Category Archives: Bourbon County

Candidate Forum October 15

Join us for the
2020 General Election Candidate Forum
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th
Memorial Hall Auditorium
1 E. 3rd Street
Doors open at 5:30pm for a
Meet & Greet with Candidates
Forum will begin at 6pm
Join us in person or watch the forum via
live broadcast on our Facebook page:
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
WE WANT YOUR QUESTIONS
to be asked of the candidates.
See more information below.
Candidate Forum Guidelines for Write-in Campaign Candidates…..CLICK HERE!
This forum is being hosted by the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
The public is encouraged to submit questions for the candidates!
Deadline to submit questions:
Tuesday, October 13th, noon
Submit by email:[email protected]
Drop off at the Chamber: 231 E. Wall St.
Call them in: 620-223-3566
Candidates should RSVP to the Chamber prior to the forum by e-mailing [email protected]or
by calling 620-223-3566.

Bourbon County Health Department: 26 Active Cases

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

September 29, 2020

Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases.

Allen County

Current Active Cases 27
Total Hospitalizations 5-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 55
Total Cases Since Testing 82
Deaths 1

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 9
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 76
Total Cases Since Testing 85
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 26
Total Hospitalizations 10-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 168
Total Cases Since Testing 194
Deaths 3

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 17
Total Cases Since Testing 20
Deaths 0

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 29

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 29, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District- Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

9:00 – 9:15 Jim Harris

9:15 – 9:30 Clifton Beth, Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel

9:30 – 9:40 Jody Hoener, Spark

9:40 – 9:45 Jody Hoener, Extended BCBS, Pathways Grant MOU

9:45 – 9:50 Anne Dare, Wind Turbine Update

10:00 – 10:05 Lora Holdridge, Back Parking Lot

NO Tri-Yak-A-Thon in 2020

“We did not receive enough registrations to have the Tri-Yak-A-Thon,” said Penny Pollack-Barnes.  “The race has been cancelled.”

The multi-sport annual event had a registration cut off for Sept. 26 for the Oct. 10 event at Gunn Park.

“In these uncertain times, we decided to hold the event if we have enough interest in the event,” Barnes said.  If they had 40 registered participants by September 26 it would have continued. They did not.

 

Is Your Home Now Your Office?

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]

 

Your home may be your new office or a classroom this year. No matter how much time you spend at home, it is recommended to test for Radon and know what level your home is at.

Radon is known to be the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.

Radon occurs naturally in the soil. Kansas soils generate significant amounts of radon leading to the potential for homes to have elevated concentrations of this naturally-occurring class A carcinogen. Radon seeps into homes and other buildings through joints or cracks in the foundation.

One in four homes in Kansas will test at or above the EPA’s radon action level. Test kits are available at each Southwind Extension Office for $7, this includes lab analysis and return postage. Instructions are included, following them is important so the results will reveal the potential for elevated concentrations in the lowest lived-in level of the home.

If your results are low, consider repeating the test every two or three years or whenever there is a significant change in the home’s foundation, heating system or air tightness from weatherization efforts.

If radon is present above the recommended ceiling (4.0 pCiL/Pico Curies per liter), a confirmatory test should be conducted. If you want to know the radon concentration in other areas of your home, conduct the desired number of tests at the same time. When high results are confirmed, consult a radon professional for mitigation system installation.

More information about radon, including testing and mitigation, is available at Kansas Radon Program at kansasradonprogram.org and by phone, toll-free: 1-800-693-5343. The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Radon Program Services is housed in the Engineering Extension Department at K-State.

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

Bourbon County Agenda For Sept. 29

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 29, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District- Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

9:00 – 9:30 Jim Harris

9:30 – 9:35 Ann Dare, Wind Turbine Update

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2020 GORDON PARKS PHOTO CONTEST – Sponsored by Merl Humphrey. The Theme “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” for any amataur Photographer. Deadline 9/30 submission to [email protected].
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
9/25 – EXTRUSIONS/WIN-VENT – Customer & Employee Appreciation Golf Outing at Woodland Hills Golf Course!
9/25 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
9/26 – KDVS 4-PERSON SCRAMBLE – Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Woodland Golf Course! 8 am shotgun starts.
9/25 & 9/26- FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCKSale starts as 10am – Sale Barn and Sat. at 7 am
9/25-27 – DOUG HAZELBAKER MEMORIAL RODEO 4TH ANNUAL – COWBOYS FOR CANCER – Bourbon County Fair Grounds @ 7 pm. 4 Man Team & Junior Division. See flyers below.
9/26 – FORT SCOTT FARMERS’ MARKET– At Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
9/24thru10/1 –FORT CINEMA New Mutants, Tenant, & Secrets We Keep.
9/26 – THE LAVENDER PATCH FARM – Visiting and shopping from 9 am -1 pm. Second Bloom is starting, so pick your favorite! 2376 Locust Rd.
9/26 – MOVIE & CAMP OUT IN GUNN PARK ~ Open to the Community! Moving: Sgt. Stubby starting at 7:30 pm. Not obligated to camp, just come for the movie! THE BUTCHER BLOCK will be serving smash burgers, drink & snack for $5. Call Josh Jones to Volunteer!
9/26 – VFW Fundraiser Dinner – Pulled Pork Dinner, 4 to 7pm, all proceeds & donations go to continued remodeling of the VFW building – $7 per plate.
9/27 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED!
9/25,26 & 27th – MIDWEST NATIONALS FALL BASEBALL – LAROCHE COMPLEX!
10/10 -FSCC Alumni Rodeo
SAVE THE DATE!
9/30 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  Paint Party! Paint & Sip “Witches Crazy, 6 pm -9 pm
10/2nd & 3rd – TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE- Sign up today to register your sale for only $10! Also accepting business advertising for $25/$35. Click HERE to register your sale, or register at the Chamber or over the phone at 620-223-3566.
10/3 – 14TH ANNUAL CARE TO SHARE FALL FESTIVAL! – Pony Rides, Maze, Obstacle course, Horse & Wagon Rides, Train Rides, Tractor & Wagon Rides (Wristband $10) You can Purchase snacks, drinks and Food for all day fun! 10-4 pm
10/3- BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL TOUR- Ghost Towns & Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County, 8:30-noon, click HEREto make your reservations. See flyer below.
10/15 ~ GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE FORUM. ~ Memorial Hall, Meet & Greet at 5:30 pm, and Forum starts at 6 pm
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
FSNHS Guided Tours
Gordon Parks Photo Contest
The Boiler Room Brewhaus – Karaoke Night, Live Music
Extrusions/Win-Vent ~ Golf Appreciation for Customers
KDVS – Fundraiser Scramble
Fort Scott Livestock Sales
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
RODEO ALL WEEKEND – THIS WEEKEND!
BOURBON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
REGISTER FOR KANSASWORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR – NO COST TO EMPLOYERS!
COLOR GUARD NEEDED
Your Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 is being asked to provide funeral honors for more and more Veterans who are being interred not only in the Fort Scott National Cemetery but also in cemeteries in the local area.
As a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion you are invited to join American Legion Post 25 Color Guard. Attendance at Legion meetings is not required to participate with the Color Guard. Some time, though, is needed to practice flag folding and presentation and other the other rituals performed by the Color.
As a Color Guard member, you would be contacted to assist in providing funeral honors for an area Veteran. If you are not available, then other Color Guard members would be contacted to assist with the flag presentation.
Sseveral photos are attached to show our Post Color Guard participating in flag presentations for recent funerals.
Remember, any current member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion can join the Post 25 Color Guard.
If you would like additional information about joining the Post 25 Color Guard, please call Color Guard Commander Darrell Spencer at 620.224.6720 or email [email protected].
Any area resident who may be eligible to join the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, should contact Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers at 620.215.1688 for more information. Once you join the American Legion family, you can then join the Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Color Guard.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS. 66701

American Legion Scuttlebutt

Submitted by Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

Your Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 is being asked to provide funeral honors for more and more Veterans who are being interred not only in the Fort Scott National Cemetery but also in cemeteries in the local area.

 

As a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion you are invited to join American Legion Post 25 Color Guard. Attendance at Legion meetings is not required to participate with the Color Guard. Some time, though, is needed to practice flag folding and presentation and other the other rituals performed by the Color.

 

As a Color Guard member, you would be contacted to assist in providing funeral honors for an area Veteran. If you are not available, then other Color Guard members would be contacted to assist with the flag presentation.

 

Sseveral photos are attached to show our Post Color Guard participating in flag presentations for recent funerals.

 

Remember, any current member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion can join the Post 25 Color Guard.

 

If you would like additional information about joining the Post 25 Color Guard, please call Color Guard Commander Darrell Spencer at 620.224.6720 or reply to this email.

 

Any area resident who may be eligible to join the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, should contact Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers at 620.215.1688 for more information. Once you join the American Legion family, you can then join the Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Color Guard.

 

 

Health Insurance Plan Being Formulated For Small Business Owners in Bourbon County

Many small businesses do not have the ability to offer health insurance to their employees, some have the ability but would like to look at other options.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has been working on a plan to help that situation.
An association health plan through the Chamber is being formulated to help members to be able to offer Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance to their employees.
“Our hope is that this will be beneficial to particularly smaller mom and pop, locally owned businesses who are not otherwise able to obtain or offer health insurance as an employee benefit which would also help recruit and retain employees,”Chamber Executive Director  Lindsay Madison said.  “A business just needs to have one full-time employee and one part-time employee, at a minimum, to be able to participate in the plan.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
“We currently have 44 potential contracts represented by those who have completed the survey (see the survey link below),” she said.  “We need at least 50 to move forward with putting together plans and pricing.”
“If your business is at all interested in this type of health insurance offering or at least seeing what plans and rates will be offered,
please complete the survey link below as soon as possible,” Madison said.
“If the employer already has employee info on a spreadsheet, they can submit that,” Madison said.
The survey was first sent out to Chamber members in May, she said.
“We would like people to send as soon as possible, by Sept. 30. Companies can still come on board  beyond that date, but we need a cut-off date.”
Click here:
The Chamber is formulating this plan through  member and local insurance representative Don Doherty of
Northwestern Mutual Life, RPS Benefits, Inc.
“Information on the attached (below) is what the employer will need to complete on the survey, so they could have their employees complete this form, or provide this information in an Excel format to Blue Cross Blue Shield.  They would send the information directly to Donna Pashman of BCBS of KS, email [email protected],” Madison said.
 
“If businesses are already on BCBS and have interest in seeing what the Chamber plans and pricing will be, they can email Donna and simply reference the Fort Scott Chamber Plan, Business Name, and current BCBS member number,” she said.
 
The survey link is also currently on the Chamber website fortscott.com under the Events tab.

CHC/SEK OFFERING DRIVE THROUGH FLU SHOT CLINIC in Fort Scott

CHC/SEK OFFERING DRIVE THROUGH FLU SHOT CLINIC 

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, is offering a 3-day drive-through flu shot clinic in the parking lot at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. today-Saturday. There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants.

 

Times for the clinic are: Thursday 9/24: 2:00 PM-7:00 PM, Friday 9/25: 7:00 AM-Noon, and Saturday 9/26, 9:00 PM-3:00 PM.  Participants are asked to wear a facemask to protect CHC/SEK staff, and to help keep the vaccination line moving, please wear clothing where your shoulder is easily exposed.

 

Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to conserve potentially scarce health care resources. This is standard-dose inactivated flu vaccine, CHC/SEK does not have high-dose available at this time.

 

The drive through flu clinic is recommended for everyone two years of age and older, with rare exceptions, because it is an effective way to decrease flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.

 

By getting a flu shot now, you will protect yourself and your family and friends.

 

At CHC/SEK, there is no out-of-pocket cost for receiving a flu shot. For those with health insurance, their insurance will be billed for the service; however, no money will be collected from participants regardless of their insurance status.

 

Getting an annual flu shot, and good health habits like washing your hands can help stop germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

 

Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing may prevent those around you from getting sick. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it’s just as important to contain the virus, which means staying home when you’re sick.

 

Organic Certification Cost Share Applications: Now Accepted

2020 Organic Certification Cost Share Program Now Accepting Applications

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). Through this program, farms, ranches and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products may be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

 

The purpose of the NOCCSP is to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program. For FY 2020–2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is revising the reimbursement amount to 50 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Scopes include the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops and handling (i.e., processing). This change is due to a limited amount of funding available and will allow a larger number of certified organic operations to receive assistance.

 

FSA awards the NOCCSP funds to eligible state agencies that serve as administering entities who work directly with organic operations to reimburse organic certification costs. The current period of qualification for organic operations seeking reimbursements is from Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020. Applications are now being accepted through Dec. 15, 2020, or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first.

 

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell their products as certified organic. For more information, go to the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/organic or contact KDA economist Peter Oppelt at [email protected] or 785-564-6726.

 

Chamber Coffee At Empress Event Center on Sept. 24

The Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Chamber Member
Nick Graham
Nick is running a write-in campaign for County Clerk
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 8 AM
Empress Event Center
7 N. Main St.
Refreshments will be catered by Papa Don’s!
Click here for Nick’s Facebook page.
Click here for Nick’s website.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
Masks & social distancing are encouraged.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE
10/1- Open date – Call the Chamber to reserve.
10/8- Key Apparel
10/15- Open date – Call the Chamber to reserve.
10/22- Trinity Lutheran Church
10/29- Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant Announcements – details TBA.
11/5- VFW
11/12- Integrity Home Care & Hospice
11/19- Open date – Call the Chamber to reserve.