Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of Oct. 11

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The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week.  He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering.  Hopeful to have it finished by next month.  Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm.  Signage for the doors needs to be ordered.  Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.

 

Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023.  They are asking for donations to defray the cost.  The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%).  The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received.  KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results.  They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan.  KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation.  Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM.  Council gave permission for both to attend.

The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced.  Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.

Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.

 

Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM.  Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.

 

Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.

Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area.  RSVP by 10/10/22.  Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend.  Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed.  She will also RSVP even though date has passed.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – absent

Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix?  Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.

Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.

Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away.  He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54.  We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again.  Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360

 

Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.

 

Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall.  Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.

 

Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31.  Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops.  Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City.  Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center.  November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Bourbon County VS Rachel Pruitt

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The following was submitted to fortscott.biz

BBCA Case No: 2022–TC–0474
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
STATE OF KANSAS, Plaintiff, )

vs.

RACHEL MAE PRUITT, Defendant.


Complaint
COMPLAINT/INFORMATION
I, Tiana M McElroy, the undersigned County Attorney of Bourbon County, Kansas, in the name and by the authority and on behalf of the State of Kansas, come here now and give the Court
to understand and be informed that:


COUNT I
COMPUTER CRIME
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully use a computer, computer system,
computer network or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud or to obtain money, property, services or any other thing of value
by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representation. In violation of 21–5839(a)(2)(b)(1), Computer Crime, a Severity Level 8 Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months
23) (Fine up to $100,000.00).


COUNT II
COMPUTER CRIME
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully use a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud or to obtain money, property, services or any other thing of value
by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representation. In violation of 21–5839(a)(2)(b)(1),
Computer Crime, a Severity Level 8 Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months
23) (Fine up to $100,000.00).


COUNT III
MAKING FALSE INFORMATION
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully make, generate, distribute, draw, or
cause to be made, generated, distributed or drawn a written instrument, entry in a book of account or an electronic data entry, to–wit: a Flex Build, LLC invoice, with knowledge that such
information falsely states or represents some material matter, or is not what it purports to be, and done with the intent to defraud, to obstruct the detection of a theft or felony offense, or to induce
official action. In violation of K.S.A. 21–5824, Making False Information, a Severity Level 8
Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months 23).


COUNT IV
MAKING FALSE INFORMATION
That on or about or between the 3rd day of July, 2019 and the 1st day of August, 2019, in Bourbon County, Kansas, one RACHEL MAE PRUITT, did unlawfully make, generate, distribute, draw, or
cause to be made, generated, distributed or drawn a written instrument, entry in a book of account or an electronic data entry, to–wit: a Flex Build, LLC invoice, with knowledge that such
information falsely states or represents some material matter, or is not what it purports to be, and done with the intent to defraud, to obstruct the detection of a theft or felony offense, or to induce
official action. In violation of K.S.A. 21–5824, Making False Information, a Severity Level 8
Nonperson Felony. (minimum months 7, maximum months 23).


ENDORSEMENT OF WITNESSES
Officer(s): Evidence Custodian; SA Chris Farris; KBI Forensic Scientist; SA Anthony Maness;
Witness(es): Kevin Kent Allen; Susan Elizabeth Bancroft; Det. Judd Brungardt; William Lloyd Carter Jr; Major Andrew Carver; Jeffrey Deane; Rhonda Dunn;
Flexbuild; Anthony Joseph Krsnich; David Bryan Martin; Debra K McCoy; Paul Brian Wagner; Denton Jacob Wescoat;
Victim(s): City of Fort Scott;
I declare under penalty that the above and foregoing is true and correct. Executed on
Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
/s/ Tiana M McElroy
Tiana M McElroy, #21599
County Attorney
210 S National Ave., Ste. 22
Fort Scott, KS 66701
(620) 223–2910
Attorney for State.

ELECTRONICALLY FILED
2022 Sep 06 PM 3:34
CLERK OF THE BOURBON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
CASE NUMBER: BB-2022-CR-000320
PII COMPLIANTBBCA Case No: 2022–TC–0474

Bourbon County

American Legion Vice Commander Stops in Fort Scott Oct. 25

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Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25

1 East 3rd Street

Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-224-4733

Media Advisory

American Legion National Vice-Commander visiting Fort Scott American Legion Post #25 on a stop for his Kansas American Legion Posts Tour.

 

Who: National American Vice-Commander Glenn Wahus.

What: Will meet with American Legion Members, American Legion Riders Members, Sons of the American Legion Members, and American Legion Auxiliary Members to introduce himself and to discuss The American Legion Agenda for the 2023 Fiscal Year.

When: October 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.

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

 

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

 

Bourbon County, Business, Health Care

Walmart Grants $3,500 to Bourbon County EMS

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Walmart Provides $3,500 Grant to Bourbon County EMS to address the need for workout equipment for employees.

 

Grant Presented to Bourbon County EMS During a Check Presentation Ceremony at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott, KS October 18, 2022– Walmart announced today a $3,500 grant to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services to address the need for workout equipment for employees. The grant was presented to Paramedic Supervisor Jon Lowery and EMS Director Teri Hulsey at a check presentation ceremony at Bourbon County EMS, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  The grant was facilitated by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.

 

Each year, Walmart U.S. stores and clubs award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.  These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate.  For Walmart of Fort Scott, it’s about making sure our local EMS has access to the tools and equipment needed to keep our community members safe, including Walmart employees and shoppers.  The mission of Bourbon County EMS is to provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment.  The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.

 

Through the grant, EMS will purchase a weight bench, barbells and plates, a dumbbell set, a squat cage, a bike and a treadmill.  Having this grant allows equipment to be purchased without using funds from Bourbon County or Fort Scott.

 

Supervisor Jon Lowery states that EMS is a physically demanding job, and it is imperative that employees have access to equipment that allows them to be in top physical shape.  Staying in top physical condition reduces injuries that could be sustained by crew or patients while moving or lifting patients, stretchers, equipment or other activities that could present in crisis situations such as fire or car accidents.

 

Bourbon County EMS has responded to 1,927 calls so far this year.  These calls range from 911, transfers and dry runs.

 

 

 

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2 billion goal to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Dr. Burke: Same Location, Different Medical Group Starting Nov. 21

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Dr. Katrina Burke opened her medical practice with Ascension Via Christi on Jan. 13, 2020. The office is located at 109 S. Main. As of November 21, 2022, she will be under the auspices of Girard Medical Center at the same office space.

On November 21, Dr. Katrina Burke will be under the auspices of Girard Medical Center of Fort Scott and will begin seeing patients at the same office in downtown Fort Scott where she has been located for two years.

Dr. Katrina Burke. Submitted photo.

“All of Dr. Burke’s staff will be staying on, including nurse practitioner, Kristi Harbit,” said Ruth Duling, Chief Executive Officer of Girard Medical Center.

Kristi Harbit. Submitted photo.

“We really want to emphasize that the clinic is in the same location!” she said. ” Dr. Burke is not leaving the Fort Scott medical community.  She loves her patient population there and she and her staff will continue to provide the same great service they always have.”

Ruth Duling, CEO of Girard Medical Center. Submitted photo.

“There will be a few days between the last day for Ascension Via Christi and the first day for us, as we will need a few days to reset and get computers in place, etc,” Duling said.

“Patients can call the office to ask that their records be transferred from the Via Christi Clinic to the GMC Clinic,” she said.  “It’s just a matter of getting their records from the Via Christi electronic health record system to ours, but patients do have to request for that transfer to be made.”

The office number is 620-223-7008.

Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and  8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

“We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to bring Dr. Burke and her staff into the Girard Medical Center family,” Duling said.  “It’s no secret that Dr. Burke is well respected by her patients, her colleagues, and the medical community.”

“Girard Medical Center is fortunate to have family practice clinics in Girard, Frontenac, Arma, Cherokee, and in another Bourbon County community, Uniontown,” she said.  “We do family practice well!  We’re excited to have a physical presence in Fort Scott and we’re equally excited to have Dr Burke’s patients become more familiar with Girard Medical Center.”

“Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make a smooth transition and to ensure that Dr. Burke, Kristi and the staff are able to continue to provide the same great service they always have and it’s an added plus to be in the exact same location,” Duling said.

 

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Three positions open at Southwind Extension

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  • There are three positions open at the K-State Extension Southwind District.
  • Southwind District Extension Program Assistant (we are looking to hire two) – Here is the job description and here is the application which must be submitted with a cover letter and resume to Krista Harding ([email protected]) by October 21st. Please share to help us find great people to fill these two positions! You can learn more about the Southwind Extension District at our website: https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/.
  • Southeast Area SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, based in Fort Scott, KS – This position is newly created and will report to the Southeast Area SNAP-Ed Regional Specialist Chuckie Hessong. You can find more information about this position here. Contact Chuckie with questions at [email protected]. Screening for this position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This work is fulfilling for someone who has a service heart, loves to cook and teach others to live a healthy lifestyle. This position will work with low resource families and individuals–youth, adults and seniors! K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Again, please share this information to help us find great applicants in the Fort Scott area!

 

Submitted by Clara Wicoff, MSc

 

Extension Agent

Nutrition, Food and Health

Southwind District

K-State Research and Extension

1006 N. State St.

Iola, KS 66749

620-365-2242

[email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet Oct. 23 at Ellis Center

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The Bourbon County Democrats will hold a social meeting on Sunday, Oct. 23rd from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Ellis Center on the Fort Scott Community College Campus.
Guests will be Lt. Governor David Toland and Candidate for Secretary of State Jeanna Repass.
Light refreshments will be served. The public is welcome!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott?

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

October 14th Weekly Newsletter

Fall Fun in The Fort!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

9/30-10/31 ~ 5th Annual Scarefest Haunted House, Clark Street Lights Opens for the Halloween Season, 753 Clark St., Fridays & Saturdays 7-10pm, click here for their FB page.

10/14 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park, music by the First Southern Baptist Church Worship Team, Heritage Park Pavilion, 7-8pm

10/14-10/15 ~ Haunting of Belltown at the Riverfront south park on North National Ave. The event will include, haunted waking trail, hayride, Halloween movies will be played, hot dog, hot cocoa, and other beverages will be available for purchase, click here for more info.

10/15 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 8am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front fo the Fort

10/15 ~ Writers Seminar & Multi-Author Book Signing hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 9am, click here for more info.

10/15 ~ Kids Fair at FSCC, 9am-12pm. Face Painting, Costume Contest, Games, Teddy Bear Clinic, and More, click here for the flyer.

10/15 ~ The Fort Outdoors hosts from 10am-noon. Come join the fun. Everyone is welcome. This is a just for fun shoot with shooters of all skill levels. Come shoot, eat some chili for lunch and hang out. Signed liability waiver is required for all shooters. Minors must have a parent or guardian present to sign for them. 1607 195th St.

10/15 ~ FSHS Thespians Host 5th Annual Royal Tea Party, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

10/16 ~ Breakaway Roping Jackpot at The Taylor Ranch, 2pm, click here for info.

10/17 ~ Fall Farm Tour Series, 9am to 4pm, Leafy Green Farms in Pittsburg, then E3 Ranch and Reprologix in Fort Scott, click here for info.

10/17 ~ Mountain Man Games Begin at M’Axe Throwing House, click here for more info.

10/20 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sleep Inn & Suites, Celebrating 8 years!, 8am

10/20 ~ Care to Share/The Sharing Bucket presents Mark “Muleman” Massey live on Crooner’s Patio. Get your tickets now! Click here for more info.

10/21 ~ Chili Feed hosted by Knights of Columbus, Kennedy Gym, 5-7pm, fundraising for rebuilding of Mary Queen of Angels Church.  Click here for info.

10/20-10/21 ~ FSCC Dracula, 7:30pm, click here for more info.

10/21 ~ Paint and Pizza Art Party, 11am, click here for more info.

10/21 ~ 3rd Annual BJ Cattle Battle, 6pm, click here for more info.

SAVE THE DATE:

10/25 ~ Election Candidate Forum, hosted by the Chamber, Ellis Fine Arts Center, doors open 5:30pm, forum begins 6pm.

10/26 ~ Chamber After-Hours ~ Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant Presentations, 5:15-6:30pm

10/29 ~ Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade on Main Street hosted by the Chamber, activities begin 10am, parade 11am.

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Scarefest Haunted House by Clark Street Lights

Haunting of Belltown @ Riverfront Park

FSCC Kids Fair

Election Candidate Forum, Tuesday, October 25th

FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND

We aren’t just a theater, we are a community!

Take home a bucket of popcorn anytime we are open! We love taking street business!

$2 Tuesdays are back!

$2 lineup for Tuesday October 18th:

6:35 Lyle Lyle Crocodile

6:40 Smile

Coming Soon:

Ticket to Paradise

Black Adam

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Strange World

Interested in a theater rental? Send us a message on Facebook for more information!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Youth

Women’s Defense Class This Saturday For Those 12 Years and Up

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Fort Scott Middle School.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a women’s self defense class this Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Fort Scott Middle School from 10 a.m. to noon.

“This class is for women 12 years old and older, all the way up to 90,” said Kim Schwab, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant.
“The instructor is Jill Leiker, Executive Director of The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation,” she said. “She currently holds the rank of a 9th degree black belt, although the techniques taught in this class are not martial arts. They are simple techniques that any woman can learn and execute. She has instructed over 70,000 women in these techniques. She also was the recipient of the 2018 WIN for Kansas City’s Outstanding Woman Award for her positive impact on females, young and old.”
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, like sweatpants and athletic shoes, because they will be learning techniques of self-defense.
There is a suggested donation of $12 for the class to help  defray the cost of presenting the class, however if someone can’t afford to pay the fee, they can still take the class, she said.
The money goes to the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and was created by a Leawood, KS. man whose daughter was raped and murdered.
History of the Class in Fort Scott

The class in Fort Scott came about when Schwab’s daughter was preparing to go to college.

“Four years ago I approached Sheriff Martin about the possibility of having a self-defense class for my college bound daughter to take. He directed me to The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation as an excellent way to accomplish this to help her and other women in our county  be proactive in taking responsibility for their own safety.”
No Class For A Few Years
COVID 19 prevented a class in 2020, she said.
Then this past April 2022, Roger Kemp, creator of the foundation, died suddenly.

“The foundation needed time to regroup after his passing and so we are now scheduled to do it this Saturday, October 15th,” she said.