Category Archives: Bourbon County

Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team Earns Reserve Champion Honors at American Royal

Kansas City, MO — The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team proudly represented Kansas at the prestigious American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, achieving outstanding success with their Reserve Champion Team Overall title. Competing against 15 top teams and 68 individuals from across the nation, Southwind demonstrated exceptional skill and preparation, excelling across various categories and earning high marks in both team and individual divisions.
Team accomplishments include: Sheep/Goats – 2nd Place; Hogs – 1st Place; Cattle – 5th Place; Reasons – 1st Place. Individual highlights: Reegan McDaniel, Fort Scott was named High Individual in both Hogs and Reasons, ranked 10th in Sheep/Goats, and secured 3rd Overall; Tate Crystal, Fort Scott earned 6th in Reasons, 8th in Sheep/Goats, and placed 6th Overall; Kyser Nemecek, Iola achieved 9th in Hogs and 10th in Reasons; Emery Yoho, Yates Center was 23rd in Sheep/Goats.
Their accomplishments mark yet another milestone for the Southwind District 4-H team, and only highlights this team’s dedication to excellence, teamwork, and mastery in livestock judging. They have established themselves as a formidable presence on both state and national stages.
Photo Caption: Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members celebrate their accomplishments at the American Royal with Coach Carla Nemecek (left). Pictured from left to right: Emery Yoho, Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, and assistant coach Jade Parrish.
The Southwind District 4-H program offers youth across Kansas opportunities to develop leadership, critical thinking, and practical skills through a range of projects, contests, and community involvement. The program supports young people in reaching their full potential through hands-on learning and team-building experiences.
For further information about the Southwind District 4-H and their upcoming events, please contact Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or visit www.southwind.k-state.edu.

Free Meal to Veterans on Nov. 11 at Perry’s Country Store

Perry’s 2nd Annual

Honor Meal

Monday, November 11th

11am-2pm

at Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store

702 Pine St. Bronson, KS 66716

Free to all USA Service Members

$15 each for General Public

Meal includes Brisket, 2 sides, and a drink!

Dine-in or Carry-out available

RSVP REQUIRED

Click here to RSVP or call 620-939-4300

Want to be part of thanking our service members with your goods or volunteer to serve meals?

Email: [email protected]

Click here for the Facebook event page.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Bo Co Coalition Meeting is November 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

The next meeting will be November 6th at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave

 

November 6, 2024

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Jenna Stout, SEK Area Director, Safe Families for Children

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be December 4, 2024.

 

Key Tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

 

Protect Your Home and Loved Ones:

Key Tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Oct. 31, 2024 – November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month and Kansas Gas Service urges residents to refresh their knowledge on how to keep their homes and loved ones safe from this invisible threat.

 

Understanding Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas produced when fuel does not burn completely.  It can make you sick and, in severe cases, may be deadly. Sources may include improperly vented or malfunctioning appliances, auto exhaust and blocked chimney flues.

 

Detecting Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it hard to detect without the proper equipment. Be alert for these warning signs:

 

  • Yellow flame instead of a blue flame on appliance burners
  • Black soot around vents, flues, furnace filters, burners or appliance access openings
  • Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, increased perspiration, nausea, weakness and vomiting

“Safety is our top priority and we encourage residents to install carbon monoxide detectors in homes and businesses,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of Operations for Kansas Gas Service. “These devices are an essential tool for identifying potential hazards.”

 

What to Do if You Suspect Carbon Monoxide

If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your environment, leave the area immediately and call 911.

 

For more information on carbon monoxide safety visit kansasgasservice.com/carbonmonoxide.

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Amended Agenda For Today’s Bourbon County Commission Meeeting

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. Real Property Relief Application
  7. Tri-Valley Letter Transportation Letter of Support
  8. Brandon Whisenhunt-Operation Greenlight Resolution 13-24
  • Resolution Rescinding the Moratorium on Solar Projects
  • Termination of Prior Agreements with Hinton Creek Solar
  1. Discussion of Development Agreement, Road Agreements, and Decommissioning Agreements with Doral, NextEra, and Advance Power
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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 the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Amended Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission on October 31

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  2. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  3. Election Update
  4. Countywide Food Drive
  5. Real Property Relief Application
  6. Tri-Valley Letter Transportation Letter of Support
  7. Brandon Whisenhunt-Operation Greenlight Resolution 13-24
  8. 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 the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for October 31

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Mary Pemberton-Donation Agreements
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. 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 the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bo Co Commission Agenda for October 31

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Mary Pemberton-Donation Agreements
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. 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 the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Starlite Family and Consumer Education Minutes October 2024

Starlite FCE Minutes
October 2024
The October meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Ten members were in attendance and reported that they have volunteered ninety-three hours and had recycled fifty-five pounds.
The members put together bags to be presented to veterans’ and also packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, fourteen boxes were assembled.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report which was approved.
Glenda Miller presented a video explaining how the electoral college works.  She also announced that Fall Follies will be held at The Methodist Church in Humboldt, seven members are planning on attending.
Karen Peery reported on the State Conference held in Chanute this year.
Joyce Allen volunteered to take the veterans bags to Medical Lodge, Claudia Wheeler will be taking them to Guest Home Estates and Calgary Crossing and Letha Johnson and Betty Johnson will deliver the ones at Presbyterian Village.
Betty Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned; Letha Johnson seconded it meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the members enjoyed refreshments of brownies, ice cream fresh vegetables and dip provided by Deb Lust and Joyce Allen.
Prepared by
Terri Williams

Fire Engulfs Farm Combine on Oct. 28: Community Steps In

Bill Keith, looks on as his combine is engulfed in fire on Oct. 28, during strong winds in the region. Submitted photo.

The unusually warm weather—almost 90 degrees—and the strong winds have created dangerous conditions for fires once they have started.

Stacy Racy stated on her Facebook page last night that her dad, Bill Keith , had a piece of farm equipment engulfed in fire.

Her dad was combining wheat on his farm near Hammond, about 12 miles north of Fort Scott on Monday evening, October 28.

“You can’t see right behind you on a combine,” Racy said. “The combine died and he stood on the platform on it and saw that it was on fire.”

“Tonight, my dad’s combine caught fire. Once again, Jerry Nafzger, my dad’s guardian angel here on earth, came to his rescue,” she said on her Facebook page. “My dad didn’t know the combine was on fire until it died in the field. Jerry had seen the fire and called the fire department as he headed to the field.”

“Two young men Kyler Tweedy and Clint Barker from the Muddy Waters Farms elevator (in Hammond) arrived and plowed around the north side of the combine since the wind was blowing fiercely,” she said. “They plowed around… to keep the fire from jumping.”

Racy thanked the Bourbon County Fire District #3 for aiding in putting out the fire. This rural fire department had just come from a grass fire in the area.

“Thank you to Bourbon County Fire District 3. This rural fire district covers the Devon, Uniontown, Hiattville, Fulton, Bronson, and Redfield areas in the county,” she said

“Most of these young men and women are volunteers and all worked together to get the fire under control quickly,” she said.

Racy noted that the fire crew had to wait on a train at Soldier Road in traveling to the site of the fire.

Racy posted the above photo on her Facebook page and said:

“I have several pictures ( she took of the combine fire) but this one spoke volumes as a 80-year-old man watches his combine go up in smoke,” she said. “We can replace the combine, it’s just materialistic, but once again Jesus protected him and sent people to help him. Jerry (Nafger)even came back later to pray with him!”

“Numerous neighbors came to check on him,” Racy said.” Living in this community is such a blessing.”

The combine is a total loss, she said.

This morning she received a text from a young farmer neighbor, Charles Johnson, who volunteered to come combine the rest of the wheat, she said.

“When people need help, people step up,” she said. “We have such good people as neighbors.”

This is the proclamation against all outside fires in Bourbon County, until lifted.

“Due to the extreme heat and little rain, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high.  Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire.  Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments.  Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.

 

The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

 

It is hereby proclaimed, directed, and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:

 

  1. All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.

 

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]

 

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.

 

Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 15th day of October 2024.”