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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.
The Holly’s began their a new business in 2020 when they started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.
“We value knowing where the meat we are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”
“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”
In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.
In the Spring of 2021 they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”
“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”
This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.
“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”
The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.
“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area, which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”
The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.
If there are questions about the business, contact via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook for more information.
“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.
The Family’s Background
The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.
Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children while managing the daily farm chores.
Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.
The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.
City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13 at city hall at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service –
Executive Session –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of November 7, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDHE Wastewater and Water Systems inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMGA Prepay Project –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at _____________.
Attachments:
Uniontown City Council Minutes of Nov. 7
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 7, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend but gave an update to Mayor Jurgensen and Clerk Johnson. Heaters should be installed soon, if not already; waiting on part for one toilet and screws for the partition panels.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October 2022 Treasurer’s Report was presented on paper with no questions from Council. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $368,427.21, Receipts $32,640.05, Transfers Out $5,026.00, Expenditures $32,335.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,706.17. Bank Statement Balance $364,335.65, including Checking Account Interest of $41.54, Outstanding Deposits $21.54, Outstanding Checks $651.02, Reconciled Balance $363,706.17. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,133.18, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,411.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $440,872.52. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $311.44, and Utility CDs $264.92 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $576.36. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchased-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, Total Transfers of $5,026.00. Net Loss for the month of October $4,721.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $39,962.67. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $98,498.80 (93.4%), Expenditures $92,104.18 (70.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,253.15 (81.9%), Expenditures $30,141.03 (73.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,306.66 (78.3%), Expenditures $122,843.57 (50.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $133670.01 (104.0%), Expenditures $120,426.86 (72.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,6614.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,049.736 (94.6%). The November 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $42,463.90 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 11, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE will be here to inspect the wastewater lagoons on November 16.
The springs on the rollup door at the barn have been replaced and has ordered two hinges with rollers and weatherstrip for the door.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent but Clerk Johnson reported a building permit for an addition was approved.
Clerk Johnson reported that a request for donation for SOS was received.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to SOS for the after graduation party
She presented a letter from KDHE and a copy of a survey by another city regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. She asked if the Council wanted her to adapt the survey and send the letter and survey out with November bills or wait until after the first of the year. Council consensus was to wait until after first of year.
The public hearing for citywide trash service will be December 13. She has been in contact with the attorney to make sure the wording of the notice is correct and will publish by the end of the week.
Our burn site was inspected in October and everything was in order.
KMEA is conducting a survey of cities on whether they would be interested in pursuing a grant to install electric vehicle charging station(s). Council said no.
KMGA is wanting an assigned primary contact that will be available 24/7. Mayor Jurgensen was appointed that contact.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – Clerk Johnson gave her an update on the black/white collie she asked about last month. It was picked up and redeemed and has been properly registered along with another dog in the household.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the canopy trimming. It was completed while Bobby was gone to seminar. Clerk Johnson inspected and approved. Rich and Jurgensen reported that complaint had been received about branches over Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. Rich will contact property owner about trimming.
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Mix Contracting has completed the dirt work and waiting for the rock to be delivered by the County. They will not deliver until they are finished with asphalt.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has been working out of town and has not yet scheduled the committee meeting to review exercise equipment but will continue to work on getting it scheduled.
American Rescue Plan Act update – two sealed bids were received last week and another contractor will be here tomorrow with his sub-contractors to view the site and prepare a bid for the ADA unisex bathroom at City Hall. All bids will be opened at the December 13 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:42PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:42PM with no action from session. Councilman Ervin asked Clerk Johnson what she found out about SB24 which will require the city to allow propane tanks in city limits. According to League of Kansas Municipalities and our attorney, SB24 supersedes our ordinance banning propane tanks. Kansas Corporation Commission recommends an ordinance that regulates propane tanks with the same safety requirements as the gas system. Johnson will consult with the attorney to get an ordinance drafted.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:50PM
Unveiling Party on Dec. 8 at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office
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Bids and Dibs: Largest Resale Boutique In Kansas
A local consignment store is celebrating 10 years serving the community, and has acquired some recognition.
In conjunction with the anniversary, they are hosting the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
To learn more about the special deals/discounts:
Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Upgrading Technology in January 2023
“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said. “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”
Wreaths Across America Ceremony Dec. 17
Wreaths Across America for the Fort Scott National Cemetery has announced that the 2022 goal has been met. Location Coordinator Diann Tucker says this was made possible by many individuals, groups and businesses who donated and sponsored the nearly 7000 wreaths. This event receives greatly appreciated local community support, as well as support from across the country to honor our military laid to rest in Fort Scott. It is a huge effort and we thank each of you for your participation.
A convoy escort is planned for the CFI Wreaths Across America truck. The CFI drivers for Wreaths Across America are veterans who volunteer and donate their time for delivery for this occasion. Anyone interested in participating in the escort should meet on the parking lot of the FSCC Harley Davidson School at 274 N. Industrial Drive, Pittsburg, Kansas (on the north end of Pittsburg) about 8:15 AM on December 17. There will be a Crawford County sheriff escort to the Bourbon County line when the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will lead the Wreaths Across America truck escort on to its destination at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Motorcycle and private automobile escorts are welcome.
A brief ceremony followed by laying of remembrance wreaths is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, beginning at 11 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery. There will be some limited transportation available within the gates of the cemetery for anyone needing assistance. The public is encouraged to come and help in this recognition of our military and the Wreaths Across America mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach”. We encourage everyone to be a part of the wreath placement. No registration is required for volunteers.
HBCAT Newsletter
Toy Drive and Ham Giveaway Dec. 14
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of November 29
Gordon Parks Museum Receives Portrait Taken by Parks’ son
Marcia McCoy, photographer and longtime friend of Gordon Parks, has donated an iconic portrait of the celebrated Fort Scott native taken by his son, David, to the museum that bears his name.
Now on display in the museum, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, is the photo of Parks shown in
1973. The photo, titled “Trailblazer,” captures the image of Parks riding horseback and smoking a pipe while directing a
film on location in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
“Gordon Parks was a trailblazer from Fort Scott, a true ‘Renaissance’ man, and my father,” said David Parks.
McCoy, who also worked with Gordon Parks as curator of his signature collection, “Images from the Soul,” teamed with
Parks and Robert Erlichman of Art Guild Press to create an edition suite of “Trailblazer.”
“(Gordon) loved this image his son captured of him, out in the Flint Hills of Kansas – his homeland,” McCoy said. “Mr.Parks is a national treasure and has inspired creators globally to have the courage to create and express their voices and visions. We are delighted to share this powerful and inspiring portrait with you and the world.”
For more information or to schedule museum visits and tours call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email
[email protected].
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Jingle Bell Mart 2022
Bourbon County Christmas shoppers, here is a stop.
The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street. The event is hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association.
Discovery Music Studio students will be playing throughout the day for your listening enjoyment
The list of vendors includes:
| Vendor | Person | Products |
| Returning | ||
| Happy Little Candle Factory | Lori Craig | Homemade Candles, Wax Melts, Chapstick |
| Flying P Ranch | Abbie Powell | Jewelry and Western Accessories |
| Micki Kraft | Home Sewn Items | |
| Tessie’s Nails | Tessie Tucker | Color Street Nails |
| Blue Dog Winery | Sarah Johnson | Bottles of Wine and Wine Related Merchandise |
| Locust Hill Lamancha | Sue | Goat Milk Products |
| New | ||
| Plexus | Samantha Bauman | Health and Wellness Products |
| Tupperware by Melinda | Melinda Miller | Tupperware, and wood craft items |
| Scentsy | Lakin Brittain | Scentsy Products |
| Donna Jo’s | Donna Jo Beerbower | Homemade Fudge and Baked Goods |
| Be-You-Tiful Designs | Kristi Beene | Vinyl and Sublimation |
| ButterBone Bakery, Paolo, KS | Randi White | Home Baked Dog Treats |
| Buckin’ A Ranch | Karleigh Arndt | Clothing, décor, accessories |
| 2 Crafty Twisted Sisters | Shawna Holstine | Crafts, Tumblers, Christmas Décor |
| Twigs and Berries | Suzanne Griffin | Cotton Candy and more |
| Mmm Flavor Shop | Emelia Whiteaker
Addi Foster |
Hot Beverage Bar |
| Discover Music Studio | Audry Eberhard | Music throughout the day |
There will be a tasting of Blue Dog Winery samples (with valid identification).
MMM Flavor-Emilea Whiteaker will be hosting a hot cocoa and tea bar with other products.
Locust Hill Lamanches, which sells goat products, will be hosting the goat cheese tasting table.
Also fudge, cotton candy and other food items will be available for sale.
Dog treats from Butter Bone Bakery will also be available for furry friends.