Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Food, Jobs

Lack Of Agriculture Workforce Is Inhibiting Growth

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A lack of a skilled agriculture workforce is a top inhibitor of growth and expansion for many Kansas agriculture entities. To help support growth in agriculture, the Kansas Department of Agriculture seeks to help the industry better understand workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state. To link the supply of human capital to the needs of Kansas agribusiness enterprises, KDA conducted the second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey in 2022. The survey was analyzed by the Agricultural Land Use Survey Center at Kansas State University.

The survey was emailed to over 25,000 businesses with 1,192 choosing to participate. Participating businesses employ 27,466 individuals in Kansas and 9,244 outside of Kansas. Respondents were asked to self-select the major category that applied to their business.

“We are committed to growing agriculture in Kansas, and that centers around a reliable and capable workforce,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We know recruiting and retaining skilled, talented workers to fill critical roles is a priority of the agriculture industry in our state.”

The survey findings will be used along with action items developed at the Kansas Summit on Agricultural Growth, which was held in August, to help direct KDA’s vision in serving the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas. Employers and state agencies need to work together to find or develop programs so that businesses may implement successful on-the-job training. By working with secondary schools and postsecondary educational institutions, the agriculture industry can develop beneficial partnerships that will help teach the skills and content needed by employers and will help the industry gain access to trained future employees.

To view the final report from the survey, go to agriculture.ks.gov/workforce. For more information, please contact Russell Plaschka, Director of KDA Ag Marketing Division, at 785-564-7466 or [email protected].

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Agriculture Workforce Survey Results Complete.pdf

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Veteran Owned Veterinary Center: Russ Baxley

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Dr. Russ Baxley purchased the Gorman Animal Hospital in March 2022.

Renamed the Southeast Kansas Veterinary Center, it is located at 1251   240th St., Fort Scott.

The SEK Veteraninary Center is located at 1251   240th St., Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday:  8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed.

The phone number is (620) 223-1171

Dr. Baxley is a veterinarian and a veteran.

All together he has served in three wars, Baxley said.

“As a youngster, I was in the Air Force,” he said.

He started as a veterinarian in the U. S. Army in Afghanistan where he worked on dogs that detected explosives and narcotics.

He then left the army and returned to Kansas and worked for a mixed animal veterinarian.

A hankering for more adventures led him to Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco and Egypt, as a contractor for the U.S. State Department, again working with detection dogs.

Returning to the U.S., he worked in Destin, Florida for a year and a half until the COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions made the job “undesirable,” he said.

Returning to Kansas, he traveled the state filling in at clinics for manpower shortages. It was then that he came to Fort Scott to the clinic he purchased in March 2022.

Dr. Baxley loves animals and the best part of his career is “returning a sick animal to health, seeing how happy the animal is and pleased the owner is.”

He is concerned about the misinformation for the care of animals that is on the internet and recommends that people look to information on academic or government sources.

The best source for veterinary advice is a veterinarian, he said.

In the industry there are new drugs coming for small animals that will help minimize pain and many new diagnostics for detecting and treating them.

For livestock, there have been new scientific studies for treating parasites, which helps decrease disease in cattle, while lowering production costs. “The hard part is getting people to change from old to new ways,” he said.

Coming in 2023, cattle producers won’t be able to buy common antibiotics over the counter.

“There is a paradigm shift coming to the livestock business in 2023,” Dr. Baxley said.

“They will need to get these (antibiotics) from a veterinarian, which requires a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship,” he said. “This means that your vet has sufficient knowledge of a producers animals to make diagnosis.”

“I love helping people…save money and make money,” he said.

Kennel/Vet Assistant Needed

SEK Veterinary Center has an immediate opening for a Kennel/Vet Assistant. The position is part time- possibly more, if wanted/needed. Please apply in person at :
1251 240th St
Fort Scott, Ks 66701

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Starlite FCE October 2022 Minutes

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The October meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect.  Thirteen members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered 186 hours and had recycled 1230 pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Thank you letters from Shirley Palmer and the Fort Scott library were read.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery announced that she and Doris Ericson had attended the State FCE convention in Newton, Kansas.  Doris Ericson was selected as the Kansas Heart of FCE winner, and Starlite received third place at the State level for their program in the education category for the lesson “Where is the Top of the World.”

 

Birthday cards were signed for Joyce Gobl and Clarice Russell, and Leanna Taylor was given a belated birthday recognition.

 

Old business consisted of the Fall Follies that will be held November 1st at 3:30 in Moran and the Area recognition day November 3rd in Parsons.

 

It was announced that the Buddy Poppy distribution will be November 4th and 5th at G &W and Walmart.  Deb Lust passed around a sheet to sign up to volunteer to help.

 

New Business consisted of Joyce Allen moving that we purchase a wreath for Wreaths across America and to donate to the Wounded Warriors, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, motion carried.  Betty Johnson moved that the club reimburse Karen Peery $25 for the cost of the gift basket for the State convention, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

 

Before the meeting member prepared bags to go to area veterans in Nursing homes, assisted living and to member of the VFW and American Legion in honor of veteran’s day.  Snack bags was also prepared for the Tri-Valley clients.

 

Deb Lust announced that the VFW would be have a ceremony at the National Cemetery on November 11th at 11:00 honoring veterans. There will also be a free will lunch at the VFW after the ceremony at the National Cemetery.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Jackie Warren presented the lesson of “Cooking for One or Two,” and handed out recipes for desserts for one.  The members enjoyed refreshments of assorted vegetable appetizers, cookies, nuts and water provided by Del Parks and Jackie Warren.

 

Prepared by

 

Terri Williams

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic to Open January 2023

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Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra. Submitted photo.
Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is set to open on January 16, 2023.
The building at 13th Street  and National Avenue is owned  Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra, 33.
Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic.
“Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic will be a mixed animal practice with a focus on medicine and wellness,” Brown-Goltra said.  “We will be able to see small animals in the clinic and large animals on the (clients) farm.”
“Our hospital motto is ‘Where your family is our family too,'” she said. “We plan to do this by offering in-house/cutting edge diagnostics that are cost-effective, thorough examinations, and client education to encourage the best care plan for our patients. We will always strive to convey a ‘we appreciate you and your time’ attitude so that clients feel comfortable and heard during their clinic experience and seek us for future veterinary care.”

Brown-Goltra is a 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate with a bachelors degree from Kansas State University  in 2013. She earned her doctorate from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.

She was highly involved in 4-H during her teen years and gives “a lot of credit to that program for getting me to where I am today.”

“I became a veterinarian to help people and their pets live their longest, healthiest life,” she said. ” As a child, I wanted to help every animal I possibly could and I failed a lot, which in turn encouraged a great passion in me to be able to help sick animals when I was older.  As my career has continued, it has transformed into furthering education of owners to give their pet the best medical care.”

“I worked at Animal Care Center here in Fort Scott right after graduation for over five years and I worked at a busy, fast paced clinic in Webb City for two years after that,” she said.  “I have over seven years combined as a veterinarian and almost 20 years in the veterinary field.”

For her, the best part of her job is “when I get to send home a healthy pet,” she said.  “Puppies and kittens are cute and I enjoy cuddling them, but nothing brings me more joy than a pet being able to go home after being ill.”

“The biggest challenge I face is the money aspect and time aspect of my job,” she said.  “First is the fact that money is required to keep my lights on and pay my staff, while I would love to be able to help for free, that is just not realistic.  I do, however, understand everyone has a budget and I try to be very understanding and respectful of that budget.  Time is the second challenge, I am a wife, mother, and daughter, and I have realized over the years that my family deserves my undivided attention and time, which means that for my best work life balance that will not allow for me to take after hours calls and be the best for my family.”
The clinic address is 6 E. 13th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Contact info: 620-224-2840 (not taking calls yet) OR [email protected]
The hours of operation: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday hours are to be determined  “Our open date will be January 16, 2023,” she said. This follows her maternity leave to give birth to a new son.
She and her husband, Eric, have sons: “Gordon (almost 3 years old), Gideon (almost 1 year old), and Gannon will be born in December,” she said. Her Mom and Dad are Karen and Charlie Brown.

In the community, she is currently a mentor for students at Fort Scott High School.

 

Bourbon County

Kansas Vietnam Era Medallion Awards Ceremony for local Veterans

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Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25

 

 

Who: Kansas Commission on Veteran’s Affairs along with Thompson-Harkey American Legions Riders Post #25

When: November 10th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a Reception for the Awardees starting at 6:00 p.m. prior to the Ceremony.

Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

The General Public is encouraged to attend.

 

The Vietnam Era Veterans Medallion Program approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor provides a Vietnam Era Medallion, Medal, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Kansas to veterans.

Since passage of the bill, the agency has honored over 5,400 Vietnam Era veterans, and participated in 33 medallion ceremonies.  The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office continues to receive inquiries and applications from veterans and their families wanting to know how a Vietnam Era veteran or their surviving family members can apply for the medal, medallion and certificate provided for by the State of Kansas.

 

 

Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25. 620-224-4733, [email protected]

 

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Nov. 2

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

November 2, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Fifteen members and guests representing twelve agencies attended.  Billie Jo shared that there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors; any member is qualified to volunteer to serve a two-year term.  She also thanked Patty Simpson for chairing the October meeting.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE: Lisa distributed a rough draft of a “Release of Information” seeking feedback from members. The form is to help with communication between agencies when assisting those in need.
  • Renee Ludeman, CHC SEK: She is working under a grant from KU to promote emotional and behavioral health in students; she will be working in all four USD 234 schools beginning November 9.
  • Star McClellan, Parents as Teachers: Star reminded members that she can work with parents in all of Bourbon County, not just USD 234 parents.
  • Michelle Stevenson, FSPSC: Her caseload is full for now.  She also shared that the Preschool Trunk or Treat event had been quite successful.  She did note, however, that they would probably move the event away from a Friday evening next year.
  • Ashley Reeder, SEK Mental Health: Ashley reminded members that they have been present in the school buildings for the past three years. She is able to help with any student having difficulty, not just those on case management.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Patty noted that all 190 units are full at the present time with waiting lists for all size units.  Even though all apartments are full, she will continue to take applications.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: 2023 Sign-up is now going on during regular business hours at The Beacon; they are also taking applications for “Adopt a Family” and the Elks baskets.  In October, the Beacon assisted 291 families which included 689 children, and eleven new families were enrolled.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: The Compassionate Ministries has received a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation to fund space heaters for needy families.  The organization is also working with KU to provide durable health equipment and they can assist clients with obtaining birth certificates and identification documents.  Office hours for Compassionate Ministries are 10:00am – 2:00pm, Mondays through Thursdays.  The Salvation Army red bucket bell ringing will begin on November 19 and run through December 24.  The red bucket campaign will be located at Walmart.  Allen reminded members that all monies raised in Bourbon County will stay in Bourbon County to assist those in need.  He can use many more volunteer bell ringers.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations are always in need of more volunteers.

 

  1. Program: Barb McCord and Janet Irvin: Fort Scott Garden Club

Barb and Janet gave a brief history of the garden club, reviewed the various ongoing and new projects they have around Fort Scott to help beautify the city, and encouraged members to participate both in the club and the new “Pocket Gardens” project.

 

The December program will be presented by Ronda Hassig from the Lowell Milken Center.

 

  1. Open Forum:

Nothing further came before the group.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be December 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.