Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes November 18, 2021

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The November meeting of Starlite FCE was held on November 18th at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The meeting was called to order by President Glenda Miller.  Deb Lust led the club in reciting the Flag Salute and the Club Collect.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Eleven members were in attendance.  They reported that they had recycled fifty-five pounds and had volunteered forty-seven hours.

 

Doris Ericson presented the Treasurers report.  She reported that she had written a check to purchase a wreath for “Wreaths Across America” and had books printed for the 2022 club year.  There was no Council report.

 

Glenda announced that she had delivered the bags for the Veterans, baskets to the VFW, and had taken stickers and buttons to UHS and West Bourbon Elementary to educate them on Veterans.  Letha and Glenda reported that we had received several thank you from Veterans for the gift bags. The club also wrote a Christmas card to be sent to the VA hospital in Topeka.

 

Glenda gave a report on the Regional Meeting that was held in Parsons.  Bourbon County had received a reward for 100% reporting, Starlite received a 60-year gold seal, Clarice Russell received her 30-year membership award and Doris Ericson was named the Heart of FCE recipient for the Southeast Kansas district and will advance to the State level.

 

Megan Brillhart was recognized for having a November birthday.

 

Glenda also gave the club highlights from the Family Consumer Science newsletter, which included the introduction of the Southwind Districts’ new agent Clara Wicoff, scam awareness updates, and reminded us that now is the time for Medicare enrollment if you have questions contact Joy Miller.

 

New Business consisted of sending a Memorial gift for past member Maybelle Mertz.  Letha Johnson moved we send a gift, Terri Williams seconded the motion, motion carried.  Other new business consisted of the Christmas party.  Deb lust moved that we make donations to Preferred Living instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, motion carried.  The Date of December the 7th was selected for the Christmas potluck.  It will be held at noon at the Yeager building.  It was decided to also have a sweater contest.  At the Christmas party, the club will be putting together gift bags for Tri-Valley.

 

Glenda Miller presented the club with Tuff Turkey Teasers to enjoy.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting member enjoyed refreshments of Apple Cake, mints, and nuts provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Government

Redfield Receives USDA Grant for Community Center

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United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $803,700 toward 11 community facility projects, serving 29,333 Kansans.

 

The Kansas projects are:

  • The City of Laharpe will receive a $46,400 grant to purchase and install a heating and air conditioning system for the city hall, library and community center. The current system is old, unreliable and has many service calls for repairs. At times, those repairs have caused the cancellation of activities.

 

  • The City of Redfield will receive a $38,700 grant to renovate and improve the city hall/community center. The building’s age, along with deferred maintenance, has resulted in a need for significant upgrades. Upgrades to the restroom, water heater, heating and cooling system, and doors and windows will improve energy efficiency and lower operational costs.

 

  • The Unified School District #220, Ashland, will receive a $100,500 grant to renovate Ashland High School restrooms making them Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

 

  • The City of Winfield will receive a $125,400 grant to purchase two ambulances for the city’s emergency services. Two of the city’s five ambulances are no longer serviceable due to high mileage and repair costs.

 

  • The City of Girard will receive a $13,400 grant toward the purchase of a law enforcement vehicle and firefighting equipment. The new vehicle will replace an older vehicle with high mileage. The fire equipment is a positive pressure vent fan, a rescue saw, and a ventilation chain saw.

 

  • The City of Goessel will receive a $34,000 grant toward the purchase of a backhoe. Increased repairs to the old backhoe are expected to exceed replacement costs. This equipment is used in maintaining streets, repairing water leaks, sewer leaks and used at the city’s tree dump.

 

  • The Unified School District #380 will receive a $243,000 grant to renovate school buildings and upgrade technology within the communities of Centralia, Frankfort and Vermillion. Renovations will include window replacements, classroom and bathroom remodels, and replacement of an outdated boiler heating system with heating/air conditioning units. Funds will also be used to purchase security cameras, magnetic door holders, a new school bus, and 240 laptops to replace outdated computer equipment.

 

  • The City of Osawatomie will receive a $46,000 grant to purchase radios for the police and fire departments. The current radios are outdated and do not meet mandates by the Federal Communication Commission. The new radios will assist the departments in working side by side with other agencies throughout the state for emergencies or natural disasters.

 

  • The City of Cherryvale will receive a $37,400 grant to purchase a vehicle and equipment for the Fire-Rescue Department’s Code Enforcement within the city. The new vehicle will be designated for Code Enforcement use.

 

  • The Historic Preservation Corporation will receive a $85,800 grant to renovate the interior of the Art and History Center located in Council Grove. The renovations will include the installation of heating and air conditioning, restroom renovations, flooring, custom stage, chair lift, and shelving for displays.

 

  • The City of Kingman will receive a $33,100 grant to purchase and install equipment and update landscaping in Broadway Park. This project will provide handicapped accessible equipment and parking along with other equipment, park benches, lighting, landscaping, and fencing.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed

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Help The Salvation Army make beautiful music this holiday season –
sign up to be a bell ringer and make a difference in our community!

The Salvation Army’s 2021 Red Kettle Campaign in Fort Scott begins Saturday, November 20th, and continues every day through December 24.

This year again, we will have volunteers ringing bells at Walmart.

“Volunteers are critical to the overall success of our Red Kettle Campaign. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to sign up for a shift – it’s a fun, easy way to help those less fortunate in our community,” said  Outreach Director, Allen Schellack.

The money collected during the 2021 Red Kettle Campaign will support Salvation Army programs in Bourbon County for the coming year. These programs include emergency rent and lodging, utility assistance, gasoline, prescriptions, as well as local disaster response.

“All gifts made in our community stay in our community,” said Schellack.

Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.

To volunteer to be a Salvation Army bell ringer, please call Fort Scott
Compassionate Ministries at 620-223-2212.

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Mexican Food Truck: New Business Venture

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Some of the burritos offered by the Los Tres Pollitos Foodtruck. Taken from their Facebook page.

Jonathan and Yadira Barbosa, Mapleton,  thought for a year about opening their food truck, Los Tres Pollitos.

Jonathan and Yadira Barbosa. Submitted photo.

Yadira’s homecooked meals have been enjoyed by many people, Jonathan said.

“When my brothers come for hunting, they seemed to enjoy it,” Jonathan said. “And we have done a fundraiser for a local church.”

They have been stationing the food truck in Bronson on the weekends when it works with his business schedule, he said.

“We are positioned at the old gas station on Hwy. 54 in Bronson,” he said. “The property is owned by the Perry’s of Perry’s Pork Rinds.”

They also do catering.

“We have also set up at the Uniontown Elementary School for their in-service for teachers (in October),” he said.

To discuss the catering menu and prices, please call one month in advance at  (620) 215-4247, he said.

“There are lots of options and pricing would depend on what they would like,” Jonathan said.

 

The Barbosa’s are a busy family, Yadira is a full-time mom to the couple’s three children and is pregnant with their fourth child.

Jonathan owns a fencing company, and also is a sub-contractor for a Kansas City company that sets up in-ground swimming pools, he said.

Yadira is Lupe Santana’s sister, who owns the La Hacienda Restaurant in Fort Scott. The brother and sister are from central Mexico.

But they decided to launch their new business, a Mexican food truck, called Los Tres Pollitos Mexican Breakfast and Street Tacos on October 9, 2021.

The Los Tres Pollitos Food Truck has been selling at the old gas station in Bronson, when their schedule allows. Taken from their Facebook page.

Their offerings are Mexican breakfast burritos and street tacos made with chicken, steak, or chorizo.

They have three types of homemade salsa. and also offer chicken or cheese quesadillas.

“All homemade, just like you would get off the streets of Mexico,” he said.

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Former Mercy Hospital Building Reopening Process Moves Forward

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

Noble Health Corporation announced yesterday that in the near future they will be deciding whether it is feasible to reopen a hospital at the former Mercy Hospital facility, according to Rob Harrington, Director of  Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

“There will be two more meetings with the (Bourbon County) Commission and then they will begin talking with the public about the outcome of the feasibility study,” Harrington said.

“Today was a good day for Bourbon County and we are excited to see the process continue,” he said.
“The next phases will be dedicated to renovation costs and I believe labor,” he said.
“The study has been completed, however, it contains information that at this time needs to remain confidential until after the property is transferred to Noble by the county,” Harrington said. “We are hopeful that this will happen in January and February when they begin doing their town hall meetings.”

 

Noble Health Corp. announced in June 2021 that it would explore the possibility of reopening the acute care hospital facility in Fort Scott, according to a previous press release from the corporation.

The corporation, a Kansas City company, engaged in a cooperative agreement with Bourbon County to conduct a feasibility study that could lead to the reopening of the former Mercy Hospital building, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., according to the press release.

The building is located just off Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side.

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December of 2018.

Mercy Hospital before it closed in December 2018.

Since that time Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has leased a portion of the building, and Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg,  has leased the emergency department. Those leases end in December 2022. Fort Scott Community College has leased the western part of the building for student housing.

 

To view the prior features on Nobel Health in Fort Scott:

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Dems Meet Nov. 21

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The Bourbon County Democrats will be holding their monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 21.
They will be meeting in Gunn Park Shelter House #5 which has heating and a bathroom there.
Guest speaker will be Patrick Schmidt, who is running to represent Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District.
Submitted by:
Carol MacArthur, Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats.
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Sustaining Family Caregivers

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month. It gives us a reminder to acknowledge those family members who have taken on the ‘work’ of caring for a loved one. Caregiving can really become a full-time job, where those who had other meaningful employment may have made the noble and loving choice to care for their loved one instead.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has said there are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving knows no economic or cultural boundaries. It will affect all of us or our families at some time.

Family caregivers are often doing all they can to meet the daily needs of their care recipient. In meeting those other needs, their own personal needs may continually get placed on the ‘back burner’ if they are not careful.

Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. They often feel they have no control over events – and that feeling of powerlessness has a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health.

We might be reminded of the safety instructions given by the flight attendant before a flight. One of them is “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your mask first before helping others.” The same goes for family caregivers. They need to make sure their needs are met so they can be the caregiver they want to be. A specific plan may be needed to take care of themselves.

How can family caregivers manage their self-care?

–Take responsibility and make it a priority to continue to include activities and relationships that are meaningful to them. Take daily breaks.

–Have realistic expectations on what a good caregiver is. Burdensome expectations placed on oneself as a caregiver can set the caregiver up for failure, resentment, and guilt.

–Focus on what can be done. The caregiver cannot change the care receiver if they have always been demanding and inflexible. However, the caregiver can control how they respond to the care receiver’s demands.

–Communicate effectively with others. These include family members, friends, health care providers, and the care receiver. The caregiver needs to convey their own needs and concerns in a positive manner.

–There will be emotional ups and downs as a caregiver. Don’t bottle up emotions. Repressing feelings decreases energy, causes irritability, depression and physical problems, and affects the ability to make the best decisions.

–Get help when needed. Don’t wait until ‘the end of your rope’ has been reached. Help might come from community resources, family and friends, or professionals. Find a way to follow through with vacation plans.

Not everyone is cut out to be a family caregiver. Kudos to those who have taken on this very caring responsibility. For those who may currently be in a caregiving situation, seek ways to take better care of yourself along the way so that you thrive, and not just survive. The rest of us need to find ways to help you succeed.

For more on support of caregivers, contact a Southwind Extension District Office. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For November 16

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: November 16, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Susan Bancroft – Sewer Service Agreement
    • Anne Dare, Deb Martin, Sparky Schroeder, Donna Banwart-30 X 30 Land Grab
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • 12:00 Noon – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (To be held offsite at 200 S Main, Suite 2)
  • Noble Health

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of suc

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FS Area Foundation Delivers Grants to 15 Recipients

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All representatives of the grants awarded, pause for a group photo on Nov. 4 following the presentations.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) was launched in August 2007 and serves all of Bourbon County as a partner and resource to non-profit organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in our area.

The foundation presented the yearly awards at an After-Hours Chamber of Commerce event, hosted by Landmark Bank on November 4.

Thanks to the generosity of area donors, this year the foundation presented awards to 15 organizations totaling $40,345.

 

Gregg Motley tells about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation before the awarding of the grants. FSCAF Chairperson Carla Farmer listens, at right.

The foundation received 24 qualifying applications requesting over $89,000, Greg Motley, a member of the board of directors, said.

The following is a photo of representatives of the recipients receiving their awards.

Gregg Motley, an FSACF board member; Dave Gillen and Patty Mowen, Beacon representatives; along with Carla Farmer, FSACF Chairperson.

The Beacon received $3,000 to upgrade and expand nutritional food items.

 

Special Olympic Kansas representatives Steve Anthony, 2nd from left, and Erin Fletcher, far-right accept an award from Motley and Farmer.

Special Olympics of Kansas recognizes the accomplishments of those with intellectual disabilities and received $500 toward that effort.

 

Uniontown Saddle Club representatives Wayne Hall and Rachel Carpenter receive a check from Motley and Farmer.

The Uniontown Saddle Club was approved a $4,000 grant to bring electricity to the recreational vehicle area to facilitate overnight camping at the club’s arena.

 

Receiving the grant for the Gordon Parks Museum is Jane Campbell, center.

The Gordon Parks Museum received $3,000 to bring a professional dance group from Kansas City, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Alley, to the museum’s planned Martin Luther King Day.

 

Craig Hubbard, Kansas Food Bank representative, center, received the check from the foundation.

The Food For Kids program provides weekend meals for chronically hungry school children and the foundation presented a $3,000 check to the Kansas Food Bank Warehouse.

 

Mert Barrows, center, receives a foundation check representing the Presbyterian Church.

The First Presbyterian Church Ramp Pack received $2,500 to build wheelchair ramps to homes of needy Fort Scottians.

 

Fort Scott City Manager Mark McCoy received a foundation check on behalf of the city and the Fort Scott Kiwanis club.

The City of Fort Scott and the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott received a grant to plant new trees in the community, in the amount of $1,000.

 

CASA representative Jane Campbell, center, received the grant award for the organization.

Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocates received $4,500 to facilitate training for new volunteers and ongoing education for staff.

 

Melissa Guns, center, representing the Christmas in the Park organization, received the grant from the foundation.

The Christmas in the Park event will be in Gunn Park this year, thanks to the foundation’s $1,000 grant award.

 

Allen Warren, center, receives the grant award for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Association and 4-H Clubs.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta organization and the Bourbon County 4-H Clubs partnered to receive a $2,500 grant to spruce up the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds and buy some picnic tables.

 

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Director Allen Schellack, center, receives the grant from the foundation.

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries received a $2,000 grant to fund transportation services, identification documentation, shelter during extreme weather, and space heaters for those in need.

 

Care to Share Board Members Lavetta Simmons and Sidney Zimmermann, center, receive a grant.

Care to Share, a support organization for those with cancer, received a $3,000 award to ease the financial burden for patients and their caregivers by providing transportation, house cleaning, yard work, meals, and any other personal needs while the patient is focused on the cancer battle.

 

USD 234 school personnel Robin Webb, Missy Miller, and Martin Alteri, all in the center, receive the grant.

Winfield Scott Elementary School first grade teachers will use their $2,500 grant awarded to familiarize students with local resources through trips to businesses, non-profits, and government locations to build backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math and also help students become community-oriented.

 

Angela Simon, Bailey Lyons, and Lindsay Madison receive the grant for the Chamber.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce received a $4,000 grant to upgrade the Christmas decorations for the downtown area.

 

USD 234 music teacher Whitley Chesney receives the grant.

Fort Scott High School Choir Director Whitley Chesney received $3,845 to purchase appropriate attire for performances at concerts, no matter what the student’s economic status.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Heartland awards $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association for building improvements

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Doug Graham (center left), the communication specialist for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, presents a check for $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association members (from left to right) Laura George, Wilma Hibdon, Diane Brillhart, Mark Brillhart, and Dale Griffiths.

 

Fair participants and others using the buildings at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds will soon benefit from improvements to roofing and HVAC systems made possible in part by a grant from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative.

Heartland recently awarded Bourbon County Fair Association a $5,000 grant through its Concern for Community program.

 

“I often say that we’re not in the business of selling electricity, we’re in the business of powering rural lifestyles,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “Part of that is supporting the communities our consumer-members live in and around. This grant program is a great way to do just that.”

 

The Concern for Community program provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, which covers parts of 12 counties in eastern Kansas.  

 

 

As a non-profit, member-owned cooperative, Heartland issues capital credits to members each year, but sometimes those capital credits go unclaimed. Because those monies were intended to be returned to the communities from which they came, Heartland’s Board of Directors decided to use those unclaimed funds for community grants and started the Concern for Community program in 2019.  

Nine applications out of 25 received were approved for funding by the Heartland board. In total, Heartland distributed around $36,000 in Concern for Community grants this year. 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Local Health Department Now Offering COVID Vaccine For 5-11 Year Olds

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The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.

If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.

Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.

There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.

Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 available at CHC/SEK 

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Vaccination promises to help kids more safely resume school and social activities

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 by appointment in its Baxter Springs, Coffeeville, Iola, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Pleasanton locations.  The initial number of Pfizer for children’s vaccinations is limited, however, CHC/SEK expects the vaccine supply to become more readily available and will have children’s Pfizer vaccine ages 5-11 at more clinics in the coming weeks.  

To speed the process for parents and to prevent vaccine waste (open vials have a short shelf life), CHC/SEK is requesting that children’s COVID-19 vaccinations be administered by appointment when possible.  

Parents wishing to have their children vaccinated can schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Those without web access can call their local clinic or 620-231-9873 to schedule.  

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for administration to children under emergency use authorization. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the Pfizer vaccination, with Kansas officials adopting the authorization on Wednesday. 

This latest vaccination authorization includes children 5-11 and those with underlying conditions and previous COVID infection. Vaccinating ages 5-11 allow children the protection to resume normal childhood activities without risking their own health and reduces the risk of bringing the virus home to a more vulnerable family member.

Pfizer’s child shots contain just a third of the vaccine dose that is already been used to vaccinate millions of people 12 and older. The 5- to 11-year-olds will receive two shots, three weeks apart, the same schedule as everyone else but with a smaller amount in each shot, using a smaller needle. 

According to U.S. health authorities and leading doctors’ groups, COVID-19 is causing much preventable suffering among youngsters. About 1.9 million kids ages 5 to 11 have been sickened with COVID-19. Some 8,300 were hospitalized, about one-third needed intensive care, and at least 94 deaths have been verified.

There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.  

While the U.S. has seen a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases, experts worry about virus variants and another uptick in infections with holiday travel and as winter sends more activity indoors where it is easier for the coronavirus to spread.