December 13, 2022 Commission Minutes
Category Archives: Bourbon County
New Electric Transmission Line Will Travel Through Bourbon County
An electric utility business wants to get feedback on a proposed transmission line that will going through the county.
NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest (NEET Southwest) is hosting a public meeting in Fort Scott on Jan. 10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main.
“A series of informational stations will be staffed by NEET Southwest employees and contractors to answer questions and provide information to attendees,” said NextEra Senior Communications Strategist Sarah Borchardt.
“The purpose of the meeting is to provide an in-person opportunity for landowners to ask questions about the transmission line project directly, as well as for NEET Southwest to obtain feedback on the proposed project route from landowners,” Borchardt said.
The Project
“NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest will develop, construct, own, operate and maintain the approximately 94-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission project that will connect the Wolf Creek Substation in Kansas which is owned by Evergy; and the Blackberry Substation in Missouri, owned by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.,” she said. “The project route traverses Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford counties in Kansas, and Barton and Jasper counties in Missouri. The transmission project is expected to be in-service in Jan. 2025.”
“The line is approximately 94 miles, with approximately 85 miles located across five counties in Kansas,” according to Borchardt. “The line was identified as being needed by the Southwest Power Pool, which plans the electric transmission system for the state of Kansas and for a larger region that stretches across the middle of the U.S. from Texas up to North Dakota.”
“SPP determined that the line would provide significant economic and reliability benefits to Kansas customers and to SPP customers as a whole, and SPP selected NEET Southwest to build the project after a competitive bid process,” she said.
“The Wolf Creek-Blackberry Project is part of Southwest Power Pool (SPP)’s 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan to address the needs for a more reliable and cost-effective grid,” she said. “SPP is a non-for-profit, regional transmission organization (RTO) mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission infrastructure in the central region of the country. The transmission line will allow power to flow more efficiently to customers in Kansas and Missouri.”
“The project is permitted by the Kansas Corporation Commission at the state level, and not by individual counties,” she said. “NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest’s proposed route is intended to minimize or avoid impacts across a few factors, including landowners, environmentally sensitive areas, other utility and public infrastructure, airports, and tribal lands, among others.”
“ Where possible, portions of NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest’s proposed route will parallel existing rights of way,” she said. “NEET Southwest is securing options for easements from landowners whose land will be crossed by the transmission line. NEET Southwest will work with landowners on an ongoing basis throughout the construction, clean up phase of the project, and beyond.”
KCC: Beneficial Effect on Kansas Customers
“The Kansas Corporation Commission agreed that the line is needed to serve the public interest in Kansas,” she said. “NEET Southwest is planning to file an application with the KCC to get approval of the specific line route.”
The Kansas Corporation Commissioners agreed the project provides benefits for Kansans, according to its website:
https://kcc.ks.gov/news-8-29-22
Here is the conclusion from the KCC:
“Based on the testimony received, the Commission finds that the Transmission Project will have a beneficial effect on customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion and improving the reliability of the transmission system,” according to the KCC website.
“The line will provide economic benefits to all of Kansas, by allowing power to be produced more efficiently and cost-effectively, which will provide access to more affordable energy for Kansas customers,” according to Borchardt. “In addition, construction jobs will be created within the communities along the proposed route, and NEET Southwest will make property tax payments to the respective counties going forward.”
https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
“The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the needs for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers,” according to the NextEra Energy website.
City of Uniontown Minutes of Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Council Meeting on December 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by President of Council Ervin. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joshua Bales and Jason Thompson-Green Environmental Services, Linda and Danny Nation-4 States Sanitation, Raymond “Skeet” George, Joe George, Mary Pemberton, City Attorney Jacob Manbeck, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service – Attorney Manbeck opened the hearing. There was discussion with the vendor representatives about services they can offer and current private residential rates. There were no comments from the citizens in attendance. Over the next three months the City will finalize the planning of the proposed trash service.
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George requested a recess for the Council to walk to the restroom to view progress.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to recess for 5 minutes to view the progress
Open meeting resumed at 7:26PM.
Mr George would like to have guttering put on the building, LACO will donate if there is a sign acknowledging the donation. A list of entities/individuals that donated time and service to the construction will be given to Clerk Johnson to send thank you notes. Clerk Johnson will research a sign for the building that acknowledges the building provided by Uniontown Ruritan and those who donated time/service to the project. Total cost of the facility is upwards of $50,000.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow signs acknowledging those responsible for the construction of the restroom building
Councilman Ervin asked to have the custodial job description amended to include the cleaning of the new restroom facilities.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance on non-elected personnel, open meeting to resume at 7:30PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:30PM. Council presented bonuses to staff.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,706.17, Receipts $37,281.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $33,573.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $354,638.51. Bank Statement Balance $356,257.28, including Checking Account Interest of $49.96, Outstanding Deposits $216.27, Outstanding Checks $1,835.04, Reconciled Balance $354,638.51. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,159.60, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,668.01, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,436.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,902.72. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $361.40, and Utility CDs $362.78 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $724.18. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $9,067.66, Year-to-Date Net Income $30,895.01. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $108,458.97 (102.9%), Expenditures $100,869.46 (77.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,090.30 (89.9%), Expenditures $32,458.78 (79.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,457.96 (81.3%), Expenditures $144,157.30 (58.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $140,825.06 (109.6%), Expenditures $133,508.49 (80.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%). The December 2022 estimated payables, including end of year transfers, in the amount of $51,747.08 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 7, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE inspected the wastewater and water systems.
Black Hills was here last week for leak survey, no leaks found.
He spoke to someone about the tree limbs overhanging on Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. They were supposed to trim but haven’t. He will talk to them again.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is about 80% complete.
There was a complaint about the possibility of someone living in a RV at 401 Sherman. A letter was sent and owner responded that no one is living in it, he is working on it at night. He will remove from the property in the near future. Clerk Johnson also reported on a noise complaint. She spoke with the person being complained about and has since been informed that the issue has been resolved.
Clerk Johnson and Councilman Ervin reported on the KMGA Prepay Gas Supply Project. After discussion, Council asked to have KMGA representative give a presentation with more details about the project. Clerk Johnson will contact them to set up a meeting. The December KMGA member update was discussed.
She reminded Council of upcoming League of Kansas Municipalities events and trainings.
Kansas Municipal Utilities has scheduled a Special Meeting of the KMU Membership to consider amendments to the bylaws to change status from 501(c)4, for profit, to 501(c)3, non-profit. A voting delegate had not been named since 2014.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Amber Kelly as KMU voting delegate
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to designate Larry Jurgensen as KMU alternate delegate
This is the last year she and her husband will be decorating the park. She asked that the holiday decorations not be stored in the shop attic area any longer. It is too difficult to put them up and take them down from there. It was agreed they could be stored in the warehouse. It was suggested to put on the October 2023 agenda to solicit volunteers or set a workday to put the decorations out.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for their years of volunteering to decorate the park for Christmas.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – absent
OLD BUSINESS
Due to Mayor Jurgensen not in attendance,
Motion by Hartman, Second be Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to table discussion on the School Pond Project and Placemaking Project until January 2023 meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act update – three sealed bids for remodel of existing City Hall restrooms into one ADA compliant unisex restroom. Bid 1 – Terry Nading, $26,130.56; Bid 2 – French’s Plumbing, $26,575.00; Bid 3 – Karlskint & Marsh Const, $27,630.00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to award to Terry Nading in the amount of $26,130.56
Clerk Johnson will call Nading in the morning to inform of the award. She will mail a formal notice of award and set up contract signing and notice to proceed before the first of the year.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to approve 2023 CMB License for Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 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 8:55PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:55PM with no action from session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:57PM
City of Uniontown Agenda for Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of December 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2012 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
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
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 ___________.
Attachements:
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 10
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 10, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Road Vacation Petition filed by Susan Bancroft
• Matt Quick – NRP Program
• Lora Holdridge – Part–time to Full–time Employee Request
• REDI Funding Discussion
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Audit Services
o November Financials
o Reconsider Main Banking Institution
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• 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.
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Jan. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2023
- Welcome: Nineteen members representing fourteen agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that there was an opening for a Coalition Board member.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Sandra Haggard, RSVP: Sandra was not able to attend but sent word that she had had five RSVP volunteers at the recent blood drive at Buck Run; three new ones and several others from the Coalition. The next blood drive will be February 16; contact Sandy if you can help.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Applications are still being taken; however, there continue to be waiting lists for all size apartments.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSECP USD 234: Her program is full but she continues to take referrals.
- Vicki Wright, SEK Mental Health: They will be hiring ten additional therapists; sizeable signing bonuses are being offered.
- Christine Abbott, SE Kansas Works: Can assist those aged 16 to 24 with GED, job training, etc. She maintains office hours at the HBCAT office two days each week.
- Lisa Robertson and Lindsey Waterman, CHC SEK COPE: They can help with free resources for families. They are especially interested in providing a warming station for the homeless.
- Audrey Ricks, CHC SEK, Program Manager for Building Health: Her specialty is service for the homeless. She has established a place in Crawford County and is working with Lisa and Lindsey to establish a place in Bourbon County.
- Rachel French, Fort Scott Forward: Announced the “Community Involvement Fair” to be held at the Ellis Center on Thursday, February 2, 5:00 – 6:30. For more information or to reserve a booth space, contact Rachel at 620-644-8523 or rfrench@myonestop.com .
- David Gillen, The Beacon: 319 families, including 1,045 children, were helped in December. Seventy-three (73) families benefitted from the “Adopt a Child” program and twelve new families were approved for benefits during the month.
- Nick Johnson, USD 234 FSPS: Reminded members that preschool screenings take place the first Friday of each month; appointments may be made by contacting the Pre School. He also alerted members to the “Child Aware” workshop to be held at the USD 234 Board Office on Thursday, January 26. Information can be found on the link on the Pre School webpage.
- Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant: Head Start will be resuming on January 9.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, SNAP Education: Reminded members of the upcoming classes: Walk with Ease, Eating Smart and Saving Money, and Fresh Conversations. For more information contact the Extension Office.
- Elizabeth Schafer and Linda Noll, CASA: CASA needs more volunteers!
- Craig Campbell, FSACF, Landbank, GNAT: In 2022, FSACF awarded over $53,000 to Bourbon County agencies; grants for 2023 will probably be geared to “transformative” grants, more information to be provided later. The Landbank is working to improve and make available properties gained from tax sales. GNAT continues to build ramps, clean yards, paint, etc. They are also able to help people with applications for grants to help make homes livable. Craig can be contacted at 620-224-0167.
- Program: Lorina Bowman, Museum of Creativity
The Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National, is a non-profit institute that appreciates all sponsors, volunteers and donations. Lorina noted that the Museum of Creativity was opened to provide a safe space for families. The Museum is open on Fridays from 9am until 10 pm and Saturdays from 10 am until 6 pm. Admission is $2.00 per child and $1.00 per adult. They have craft nights, Lego clubs, game nights and can host parties. For more information visit their Facebook page.
- Open Forum:
Adjournment: Next General Me
Artificers Celebrate Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on January 28
The Artificers, a local art gallery at 8 N. National Avenue, will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting gala on January 28. At 5:30 p.m. will be the ribbon cutting. The gala is from 6 to 9 p.m.
An artificer is a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman, according to Webster’s Dictionary.
Cocktail attire is recommended for the gala event.
The owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have been renovating the storefront for several years and still have some work to do, but the first floor is ready for the classes the Freeman’s will offer.
To view a prior feature:
The classes start February 1 as part of the The Artificers Teaching Studio, and offer a wide range of classes for any age or ability.
“We will start off with clay sculpture and pottery wheel throwing classes, but soon will add a variety of classes from our extensive list of master artists, that includes painting, watercolor, airbrush, graphite drawing, mixed media collage and more,” Kate said.
“We are so excited to host a variety of artists throughout the coming year and display their superior craftsmanship that has taken them thousands of hours to develop,” she said.
The hours of operation for the art studio/gallery business are Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are extended hours during classes and special events.
About The Artists
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
Eventually the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020, and have been working on the renovation since.
To view the business website:
Eco Devo Visioning Groups Have Goals For 2023
In 2022, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. group held visioning meetings to find the perceived needs of the community.
These meetings were in August, October and November and focused on specific areas: labor, housing, retail, and an in-depth sales tax revenue study.
“These sessions brought community and business leaders together to work through important issues that we face today,” said Rob Harrington, director of REDI. “On average, we had 40 participants at each event and the dialogue was very thought provoking.”
“In the final session the hard work and dedication of all who attended these visioning sessions came to three very specific projects which the group felt were the most important,” he said.
Bailey Lyons, CEO of Lyons Realty Group, was chosen by the housing group to lead a group that will encourage more housing developments in the county.
“A separate committee decided that having a quality place to live was just as important, and would help with growing our housing possibilities as well,” Harrington said. This group is being lead by Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, and will be working on the planning and construction of a tennis court complex in Fort Scott.
Training the youth in the county was another issue the visioning group thought was important.
“This group decided to work with the three different education boards (USD 234-Fort Scott, USD 235-Uniontown and Fort Scott Community College) to develop more technical training for our youth,” he said. “This group is being led by Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer of Bourbon County.
The groups have been asked to meet throughout 2023 to work on each of these goals.
“At the end of next year the same group of people will be asked to reconvene and discuss with the group all of their progress on each goal,” Harrington said. “At which time, if goals have been reached others can be developed.”
“This was the first time a group of leaders across the entire county had been brought together to target and address concerns and opportunities for our communities as a whole,” Harrington said. “Bourbon County REDI was honored to be the host organization, and look forward to the continued work by this and other groups.”
The Bourbon County REDI mission is to build a vibrant county through business, economic and tourism development, and ongoing community development throughout the county, according to its website.
The Bourbon County REDI is housed on the second floor of Landmark Bank, 200 S Main St Suite 200, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be contacted at (620) 644-7966.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 4
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 4, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy
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 Commission Minutes of Dec. 20 and Dec. 29
Read and Walk Off Holiday Pounds Starting January 9 at FS Public Library
Our first Walk Into Books, Bourbon County! walking contest featured a virtual walk down the Yellow Brick Road, with 118 local residents participating, and the Reading Rangers team winning the contest. Our next contest begins on January 9. Please help us get the word out about this free fitness & literacy program!
Submitted by:
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
The Little House Trail Challenge
Walk off those holiday pounds and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk a trail from Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home “Rock House” in Mansfield, Missouri. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.
• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception after the contest ends for all participants
• Book club for all participants after the contest ends (depending on interest)
Register here: https://forms.gle/
For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.
Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.
Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
Gordon Parks Museum celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, with several events planned in Fort Scott.
The events will start on Thursday, January 12th at the Gordon Parks Museum.
The day will begin with a hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00a.m. and a film showing at 10:00a.m., “Martin”, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks.
This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon
Parks.
To view the schedule:
MLK ’23 Celebration Schedule 11_17
On Friday, January 13th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that will be held at 12:00p.m. featuring a music and speaking presentation by multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, and educator, Alex Kimball Williams. A reception will follow with birthday
cake. Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great Western Dining.
For more info:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Lunch & Learn, 2023
The day will also include three film
showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.
The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January 16th, with a (Lunch and Learn) event and Canned Food
Drive. Canned and non–perishable (non–expired) food items for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, Kansas,
will be collected at the museum from 9:00am – till 2:00p.m.
To learn more about the food drive:
Canned & Non Perishable Food Drive 2023
The Lunch and Learn speaker presentation event
“Good Trouble” by John Edgar Tidwell will be held at 12:00pm. Lunch will be provided by Dunk’s BBQ. Drinks
and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dinning.
To learn more about this presentation:
Good Trouble Presentation Press Release
Lunch & Learn Good Trouble January 16, 2023
Films will also be shown throughout the day on
Monday at 9:00a.m., 10:30a.m., and 1:30p.m. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and
Ellis Fine Arts center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
A full list of film showings and events can be found at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events. For more
information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620–223–2700 ext. 5850.
For more information call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.
About Humanities Kansas
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have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and
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