Category Archives: Bourbon County

Coalition Meeting Agenda For Oct. 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

October 6, 2021

  1. Welcome:

Thanks to Nancy for chairing the meeting!

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  1. Program: Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County.

November program will be an update on Communities in Schools presented by Rhonda Hoener and Lewis Dunkeson.

  1. Open Forum:
  • Discussion: Would it be better to meet from 1:00 – 2:00 starting in January?
  • Discussion: Do we need to find a location with reliable internet connection where combination meetings (face-to-face and Zoom) can be held?
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be November 3, 2021.

For those who can’t attend in person on Wednesday, October 6th via Zoom on the noon hour:

Join Zoom Meeting
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K-3 Hwy. closed on Oct. 11 for wind turbine crane move (revised date)

 

K-3 will be closed from K-39 south to K-47 on Monday, Oct 11. The daylong closure will start at 7 a.m., when a wind tower crane will be moved across the highway between Birch Road in Bourbon County and Arrowhead Road at the Bourbon-Crawford county line.

 

A detour will be signed on K-146, U.S. 59 and K-39. Traffic should use the detour and other alternate routes. Persons with questions may call Kansas Department of Transportation Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon at (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Map: www.kandrive.org

 

 

 

Health Department Provides Free Parenting Classes Starting Oct. 14

Free Parenting Classes

The Bourbon County Health Department is offering Parenting the Love and Logic Way®! This curriculum was developed by Jim Fay, Charles Fay, Ph.D., and Foster W. Cline, M.D. of the Love and Logic Institute Inc. in Golden, Colorado. Parenting the Love and Logic Way® will be presented in six sessions beginning October 14th by Jan and Dave Elliott, who are independent facilitators of the curriculum.

Completion of Parenting the Love and Logic Way® consists of participating in six sessions: October 14th, October 21st, October 28th, November 4th, November 11th, and November 18th, all beginning at 6:00 PM.

The course will be offered at the Bourbon County Health Department at 524 S. Lowman. There is no charge for participation in Parenting the Love and Logic Way® and space is limited. Pre-registration is required. To register, please call the Health Department at 620-223-4464. The deadline to register is Thursday, October 7th.

Miles Woodworking: “A Pretty Good Team”

Mike and Danyell Miles. Submitted photo.

Mike and Danyell Miles started their business, Miles Woodworking, in 2010 when they couldn’t find the right dining table.

“My wife showed me one and I built it,” Mike said. “Then I said ‘You know we could build and sell these.’ The rest is history.”

A cabinet creation by Miles Woodworking. Submitted photo.

“We have been doing this for over 10 years now,” he said. “It’s fun and enjoyable because every order is different. Sometimes we get repeat orders, but mostly they are a different scheme.”

Dining tables, bedroom sets, buffets, cornhole sets, and shuffleboards up to 20 feet long, kitchen cabinets, kitchen islands, and desks are some of their past creations.

A desk that was created by Miles Woodworking. From their Facebook page.

“We take custom orders,” Miles said. ” The client generally shows us what they want and we create that for them. My wife is the brains of the operation, she designs it. I build it. We make a pretty good team.”

The same year they began their business, they also started taking their creations to Sugar Mound Arts Festival, he said. “We showcase all of our new seasonal products there. That’s next weekend.”

For more information contact Miles Woodworking at 620.224.4724 or [email protected]

 

 

Rural America Celebration this Weekend: Pioneer Harvest Fiesta

From the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta website.

The 65th Annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is a time of remembering all things rural: tractors, farming practices, arts and crafts, and food.

This year it is this weekend, starting with a parade Thursday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.

Friday, Oct. 1 starting at 9 a.m. people can walk the Bourbon County Fairground, across from Fort Scott Community College on South Horton Street in Fort Scott to view the activities offered.

A quilt show, corn husking, and shelling, oat thrashing, straw baling, rock crushing,  sawmill operation, arts and craft show and end the day with a free bean feed at 5 p.m. A large flea market and swap meet runs throughout the multi-day event.

“The flea market is one of the largest in the four states,” Larry Richard, vice president of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Board, said. “And it’s an instructional arts and crafts exhibit.”

Saturday from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. also offers those activities and adds musicians to entertain throughout the day and also an antique and classic tractor pull at 1 p.m.

Sunday morning starts with a worship service at 9 a.m. and more demonstrations and activities, with a tractor pull at 1 p.m.

Others serving on the board are President Allen Warren, Secretary Betsey Reeder, and Treasurer Delphine Parks.

 

Pioneer Harvest Festival Music Schedule
    October 2 – 3,  provided by Ralph Carlson
Saturday, October 2
11 a.m.         The Millers
11:30 a.m.  Wallase & Wolfgran
Noon            Steve Fortenberry
1 p.m.            Stephan Moses
 2 p.m.           The Millers
 2:30  p.m.    Ralph, Don & Mim Carlson
 3 p.m.            Tammy Helm & Floyd Feezell
 3:15 p.m.      David Prickett
Sunday, October 3
  9 a.m.           Apostolic Christian Church Service
10:30 a.m.   Open Jam Session
11:30  a.m.   Ralph, Don & Mim Carlson
Noon               Lunch Break
12:30 p.m.    David Prickett
  1 p.m.            Stephan Moses

SEK Community Foundation Grants Awarded

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Announces $155,000 in General Funds Grantmaking

Every summer, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Grant Review Committee awards funding to programs focusing on Basic Human Needs, Youth Activities, and Arts & Culture. CFSEK is pleased to announce General Grant Funds totalling $155,000 have been awarded to 45 non-profit organizations in Southeast Kansas representing 20 communities in 6 counties. Since 2004, the funds directly managed by CFSEK have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to many Southeast Kansas nonprofit projects.

The Community Foundation continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and the quality of life in our region. CFSEK focuses on ‘inspiring leadership with programming that is responsive to the interests and needs of those we serve now and in the future.’

The following grants were awarded during the 2021 General Grant Cycle:

Basic Human Needs – $56,652

Caney Valley Agape Network – Protective supplies for volunteers.

Catholic Charities, Inc. – Homeless and housing services.

Class LTD – Client emergency assistance funds.

Communities in Schools, Inc. – Basic needs support for students in schools in SEK.

Community Health Center of SEK – Baby basics for the Baby4Baby program.

First Baptist Church of Riverton Kansas – Share with love food bank.

First United Methodist Church Wesley House – Safety supplies for the homeless program.

Homer Cole Community Center – Security cameras.

Kansas Food Bank Warehouse, Inc. – Food 4 Kids weekend backpack program.

Labette County Emergency Assistance Center – Emergency funding for Labette County residents.

Mount Carmel Foundation – Save a life by providing critical inhalers.

Olive Street Presents, Ltd. – Bringing local stages to life.

Sacred Heart Parish – Thanksgiving meal turkey distribution.

SEK Animal Advocates Society – Services to support permanent homes for animals.

Spring River Mental Health & Wellness – Medication assistance and organization.

TFI Family Services, Inc. – Calming kits.

The Beacon – Basic nutritional needs through their food bank.

The Salvation Army – Emergency utility and rental assistance.

Youth Activities – $87,000

Boy Scout of America – Hooked on Scouting recruitment campaign.

Cherry Street Youth Center, Inc. – Art Enrichment.

Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. – Go Blue SEK kickoff event.

City of Girard – Frisbee Golf Course.

City of Parsons – Parsons Area splash pad.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation – Childbirth Education Curriculum and Equipment.

Curious Minds Discovery Zone, Inc. – ‘Rigamajig’

Family Resource Center – Software update.

First United Methodist Church Wesely House – Coats for Kids.

Girls Scouts of the Missouri Heartland – Disaster Preparedness weekend campout.

Mem – Erie Historical Society -Discovering Memories through interactive programming.

Pittsburg Community Child Care Learning Center – Poured in place rubber playground surface.

PSU Foundation, Inc. – PSU Media Production Camp.

PSU Foundation, Inc. – Affordable service provision for children with reading difficulties.

Safehouse Crisis Center – Creating for Healing – a project for the children of Safehouse services.

Southeast Kansas Community Action Program – Early Learning Center flooring.

Special Olympics Kansas – SEK athlete recognition.

The Salvation Army – Stocking stuffers for Christmas.

USD 234 Winfield Scott Leadership Club – Healthy snacks.

USD 246 Northeast Elementary/JH – Back to School Bash.

USD 246 Northeast Elementary/JH Magazines in the classroom.

USD 506 – Junior High Color Guard flags.

Victory Life Church – Back 2 School event

Women’s Resource Center Vie Medical Clinic – Come Play with Me safe play space for children.

Arts & Culture – $1,348

Olive Street Presents, Ltd. – Bringing local stages to life.

Affiliates – $10,000

Girard Area Community Foundation – GACF Youth Activities granting.

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation – FSACF Youth Activities granting.

The CFSEK Board of Trustees and staff congratulate all the 2021 grant recipients!

If you are interested in establishing a grantmaking fund with the CFSEK, please visit www.SoutheastKansas.org or call 620-231-8897.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Awarded $560,140 Patterson Family Foundation Grant

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) has been awarded a two-year grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. Grant funds will be used to expand upon current programing with the HBCAT’s Center for Economic Growth and fund creative placemaking projects for the Historic Downtown Fort Scott and the Eastside of Fort Scott.

The HBCAT is making very intentional and concerted efforts to engage community members and increase access to healthier environments in neighborhoods historically lacking community investment.

According to the US Census, in 2019 Bourbon County had a $47,452 median household income, much less than the state of Kansas average of $62,0281. Data USA allows individuals to view Bourbon County census tracks income by location, filtered to show the highest median household income.

In 2018 the “East Side” showed a stark contrast with the rest of Bourbon County. Data USA showed the highest median income of African American households in Census Tract 9560 with a value of $35,804, followed by Census Tract 9559 values of a mere $15,486.

With this funding, HBCAT looks forward to providing microenterprise grants to small, low-income, minority, women-owned or food-based businesses within Bourbon County.

In addition, funding will be available to local farmers and ranchers with the goal to extend growing seasons and increase the volume of locally produced foods in our schools, restaurants, and food retail establishments.

“On behalf of the Patterson Family Foundation, I am pleased to award funding to The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc. that will impact the health and wellbeing of Bourbon County residents. The Foundation looks forward to sharing learnings and best practices with other rural counties seeking similar solutions in their respective communities.” -Lindsey Patterson Smith, PFF President said. Over the next two years, HBCAT will hire personnel to focus on significant trust and vision work with lower-income and minority populations.

“The Patterson Family Foundation Grant is giving our community the needed resources to enhance and build upon our work; to improve upon the natural, built, economic, and social environments in which we live, work and play,” Jody Hoener, President and CEO HBCAT said. “Implementation funding will be used to support changes in the physical environment to improve health for large numbers of people in a sustainable manner. Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter #healthybbc.”

The HBCAT is an equal opportunity organization.

Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Community.

Its mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life, and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities.

Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-5725
[email protected]

Mary Hunt, Interim Operations Director
Southeast KANSASWorks
Desk: 620-232-1222
Cell: 620-670-0006 Website: www.sekworks.org

Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC
[email protected]
785-445-2537

Lindsay Madison, President and CEO
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
(620) 223-3566

Family Fun at Care to Share Fall Festival This Saturday

Sign provided by Melissa Wise for the Care to Share Fall Festival. Taken from its’ Facebook page.

The annual Care to Share Fall Festival is this Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Simmon residence at 2480 Limestone Road, Fort Scott.

The event is hosted by the Simmons family in support of cancer fighters and their families/caregivers.

“This is the 15th annual and final fall festival,” Lavetta Simmons, spokesperson, said. The family has grown and scattered some distances, making it more difficult to host the event, she said.

The organization is a 501-C3 non-profit ministry. “We are 100 percent volunteers and 100 percent funded by fundraisers and donations and community support,” Simmons said.

There will be all categories of vendors at the festival as well.

“If you are interested in having a booth, there is still room,” Simmons said. “We have boutique items, bummies, bell bottoms, leggings, fall decor, earrings, homemade fudge, pies, cakes, candles, fresh flower bouquets. Join the fun!”

Last year the non-profit started the $10 wristband for all the activities that are offered.

“The many activities are pony rides, big bubbles, obstacle course, maze, photo booth, corn hole, garden craft, face painting, train ride, wagon ride, bowling, and a petting zoo, featuring kangaroos- Stella Lou’s Zoo by Amy Gorman,” she said.

And come hungry because there are many fall festival foods to purchase:  caramel apples, apple cider, funnel cakes, snow cones, cinnamon rolls, chili-including Frito pie, and chili dogs, pies by the slice along with Butcher Block Smash Burgers.

“The food is available at cost,” Simmons said.

Simmons is the contact person for the organization and can be reached at 620.224-8070.

Lavetta Simmons.

About Care to Share

The mission statement of Care To Share is “To provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to individuals who are cancer fighters and their caregivers.”

They provide fuel and motel accommodation assistance for those going to cancer treatments, and also help with utility assistance as needed for the cancer fighters, Simmons said.

The next quarterly cancer support group meeting is on November 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Care to Share Office, 902 S. Horton.

This office space was donated to the ministry organization by Mercy Hospital in 2008 and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has continued the in-kind donation, she said.

In the office, they keep wigs, special bras, and Ensure products-nutritional protein drinks, as well as use it for the quarterly support groups.

The board is comprised of Dona Bauer, Fort Scott; Donna Beerbower, RN, Fort Scott; Kathy Clark, Fort Scott; Teresa Davenport, Farlington; Denny Heidrick and Nancy Hofer, Girard;  Carol Hill, CPA, Fort Scott; Randy Holt, Fort Scott; Richard Long, Mound City; Dr. Boban Mathew, Pittsburg; Lavetta Simmons, Jerry Witt, Sidney Maycumber, BSN/RN; and Financial Advisor Larry Davenport, Fort Scott.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Sept. 28

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: September 28, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Terry Sercer – 2020 Audit Review
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment

Chamber Coffee hosted The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, 65th Anniversary

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Thursday, September 30th at 8 a.m. inside the Yeager Building on the Fairgrounds located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and refreshments will be served and a drawing for Pioneer Button for the 65th Annual Pioneer Fiesta.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta will be celebrating its 65th Anniversary of hosting this event at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott, Kansas October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta features one of the largest, most interesting Flea Markets in the Four-State regions. Experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments, and live musical entertainment all weekend.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

***

CHC Update: Designing, Ordering, and Searching For More Drs.

The Price Chopper building, 2322 S. Main.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is moving forward with the renovation of the former Price Chopper building on South Main.

“We are still in the design phase, but still on schedule for a December 2022 occupancy,” CHC/SEK CEO Krista Postai said.

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

The lease with Bourbon County, the owners of the former Mercy Hospital building, ends in December of 2022.

“The COVID Pandemic is most certainly impacting the availability of almost everything so we have already ordered,” Postai said. “This includes many of the larger pieces of equipment, including a CT Scanner and the bone density equipment.”

CHC/SEK has started recruitment for additional staff including a pediatrician and a dentist, she said.

And additionally, CHC has assumed operations of another medical clinic.

“We will be assuming operations of the medical clinic in LaCygne – formerly operated by Olathe Health- and will ultimately be doubling the staff,” she said. LaCygne is in Linn County, north of Bourbon County.

About CHC/SEK

“CHC/SEK opened its doors in 1997 on the second floor of a 90-year-old elementary school building in Pittsburg as a community outreach of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, the hospital Mother Sheridan founded in 1903,” according to its’ website.

“Our purpose was to ensure that all children were “ready to learn” by providing physicals and immunizations, no matter their parents’ ability to pay. It was a mission of love in an area of critical need – a community that continues to have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in Kansas.

“We quickly realized these children’s parents and grandparents needed care too. We expanded our services and facility to provide quality, affordable healthcare to patients of all ages. By 2003, we had become an independent organization with 11 employees that cared for 3,300 patients.

“Today, more than 600 employees care for more than 70,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services across southeast Kansas – still regardless of the ability.”

 

Friday Night Free Concert: Stephan Moses

Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

Stephan Moses will be the guest performer at this week’s Friday Night Concert. Moses is a songwriter vocalist and musician who plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He will perform a variety of classic country, southern gospel, and the gospel songs of Elvis.

Formerly from Kansas City and now residing in Nevada, MO, Moses began playing music at age ten,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Moses has a strong family heritage in music, as his grandfather played banjo, and an uncle played guitar and sang. Hearing this music as a young boy left a strong impression and influence on Moses. We are happy to welcome Stephan Moses back to the park pavilion. We invite you to bring a friend and join us for an evening of great music.“

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.