Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Business

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to Award $49,000 in Grants

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Health is economic stability. The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc. (HBCAT) aims to increase access to wealth building opportunities to Bourbon County residents through our local and regional partnerships at the Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth.

Providing local businesses expertise and guidance, particularly in these very turbulent times, has shown to be a critical resource to
increase the number of business start-ups and number of available quality jobs.

HBCAT will be awarding nine grants totaling $49,000 on August 23 rd in their office at 104 N National Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 at 12 pm. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook and is also open for the public to attend in person and celebrate the grant awardees.

With the support of the Patterson Family Foundation, the HBCAT has awarded a total of $195,000 to low-income, minority owned, women owned or food-based businesses in the past two years. Each grantee is a client of the Pittsburg State Small
Business Development Center (PSU SBDC) at the Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth.

There has been a total of four grant cycles in the past two years.
Please join us in congratulating following businesses:

Restaurant/Food Retail Recipient ($7000):
Brick Street BBQ
Brick Street BBQ, a women-owned start-up has a mission is to bring quality BBQ to Bourbon County.
“Fork tender and delectable” describe the smoked offerings found at Brick Street BBQ. It’s not just the meats that get a new twist, but also the sauces which come in nontraditional tasty flavors. They have a wholesale agreement with E3 Meat Co. to sell E3 Beef Products.

Lotus Express
Lotus Express, a minority-owned business, is a staple Chinese restaurant in Fort Scott. Families can dine in with generous servings and affordable prices, or they can take out and eat it at home watching their favorite movie!

Lotus also has a drive-through for those on-the-go families that need a quick, quality meal. Lotus’ menu has many different options of Chinese entree staples like General Tso, Sweet and
Sour, Chicken Lo Mein, and the local favorite, Meme’s Chicken. All meals are cooked from scratch and made fresh for their customers. Lotus is looking forward to establishing local connections through
farmers/ranchers and other small businesses to support the community.

7 Low-Income, Minority, or Women Owned Startup Businesses Recipients ($5,000 each):
The BEE Better Health Club
BEE Better Health Club, a low-income startup, will provide a variety of fitness classes at their gym located just south of Fort Scott, Kansas. Some of the classes offered are group fitness, personal training, kid sessions, and nutrition training. At this health club, the community members are tight-knit, which will serve as accountability for everyone to strive for a healthier life. This gym will increase access to physical activity in Bourbon County, giving another option for community members to better their
health. There are different memberships offered that will fit the different needs of the clients. BEE Better Health Club will also offer classes for youth. The importance of routine fitness throughout the
summer is important, especially for youth .

Country Kids Daycare
Country Kids childcare, a women-owned establishment, is available to children aged 3 months to 12 years of age. Country Kids encourages positive childhood development by providing opportunities for children to meet new friends, try out new activities and learn through play. Children’s happiness,
security, social and cognitive development are Country Kids Daycare main objectives.

Morning Birds Daycare
Haley Ellis is the owner of Morning Birds Daycare, a woman-owned childcare provider, and has recognized the need for childcare in Bourbon County. She decided to open a KDHE-licensed daycare,
Morning Birds Childcare, LLC, on August 28th, 2022. At Morning Birds Childcare, the children’s health and education are priorities. Haley makes sure that the kids are active and eating healthy foods. The daycare will be accepting DCF in the near future. She makes sure that she has the max capacity for infant care, because of the great need in Bourbon County.

Organized by Karis
Karis Poyner started the business Organized by Karis, a woman- and minority-owned startup business at the beginning of 2023. She realizes the importance of having a clean, quality place
to live. The clients she helps often aren’t able to clean or organize their belongings, or they don’t have the time and energy. She’s providing the services to fulfill that need and reduce
health risks that can come from irregular cleaning.

Refine MedSpa
Kayla Boyd, owner of the woman-owned startup Refine MedSpa, received services at HBCAT’s Center for Economic Growth. With the beauty industry growing quickly, the need for more advanced
medical spas is increasing drastically. The business will be offering these advanced services to Bourbon County and surrounding areas, including Botox®, filler, micro needling, cryotherapy, and vitamin
injections. Laser hair removal, other laser therapies, and additional advanced medical spa services are planned as future offerings. Refine MedSpa’s goal is to increase their patients’ happiness with their complexions and health. Refine MedSpa will have affordable prices for these luxurious services that will attract people from all over.

Hulbert’s Jewelry dba Bartlesmeyer Jewelry
Krysta Hulbert worked with the Center for Economic Growth team to prepare loan documents to open this new woman-owned business. Krysta is the sole owner of the business. After learning the unique skills from John Bartelsmeyer, her husband will become a full-time employee. Hulbert’s Jewelry will
purchase the inventory from Bartelsmeyer as a part of the business acquisition. “We are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries ahistory of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”

Tiny Green and Herbs
Tiny Greens and Herbs, LLC is a new woman-owned microgreens business located in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Tiny Greens and Herbs will provide Bourbon County families and community members with convenient, year-round access to locally grown, nutrient-packed greens and herbs. This startup produces sustainably grown microgreens, which are tiny, immature vegetable and herb plants that are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts. Sometimes these nutrients are referred to as phytonutrients, phytochemicals or antioxidants. These plant-produced compounds provide health benefits to the body. Along with antioxidants, microgreens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavor, and are easy to prepare and fun to eat!

The HBCAT grant program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation with the intent to increase access to local resources that help provide opportunity for economic stability and reduced poverty, with a broader goal of encouraging upward mobility in employment. Each applicant is required to enroll with
the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University (PSU SBDC.)

Located at the university’s Center for Economic Growth, the applicant will work with a local team to develop a
sustainable business plan with three-year financial projections.
To build more resilient food systems, grants to food retail, restaurant and farmer/rancher have an additional eligibility requirement to build and document wholesale relationships.
Supporting local foods and local food production offers multiple benefits:
• Providing incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation;
• Expanding consumer choice and fresh food access;
• Improving negotiating power to local producers;
• Supporting rural economic revitalization; and
• Protecting the food system against severe shocks through decentralization of production.

According to Smart Growth America, in today’s world, business growth is driven by collaboration among
many types of entities that must interact frequently and work together creatively. Operating within this
new model, the Center for Economic Growth is a multi-partner collaboration of the HBCAT, Fort Scott
Area Chamber of Commerce, PSU Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Southeast
KANSASWORKS and multiple local business owners.
PSU SBDC is available to businesses in southeast Kansas to provide technical assistance for the
development of business plans needed to secure capital and increase the chances of successful
ventures. Southeast KANSASWORKS is the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) that serves 17
counties in southeast Kansas, including Bourbon County. Southeast KANSASWORKS contributes to
economic growth and business expansion by ensuring the workforce system is job-driven, matching
employers with skilled individuals.
For more information about services provided at the Center for Economic Growth, please contact Rachel
Carpenter by emailing [email protected]
Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #healthybbco
Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy
Kansas Community. Its mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity,
promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic
growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and
inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for
economic success in any industry and in all cities.

Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-2892
[email protected]

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

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

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

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

Continue reading The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to Award $49,000 in Grants →

Bourbon County, Schools

New WBE Principal: Tracy Smith

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Tracy Smith. Submitted photo.

After 38 years in the Uniontown School District, Tracy Smith, will serve as part-time West Bourbon Elementary School  principal for this school year.

“I have been in education for 44 years and retired  twice, but now one more year,” he said.

Smith is teaming with Anita Lightcup in principal duty-sharing.

“I’ll be on duty Monday, Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays,” he said. “Anita will be alternating Wednesday, Thursday and, Friday.”

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science from Ottawa University and a
Masters in Administration, from Pittsburg State University.

For him the greatest part of the job “is mentoring, helping and developing kids, teens, children in general to become good, productive members of our communities.”

“In comparison to ‘what it was like’ when I was a kid, or even a beginning teacher…it is a much different society….It is imperative that we create a loving, supportive environment where positive growth can happen. So, being aware of every child’s needs as they come into my building is my #1 priority, and then, I problem solve.”

Vance Eden is the Superintendent of the school district. Robert Onelio is the new principal at Uniontown Jr/Sr High School.

There are 10 new teachers in the district.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Budget Session is August 24

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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

 

August 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

A budget work session will be held at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

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.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Minutes of August 14

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August 14, 2023                                                                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Jason Silvers, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/7/23, approval of payroll totaling $214,430.95, and approval of accounts payable totaling $394,953.25. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.

 

There were no public comments.

 

Susan Walker requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 5:41. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, explained changes to the drug and alcohol testing program. Justin stated he followed up on last week’s discussion and reached out to Kansas Association of Counties, KWORCC, and KCAMP to find best practices on the process of drug and alcohol testing. Justin said he found out from KAC that elected officials don’t have to follow the policy and felt we needed to update our policy to follow the state and DOT guidelines for CDL drivers versus non-CDL drivers. Our handbook covers non-elected personnel’s personnel and should be followed by Road & Bridge and the Appraiser’s office and those employed by a non-elected official. Clifton questioned why we would have a handbook if they don’t have to follow it. Jim clarified that any county employee who has an accident must be tested. Jim asked if we update our handbook would elected officials have to tell us what pages they opt in and out of? Justin stated there are EOC and federal guidelines that would have to be followed by elected officials. Jim questioned if the commission set vacation for elected official’s employees. Justin stated if the elected officials choose not to follow our handbook and policies, they can hire their own payroll and HR personnel and stated the commissioners handle the budgets. Jim asked for Justin’s recommendation. Justin said to get best practices and update the handbook. Clifton asked for clarification on if elected officials choose to not follow the handbook, they have to hire their own payroll and HR department. Justin stated the ultimate winner and loser is the taxpayer and he hopes the department heads, Commissioners, and elected officials will work to save the taxpayer’s money. Nelson asked why we would care if they don’t follow our handbook policy. Justin replied there are consequence for not following the handbook if there are any federal violations. Nelson replied that’s on the elected official. Jim asked what the liability is if an elected official doesn’t follow our handbook and something goes wrong. Justin said we have the same insurance so hypothetically rates could go up or the company could choose to drop coverage. Clifton said his opinion on drug and alcohol testing is we should test CDL employees. Clifton made a motion to random test those with CDL’s that work for Bourbon County. Justin said the motion should include post-accident testing. Clifton made a motion to random test employees with CDL’s and all employees post-accident. Jim asked about pre-employment testing for those with CDL’s. Justin said you could make that policy for Public Works. Jim stated Clifton’s motion died for lack of a second. Jim made a motion to change the drug and alcohol testing policy to test random CDL employees, pre-employment testing if they have a CDL, and post-accident testing for all employees. Nelson seconded the motion and asked for discussion. Nelson stated it seems hasty to make a decision now and said now everybody will know if they don’t have a CDL they won’t have to get tested and wanted to check with other counties.  Jim said we still have to have a drug and alcohol testing policy for our insurance. Justin stated under Jim’s motion nobody under elected officials would be tested even if they wanted to follow policy. Justin said that testing CDL is a DOT guideline and that insurance wants all post-accident tested. Clifton questioned if the insurance wanted random testing. Justin said the insurance states random testing as a should and post-accident and CDL testing for DOT as shall. Nelson asked what the recourse would be if an employee is suspected of being under the influence. Justin said we can ask for a random test if we believe an employee is under the influence. The motion passed will all Commissioners approval. Justin asked if a director could handle an issue with an employee with the new policy and it was decided to go into executive session to discuss non-elected employees.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an executive session before the department updates section. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:12. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:12 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated they are working on asphalting on Kansas Road and hope to have it open by Friday. The crew will be asphalting Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to the railroad tracks on Sunday, August 27 to avoid the traffic with schools and businesses. Eric said they plan to start on chip and seal at 215th and Zinc Road and head south. Last week Eric and a few members of the asphalt crew went to Joplin’s Special Road Department and they showed them how they do chip and seal and demonstrated the machine and distributor. Eric said they have three mowers out and are waiting for a gear box to come in from Canada to fix the fourth mower. Eric reported the area Nelson called him about has been mowed. Eric said if anybody has an area with an issue to please call or text him with an actual location not an anonymous picture online. Nelson had previously asked for dollar amounts for mowing intersections and Eric explained they used FEMA rates for the tractor and mower and labor and benefits rates for the employee operating to get to a total of $90.91 per hour to mow. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to mow 150 yards in each direction at the intersection so that would be a total cost of $30,182 to mow the 664 intersections in Bourbon County. Nelson asked for the amount of savings from mowing all the road to just mowing intersections. Eric said the total to mow all roads would be $58,409.68 so the savings to just mow intersections would be $28,227.68. Nelson stated he thought it would be a bigger difference.

 

The Request for Qualifications for an overpass south of town was discussed. Jim explained that the RFQ is the first step before a grant could be applied for. Eric stated $40,000 is the max that the feasibility study could be per the RFQ. Nelson questioned what the company would do to complete the study. Eric stated they will log traffic counts, determine how to tie into roads, intersections, and businesses, and look at placement among other things. Jim said this will be a broad-spectrum study. Eric said he looks for community forums to happen as part of the study as well. Clifton questioned if an underpass was discussed as an option. Jim said it is a good idea that would save millions and suggested asking Schwab Eaton about it, but questioned what you would do with the trains while the underpass was built. Jim made a motion to let Eric Bailey work with Schwab Eaton to do a feasibility study for an overpass or underpass south of Fort Scott and for the study to not exceed $40,000. Clifton said he wouldn’t second because he wanted further discussion. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Clifton said he feels we need to do it and that it has a lot to with more than just safety and economic development and questioned if there was grant money out there for the study. Clifton stated it is budget time and we’re trying to make cuts and he doesn’t like to see this come from a mill levy fund. Jim said the study could be paid for from the sales tax fund. Nelson questioned if they could find someone to do the study for less than $40,000. Clifton stated a dollar amount should not have been put on the RFQ because in his opinion a company will charge as much as they can and feels if they can use money from economic development to do so just not from a mill levy fund. Jim suggested tabling the discussion and it was agreed to table the discussion.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a renewal for a cereal malt beverage for KC Mart at 2191   Soldier Road for approval and the Chairman’s signature. Clifton made a motion to approve the permit and allow Chairman Harris to sign permit #208. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, Patty Love, and Jennifer Hawkins met last week to go over a form the auditors had sent asking about the county’s financial policies and procedures. Susan said there were a few items that needed addressed and changed as an organization moving forward. There have already been some changes that have taken place since Jennifer took office, and after the meeting others will be implemented in both the Clerk’s office and Treasurer’s office. Susan said the policies and procedures should be made as an organization and will help when people move out of office to serve as a guideline for new personnel coming in. Riley County’s financial policy was obtained so we are not starting from scratch creating a new policy and changes will be made to fit our organization. They asked for the Commissioners blessing to work together to create a financial policy. Nelson asked if it was to put a policy together and then have the Commissioners review and approve and Susan confirmed that is their intention. Jim said that was a great idea. One item the auditor’s asked for was a list of those authorized on our certificate on incumbency and those listed were: Clifton Beth, James Harris, Patty Love, Nelson Blythe, and Jennifer Hawkins. If anybody else was to do anything outside of agreements or handling of money they would have to be listed on the certificate. Susan said she feels there are other accounts and individuals that need to be added to the certificate. Susan said she can have Justin review the certificate. Another item that was brought up was the printing of names on the accounts payable checks and it was suggested to always have a live signature on the check whether that be the Chairman’s or the Clerk’s. Jim said the Treasurer and Clerk should be the live signatures.

 

Patty Love and Susan Walker discussed the CD’s the county currently has in local banks. The Commissioners have previously suggest moving CD’s to other institutions that offer the best interest rate. Patty said she had talked to Susan about putting $1,000,000 in a short-term, such as 90-day, CD and asked for bids. Patty handed out the bids received from local institutions. Patty said we have two $100,000 CD’s that are at a low interest rate and she is going to cash them in with the three-month penalty because the new interest rate will be worth it. Clifton said there was money that was soon to be rolled over about six months ago and asked at what rate were they rolled over. Nelson asked how much we currently have in CD’s now and Patty said we have $1,640,000. Nelson asked how much we have available to put into short term CD’s. Susan said it is hard to figure out cash-flow over the next three months and that they will have to figure all officials spending their full amount. After discussion it was determined to put $1,000,000 into short term CD’s not to exceed three months.

 

A short break was taken and normal session resumed at 6:46.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:57. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:57 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 7:08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 7:08 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jim said he went to the poverty session last Saturday at the middle school and that it was a very good program and he is interested and exited to see how the program helps folks in Bourbon County. Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

                                                         

Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

8/21/2023          , Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Amended Agenda for August 21

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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

August 21, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/14/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Resolution 14-23 Appointing an Emergency Manager
  • Appointment of Drywood Township Treasurer
  • Bourbon County Conservation District
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

The budget work session has been moved to after the regularly scheduled commission meeting ends.

 

 

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.

 

Bourbon County

Robert and Anna Steele Legacy

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Forever United in Generosity: The Enduring Legacy of Robert and Anna Steele’s Philanthropic Spirit

Lifelong residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County, Kansas, Robert Gordon and Anna Faye Steele were pillars of the community. Their unwavering dedication to their neighbors and volunteerism with a variety of local organizations made them cherished and respected leaders. Known for their warm hearts and steadfast commitment to giving back, the Steeles were always eager to find new ways to support local organizations and causes close to their hearts.

Friends who knew Robert and Anna will share how close of a couple they were and that they never saw one without the other. Following their deaths in 2017, the Anna Faye Steele and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds were established through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) in their honor. Recognizing the enduring influence that their assets could have on the causes they held dear, the Steeles entrusted their legacy to the caring hands of the Community Foundation. By doing so, they ensured that their spirit of giving would carry on together and continue to support the organizations that had captured their hearts during their lifetimes.

“Bob and Faye’s estate, which was a testament to their kindness, now uplifts local charities, churches, and educational institutions,” said David Shepherd, FSACF board member and community advocate. “In their vision for a lasting impact, they chose the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation to steward their assets. As we honor the Steeles, we take pride in commemorating their thoughtful contribution, which perpetually blesses our community.”

This year, the two Steele Memorial Funds distributed $286,739 to sixteen organizations. Since their establishment in 2017, the funds have provided over $1,196,900 in grants, uplifting the lives of countless individuals within Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The generosity of the Steeles has not only enhanced the local community but has also served as a testament to the power of philanthropy.

Year after year, a multitude of local organizations have been privileged to benefit from the Steele Funds. These organizations include The Beacon, Buck Run Community Center, Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Fort Scott Community College (through scholarships), Fort Scott High School (through scholarships), Fort Scott Public Library, Mount Orum Baptist Church, Old Fort Genealogical Society, Redfield Ruritan Club, Uniontown High School (through scholarships), and Uniontown United Methodist Church.

“The Steeles’ gift has been a great benefit for the Old Fort Genealogical Society,” said Ken Lyon, long-time organization president and current vice president. “We couldn’t have accomplished much of what we have done over the past five years if it weren’t for funds from the Steele endowments.”

In addition to their consistent support for these cherished local institutions, the Steeles’ memorial funds have also extended their reach to broader causes. The funds support organizations of national importance, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart and Lung Association, American Lung Association, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Through their thoughtful and far-reaching philanthropy, the Steeles have left an indelible mark on both a local and national level.

 

The legacy of Robert and Anna Steele will forever be intertwined with the growth and well-being of Fort Scott. Their compassionate foresight in establishing these memorial funds through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation ensures that their impact will be everlasting. Donations to the FSACF are an investment to serve others in the future. The Steeles clearly understood that giving to FSACF to establish an endowment protects their initial gift forever. Grants are given only from the earnings of their donation. Thus, it is a gift that keeps on giving. They understood their legacy of philanthropy could help others for generations to come simply by investing in the Community Foundation. FSACF takes great pride in being the host agency for these memorial funds and cherishes the opportunity to carry forward the inspiring legacies of Robert and Anna Steele.

For those inspired by their story, FSACF encourages you to consider including the foundation in your will or trust, ensuring that your charitable wishes can continue to positively influence our community for years to come. To learn more about the process of naming FSACF in your will or trust, visit with your attorney or contact the Community Foundation. For general information about establishing a fund, please visit www.FSACF.com or call 620.231.8897.