Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Community Foundation: Resource For Local Organizations

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Recipients of FSACF grants in 2018.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is a funding resource for local organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in Bourbon County, according to Carla Farmer, FSACF Chairperson.

Applications are being received until August 31.

“In 2019, FSACF received 33 grant applications totaling over $106,000,” said Greg Motley, Grant Committee Chairperson.  “The grant committee awarded over $33,000 for projects in our community, such as musical instruments and interesting field trips for elementary school children, food and clothing to serve the disadvantaged in our area, writing, music and art projects to support the arts in our community, amenities for parks and schools, critical medical equipment for our emergency room and equipment for high school girls’ athletics, to name a few.”

“The grant application period for 2020 ends August 31,” Motley said. “This year, we have over $42,000 in available grant money to be awarded during the October 29th Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main at 8:00 AM.”

For an application and copy of FSACF’s Grant Evaluation Guidelines, please email Gregg Motley, Grant Committee Chairman, at [email protected] .

 

 

History of FSACF, provided by Carla Farmer.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2007.  The Foundation, led by a local, volunteer board, was created to meet the needs of greater Bourbon County.  Its mission is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in Bourbon County.  The Foundation strives to create connections between donors and a variety of worthwhile causes.

With assets over $9 million, the FSACF provides a tax-exempt vehicle for donations to be given to charitable groups and government agencies of the donor’s choice. Donations, large and small, are gratefully accepted from individuals living within Bourbon County or around the world.  The Foundation offers a variety of giving options from gifts of cash, securities, stock, to planned gifts.

FSACF operates as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

“The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation exists to support the good work being accomplished by our not-for-profit organizations in Bourbon County and to address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Board members recognize that the needs in our community and county continue to increase.  The annual grants awarded by the Foundation is one tool for placing funds directly back into the hands of not-for-profits to meet these needs,” said Farmer.

“These are challenging times in our community and the country.  The Foundation offers opportunities for creating many types of funds that can continue to benefit our citizens for generations to come.  If you have questions about giving to the Foundation, please contact me or any board member,” added Farmer.

You may visit www.fsacf.com for more information or call 620-224-6500.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Art Masterpiece Winners

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Three local artists among
Art is Ageless® masterpiece level winners

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Three winning artists in Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s annual Art is Ageless® juried competition will be featured in the 2021 Art is Ageless calendar produced by PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).

“Druzy & Diamonds,” a mixed media/crafts entry by John Bartelsmeyer, “Gossip,” a painting by Carolyn Munsell, and “Star of Bethlehem Shawl,” a fiber arts entry by Jean Strader, will appear in the calendar when it is released this fall.

In addition, “His Word,” a mixed media/crafts entry by Tony Fornelli and “The Cottage,” a painting by Glenda Stevicks, will be featured on the Art is Ageless greeting cards.

Art is Ageless, open exclusively to people age 65 and older, is a copyrighted program of PMMA. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years.

Works by local winners are automatically entered into a masterpiece level competition with winning art from 15 other PMMA communities. More than 160 entries were received for this year’s masterpiece competition. The winners are featured in the Art is Ageless calendar with pull-out postcards and greeting cards.

 

PMMA’s Art is Ageless program encourages Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of PMMA’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Residents and friends of PMMA’s Art is Ageless program are proving that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Becky Kellum, marketing director, at 620-223-5550 or [email protected]. For more on Art is Ageless, visit ArtIsAgeless.org.

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

FSNHS Increasing Access

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Photo submitted by Carl Brenner, NPS

Fort Scott National Historic Site is beginning to increase recreational access to Historic Buildings

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Fort Scott National Historic Site is increasing recreational access and programming. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

 

Beginning Wednesday, August 19, Fort Scott National Historic Site will reopen access to:

  • All public buildings for self-guided visitation.
  • Resume park guided tours at 10 am and 1 pm.

 

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:

  • All trails, walkways, sidewalks, grounds, and the tallgrass prairie.

 

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

  • The Western National Parks Association store and information desk.

 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. At Fort Scott National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

We have amazing virtual tours of Fort Scott National Historic Site, all of the time, so for people who are still homeschooling or not traveling at this time check out www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm.

 

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/fosc and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

 

From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas are open daily from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or learn more at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Labor Day Rodeos On: No Old Settlers Picnic

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4D Rafter H: Travis and Kellie Duncan, Justin, and Megan Hahner from last year’s Old Settlers Picnic Ranch Rodeo.Submitted photos by Julia Hall.

Even though there will be no traditional Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be rodeo events at the arena west of Uniontown.

“This virus has things shut down,” Wayne Hall, contact for the rodeos, said. “The rodeos are an outside event. We have hand sanitizer in the bathroom. We encourage people to not get too close. We find families stay together.”

Team Roping

On Friday, September 4, there will be a team roping contest at the Uniontown arena.

“It’s open to anybody that wants too,” Levi Motley, contact for the team roping said. “They’ll enter with people when they get here, find a partner and enter up,” although he added, “This isn’t a spectator sport.”

Teams compete for a jackpot prize, he said.

“Team roping begins at 7 p.m. and lasts about two hours,” Motley said.

Contact Motley at 620-768-9166.

 

Ranch Rodeo

Top Woman at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Shanna Eck. Submitted photo.

 

The 34th Annual Co-Ed Ranch Rodeo will happen on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

There are four people on a team.

“Two people on the team have to be a woman or kids,” Hall said. “The crowds enjoy it.”

“Last year we had eight teams,” Hall said. “Local teams mostly. But I’ve had calls from up around Topeka (this year).”

Each team pays $200 to compete.

“There is a 100 percent payback other than a stock charge,” Hall said. “The person who provides livestock for the events gets paid a fee.”

Contact Hall at 620-363-4206 for both rodeos.

Olson Ranch: Wally and Jennifer Olson,
Travis and Kellie Duncan. Submitted photos from last year’s Old Settlers Picnic Ranch Rodeo.
Top man at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Kolby Stock. Submitted photo.
2019 Top Youth at the Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Kara Stock. Submitted photos.

 

 

Old Settlers Youth Rodeo

The 54th Annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo begins on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. with the registration of events at 5:30 p.m. It is also located in the arena west of Uniontown on Hwy. 3.

Youth who are high school senior age and younger can register to do barrel racing, pole bending, steer riding,  ewe busting, a “little kids stick horse race”, calf roping, team roping, goat tying, and a flag race, Hall said.

The 2019 Stick Horse Race winners at the Old Settlers Youth Rodeo. Submitted photos.

Costs to enter each contest is from $4 to $10 per person, per event.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

SEK Multi-County Health Departments COVID 19

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 17, 2020

Allen County

Current Active Cases 8
Presumptive Cases 3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 18 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 23 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 30
Total Positives Since Testing 32
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 6
Presumptive Cases 13
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 87 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 82 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 1
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Bourbon County, Elections

Local Democrats Elect New Officers

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On Sunday, August 16, the Bourbon County Democratic Party held their biennial reorganizational meeting following the primary election.
Precinct committeemen and women voted on new officers, all of whom were elected unanimously. 
 
Dwight Moore was elected County Chair. Moore is a retired biology professor and the former County Chair of Osage County. He and his family moved to Fort Scott in 2019. 
 
Carol MacArthur was elected Vice-Chair. Shirley Palmer and Jacki Prettyman were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. 
 
Out-going Chair Kate Emmett-Sweetser and Vice-Chair Clint Walker were thanked for their dedicated service. 
 
The Bourbon County Democrats meet on the third Sunday of the month at 1:00 p.m.  In order to facilitate social distancing, September and October meetings will be held in Shelter No. 1 at Gunn Park. 
 
For more information about the Bourbon County Democrats, Moore can be contacted at 620-341-3074. 
Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt: Blood Drive Aug. 18-19

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Submitted by Carl Jowers, American Legion  Post 25 Commander.
There will be a blood drive on Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19 at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.
“The American Legion Blood Donor Program has existed officially since 1942 to help that cause and blood donations are a community service under one of the Four Pillars of the American Legion.This is one way that as a Veteran you can still service your community and nation.
Every precaution is taken to insure your personal safety during your blood donation appointment.”
You can schedule your blood donation at 1.800.733.2767 or visit the Fort Scott Post 25 Facebook event page.
The post membership goal for 2021 Legion year is 92, As of today, there are 55 renewals. This places us at 59.78% of the goal.
 
“You can easily renew your Legion membership online by going to www.legion.org and follow the prompts to renew. 
Once Post 25 has been informed of your online renewal, usually within 48 hours, your new membership card will be mailed to you.”
 
“With the passage of the Legion Act, any honorably discharged Veteran who has served one day of active duty since December 7, 1941 can join the American Legion. Many Veterans have never joined the American legion because they were not asked.”
 
“Your Post 25 Color Guard has been active in flag presentations at local Veterans funerals.  Please consider joining your Post Color Guard. We have received area recognition for the crispness and professionalism of our Post  Color Guard. For more information about joining the Post 25 Color Guard, reply to this email or call Darrell Spencer, Color Guard Captain at 620-224-6720. Any member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion can join the Fort Scott Post 25 Color Guard.”
Submitted photo.
 
You can schedule your blood donation at 1.800.733.2767 or visit the Fort Scott Post 25 Facebook event page.
 
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 was presented with a Unit 25 Auxiliary banner at their Thursday night meeting. This banner will help with their recruitment and fundraisers. Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of honorably discharged Veterans or active duty military can join the American Legion Auxiliary. Female veterans can also join the American Legion Auxiliary and many female Veterans are dual members of both the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. If you know of a female relative of a Veteran who would like to honor their service by joining the American Legion Auxiliary, ask them to contact me or Auxiliary Unit President Sylvia Norris at 701-404-3143 for more information. 
As always, Post 25 is your Post. Do not hesitate to contact me regarding your thoughts and ideas for improving our Post.”

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

A Snippet of the Future After the Pandemic

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent.

We’re continuing our way through the COVID pandemic. Some of us are starting to venture out and ‘testing the waters’ so to speak.

We know that staying home is the safest for our physical health — especially for our senior adults. As we look down the road to what the future holds beyond this pandemic, there are likely some additional precautions our older adults (and many others) may take – even after a vaccine becomes available.

The handshake may be gone forever.

Increased handwashing, disinfecting, mask wearing will develop into standard protocol in many establishments.

Businesses and restaurants will elevate their hygiene standards and will make that a key piece of their advertising strategy to their customers.

Look for other forms of greeting while social distancing that you can use to show your enthusiasm in meeting someone.

Many have already moved into the more isolated economy where online shopping has become the norm.

Some older adults are having to make a big jump into the realm of online shopping, not having used the internet a great deal in the past. Yet, shopping from the comforts of home enhances the safety reassurances older adults are seeking. Shopping from home and picking up curbside or by mail will bolster those assurances.

Those exploring or wanting to brush up on internet safety precautions may want to visit https://ksre.k-state.edu/tuesday/announcement/?id=47047 for internet usage tips.

Local small restaurants and businesses may find their way again as residents restrict their travel to the city to shop and eat. Those in their smaller communities will likely do more business locally since they know and trust the owners.

Travel will change. Overseas travel will decrease. More vehicles will be on the road for longer drives, which may have been by air in the past. When flights are required, extra seats may be purchased to assure a more comfortable social distancing experience. Future travel plans are most likely to focus around visiting family. With more wheels being on the road, renting an RV may become an attractive alternative for multi-generational travel for families.

Travel to visit family may not be as necessary in the future as in the past. Families are more apt to move closer together.

A trend may develop where older family members that were leaning toward assisted living situations may be moving in with family members. The trust level of family members looking over the care and contacts of loved ones versus strangers taking that charge, may override many of the usual deciding factors for external health care.

Looking at health care, telemedicine will continue to surge ahead as an appealing option to monitor personal health. My recent experience with telemedicine options has been refreshing when conducting follow-up with a specialist. While my situation was not serious, it was a nice opportunity to visit with the doctor from my own home and getting mine and his questions answered without having to travel out-of-town for a 5-minute conversation. Obviously those visits requiring procedures need to be face-to-face. However, telemed options can save time, not to mention allowing for safe social distancing.

Change is ever-present. As we age, change is often not as welcomed as it may have been when we were younger. However, pandemic has mandated many changes in how we go about our daily lives. Many of those changes will be here for the foreseeable future.

 

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District – Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

211 W. Butler

Yates Center, KS 66783

[email protected]

620-625-8620; Fax: 620-625-8645

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College

GED Adult Education Classes Offered at FSCC

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Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in GED preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.

 

Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

 

Attendance is mandatory all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Student Success Center in Bailey Hall.

 

Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government issued photo identification card.

 

The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee.  The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.

 

Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.

 

I am currently trying to build back my face-to-face classroom but I also offer online classes.  These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills.  I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills.  Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a HS diploma or GED.

 

I am accepting students that are ready to learn.  They would just need to contact me to schedule an appointment to fill out paperwork and take the TABE pre-assessment.  If students are not ready to start right away, our next orientation will be in September.  If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.

 

Thank you!

Aubrey Duft

ABE/GED Instructor at FSCC

[email protected]

(620)223-2700 Ext. 4400

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

What’s Happening In Fort Scott

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REMINDER!!!
Applications accepted through August 31st for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant cycle for 2020!
This year, FSACF will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth. Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.
Applications can be obtained by sending an email  [email protected].
Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31st.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8/14thru8/20 –Fort Scott Cinema: The Outpost, The Big Lebowski & Field of Dreams! Coming soon: Unhinged, New Mutants, Tenet
8/15 – Mo’s Swap Meet– Every Saturday from
8am – 4pm (3rd & Margrave St)
Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
8/15- E3 Baseball 7U/8U Tryouts,LaRoche Baskeball Complex, 9-10:30am
8/14 & 8/15 – Fort Scott Livestock Sale starts as 10am – Sale Barn
8/15 – The Lavender Patch Farm – Even though our summer season has ended, The Lavender Patch will be open one day or two days per month. In August it’ll be on the 15th & 29th from 9:00-1:00. Remember, we are always open by appointment! Our second bloom is starting so there is some lavender to pick if you’d like!
8/15 – Boiler Room Brewhaus – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
8/16 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brings back Trivia
night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
8/19 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brews & Brushes painting event, 6pm – Sold Out!
8/22 –SMALLVILLE ATHLETICS – FORT GAMES 2020! Competition starts Friday, 8/22 at 5 pm & all Day Saturday 8/23 – Annual Fitness Competition includes:2 Day M/M F/F Partner Competition Divisions Include: Rx, Intermediate, Master’s 35+ & Scaled – Be held at 1905 S. Judson St.
8/29 ~ Cruise Night in Fort Scott starting at 7pm, plus Perry’s Pork Rinds Pop Up Shopfrom 6-8pm
SAVE THE DATE!
9/5 – BOURBON COUNTY TOUR – 8:30am-12pm, Ghost Towns & Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County, carpool tour leaving from the Old Fort Genealogical Library, register today here. Limited to 40 participants.
9/5 -SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT! Sat. starting at 1:30 pm until 5 pm at the Woodland Golf Course to Sign up!
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Mo’s Swap Meet
The Lavender Patch Farm
Real Estate Auction – City of FS
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
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.
FSACF GRANTS ACCEPTED THROUGH 8/31
CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR DETAILS.
REGISTER FOR FORT GAMES TODAY!
SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE 9/5
BOURBON COUNTY TOUR!
Bourbon County

Kansas Leaders Embrace Wind Energy

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Cite Benefits to the State and Communities During American Wind Week
Panel during American Wind Week highlights Kansas’ position as a leader in wind energy development, opportunities for the state’s workforce, and the many ways wind is building the future
Topeka, KS – Kansas is once again in the spotlight for its wind energy leadership, as Governor Laura Kelly issued a statewide proclamation announcing this week as American Wind Week. Ranked second in the nation for its share of electricity coming from wind, Kansas wind power has become a driving force in the state’s economy. State and industry leaders had plenty to celebrate during American Wind Week and took part in a virtual panel discussing the many ways wind is helping build the future in Kansas.
“It’s been an exciting time to be a legislator, the last 14 years, during Kansas’ wind energy expansion,” said State Senator Elaine Bowers. “The Wind Energy Program at Cloud County Community College was first of its kind in the United States, with the director even learning hands-on himself at a wind farm on an internship and teaching what he learned as no textbooks existed at that time.”
Wind projects have spurred more than $11.4 billion in capital investments in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth.
Randi Tveitaraas Jack, Manager of International Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, serves as the renewable energy contact for the agency and participated in the American Wind Week panel. Tveitaraas Jack reflected on the growth of the wind industry in Kansas and cited how the energy source has been vital for the attraction of new businesses in the state.
“I’ve been watching the Kansas wind energy industry grow for 30 years,” stated Tveitaraas Jack. “As a leader in wind energy, Kansas offers an ideal location for companies that are committed to meeting corporate sustainability goals by powering their facilities through renewable energy. From what we’ve seen and what we look to in the future, there’s been a significant impact on the Kansas economy and workforce opportunities already. Wind energy continues to offer a bright future for the state.”
Wind projects generate $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, and many communities in Kansas are benefiting from wind energy, including two notable examples in Ford and Pratt Counties.
Joann Knight, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, explained how a rural community can rally around the growth of wind projects.
“Dodge City is the world’s largest beef processing community and now we can say also that we are the state’s county that has the most turbines out there and we hope to see that continue to grow,” said Knight. “It’s a natural resource that we’ve really been able to build our community on and build our diversity and our economy. We are very proud of the economy that the wind industry has brought here and really hope to continue to grow that.”
The wind industry supports 6,000 jobs in Kansas, including jobs in the field and at several manufacturing facilities in the state.
“The director of the wind energy program recently told me, ‘Electricity is essential. These jobs are not going away. The wind energy program at CCCC produces these future employees for the industry as fast as we can,’” Senator Bowers explained. “We’re training the best kids right now to do this job. It’s an exciting industry and I’m glad to be right here in the middle of this whole process.”
Farmers also benefit from having wind turbines as a part of their landscape with $36 million in annual land lease payments provided by wind projects in 2019 alone.
“When a wind farm moves into a community, we give a sustainable, consistent payment to a landowner for 25-plus years,” stated Trish Williams, Senior Field Coordinator at Enel Green Power. “There’s hardly any other industry that can claim that. We’re not only investing in a wind farm; we’re investing in our community. We’re investing in our people in Kansas, we’re investing in our kids, we’re investing in our future.”
As competition increases and wind power takes on a larger role in the economy, the need for new investments in transmission and future infrastructure projects has never been greater, explained Chris Weatherford, Director of Project Management for Construction and Engineering at Apex Clean Energy.
“With growing customer demand for clean energy, the existing network is becoming stressed, especially when we look to the regional movement of power,” Weatherford added. “By ensuring the new investments in transmission with these projects we can ensure that states like Kansas, which possess wonderful wind resources, will play a key role in the clean energy future and help deliver a variety of benefits to Kansas and its economy.”
To set up an interview with any of the panelists, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected] or (608) 807-8619.
Boost Kansas has been sharing highlights and other content on Facebook and Twitter. Follow along and join in the conversation by using #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com.
About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.