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Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store: Special Breakfast and Lunch This Saturday
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Brickstreet BBQ Opens
Brickstreet BBQ, at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street opened yesterday with a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
Owners are Carissa and Alex Bowman.
In an interview, Carissa said they are looking forward to this new venture and “The challenge and excitement of starting something that Alex and I can build together.”
She said they are also looking forward to bringing more job opportunities to Fort Scott. They currently have 60 part-time and full time employees.
The service they will be providing to their community is “A sit-down restaurant experience with high quality smoked meats,” she said.
Brickstreet hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Contact them at 620-224-2425 or on their Facebook page.
There was much gratitude expressed in the comments for the opening of this restaurant.
Carissa welcomed and thanked all the family and friends for the support they give.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Bailey Lyons told the attendees “Thanks for bringing barbecue back to Fort Scott.”
“May this place bring you much return on your investment,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said.
Fresenius Building Owner Looking For A Tenant
The newer building just in front of Walmart in Fort Scott has been empty since 2019.
The building which housed a kidney dialysis center is still under lease, according to Mike Panek, President of Phoenix Realty Management, owner.
“We would be happy to find a new tenant so the building had some life,” Panek said. “The economics of property and the state of commercial real estate have made it challenging to find a suitable tenant with interest. Since it went dark, we have local and national brokers working on it.”
Phoenix Realty Management offices located are at 464 Heritage Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, can be reached at (203) 262-1922 or (203) 736-4813.
The Closure
Fresenius Medical Care was the renter of the building at the time of closing and was the only kidney dialysis center in Fort Scott. The doors closed on September 30, 2019.
Patients had to make arrangements to either drive to Pittsburg, 30 miles away, or Chanute, 50 miles away, to get this specialized, life saving treatment, or do home dialysis.
The building was built in 2014 and is over 7,000 square feet.
At the time of the closure, Panek said they would be working with Fresenius to see what their plans are for the site as there was a lease in place for that location.
Fresenius spokespeople did not give a reason for closing the kidney health care facility.
To see a prior story:
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 24
April 24, 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, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Deb McCoy, Michael Hoyt, and Mary Pemberton 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.
Jim welcomed everyone to the night meeting and said he hopes the night meetings will allow more people to attend.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from last week. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, gave an update on the milling project on Soldier Road and 245th Street stating it is done and they are ready for overlay. Eric told Nelson they don’t have any update on a timeline for milling Yale Road, but that he would let him and the public know when they have a time frame. Eric said they have been waiting on bolts for the engine for the laydown machine and were given a July time frame last week: however, the bolts got here today, and the machine should be ready next week. Jim said that is great news and that Mr. Foley might have had something to do with that. Eric said the KDHE district office inspected the landfill and we passed with flying colors. KDHE recommended having a sign at the front saying what materials are to be placed in MSW and C&D and then a sign at each drop off area within the landfill. Eric said kudos to all at the landfill they have worked very hard to get the landfill cleaned up. Eric stated the landfill is very busy due to more out of state and out of county businesses starting to use our facility. Jim commended the landfill personnel stating they do a great job. Eric said the state was also pleased with the bean pad and the progress we are making on it. Eric said it had been a busy Monday with Dustin Hall attending the KDOT meeting in Chanute for bicycle trails and sidewalks and Chad Brown overseeing the blast at the Beth Quarry. There were some technical difficulties with the blast company’s truck, but they will be back tomorrow to finish up. Eric said they have been patching on 215th Street and Hackberry Road as well. Michael Hoyt said he would still like to look at the bridge on Poplar Road and will get with Eric to set up a time to meet.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented retirement paperwork for K-9 Mozzi who will be purchased by Deputy Pritchett. Jim said it is great that Deputy Pritchett will give the dog a home. Nelson made a motion to transfer ownership of K-9 Mozzi from Bourbon County to Deputy Pritchett and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
Mary Pemberton said she was here three months ago asking for the classification of a certain employee to determine if they were a Bourbon County employee or a contract worker. Mary stated she was told the person in question was an employee, but they were being paid as a 1099 worker. Mary asked if this individual was still working under the same contract as last year, and Jim stated yes. Mary questioned why the individual was paid with a 1099 instead of a W2 since she was informed they were an employee. Clifton stated he does not recall stating this person was an employee who would receive a W2. Mary stated this person is an employee who receives vacation and extra benefits. Justin Meeks clarified that he receives no vacation or benefits and that he even buys his own ink and paper. Justin said he would love to be an employee and receive vacation and benefits. Clifton stated that would cost the county $20,000 more per year to make him an employee. Justin stated he and Clifton had both contacted outside counsel who agreed with his status of 1099 contract employment. Mary said the contract previously read vacation time and professional development. Justin stated in the contract it says he can miss up to four meetings per year and that he is allocated $750.00 per year for professional development meetings. Justin said this should be discussed in an executive session because he is protected under certain guidelines, and he recently clarified this with the EOC. Jim said this conversation is over and told Mary if she would like to continue the conversation they could do so in executive session. Jim stated that he would not allow individuals to be identified in open session and would shut the meeting down if that were to continue to happen. Nelson asked Mary if she would like to go into executive session and she declined.
Michael Hoyt said he would like documents that are presented in meetings to be distributed to the individuals attending. Mr. Hoyt stated he would like to be read in especially during the budget process and gave an example of a budget calendar that was handed to the Commissioners last week but not to those sitting in attendance. Clifton stated that worksheet was not for the public but was a blank worksheet for department heads to fill out for the budget process. Nelson stated that if documents can be legally shared with the public during the meetings we should do so. Mr. Hoyt said last week Matthew Wells came to the Commission for a 25% buy in for a project that the City of Fort Scott is willing to allocate 75% of the funding for whether that is from a grant, city funds, loan, or fundraising and says he feels that should have been a “no-brainer”. Nelson said he totally disagrees and does want to spend $37,500 of taxpayer dollars on what is basically a giant sunblock. Jim said there is no problem with looking at the presentation for a few weeks. Mr. Hoyt said he had a problem with Jim “keeping score” referring to a comment Jim made last week about waiting for an opportunity to speak of a former city commissioner not wanting to help fund the Meals on Wheels program. Michael said we want forward thinking not revenge governance. Jim said he was offended that the city commissioner would not help feed the elderly and that he wanted the public to know that. Jim stated that it is not revenge governance that is Michael’s opinion only, not fact.
Clint Walker said he had been in government for many years and that if he finds something he doesn’t like he is going to come in and let his commissioner know his thoughts. Clint said that people can talk about not liking a regulation, but that if you don’t like it to do something about it.
Anne Dare said, in her opinion, she appreciates the commissioners moving forward serving the underprivileged and unnoticed. Anne stated she appreciates the commissioners holding off and reviewing the documents Matthew Wells presented. Anne also said there are a lot of great projects happening in our community and a majority have worked hard fundraising and that is what she thinks should happen with the farmer’s market pavilion.
Jim clarified his earlier comment of he would shut the meeting down stating he alone does not have the authority to shut the meeting, but that he would make a motion to end the meeting and that his motion would need a second to end the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:17. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:17 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton stated he has contacted more than one attorney and that Bourbon County is paying our employees and 1099 contractors correctly under the guidelines of the State of Kansas and federal government.
Nelson said he is not an accountant or IRS agent, but we are not intentionally doing anything illegal and that we are always trying to rectify things that might have been done wrong previously.
Jim said that going forward he will be stricter for anyone who identifies any personnel stating that this is not a helpful meeting, but harassment. Jim also said they commission could put a time limit on or end public comment.
Mary Pemberton said that you can ask the IRS directly if a person is 1099 eligible or a W2 employee and that it doesn’t cost anything. Clifton stated he is going to go with the attorney’s advice. Nelson said he has no problem contacting the IRS.
Jim asked the other commissioners what they thought about having the public submit what they are going to talk about. Nelson said a lot of time someone will say something during the meeting and that would spark a public comment so that it might be hard to submit in advance. Michael said the city has a rule that you can’t speak about something that is on the agenda without it being discussed first. Michael stated if you want to silence the people that is a very treacherous road to go down. Jim agreed and said he wants public comments, but that we all need to follow the rules.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:24. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 5-1-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
TICKETS FOR WAHZHAZHE: AN OSAGE BALLET ON SALE NOW
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Tickets are now on sale for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet. This moving story of the Osage people is coming to Fort Scott, Kansas for three performances July 21-22, 2023. Adult tickets (ages 16 and up) are $35.00 while tickets for children (ages 15 and below) are $15.00 each. Discount early bird prices are available until May 31. Tickets can be purchased online at https://friendsoffsnhs.ticketspice.com/wahzhazhe or by visiting the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site on Facebook. Persons needing assistance with online purchases can do so, in person, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The rich history of the Osage Nation is brought to life in this stunningly beautiful stage performance using traditional drumming, colorful costumes, and contemporary dance. The heart-pounding drumbeats, rhythmic dancing, and compelling stories of Wahzhazhe are sure to delight dancing enthusiasts and history fans of all ages. The show has been performed for the Pope in Philadelphia, PA, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. and most recently at Branson, MO. Fort Scott performances will be held Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service are hosting Wahzhazhe as part of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s educational programming. This performance will be the highlight in a series of Native American programming being offered by the park this year. The Friends are seeking sponsors to help offset the cost of bringing the performance to Fort Scott. Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Valley Road Closed between 245th and 255th Until May 5
Valley Road between 245th Street and 255th Street will be closed this week, 5/1-5/5, to allow Bourbon County Public Works to replace crossroad culverts.
Ecker: New Real Estate Agent with Lyons Realty Group
Bill Ecker, 65, received his real estate license in February, 2023.
He was recently hired by Lyons Realty Group.
“My job will be to help others with the sale or purchase of property,” he said. “I am available almost every weekday after 2 p.m. and on weekends.”
Contact him at 620-224-6311 or email, [email protected]
Ecker lives in Fort Scott and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
In his spare time, Ecker enjoys a variety of activities.
“I love to golf, gardening, bike riding, hiking and watching almost any sport,” he said. He has two daughters, Sarah in Durham, NC and Amy in Centerton, AR and two grandchildren.
Lyons Realty Group recently announced Ecker’s hiring on its Facebook page:
“Bill is no stranger to rural living, in fact, that’s what he prefers. He moved to Fort Scott in 1994 from a rural community in Central Illinois, and has enjoyed building a life in this community ever since.
“While Bill is new to real estate, he is not new to customer service and helping people. He has worked in sales and service his entire life, and is passionate about exceeding his customer’s expectations.
Coming originally from the farm lands in Illinois, Bill has working knowledge of agricultural properties and their uses.
“Bill’s father was a carpenter giving him knowledge of general construction. His diverse background makes him well-qualified to help with any facet of real estate whether it be agriculture, residential, or commercial.
“Bill entered the real estate business in hopes of helping others achieve their goals of property ownership, and he gets great satisfaction out of helping others succeed. Finding the right property for the right person is his newest passion.”
Bo Co Dems Will Serve Brunch at Farmer’s Market This Saturday
Bourbon County Democrats are serving breakfast or brunch on Saturday, May 6th on Skubitz Plaza at the Farmers Market from 8 – Noon.
They will serve fresh coffee or bottled water, fresh fruit, and a choice of fresh-baked Coffee Cake–all for $5.
Note:They will deliver in town. For delivery or more information, call 620 215 1505.
They also invite you to bring a lawn chair, if you wish to come, eat, and socialize!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
Agenda for the Bourbon County Coalition on May 3
The agenda for the Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition May 3 meeting; 100 p.m.; Scottview Apartments Conference Room
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Bourbon County transportation program presented by COPE, LHEAT, and SEK-CAP. The June program will be an explanation of KanCare/Medicaid by Dawn Cubbison. April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present our August program.
- Open Forum: Need monthly programs beginning in September.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be June 7, at 1:00 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 1
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
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
May 1, 2023, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/24/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
V. Don George-Elm Creek Grant Extension
VI. Real Property Relief Application-Magee
VII. Jim Harris-Discussion of Feasibility Study for Overpass
VIII. Public Comments
IX. Commission Comments
X. Meeting Adjourn
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.
Core Community Program to Start in Bourbon County
Fort Scottian Jennifer Michaud attended a seminar several years ago where Deborah Factor spoke about the Core Community program, her husband Bill said.
The mission for Core Comunity is to engage the community to lift families out of poverty, according to https://youthcoreministries.org/what-we-do/core-community/
Factor started with a youth mentorship program and then added the Core Communities program, to help families as well,
Bill Michaud, said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
“I have been in contact with and getting to know Deb for…several years,” Bill said. “I recognized that poverty is an issue that is well documented and often discussed in southeast Kansas but I’m not aware of any programs that work so directly to hit the issue head-on. I believe that this is a program that has great potential to help change peoples lives so I brought it up a few times during different community-focused conversations in which I was involved over a several year period.”
A small group of people came to see the potential that Bill Michaud saw, so there were a couple of follow-up informational meetings.
“In February Jennifer and I, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsay McNeil, Lisa Robertson and Destry Brown traveled to Greensburg, Kansas to attend one of Deb’s regular Monday class sessions and were able to see the program in action and hear more stories of lives impacted first-hand,” Michaud said.
“In March we asked Deb to come to Fort Scott to present to a larger group of church representatives, social service organizations and anyone else we thought might have an initial interest in learning about the program,” Bill Michaud said. “(Bourbon County Commissioner) Clifton Beth was in attendance at that presentation and at the conclusion, asked Deb to set a time to do an abbreviated presentation to the county commission.”
In April, Bill Michaud and Deb Factor(on a Zoom call) presented to the commission on the Core Community Ministry.
Factor stated she started in 1998 in Greensburg, doing ministry for youth, according to the commission minutes. During the process she had kids she worked with for years walk into adulthood and follow in the cycle of poverty.
Factor said that her goal was to help the kids grow into healthy, thriving adults who can give back in their community and not be under the constant burden and struggle of poverty, according to the commission minutes.
In 2015, after modeling a program that had been successful elsewhere, she launched the poverty program, Core Community.
They have 13 programs in Kansas and one in Illinois currently.
The program consists of weekly meetings, 48-50 weeks per year, and will continue to meet with the individuals for two to five years. The program tries to educate the community on what poverty really is, according to the county commission minutes.
Factor told the commission the program identifies barriers and helps people push through them, with 70 % increasing their income.
Core Community is tracking those that are out of poverty for ten years to gather data to see if they are maintaining the upward trajectory.
The first step in bringing the program to the community is fundraising. Then a community coordinator would be hired and reside in the county with CORE Community being their employer, and an advisory board formed.
Michaud said this is a fundraising-based organization and would not ask the county for money to sustain the program.
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said he worked in home health and hospice in southeast Kansas and saw first-hand the poverty that residents are facing and would like to see the school district, college and city government come together to make this program happen, according to the commission minutes.
Michaud stated about five churches in Fort Scott have been asked to become involved.
The Bourbon County Commission in a vote of 2-1 voted to give Core Community program $50,000 to get it started in this community.
Nelson Blythe voted against it, stating that “he doesn’t believe charity is the role of government, and there is nothing stopping others in the community from writing a check.” Nelson stated “This is taxpayer’s money that should go toward making the courthouse run and roads better”, according to the commission minutes.
The county’s Chief Financial Officer Susan Bancroft, stated the money would come from PILOT funds received from the windmill money to the county for economic development, according to the commission minutes.
There is a requirement to have approximately the first years budget raised before launching the program, Michaud said in an interview. This could take up to 18 months.
“Before we launch our program in Bourbon County we are going to work to identify what sustainable funding sources we think we will be able to count on to fund the program in future years,” Michaud said in an interview.
The City of Fort Scott and the Bourbon County Commission have approved money to help with start up costs.
The city has approved $15,000 and will be meeting with the Core Community representatives on May 18, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“The City and County funding that has been approved are remarkable gifts that will allow us to get this program launched and accelerate the time frame for this program to begin helping people, but this program is not one that we anticipate will require future city / county funding,” Michaud said. “We have developed an advisory board that consists of representatives of several church and social service organizations so that we have input from a very broad base of representatives. This…board will also guide the organization once we launch the program.”
Michaud can be reached at [email protected].
Presbyterian Village Annual Auction is Saturday, April 29 at the Fairgrounds
The Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Fundraising Public Auction will be held this year at the Bourbon County 4-H building, located on 2109 S. Horton street, about 3 blocks north of the Presbyterian Village.
The auction will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29th.
“Bring a truck and a friend we have lots of great items too numerous to list and picture,” PV Executive Director Ginger Nance,said . “Lots of surprises on auction day, as we have been gathering items for about 2 years and much is still in storage!”
“All proceeds are kept local in Fort Scott to benefit the Presbyterian Village Good Samaritan program, designed to assist seniors who outlive their resources through no fault of their own, as well as other Life Enriching Programs that directly benefits our local seniors,” Nance said.
” We have been doing the auction annually for many years,” she said. “COVID got us off course for a couple of years, but we hope to build this back to return this to an annual event and this year promises to offer great items for people to bid on.”
“There is truly something here for everyone!” she said.
“We have everything from great, clean, household items, furniture (antique, vintage and new—some like new or never used), we have décor (some specialty artwork from local, K.C. and other artists), we have really nice washing machines, costume and other jewelry (some gold), handicap equipment (some new), we even have collectible coins this year that were donated from an estate!”
Feel free to contact Ginger Nance at (620) 224-6173 or Joe Redden (620) 644-8417 with questions or to make an appt. to preview.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living community dedicated to serving residents with a culture inspired by our Christian values and heritage, according to its website: https://www.fortscottpresbyterianvillage.org/