one registration per person to help us with registration.
Melissa Wise, the keynote speaker, is the owner of Wise Tax and Accounting and has over 20 years of experience with accounting, payroll, and taxes.
Registration is required for childcare.
There will be a taco bar catered by La Hacienda, and Margaritas available for purchase.
Dinner and networking from 5-5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 5:30 p.m.
Funding for this event is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of Bourbon County Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant and the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, according to its Facebook page.
“Through this grant, we are partnered with Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center to organize this event,” she said.
Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are a versatile plant. Are you interested in learning how to grow herbs and utilize them as natural seasoning? If so, plan to attend an herb workshop set for Thursday, April 14 at 6:00 pm at the Bronson Public Library in Bronson. The workshop will cover growing herbs indoors, care and maintenance, the health benefits of cooking with herbs, utilizing them in the kitchen, and herb preservation. In addition, participants will get to taste test a few recipes. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242.
THRAMS Antiques has ventured into providing pre-owned appliances from a source in the Kansas City area.
While owner, Amber Ericson, was in K.C. purchasing antiques and unique furniture, she ran into an appliance repairman at the marketplace, she said.
“He buys from apartment complexes when they redo the apartments,” she said. “That’s what we are buying.”
“He refurbishes them and sells them,” Ericson said. “I go up to K.C. once a month and get more. I’ve already sold 40. If they don’t work you can bring them back.”
Clothes washers including top, front, stackable units, gas stoves and dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and deep freezers are sole at the store.
“We thought we would try it,” Ericson said. She started the venture in August 2021.
Ericson opened THRAMS next door to her parent’s business Bronson Locker, a butcher store, at 504 Clay Street in the small town 20 miles west of Fort Scott just off Highway 54.
The storefront next to Bronson Locker was unused space, and owned by the Bollings, Amber’s parents.
“It was a pile-up room,” Helen Bolling, Ericson’s mom and part-owner of the store said. “Amber started picking up a few things and it grew.”
The space is now packed with unique furniture and antiques.
“Antique hall trees and wardrobes are our best sellers,” Bolling said.
“Divans, appliances, wardrobes, hall trees we sell as quickly as we can get them,” Ericson said.
The store is open Mondays from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday-8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday-8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday call or text for an appointment at 620-363-1159.
About the Creators
Bowman is a 2003 Fort Scott High School Graduate and 2007, Pittsburg State University Graduate with a Bachelor in Plastics Engineering.
He has 15 years of professional experience in plastics engineering and is currently the regional sales manager for Sepro Group, a robotics and automation manufacturer based in France.
He and his wife, Wendy Bowman, have four kids Luke, Lily, Nora, and Gage. His parents are John and Cindy Bowman, who own the NuGrille Restaurant.
His contact info: Phone 620-215-5250, Email [email protected]
Google Play-https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…
iOS-https://apps.apple.com/app/id1602791238
Web- https://web.myshiftapp.com/
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 29, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Millie Lipscomb, Elks Lodge – Consideration of Donation for Fireworks
• Hamlin Energy Contract
• EMS – Dave Bruner
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
o Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
o Reminder: April 5th Commission Meeting at the Mapleton Community Center, 6pm
o Budget Forms & CIP Forms
• Noble Health
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
This is Clara Wikoff’s first Walk Kansas event as a Nutrition, Food, and Health Kansas State University Extension Agent.
This year K-State Southwind District, which includes Bourbon County, is hosting the annual walk-team event in conjunction with Wildcat District, she said.
“We hope you’ll join us at the Wild Wind Fun Walk/Run Walk Kansas Kick-off,” she said. “It will be at Chanute, which is more central to each district.”
“Anyone can participate and those 18 and younger, can for free,” Wikoff said.
Adult registration is $25 which includes the event entry, T-shirt and Walk Kansas registration. If one just wants to participate, the program is free, she said.
If already registered for Walk Kansas, then pay $15 for the event and T-shirt.
The kick-off fun run starts at 9 a.m. this Saturday, March 26, in the Neosho County Community College Student Union at 800 W. 14th in Chanute.
There will be a closed Walk Kansas Facebook support group page, she said. “To help people reach their goals. If a state of Kansas employee, you are eligible for Health Quest Credit.”
There will be a weekly newsletter, recipes, and a youth newsletter to all who participate, she said.
Walk Kansas is a team-based program that will help you and others lead a healthier life, according to a K-State press release.
Join this program and
You can register online at https://www.walkkansasonline.org
Print resources to get started are listed below:
For Team Captains: Captain Guide, Team Registration
For Participants: Participant Guide, Individual Registration, Daily Log
For Everyone: Walk Kansas Activity Guide
Guess what? There’s an app for that! You’ll need to register online first, then you can use it to log minutes, chat with your team, and more! Please note that the app is for iOS systems. An app for Android systems is in the works, and you’ll see it here when it becomes available.
If you have questions about Walk Kansas, please call Clara Wicoff: 620-365-2242, or email: [email protected]
KSRE Southwind District
FACS News Column
Joy Miller
620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Put Your Refund to Work
For many people, a tax refund is the largest check they will receive all year. And most of us wouldn’t be at a loss for ideas on how to spend that check, the dilemma is deciding what to drop from the list.
The IRS reports that the average tax refund is close to $3,000. This isn’t a crazy, change your life forever amount of money, but definitely an improve your financial standing amount. General rules of thumb are helpful in determining how to divide and utilize your tax refund. One option is the 30-40-30 plan to pay for your past, present, and future financial needs. Designate 30% of your refund to paying off debt and catching on up bills. Earmark 40% for current use. And utilize the other 30% to jump start an emergency fund or long-term savings.
It is always important to catch up or be prepared to pay current bills and financial commitments. If possible, use part of a tax refund to eliminate service or installment payment fees, late fees, or pay down high interest (double digit) debt. Paying for car, home, or renter’s insurance can be cheaper if paid in full instead of monthly installments. Some medical services provide a discount if the balance is paid in full, too. Avoiding late fees on bills or taxes and paying down debt increases future income to meet other financial needs and goals.
Another option is setting some funds aside for the expected but yet unexpected expenses such as a car repair, the air conditioner quitting, a medical bill, or loss of a job. Creating an emergency fund for these type of expenses helps reduce stress and the possibility of taking on debt.
You may also have a big ‘shopping list’ of wants and needs. Do you have plans for a kitchen remodel? A family vacation? College tuition? A tax refund can serve as the seed money for expenses that are two to five years away. Check with banks and financial companies for investment options that pays a return but not at the risk of losing value to help fund short term financial goals.
While it may seem far off, pay attention to your retirement savings, too. If it is thin, dedicate some of your tax refund into a retirement account such as an IRA. Time and compounding interest allow investments to grow, furthering your financial stability in the future.
Plan today on how to best use your tax refund for you and your family’s financial well-being.
For more information, please contact Joy Miller, Family Resource Management Extension Agent, at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720.
# # #
K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Submitted by Hannah Montee
The second annual Southeast Kansas Spring Classic was held at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott, KS on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Kids from across Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma came out for a shot at winning banners, cash, and prizes.
This is a one-day cattle show featuring bulls, breeding heifers, market heifers, market steers, and a showmanship class for all ages.
This year there were 6 Bulls, 93 Breeding Heifers, 6 Market Heifers, 51 Market Steers, and 71 Showmanship entries (ages 7-18) + a peewee and adult class, for a total of 152 calves and 227 total entries. There were 18 total breeds represented between the bulls and heifers.
The show is hosted by Adam and Hannah Montee of Arma. They hosted the show for the first time last year to give kids another chance to showcase their animals. Plans are already underway for next year’s show.
A huge thank you is extended to the Bourbon County Fair Board for the use of the fairgrounds. Their support and help throughout the process is greatly appreciated.
The results of the show:
Bull show –
Champion Angus: Easton Newsome
Grand Overall: Adysin McCarley – Lim-Flex (Girard, KS)
Reserve Overall: Josie Wilkins – Maine-Angus (Lamar, AR)
Top 2 breeding heifers –
• Angus: Grand – Grant Ward || Reserve – Corbin Ellerman
• Balancer: Grand: Hadlee Ketcherside
• Charolais: Grand – Jaden Teter || Reserve – Kensi Reed
• Charolais Comp: Grand – Braelynn Reed || Reserve – Kristy Beene
• Chi: Grand – Stockton Scott || Reserve – Carmun Scott
• Commercial: Grand – Mayci Wilkins || Reserve – Addy Burns
• Hereford: Grand – Grant Ward || Reserve – Drew Ballard
• Limousine: Grand – Aliston McCarley || Reserve – Maddix Small
• Lim-Flex: Grand – Adysin McCarley || Reserve – Clara Farran
• Maine-Angus: Grand – Cassidy Barker || Reserve: Stockton Scott
• Maine-Anjou: Grand – Dexter Small || Reserve – TJ Mills
• Maintainers: Grand – Madison Mcgee || Reserve – Braxtyn Evenson
• Mini Hereford: Grand – Morgan Pattimore || Reserve: Jayson Peterson
• Red Angus: Grand – Lucas Bowling || Reserve – Greta Rosenhagen
• Shorthorn/Shorthorn Plus: Grand – Wyatt Fechter || Reserve – Kristin Penn
• Simmental: Grand – Ethan Kunkel || Reserve – Hayes Rickstrew
• % Simmental: Grand – Olivia Walrod || Reserve – Elsie Rickstrew
Breeding Heifers Final Drive Results –
Grand: Grant Ward (Angus)
Reserve: Cassidy Barker (Maine-Angus)
3rd: Corbin Ellerman (Angus)
4th: Olivia Walrod (% Simmental)
5th: Ethan Kunkel (Simmental)
Market heifers:
Grand: Mayci Wilkins (Lamar, AR)
Reserve: Wyatt Fetcher (Howard, KS)
Market Steer Final Drive Results –
Grand: Wyatt Collard (Class 9)
Reserve: Kyanna Lankton (Class 10)
3rd Overall: Wyatt Collard (Class 4)
4th Overall: Jarrett Birk (Class 5)
5th Overall: Halle Delk (Class 3)
Top 5 Senior showman –
Grand: Josie Wilkins (Lamar, AR)
Reserve: Kyanna Lankton (Le Roy, KS)
3rd: Corbin Ellerman (Atchison, KS)
4th: Lilly Parks (Emporia, KS)
5th: Clara Farran (El Dorado Spring, MO)
Top 5 Intermediate showman –
Grand: Elsie Rickstrew (Wamego, KS)
Reserve: Olivia Walrod (Bronaugh, MO)
3rd: Kennedi Hettinger (Drexel, MO)
4th: Jaylynn Birk (Yates Center, KS)
5th: Drew Ballard (Inman, KS)
Top 5 Junior showman –
Grand: Mayci Wilkins (Lamar, AR)
Reserve: Halle Delk (Harrison, AR)
3rd: Stockton Scott (Havana, KS)
4th: Braxtyn Evenson (Eureka, KS)
5th: Josephine Razey (Augusta, KS)
Results from our peewee and adult showmanship classes:
• Adult showmanship –
Grand: Austin Waltz
Reserve: Brook Falk
• Peewee showmanship –
Grand: Kash Hettinger
Tie for Reserve: Kane Stainbrook and Emery Mengarelli