Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 25

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August 25, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from last Tuesday’s meeting and the budget work session meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the following culvert permits: one at 1851 Solder and one at 2122 Jayhawk, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Eric presented the following completed culvert applications: one for 130th and Arrowhead and one for 2286 Poplar.

 

Regarding the asphalt machine: Eric said they are waiting to get the distributor back as well as a rubber boot.

 

Jim asked Eric to look at Jayhawk Road to the tracks on 230th.

 

Eric said that 235th is going to have to have chip and seal work done.  Lynne said his priority is 125th and 120th.

 

Jim said he had asked Van Keppel what caused the road damage on 230th; they said this was a result of the work of the Blow Knox paver.

 

Eric said they will be crushing at the Beth Quarry next week and will be working 4-10 hour days and 1-8 hour day.

 

Eric said last week they installed 11 culverts; one of which was at 265th & Victory and said that bridge there is now open.  He said they used the mini excavator as well as the backhoe to do this.  Eric questioned if they wanted to go out for bid for the mini-excavator, Lynne said the mini could speed up the culvert installations.  Jim said he didn’t support the mini excavator and said the one they had been using isn’t what he would call a mini, he said it is a big excavator.  Jim said he would support a used mini.  Clifton questioned what it would hurt to go out for bid, Jim said it is a lot of work to go out for bid if they aren’t sure if they are going to buy a machine.  After a lot of discussion, they tabled this conversation until next week.  Lynne said he would like to come watch the mini work.

 

Eric said they dug on Eagle Road in Garland; he said there is some sub base failure there.

 

They replaced the tube at 267th & Eagle.

 

The Commissioners previously approved Eric bidding on a truck on Purple Wave, but Eric reported that the mileage was actually 684,000.  Jim made a motion to skip this equipment because of the mileage, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Windmill update: Eric said the 1st windmill went up yesterday in Bourbon County – located at 20th & Birch.

 

Bourbon County Health Insurance Contract; this  is a 3 year contract, Jim said by signing this and with Susan’s help this would give them some time and he hoped next spring they could study a self funded plan.  The Commissioners didn’t like that this was a 3 year commitment.  Jim made a motion to sign the SEHP contract effective 1/1/2022 to remain in the State pool and move forward with signing the contract, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda for a 10-minute executive session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and possibly Justin Meeks by phone).  At 9:40, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to appoint Clifton Beth to the SEKAAA board, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

David Everett (by telephone) with the butterfly weed club of SEK said they plan to restore the habitat for the Monarch butterflies. He said possibly next spring they would be planting milkweed around the County for the habitat.  Susan said the City of Fort Scott has a parks committee and said they would like to do something like this at the 2nd street park.  David said that anyone interested in helping with this project can call him at (620)644-8217.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow elected officials comment, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lora asked when the departments would know whether their budget requests were accepted, and asked when we would get the 2020 audit.  Susan said she is waiting on a call regarding the audit, Susan said she budgeted what she had requested.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow a 20-minute executive session for security, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for 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 the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:22, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Brian Allen, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker).  At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to resume their normal session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for another 10 minute executive session regarding personnel matters, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job function and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:33, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Ashley Shelton).  At 10:33 Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Susan to speak ahead of the County Counselor while they were waiting on him to call, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan said the RNR hearing will be September 7th at 9:00 am, with a proposed tax rate of 62.500 mills.

 

Jim made a motion to permanently move the County Commission meetings to Tuesdays, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to move the Commission comment ahead of the County Counselor, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim said the Rural Water District #2 (who has meters in Bourbon, Allen and Neosho County) is losing water each month and want to go to different meters.  For the Bourbon County office, this project will cost $18,251.05; Jim said they asked if the ARPA funds could be used for this project; Susan said the ARPA funds could be used for this project.  Susan will request the financial statements from the Water District.  This will be discussed again next week

 

Clifton made a motion to have the next Commission meeting on August 31 instead of September 1st, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job description, job performance and HR issues, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:59, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and Justin (by phone).  At 10:59 Clifton made a motion to resume with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:06, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin (by phone).  Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Oharah, Susan and County Counselor Justin Meeks to investigate a possible employee malfeasance matter and if they see fit to move forward with an outside firm to do that investigation, and to investigate an HR issue, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:07, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 31, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 7

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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: September 7, 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 WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC 

ATTENDANCE VIA YOUTUBE)

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • RNR Hearing Rate
  • SEKRPC

CDBG Public Hearing

Adoption of Resolution Certifying Legal Authority to Apply

Adoption of Resolution Assuring KDOC that Funds will be Continually Provided for the Operation and         Maintenance of Improvements to the CRWD2 Waterline System by CRWD2

  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • CIC Contract
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment

ARPA Funds

    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials 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.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Sept. 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

September 1, 2021

  1. Welcome: Eleven members representing ten agencies attended. Following a face-to-face only meeting versus a combination face-to-face/Zoom meeting discussion, consensus was to let the Board of Directors decide at their September meeting.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, noted that the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help with hurricane relief in Louisiana; information can be found on the Red Cross website. Cinda will be helping with the blood drive in Iola next week.
  • Sandy Haggard, NCCC and RSVP, announced that the Scott View Apartments Tenants Association will be doing some 9/11 and Christmas projects. She also noted that the volunteer program was going well at the Beacon. Beacon clients are still able to receive two food boxes per month.
  • Elizabeth Schafer shared that Feeding Families continues as a drive-through program; Jean Tucker will be retiring as Director of the program in December; and a new director needs to be found.
  • Leah Anderson, Community Health Center Resource Specialist and first-time Coalition attendee, announced that her duties include getting families connected to the necessary resources.
  • Holly Fritter, Multi-County Health Department, reminded members that the next “Mommy and Me” meeting will be September 22, at 3:30, at the health department. These meetings are open to any pregnant woman or mother.
  • Hannah Geneva, Multi-County Health Department, shared that they can give Covid boosters now to those that are immunocompromised.
  • Jeanne Camac, USD 235, noted that the National Honor Society has completed the “Veteran Wall” project at the Uniontown High School with the help of several donors who purchased plaques and flags. This wall honors every UHS graduate who is or has served in the military.
  • Rhonda Hoener, USD 235, informed members that she now has a new role for the district. Rhonda is now the Student Support Coordinator with Communities in Schools.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Kansas Works, has recently completed qualifications to become a Certified Work Force Development Professional. She continues to work with clients 16-24 years old to help them find jobs and further their educations. She is now housed in the office in the Luther’s building; she is in the Fort Scott office on Mondays. Christine also shared that the Kansas Works website now lists 55,000 jobs available in the state of Kansas.
  • Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that she is now in the Multi-County Health Department helping with the increased work load due to Covid.
  1. Program: Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County. Due to a family emergency, Jody was not able to attend; she will present her program in October.
  1. Open Forum: Following a discussion on updating the Bourbon County Resource Guide, members were reminded that the Aunt Bertha website has all the current Bourbon County information.

Billie Jo mentioned that Devin Gorman is the new Executive Director for the SEK Community Foundation; Devin replaced Kit Parks who recently retired. Devin is planning to attend a Bourbon County Coalition meeting in the future.

  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be October 6, 2021.
Bourbon County, Food

Volunteers Are the Mainstay of The Beacon

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Wib Mowen and Joe Lee stand in front of the new sign at The Beacon. Submitted photo.

The Beacon, a local helping agency, depends on volunteers.

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

Volunteer donations of services and talents are what it takes to make the Beacon a more attractive and inviting place for clients and the community, according to Carol MacArthur, chairwoman of the Beacon board.

“Joe Lee is a local artist who has worked inside and outside the Beacon volunteering his talent,” MacArthur said.  “He does the signs and has painted a beautiful lighthouse mural inside the building.”

Lee recently created a new sign for the front of the building to replace one in need of repair.

Other  Beacon volunteers include Wib Mowen who volunteers carpentry skills and helps with many other tasks, including helping Lee with his sign.

Hi wife, Patty Mowen is the assistant director of the Beacon.

This summer,  Bro’s Cleaning Services, Fort Scott, power washed the whole building for free, MacArthur said. “The siding absolutely looks new.”

“Philips Lawn Care has mowed the last three years–again for free–to keep up the yard,” MacArthur said.

“Then we have Dave Gillen’s wife, Debbie,” she said. “Dave is the director. Debbie is the main coordinator for the signups for Adopt a Child.”

The Beacon is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible for services.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact info:

525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott; phone 620.223.6869.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Sept. 2 Hosted By Stewart Realty

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Stewart Realty
Downtown Fort Scott, KS
Thursday, September 2nd
8 am
102 S. National Ave.
Click Here to visit their Facebook Page.
Click Here to visit their Website.
Note! Chamber Coffee open dates!
September 16th
& November 11th, 2021
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE’S
9/16 ~ OPEN for AM Coffee – only
Join us at 5:30 pm for the After-Hours GRAND OPENING & Ribbon Cutting at Bartelsmeyer’s Jewelry, downtown at the new location at 22 N. Main St. Masks are requested.
9/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by ~ Bourbon County Cars Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
10/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum
10/14 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
10/21 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sleep Inn & Suites (7 yrs)
10/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW
11/11 ~ OPENING!
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Compassionate Ministries
11/25 ~ No Coffee…Thanksgiving Holiday
12/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Area Community Foundation
12/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique
12/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The City of Fort Scott
12/23 ~ No Coffee…Christmas Holiday
12/30 ~ No Coffee…New Year’s Holiday
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Budget Work Session Sept. 2

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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: September 2, 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
  • Budget Work Session

 

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

Old Settler’s Picnic Is On for Sept. 3-6

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The Boy Scout Pack and Troup 114 and Girl Scout Troup 71650 lead the children’s parade in the Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic festivities in this 2019 photo.
Uniontown’s Old Settlers Weekend is on for Sept. 3-6 after a hiatus of one year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There will be three rodeos, a kids fishing derby, a community church service, and a family game night preceding the day of the annual picnic on Labor Day.
Olson Ranch Wally and Jennifer Olson,
Travis and Kellie Duncan pose following a win at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo. Submitted photo.
On Labor Day, vendors will line the town’s square, including food vendors to feed the crowd that usually shows up for the parade at 10 a.m.
The event has been going on in the small town of about 300 people for 115 years.
“The theme for this year is Hats Off For Hometown Pride,” said Shayla Knight, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee, which meets year-round to plan the event
“We have rolled the theme over from last year,” Knight said.
“We are excited to be having Old Settlers Picnic this year.”
“All of our traditional events will be taking place, she said. “Saturday morning is the kid’s fishing derby.”
“Sunday at 10 a.m. is church in the park with Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church hosting our community. As always donuts and coffee will be available. Sunday evening at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a family game night in the park. Two years ago we started this and for the first time, it went very well. There is something for everyone on family game night! Cornhole, bubble gum contest, watermelon contest.”

There will be concessions available through the UHS Cheerleaders and other organizations and vendors.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Monday are our traditional events featuring the baby contest, kid parade, parade, drawings, and kids games,” she said.
Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn were honored as Grand Marshalls in the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Also this year will be the 2nd annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show,” Knight said. “Two years ago there was a great turnout and this year we are hoping for even more. Cars are welcome to participate in the parade if they choose to or just in the car show. Sara Roufs has been solely committed to the car show since day one and has exceeded all expectations. We as a committee appreciate the wonderful addition to the Old Settlers Picnic.”
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“In addition, we will have bounce houses available for the kids,” she said. “We are still currently looking for volunteers to help man them. All volunteers must be 18 or older. We have a sign-up link on our Facebook page if anyone is willing to volunteer for an hour.”
“Overall we are happy to be able to hold this event this year and look forward to the fun weekend,” Knight said.
Contacts for the events are the fishing derby-Shayla Knight at 224-8493 or Kyle Knight at 224-8436; the rodeos-Wayne Hall 363-4206; vendor and craft registration and the baby contest-Hope Workman at 224-8196; the parade line-up- Becky Shinn at 223-9532, family night games and the children’s parade lineup-Rhonda Dewitt at 215-1939; kids games-Candice Clayton at 224-8945.
Flyers are available at Union Station, Uniontown City Hall, Uniontown Post Office, and HB Salon.
Those helping with the event are Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Wayne Hall, First Missionary Baptist Church, Marty DeWitt, the City of Uniontown, Bobby Rich, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 3 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 

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Ten 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Coach), Clay Brillhart, Sadie Marchiano, Kristy Beene, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Byron Fry, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry, Leah Mueller. Pictured virtually by phone, Aidan Yoho. Submitted photo.

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District 4-H Volunteer

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 21-22 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Sadie Marchiano, Clay Brillhart, Carly Dreher, Kristy Beene, Gwen Fry, Byron Fry, Leah Mueller, Haleigh O’Brien, Tate Crystal and Kyser Nemecek.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2021 Champion Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Team. Top individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Gwen Fry, 10th and Sadie Marchiano was named High Individual Overall after excelling in all contests.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition and both Southwind teams qualified. Southwind #4 (Brillhart, Marchiano, Dreher, O’Brien) was seated first after the test and was later named the State Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (G. Fry, Crystal, Mueller, Nemecek) earned 7th best out of 26 teams in the contest.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 227 contestants and 44 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #4 (Marchiano, Crystal, Dreher, Beene) was 2nd in Sheep/Goats; 3rd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 2nd in Reasons and named Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #1 (Mueller, Nemecek, G. Fry, O’Brien) was 7th High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Sadie Marchiano – 4th Sheep/Goats; 7th Hogs; 2nd Reasons; 5th High Individual Overall
  • Carly Dreher – 7th Beef
  • Tate Crystal – 10th Sheep/Goats; 8th Beef; 8th Reasons; 6th High Individual Overall
  • Haleigh O’Brien – 8th Sheep/Goats

    As the State Champion Livestock Judging Team, Southwind District (Marchiano, Crystal, Dreher, Beene) will represent Kansas 4-H at a national 4-H contest later this fall.

    The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #4 (Dreher, Marchiano, Brillhart, G. Fry) was 3rd in Placings, 3rd in Reasons, 5th in Retail ID and 6th Team Overall.

  • Clay Brillhart – 2nd High Individual Overall, 5th Reasons; 5th Retail ID
  • Carly Dreher – 2nd Placings
  • Tate Crystal – 4th Placings
  • Sadie Marchiano – 7th Placings

    For the first time in many years, youth from the Southwind District participated in the Intermediate Meats Judging Contest with 13 total teams. Southwind #5 (Sutton, Sutton, K. Bloesser, Maycumber) was 4th Placings, 8th Questions, 4th Retail ID and 5th Intermediate Team Overall. Southwind #6 (Bloesser, H. Shadden, S. Shadden) was 10th Placings, 6th Retail ID and 9th Intermediate Team Overall. Individually, Kendyl Bloesser was 6th in Retail ID and 8th High Individual Overall. Hailey Shadden was 5th in Placings and Marley Sutton was 9th in Placings

    In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on understanding livestock biosecurity, and understanding issues in livestock reproduction. Southwind #4 (O’Brien, Marchiano, Dreher, Crystal) was 5th in Exam, 2nd in Practicum and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #1 (G. Fry, Mueller, Beene, Nemecek) was 7th Team in Practicum. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:

  • Sadie Marchiano – 2nd Exam; 4th Practicum; 4th High Individual Overall 
  • Haleigh O’Brien – 10th Practicum 

                 This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Reserve Champion Livestock Judging, Reserve Champion Livestock Skillathon, Champion Quiz Bowl Team and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

Photo caption:  Ten 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Coach), Clay Brillhart, Sadie Marchiano, Kristy Beene, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Byron Fry, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry, Leah Mueller. Pictured virtually by phone, Aidan Yoho.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) Automatic Increases

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Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

If you have a health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov, you may see a decrease in your monthly premiums beginning September 1.

The American Rescue Plan enhanced premium assistance for 2021 and 2022 by lowering the share of premiums people pay. This includes people who already qualified for the APTC with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with income over 400% of the federal poverty level, and those with unemployment benefits in 2021.

Starting September 1, HealthCare.gov will automatically update the advance premium tax credit for some enrollees. If an enrollee is eligible to be automatically redetermined, HealthCare.gov sent notices in late July. Redetermination will occur for enrollees who have not updated their HealthCare.gov application since April 1; currently pay a premium; and previously chose to receive their full APTC up-front.

Enrollees who have received or been approved to receive unemployment compensation in 2021 will have their APTC automatically redetermined if they have confirmed since January 1 that they receive or have been approved to receive unemployment in the current month; have not updated their HealthCare.gov application since July 1; currently pay a premium; and previously chose to receive their full APTC up front.

Some enrollees are not eligible for the automatic APTC redetermination including those who already returned to HealthCare.gov since April 1, current enrollees, or July 1, unemployment enrollees; taking less than the full APTC amount; and those in zero-premium plans.

Adjustments can be made to increase or decrease qualifying APTC by updating the 2021 application by selecting “Life Change” and manually updating how much of the APTC to apply. A reminder that all premium tax credits are reconciled for the year when completing taxes. If income is underestimated for the year, enrollees may owe back a portion of the APTC and repayment forgiveness will not apply for 2021 plan year.

For more information and FAQ, visit Health Reform: Beyond the Basics at https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/. For local assistance, contact me at 620-223-3720 or [email protected]. Marketplace 2022 open enrollment is November 1 through December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Matt Harper

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Matt Harper of Nevada, Missouri. Harper sings and plays guitar and harmonica, and performs a variety of music including country, folk, jazz, inspirational, blues, and original tunes.

“Performing since the early 1990s, Harper is a musician of excellence and is a jack of all styles,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Harper has a wife and four kids and is a busy guy, so we really appreciate his willingness to return to the park pavilion and entertain our crowd of music lovers. Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening.”

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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Butterfly Habitat Is Shrinking: Enthusiasts Meet This Evening

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Bridal Veil Park on West Second Street, Fort Scott.
A small group of people is putting together a non-profit 501 (c) (3) called “The Butterfly Weed Club of Southeast Kansas.”
“Our purpose is to restore habitat for the Monarch Butterfly in an effort to slow or reverse its decline,” David Everett, an organizer, said.
Monarch Butterfly populations have been decreasing, according to authorities: https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch
Everett appeared before the Bourbon County Commission to announce the existence of the group and its’ purpose.
“Susan Bancroft, the finance director for city and county, spoke up and told me there were interested people on the parks commission,” Everett said.
The group is having a meeting this evening
at 7 p.m. at 501 E. Third Street in Fort Scott to view a butterfly garden by the railroad tracks, he said.
Resident Alison Leach has one butterfly habitat restoration project at Gunn Park, he said.

“We want to help with that,” Everett said. “But the area of intense interest to me is the riverfront area at Bridal Veil Park (off of West Second Street).  I’ve been evaluating that area in hopes of meeting criteria for Kansas University’s Monarch Watch program.”

Everett has begun documenting existing pollinators and existing butterfly populations, he said.
“I’ve been a gardener for decades and have experienced two Monarch migrations,” he said. Recently I have decided that I can do more than my small-scale efforts, so far, in support of restoring Monarch Habitat. I’ve long been dedicated in my heart to various public service activities.”
“In the early 80’s I saw the Monarch migration twice while living on our family farm,” Everett said.  “I first saw them coming and mistook them for a dark storm cloud over the horizon, but when they arrived it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen–just thousands of butterflies in every direction for hundreds of yards.  During one of these migrations, the Monarchs decided it was time to take a rest and they landed everywhere–carpeting the fields, the trees and bushes, and even landing on me.  It’s my hope that everyone can have the opportunity for such an experience, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.   It had a very deep spiritual impact on me that I think everyone should have.”
Butterfly populations have been declining, he said.
“The primary cause of the decline is that various species of milkweed are the sole host plant for the Monarch caterpillar,” he said. It eats nothing else. Because milkweed is poisonous to vertebrates, farmers eradicated it without understanding or perhaps caring what they were doing to the Monarchs.”
 “This left marginal areas as largely the only possible place for milkweed to grow,” Everett said.  “This was still enough habitat for quite some time, but today county and state  governments mow and spray roadsides too, and that has left very little habitat for the Monarch, which is becoming quite precious.”
“Our purpose is to restore such habitat, to educate the public, government, and businesses on the matter, and hopefully we will eventually be able to maintain a seed bank as a community resource for appropriate native milkweed and other pollinators,” he said.