Category Archives: Bourbon County
Neffs Make a Lasting Impact With Donation
John and Pat Neff lived in Fort Scott decades ago, but were impacted by the Sisters of Mercy and decided to give back to the community.
“I was told that John grew up in the area and then they lived here early in their marriage…and adopted two children from Mercy Hospital,” Carla Farmer, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) member said. “Pat reached out in the 1990s and wanted to give back to the local Sisters of Mercy, who helped them adopt two children. That’s the basis of them wanting to give back to the community. This was a couple that was touched by our community decades ago. This was where they raised there children.”
“The Neff’s created an annuity that paid them until they passed away,” FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell said.
John Valentine Neff and Patricia Renfro Neff were married 69 years until his death, according to Pat’s Neff’s obituary. Pat died in July 2022.
Upon her death the annuity money went to the Mercy foundation, and now to the FSACF for distribution into the community for future health care funds.
“When Mercy Hospital closed their doors in Fort Scott (in December 2018), the foundation voted to stay intact in order to be able to accept the Neff’s gift following the death of Mrs. Neff,” Jared Leek, president of the Fort Scott Mercy Hospital Foundation Board said. “We voted for the board to go from a 12-16 member board to a board comprised of just three members; Jared Leek, President, Bryan Holt, Treasurer, and Darcy Smith, Secretary. The three board members setup an account with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation for health care needs in Bourbon County.”
“As of September 30, 2022, the account with the FSACF was valued at $243,985.41,” Leek said. “At the Chamber After Hours (on Oct. 26, 2022) hosted by FSACF, the board presented a check in the amount of $299,446.17 which included the Neff gift and the remainder of our checking account.”
“On that date, the total in the FSACF account for health care needs would be valued at $543,431.58,” Leek said. “Obviously, accounts invested fluctuate with the market.”
Leek said the Mercy foundation board will be dissolving at the end of this year.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 1
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 1, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock–in Contract
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Transient Guest Tax
o Opioid Settlement Funds
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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 such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Area Foundation Gifts Local Causes With Grants
Twenty-six recipients of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation were presented checks to further their projects during the annual award ceremony on Oct. 26 at Landmark Bank.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed those attending.
“We are so thankful for the foundation starting in 2007,” she said. “This year 26 recipients were granted $53,500 in awards.”
Before the ceremony, the Mercy Fort Scott Hospital Foundation Board, comprised of Bryan Holt, Marci Smith and Jared Leek presented a $250,000 check to the FSACF. The board closed out the foundation with this last distribution to be used for future health care needs in the community. Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its doors in December 2018.
Carla Farmer, FSACF Board Member, also presented $299, 446 to FSACF from the John and Pat Neff annuity that was originally for the Mercy Foundation, but was transferred to FSACF.
The Sisters of Mercy had assisted the Neffs in adopting two children and had wanted to give back, so they created an annuity that paid them until they died, then the funds went to the Mercy Foundation. Mrs. Neff died three months ago.
FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell sent more information, following the ceremony, on the First Christian Church of Ft. Scott Endowment Fund, which contributed over $12,000 toward this fall’s grantees.
When the First Christian Church closed, a foundation was formed to provide grants to support local needs for years to come.
The following are grants this year selected by the First Christian Church Endowment board:
Riverfront Authority Labyrinth
Methodist Church Feeding Families
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement
USD 234 Healthy Snacks
The following are the recipients and what they received the grant for:
Photos were unavailable for the following :
Bourbon County CASA received a grant to provide training and support for the organizations volunteers.
Ronda Hassig, from the Lowell Milken Center, received a grant to invest in a high-powered telescope to bring the universe closer to the community.
Feeding Families In His Name Ministry feeds free meals to 450 people each Wednesday from the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church. Bonnie Milburn is the coordinator, who received the check along with Jean Tucker.
Fostering Connections helps with integrating children into adoptive families by providing resources for them. Lacy Nicholson accepted the check.
Linda Minor accepted a check for USD234 students, who will be receiving snacks for those who don’t have the resources to invest in healthy food.
Fort Scott Middle School Teacher Stephanie George received a grant to take students to the Nutcracker Ballet in Kansas City.
Communities in School is a nation-wide program to provide support for struggling youth in Fort Scott Middle and High School. Accepting the check was Lewis Dunkeson and Winter Moore.
Cubmaster Seth Needham accepted the check for the local Cub Scout program to support recruiting efforts.
The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club received a grant to continue planting trees in the community, represented by John Crain.
USD 235 teacher Jeff Feagins received a grant to upgrade the computer lab in his classroom, with Gregg Motley accepting the check for Feagins.
Jennifer Terrell received a check for Kansas State’s Southwind Extension to engage youth in the art of cooking.
USD 234 teacher Larry Amer received a grant for the Empty Bowls program which combines art, function and self-sustaining fundraising for students.
Fort Scott Preschool Principal Nick Johnson received a grant to provide engagement activities that hopes to involve teachers and families.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health received a grant to bring expertise and resources to the USD 234 school district. Accepting the check was Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier and Janderon Loyd.
Josh Jones and Bailey Lyons accepted a check for the purpose of a future splash pad for children in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott Community College received a grant to support students who are first in their family to attend and graduate from college. Accepting the grant for FSCC was Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason and Becca Clay.
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Executive Director Allen Schellack received a grant to help the immediate and acute needs of families in our community.
Joe O’Rourke accepted a check for Tri-Valley Development Services for purchase of an electric sit-to-stand machine to aid residents and caregivers.
Autumn Durrosette and Robin Webb, USD 234 First Grade Teachers, received a grant to provide a life science natural habitat.
Tom Havron, representing Fort Scott Community College, received a grant to display school memorabilia in display cases and shelves.
Erin Fletcher, representing Special Olympics, received a grant for equipment and uniforms.
USD 234 received a grant to study Edgar Allen Poe in an electronic classroom experience. Representing the school district in receiving the grant was teachers Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain.
USD 234 Teacher Cristin Start will lead students on a historical walking tour of Fort Scott with a grant received.
Jerry Witt, representing the Riverfront Authority, received a grant to fund a walking labyrinth dedicated to the memory of the late Allen Warren.
The City of Mapleton received a grant for a community defibrillator, along with training to a number of residents on the equipment. Accepting the check was Debbie Potter and Greg Post.
The Gordon Parks Museum received a grant for interactive touch screen displays from the foundation. Receiving the grant are board members Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott and Kirk Sharp.
Bourbon County Coalition Agenda for Nov. 2
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
November 2, 2022
1. Welcome:
2. Member Introductions and Announcements:
3. Program: Barb McCord and Janet Irvin: Fort Scott Garden Club
4. Open Forum:
5. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 7, 2022, at 1 pm.
Beacon Taking Appointments for Food Pantry Families, Adopt-A-Child and Christmas Basket
They are paying $500 to $600 more per month on the food they give away, but the Beacon, a local food pantry, is not low on food, said Director Dave Gillen.
The cost of adding perishables to the food pantry has risen.
“With inflation and the number of people we are getting, 10 new families a month…we are spending over our budget,” Gillen said.
“I used to give out eggs with the food basket, but I had to cut them out,” he said. “At one time just buying bread and eggs was eating 1/3 of our budget.”
Gillen said donations of food are “doing well.”
“Schools, organizations, businesses and others, we can count on them to help,” he said.
The staff started on October 24 taking appointments for the 2023 sign up for the food pantry.
Other days they will be taking the appointments for the sign up are October 28th and 31st. November 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 11th.
Sign-ups must be done by November 11, with no exceptions.
One must call in advance to make an appointment for one of these days.
The phone number is 620.223.6869.
Hours the Beacon is open are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. The agency is closed Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
If one is a member, bring a current Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) letter and proof of residency, along with a photo ID for all adults in the household, a Social Security card for all in the household and birth dates for all in the household.
All dependent children with different names must show full time parental custody, adoption papers, and must live with you.
Proof of income, pension, retirement, social security disability, VA benefits, unemployment, child support/alimony and any other income is required.
If DCF services are received, please bring the verification letter.
Adopt-A-Child
Also at this time, the Beacon will be doing sign-up for the Adopt-a -Child program and food baskets.
One family member should come for the whole family.
These will be picked up on Dec. 16 at Community Christian Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a drive-through operation.
Elk’s Christmas Basket
The Elk’s organization baskets will be delivered the Sunday before Christmas, December 18th.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 26
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Oct. 26
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 26, 2022
1st District-Nelson Blythe
2nd District-Jim Harris
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COPURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING at 7:45 AM.
THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- 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
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 disc
Candidate Forum at 5:30 p.m. Today at the Ellis Center
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FS National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Tickets Next Tuesday
Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season
Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward. Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
NPS Photo: C. Brenner
American Legion Raises $5,500 for Wreaths Across America
American Legion Riders Post #25 Sponsor Wreaths Across America
The American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott, under the leadership of Rider Director, Tom Metcalf, held a “Dragoon Ride” on August 20, 2022, with all proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Approximately 44 riders participated in the ride that included several destination stops over a 143 mile route. A raffle with various prizes took place alongside a pulled pork dinner. The event resulted in over $5500.00 in sponsorships. The money will be used to sponsor Wreaths for soldiers at The Fort Scott National Cemetery. December 17 The American Legion Riders will lead the truck escort as they deliver the Wreaths to the soldiers and their family members. When the escort reaches The Fort Scott National Cemetery they will participate as volunteers for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Tom Metcalf, on behalf of the American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott is presented sponsorship proceeds to Diann Tucker, Local Project Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Anyone wishing to donate to sponsor wreaths for the current year can contact Diann Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700. There are nearly 7000 sites at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Only those grave sites who receive donation sponsors by November 22, 2022 will receive a wreath.
Plans are underway for a similar ride to be held at a later announced date in 2023, for another ride to benefit Wreaths Across America. Anyone interested in riding can contact Tom Metcalf, 620-224-7951.
Become a Master Food Volunteer
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