Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries

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Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.

Allen Schellack has a problem.

He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.

Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.

Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.

“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.

These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact  Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.

The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.

In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with  a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.

Walkers are available for free through the ministry.

In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.

In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.

At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.

Additional services are through partnerships with job search  assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.

FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.

Baby diapers are also available.

Volunteers are welcome.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.
Bourbon County, Church news, Youth

VBS: Uniontown Baptist Church July 18-22

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This is part of a series featuring local VBS’s in the county. Please send information and a photo to help tell the story of your event.

Uniontown Baptist Church is located on Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.

The First Missionary Uniontown Baptist Church invites community children to their Vacation Bible School from Monday July 19 to Friday July 22 with the closing program on Sunday July 24 at the 10 a.m. church service.

It is presented from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through fifth grade at the church. The church is located at the intersection of Hwy. 3 and Maple Road (Fifth Street in Uniontown.)

The Armor of God is the theme this year.

There will be Bible stories, fun games, yummy snacks and great songs.

A drawing for five Silver Dollar City Tickets will happen at the closing program.

For more information or to register, call Elaine Ledford at 620-756-4924, text at 620-215-6963 or email [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County K-39 bridge replacement project starts next Monday

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.

 

K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.

 

KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace crossroad pipes on K-31 in Bourbon County

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. The work will take place between reference points 128-133, from the east junction with K-7 east to the community of Fulton.

 

The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Traffic should use alternate routes. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Area News, Bourbon County

2022 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Cruise Night Raises $12,000

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Dave Petersen during the live auction portion of the evening. Submitted photo.

A crowd of 170 people attended the 2022 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Cruise Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, June 14th.  This evening was the Foundation’s first in-person Cruise Night since 2019 Cruise Night was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute and began at 6 pm.

Approximately $12,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent and live auctions.

 

Attendees were treated to a delicious three course meal furnished by Dalton’s Back 9.  Members of the Neosho Valley Busy Bee’s 4H Club were servers for the evening.  Door prizes were courtesy of Tri-Valley’s Fort Scott Greenhouse.

Jeff Ports holds one of the two door prizes given out during the evening. Submitted photo.

 

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  For 2022, we had a new item courtesy of Monarch Cement Company; Wichita Thunder Hockey Tickets and use of Monarch’s 12-person suite at INTRUST Bank Arena.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison; and a seven day Cruise from Holland America courtesy of Monarch Cement Company.

 

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired six additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to sixty-four of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.  The Foundation is currently remodeling homes in Humboldt and Neodesha.

 

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2023.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Lido Level:  Community National Bank; Home Savings Bank; Monarch Cement Company; Newkirk, Dennis & Buckles; and Steve Faulkner Ford.

Promenade Level: Ash Grove Cement Company; Heartland Homecare; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; and IMA

Mezzanine Level: Ashley Clinic; Landmark National Bank; Neosho County Community College;

Neodesha Family Dentistry; and Sonic Drive Ins of Chanute and Iola.

Riviera Level:  Donald Davis CPA; Hi-Lo Industries; Cheney Witt Chapel; and H & H Agency of Bourbon & Linn Counties.

Special thanks go to Dave Petersen who served as Emcee; Larry Holman for photography; and John Graham for sound and lighting.

 

 

Bourbon County, Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Weekly Food Distribution Offered Through Assembly of God Church Plant

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Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott is the distribution site for free food for children under 18 years old, until August 18.

A new Assembly of God Church plant is receiving food to distribute to Fort Scott children under 18 years of age, until school starts in August. The food will be distributed at the Fort Scott Cinema.

Family Life Assembly of God volunteers will be distributing the food, with Grady Proffitt the facilitator here in Fort Scott.

“We have started a distribution that partners with Life 360 Church out of Springfield, MO,” said  Proffitt, who is planting a new church called Family Life Assembly of God in Fort Scott. “They have received government funding that is able to feed kids in communities that are ages 18 and under. They are serving the Southeast Kansas area places like: Baxter Springs, Galena, Girard, Garnett, Ottawa, Humboldt, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott. There might be more, but I know those cities for sure!”

“This partnership is not FLAG Church this is Life360 Church reaching out to our churches in our different communities,” he said.

“For us here in Fort Scott, they serve us every Thursday from 11am-12:30pm in the Fort Cinema parking lot. This will go until school starts with the last Thursday, August 18,” Proffitt said.

“This is for students and children ages 18 under,” he reiterated. “Supplies include lunches and dinners for each child. Milk, dry foods, canned foods, and some frozen meals. The only criteria is that each child must be in the vehicle to receive meal packages while supplies last.”

“This is not FLAG Church, this is Life360 Church out of Springfield, MO that is partnering with local churches to bless communities in the Southeast Kansas area. We are grateful for this opportunity to add to the needs of so many here in Fort Scott!”

Grady Proffit, is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor of Family Life Assembly of God.

To learn more about the church:

New Church Plant Starting in Fort Scott In September

For more information:

www.flagchurch.com

(620) 232-FLAG

Grady Proffitt is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor for Family Life Assembly of God. Pictured is his wife, Jacque and son. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Fair, K-State Extension

County Fair: Bringing Communities Together

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

The County Fair is an exciting time for 4-H and FFA members and the surrounding community.  It is an opportunity to showcase the handiwork they have made and show the animals they have worked with for months leading up to the fair season.

Through their various projects with these youth programs, the members have “learned by doing.”  They have learned how to work with others, learned to make decisions, and take responsibility to complete their projects.  At the county fair, their projects are judged on their quality of workmanship, ingenuity, and skills learned throughout the project.

While competition is an important part of the fair, the real experience for these youth members lies in competing to better their own skills.  It is exciting to win ribbons and trophies, but sometimes the lessons learned by those who don’t win are the most valuable.  Not only are important things learned about their projects, they learn more about themselves.  Growth takes place by learning from mistakes.  Being a good sport when you don’t quite make the mark you would have liked, is often one of the best life lessons that can be learned.

Sometimes we forget that the County Fair is not just for the youth.  Most of our county fairs offer an open class division with divisions similar to those offered for 4-H and FFA – open to all ages.  Some county fairs allow open class entries from adjacent counties.  This is a great way for adults to show off their talents and directly participate in the county fair.

One of the take-aways for county fair spectators is a better sense of the talent and creativity of those around you.  I’m always amazed with the originality and intricate work our youth and adults bring to the area fairs.

The county fair brings locals together for a celebration of their community and offers something for everyone.  It is a unique experience that can really bring out the best in communities.

The Southwind Extension District fairs will be taking place this month.  Bourbon County begins the circuit in Fort Scott on July 16 and runs through July 23.  Woodson County’s fair in Yates Center also starts July 16 and continues through July 20.  Neosho County fair in Erie takes place July 21-July 25.  Allen County fair in Iola is slated for July 28-July 31.  For individual county events and rules, check out the county fair books online at www.southwind.ksu-edu.

See you at the fair!

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

Bourbon County, History

Marmaton River Massacre-Payback History Tour

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BOURBON COUNTY

CARPOOL HISTORY TOURS

ARE BACK!

“The Marmiton Massacre – Payback”

Saturday, July 9th

8:30am to approx. 10:30am

Leaves from Memorial Hall

$5 per person, register here!
 

More about this tour:

Guerilla’s from Cow Creek, Crawford County, Kansas rode their horses to Marmiton, Bourbon County, Kansas for the sole purpose of payback. The guerrillas lost a battle early in the Civil War and wanted payback which was to get even with the soldiers who were returning home to their families. The guerillas snuck into town about midnight October 22, 1864 to kill the military men who embarrassed them. The result was the burning of a church, 2 stores and 2 homes but worst of all, the killing of 6 men of the community. The story of the raid and of Marmiton will be told by the current owner of the old site.

Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 5

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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: July 5, 2022

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 & Bridge Report
  • Bob Reed – Fair Board Budget
  • Kelley Zellner — Discuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day
  • Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
    • 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion
  • Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • District Court – 10:30am
  • Judge Ward-Executive Session 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

 

 

 

1pm – 4pm: Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)

 

Register of Deeds

Sheriff/Corrections

Public Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Bronson Day Has Been Re-energized

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Bronson Day, a local community event of this small town in western Bourbon County, has been revamped.

Bronson Day has typically been held yearly in the spring and led by the Bronson Ruritan, said Kelly Perry.

Perry is part of a new organization in Bronson.

The town held an open town meeting seeking volunteers for the new organization, called the Bronson Pride Committee.

“In the past, we had a larger Ruritan group and several locals realized this was a big task to put on just one or two people in the Ruritan,” Perry said. “After speaking to Terry Johnston, head of the Bronson Ruritan we agreed to all work together to help promote the event.”

Elected to head the organization are Kayla Greenway-president, Michael Stewart-vice president, Danielle Minor-treasurer and Perry as secretary.
The event, moved from the spring to the summer, starts as 9 a.m. with a horseshoe tournament hosted by Terry Johnson.
“Bronson is the home of the first world horseshoe tournament,” she said. “This event is free.”

“We have a huge day of events planned, from free bounce houses to a mini horse pull,  a parade, a color run,  Kale Nelson’s State Farm Car Show, a three-on-three basketball tournament,a horseshoe tournament, a cornhole tournament, kids games, over 25 vendors, several food trucks, a street dance,  a live DJ, a beer garden and of course our fireworks display,” she said.

“This year we created a bit more buzz by creating not only the committee, but allowing food trucks, doubling the fireworks budget, and bringing back the street dance,” Perry said. “Board members and volunteers were able to get sponsors and received a grant from Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. The funds are not all spent on one single event but are going to be used for overall community improvement and morale which includes The Bronson Day Celebration.”

“Bronson Day is just part of the vision the entire board has for the Bronson Pride Committee,” she said. “In the future, we will continue to meet and grow and make this yearly event better and bigger. We want to unify our community through ideas, efforts, and solving problems and needs. If we can motivate others we can change the community morale and continue to thrive together,” she said.

Kayla Greenway has lived in Bronson for many years and raised her four children here.

“I’ve helped with Bronson days in the past, but this year‘s planning has been ramped up by our new Bronson Pride Committee,” Greenway said. “It’s a committee we started to help clean our town up, bring awareness to community development, and come together in unity with the same goal of helping one another in our town.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Greenway said. “I am excited to see what our future holds.  We are always accepting new members and our next meeting is July 6 at 5 p.m. at the city park.”

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/BronsonPride