Category Archives: Bourbon County

Match Day Tomorrow for FS Community Foundation

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Announces Inaugural Match Day

On National Day of Giving

Unique Opportunity This Year

For Matching Funds!

Consider Making a Donation

Tuesday, November 28th!

Donate online www.fortscottgives.org

or drop off your check at the Chamber ~

Donation HAS to be on Tuesday the 28th

for the Match, or Postmarked

no later than the 29th!

Click here for a printable form.

_________________

See Fund Options & More Info. Below!

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is pleased to announce a MATCH for all upcoming donations. Through a generous donation from the Patterson Family Foundation, FSACF has the opportunity to match up to $25,000 for gifts made to Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on November 28, 2023 (see funds below). We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day!

We are asking our year-end givers to consider making their donations on Match Day rather than through our annual Good Works Forever campaign. Donations are eligible for any or all of the ten funds as noted on our website: www.FortScottGives.org. What an awesome way to see our funds grow and allow more opportunities to provide grants to worthwhile projects and organizations in Bourbon County!

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, donations will be accepted:

  • Online at www.FortScottGives.org or
  • In person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
  • By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please complete the enclosed form so that we can apply your gift to the fund of your choice. Please make checks payable to: Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Donations are fully tax-deductible. Charitable gift receipts will be sent to donors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions and need more information.

We are grateful for your support and any contribution you can give to help us continue our mission! If you have any questions about Match Day, please visit www.FortScottGives.org or call 620-231-8897. Thank you!

R. Craig Campbell, Chairman of the Foundation

David Shepherd, Asset Development

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2023/2024 FSACF Board of Directors

Craig Campbell, Chair

Becky Tourtillott, Vice Chair

Lindsay Madison, Secretary/ Marketing

Sheryl Bloomfield

Janet Braun

Michelle Bruner

Steve Buerge

Diana Endicott

Jess Ervin

Carla Farmer

Ronda Hassig

Bailey Lyons

Linda Noll

Kirk Sharp

Travis Shelton

David Shepherd

Jordan Witt

Connect with us:
Click here to Like the Foundation’s Facebook page.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on November 14

The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650.  Bid tabulation attached.

Uniontown Park Enhancement Project Bid Tab

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430

 

Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return

 

Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6.680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024.  Bid tabulation attached.

Uniontown School Pond Improvement Phase II Project Bid Tab

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680

 

Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier.  She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%).  The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.

 

Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52.  Open meeting resumed at 8:52.  Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can.  They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely.  He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running.  He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking.  Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve.  We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace.  Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.

 

Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction.  102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush.  201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure.  The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue.  After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.

KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025

 

Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.

KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM.  She has registered to attend.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council.  He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St.  He will ask Animal Control to followup.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project – work is completed.  Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern.  Work is warranted until October 27, 2024.  Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.

 

Procurement Policy –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on November 27

 

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

November 27, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 11/13/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC Meeting
  • 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.

 

Buying Gifts In The Community Is Beneficial to the Community

Graphic from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th and is a day when shoppers are encouraged to buy from local, small businesses for the good of the community they live in.
Supporting local small businesses is beneficial to both the buyer and the business. Savings on gas fill-ups and time are some of the benefits to buyers for buying local, and then there are the benefits to those businesses they buy from.
“What a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! ” said Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison said. And the Chamber has been working to encourage local shoppers.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small, Small Business Saturday, a program initiated by American Express, according to Madison.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Neighborhood Champions work to rally the community to shop at local small businesses.

The Chamber has put together a Shop Small Passport that shoppers may pick up from local retailers this Friday and Saturday, she said.  “If shoppers earn three or more stamps by purchasing $5 or more, they turn in the passport at their 3rd store for an entry to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.  The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 28th.  Chamber Bucks can be used like cash at over 60 Chamber member businesses and restaurants.”

“If you don’t already, we ask you to Like and Follow the Chamber’s Facebook page, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said.  “We have been posting a social campaign over the last couple of weeks to illustrate the importance of shopping local and what a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make!  Some of those social posts have included the following messaging:

  • “Per score.org, for every $1 you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community. Forty-four cents goes to the small business owner and employee’s wages and benefits and 23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses,” she said.
  • “Your $20 spent locally does more than purchase goods, it weaves a community tapestry, where every thread strengthens the whole. That same $20 circulates.  You eat at a local restaurant and tip the wait staff, the wait staff then goes and gets a haircut, the stylist then goes and buys a cup of coffee, the barista then buys a candle at a gift shop, and so on.  When you spend $20 online, that $20 is gone out of our community.
  • “Ten dollars spent at a local store can have a sizable impact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal’s worth of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.”

“As you Shop Small over the weekend, be sure to pick up your Passport,” Madison said.  “Have some fun and earn a chance to win while you’re supporting our local businesses are hit up year-round to sponsor events, support school fundraisers, and more.  It’s our turn to give back to them.”

The Chamber received a limited amount of promotional products from American Express that is being distributed to locally owned Chamber member small businesses to use during Small Business Season, said Madison.

Check out our Chamber member businesses and links to their websites here! https://fortscott.com/members/
#fortscottchamber
#smallbusinessseason
#shoplocal
#supportsmall
#shopsmall
Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.
From Amanda Clasen, Kansas State Extension Community Vitality Agent’s, weekly column:

“In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some ideas to help you shop locally this holiday season may include:

  • Use a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
  • Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
  • Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
  • Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
  • Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants, and businesses of interest.
  • Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.

 

 

FSACF Match Day: Grant Will Double A Contribution to a Local Cause

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Match Day Event to double the benefit to local causes.

“We are promoting a match day on Tuesday, November 28 during National Day of Giving where up to $25,000 will be available to match gifts that are given to our Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on that day,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Vice President. “Those matching funds are being made available through a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.”

Becky Tourtillott from the FSACF website.

The FSACF has a unique opportunity, through the grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, to match up to $25,000 for contributions made to eligible funds, according to a press release.

Care to Share, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, and Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation are three local organizations that have recently added an endowed fund with the FSACF, according to Tourtillott.

Those new funds in conjunction with the foundation’s existing funds offer a diverse range of efforts that community members can support, she said.

“Donors will have the ability to specify which specific fund they want to support, including the general foundation fund if they prefer,” Tourtillott said.

A website — https://www.fortscottgives.org/  has been established specifically for this event.

Craig Campbell is the president of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation this year.

“We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day, and the opportunity to grow these endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners,” said FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell. “We invite the community to give together during Match Day because the local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”

The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects, according to the press release.

The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit, according to the press release. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately.

Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways, according to the press release:

  • Online at FortScottGives.org or
  • In-person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
  • By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please make checks payable to: the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Here’s a  synopsis of what those funds support:

About the FSACF Funds

Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds: provides financial support to Fort Scott Community College Endowment Association, Fort Scott High School Scholarship Fund and Uniontown High School Scholarship Fund-all three for scholarships, Mount Orum Baptist Church of Redfield, Uniontown Methodist Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Old Fort Genealogy Society, The Beacon, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Buck Run Community Center, Senior Citizens Center of Fort Scott, Redfield Ruritan Club, and the American Heart Association.

Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund: provides support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial/emotional/and transportation support to individuals.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment:  supports worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County through annual granting.

Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund:  supports programs such as Downtown Historic District enhancements and events, community advancement projects, educational and leadership programs, and youth scholarships.

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund: provides annual funding for competitive grants in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Since its inception in 2009, FSACF has awarded over $386,000 in competitive grants.

Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment: supports the Riverfront Authority, which promotes the preservation and protection of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors.

Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment: benefits the charitable causes that the Irbys supported during their lifetimes.

John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund: supports grants to organizations addressing healthcare needs in Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Shepherd Family Endowment Fund: supports the FSACFC’s annual granting, benefiting the residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County in memory of Ray and Mary Shepherd.

Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation: provides support for the Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Members of the FSACF board: Campbell, Tourtillott, Lindsay Madison, Deana Endicott, Sheryl Bloomfield, Janet Braun, Michelle Bruner, Steve Buerge, Jess Ervin, Carla Farmer, Ronda Hassig, Bailey Lyons, Linda Noll, Kirk Sharp, Travis Shelton, David Shepherd, and Jordan Witt.

 

 

***

 

Evergy/KCC Settlement Announced

Kansas Corporation Commission approves settlement agreement in Evergy rate case

TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a proposed settlement agreement in the Evergy rate case. The unanimous agreement, resolving all issues in the case, was submitted to the Commission on September 29 following negotiations between KCC staff, Evergy, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and a variety of groups representing commercial, educational, and environmental interests.

In its Application, Evergy sought a net revenue increase of $204 million (9.77% increase) for Evergy Kansas Central (formerly Westar) and a net revenue increase of $14 million (1.95% increase) for Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L).  Under the approved settlement agreement, Evergy Kansas Central will receive a net revenue increase of $74 million (3.54% increase), and Evergy Kansas Metro will receive a net revenue decrease of $32.9 million (4.53% decrease).

The average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers. The new rates will take effect based on the customer billing cycle date beginning December 21, 2023.

Today’s order states, “The Commission finds the agreed-upon rates will provide Evergy sufficient revenue to meet its financial obligations and provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates to its customers.  After considering all of the terms of the Unanimous Settlement Agreement, the Commission finds it is in the public interest.”

The settlement agreement also states Evergy may file an abbreviated rate case within 12 months of the current order to update rates to include Panasonic related distribution investment, Wolf Creek Decommissioning Trust adjustment, and investment in a new renewable generating resource to address 2024-2026 resource adequacy requirements supported by Evergy’s Integrated Resource Plan.

The Commission received comments from ratepayers at three public hearings held in July. In addition, the Commission also received 3,915 public comments through its Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. The Commission noted that today’s decision was issued with due consideration of those comments.

Commissioners also considered the extensive evidentiary record in the docket including testimony from 57 witnesses, approximately 1,000 data requests, the joint motion in support of the settlement agreement and related testimony filed by parties in the docket. Having reviewed the record as a whole, the Commission finds the settlement agreement is supported by substantial, competent evidence.

Today’s order is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

###

Master Food Volunteer Training Available for K-State Extension

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

K-State Research and Extension

Southwind District…..

Interested in increasing your knowledge of nutrition, health, wellness, and food safety? If so, the Master Food Volunteer training is perfect for you! The majority of this training is completed online at your own pace, with three in-person labs. You’ll learn more about basic nutrition, meal planning, cooking techniques, seasonings and flavors, food preservation, food safety, and more. Master Food Volunteers are people with interests in food, cooking, and nutrition who have gone through this training to take their expertise to a higher level in order to be able to give back to the community by volunteering at educational programs! Recent examples of ways our current Master Food Volunteers have served include leading small groups at our summer youth cooking classes, teaching a breadmaking class, and teaching a pressure cooking class – but the sky is the limit!

If you are interested in joining this group, apply by December 1st. Visit bit.ly/southwindmfv to learn more and find the application.

Call 620-365-2242 or email [email protected] with questions.

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

Another Solar Farm Is In Initial Stage in Bourbon County

Courtesy of NextEra Energy Resources.

Another solar energy facility for Bourbon County is in the initial stages.

Earlier this year Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative put up solar arrays at 135th and Range Roads in the northern part of the county.

To view that story: Heartland Creates Solar Farm To Generate Energy For Local Members

 

The Devon Solar Farm, rural Bourbon County. Behind the fence are rows of solar energy collectors which help provide electricity for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members in the area.

On November 13,  during the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks presented the commissioners with four contracts with NextEra Energy to be signed for solar energy production in the southwest part of the county.

NextEra Energy is the world’s largest utility company, according to its website.

“For more than 20 years, NextEra Energy Resources has been investing in Kansas and is committed to continued renewable energy development,” said Laura Gies, NextEra Energy Resources Communication Specialist.

“Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, is a proposed photovoltaic solar energy facility for Bourbon County,” she said.  “The proposed project will have the capacity to generate approximately 400 megawatts of solar energy that is able to power about 50,000 homes.”

“The electric grid is made up of power generation assets, transmission lines, and distribution centers,” she said. “The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for the energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances. Essentially, the power generated from the Hinton Creek Solar site will be delivered to the electric grid and go where it’s needed. While the power goes where it’s needed, the benefits of Hinton Creek Solar always stay local.”
The development of the facility is a long process.

“Developing a solar project is a multi-year process, which includes assessing existing transmission infrastructure, landowner and county officials’ interest, as well as conducting environmental surveys among other considerations to determine whether this community is right for a renewable energy project,” she said. “Hinton Creek Solar is in the initial stages.”

“Renewable energy projects, like the proposed solar project, are attractive to local communities, as they provide numerous economic benefits, including good jobs and the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, which can be used to enhance schools, roads, and essential services,” she said.

“Hinton Creek Solar will create hundreds of construction jobs, and our goal is to hire as many qualified workers as possible from the local area,” she said.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.(REDI) has been working on this project with NextEra, Commissioner Jim Harris said during the November 13 commissioners’ meeting.

“We’re thrilled to announce an $800 Million Solar Development coming to our region,” Bourbon County REDI Director Rob Harrington said. “REDI played a crucial role in making this happen. Construction is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.”
Harrington thanked Hinton Creek Solar LLC. for selecting
Bourbon County for this monumental project, he said.
“This is the largest single development project that Bourbon County has ever received, and we are delighted they chose to bring this large development to our community,” Harrington said.

 

The site will be in the southwest part of the county, with 27 community members agreeing to put a portion of the solar facility on their properties.

The following are the signed agreements as provided on the county’s website:

Development-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Contribution-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Road-Use-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(3)

Decommissioning-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Here is a brief look at parts of two of the agreements:

 Development Agreement

The development agreement document signed is made between the Board of County Commissioners for Bourbon County and Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, FL 33408, according to the document provided by the county.

The developer, NextEra Energy, intends to construct one or more project companies or phases and operate a solar project, commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek Solar Project, to be located on privately-owned land within the county and includes photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage, inverters, solar monitoring equipment, substations, collection lines, access roads, temporary construction areas, operation and maintenance facilities, and other infrastructures relating to the solar project, according to the document.

The developer has or will enter into lease agreements, easement agreements, and forms of landowner consent documents with the participating landowners within the solar project area.

The county intends to consider the orderly development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar project.

The county acknowledges and agrees that all permits and approvals required for the solar project have been granted and substantial amounts of work have been completed, according to the signed agreement.

Contributions Agreement

According to Kansas law, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for ten taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed and upon the filing of such application for exemption, according to the contributions document provided by the county.

The developer shall make the following contributions to the county:

One initial payment of $1,000 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project made within 30 days after the start of construction. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate initial payment.

An annual contribution of $1,500 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project by January 15 of each year…and continuing through the 9th anniversary of the initial contribution date, for a total of 10 annual contributions. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate annual contributions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store Black Friday Sale Has Started

Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member

Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store…

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store is having a .89c SALE!

Sweet Potatoes .89c/LB

Russet Potatoes .89c/LB

Yellow Jumbo Onions .89c/LB

Don’t Forget their Black Friday sale is going on NOW, online or in store!

Buy 5 Get 1 Free on Pork Rinds + Free shipping on ALL orders!

Head over to 702 Pine St. Bronson, Kansas

Monday-Friday 7am-7pm

Saturday 9am-5pm

Sunday 12pm-5pm

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

Key Clothing Sale Starts November 18

Some of the merchandise that is for sale at the upcoming warehouse sale.

Key Apparel has been a local business for over a hundred years.

“Key has been in business in Fort Scott since 1908 and was founded on bib overalls,” said Brenda Brown with sales support and merchandising for the business.

Key Industries, Inc. in Fort Scott is having its 15th Annual Warehouse Sale from Saturday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., then from Monday through Wednesday, November 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The sale continues on Friday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We have first quality products,” Angie Carr, Key’s Operation Project Coordinator, said. “We also use the sale to sell discontinued styles or colors, and irregulars-say for instance where a stitch is not completed and didn’t pass inspection but we can go ahead and closeout. That will be noted  to the customer, we will specify why it is irregular.”

The sale this year is at a new location at 2400 S. Main St. Suite 200,  between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall.

The annual Key Warehouse Sale has moved to the space between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall on Fort Scott’s south side.

“Previously, we were at the former Gordman’s Store space under a short-term lease,” said  Carr.”We have the same amount of merchandise (in the new space) as in previous years.”

Key Apparel is an official clothing sponsor of the Kansas State Fair and to commemorate that designation, Ike, the Bison, a collectible toy, will be sold.

“They make ideal stocking stuffers,” Carr said.

Ike the Bison will be sold at the annual Key Warehouse Sale.

Payment of cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover will be accepted during the sale.

 

To shop year round:www.keyapparel.com

Special Meeting on November 27 for the Uniontown City Council

A special meeting of the Uniontown City Council will be held at City Hall on November 27 at 6 p.m.

 ____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ­­____ Josh Hartman ____ Bradley Stewart

 

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay

 

 

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.