Amanda Bourassa, broker, and Scott Theis, associate broker, of Stutesman’s Action Realty Fort Scott.
Stutesman’s Action Realty, Nevada, Mo., opened an office on Fort Scott’s Main Street in August.
“This is an opportunity to get back and work with people I have known for years,” Amanda Mahlock Bourassa, broker, said.
She is a 1997 Fort Scott High School graduate, and a 1999 graduate of Fort Scott Community College.
“I love Fort Scott and this is an opportunity to help grow our town and community,” Bourassa said.
Theis is excited to be in Fort Scott because he sees the city as a community moving forward, he said.
“It’s exciting for me to be able to provide service to help with that agenda by helping individuals and families achieve their real estate goals,” Theis said.
Their agency provides residential and commercial property real estate service, provides property management (handling maintenance and rent duties), and provides relocation services.
The business is located at 119 S. Main, Suite A, between Fort Scott City Hall and Crooner’s Lounge. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after hours and weekends by appointment.
Submitted by Christopher Petty, KState Southwind Extension
How will you know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding your hay and silage this winter, or how will you know how much supplement to feed?
According to University of Nebraska Forage Specialist Bruce Anderson, correct sampling techniques, followed by lab tests of forage quality, are necessary for cattle producers who want to get the most value from their forages and profit from their animals.
Maybe the most important step in sampling hay, and sometimes the most difficult step, is deciding which bales and stacks should be included in each sample. Ideally, each sample should include only bales that were produced under nearly identical conditions.
Obviously, the place to start grouping is to separate different types of hay, like alfalfa or CRP or fescue or native prairie hay. But each cutting of hay probably is different from the other cuttings also, so there is another separation. And no two fields are ever exactly the same, especially if they were cut more than two days apart, so that makes another grouping. And what if part of the field was rained on before it was baled? The hay made without rain damage probably will be different from hay with rain damage.
After you’ve made all these separations, which could result in quite a few groups of similar bales, then and only then are you ready to sample. From each group gather a dozen or more cores from different bales or stacks and combine them into one sample. Be sure to use a good hay probe that can core into at least one foot of the bale. Check your local Extension Office to see if they have one you can borrow.
Finally, send these samples to a certified lab for tests of energy content and protein, maybe nitrates, and any other nutrients of interest to you. Then use this information to feed your cattle as profitably as possible. For more information contact me at 620-223- 3720 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Mary Eastwood reclines on a chaise lounge in her shop that she recently custom upholstered.
Mary Eastwood, owner of Here We Go Again, a custom upholstery shop in historic downtown Fort Scott, reopened Oct. 3 following a month of “catching up,” she said.
“I didn’t get caught up, but I finished 13 chairs and a whole bunch of pillows,” Eastwood laughed.
A child’s recliner chair that Mary Eastwood recently upholstered.
Eastwood’s workspace is in the back of her showroom at 9 N. Main.
In addition to custom upholstery furniture and decorative items, Eastwood has consignments from area artists.
“I have unique gifts for sale,” she said.
Mary Eastwood shows customer Colleen Murrin the new consignment aprons she received from area artist, Allison Day.
Eastwood started upholstering furniture in 1976 and continues to use her original machine, she said. Her business first started from her home and she has been at her current storefront for several years.
Store hours are 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Custom pillows.Here We Go Again upholstery shop at 9 N. Main.
The public was allowed a viewing of the new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center Thursday. The project took one year to complete and will house 74 inmates.Residents, employees, and dignitaries mill around prior to the ribbon cutting at the new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center Thursday afternoon.The project summary of the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center was on display at the public viewing.A pod for inmates at the new correctional center. Inmates should be at the new facility by the second week of November, according to Sheriff Bill Martin.Sheriff Bill Martin shows the command center at the new law enforcement center during a tour Thursday afternoon.Corrections officers get a look at the inmate recreation area at the new center. Daylight and fresh air must be provided inmates daily. The huge fan at the top, center, will provide the air intake for the room.The sallyport area where inmates are brought by vehicle into the center is shown by Sheriff Bill Martin.At right, Steve Smith visits with Sheriff Bill Martin. Smith is the president of Universal Construction, the general contractor for the project.Sheriff Bill Martin shows a handicapped accessible pod with special safety features.Sheriff Martin shows an honor pod, for model inmates who are allowed to work in the community with supervision. Model inmates will also prepare meals for the center with supervision, something not feasible at the old jail.An interview room at the center for inmates and attorneys.Employees, interested Bourbon County residents and dignitaries line the sidewalk in front of the center to prepare for the opening ceremony. The area surrounding the center is being seeded with grass, therefore there was no standing off the sides of the sidewalk.The address sign on the outside of the center at 293 E. 20th Street. It is located on the south side of Fort Scott.Signs upon entering the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.
G & W Foods Manager Will Rayburn works on paperwork Wednesday in preparation for changes coming to the grocery store.
G & W Foods is adding to their store name, re-shelving and moving products around preparing for a change in the way they do business.
The change for the grocery store is starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 through Oct. 17. The store will reopen at 7 a.m. on Oct. 18.
Following this brief time of closing, the store, at 911 E. Sixth, is taking a different direction, and will then be known as G & W Cash Saver.
The big change will be that the public will pay the cost price to the store of each item, plus ten percent added to the register receipt, plus the required tax Rayburn said.
“This will be a more cost-effective option to our customers,” he said. “It will be noticeable.”
The staff will remain the same, said store manager Will Rayburn.
Currently, there are 45 employees.
“It’s the same people, just changing direction,” Rayburn said.
Sometime in the near future, there will be a grand opening, Rayburn said.
Also in the future are new user-friendly gas pumps.
“I know a lot of people will be interested in that,” Rayburn said.
She is simultaneously the Bourbon County Treasurer and the Community Development Director for the City of Fort Scott.
But that will be ending within the month as she resigns as treasurer next week. That resignation will start a political process to replace her.
Her city job is an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. one. The county treasurer tasks are done in the evening and weekends, she said.
“I try to be there (at the treasurer’s office) on Tuesdays for the county commission meeting,” Dunn said. ” I don’t have a set schedule for it.”
“When I considered the job at the city, I discussed it with the county commission,” she said. “When offered the job, the city agreed for me to stay on to help with the transition.”
“It took a good team at the treasurer’s office and a lot of support from them,” she said.
“It’s hard to let go of the county (position),” Dunn said. “I went to the city because I also have a career path at the city, that no elected official will have with the county.”
“Your elected Bourbon County officials are underpaid,” she said. “Compared to other counties, the pay scale is out of whack. I don’t want to raise taxes, I don’t want to pay higher taxes. The county can’t afford to fix it.”
“I’m going to miss working at the courthouse,” she said. “We were working on good things. But it’s exciting to focus on a new task that the city has given me.”
Rhonda Dunn, in her city position, works on the Price Chopper Super Market plans as part of her new Community Development Director position with the city.
Process to replace
Dunn was elected county treasurer in November 2012 and took office almost a year later, in October 2013.
“It’s been that way since maybe the 1800s,” Dunn said. “It (the treasurer’s position) runs with the tax cycle, which starts November 1 each year. We take office the second Tuesday of October.”
Dunn will officially resign as county treasurer the second Wednesday, October 10, with her resignation effective Friday, November 3.
“I give notice to the governor, then the governor tells the local Republican party to replace me,” she said.
A convention of delegates must be called within 21 days of the governor accepting her resignation, according to Randall Readinger, the chairman of the Bourbon County Republican Party Central Committee.
“It’s an open meeting, but the only people voting are the committeemen and women of record as of that notice date,” Readinger said.
“When Rhonda first took the job, several people were interested at that point,” Readinger said. “We’ll get a feel for the (potential) person’s capabilities and understanding of Bourbon County.”
“At this point, we don’t have a definite replacement,” he said. “We will evaluate any that express interest when the event comes. It’s a process we are familiar with. We replaced the sheriff and county attorney.”
Although she doesn’t have a vote in the replacement, Dunn is hoping someone from the county treasurer’s office will get elected.
“That will be the easiest transition,” Dunn said.
Motor vehicle department personnel wait on members of the public Monday afternoon. This department is a part of the Bourbon County Treasurer office. Dunn is hoping someone from the treasurer’s office will apply for the treasurer position.
Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent
Aspire to be a fashionista? Have your kids just convinced you to get a pet? Do your kids want to garden but you have a brown thumb? Life’s little questions aren’t meant to be answered alone. Join 4-H, the club of families who share in teaching kids practical things like pet care, growing gardens or designing clothing, and important values like responsibility. Whether you’re in the city or country, join 4-H and we’ll tackle life’s little questions together. With over 30 projects available, there is no doubt your kids will find something they’re interested in.
October 1-7, is National 4-H Week, and the Southwind Extension District in Allen, Bourbon and Neosho Counties are celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.
We can tell you how great 4-H is, but now the research tells the story. Students participating in 4-H report higher educational achievement and academic confidence, are nearly two times more likely to attend college, and more likely to pursue future courses or a career in science, engineering or computer technology.
Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In the Southwind District, more than 565 4-H members and many more volunteers are involved in 4-H.
4-H teaches skills that last a lifetime, and leadership is at the forefront. Other life skills include: a positive self-concept, an inquiring mind, concern for the community, healthy interpersonal relationships and sound decision making. 4-H is more than a single game or activity. Your kids will learn to speak in front of a group, handle responsibility, help their community, try new things, work with others and make good decisions.
The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings and within community clubs.
4-H isn’t just about cooking and sewing or showing an animal. Nowadays, members can choose to gain valuable leadership experiences while enhancing life skills. In our local 4-H programs, it is critical that the entire family be involved. Kids can choose from dozens of activities related to science, the arts, citizenship, fitness and more. They can learn to train their dog, build a robot, run a meeting or raise an animal. Additionally, senior 4-H members are eligible for local and state scholarships. Along the way, we have a lot of FUN too, especially at 4-H Camp at Rock Springs.
Raising great kids is a challenging task, but it’s easier when you have a team of people behind you. 4-H clubs are groups of families that do just that. Through working together, families share knowledge and interests to help kids learn practical skills and important values. If you have a child between the ages 7 and 18, a 4-H club in the Southwind District is excited to welcome you to the fold. Learn more at http://www.southwind.ksu.edu
Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the U.S. Naturalization Proceedings Friday at Fort Scott National Historic Site. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization.One-by-one, new citizens were introduced to the audience.
Ninety-nine people from various nations were part of the U.S. Naturalization Proceedings Friday at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
During the hour ceremony, the group swore an oath of allegiance to their new country, were introduced one-by-one to the audience, listened to speakers, were entertained by musicians, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of Fort Scott High School orchestra, band and choir sing “America” during the naturalization ceremony.Local Attorney Larry Nuss was one of the several speakers during the ceremony.
In the end, a certificate of citizenship and mementos were distributed to each of the ninety-nine new citizens.
The new citizens were invited to register to vote and enjoy a lunch provided by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
A bird’s eye view of voter registration following the naturalization ceremony. The League of Women Voters, Johnson County, provided the resources for the registration.New American citizens enjoy lunch provided by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in the Grand Hall.
“It was surprisingly emotional,” Sarah Lehman, Pittsburg, said of the proceedings. “We were here to support people from our church.”
Submitted by Krista Harding, KState Southwind Extension
Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height and shape. Now is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. I just purchased some Allium bulbs for my landscape (good K-State purple color!). Spend some time thinking about the location you intend to plant before making a purchase. So many times we buy on impulse and then have to really squeeze plants into a spot that may be less than desirable!
Bulbs can be planted in a variety of locations including around house foundations, under deciduous shrubs and trees, along borders, in perennial beds and rock gardens, in containers and even on steep slopes.
When planted along a foundation, bulbs will add color in the early spring if planted in a grouping of twelve or more bulbs. If you have evergreen shrubs planted along a foundation, they will provide a nice background for planting of bulbs. Bulbs will “pop” with color in contrast to the green of the shrubs.
Spring bulbs can be planted under deciduous shrubs or small trees. You may be wondering how this can be because of a lack of sunlight. Early blooming bulbs receive plenty of light because they start growing long before trees and shrubs start to develop leaves. Some bulbs that do well in this type of setting include grape hyacinths, crocus, bluebells and early maturing daffodils.
A border of bulbs planted along the edge of the lawn will add a splash of color to the lawn area. Or consider planting low growing bulbs around the edge of a flower bed to add interest. You can add them directly into a perennial bed and the bulbs will bloom in March, April and May before perennials start to grow. Make sure to locate the bulbs so the dying foliage will not be noticed.
For steep slopes that are difficult to mow and maintain, bulbs with a fiberous root system such as daylilies, are an effective plant to use. The foliage is attractive and the bloom adds color to the area. The problem of trying to mow a steep area will be eliminated.
Both spring and summer bulbs can be planted in portable containers. The nice thing about container plantings is their versatility. For spring bulbs, once bloom is past, the container can be moved to a location out of sight while the foliage matures. Summer bulbs will add color all summer long to areas such as a patio or deck.
Keep in mind that planting bulbs of one variety or color in mass will have greater visual impact. This will provide uniform color and texture that is pleasing to the eye. With bulbs such as tulips or daffodils, plant at least twelve bulbs of one variety in a grouping. Smaller bulbs should be planted in groups of fifty to have visual impact.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Fort Scott Livestock Market is the fourth largest in Kansas, according to owner Larry Martin.
Four generations of Martins work in the Fort Scott Livestock Market, Larry Martin said following the Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning.
Jim, Larry’s dad, along with Tyler and Kyle, Larry’s sons, are the owners and managers of the business at 2131 Maple Road.
Now Tyler and Kyle’s kids work there too.
Gabby and Addy Martin help their grandmother, Deb Martin, in the office and Andrew and Eli Martin help where needed during the livestock auction sales that happen on Friday and Saturday.
Larry Martin speaks to attendees of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee.
Larry Martin said 60 to 70 people are working the sales on those two busiest days. There are 10 full-time employees.
“Last year we sold over 100,000 cattle,” Larry Martin told the Chamber Coffee attendees. “And about $10 million total dollars in sales. That puts money back into the community. Farmers will spend money on equipment.”
Martin told the attendees that the business is the fourth largest livestock market in the state.
The Martins leased the sale barn facility for 15 years and purchased it two years ago, he said.
They put up fences and added pens, he said
Martin thanked the Bourbon County Commission for the newly improved roadway in front of the business.
“We have the best road in Bourbon County,” he laughed.
Upcoming events at the market:
Equipment auction, 10 a.m. Oct. 19. Equipment can be brought to the site that morning and checked in.
Fort Scott Community College fall semester is in full force, and recently the administration approved the school’s budget.
FSCC Finance Director Julie Eichenberger provided Fort Scott Biz with information which was approved following a public hearing on August 14.
Information provided is on expenditures, leases/purchases, and tax rates.
Major expenditures in the budget are technical education and auxiliary expenditures.
Post-secondary technical education expenditures are for ” all the classes considered tech education,” Eichenberger said. “Those would be nursing/allied health/EMT, John Deere, construction trades, cosmetology, welding, Harley Davidson, agriculture.”
Total for this line item in the budget is $3,294,586.
For auxiliary expenditures – the dorm, cafeteria, and bookstore, the line item is budgeted for $2,073,486.
The cafeteria is an auxiliary budget item.
$8,458,958 are current funds unrestricted in the general fund.
The tax rate has stayed about the same, according to FSCC President Alysia Johnston.
Eichenberger provided Fort Scott Biz with the recent history of the mill levy and the statement of condition lease, lease purchase and certification of participation.
Cosmetology equipment, the environmental lease (formerly Chevron), the City of Fort Scott, Ellis Fine Arts Center, the baseball scoreboard, and the John Deere Building are all line items in the statement provided below in the link.
In addition, Johnston provided student enrollment information.
The full-time student headcount at the college is 1,792 for 2017 fall semester.
“About even from last year,” Johnston said Wednesday.
Tuition waiver for Bourbon County residents
Fort Scott Community College has expanded its tuition waiver for Bourbon County residents who wish to take classes at the Fort Scott campus or online, according to a press release from the college. FSCC will waive the tuition costs, up to fifteen credit hours, for any Bourbon County resident who enrolls at FSCC. Students will be responsible for covering fees and purchasing books.
FSCC students can take general education classes for transfer to a four-year institution or pursue a certificate or associate degree. FSCC offers 55 courses that are guaranteed by the Kansas Board of Regents to transfer to any public college or university in the state of Kansas.
To apply for the waiver, students should contact the FSCC Admissions Department at 620-223-2700, ext. 3520 or ext. 3530. Students must also complete a Bourbon County Tuition Waiver Form and return it to the Admissions Department prior to the start of the semester.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The audience listens to leaders of the group, Live Local BB, on Thursday.
Live Local BB is a grass-roots organization that had a public introductory meeting Thursday at Sharkey’s Pub and Grub.
BB stands for Bourbon County and Live Local BB encourages growth of local businesses in the county.
“We want to educate the community on how it benefits the community to live locally,” Geoff Southwell told the group of interested people. “Use local whenever possible. Money stays in the community. It’s creating and maintaining wealth and jobs”
Board member Geoff Southwell addresses a group of interested people Thursday at the initial public meeting of Live Local BB. Board member Melissa Wise listens in the background.
The group’s board members are Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Richard Goldston, Bryan Holt, Dave Lipe, Chris Maycumber, Andy Norris, Angie Simons, Southwell, Rebecca Sutterby and Melissa Wise.
Live Local BB Board Members Rebecca Sutterby, left, and Melissa Wise, facing away, sign in interested attendees at the initial public meeting of the organization.
Live Local BB board members from left: Andy Norris, Dave Lipe, Bryan Holt, Chris Maycumber and Richard Goldston listen as Geoff Southwell addresses the attendees at the initial meeting.
Fort Scott City and Chamber of Commerce officials “have jumped on board with us,” Southwell said.
The City of Fort Scott presented a $500 check to the group Thursday evening at the initial meeting.
To get the word out, the 65 businesses who have joined so far are encouraged to tell about their business on the local radio station.
“There will be 2 to 3 radio spots a day for the first twelve months,” Southwell said. “Talk in microphone, they will edit that. KMDO brings it together and it’s good. Volunteers are needed to get the word out.”
The group also has a Facebook page, Live Local BB.
Live Local BB is a grass-roots organization just formed in Fort Scott to encourage residents to buy from local businesses.
