Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Health Care

Health Department Moving Soon And A New Area Director

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Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a facility currently housed in a modular office building on the Bourbon County Courthouse square, is moving.

“We hope to be completed by the end of May,” Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer said.

“Every day we are getting closer to moving in,” Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director said. Johnson assumed the position on April 1, 2019.

“There will be lots of possibilities for health care related agencies to use the facility,” Johnson said. “We are looking into a telemedicine possibility.”

The new location is at 6th and Horton Streets and will provide more than twice the size of the existing building, Fischer said.

The Bourbon County employees will remain the same: Alice Maffet-public health nurse, Kristi George-administrative assistant and head billing clerk, Gayle Green, Healthy Start Home Visitor and Johnson.

“I’ll be working there primarily,” Johnson said.

Chardel Hastings, the previous SEKMCHD director, is stepping into the position of Woodson County Public Health Nurse, Johnson said.

 

Jeff Fischer, District 2 Bourbon County Commissioner.

In December 2018, SEKMCHD purchased the building from Cornerstone Bible Church. The structure was originally built by Mercy Hospital in 1992 to provide health care services.

 

A building permit was granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area, Fischer said.

 

Walls and doors were installed to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms, he said.

 

“Painting is going on right now,” Fischer said. “Once that is done, the electrician and cabinet folks can come in.”

 

The electrical, plumbing and cabinetry work has yet to be completed.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Health Care, Housing

Fundraiser Benefits Presbyterian Village Residents

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Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The annual Fort Scott Presbyterian Village benefit dinner, auction and vacation raffle is May 15.

The fundraiser is for tenants of the assisted living facility who outlive their funds stored for retirement years.

Ginger Nance, executive director of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village answered the following interview questions.

 

Who will it benefit from this fundraiser?

“We are a Christian mission, not for profit, independent and assisted senior living community.  As people age, they usually put back money for ‘old age’ thinking it will surely be enough to meet their needs, knowing they will retire and not be able to continue working at some point.

“Life continues and sometimes seniors are faced with the reality that they never dreamed they’d live as old as they may currently be.”

“For example, we had a tenant once who lived in our assisted living who lived to be 104 years old.  She told us,  ‘I never dreamed I’d live to be older than 90!’ A decade later, she was still able to enjoy life and do many of the things she enjoyed so much, such as gardening, but she was not physically able to return to the workforce to earn money for that 14 years that she had not planned for.  Who could?!

“In our Christian mission, we are dedicated to making sure that our seniors needs are met as long as they can continue to physically live in assisted living at the Presbyterian Village, regardless of whether they can afford their care or not.  This is only possible through generous donors who believe in our program and see the wonderful quality of life that their tax-deductible donations can provide. ”

 

“We accept donations all year-long to support this charitable program, but once a year we hold a live auction and dinner to boost the money raised in order to cover the deficit that some of our seniors have.  For this reason, on May 15th, we will hold our annual Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner and hope to bring in more than $30,000 to cover that need.”

 

“For the event, we are selling tickets for a 3 piece Chicken Mary’s dinner which includes two sides, a homemade desert (made by many wonderful local bakers), and a bottle of water.  Ticket prices are $9.00 each in advance, or $12.00 at the door.  The dinners will serve from 4:30-6:30pm.  We will also have a drive through service available if you are not able to stay for the live auction that will be held, but would like to simply pick up dinner to take home.  Be sure to get your tickets early though, we usually sell out by the morning of the event and we don’t want anyone to go without a dinner.”

 

What will be going on that evening?

“A live auction will be held in the parking garages on the back side of the building, held by Nance Auction Service.  Come see all the great items we have to offer!  Everything from a Chevy Malibu car, tools, antiques, collectibles, household furniture, outdoor and hobby items, to knic knacs will be offered.  There is truly something for everyone!  The auctioneers engage the crowd and the fun begins among buyers and spectators.  Most everything will be inside the garages so there will be cover in case of rain.”

“A few premier silent auction items will be inside near the cashiers table, as well.”

“Additionally, we will have a ‘Buy It Now’ area set up at one end of the garage for those who would rather purchase and go.

“If you are not able to attend the auction but would like to leave a bid on an item that you are interested in, please contact Ginger Nance in advance to leave a bid.  We will also have people at the auction to assist if you are nervous about raising your hand to bid, or would simply prefer to have someone else bid for you.

 

“Last but not least, we are also selling tickets for one lucky person to win a seven-day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The winner will stay at the beautiful Las Brisas condo which is appointed with all the luxuries of the Southwest that one could want while on vacation from your busy life. The condo is large enough for a family, yet intimate for a romantic get-away and is located within walking distance of the downtown attractions and dining.  Tickets for the opportunity to win are $5.00 each, or 3 tickets for $10.00.  The drawing will take place at the end of the auction and the winner does not have to be present to win.”

 

“All money raised remains local here at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village to directly impact the lives of seniors with a financial need,” states Nance.  “The program is confidential, otherwise we would ask a recipient of the program to give their testimony.”

“However, I have been the Executive Director at the Village for 17 years and I can attest that those who are utilizing the program often don’t even realize they are and their life continues unchanged and they continue to live the way they want to live, without interruption or worry.”

“The program is a dignified, loving gift of kindness from supporters, like you and I, and every dollar makes a direct impact on our senior’s lives,” states Nance.

 

“Join us for a great evening together!  We are located at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Tickets are available at the Presbyterian Village, or at the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott.

For more information contact Ginger Nance, Executive Director at (620) 223-5550 or email [email protected].

To view a partial listing of the auction items visit www.nanceauctionservice.com or come by to preview early on sale day.

Items are being added daily, so there are sure to be surprises on auction day.”

The location and directions to get there?

“Directions:  Take Highway 69 south on the bypass of Fort Scott, KS.  Turn west at 23rd street (at McDonald’s intersection light), then turn south on Horton Street.  We are located directly across the street from the Fort Scott Public Golf Course.

In case of rain, if it’s too wet to park in the grass, we will have people assisting with parking and a shuttle service will run between the Village and the Fort Scott Community College parking lot from 4:30-7:00 p.m.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown FFA Livestock Team Named State Champions!

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Makenzee Franklin, Haydon Schaaf, Nick Hathway, Clay Brillhart and FFA Sponsor Scott Sutton make up the Kansas State Champion Team 2019 in Livestock Judging.

 

After evaluating eight classes and presenting three sets of oral reasons, the Livestock Judging Team from the Uniontown FFA Chapter was named the State Champion team on Tuesday, May 7th in Manhattan, Kansas. The contest featured 75 schools of all classification levels from across the entire state of Kansas and 296 individual contestants. The team also ranked 1st in Cattle, 1st in Hogs, 2nd in Reasons and 2nd in Sheep and Goats.

 

Clay Brillhart led the team with a 2nd place individual performance and also tied for the High Individual in Reasons. Additionally, he was 1st in Cattle and 6th in Hogs.

 

Nick Hathaway came in 6th overall and ranked 8th in Cattle. Haydon Schaaf was 9th overall and placed 7th in Hogs. Makenzee Franklin was also on the team.

 

The livestock judging contest at the Kansas FFA State Career Development Events is considered the most prestigious contest among the many that take place in Manhattan, Kansas every May. Winning the contest qualifies the team to be the sole representative of Kansas at the 2019 National FFA Livestock Judging contest held in Indianapolis, Indiana in mid-October.
The team is coached by Uniontown FFA Advisor Scott Sutton.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott McDonald’s: McCoy Retires

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Photo of McDonald’s Restaurant, 2224 S. Main, Fort Scott, following the renovation in December 2018 of the business site.

After 46 years with McDonald’s Restaurant, 19 of those here in Fort Scott, owner Mark McCoy is retiring.

As of May 1, Glen Nichols, Pittsburg, is the new owner.

“He is a great gentleman,” McCoy said of Nichols. “He owns restaurants in Pittsburg, Chanute, Parsons, Independence, Coffeyville, Baxter Springs and Columbus.”

Facebook photo.

“I am an active person, retiring is not in my vocabulary,” McCoy said. “Mo (his wife) and I will continue to be active in the community.”

Because of his job at McDonald’s, McCoy moved here from Kansas City 19 years ago, he said.

“We have enjoyed living here and will continue to do so,” McCoy said.

The quick-service industry has changed over the decades, he said.

“When I started with McDonald’s 46 years ago, we didn’t have a breakfast menu,” he said.  “The restaurant I started with didn’t have indoor seating….the majority of people employed there was 20ish and under.”

More recently McDonald’s has opened self-serve kiosks, mobile order and pay and Uber Eats, a delivery service, he said.

“We don’t have an Uber Eats in Fort Scott, we don’t have an Uber service,” McCoy said.

Currently, at Fort Scott McDonald’s Restaurant there are 55 employees, he said.

Many are older employees.

“The majority of the quick-serve industry are older, more mature folks (employees),” McCoy said. “That has evolved over the years in the U.S.”

McCoy plans to travel and visit family in California.

“I have two brothers and a daughter in California,” he said. “We hope to be able to travel.”

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Good Samaritan Auction, May 15

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“Come out for a great time with us on Wednesday evening, May 15th,” Ginger Nance, Executive Director of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, said. “See the sale bill attached for many great items at the auction.  More is being added daily so there will be some great surprises on auction day!  Get your dinner tickets early, we always sell out on auction day!”

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is located at 2401 S. Horton,

Fort Scott, KS 66701, and can be reached at (620) 223-5550.

Inline image

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Customer Appreciation Days At Fort Scott Munitions

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Merchandise specials and giveaways are part of the Fort Scott Munitions Customer Appreciation Days, which is in conjunction with Fort Scott’s Good Ol’ Days, May 31-June 1.
The business is located at 523 E. Wall, near the intersection of Hwy. 69 and 54.
“We’ll have store deals and giveaways going on all day,” Dustin Doherty, Fort Scott Munitions Marketing Director said.
“Everyone is invited, it is free to attend as a spectator,” Doherty said. “There is a registration fee for the car show entries.”
Free lunch is provided for everyone, he said. “We are having 1,500 hamburgers and once we run out, then lunch is over.”

“We will have tons of in-store specials, we are even giving away a gun in store with appropriate registration and all that fun stuff,” Doherty said.

 

“We are having this annual event for several reasons, first and foremost it’s for our customers,” Doherty said. “It’s something that we do for them and their families. We want to give them good deals in our shop and feed them lunch and provide a family friendly event for them, which is where the car show comes in. It’s been very successful in the last couple of years and it keeps growing. We’ve added several new things this year such as bringing  Tanto in a day early to host a defensive shooting course, which we are selling tickets for at the shop. And we are doing a burnout contest as well, which should be a lot of fun.”
“We’ve had more businesses in town support the event as well as meeting with the city of Fort Scott to work in conjunction with Good Ol’ Days and the committee that runs that event”, he said.
“We are hoping to grow our car show and customer appreciation day alongside with Good Ol’ Days, maximizing exposure and bringing as many people to town as we can to ‘cross-pollinate’ and gain exposure for not only the events going on that day but to all participating businesses and organizations.”
These people will be at the Customer Appreciation Days:
The “American Rebel” group and Corvette;
The 2nd Amendment muscle car, designed by Danny “The Count” Koker of the TV show Counting Cars, and owned by Andy Ross, musician, and host of “Maximum Archery” on the Sportsman Channel, will be on display.
“Blue Line Bears will be here again,” Doherty said. “Megan, a young woman from Florida who hand sews teddy bears from fallen officers uniforms and presents them to the children of those officers, to help them with closure and the grieving process. It’s a very emotional and pure non-profit. And now, not only we have worked with them but Landmark National Bank in Fort Scott has also helped with raising money for this organization.”
“Landmark is doing a fundraiser for them on May 15th for Kansas’ National Law enforcement day being declared for the 15th,” he said.
“Hank Strange will be attending,” Doherty said. “Hank is a podcast, content creator and YouTube personality that promotes the second amendment (of the U.S. Constitution) while providing enjoyable/engaging content for gun enthusiasts alike.”
“It will be a great day and we hope everyone in the area will be able to attend all events going on that day,” Doherty said.
Saturday, June 1, the scheduled events:
8 am – Car show registration begins
9 am – Car Show Voting begins
10 am – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo
tin and book signing); Car show Pre-Registration Check-in Cutoff
11 am – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo tin and book signing); Car show Registration Ends
12 pm – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo tin and book signing); Free Lunch Begins The lunch ends when there are no more hamburgers.
1 pm –
2 pm – Car Show voting ends
2:30 pm – Car Show Awards presented, Charity Motorcycle Raffle Winner announced
2:30 pm – Burnout Contest on Clarke Street
Customers line up to enter Fort Scott Munitions during customer appreciation days June 2018.
Tickets for the charity motorcycle raffle will be sold all day leading up to the drawing/winner announcement.
Cars are lined up for the Fort Scott Munitions Customer Appreciation Days 2018.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Farm Machinery Safety Tips From K-State

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

Machinery represents an ever-present danger on the farm.

While machines save valuable time and are essential to productivity, use of farm machinery is hazardous, making them the source of most injuries and deaths on American farms and ranches.

 

While manufacturers design and build safety features into their machines, hazards cannot be completely eliminated without interfering with function. Timely maintenance, responsible use, and comprehensive safety awareness training are ways farmers can protect themselves and others from injury or death when working with and around agricultural machinery.

 

The primary responsibility for machinery safety rests with the operator. Operators must be aware of potential hazards with the specific piece of machinery they are operating. Safe operators respect machines for the work they perform and the dangers they present. Use these eight simple steps to be a safe machinery operator.

 

  1. Be aware. Recognize where and what the hazards are.
  2. Be prepared. Replace worn parts promptly and do daily pre-operational checks. Include preseason checks. Take advantage of the off-season to do additional maintenance work. This gives you time to order any shields and other parts you may need. Anticipate problems.
  3. Read the operator’s manual. The simple tips and precautions in this publication are no substitute for the operator’s manual for each piece of machinery. If the manual is missing, contact your dealer or check online to get another one.
  4. Shield all moving parts. Make the machine as safe as possible.
  5. Respect PTO and hydraulics. Remember that any machine that is powered by a power takeoff driveline (PTO) or has hydraulic systems is inherently dangerous.
  6. Shut it off. Before servicing any machine, disengage the PTO, turn off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all parts to stop moving.
  7. Watch yourself. Try to avoid particularly hazardous jobs if you’re physically ill or mentally distracted. Fatigue and stress cause many accidents.
  8. Use a machine only for its intended purpose.

 

With more consistently warmer temperatures, farmers will be in the field and on the roads. Pay special attention to slow moving vehicles, as the machinery operator has limited visibility.

 

To emphasize farm safety, the Southwind District will offer a Tractor Safety training on Tuesday, May 21 in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College for youth ages 14-15. For more information about farm or machinery safety or for details on Tractor Safety Training, please contact the Southwind Extension District at www.southwind.ksu.edu

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

…

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 22

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April 22, 2019                                                 Monday 9:00 am

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

Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman met with the Commissioners; Jim reported they are ditching at the Industrial Park, drilling at the Beth Quarry and blasting there next week. Jim said they will not have much rock surplus from the Thomas Quarry since they are hauling rock out as fast as they are producing it.

Jeff Fischer reported a call from the USD 234 school district bus superintendent with a safety concern on 195th near Rock Creek, Jeff said the base to the road is gone and there are potholes and drainage issues there. Jeff made a motion due to a safety concern and due to the base failure to reclaim from the bridge on 195th south to approximately Jayhawk Road for approximately ¼ mile, Jeff said they are not committing to repave this road this year, but may consider at a later date, Lynne seconded and all approved.

There was a discussion over who is responsible for maintaining Justice Lane, Marco Estates & Rocher Addition (on 225th). The Commissioners met with Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge and asked her to review if and when the County had accepted a road dedication and the maintenance responsibility of the following roads… Justice Lane, Marco Estates, Rocher Addition, Williams Street (near the Fort Scott Middle School), Ironwood and Golf view.

Lynne discussed a portion of Unique Road between 85th & 95th; he said the prior minutes did not reflect this as a closed road. Lynne said he felt they should close the road since it is not a through road. Jim Harris said according to the 1929 & 1933 maps this is not a road to close. Lynne made a motion to go into a10 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Shane Walker, Justin Meeks, Jerad Heckman, Jim Harris and Kendell Mason). No action was taken. Jim Harris said he goes by Shane Walker’s maps when reviewing roads. Shane Walker suggesting using a road classification system by population when maintaining gravel roads.

Matt Crystal met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed County-wide NRP program; Justin Meeks told him the program is still pending. Matt asked if he started construction today would he be grandfathered in the program, Justin said yes; Justin said once it is setup he hoped all of the entities would be participating in the County-wide NRP program, but said it could be setup with just the County participating.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:48, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Nick made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale; he said he has had several people contact him wanting to donate their property to the Land Bank.

At 3:37, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

04/30/2019, Approved Date

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite

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The Friday Night Free Concert Series will feature Rick Hite, this Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

Rick Hite is a native of Fort Scott and since moving home after a 38-year absence, he has been active in the music scene both here and during his travels.  In addition to playing locally, he has played at Mildred Store, in Mildred, KS, The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, NC, and most recently at venues in Jekyll Island, GA.  Rick loves all genres of music and provides a selection of entertainment from country, folk, Bluegrass, oldies and Gospel.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce sponsored show will be at the Heritage Park Pavilion, First and Main Streets, unless bad weather drives inside.  The alternate site is The Common Grounds Coffee Shop. 

“I am really pleased to get Rick to perform,” Ralph Carlson, concert coordinator said. “Rick made his career as a college professor and has retired back home in Ft. Scott.”

 

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

TUCKER MUSIC STUDIO PRESENTS RECITAL

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Front Row L to R: Benjamin Banwart, Josiah Banwart, Carolyn Tucker (teacher) Garren Tucker, Noelle Banwart, Abigail DeLoera. Back Row L to R: Abbigail Collins, Hannah Peck, Kelcie Bailey, Breisen Keller, Austin Sinn.

Piano students of Carolyn Tucker presented their annual recital, April 26, at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. Mrs. Tucker welcomed the guests and Rev. James Collins offered the invocation.

Benjamin Banwart performed “Carol Ann” by Michael W. Smith and “Lean on Me” as a duet with Tucker. Josiah Banwart played “Ballade” by Friedrich Burgmuller, and “She‘ll Be Comin‘ ‘Round the Mountain” as a duet with his teacher. Noelle Banwart performed “The Wild Horseman” by Robert Schumann and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as a duet with Tucker. Their parents are Mr. & Mrs. Trenton Banwart.

Abbigail Collins, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. James Collins, played “Theme from Trumpet Concerto in Eb” by Franz Joseph Haydn, and “Stars and Stripes Forever” as a duet with her teacher.

Abigail DeLoera, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mario DeLoera, performed “Largo” by Antonin Dvorak and “Love Me Tender” as a duet with Tucker.

Hannah Peck, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Virgil Peck, played “Waltz Op. 39, No. 15” by Johannes Brahms, and “Dixie” as a duet with her teacher.

Austin Sinn, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Doug Sinn, performed ”Roses from the South” by Johann Strauss, Jr.

Garren Tucker, son of Mr. & Mrs. Seth Tucker, performed “Quiet River” by Willard A. Palmer. Due to a scheduling conflict with state competitions, Gregg Tucker was absent

Former student Kelcie Bailey, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric Bailey, played “Spinning Song Op. 14” by Albert Elmenreich.

Former student Breisen Keller, son of Mr. & Mrs. Landon Keller, performed “Sonatina in C Major” by Muzio Clementine. Keller currently studies with Mr. Seth Ernst.

The students were awarded Certificates of Excellence, gift packets, and their favorite candy. An Elvis Gospel CD was awarded to Garren Tucker as a door prize. Amanda Collins and former student Kelcie Bailey served as guest book and program hostesses. Diane Spencer served as sound technician, and photography was provided by Michelle Harrison.

The recital concluded with a musical wrap-up by Ralph Carlson on guitar and Carolyn Tucker on piano. The instrumental selections were: Blue Tango, If, St. Louis Blues; Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing; There is a Fountain, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and There is Power in the Blood. Rev. Jimmy Tucker offered the benediction. Appreciation is extended to Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church for the use of their sanctuary. The Tucker Music Studio has been sharing the joy of music with area students for over 24 years.