Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Stay Strong Stay Healthy Starts February 20th

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

 

Starting February 20th, improve your health and independence through strength-building exercises at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Stay Strong Stay Healthy class will meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00-10:00am, for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required, call Tara at 620-244-3826 to register and learn more.

 

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to take better care of your health and join others for this fun program!

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for January 8

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

January 8, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/18/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $225,101.85
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $229,207.57
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Matt Quick, County Appraiser- Property Values and Personal Property Information
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Audit Firms 2024
  • Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-EMS Updates and KRAF Grant
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk- 2024 Resolutions
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Retirement of K-9/Patrol Vehicle Totaled by Insurance
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Accounts Payable 12-29-23

Payroll 12-29-2023

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of December 12

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The Regular Uniontown Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman

 

404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear.  Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure.  Exterior and interior work is continuing.

 

USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program.  He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM

 

Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%).  The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St.  It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners.  Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.

He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting

 

Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan.  This will be put on the January agenda under new business.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance.  Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.

 

Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party.  Historically the city donates $100.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party

 

Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription.  It has been used twice in the last three years.  Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed.  She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.

She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE.  KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory.  Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available.  She will be attending a MAP webinar in January.  Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb

She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development.  Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.

Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.

Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18.  Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock.  County rock crusher is broken down at this time.  Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side.  It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate.  Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024

 

Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed.  The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.

 

Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000.  She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module.  There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing.  All quotes are for cloud-based software.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software

 

Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found.  None can be used until we have an employee to insure.  Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on January 8 at 7 p.m.

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CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

2023 Financials – December

01-24 Informational Items

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of office for newly elected councilmembers

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  3. Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
  4. Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Sewer issue at 100 Second St update

Sewer issue in alley between Hill and Clay

Water valve replacement update, labor cost estimate

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

New finance and utility billing software implementation

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees increase

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Water Meter Replacement Plan –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes from January 3

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

January 3, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-one members representing nineteen agencies attended.  For the 2023 calendar year, the Coalition Board was able to assist 29 families, including 79 children with rent and utilities.  The Board voted to increase the monthly benefit available to $1,000.  The family swim pass applications will be ready before the first of April at Buck Run and The Beacon.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Clara Wicoff was unable to attend, but sent information concerning a summer internship with K-State Research. Billie Jo will forward the information to members.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: The free “Walk With Ease” class will begin on January 8 at Buck Run Community Center; contact Lea Kay at 620-224-0182 or [email protected] to register.  Classes will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until February 16.  Lea Kay is always looking for community partners for her nutrition classes; she only needs space, sink, and electricity.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, Ministerial Alliance: Allen announced that he and his family will be leaving Bourbon County to relocate in Georgia; he needs to find someone who cares about people to take over these ministries.  This year the Red Bucket Campaign for the Salvation Army raised enough to spend approximately $850 per month to help Bourbon County citizens.  Allen expressed thanks to all those who volunteered to ring the bells this Christmas season.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC Community Health Worker and COPE (and Kylie Paulsen): They have been busy with Wash Wednesdays at the Washateria from 10-2; there is always a Community helper on site during these times to help clients with resources.  They will be  working with the east side laundry to provide free wash on the first Thursday of the month from 3 -6 pm.  These programs will run for at least one year.  The grant for COPE runs only through the end of May;  some job descriptions may change at that time.
  • Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: PSU Small Business Development Center has new hours –  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9-4; Amy Sawyer will be the new person in the office.
  • Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center; She is available to help with anything to make sure kids are receiving proper care for and are safe in their homes.
  • Christine Abbott, KansasWorks SEK: She is always looking for 16-24 year old young people who need help with employment issues, GED certifications, work study, etc.
  • Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: She has a waiting list for USD 234 but has openings in 235; contact Star through the Greenbush website.
  • Larry Jump, Community Liaison with SEKCAP: SEKCAP provides center and home based services for preschool children and parents.  Larry also uses his graphic design background to produce promotional items for SEKCAP.
  • Dawn Cubbison, Aetna Better Health: New 2024 brochures listing benefits and rewards for clients were distributied to members.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations need volunteers.
  • Lori Holman, American Red Cross: Lori has just begun her job as the account manager for the American Red Cross; she is in charge of nine counties.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: Nick announced that the district has recently purchased the former Family Physicians building on Horton Street to house the pre-school.  Once grant monies are received and remodeling completed, the pre-school will be able to serve 150-160 students.  The projected date for the pre-school to relocate is January 2025.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: At present there are only 13 applicants on the waitlist but they continue to  take applications.
  • Dee Dee LeFever, Community Liaison Greenbush: She is the resource person who helps match needs with services.  She will now also be helping on the Autism Team in order to provide more evaluation days each month.
  • Cheri Walrod: Fifteen core leaders are involved in the first session of Core Community; fund raising reached the goal for 2023; and families enjoyed several special adventures for the Christmas season.

 

  1. Program:  Tess Watson, founder of the Dream Big Little One project, Patti Street and Luann Nicoletti, project volunteers, shared how the program began in Tess’s kitchen making cinnamon rolls to raise funds and evolved into the 501c3 organization that it is at present. To date, the organization has helped over 1700 children obtain a bed complete with mattress, bedding, and comfort items.    Their mission is to provide clean, new or recycled beds and bedding for SE Kansas and SW Missouri children in need, free of charge.  Their need is help in donating bedding, new or gently used beds, or financial donations to help purchase said items.  The goal is to ensure that every child has a warm bed to rest his/her head.  To help with this project contact [email protected].

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 7, 2024.

 

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Schools, Youth

Youth Sex Trafficking Prevention Presentation is January 31

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The following is a press release from USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.

“I am excited to announce that thanks to Shanda Stewart, the E3 Ranch Foundation, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department we are able to bring a phenomenal speaker to our community to educate us on the dangers of social media and its relationship to sex trafficking.  Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 31st 6 p.m. at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center!,” according to the press release.

“Russ Tuttle will also be presenting to our students in all Fort Scott Schools on February 1st. His presentations to students are age appropriate and are geared at teaching students about the dangers of using social media.,” according to the release.
Here is the flyer for the event:

BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.

THIS ADULT ONLY COMMUNITY PRESENTATION FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF “LIFE ONLINE” FOR STUDENTS

ONE IMAGE & THREE WORDS WILL CHANGE YOUR PARADIGM!

 

The Who – caring adults invited to attend:

  • Law enforcement
  • Firefighter’s and EMT’s
  • Medical professionals
  • Counselors
  • Faith community leaders
  • School personnel
  • Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members

 

The What – educate and empower caring adults in our community:

  • Students are enamored with social media and “life online”
  • Name apps and provide practical advice to guide caring adults
  • Unpack vulnerabilities that can be exploited: loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)

The How – the approach: Fast-moving Power Point presentation designed for maximum impact

 

The presenter – an active abolitionist: Has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees.

The presentation – fast paced with appropriate images and videos:

  • Provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities
  • Identify the demand in this high demand business of sexual exploitation
  • Provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the “top ten practical steps” for adults to keep students safer

 

LOCATION:   FSCC ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER

SPONSORS:  E3 RANCH FOUNDATION & BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S         DEPARTMENT

TIME: 6 PM  on January 31

OTHER DETAILS: NO CHILDREN PLEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHANDA STEWART 620-215-2681

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meeting Agenda for January 3, 2024

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The monthly Bourbon County Coalition Meeting will be on January 3, 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments.  If unable to attend and have an announcement, send it to Billie Jo Drake to share.

Please be thinking about future programs that could be scheduled; bring ideas to the meeting!

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

January 3, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  Tess Watson, bed project

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 7, 2024.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

New Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.

A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.

‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”

“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”

This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.

The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.

The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.

It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.

Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,”  Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction

 

The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.

“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”

Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January

“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”

“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said.  “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design.  Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”

A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.

“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.

The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.

“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”

“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”

The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”

There are more phases to the project.

“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said.  “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”

 

The pavilion committee consists of:

Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells

 

Bourbon County, Church news, Food

Uniontown Baptist Church Food Baskets: A Community Collaboration

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Submitted photos.

The First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown has been distributing food baskets at Christmas time for many years,”  said Marci Williams, chairperson of the mission board at the church.

“We get our suggestions (for those who might need extra food) from church and community members and the (USD 235) school,” she said.

“Church members donate food,” she said.  “(And) Ruritan ( a local community service group) donates $500 to the mission board to purchase groceries.”

And the local school organizes a food drive.

“The students, staff, and W.B.E. families are very supportive and generous,” Jenny Covey, a member of the mission board said. “The sixth-grade class has been organizing a food drive since before I started teaching in Uniontown more than 18 years ago.”

“This is a great way to teach students about giving,” Covey said.

“Our church gets together a few days before Christmas to pack and deliver the boxes,” Williams said. “This year each family received a turkey, sausage, eggs, bread, bag of potatoes, apple juice, sugar, and apples. In addition, the boxes are filled to the brim.”

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Grief Share Support Group Starts on January 9 At The Catholic School

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From GriefShare’s Facebook page.

“The loneliness of grief can be comforted,” said Laura Meeks, a local leader of GriefShare.  “GriefShare  is a nationally recognized support for those left with the pain of the death of a loved one.”

“We invite you to GriefShare to help you recover from the death of your loved one,” she said.  “We are sorry for the reasons that bring you to this group, but we welcome you. If you are uncomfortable taking this step and don’t know what to expect by joining a small group, your feelings are normal.”

The first GriefShare meeting led by Meeks starts on Tuesday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School, 714 S. Eddy in Room 203, which is across from the parish office.

“Thirteen sessions will be held for our group each Tuesday at the same time and place,” she said.  “This is a non-denominational grief recovery program. Hospitality will be provided and you will be given a helpful book to support your journey.”

“After the first of thirteen sessions ….you will start noticing you find it helpful to be around others who also are dealing with their emotions, questioning, and feeling exhaustion,” she said.

“We all grieve differently,” Meeks said.  “There are no rules nor measurements such as time.”

For more than 25 years, GriefShare has helped over 1 million people heal from the pain of grief, according to a press release from Meeks. Professionally developed videos and a workbook help you meet people who have faced grief and share what helped them. You get practical suggestions from counselors and pastors, experts in grief recovery who have also experienced deep loss.

“Pastor Fr. Yancy Burgess recommended this program when I told him I wanted to help those who faced the death of a loved one,” Meeks said. “He referred me to his former Kansas Parrish GriefShare leader who guided me as I prepared. Last July,  Fr. Burgess ordered all the materials we needed to provide this support for the community specifically intending to include all, in this non-denominational approach.  He has a formidable background in bereavement support and provides support to us.”

To find more information about GriefShare go to griefshare.org or email [email protected].

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meeks, by calling: 740-317-6379, or emailing [email protected] for questions or registration support. To register directly go to griefshare.org/findagroup.

 

Another GriefShare will be available in fall 2024.

 

At the end of November, Community Christian Church just finished a 13-week course, led by Jon Bailes and Jeanette Perry, according to Jamie Beckham, at CCC.

“They are preparing to do another in the fall,” she said.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Commercial, Entertainment and Tourism Project Being Proposed

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The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
To view the MOU:
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.

“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.

The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.

Robb Heineman from the Sporting KC website.

Heineman is the co-owner of Sporting KC, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City, and one of the club’s five principal owners, according to https://www.sportingkc.com/club/ownership/robb-heineman/.

This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.

“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”

The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”

“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said  Harrington.

“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”

In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.

“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.

One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.

“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.

Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.

A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.

Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”