Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Female Self Defense: Awareness, Boundary Setting and Combat

Leave a comment
Jill Leiker, Kansas City, center facing the camera, gives combat strategies to females of all ages Saturday at the T.A.K.E. Class at Fort Scott Middle School.
From left: Roger Kemp, initiator of the T.A.K.E. Self Defence Class, Bourbon County Undersheriff Ben Cole, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, and Kim Schwab, administrative assistant at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center show a facsimile of the check that was given to the T.A.K.E. Program before the class began on April 27. The sheriff’s office donated $3,000 to the T.A.K.E. Foundation.

Awareness, boundary setting, and combat strategies were given to  The Ally Kemp Education (T.A.K.E.)class participants on Saturday, April 27 at Fort Scott Middle School.

Ninety-eight females from 12 years old and up participated in the first female self-defense class in Fort Scott by the T.A.K.E. Foundation, Leawood.

Jill Leiker, from Kansas City, was the class instructor,

If someone makes you uncomfortable, “look at them, take a step ahead and look again at their face,” she said.

This is the first step to deter would-be assailants, Leiker said.

Then she showed the class some combat strategies.

The class participants practiced the strategies with a partner.

Leiker said women often have an inner voice that tells of impending danger.

“Don’t ever feel silly about telling Law Enforcement, if you have that gut feeling that something isn’t right,” Leiker said. “Listen to that voice, that gut feeling is most of the time correct.”

“An average predator watches you six to 12 times,” she said.

Before the class, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin presented T.A.K.E. Foundation Founder Roger Kemp with a check for $3,000.

“A portion of VIN (auto) inspection fees are paid directly to the Sheriff’s office and by statute can be used at the discretion of the sheriff,” said Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin.

“The TAKE program charges a $12 fee for each person who participates,” he said. “Briggs Auto paid the registration fees for anyone stopped by and signed up to attend. Other businesses gave donations to offset any woman having to pay to attend. The amount given to the Kemp  Foundation was $4,787, which included the donation from the sheriff’s office.”

Bourbon County, Business, Exercise, Health Care, Housing, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude

1 Comment
Expo attendees moved around to the vendor’s tables before the first whole group educational panel discussion on the opioid crisis.

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo filled the gym of Community Christian Church on Friday to hear breakout speakers on the opioid crisis, scams against senior citizens, life with partial sight, veteran’s benefits, gardening, farm families in tough times, and getting beyond superficial conversations.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, Smallville Crossfit owners, facing the camera, lead the group in exercises.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, owners of Smallville Crossfit, Fort Scott, demonstrated exercises that can even be done from a chair.

Patty LaRoche gave an inspirational speech on “What Matters Most.”

There are four components of aging to find contentment, she said, which include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues. She listed humorous and contemplative examples of each component.

Patty LaRoche

And door prizes galore were handed to attendees by vendors, businesses and organizations.

Resource fair vendors were Girard Medical Center, K-State Extension, Hometown Health Care, Moore-Few Care Center, Arrowood Lane Residential Care, Kansas Agricultural Medication Services, Heritage Health Care, Medicalodges Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Library System, Integrity Home Care and Hospice, Presbyterian Village, Resource Center for Independent Living, State Farm Insurance, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Angels Care Home Health, Ascension Via Christi, SKIL Resource Center and Kansas AgrAbility.

A panel session on the opioid crisis was composed of,  from left facing camera: Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Pharmacist Craig Campbell, Community Health Center Peer Mentor Heather Burns, Community Health Center Addiction Treatment Amy Phillips, and Fort Scott Police Department Chief Travis Shelton. Moderator is K-State Extension Agent Joy Miller at right.
Ginger Nance and Becky Kellum, Presbyterian Village personnel, visit with a person at their booth.
State Farm Insurance Agent Kale Nelson visits with an attendee.
Denise Groene, director of Wichita Better Business Bureau, leads the session entitled “Scams Against Seniors.”
LaShawn Noel, a social worker with Integrity Home Care and Hospice, leads a session on “Getting Beyond ‘I’m Fine'”.
“Helping You and Your Family Through a Tough Farm Economy,” was a session led by Char Henton, Forrest Buhler and Gary Kepka from Kansas Agricultural Medication Services.
Veteran Services Representative Ryon Knop leads the session “Veteran’s Benefits for Spouse and Dependents.”
“Living a Full Life with Partial Sight” was a session led by Southeast Kansas Library Special Needs Consultant Melissa Frantz and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Amanda Smith.
K-State Horticulture Agent Krista Harding leads the session “Garden At Any Age.”
Pharmacist Craig Campbell leads an expanded session on the opioid crisis.

Additional support for the expo was provided by Community Christian Church, Dale and Betty Johnson, Cheney Witt Funeral Home.

Helping with introducing the speakers were 15 Fort Scott Community College Ambassadors, with help serving the meal provided by Fort Scott Community College Volleyball Students.

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support this expo event.

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Spruces Up

Leave a comment
Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

Spring cleaning is the time to clean up your yards, attics, garage and closets.

Next weekend, a small town in the area will be renting huge trash hauling bins to helps its citizens to do just that.

Uniontown City Council helps provide the town’s citizens a way to get rid of unwanted, unsightly items.

The city council rents huge trash hauling bins twice a year,  once before Uniontown High School graduation in May and again before Old Settlers Picnic weekend, in August, this year May 3-5 and August 23-25.

The bins are located on city property near the corner of First and Clay Streets.

The city property where the trash bins will be located for the clean up day.

“This assists our residents with the clean up of their property and to keep our town clean and appealing to visitors,” Sally Johnson, Uniontown City Clerk, said.

Absolutely no tires, batteries, or freon are allowed in the city’s trash hauling bins.

The city will recycle metal.

“There will be an area to the side (of the bins) for metal objects that are then taken for recycling,” Johnson said.

 

The town-wide clean up is for Uniontown residents only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes From April 16

Leave a comment

April 16, 2019                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

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

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jim Harris presented 1 application for 2 permits for Pioneer LLC to install pipes under the road to water cattle from a pond across the road; one location is at 40th south of Cavalry (2” water line) the second is at 50th south of Eagle (3” water line). Jeff made a motion to approve the permit, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jim Harris presented the Paser Asphalt Road Manual to the Commissioners; he said this could be used to rate the condition of the roads.

Jim Harris said he had found two used tractors for sale; a 2011 New Holland with 1754 hours with no warranty for $39,900 and a 2017 John Deere for $53,950 this is a demo model with 30 hours and a 1 ½ year warranty. Jim Harris suggested that Road & Bridge, Landfill and the Sales Tax fund could pay for the tractor. After discussion; Jeff made a motion to approve purchasing the 2017 John Deere for $53,950, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jesse Walker met with the Commissioners; he asked that the County maintain a portion of 95th & Unique. He said he had found a 1977 survey that shows this is a County road. Lynne said he discussed this road with Lora Holdridge, she said this road is still on the map; Jim said that Shane Walker said this road did not appear on the maps. Jim Harris said if it is a County road then he felt the County should build a road all the way through to 85th. Lynne said he would continue to research this road.

Jim Harris reported that the Noxious Weed department will be moved from Uniontown to the Road & Bridge barn in Fort Scott at the end of this week. Jim said it will be open for chemical sales on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons & Friday mornings as well as by appointment. The Commissioners discussed the soon to be vacant Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; Lynne made a motion to give Jim Harris the authority to list the building for sale, there was not a 2nd on the motion. Jeff suggested that the County find out the value of the property and to explore alternative uses for the building.

Jim Harris said they will be patching on 215th, will be covering the Landfill, finishing up a Timberhill culvert, moving the excavator to install a culvert, doing ditching northwest of Fort Scott, using the excavator on Soldier, will be drilling next week at the Blake Quarry to prepare for a blast and said they have 20 driveway culverts to replace on Condensory Road before overlaying the road.

Jeff questioned who maintained the roads around Rock Creek; Jim Harris said this was the City of Fort Scott’s property.

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, Justin Meeks and Jim Harris). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to have free dump days at the Landfill on May 17th & May 18th for Bourbon County residents including tires, no commercial businesses, Jeff seconded and all approved the motion.

The Commissioners held a 2019 budget amendment hearing for the Ambulance fund; the budget amendment allows for a total of $1,020,000 of expenditures, $316,020 had already been budgeted, this amendment allows for an additional $703,980 of expenditures. Lynne made a motion to approve the 2019 budget amendment for the ambulance fund, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the budget amendment. The Commissioners are responsible for the ambulance budget.

Nancy Van Etten questioned housing conditions and regulations in the County; the Commissioners said the only codes the County has are septic tank regulations and that there are no codes in the County.

Jeff made a motion to move the April 23rd Commission meeting to April 22nd, Nick seconded and all approved.

Dale Arnold met with the Commissioners; he discussed trees that were trimmed near the Sale Barn, he said the tree trunks are still there and said you can’t see around the corner when the trees have leaves on them. Jeff reported this to Jim Harris.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 20 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.

Jeff 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, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:44, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

04/22/2019, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Get Your BBQ On: April 26 at the Fairgrounds

Leave a comment
Anyone interested in grilling and barbecuing can learn more during BBQ 101, lead by K-State Research and Extension Agent’s Kathy McEwan and Chris Petty, along with Mayco Ace hardware store owner Chris Maycumber on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
 “There will be some taste testing, but it’s mostly classroom style education,” Petty said.  “We will have cuts of meat, and grills on display.”
The class is free but limited to 25 people,  and pre-registration is required by calling 620-223-3720.
“Spots are filling up fast,” Petty said.
Bourbon County

Fort Scott’s Women Self Defense Class This Saturday

Leave a comment
Kim Schwab, left, Roger Kemp, and Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin talk with Bourbon County Attorney Jacqui Spradling at the March 29 Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee. Schwab, Kemp, and Martin talked about the upcoming self-defense class initiated by the Sheriff’s Office to coffee attendees.

The Ali Kemp Education Foundation, T.A.K.E.,  will present a class on female self-defense, this Saturday, April 27 at Fort Scott Middle School.

The class is from 10 a.m. to noon.
“The first part of the class is a lecture on safety awareness,” said Kim Schwab, administrative assistant at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center who is handling the registration for the event.  “The second part is combat training, hands-on techniques done with a partner.”
Schwab has taken the class in another town and highly recommends women take personal responsibility for their own safety.
“We are offering the class because we live in dangerous times and every women’s personal safety is her personal responsibility,” Schwab said. “It is a survival skill that women of every age should know.”
A $12 donation is requested, but it is not required, she said.
“It actually costs more than $12 per person to bring the class to town,” Schwab said.
To register, contact Schwab at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center at 620-223-1440, extension 270.
Local sponsors of the event are Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance, Stewart-Tucker Realty, The City of Fort Scott, Briggs Auto Dealership, City State Bank, McDonalds Restuarant, Kenny Felt Photography, Martin Rental Properties (Alisha Martin), Liberty Bank, Iron Star Antiques, Fort Scott Inn and Liberty Theater/Crooner’s.
“Seventy-nine have registered so far and you can register clear up until the class on Saturday,” Schwab said.  “Just show up and you can register then. Women under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.”
“Women should wear comfortable clothes and shoes (sneakers) so they can move easily,” Schwab said.
“Roger Kemp will be coming and speaking at the beginning of the class about his foundation, The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation, and the reason his family is doing this for women all across the country,” Schwab said.
Kemp’s daughter was raped and murdered in Leawood, a suburb of Kansas City. Following the tragedy, the Kemp family initiated the foundation to provide self-defense classes to females.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Dance To the Music of The 1800s April 27

Leave a comment
Submitted photo.

THE ANNUAL CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT ON THE GROUNDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH AND TWENTY EIGHTH.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS EVENT, THE  FRIENDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WILL BE HOSTING THE SECOND ANNUAL CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE.

Submitted photo.

 

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, HISTORIC MEMORIAL HALL WILL BE FILLED WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC FROM THE EIGHTEEN HUNDREDS ALONG WITH WHOOPING AND HOLLERING AND DANCING FEET AT THE CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE THE EVENING OF SATURDAY, APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH.

PERIOD DANCES AND MUSIC ARE SURE TO ENTERTAIN PARTICIPANTS AS THEY BRING HISTORY TO LIFE.

 

THE CAMP DANCE IS HELD TO COINCIDE WITH THE CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT WEEKEND AT FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.

IT GIVES THE VOLUNTEERS ATTENDING THE ENCAMPMENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER, HAVE A GOOD TIME, AND BRING HISTORY ALIVE IN A SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COME AND JOIN IN THE DANCING OR JUST TO WATCH.

WE ENCOURAGE, BUT DON’T REQUIRE, THOSE WHO ATTEND TO COME DRESSED IN 1860S CIVIL WAR ATTIRE, OR DRESSED AS1800S WESTERN PIONEERS. IT SETS THE TONE FOR THE EVENING.

Submitted photo.

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. COME JOIN US AS WE LEARN 1800S DANCES TO 1800S MUSIC.

 

THE DOORS OPEN AT SIX-THIRTY AND DANCING BEGINS AT 7:00 PM.

THE COST OF FIVE DOLLARS PER PERSON COLLECTED AT THE DOOR GOES TO THE FRIENDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO FACEBOOK AT FORT SCOTT KANSAS EIGHTEEN HUNDREDS DANCING.

Submitted by Dee Young who can be contacted at 913.557.1632 or

[email protected]

 

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude April 26

Leave a comment
Barbara Stockebrand, Adult Development and Aging, Southwind Extension District, Aging With Attitude Regional Expo, Chairperson.

Inspiration and education are the themes of an event aimed at older adults this Friday.

The Aging With Attitude Expo is a one-day event for aging adults and their family members, according to Barbara Stockebrand, chairperson of the event.

There is a resource fair, breakout sessions, and a keynote speaker with lunch for those who attend.

K-State Research and Extension along with area community partners are bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the venue of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott,  on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The church is located at 1919 S. Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College.

Registration fee is $25.

Current registrations of 134 are nearing  the capacity set for the expo, Stockebrand said.

Registration information can be found on the Facebook page below.

Click below for the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1662924420474738/

Click here to register online:

https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Ltvajv5Wc5qiPz

 

Community partners for the event include the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Medicalodges Inc., Southeast Kansas Library System, Angels Care Home Health, Integrity Home Care + Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Fort Scott Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

The goal of the expo is to empower older adults to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age by sharing information and education throughout the day.

Educational topics promote positive attitudes about aging and educate participants on issues supporting physical, mental, and financial health.

Key note presenter, Patty LaRoche will speak on “What Matters Most – Learning Contentment in Life.”

Patty LaRoche

Participants will also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout session topics that address issues facing older adults.

 

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has provided support for this expo.

Bourbon County, Jobs

Older Worker, Disabilities/Discouraged, Ex Offenders Job Focus Groups April 24: Get $ To Attend

Leave a comment
Job Seeker Focus Groups Participants Wanted
TOMORROW, April 24th at
Fort Scott Community College
Hosted by Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center, in coordination with
Southeast KANSASWORKS
Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center will host
Job Seeker Focus Groups
at Fort Scott Community College on
April 24th.
These sessions are in coordination with Southeast KANSASWORKS. The purpose of the focus groups is to gain feedback from individuals seeking employment who have barriers in finding a job or changing/advancing in their career.
There will be three sessions targeting the following audiences:
  • older workers
  • individuals with disabilities or those who are discouraged in their job search
  • ex-offenders
We are interested in learning about the participants’ job search, both successes and challenges. The focus groups will last approximately 90 minutes.
Focus group discussion will center on searching for a job, improving computer skills, using technology, interviewing with employers, dealing with challenges in getting to work, training at work, and more!
Refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a $25 gift card for participating.
Seating is limited!
WHEN:
8:30am- Older Workers
Registration: https://bit.ly/2YJg8cS
10:30am- Job Seekers with Disabilities and those who are Discouraged
Registration: https://bit.ly/2FSoYxw
2:00pm- Ex Offenders
Registration: https://bit.ly/2Uypedn
WHERE:
Fort Scott Community College
Administration Building- Greyhound Room
2108 South Horton
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
QUESTIONS?
Please call 316-978-6419
for more information
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Riverfront Park: Lighting Is Coming

Leave a comment
Riverfront Park, North National Avenue past the orange bridge over the Marmaton River.

The east side of the Belltown Walking Trail in Riverfront Park is a shady place to enjoy a walk, but at times it is too dark.

“We’ve had some ladies that said at dusk, it gets pretty dark,” Jerry Witt, president of the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board, said. “So we purchased 14 poles and downlights and bases.”

The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.

“The lighting will be installed in the next few weeks on the east side of the walking trail, where it is darker, it’s close to the lookout,” Witt said. “We would like for (the lighting) to go over to the Mercy Hospice Memorial part. We will add more lights later, this is what we can afford now.”

The lights will be LED downlights, he said, “that will shine on the trail.”

An electrician will install them, with the City of Fort Scott providing the concrete bases for the lights.

There was grant money left following the building of the pavilion and the overlook boardwalk which were completed last year, Witt said. This leftover grant money will fund the lighting segment.

2018 Was a Busy Year For Improvements in Riverfront Park

Two projects in the park were completed last year.

The pavilion was built near the park entrance and has electricity, with a parking lot nearby.

For more information, click below:

Riverfront Park Pavilion Nearly Ready For The Public

The wooden overlook boardwalk was built near the confluence of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek and has seating along the perimeter.

For more information, click below:

Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park

The long-range plan is a walking bridge across the river and trails south of the Marmaton River on River Road, he said.

Additionally, signage was installed in the park and other parts throughout Bourbon County. Click below for more information.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

“When we can receive money to do it, we will do it,”  Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board meets whenever Witt calls a meeting, “Once a month or every six weeks.” he said.

On the board in addition to Witt are Betty Boyko, Penny Pollack Barnes,  Bob Love, Danny McGee,  Arnold Scholfield, Jeff Sweetser and Allen Warren.

The Belltown Trail is part of the City of Fort Scott walking trail system.