Category Archives: Bourbon County

FS Area Foundation Delivers Grants to 15 Recipients

November 12, 2021 Loretta George 2 Comments

All representatives of the grants awarded, pause for a group photo on Nov. 4 following the presentations.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) was launched in August 2007 and serves all of Bourbon County as a partner and resource to non-profit organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in our area.

The foundation presented the yearly awards at an After-Hours Chamber of Commerce event, hosted by Landmark Bank on November 4.

Thanks to the generosity of area donors, this year the foundation presented awards to 15 organizations totaling $40,345.

Gregg Motley tells about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation before the awarding of the grants. FSCAF Chairperson Carla Farmer listens, at right.

The foundation received 24 qualifying applications requesting over $89,000, Greg Motley, a member of the board of directors, said.

The following is a photo of representatives of the recipients receiving their awards.

Gregg Motley, an FSACF board member; Dave Gillen and Patty Mowen, Beacon representatives; along with Carla Farmer, FSACF Chairperson.

The Beacon received $3,000 to upgrade and expand nutritional food items.

Special Olympic Kansas representatives Steve Anthony, 2nd from left, and Erin Fletcher, far-right accept an award from Motley and Farmer.

Special Olympics of Kansas recognizes the accomplishments of those with intellectual disabilities and received $500 toward that effort.

Uniontown Saddle Club representatives Wayne Hall and Rachel Carpenter receive a check from Motley and Farmer.

The Uniontown Saddle Club was approved a $4,000 grant to bring electricity to the recreational vehicle area to facilitate overnight camping at the club’s arena.

Receiving the grant for the Gordon Parks Museum is Jane Campbell, center.

The Gordon Parks Museum received $3,000 to bring a professional dance group from Kansas City, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Alley, to the museum’s planned Martin Luther King Day.

Craig Hubbard, Kansas Food Bank representative, center, received the check from the foundation.

The Food For Kids program provides weekend meals for chronically hungry school children and the foundation presented a $3,000 check to the Kansas Food Bank Warehouse.

Mert Barrows, center, receives a foundation check representing the Presbyterian Church.

The First Presbyterian Church Ramp Pack received $2,500 to build wheelchair ramps to homes of needy Fort Scottians.

Fort Scott City Manager Mark McCoy received a foundation check on behalf of the city and the Fort Scott Kiwanis club.

The City of Fort Scott and the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott received a grant to plant new trees in the community, in the amount of $1,000.

CASA representative Jane Campbell, center, received the grant award for the organization.

Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocates received $4,500 to facilitate training for new volunteers and ongoing education for staff.

Melissa Guns, center, representing the Christmas in the Park organization, received the grant from the foundation.

The Christmas in the Park event will be in Gunn Park this year, thanks to the foundation’s $1,000 grant award.

Allen Warren, center, receives the grant award for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Association and 4-H Clubs.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta organization and the Bourbon County 4-H Clubs partnered to receive a $2,500 grant to spruce up the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds and buy some picnic tables.

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Director Allen Schellack, center, receives the grant from the foundation.

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries received a $2,000 grant to fund transportation services, identification documentation, shelter during extreme weather, and space heaters for those in need.

Care to Share Board Members Lavetta Simmons and Sidney Zimmermann, center, receive a grant.

Care to Share, a support organization for those with cancer, received a $3,000 award to ease the financial burden for patients and their caregivers by providing transportation, house cleaning, yard work, meals, and any other personal needs while the patient is focused on the cancer battle.

USD 234 school personnel Robin Webb, Missy Miller, and Martin Alteri, all in the center, receive the grant.

Winfield Scott Elementary School first grade teachers will use their $2,500 grant awarded to familiarize students with local resources through trips to businesses, non-profits, and government locations to build backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math and also help students become community-oriented.

Angela Simon, Bailey Lyons, and Lindsay Madison receive the grant for the Chamber.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce received a $4,000 grant to upgrade the Christmas decorations for the downtown area.

USD 234 music teacher Whitley Chesney receives the grant.

Fort Scott High School Choir Director Whitley Chesney received $3,845 to purchase appropriate attire for performances at concerts, no matter what the student’s economic status.

Bourbon County, Business

Heartland awards $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association for building improvements

November 11, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Doug Graham (center left), the communication specialist for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, presents a check for $5,000 to Bourbon County Fair Association members (from left to right) Laura George, Wilma Hibdon, Diane Brillhart, Mark Brillhart, and Dale Griffiths.

Fair participants and others using the buildings at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds will soon benefit from improvements to roofing and HVAC systems made possible in part by a grant from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative.

Heartland recently awarded Bourbon County Fair Association a $5,000 grant through its Concern for Community program.

“I often say that we’re not in the business of selling electricity, we’re in the business of powering rural lifestyles,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “Part of that is supporting the communities our consumer-members live in and around. This grant program is a great way to do just that.”

The Concern for Community program provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, which covers parts of 12 counties in eastern Kansas.

As a non-profit, member-owned cooperative, Heartland issues capital credits to members each year, but sometimes those capital credits go unclaimed. Because those monies were intended to be returned to the communities from which they came, Heartland’s Board of Directors decided to use those unclaimed funds for community grants and started the Concern for Community program in 2019.

Nine applications out of 25 received were approved for funding by the Heartland board. In total, Heartland distributed around $36,000 in Concern for Community grants this year.

https://www.loc8nearme.com/kansas/fort-scott/bourbon-county-fair/6448686/

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Local Health Department Now Offering COVID Vaccine For 5-11 Year Olds

November 10, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.

If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.

Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.

There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.

Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 available at CHC/SEK

November 9, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Vaccination promises to help kids more safely resume school and social activities

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 by appointment in its Baxter Springs, Coffeeville, Iola, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Pleasanton locations. The initial number of Pfizer for children’s vaccinations is limited, however, CHC/SEK expects the vaccine supply to become more readily available and will have children’s Pfizer vaccine ages 5-11 at more clinics in the coming weeks.

To speed the process for parents and to prevent vaccine waste (open vials have a short shelf life), CHC/SEK is requesting that children’s COVID-19 vaccinations be administered by appointment when possible.

Parents wishing to have their children vaccinated can schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Those without web access can call their local clinic or 620-231-9873 to schedule.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for administration to children under emergency use authorization. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the Pfizer vaccination, with Kansas officials adopting the authorization on Wednesday.

This latest vaccination authorization includes children 5-11 and those with underlying conditions and previous COVID infection. Vaccinating ages 5-11 allow children the protection to resume normal childhood activities without risking their own health and reduces the risk of bringing the virus home to a more vulnerable family member.

Pfizer’s child shots contain just a third of the vaccine dose that is already been used to vaccinate millions of people 12 and older. The 5- to 11-year-olds will receive two shots, three weeks apart, the same schedule as everyone else but with a smaller amount in each shot, using a smaller needle.

According to U.S. health authorities and leading doctors’ groups, COVID-19 is causing much preventable suffering among youngsters. About 1.9 million kids ages 5 to 11 have been sickened with COVID-19. Some 8,300 were hospitalized, about one-third needed intensive care, and at least 94 deaths have been verified.

There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.

While the U.S. has seen a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases, experts worry about virus variants and another uptick in infections with holiday travel and as winter sends more activity indoors where it is easier for the coronavirus to spread.

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser

November 9, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 33rd annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 18 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be a drive through only event this year” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Elizabeth Schafer.

A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $6.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Schafer.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

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Bourbon County, Church news, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Lighthouse Gathering On Nov. 11

November 9, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The community is invited to the Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, in the conference room of Rodeway Inn, 101 State Street.

This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men and youth to worship, pray, fellowship and grow in unity. We desire to propel the Kingdom forward through the elevation of the knowledge of God. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.

We will share a teaching given at our international conference in September.

Our Lighthouse desires the body of Christ to come together to meet the needs of those that cannot speak for themselves.

We are forming a committee and looking for property to get temporary shelter ready for those in need.

For more information contact Amanda Gilmore at (620) 215-0418 or Bob Reazin at (620) 363-0257.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Early November is Time to Control Lawn Weeds and to Fertilize

November 8, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

When it comes to weather, this fall has been a pretty good one in my opinion. But it won’t be long and winter will be upon us. Before the bitter cold hits, fall lawn weed control and fertilization needs to be done.

Lawn weeds are probably the last thing on your mind right now. But think back to last spring. Did you have a purple cast to your lawn from henbit or a good crop of dandelions? If so, believe it or not, they were already growing in your lawn last fall!

Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.

Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.

There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.

Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow label directions closely.

Herbicide drift can be a problem during the spring when warm temperatures prevail along with winds. The cooler fall temperatures and the dormant state of most plants reduce this problem considerably, making it an ideal time for application.

As we enter November, it is also the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring. As the top growth slows due to the cool temperatures in November, grass plants continue making food (carbohydrates). Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early spring nitrogen application.

How much fertilizer should you apply? One to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area is sufficient. A quick nitrogen carrier such as urea or ammonium sulfate should be used.

Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free lawn next spring!

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Lyons Realty Adds New Employee: Ryan Edgecomb

November 8, 2021 Loretta George Leave a comment

Ryan Edgecomb, 46, is a new real estate agent for Lyons Realty Group.

Lyons’ Realty Group office, 8 E. Wall, taken from its Facebook page.

“I will assist clients with buying and selling real estate,” he said. “I plan to use my agriculture background to specialize in hunting and agriculture properties.”

“I have been involved in ag-related careers my entire life including livestock feed and equipment sales as well as agriculture education,” he said.

He started this month.

He pursued this career because he has a strong interest in property and land values, he said.

“After Kylie and I got married, we started watching real estate and looking for a house to buy,” he said. ” We also kept our eyes open for some small acreage suitable to build a house. We successfully found 20 acres and built our dream home. Furthermore, I have always been intrigued by the real estate and land trends in our area. This has prompted me to pursue this position.”

Edgecomb has been involved in the agricultural community.

“I am very active in Kansas Farm Bureau by serving a leadership role on the county level and representing District 3 on the state beef advisory committee,” he said. “I have also served on many local ag advisory boards, extension boards, and participated in numerous community service projects.”

Edgecomb attended Kansas State University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

“My wife, Kylie, and I live on a small farm in rural Crawford County. We raise a small herd of commercial Angus and balancer cattle,” he said.

Bourbon County

Uniontown 4-H Club October report

November 8, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

By: Marley Sutton

The Uniontown 4-H Club met on October 10, 2021, at the Uniontown City Hall for the regular monthly meeting. Before the meeting the club attended the Mount Opurum Church service as part of their national 4-H week activities.

The newly elected club officers were installed into their new positions. The new officers are; President Kendyl Bloesser, Vice President Seth Shadden, Secretary Ziggy Barbour, Treasurer Austin Maycumber, Reporter Marley Sutton, Historian Makiah Woods, Parliamentarian Hailey Shadden, Song and Recreation Leaders Zane, and Zeb Barbour. MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Austin Maycumber, and Kendyl Bloesser will serve as the 4-H council representatives.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Local Sheriff’s Office Receives Special Olympics Award

November 5, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office has been chosen as the recipient of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Champions Award, granted by Special Olympics Kansas.

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

“The presentation will be at Woodland Hills Golf Course at 1 pm on November 16th,” Erin Fletcher, Director of Grants and Development at Special Olympics Kansas, said. “Ben Cole and Steve Anthony will accept the award for their outreach during the year and fundraising at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Golf Scramble.”

This award is given to members of the LETR community that have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Kansas. Only one award is given out yearly throughout the entire state of Kansas.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office also won the Southeast Kansas Regional Organization of the Year in 2020.

“This award recognizes all the hard work, dedication, commitment, and care they have provided for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and our Kansas Athletes,” said Fletcher. “This continued commitment to improving the quality of life for all athletes is greatly appreciated and we are thrilled to honor them with the Law Enforcement Torch Run of Kansas Champions Award.”

Among other fundraisers, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office recently raised over $32,000 from their Bourbon County Golf Scramble held in July 2021.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs, and leadership development. SOKS is a non-profit organization supported almost entirely by corporate and individual gifts, and events. The generosity of Kansas organizations, individuals, and statewide businesses enable the program to continue.

ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN (LETR) The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 with founder Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon and five law enforcement officers carrying the torch for the Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games in Wichita. The LETR has since evolved to a volunteer partnership with Special Olympics to champion acceptance and inclusion. It has become a worldwide community of law enforcement officers rallying to support Special Olympics, the impetus for millions of new friendships around the world, and a series of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge fundraisers, and Tip-A-Cop® events. The LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 law enforcement participants around the world. Visit LETR.org for more information. www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas www.flickr.com/specialolympicskansas Twitter @sokansas Instagram @sokansas ###

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission Meeting On Nov. 9

November 5, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: November 9, 2021

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 and Bridge Report
- Eric Bailey – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
- Lora Holdridge – County Maps/Plat Books
- Reno-Dry Discussion
- Susan Bancroft – Work Comp Policy Consideration
- Susan Bancroft – Genera Liability Policy Consideration
- Susan Bancroft – BB County RWD #4 – ARPA Funding
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment