Category Archives: Bourbon County

Old Settlers Picnic Sept. 2-4: Food For All Tastes

This is the schedule of activities for the 117 Annual Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown.

There will be various foods to choose from at the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Monday.
The Uniontown FFA will be selling BBQ food, the Uniontown United Methodist Church will be selling chicken dinners and in addition, there will be a taco truck, hot dog truck, burger truck, BBQ vendors, shaved iced, homemade goodies by Mary Ridge, and Uniontown High School Seniors baked goodies, according to Sara Roufs, president of the Old Settlers Picnic committee.

Bo Co Coalition Will Meet on September 6

The regular general membership meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition will be held on Wednesday, September 6, in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 123 S. Scott, at 1:00 p.m.

At present, the program has not been confirmed. Cheri Walrod has been asked to talk about Core Communities but she may not be able to come until October. If she can not make it next week, we will hear from her in October. Billie Jo Drake will let the membership know before the meeting if there is a program.

 

 

Bourbon County To Receive $1Million for Bridge on 60th Street, South of Uniontown

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has made bridge funding awards to projects including one in  Bourbon County.

Governor Kelly Announces 35 Local Bridge Projects Across Kansas to Receive $42.3M

DODGE CITY – Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that 35 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $42.3 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs that capitalize on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is nearly $48.8 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).
“A stronger transportation system and safer bridges keep our communities and economy moving,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas, all of which are essential to getting people and goods where they need to go. Yet almost 5,000 of those bridges simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work.”
The project announcements took place in Dodge City to highlight the largest local bridge grant being awarded:  $7 million for the construction of a new northbound bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. Dodge City is matching $2 million toward the $9 million total cost of the new bridge.
In addition to Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed, Dodge City Mayor Michael Burns and Representative Shannon Francis, Liberal, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, participated in the announcement.
“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,” said Secretary Reed. “The needs are high, and these programs allow KDOT to assist communities move projects forward that support the transportation needs of Kansans.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge program (OSB) is awarding $20.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 funds to 20 projects across the state. The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) is awarding $21.8 million in Fiscal Year 2024 KDOT funds to 15 projects, with 16 deficient bridges to be replaced and an additional 12 to be permanently removed from local systems.
The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.
For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 176 applications requesting $162.4 million.
The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found here.
2024 Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program Projects
Local Government Agency Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local % Match Requirement Maximum KDOT Match Funds Funds for Bridge Removal Maximum Funds Awarded
Doniphan County RS 2128 – 2.7 miles west, 0.2 mile south of Highland $86,503 10% $700,000 $50,000 $750,000
Leavenworth County Golden Road – 1.9 miles, 3.0 miles east of Linwood $737,117 20% $2,000,000 $2,000,000
Lyon

County
Road P – 7.0 miles west, 0.5 mile south of Neosho Rapids over Cottonwood River $736,025 15% $3,000,000 $3,000,000
Marshall County 24th Road – 2.7 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Bettie over Robidoux Creek Tributary $6,000 10% $437,000 $83,000 $520,000
Osage

County
RS 1471 – 2.0 miles east, 0.2 mile north of Lyndon $256,306 10% $1,112,500 $62,500 $1,175,000
Lincoln County 183rd Road – 1.9 miles south, 0.8 miles west of Lincoln $20,982 0% $1,050,000 $50,000 $1,100,000
Marion

County
310 Road – 2.0 miles south, 0.9 miles east of Tampa 10% $275,000 $50,000 $325,000
Mitchell County J Road – 1.3 miles south, 2.2 miles east of Beloit over Plum Creek $9,012 5% $683,000 $142,000 $825,000
Russell

County
182nd Street – 11.0 miles south, 2.0 miles west of Russell over Landon Creek $96,838 5% $900,000 $900,000
Elk

County
Osage Trail – 0.1 mile south of Moline over Wildcat Creek Tributary $65,521 0% $ 750,000 $ 750,000
City of

Bel Aire
North Oliver – south of East 45th Street $98,173 20% $180,000 $180,000
Harper

County
N.W. 110 Avenue – 0.5 miles west, 3.7 miles north of Attica over W. Branch Bluff Creek $78,213 5% $580,800 $69,200 $650,000
Rice

County
22nd Road – 6.0 miles east, 1.8 miles north of Sterling over Cow Creek $147,205 10% $1,500,000 $1,500,000
Sumner County N. Oliver Road – 2.1 miles north of Belle Plaine over Cowskin Creek Tributary $315,478 10% $1,095,500 $54,500 $1,150,000
City of

Dodge City
14th Avenue – Northbound over Arkansas River $2,061,197 15% $7,000,000 $7,000,000
TOTAL $4,714,570   $21,263,800 $561,200 $21,825,000
 
 
 
2025 Off-System Bridge Program Project Recommendations
Local Government Agency Bridge Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local Cost % Maximum Funds Awarded (covering 100% of Construction and CE)
Jefferson

County
McCall Road – 1.9 miles north of Oskaloosa over

Slough Creek
$84,632 6.7% $1,400,000
Jackson County 246th Road – 1.0 mile south of Circleville over

Elk Creek Tributary
$51,871 8.4% $750,000
Nemaha County O Road – 0.5 mile south, 1.5 miles east of Kelly $62,245 6.8% $950,000
City of Atchison Patriot Street – over Brewery Creek, one block west of U.S. 73 $117,939 10.3% $1,200,000
Morris

County
K Avenue – 2.2 miles south, 0.6 miles east of White City over West Fork Neosho River $98,282 12.7% $750,000
Washington County W Washington Street – in Hanover over Little Blue River Tributary $90,638 9.0% $1,000,000
Dickinson County 1100 Avenue – over Turkey Creek, 2.6 miles east of K-15 $103,742 8.5% $1,250,000
Sheridan County 125 E – 14.9 miles south, 12.5 miles east of Hoxie over Saline River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Decatur County L Lane – 0.4 mile west of Clayton over

Prairie Dog Creek
$46,411 5.3% $1,000,000
Trego

County
EE Road – 13.0 miles south, 5.6 miles west of Trego Center over Sand Creek $50,779 5.7% $950,000
Graham County DD Road – 6.0 miles south, 1.3 miles east of Densmore over Bow Creek $50,233 4.3% $1,200,000
Sherman County 32 Road – 1.4 miles north, 3.0 miles east of Edson over South Fork Sappa Creek Tributary $44,773 8.7% $500,000
Norton

County
Road BB – 1.3 miles east of Lenora over North Fork Solomon River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Bourbon County 60th Street – 5.9 miles south, 1.0 mile west of Uniontown over Hinton Creek Tributary $76,442 7.7% $1,000,000
Franklin County Texas Road – 1.0 mile east, 3.4 miles south of LeLoup over Walnut Creek $108,110 10.1% $1,000,000
Allen

County
Nebraska Road – 0.5 mile south, 3.2 mile west of Moran over Elm Creek $70,982 8.3% $850,000
Crawford County 690th Avenue – 1.0 mile north, 0.7 mile east of Walnut over Little Walnut Creek Tributary $93,914 10.4% $900,000
Cowley

County
232nd Road – 2.5 miles south, 3.5 miles west of Dexter over Grouse Creek $424,295 17.5% $2,000,000
Harvey

County
60th Street – 9.3 miles east of I-135 over East Whitewater Creek $87,362 8.9% $950,000
Rush

County
Avenue Q – 0.5 mile south, 1.9 miles east of Nekoma over Branch of Walnut Creek $62,791 8.0% $850,000
TOTAL   $ 1,741,275   $ 20,500,000
 
Photos from today’s announcement for media use can be found below.
###
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
       

DAR Holds Raffle

Submitted photo.
Molly Foster Berry Daughters of the American Revolution is holding a raffle Monday through Friday, September 18-22.  This coincides with Constitution Week.
Tickets are available at Fort Scott Munitions, Crain Insurance Agency, or by contacting Barbara Ritter at 913-636-4892.

The prizes are 3 weapons and 2 boxes of ammunition to be drawn one per day:
$700 Henry .22 magnum rifle
$600 Sig Sauer 380 pistol
$320 Savage 12 gauge shotgun
$118 4 boxes of 9mm cartridges
$90 4 boxes of 5.56/223 ammunition
The tickets are $25 or 5 tickets for $100
Molly Foster Berry chapter DAR gives away flags during parades, gives copies of the Constitution to new citizens at the naturalization ceremony, and gives scholarship money to high school students who are studying history or who are a Legacy of a current DAR member.
We proudly continue honoring the memory and spirit of the men and women of the American Revolution 1775-1783.

HBCAT Grant: Tiny Greens and Herbs

This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Microgreens. Submitted photo.

Tiny Greens and Herbs, LLC, is a new microgreens business
which will open in September.

Tiny Greens and Herbs will provide Bourbon County families and
community members with convenient, year-round access to locally grown, nutrient packed greens and herbs, according to owner Cherri Walrod.

“This start-up business produces sustainably-grown microgreens which are tiny, immature vegetable and herb plants that are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts,” she said.

Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals or antioxidants, are compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits to the body. Along with phytonutrients (antioxidants), microgreens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavorful, easy to prepare and
fun to eat, according to Walrod.

Walrod moved to Fort Scott in July 2023 from Eudora, KS.

Or connect on the Facebook page Tiny Greens and Herbs LLC.

Road Improvements Start Today on 215th Street, Jayhawk Road

A county road in Bourbon County.

Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County.  The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.

 

Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September.  One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones.  Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.

For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193

Submitted by

Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works

Chamber Coffee at HBCAT Office on August 31

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Thursday, August 31st

8am

104 N. National

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 31st at 8am hosted by The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Coffee from Common Ground, juice, and Twigs and Berries will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth. Through policy, systems, and environmental change, they aim to make the healthy choice the default by addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Through our program, The Center for Economic Growth, they partner with PSU Small Business Development Center, Southeast KANSASWORKS, and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic growth.

They are hosting a ribbon cutting for the new BB-GO Transportation program that was established by the coalition Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT). The LHEAT coalition is an initiative of HBCAT that was formed through KU Medical Center’s grant program COPE. LHEAT develops action plans to address the social determinants of health. The LHEAT partnered with SEK-CAP, Inc. to expand their transportation program to Bourbon County. The transportation program, BB-GO Transportation will launched August 28th, 2023.

BB-GO Transportation is an affordable option, $1 donation is suggested, but not required. If a person doesn’t have $1, they are still able to utilize the service. BB-GO Transportation will service anyone in Bourbon County on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays during the operation hours of 8am-3:30pm. Call 620-724-6350 to schedule a ride. The services are first come, first served. To have the best selection of times schedule 1 to 7 days in advance. Same day rides given based on availability. BB-GO Transportation will be wheelchair accessible. Certified KDOT drivers who meet all training and safety requirements.

The Federal Transit Administration and Kansas Department of Transportation 5311 grant supplies 70% of the operating costs, and 30% comes from local matching funds from the LHEAT grant through KUMC COPE, Peerless Products, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, and Community Christian Church.

 

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter

HBCAT Grant: Bee Better Health Club

This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team located at 104 N. National.
Wesley Haven. Submitted photo.
The BEE Better Health Club owner, Wesley DeHaven started his business on June 19, 2023.
“I started a health club because I recognized how much diet and exercise can benefit one’s life in a positive manner,” DeHaven said.
“I provide group fitness classes for all ranging from 1st graders all the way up to seniors within the community, nutrition coaching, and affordable personal training services.”

He is currently in the process of getting multiple certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

He currently has the club at  2542 Hackberry Rd. Fort Scott,  with plans to build closer to town in the future.

“The grant money will used to install electrical, plumbing, and bracing in the walls for various types of equipment,” he said.
Members performing “Seated Knees to Chest” during an ab finisher. From left to right: Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Kaleb Bailey, Sondra Newton, Estevan Deboer, Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt.

 

Contact info:
Facebook: @The BEE Better Health Club Instagram: @beebetter.hc
Phone #: (620) 644-8150

 

Pictured are from left: Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt, Sondra Newton, Kaleb Bailey, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Estevan Deboer, Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles   with a  range from 18-81 years of age.

Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda For August 28

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 28, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $336,998.21
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $401,487.67
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Bourbon County REDI
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Starlite FCE August 2023

Starlite Family and Consumer Education Unit

August 2023

 

The Starlite FCE held its August meeting at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect.  Nine members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for 134 hours and had recycled 1500 pounds.

 

The minutes of the May and June meeting were read and approved.  The club had received thank you notes were read from Wilma Hibdon and Bryan Fry.  Deb Lust presented the Treasurers report in the absence of Doris Ericson.  Bank fees were discussed and Karen Peery moved that the club close their account and go to cash, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She announced that the Fall Follies will be held in Bronson at the Community Center on October 10th at 6:00.  Our club is responsible to bring four desserts and potato soup.  Karen Peery, Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Terri Williams will bring pies and Terri Williams will prepare the soup.  Karen also announced that the Fair Bake sale had raised $316 to go toward a scholarship.  Karen Peery, Doris Ericson and Betty Johnson will be attending the FCE State Meeting.

 

Glenda Miller recognized birthday of Delphine Parks and Leanna Taylor.  Glenda also announced the lessons for the upcoming year and that Starlite and received 1st place in the State for our Service Project and 2nd on our accomplishment report.  It was also announced that the club had handed out 100 brochures on Men’s health.

New business consisted of putting together goodie bags for the first responders in the area and signing thank you cards for their service.  Thank you cards were also signed for the sponsors of the hay bale and scarecrow contests, since the club and won second place on our hay bale and third place on our scarecrow.

 

Deb Lust was nominated as Starlites representative for the Heart of FCE.  Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Karen Peery seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on Blueberries and provided refreshments of whole wheat blueberry muffins, blueberry drizzle cake, chocolate covered blueberries, dehydrated blueberries and water.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission On August 28

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 28, 2023 5:30 p.m.

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 8-25-2023

Payroll 8-25-2023

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $336,998.21
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $401,487.67
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.