Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, COVID-19

County Health Department Update May 11

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

May 11, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 0
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 1
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Impact Report

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The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The following monthly reports provide a summary of membership, participation and volunteerism making an impact in the lives of veterans, families and communities.American Legion Posts can share the many ways Legionnaires are making a difference in their communities.  To view the impact American Legion posts made throughout the year, please read the attached March 2020 membership impact report.

Submitted by Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

Click below for the report:

April_Impact_Report

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

When Your Income Drops

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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]

The COVID-19 situation has affected many families. From layoffs and closures to limited schedules, farm markets and potential furloughs, financial strain is a real issue.

A sudden drop in income, no matter the reason, can result in panic and stress when the bills keep coming. Proactively figuring out what you have and developing a plan can help buffer those feelings and take control of your financial position.

K-State Research and Extension recently published “When Your Income Drops”, a series of five fact sheets to help you find your way when your finances have changed.

The first in the series is Don’t Panic — Take Control. It provides basic ‘to do’ tips to minimize financial hardship.

The second one, Making Ends Meet, addresses the five “C’s” to keep in mind when income changes or becomes uncertain. These include control as much of the situation as you can. Claim benefits you qualify for. Communicate with family members and develop a plan together. Don’t ignore, confer with creditors and any company you have financial obligations with. Be prepared to change your lifestyle, at least temporarily, to maintain basic essentials.

Coping with Stress outlines recognizing stress, management tips, and knowing when and where to get help. In Kansas, professional help is available from numerous community agencies and protective services.

Community and Family Resources includes sources of supply, support and aid in Kansas including Unemployment Insurance, Kansas Works, and Legal Services. The fact sheet also includes Kansas organizations that focus on situations specific to farmers including Kansas Ag Stress Resources and the Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services. United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sharpening Survival Skills focuses on developing a plan, substitutions, conserving, utilizing your talents and times, cooperating to stretch resources, and accessing community resources such as parks, museums, and libraries.

A sudden loss of income can be traumatic, but being proactive by taking stock of where you are financially, investigating potential resources and creating a spending plan can help buffer the shock.

The full series can be downloaded at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/covid_19_resources/your_money/money%20index.html

For more information, please contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720. Follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Farmer’s Market Continues on Saturdays and Tuesdays

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The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market will continue on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. at Skubitz Plaza, directly in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

This farmer run market provides a friendly, safe, and fair local market of fresh locally produced items for the community, according to its’ Facebook page.

Linda Bower and husband Chet, have been involved in the market for 25 years she said.

Things will be a little different in 2020 with the pandemic in that social distancing will be maintained, Bower said.

“The public health nurse, Becky Johnson, has OK’d the farmer’s market,” she said. “We have to do social distancing. Masks are optional. Hand sanitizers will be available.”

The Bowers will be bringing spring harvested food produce.

“We will be bringing broccoli, onions, lettuce, spinach, and radishes,” she said.

The Fort Scott Garden Club will have their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 9.

Other vendors are:

R and B Produce, owners Ronnie and Beverly Brown, will be selling nuts and nut bread: (pumpkin, banana, poppy seed, apple nut),  caramel rolls, jelly, and salsa.

Locust Hill Lamanchas, owner Sue Reinecke and family, will be selling goat’s milk products: soap, lotion, body cream, all-natural deodorant, and candles.

 

Sue Reinecke sells goats milk products at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market.

Micki Kraft will be bringing fabric facemasks in three sizes-$3 each. and also aprons (kids and adults), kitchen towels, hot pads, dish rags, and microwave potato bags.

Leta Herboldsherimer will be selling baked goods, pot holders, and dish rags.

Some Amish families will be selling plants and a new vendor will be selling glassware yard decor, Bower said.

To learn more about becoming a vendor, please click the application and guidelines here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tmtWzbD4woEHX7618JRrH2xvuouv08Pl/view?usp=sharing

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has No New COVID Cases: Health Department

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

May 6, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 0
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 0
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Government

Help For Small Businesses in the County With Inventory and Capital

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CDBG-CV

Bourbon County businesses with under 50 employees may soon apply for grant funds because of the financial effects of the pandemic.

These grants will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rural small businesses should contact the county economic development director, who will apply for the grant.

“We are exploring business needs, outside of Fort Scott City limits, for the CDBG-CV grant opportunity, Hoenor said.  “The goal of the grant is job retention.  We are looking for all business in the county, outside of Fort Scott city limits, with 1 to 50 employees who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.  Funding can be used for inventory or working capital needed to reopen or help keep a business operating. “
“The City of Fort Scott will have the opportunity to apply for funding if they have used all their current funding,” she said.

Contact  Hoener at   [email protected]  to get a  business included in the grant application.

Under the Corona Virus Aid and Economic Security Act (CARES), Kansas will receive an additional $9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to be used exclusively to support projects related to combating the impact of COVID-19, according to a press release from Hoenor.

 

Hoenor received notice of a public hearing yesterday and attended online.

 

The following is an email interview with Hoenor regarding the grants for small businesses in the county.

Who is the target for the grant?
There are four proposed activities with this specific grant.  At this point, we are focusing on businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
What benefits will the grant give the applicant?
 Applicants can use the grant funding for inventory or working capital needs.
What is the application process?
 The county will apply for grant funds, identifying a general number of businesses we intend to help in our grant application.
Grant means no payback, right?
We have not seen the specific requirements but grants typically mean they do not have to pay it back unless the recipient does not fulfill the obligations the grant was intended for.
What is the timeline?
We were told the applications process will be online and hope to have available next week.  It will be first come first serve.
Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Government

County Seeking Businesses That Need Funding Due to COVID 19 For Grant

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Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor is exploring business needs, outside of Fort Scott City limits, for the CDBG-CV grant opportunity. The goal of the grant is job retention.
” We are looking for all business in the county, outside of Fort Scott city limits, with 1 to 50 employees who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.  Funding can be used for inventory or working capital needed to reopen or help keep a business operating.”
“The City of Fort Scott will have opportunity to apply for funding if they have used all their current funding.”  she said  in a press release.
Please share and reach out to Jody Hoener, [email protected]
“So we can be sure to get your business included in our grant application,” she said.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

SEK Health Department COVID 19 Update

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

May 6, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 0
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 0
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, Business

Food + Cotton Candy and Snowcones: Sunshine Shack

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Shayla Knight, the owner of the Sunshine Shack, makes a soft pretzel for a customer on Saturday.

Shayla Knight is a mother of six children and has a  food trailer business that she started last year.

She has reopened her business, Sunshine Shack LLC in her driveway at 606 Sherman in Uniontown.

“It’s convenient with the kids,”  Knight said. “They can be with mom while I’m working.

She also has the help of husband Kyle Knight, she said.  “This is our home base address.”

Kyle works for the City of Fort Scott during the day.

“I have been in the food industry for 10 plus years,” Shayla said.  “Ranging from fast food, fine dining, and schools.  I enjoy serving the community and customer service is a high priority for me! I love to chit chat! “
She started her business in April 2019.
“My food trailer has the ability to move wherever I would need to be such as fairs, festivals, and other community events,” she said.
Shayla Knight, owner of the Sunshine Shack, a food trailer in Uniontown. Submitted photos.
Sunshine Shack is currently open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays,” she said. This is… subject to change as we hope to attend some events throughout the season.”
“We are currently looking at the possibility of catering our fun stuff like cotton candy and snow cones for birthday parties,” she said.
When social distancing is over the Knights will provide a few picnic tables for people to sit and enjoy their food on the property, but not currently, she said.
A happy customer of the Sunshine Shack on Saturday.

The business Facebook page is Sunshine Shack LLC, or call 620-224-8493.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda May 5

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 5, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE FRONT STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PLACE

9:00 – 9:45 Jim Harris

9:45 – 10:00 City State Bank Financing Documents

10:00 – 10:15 Jacqie Spradling – Office Personnel

10:15 – 10:30 Clint Anderson – Field Work and Office Personnel

12:00 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 1:35 Mary Pemberton – Pilot Agreement

1:35 – 1:40 Nancy Johnson – Surveillance

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, K-State Extension

Pandemic guidelines especially important as businesses re-open

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This news release from K-State Research and Extension is available online at www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/05/pandemic-guidelines-for-reopening-businesses.html

 

K-State expert outlines key tips during webinar for Kansas small business owners

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Many of the guidelines that helped Americans get through the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two months will serve as a good guide as businesses throughout the country slowly begin to re-open their doors.

 

In fact, Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension whose academic background is in public health, says avoiding close contact with others and washing your hands regularly will become even more important as Americans begin moving about more regularly.

 

“Ensure that you are following all guidance, especially as it is being provided by your local public health department,” said Nwadike, who holds a dual extension appointment with Kansas State University and the University of Missouri.

 

On April 30, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a phased re-opening of the state’s economy, which continued to emphasize the importance of the six-foot social distancing guideline, and washing hands with soap and water. Kelly’s plan also encourages wearing face masks in public settings and staying home if you feel sick.

 

Nwadike spoke May 1 during a First Friday webinar hosted by K-State Research and Extension and targeted for Kansas business owners. Among the advice she shared:

 

  • Listen to workers and customers regarding their concerns.
  • Communicate your plans with workers, stakeholders and customers.
  • Evaluate your situation and implement appropriate steps for re-opening.

 

“Business owners should actively encourage sick employees to stay home,” Nwadike said, adding that other steps businesses can take include providing protective equipment (face coverings and gloves, for example), providing tissues and trash cans, installing plexi-glass shields for cashiers, and other modifications specific to the business – such as additional space between restaurant tables.

 

Additional steps that businesses can take, some of which have already been seen in stores that were able to stay open in March and April, include:

  • Disinfecting cart handles.
  • Encouraging sick customers to not come in.
  • Providing sanitizing wipes for customers.
  • Placing marks on the floor near checkout areas to guide social distancing.
  • Monitoring the number of people in the building.
  • Cleaning and stocking bathrooms more frequently.
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, such as door handles, shelves and the credit card terminal.

 

Nwadike said those practices are important since coronaviruses such as the new strain that causes COVID-19 are generally spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It is also thought that it may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes – though, she adds, “this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

 

“Encourage your customers to shop with their eyes, not their hands,” Nwadike said. “The more we can keep people from touching shelves and products, the less likely we will pick up a virus.”

 

Nwadike cited a guide being distributed in the Kansas City area that provides good advice for businesses of all sizes. While the information is geared toward the greater Kansas City area, it is a good resource for all business, Nwadike said.

 

Nwadike and colleague Karen Blakeslee also have published a website, Food Safety and COVID-19, providing numerous resources outlining safe practices related to COVID-19.

 

-30-

 

 

FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story

Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas, https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Framework.pdf

 

#SafeReturnKC, https://bit.ly/SafeReturnKC

 

Food Safety and COVID-19 (K-State Research and Extension), www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/covid19.html

 

 

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu

 

This news release from K-State Research and Extension is available online at www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/05/pandemic-guidelines-for-reopening-businesses.html