Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Library Staff Thanks Community

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Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library

Youth Librarian and Assistant Director
“The Fort Scott Public Library staff wants to send out an enormous thank you to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who helped to make this year’s summer reading program a huge success, including the following: The City of Fort Scott, Casey’s General Store, Daylight Donuts, Domino’s Pizza, Family Video, Fort Cinema, Fort Scott Aquatic Center, Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott Middle School VIPs, FSHS Thespian Troupe, G & W Cash Saver, The Keyhole, The Lowell Milken Center, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Wendy’s, all of Fort Scott.
We also want to thank the Hammond UMC for their generous donation, and the countless people who have donated food, volunteer time, and supplies to our programs.
Thank you to Buck Run Community Center, the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Scott Tribune, fortscott.biz, and KOMB FM for keeping the community informed about events, and to the churches, public and private schools, and daycares in our county for distributing flyers and posters to help promote the program. 
As a result of all of your efforts, the library registered a total of 284 kids and 37 teens for this year’s summer reading program, with individual reading goals, met a total of 530 times by our youth.
Approximately 20 adults participated in our adult reading program, receiving goody bags.
Prizes were also awarded for completing literacy-based activities. 
Together, we are helping to prevent the summer slide, encouraging patrons of all ages to read, providing educational entertainment for local families, and feeding kids snacks weekly, all at no cost to them.
We hope that through our combined efforts this year, we have helped interest local families in A Universe of Stories, which they can explore at the library every week.“
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Local 7-Year Old Loves To Rodeo

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Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

Lane Murphy’s first rodeo was in 2015, at age 3, in Hume, MO, where he tried his hand at “Mutton Bustin'”, which is riding a sheep to see how long you can stay on.

He liked the challenge and later that summer, at age 4, Lane started riding with the Kansas Junior Bull Riders (KJBR).

Lane will be a second-grade student at Winfield Scott Elementary School this school year.

But like young children everywhere, he knows what he wants to do when he grows up.

Lane has hopes of being a future rodeo star.

“I want to do the same thing I’m doing now (riding in rodeos),” Lane said. “Everything except getting hurt. I want to ride as much as I can. It’s not easy.”

Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

 

In 2018 Lane ended the season ranked as the No. 1 rider in Mutton Bustin’ for the JPBR; No. 1 in Mutton Bustin’ for the MJRC, and No. 1 in Mutton Bustin’ for the All Youth Rodeo Association (AYRA). Thus, earning his entry into the 2018 YBR World Championships in Abilene, TX where he finished No. 4 in the World for Mutton Bustin’, and then placing No. 7 in the 2018 National JPBR Championship that took place in Amarillo, TX.

The cowboy recently participated in the Youth Bull Riding (YBR) World Championships in Abilene, TX, where he placed 18th in the world for Calf Riding.

Currently, Lane is ranked No. 3 in Calf Riding with the JPBR, and No. 3 in Calf Riding with the Missouri Junior Bull Riding Circuit (MJRC) for the 2019 rodeo season.

Lane has qualified to ride in the upcoming Junior Professional Bull Riding (JPBR) National Championship in Amarillo, TX during the month of October.

Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

He has also been invited to ride in the International Miniature Bull Riders Association (IMBA) World Finals taking place in Las Vegas, NV in December 2019.

Every weekend the family attempts to find at least one rodeo to ride in, and even for “close” rodeos, they might have to travel hundreds of miles to rodeos in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

The family is currently seeking additional financial assistance through fundraising to help support his travel expenses to the National JPBR Championship in Amarillo, TX and the IMBA World Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

His family is selling t-shirts in youth and adult sizes, and his parents are accepting donations on his behalf.

Lane is the son of local residents Jaymie and Patrick Murphy who is the owner/operator of Murphy Day Work, and the grandson of life-long Fort Scott residents Pat and Janet Murphy and Jay and Julie Leek.

A photo of the t-shirt the Murphy’s are using as a fundraiser to help get Lane to national and world competitions later this year.

To purchase a t-shirt in support of Lane contact, send his mother Jaymie Murphy a text message at 620-215-5012 to order. Please include name, shirt size, and color. Monetary donations can be sent to 1210 180th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

“Lane also invites you to like and follow his fan page on Facebook to keep up with videos of his rides,” his mom, Jaymie said.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Cobalt Open Interviews Aug. 22

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Job Fair and open interviews at
Cobalt MedPlans
THIS THURSDAY, August 22nd
Cobalt MedPlans is hiring!!
We are hosting a job fair and open interviews THIS THURSDAY, August 22nd from 2pm-7pm
at 2801 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS
We are looking for Claims Examiners and Customer Service Representatives
Cobalt MedPlans offers the following:
  • $12.50/hr. and up to start
  • Employer sponsored medical & dental
  • Employer paid disability & life insurance
  • Company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan with match
  • Paid holidays & vacation
  • Casual work environment
  • Performance incentives
  • Flexible schedule & work at home
For more info, call 620-220-1540 or email
Bourbon County, Business, Kansas

KCP&L and Westar complete transition to Evergy

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Local utility debuts Evergy brand with community focus

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 20, 2019 – This week, KCP&L and Westar Energy will launch a customer education campaign to introduce the companies’ new brand name, Evergy. The campaign highlights the utility’s continued focus on communities it serves.
“While our name has changed, our character has not. We remain committed to stabilizing prices for our customers and remaining deeply involved in the communities we serve,” Terry Bassham, Evergy’s president and chief executive officer, said. “Operating under the same name across our communities in Kansas and Missouri helps solidify that we are one company ready to meet the region’s energy needs and bring innovative programs to our customers.”
Westar and KCP&L merged in June 2018 to form the parent company, Evergy. The new company delayed changing its name for customers to minimize confusion. Televisions spots, billboards and other advertisements introducing Evergy feature employees and communities the company serves in Kansas and Missouri. Initially, ads will let customers know the name change is coming. Advertisements will also communicate when the name change becomes effective in October.
“Our service and product touch everyone in the communities we serve. When they see Evergy on trucks, in the news and in their mailbox, we want them to recognize their local energy provider,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy’s chief customer officer.
Today customers can still reach both companies at their respective phone numbers and websites. Outage reporting, bill payment and other business functions for customers have not changed. When the rebrand is complete in October, web customers will be redirected to evergy.com, bills and other correspondence will be mailed with the Evergy logo. In the upcoming weeks, customers will receive information about the name change a variety of ways, including advertisements, direct mail, email and inserts in their billing statements.
More information about the name change is available online at Westarenergy.com/evergy and kcpl.com/evergy.
Why Evergy?
When KCP&L and Westar agreed to merge as equals and serve customers as one company, a new brand was promised from the start. Evergy was selected after research that included consulting with customers and employees. A combination of ever and energy, Evergy conveys our proud history as a reliable, enduring source of energy for our community and our vision to continue being so far into the future.

About the campaign
Electricity is part of everyday life and enables us to experience life’s best moments. We begin our
day with the glow of a light bulb and might finish it under the lights at a little league game. Evergy
employees make that happen. They are members of the community and live, volunteer, shop and
play alongside our customers every day. They’re excited to be part of a company that’s been
keeping the lights on in Kansas and Missouri for more than 100 years and positioned to continue
moving energy, and our communities, forward.

About KCP&L and Westar Energy:
Serving approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light
Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the
electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we
provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities
where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and
innovative solutions.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 20

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 20th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-2020 Budget

10:30-10:35-2019 Primary Election Tie Breaker

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

NPR Continues Story on Mercy Hosptal Closing

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The following is part of a series from National Public Radio and Sarah Jane Tribble for Kaiser Health News on the closing of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, December 2018, taken from Facebook.

Nationwide, more than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. The loss of these hospitals has forced a change in the way emergency care is provided, including a greater reliance on air ambulances.

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Happenings by the Chamber of Commerce

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Fort Scott Community College Program ranks #2 in Kansas!! (See press release flyer below for more information)
To see the full list of rankings of nursing programs, click this link: https://www.nursingexplorer.com/states/kansas
If you would like more information about the FSCC nursing program, click this link: www.fortscott.edu/nursing
Hedgehog.INK will be open on Sundays and Mondays from 1:00-5:00pm starting Sunday, July 7th.  During the month of August, adult fiction gently used books will be buy 2 get 1 free (see flyer below)
Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday
In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720 (See flyer below)
Save the Date: 2019 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Saturday, September 14th at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton in Fort Scott (See flyer below)
$200 per team includes green fees, cart & lunch. Deadline to enter is September 6th.

This fundraiser will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties.

For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7401, ext. 230 or [email protected]
16-17
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
16 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion,
1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This week’s concert features Mike Lundeen on keyboard – eclectic style music, gospel and light classics. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.  In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
17 Flicks on the Bricks: Beauty & The Beast – Live Action (sponsored by the City of Fort Scott) – Skubitz Plaza,
100 Old Fort Blvd, movie starts at sundown  (FREE ADMISSION)
17 Woodland Hills Golf Course 1 Person Scramble –
2414 S. Horton, 8am shotgun start

1-Person scramble where players may play a second ball on any shot; however, once played, the second shot must be used. The tournament will be flighted based on final score

$35/Woodland Hills member, $50/non-member – includes 18 holes of competition, prizes, lunch following play

Contact Shannon O’Neil at 620-223-5060
17
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
17
Begin the Begin (sounds of R.E.M.) concert at Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., Saturday, August 17th at 7pm

Tickets $10, on sale now at the Brewery, Visitors Center and the Chamber (231 E. Wall St.)

Visit www.boileroombrewhaus.com
18
Heartland Showcase Boer Goar Sale – Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., 10am (See flyer below)

Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Sale, Sunday, August 18th at 10am. There will be viewing times for Saturday, August 17th at 4-6pm and Sunday, August 19th starting at 10am. This will be at the Bourbon Co. Fairgrounds on 2102 S. Huntington Blvd in Fort Scott. There will be a complimentary lunch from 11am-12pm

Consignors: Tate Farms, Thunder Boer Goats, Road 20 Farms, Criser Ranch, Sunflower Boer Goats, Anderson Boer Goat Acres, StripeBoers, Broken Trigger Boer Goats, Rock’n B Ranch, Quality Boer, Fanning Farms, and 4 Star Ranch

You may contact Lisa Stripe at 402-759-5497 or Jill Lanham at 402-984-8344
18
Meet & Greet Abbie Hodgson – Candidate for Congress 2020 (See flyer below)

The public is invited to a Meet & Greet with Abbie Hodgson – Candidate for Congress 2020

When: Sunday, August 18th at 2pm
Where: Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., Fort Scott

Democrat Abbie Hodgson will seek the party’s nomination to challenge freshman GOP Rep. Steve Watkins in Kansas’ 2nd congressional district, which includes Lawrence, Topeka and Leavenworth
18 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
19 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main,
12-1pm
19 Community Book Club – email Sara Coon for location: [email protected]

August’s book is “The Drive”, by Teresa Bruce
20-21
Story Time, hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library –
201 S. National, 10-11am

Join Miss Val and other local families for a themed story time, featuring 2-3 books read aloud, songs or fingerplays, craft, and snack, along with a play table for before and after the stories. All story times welcome any age children and teens
Some themes are based around seasons, holidays, and annual events, while others are chosen by regular attendees
For more information, visit fortscott.mykansaslibrary.orgor see our Facebook events page by clicking HERE
Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and snacks related to our theme in the downstairs event room. Hope you can come. Tell your friends!
20 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
20 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
20
Respond to the Call – Give Blood! Fort Scott Community Blood Drive – Battle of the Badges (see flyer below)

Where: Fort Scott Community Blood Drive at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue
When: Tuesday, August 20th – 1pm-7pm
            Wednesday, August 21st – 9am-1pm

Please call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment

Visit redcrossblood.org. Download the Blood Donor app!
20 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living,
3rd Tuesday of each month – 820 S. Horton, 2-4pm

Residents and public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month
20 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 4-6pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
20 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
21 KDOT Local Consult Meeting (Southeast Region) – Independence Civic Center, 410 N. Penn Ave., Independence, KS 67301 – 9am-12pm

The public is welcome to attend and give input on future transportation projects
21 2019 Fort Scott Community College Business Expo –
2108 S. Horton

The purpose of this event is to display local resources to FSCC students and community. Also for FSCC to continue and/or create new relationships with local businesses

This is a free event with lots of exposure to students and the community. This is also a great opportunity to hire new employees or promote your business

If you would like your business to participate, call Kassie Cate, FSCC Student Activity Coordinator, at 918-801-5060

Complimentary coffee and pastries are available to participating businesses in the faculty lounge (north hall, labeled “Faculty Lounge” above the doorway)

Students will receive a stamp card that will be stamped at each table they visit. Students who visit twelve or more tables and turn in a stamp card will be entered to win raffle prizes
21 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
21
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
21
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library –
201 S. National, 4:15-5:15pm

Join Teen Advisory Group members in the library events room. This event is exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snacks night, community service project, book club meeting, and craft night each month. Members can help the library develop programs, displays, and book collections that better serve teens! Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. See you at TAG, and bring your friends!
22
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee is being hosted by Ascension Via Christi Hospital Fort Scott
Location:  401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
22 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm (See flyer below)

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
22 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
22 Meet & Greet with Congressman Steve Watkins at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National, 4-5pm

The public is invited to a meet & greet with Congressman Steve Watkins at Boiler Room Brewhaus at 4pm

Visit Congressman Steve Watkins’ website HERE
22 Recognition of Dick Hedges – 50 years as Tribune guest writer – Hedgehog.INK Book Store, 16 S. Main St.,
4:30-6pm; remarks at 5:15pm (See flyer below)

The public is invited to a reception honoring Dick Hedges as a 50-year guest writer of the Fort Scott Tribune. Dick writes a weekly Saturday article of human interest and everyday happenings
22 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center,
735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
22 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from
7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!
23-24
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
23 Author Talk and Book Signing with Rebecca Thesman at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 6-7pm (see flyer below)

Meet and greet author Rebecca Thesman. There will be an author talk, Q & A, and booksigning. Her book will be available for purchase in the bookstore. Light refreshments will be served. Visit www.facebook.com/hedgesbookstore/
23 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion,
1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This week’s concert features the Apostolic Church Acapella Choir. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.  In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
24
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
24
Southeast Kansas Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Gorilla Village, Pittsburg, KS, 8am (See flyer below)

Help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Walk in honor of or in memory of someone with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a community event for all ages. No entry fee. Walkers who register and raise at least $100 receive the event T-shirt. 1-mile walk route. Please register online at alzwalkseks.org. Event day registration starts at 8:00 a.m., Ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m., Walk starts at 9:15 a.m.
For more information, click HERE
24 7th Annual Fort Scott National Cemetery #1 Wreath Ride – Registration at 3rd & Main St. from 9-10am

The 7th Annual ride in support of the Wreath Across America Project in Ft. Scott National Cemetery #1. All vehicles are welcome. All proceeds go towards the purchase of a wreath for our nation’s finest buried at Ft. Scott National Cemetery

Registration: 3rd & Main St., Fort Scott, KS, 9-10:30am

$35/bike, $50/truck – includes 1 meal & 1 t-shirt, 2 chances for Grand Prize (American Flag Knife). Extra meal $7.50, additional t-shirts $20.00. Drawing for a Sig Sauer M17 & 1911 Pistol donated by Fort Scott Gun & Pawn

For more information contact Kevin Wagner: 620-215-2174
24 Benefit Fundraiser for the Leatherman Family – Bourbon County 4-H Building, 2102 S. Huntington in Fort Scott, 5-8pm

Benefit Fundraiser for the Leatherman family – Saturday, August 24th, 5-8pm, at the Bourbon County 4-H Building, 2102 S. Huntington in Fort Scott.

Meal (free will donation): pulled pork, beans, skillet potatoes, served from 5-6:30pm

Live auction –  6:30pm (if you would like to donate auction items, contact Wilma Hibdon: 620-224-0707

Cornhole Tournament immediately after the auction – $20 per team

Leanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Mark and Leanne have been travelling back and forth to Joplin for chemo treatments and doctor’s appointments. Surgery to remove her tumors was done with good results. The Leatherman’s have been lifelong 4-H supporters and Fair Board members. Please come out and join us in supporting this wonderful family!
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Wreaths Across America Ride Aug. 24

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Local Businesses Support 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride

Benefitting Wreaths Across America Mission

The 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride will take place this year on Saturday, 24 August in Fort Scott, KS to once again benefit national nonprofit Wreaths Across America and its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

Supported by nearly 100 local business and sponsors, the Fort Scott Wreath Ride will host hundreds of veterans and bikers, in addition to a local police escort and the Contract Freighters, Inc. fleet of military-wrapped trailers from Joplin, MO.

The Fort Scott Wreath Ride began in July of 2013 as an effort to sponsor wreaths for the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Scott National Cemetery located on the eastern outskirts of Fort Scott, KS.

In 2018, the Fort Scott Wreath Ride and other fundraising efforts helped provide the funds necessary to sponsor full wreath coverage of the cemetery, a goal Kevin Wagner, volunteer Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America, Fort Scott National Cemetery, hopes to repeat in 2019.

This year’s ride will be held Saturday, 24 August from 9 am to 3 pm CDT. The ride will begin at 3rd and Main Street in Fort Scott. Bike registration will take place at that location from 9 am to 10:30 am.

Among the nearly 100 sponsors, organizer’s note the exceptional participation and support of Fort Scott Gun and Pawn which has donated two pistols to be raffled off, CFI Skyco Distribution, Union State Bank, Arma American Legion Post #182 Auxilary and Arma Son’s of the American Legion Squadron #182, Hideout Harley, Nitro Promo, and Boiler Room Brewhouse which will donate proceeds from their Beer of the Month throughout the month of August to Wreaths Across America at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

“It’s hard to single out a few sponsors,” said Kevin Wagner. “Each helps us in their own way.”

Veterans, active-duty military, their families, bikers, and the local community are invited to attend and participate in the 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride. Press photos are available upon request.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexandra Desaulniers, Wreaths Across America, Public Relations Coordinator, Direct: 207-598-7645,Main: 877-385-9504,  Columbia Falls, ME 04623, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,400 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas. For more information, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Bourbon County, Health Care

Art Therapy in Medicine

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Introducing Arts in Medicine, now Accepting Applications

 

Topeka, Kan. – Arts in Medicine, a partnership between the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and Emporia State University (ESU), is accepting applications from associations, agencies and organizations that provide medical services to Kansans.

If accepted, art therapy faculty and two second-year graduate art therapy students from Emporia State University will work with the applicant agency to build a medical arts program and schedule that meets the needs of specified populations.

Applicants should be interested in offering patients, clients, or staff art therapy services such as, but not limited to:

  • Group art therapy programming designed to meet the psycho-social needs of patients, caregivers or medical personnel
  • Individual art therapy for patients receiving treatment (i.e. cancer treatments or transfusions)
  • Art-based workshops for medical personnel or clinicians in training (stress relief, group bonding, etc.)
  • Arts-based programs at special events (grief camps, open houses, etc.)

Applicants must be Kansas-based institutions, organizations or associations that provide medical services to Kansas residents. Applications are welcome from agencies that serve all age and developmental levels. Art experience and art skills are not necessary.

Applications are due by Sept. 6, 2019. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a panel including members of KCAIC, ESU and art therapy professionals.

 

To submit an application, visit https://kansascaic.submittable.com.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Next Steps: Men Supporting Their Family

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Next Steps co-coordinators Sue Emmons and David Goodyear will start weekly gatherings next week.

A local initiative to move fathers out of dependence to become self-supporting is restarting August 19.

Next Steps is a local program of Connections to Success that the Kansas government provides to work with men in transition from dependence.

New co-coordinators David Goodyear and Sue Emmons are starting a new term with the program, replacing Jean Tucker, who had to step down for health reasons.

“It’s a 14-week structured curriculum,” Goodyear said. “It has a three-day intensive ‘get to know you’, team building and skills assessment.”

“We are targeting men, but we are not exclusive,” Goodyear said. They work with women wanting to become self-sustaining as well.

Next Steps meets Mondays from 5-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott.

First United Methodist Church at 2nd Street and National Avenue, is the venue for Next Steps.

“The program is a collaboration of churches,” Goodyear said.

It is comprised of facilitators, who lead the discussion on a chosen topic, such as budgeting tools, conflict resolution, how to present yourself to an employer, how to do a resume, etc.

“We focus on personal, developmental, relational, vocational and spiritual,” Goodyear said.

Other people in the program are dedicated to helping with transporting participants to the meetings, and childcare during the meetings.

Then there are mentors-people who walk beside another person.

As a mentor, he has worked to develop relationships to help participants with decision making on such subjects as managing money or family conflicts, he said.

Many are battling isolation, lack of value and lacking a sense of belonging, Goodyear said.

“There is dignity in providing for themselves…We’ve had pretty good success,” he said.

Participants must learn such attributes as the mutual respect of showing up on time and not disrupting in group settings, Goodyear said.

Ages of participants in the past have varied from people in their 20s to those in their 60s.

For Emmons, she had been aware of the program and had referred people in prior jobs and was asked to join Next Steps as a facilitator/mentor about six months ago.

For Goodyear, the most practical way to show someone the Gospel of Jesus Christ is building relationships. He has been in the role of both facilitator and mentor as well for about five years.

To him, 1 John 3:18, is the inspiration: “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

For more information: contact Goodyear through Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene at 620-223-0131 or Emmons at 620-224-8096.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Immunizations: No Appointment/No Local Provider Necessary at CHC/SEK

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Krista Postai

Krista Postai, President and CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas,  asked fortscott.biz to dispell some confusion.

 

“There has been some confusion in Ft. Scott about immunizations (at CHC/SEK),” she said. “In the past, we understood that Mercy (Hospital) usually required a well-child visit or a physical (exam) before administering immunizations.”

 

” While it’s a great idea to get your child’s immunizations as part of their regular check-up, that’s not always possible so it’s CHC/SEK’s policy  to provide shots on a walk-in basis at all of our clinics anytime we are open.”

 

No appointment is necessary for the immunizations.

 

Shots can be administered at the center no matter if the primary care physician is affiliated with CHC/SEK.

 

“We also do immunizations for anyone regardless of who their primary care provider is, so you don’t have to be one of our patients to get you or your child vaccinated,” she said. ” We do ask that you bring your child’s immunization record.”

 

The facility is located at 403 Woodland Hills Blvd., at the site of the former Mercy Hospital.

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas, Schools

DCF Terminates Grant Funding for Kansas Reading Roadmap Administrator

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Audit Discovered Non-Compliance with Grant Terms and Conditions

 

Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today terminated the agreement with Hysell & Wagner, LLC, which administers the Kansas Reading Roadmap (KRR) program. In addition, Howard also announced the agency will directly fund schools that made plans to offer the KRR program during the 2019-20 school year at the same level Hysell & Wagner was contractually obligated under the terminated grant.

 

“The Department for Children and Families is committed to ensuring that recipients of federal and state funds are spending those funds efficiently,” Howard said. “After reviewing the results of a DCF audit and despite heightened oversight during the first six months of 2019, it’s clear that Hysell & Wagner is falling short of this basic standard.”

 

The audit, initiated during the Brownback administration but never finalized or released, uncovered problems with internal controls required to achieve compliance with grant terms and conditions and applicable state regulations. All totaled, DCF auditors determined nearly $2.3 million were incorrectly claimed and paid to Hysell & Wagner during the time period from February 2014 to December 2015.

 

Since January, DCF Economic and Employment Services leadership uncovered additional concerns with Hysell & Wagner’s FY 2019 Kansas Reading Roadmap grant, including:

–          TANF funds, categorized as indirect costs, used for excessive payments to company executives surpassing federal salary limits

–          $216,000 was paid to owners as direct expenses and more than $607,000 has been charged to the grant in “guaranteed payments” as indirect expenses which would also go to the owners

–          TANF funds, categorized as indirect costs, were used for 38 trips between Kansas and the CEO’s and CFO’s residences in Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA

–          Administrative expenses charged to the Kansas Reading Roadmap grant exceeded federal and grant-specific limits of 15% of grant costs.

DCF has, in good faith, worked with Hysell & Wagner to educate and correct the identified issues. Despite these efforts, Hysell & Wagner continues to struggle with the heightened monitoring requirements and has rejected revisions in their FY 2020 contract addressing indirect costs.

 

 

“I’ve always been concerned about the use of no-bid contracts and lack of accountability under the previous administration,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s clear that the State of Kansas cannot continue to support Hysell & Wagner’s administration of the Kansas Reading Roadmap program.

 

I am pleased that the Department for Children and Families is providing direct funding to schools for the coming year to ensure they receive the funds they’re counting on.”

 

Hysell & Wagner has until September 15 to complete their work with the program including providing notice of termination to sub-recipients of the award. DCF issued the draft audit to Hysell & Wagner August 15. The company has up to 30 days to respond. Once the agency receives their response the audit report will be finalized and made public.

 

Following is a complete list of schools who will receive funding directly from DCF for the 2019-20 school year.

 

Kansas Reading Roadmap Schools
• USD 210 Hugoton
• USD 216 Deerfield
• USD 235 Uniontown-Bourbon
• USD 247 Southeast Cherokee
• USD 252 Southern Lyon County
• USD 283 Elk Valley
• USD 288 Central Heights
• USD 297 St. Francis
• USD 298 Valley Heights
• USD 310 Fairfield
• USD 322 Onaga
• USD 333 Concordia
• USD 341 Oskaloosa
• USD 353 Wellington
• USD 383 Manhattan
• USD 386 Madison-Virgil
• USD 404 Riverton
• USD 417 Council Grove
• USD 428 Great Bend
• USD 440 Halstead Bentley
• USD 447 Cherryvale
• USD 457 Winfield
• USD 487 Herington
• USD 493 Columbus/Highland Park
• USD 497 Lawrence
• USD 503 Parsons
• USD 504 Oswego
• USD 505 Chetopa
• USD 506 Labette County
• USD 508 Baxter Springs
• Manhattan Boys and Girls Club
• Olathe Boys and Girls Club