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Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes  

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

December 6, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Billie Jo welcomed twenty members representing thirteen agencies.  She informed the members that the board had approved an expenditure for bicycles for the “Adopt-a-Child” program at Beacon.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP: The next Bourbon County Red Cross blood drive will be December 21 and 22 at Buck Run Community Center.  Sandy needs a few more volunteers.  Billie Jo will forward Sandy’s schedule to the membership; contact Sandy if you are available to help.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: In November Beacon had 325 families, including 11 new families, utilize services; they served a total of 749 people.  All 79 families for the Adopt-A-Child program have been adopted!
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: Always looking for partners to supply space for her nutrition programs.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis, CASA: These programs need volunteers!
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Tammy reviewed classes she is able to provide in Bourbon County; contact her if you have clients who would benefit from participating.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: There has been a change of appointment hours in the Fort Scott office:  Monday through Thursdays, 10 a.m. until 3p.m.  Walk-ins should come before or after those hours.  The Youth Summit was held in November with a few more than 150 young adults participating.  Chelsea Walker is the new Career Advisor; she will begin coming to the Fort Scott office soon.
  • Tess Watson: Tess’s program, based in Columbus, has recently expanded to include Bourbon County.  The program provides beds for children who are sleeping on the floor or on a couch.  To date, Tess has been able to provide 1500 beds for children.
  • Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant and Dee Dee LeFever, Greenbush Community Liaison, are in the process of planning a training event for the Early Childhood Coalition to be held in April alongside the Child Care Aware program. They will provide specific details at a later date.
  • Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health: They provide skilled nursing to clients in their homes; sixty of their present clients (30%) are in our Bourbon County area.
  • Travis Wilcoxsen, Angel Care Home Health: The focus right now is upper respiratory; they will serve patients with Covid.  Goal is to them better, off service, and back where they want to be.
  • Heather, Walker-Shepherd, CHC and USD 234:  Heather goes into the homes to work with the families in USD 234.  She is also a certified tobacco treatment specialist.
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Pre-School Center: She is a resource for the parent; she has begun screening for next year.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: Screenings are held every month; contact the Pre-School with referrals.

 

  1. Program:  CHC: Tobacco Cessation presented by Brenda, Stokes Lisa Wells, and Jennelle Knight

 

Tobacco usage for Bourbon County residents over eighteen years of age is much higher than the state average.  CHC offers individual and group programs to help participants free themselves from tobacco use and has recently been able to pilot these cessation classes in Bourbon County.  Jennelle is now able to train tobacco treatment specialists; all participants in her first class were Bourbon County residents.  CHC will soon be implementing a program, including the dangers of vaping, to work with students in the schools.  Their grant also allows CHC to work with employers to help them provide tobacco free work spaces. Currently, the programs have no fees if the participant’s insurance does not pay.  Often participants need to repeat the class in order to become completely tobacco free.  CHC patients are able to get low-cost or free medications to help the process so cost should not be a negative factor for the participants.

 

  1. Open Forum:
  • Billie Jo reminded members of the inclement weather policy; she will send a message before 9:00 a.m. if a General Meeting needs to be cancelled due to weather.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be January 3, 2024.
  • The program will be presented by Tess Watson on her bed project.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for November 27

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November 27, 2023                                                                                                            Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, Mary Pemberton, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 11/13/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clint Walker talked about the process of the canvass committee after an election and spoke of the process of how provisional ballots are counted. Mr. Walker spoke about a program he heard about on the radio that is for rural communities. Mary Pemberton spoke about the ER situation and questioned stationing an ambulance in the western part of the county and suggested expanding the ambulance service.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, says Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th  Street is now complete and the road is open. Eric stated they have had to rent a rubber tire roller for their chip and seal program and he has located a rubber tire roller for sale for $19,900. Eric stated that he could purchase for 36 months with 0% interest which would work with his budget. Eric said last year they rented a roller for a total of $6873.55. Eric said he has looked at used rubber tire rollers on Purple Wave but they have all sold for over $20,000. The rubber tire roller is a 2018, has 1578 hours, and is being sold by Berry Tractor. Jim stated it is very good price a no-brainer since our payment would be approximately what we have spent renting a roller. Eric stated he needs approval since it would be purchased with a contract. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to enter into a contract for 0% interest for 36 months for a Bomag 9Wl roller for $19,900. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Shepard Quarry for a blast. Eric presented a contract for the first engineering phase with Schwab Eaton for bridge 5.0-S.9 for the grant received from KDOT. Eric stated they would have to pay a total of $74,000 in match for the project of $916,000. Clifton made a motion to enter into a contract for engineering services for project # 5.0-S.9. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the motor graders have been delivered and the company will be here tomorrow to do some training on them. Eric asked permission to sell unit #9 and unit #36 on Purple Wave as those are the machines that are being replaced. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric #9 and #36 from the road grader fleet on Purple Wave to be sold. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they have plows and spreaders installed and the salt storage building is full in anticipation of winter weather. Jim asked if they still plan on applying brine and Eric said yes, but the conditions have to be right and if rain is in the forecast first they cannot. Eric informed Nelson that he spoke with the gentleman that Nelson requested him to at the previous meeting.

 

Amber Page, Deputy Clerk, stated Jennifer was ill and could not be here tonight. The Kansas Association of Counties meeting is next week, December 5-7, in Wichita and Amber questioned if the Commissioners still plan on having a meeting Monday evening. Jim stated he would like to have a meeting that night to have a budget amendment discussion. It was discussed and decided a meeting will be held next week as regularly scheduled.

 

During Commission comments Jim asked Susan and Justin into the meeting and said it was just one Commissioner speaking and that he would then get input from the other two. Jim stated that in the past Justin has worked on the handbook and then Susan worked on the handbook and that it seems like there has not been cooperation with elected officials on input for whatever reason and he said, as only one Commissioner speaking, that it is time to finish the employee handbook to meet what we need for the employees the Commissioners are in charge of or everybody, whatever the law says. Jim said this protects employees and us if we have any problems. Nelson said he would like to make it as simple as possible so that any employee can read and understand in 20 minutes. All three Commissioners agreed to finish the employee handbook. Jim said the City of Fort Scott has invited the County to a luncheon on December 8th. Susan said the county holiday dinner is on December 8th.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:53. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-4-2023                         Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 27

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The Special Council Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM.  Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM.  Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0,

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on December 4

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 4, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Payroll Totaling 287,844.75
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $430,050.06
    3. Approval of Minutes from 11/27/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Vance Eden-Letter of Support for USD 235 Grant
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Mary Pemberton- Solar Agreements
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Budget Amendment
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Appointment of Marmaton Township Treasurer
  2. Justin Meeks, County Counselor
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
    2. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Payroll 12-1-2023

Accounts Payable 12-1-2023

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Second Bourbon County Farm Classroom Planned

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Leadership at Fort Scott USD234 is partnering with Pittsburg-based nonprofit organization, Community GreenFarms (CGF), to bring an innovative farm classroom to the district.

The farm classroom projects being established by the nonprofit are located inside converted shipping containers outfitted with state-of-the-art hydroponic growing systems. Each unit is capable of producing nearly 500 heads of leafy greens per week, all
year round.

Once at the school, Agriculture and other teachers oversee students who manage the farm from seed to harvest, the majority of which is taken directly to the cafeteria and served in school meals. Schools may also choose to sell produce to restaurants or at farmers’ markets, donate it to nonprofits, or even send it home with
students for families to eat.

CGF was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Children and Families to accelerate
their statewide farm-to-school program, the goal of which is to improve the health and habits of high school students at seven Southeast Kansas schools while teaching them new skills. The counties of focus are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Wilson. While each of these schools will have the cost of their farm classroom covered by the grant, projects in other counties were funded differently.

In Cherokee, Crawford, and Neosho counties, the nonprofit established farm classrooms through a grassroots fundraising
a campaign similar to the one planned for Fort Scott.

This is the second such project planned for Bourbon County, as Uniontown USD235 is being provided one through a grant opportunity. While both schools applied to be the recipient of the grant-funded farm classroom, Uniontown was ultimately the school district selected by CGF.

The leadership at Fort Scott still wanted to bring one to their district and have been in discussion with the nonprofit on how to get that accomplished.

The funds for the project will be raised through a community-wide fundraising effort and the writing of grants.

According to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Matt O’Malley, the project has the potential to have an incredible impact on students and their schools. “Students who help run these farms get unique experiences that may lead to career paths in agriculture, education, nutrition, business management, or food services.

Not only that, but these farms produce a significant amount of fresh food for schools, in some cases completely eliminating the school’s
need to purchase sub-par lettuce from outside sources. The student-grown food is then introduced to the lunchroom which can change the eating habits and health of entire student populations.”

Uniontown’s farm classroom was delivered last week and is expected to be online in February. The fundraising campaign to bring the farm classroom to Fort Scott will begin immediately, hoping that theirs could be up and running by the spring semester.

For more information, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or website at
www.CommunityGreenFarms.org.
Matt O’Malley / picture attached /
Executive Director
Community Green Farms
c) 620-249-6353, o) 620-404-2812
[email protected]

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets December 6

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The regular monthly meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition is coming up this Wednesday, December 6, in the Conference Room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

December 6, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  CHC: Tobacco Cessation

In January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be January 3, 2024.

 

 

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Health Care

Questions About the Emergency Medical Service in Bourbon County

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the closure of the hospital in 2018.

The loss of the emergency department in Bourbon County on December 20 is on the minds of many in the community.

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department cited “a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census” in the press release announcing the closure.

Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20

 

Gregg Motley, Southeast Kansas Regional Manager of Landmark National Bank, proposed a question-and-answer interview on the current medical issues between him and Dr. Randy Nichols that would answer some of the questions the community has. Here is the interview.

 

Dr. Randy Nichols, who recently retired from a long medical practice in Bourbon County, answers some frequently asked questions from Bourbon County residents about the future of Emergency Room services in Bourbon County.

Motley:

Why do we need an emergency room?  Would a great ambulance service with high-quality Emergency Medical Services personnel be just as good?

Nichols:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Rooms (ER) are mutually beneficial services.  EMS is to evaluate the on-scene emergency needs, provide the care available on the ambulance, and transport to the closest appropriate ER.  Once EMS is involved, they are legally required to transport the patient to the closest appropriate ER.  An ER, on the other hand, is available to both ambulance transfers and “walk-ins” seeking emergency care.  An ER has lab and x-ray diagnostic capabilities.  It has treatment options not available on an ambulance.   Following diagnostic evaluation, a patient can be treated and dismissed or stabilized and transferred for hospitalization to a facility offering the needed services.

 

Let’s look at our utilization numbers to understand why EMS alone is not adequate.  Approximately 2/3 of our ER visits do not arrive by ambulance.  Of our total ER visits, less than ¼ ultimately require hospitalization.  If most of the people seeking emergency care can no longer bring themselves to a local facility, the number of ambulance calls, and therefore number of transports out of the county, could triple.  To staff this would be a prohibitive expense.  More importantly, emergencies aren’t scheduled, so if multiple health events occur at the same time without a local ER, our ambulance system could be overwhelmed: people will be waiting longer and some will not get the care they need in a timely manner.  Additionally, some people may choose to “ride it out” at home rather than call an ambulance or make a long drive to the closest ER. Both of these decisions put people at increased risk.

A brick-and-mortar ER is foundational to the safety and well-being of our community.

Motley:

Could a stop at an ER without an attached hospital jeopardize the life of a critically ill patient by delaying a life-saving treatment?

Nichols:

EMS is obligated to take a patient to the closest ER providing the needed level of care.  However, that care may be identified as a need to stabilize in the local ER while arranging transport to a higher level of care. This is often a more controlled situation, improves patient safety, and, if for example Life Flight needs to be called, may shorten the time to distant hospitals.

Motley:

Why is government being asked to subsidize a private corporation?  Do other rural communities fund / subsidize their ERs.

Nichols:

Healthcare reimbursement is unlike other business models.  In order to get paid, a healthcare organization must meet a rigid group of CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid) standards. Reimbursement is based on “customary and reasonable” and/or negotiated fees. Reimbursement doesn’t equal charges and in many cases, episodes of care are never paid.  To have an ER, a subsidy is needed whether it is private or “not for profit.”  Of course, the subsidy needs to be based on real and regularly verified numbers.

Many other communities subsidize their health care.  In our area, Iola, Garnett, and Parsons all subsidize.  Nevada has a ½ cent sales tax to support their hospital. Ottawa, Kansas subsidizes about $2 million yearly to cover the cost of indigent care.  In Kansas, more than 50 hospitals are at risk of closure.  The Kansas Hospital Association reports many of these would already be closed if not supported by local subsidies.

Motley:

Are there subsidies for rural health care out there to lighten our local burden? Is it anticipated this will be a perpetual subsidy for the taxpayers of Bourbon County?

Nichols:

Federal designation as a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) is being pursued.  REH would pay $2-3 million a year as a facility fee.  This would support an ER and a limited number of 24-hour observation beds.  REH would provide long-term stability to our situation and probably eliminate the need for subsidy.  Without REH, the need for an ongoing subsidy will be our responsibility.

Motley:

Will the rural health care system be fixed?

Nichols:

To fix rural health care our legislators must understand how it is broken.  Please communicate with them your needs and concerns.  In our immediate situation, we need help with waivers of the current rules limiting our ability to have an ER.  First is a law dictating that the sponsoring hospital must be within 35 miles.  The other is a waiver related to the timing of the closure of our hospital as it relates to qualifying for REH.   Please continue to ask our representatives for their help.

Bourbon County, Youth

CASA Christmas Celebration is December 8

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County CASA…..

Change a Child’s Story!

You are cordially invited to a

Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA

Friday, December 8th 2023

Mitch and Colleen Quick’s Residence

2086 Justice Road

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

7:00-9:00pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and full bar provided

Giving Levels

Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsor

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor

$1,000 per person and over

Mail your selected giving level to:

Bourbon County CASA

PO Box 146

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

Click here to RSVP, please RSVP by

Friday, December 1st.

Contact CASA Director Christa Horn with any questions or for more information 620-215-2769.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Food, Government, Kansas, Uncategorized

Perry’s Awarded Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit

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Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.

Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson, were recently awarded the Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“Both Thaddeus and I saw it as an honor to be nominated,” Kelly Perry said. “I have no idea who nominated us. I literally cried when I received the notice letter. It’s very humbling that the community continues to support us.”

“The store has brought people in, that are traveling through,” she said. “We have a lot of folks who just want to check us out”

When people stop in the store they advocate for the community and Fort Scott,  telling them about the attractions and services that are available, she said.

In a letter from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, she commended the Perrys for their outstanding retail service.

The award is through the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards.

“Celebrating your business and its outstanding contributions to the community, state economy, and people of Kansas,” the letter stated. “Your hard work is appreciated and worthy of recognition.”

The business was nominated because it created jobs, products, and services, and has been innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and more, according to the governor’s letter.

The business demonstrated “tenacity, determination, and creativity that was needed to persevere, regardless of the circumstances,” Governor Kelly said in the letter.

The Perrys started out producing pork rind snacks from their home in Bronson, a small town of 300 people in western Bourbon County, in 2017.

They opened a  specialty store in 2022 in Bronson to sell their products and other food, including fresh produce, which is needed when one lives 20 miles from a large grocery store.

To learn more: Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

“We also now have Perry’s Produce Boxes available one time a month,” Kelly said.   “Pick-up is at Bids & Dib (in Fort Scott). Purchases are all done via our website www.PerrysPorkRinds.com and customers can select pick-up in Bronson or Ft. Scott.  Boxes are each just $18 and usually have double that amount of money worth of produce.  Pick up details on our website and FB page.”

One other specialty food is fudge, made on-site.

“The fudge is made by Dee Byrd and I,” Kelly said.

In October 2023 they opened a Recreational Vehicle Park at their site on Hwy. 54, which runs through the town. This venture is to supply accommodations for agri-tourism to the region.

To learn more: Perry’s Open an RV Campground in Bronson

This month they provided honor meals to 59 veterans in their storefront on Veteran’s Day. “We provided brisket, smoked by Thaddeus, loaded baked potatoes, and baked beans. We plan to do this again next year,” she said.

They currently have five full-time and one part-time employee.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Rural Development Grant Will Impact Small Businesses

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed
Funding from a new $154,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant will allow The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to help create jobs, save jobs, and give local and regional small businesses a better chance at success.

The work will be done through The Center for Economic Growth, a program of The HBCAT. The grant activities will focus primarily on Fort Scott, but will include Allen, Crawford, and Linn counties in educational events and engagement.

The grant will directly impact small businesses like The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, owned by Teri Hamilton, who will work with the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center — a partner of The HBCAT and The CEG — to add three full-time employees in the next two years with a long-term goal of adding 20 employees. Assistance also will include a marketing plan and website.

And, like The Shire Farm LLC, owned by Bradie and Noah Terry, who will develop a business wholesale agreement with a local restaurant, creating two full-time jobs and the potential to expand to include others.

Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store, has been a staple in Bourbon County for many years, and the grant will help the center work with Krista Hulbert to purchase it, saving 4.5 full-time employees and creating an additional full-time job.

Samantha Rogers, who is in her early 20s and running her first business — The Baby Stitch — will work with the center to apply for additional capital so that she can move her online boutique to a physical location. Her plans are to have four full-time employees.

 

“These are just a few examples of the many local small businesses this grant will give us the opportunity to help,” said Rachel Carpenter, executive director of The HBCAT.

 

Providing technical assistance is important to the success of small business, noted Carpenter.

 

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of the second year, 30 percent of businesses will have failed. By the end of the fifth year, about half will have failed. And by the end of the decade, only 30 percent of businesses will remain — a 70 percent failure rate.

“Studies also show that those who receive counseling on business plans and financial strategies are more likely to report positive outcomes and overall survival,” she said. “Having such support services through the SBDC will mean the rate of successful businesses in Bourbon County is bound to increase.”

President and CEO Jody Hoener noted that the county has a high poverty rate and many barriers that prevent a resident from being successful at keeping a small business open and creating wealth for their family.

 

“This grant will help connect clients with financial resources such as loans, gap financing, education, training, and more,” she said.

The grant also will benefit the local and regional community by increasing the number of days the PSU SBDC serves the Fort Scott area from one day per week to three. The PSU SBDC provides customized training and consulting services to help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency, and build their market base.

And, the grant will help The HBCAT offer a central location for interviews, business meetings, and general business needs.

“Providing local businesses with expertise and guidance, especially in these very turbulent times, has shown to be a critical resource to increasing the number of business start-ups and number of available quality jobs,” said Hoener.

Total Capital Injection since October 2020, $3,318,637.28.

 

Other partners taking an active part in the grant include Southeast Kansas KANSASWorks and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

About The HBCAT

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

Learn more at HBCAT.org. Find HBCAT on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyBBCo/

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

b. Exceptions to Including the Full USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701