Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Kelly Standley

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This is part of a series on the candidates for the general election November 6.

United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)

Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

Name: Kelly Standley

Age: 49

Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District Kansas

Place of residence: Saint Paul, Kansas

Current occupation: Business owner and job creator

Community involvement:

Homeless shelter where we help to clothe, feed, find jobs and give them a place to stay while doing all this.

Party affiliation: Libertarian

  1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue I see for Kansas is we need more jobs in the rural areas. Right now if people in the rural areas of Kansas want a job they may have to move to a larger city. We need jobs available to our residents, not that farming does not employ a large number of people but as we automate there will be a need for jobs that do not involve farming. As a Federal Representative for the people in the 2nd District, I will seek out companies looking to expand and help guide them to the right areas of Kansas that need those jobs.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Considering the fact that Kansans pay a higher sales tax on food than most other States I am for lowering the tax. Here is my problem with doing that though, will the stores take advantage of that and see an opportunity to raise prices on products so they can have a better bottom line? Some large retail stores advertise they are lowering prices on products but what they don’t say is that when they lower prices on select items they raise prices on other items to make up the difference. I know this to be true, I have worked large retail before and I never thought that was fair to the consumer.

 

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I lived in Colorado for several years and I saw the downside to legalizing it, but I can say that the downside came when they made it open for recreational use. At the same time I saw new schools being built, a larger number of law enforcement agencies having staff and supplies they needed. I saw hospitals not worrying about how patients were going to pay a bill. I would support putting this option on a national ballot for the people in each state to vote on and decide if it is what they want. The Federal Government has no place regulating this product and it should be left up to the states individually.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Medicaid needs to be addressed and no more hospitals like Mercy in Fort Scott, Independence should have to close down because of Medicaid shortfalls. I would like to see the State of Kansas come up with a solution that works for the hospitals instead of against them. Hospitals in rural areas are very important to their communities and we have no time to play around when lives are at risk!

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I’m for women having choices to do what they want with their bodies but I am also not for abortion. What I would like to see is instead of the Federal Government pushing Planned Parenthood agencies to have specific quota numbers for abortions. It would be more beneficial to see Planned Parenthood work with adoption agencies to get children adopted and not aborted.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introduction to the Candidates: Steve Watkins

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This is part of a series featuring candidates for the Nov. 6 election.

United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)

Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

 

Steve Watkins

Name: Steve Watkins

Age: 42

Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives, KS-02

Place of Residence: Topeka, Kansas

Current Occupation: Engineer

Community involvement: Member, Philip Billard VFW Post 1650
Party affiliation: Republican

Policy Questions
1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

The most important and biggest issues our nation faces today are protecting Social Security and Medicare, keeping taxes low, and securing our southern border. What stands in the way of these pivotal issues for the American people is the partisan obstruction by Democrats. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, I spent years leading diverse groups of people through difficult situations. In order to work toward solutions to our most prevalent issues, we must elect leaders that are willing to work across the aisle and put aside their party labels for the betterment of the American people.

2. Give your views on a food sales tax:

While I personally oppose sales tax on food, there are currently no sales taxes on food or anything else at the federal level. Sales taxes are all levied at the state a local level, so those are the choices of state and local leaders. In Congress, I would oppose any
efforts to impose a federal sales tax. Further, while my opponent has advocated to repeal some of the recent tax cuts signed into law by President Trump. I would seek to make them permanent for hard working Kansans.

3. Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

Although I am not personally in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I am also a strong believer in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution and I believe this is an ultimately a state’s rights issue. However, I am sympathetic to the push to legalize
marijuana strictly for medicinal purposes. As a Veteran myself, I have read many studies that suggest medical marijuana can help veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as to treat symptoms of serious illness and other conditions. I believe further research
should be done in this area.

4. Give your views on health care in our state, including Medicaid:

First and foremost, Congress must repeal and replace Obamacare and work together toward a patient-centered healthcare system that protects those with pre-existing conditions, reduces costs, promotes competition in the marketplace, and gives patients
more control over their health care. Obamacare did the opposite. Introducing crippling tax mandates and excessive regulations that were geared more toward an urban setting than a rural setting. This has unfairly targeted rural areas and has had a very negative
impact on our rural hospitals leading to a loss of access as was recently demonstrated here in Fort Scott. Lower quality of health care, fewer choices, and skyrocketing premiums is not “Affordable Care”. While Medicaid expansion is one possible short term
fix, the real solution to our healthcare system is building a new system that allows for more choices and more adaptability to the individual patient and the individual healthcare setting.

5. Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am and always have been committed to protecting the sanctity of life, at all costs. By signing the National Right To Life Pledge, I vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to never vote for pro-choice legislation in Washington. My opponent, on
the other hand, has a long record of voting against life, including votes in support of late-term abortions. Planned Parenthood, a major donor to the Democratic Party, is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. It is unacceptable that over 500 million
taxpayer dollars is given to Planned Parenthood year after year. I have been endorsed by both Kansans for Life and the National Right to Life Committee. As your congressman, I will never vote for the pro-choice legislation.

Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown FFA Freshman Place First

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The Uniontown FFA Chapter traveled to Sedan, Kansas on Friday, October 12th to compete in the Southeast District FFA Horse Evaluation competition.

After placing four haltered classes, two performance classes and presenting two sets of oral reasons, Uniontown was named the first place team in the Freshman/Sophomore division.

The team was made up of all freshman including Gwen Fry was the high individual overall, Kristy Beene who was 6th individually, Colton Robinson who was 9th, Addie Martin, Bryce Eck, Jakeob Stewart, Zach Snyder, Thomas Snider, and Connor Gregg.

Submitted by Scott Sutton

Bourbon County

Sons Of American Legion Organizes Oct. 20

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There will be an organizational meeting for a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron on Saturday, October 20 at 10 am. The meeting will be held downstairs in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall and is open to any male descendant of an honorably discharged Veteran.

 

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron is a part of the American Legion family, but it develops its own local community service programs and projects. The SAL offers an opportunity for the sons and grandsons of Veterans to honor their Veteran ancestor while giving back to the community.

 

Sons, grandsons and great-grandsons of honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for SAL membership.

 

SAL membership eligibility can be confusing as I cannot join the SAL though my own military service. My SAL eligibility is through my grandfather’s military service in World War 1. My sons and grandsons can join the SAL through my military service.

 

If you have any questions about joining the SAL or if you have questions about your eligibility, email me at [email protected] or call me at 904.553.1848.

 

I look forward to you joining us on Saturday, October 20 as we charter this newest organization supporting the Veterans and citizens of Bourbon County. 

If you wish to join the SAL , but are unable to attend our organizational meeting, please contact me. God, family and work should always come before Legion activities. I will work with you on your membership application.

Feel free to share this email with family and friends who may be interested in the Sons of the American Legion.

Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

 

Bourbon County

American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

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October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 10 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 10 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

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She is not allowed to complete your forms for you, but rather provide guidance and directions in pursuing your claims. She will meet with you at other times by emailing her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

 

October 20. Saturday. Organizational meeting for Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron. Sons and grandsons of current or deceased Legion members are eligible for to join the SAL. Sons and grandsons of honorably discharged Veterans are eligible to join as well.

 

SAL membership eligibility can be confusing as I cannot join the SAL because I am a Veteran. My SAL eligibility is through my grandfather’s military service in World War 1. My sons and grandsons can join the SAL because of my military service. Email me with any questions about eligibility to join this Legion family program.

 

We will be meeting downstairs in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall at 10 am to charter the unit.

 

The Sons of the American Legion are part of the American Legion family. More information about the SAL is available at https://www.legion.org/sons

 

This is an opportunity for the sons and grandsons of Veterans to honor their Veteran ancestor while giving back to the community.

 

Please reply to this email if I can count on you or a male descendant to join the SAL.

 

October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

 

October 25. Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 members.

 

October 27th. 2nd District Commander Homecoming in Blue Mound. See attached flyer for details. All Post 25 Legionnaires are invited to attend.

 

November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.

November 9. Friday evening, 5pm:  Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.

November 9. Saturday, 10am:  Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.

November 10. Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. “A Gathering of Veterans” at VFW Post 1165 for fellowship and camaraderie.

November 10. Saturday, 5 pm:  Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Fort Scott.  All Veterans are encouraged to participate. Transportation will be available for those unable to walk in the parade.

November 10. Saturday, 7pm:  1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
Clickhere to purchase Grand Ball tickets online,
or purchase in person at the Chamber or over the phone at 620-223-3566.

November 11. Sunday, 9am:  Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St.

November 11. Sunday, 11am:  Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.

November 11. Sunday, 12pm:  Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Homecoming Invite 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Rob Hodgkinson

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This part of a series on the candidates for the November 6 election.

Secretary of State (vote for one)                              

Brian “BAM” McClendon1200 Oread Avenue #703 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Scott Schwab 14953 W 140th Terr. Olathe 66062 Republican

Rob Hodgkinson 7111 W 151st St #104 Overland Park 66223 Libertarian

Jordan Photography 913-814-7740 www.jordanphotography.com

Name:  Rob Hodgkinson

Age:  59

Candidate for the position of Kansas Secretary of State

Place of residence: Stilwell Kansas

Current occupation: Realtor

Community involvement: Immediate past State Chair for the Libertarian Party of Kansas

Party affiliation: Libertarian

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

Improve transparency of the office.

Making elections accessible, accountable and secure.

I see this in three parts for elections – voter registration, voter participation and numbers of candidates. Voter registration needs to be much simpler/easier than in the past. Voter participation needs to increase candidates: I love the fact we have five candidates in the governor’s race this year – I will work to have many candidates all the way through the ballot. When we have many candidates, rather than throwing mud and being negative, we get the chance to hear about issues.

Strengthen the new regulations for audits in elections (effective 1/2019). The current wording of the audit requirements leaves a lot of wiggle room as to how they will be done.

Ending Crosscheck, this program is faulty and not used by all 50 states making its intended purpose useless
.
Lobbying to have the election commissioner of the four big counties election offices locally elected rather than being appointed by the Secretary of State.

Updating the KSSoS website, today it is not mobile friendly, the navigation is awkward, and is hard to read due to too much legal language being used rather than plain tone it should use.

 

I believe the KSSoS can do a similar thing to what the State Treasurer does with the 529 college savings plans to help improve voter registrations and voter turnout, that is to make public announcements about voting: Here is how you register to vote, here are the important dates, remember that there is an early voting option that can be used, etc.

2)Give your views on food sales tax:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

 

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

 

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

As Secretary of State, I cannot affect this issue

6). Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What in your background most prepares you to serve in this office?

I have an IT background with experience being responsible for a company’s entire IT/IS enterprise. I also have small business experience and an exterior remodeling company I was a partner/owner in; tripled in size during the recession. I have election experience from a third party “Outsider” perspective. I will not be wearing the uniform of one of the 2 big political parties We need the KSSoS office to be fair in its election dispute settlements to Kansans, not parties.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introducing The Candidates: Patty Love

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This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election.

Patty Love does not have a challenger in the election.

Patty Love

Name:  Patricia (Patty) Love

Candidate for the position of  Bourbon County Treasurer

Place of residence:  Fort Scott, Kansas

Current occupation:  Bourbon County Treasurer

Community Involvement:  Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Bourbon County Republican Committee, Kansas County Treasurers Association

Party affiliation:  Republican

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue that Bourbon County currently faces is the high property and vehicle taxes.  It is my goal as county treasurer to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expense within budget and cut expenses where possible.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introducing the Candidates: Bryan Hoffman

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This is part of a series on introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.

Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)

Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic

Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican

Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian

Name: Bryan Hoffman


Age: 35


Candidate for the position of Kansas Senate District 13


Place of residence: Mulberry, KS


Current occupation: Job Superintendent – Construction of Roads and Bridges


Community involvement: I have coached little league and I am a member of the producers cooperative in Girard.


Party affiliation: Democrat

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue is expanding access to affordable healthcare with Medicaid expansion. Southeast Kansas needs a leader who will fight to provide Southeast Kansans with access to healthcare by protecting our community hospitals and clinics. We must ensure federal tax dollars paid by Kansas taxpayers are returned and invested right here at home.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Kansas has the highest food sales tax in the country, and that’s not okay. I am in favor of lowering the food sales tax rate in order to reduce the burden on hardworking Kansas families.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I would be willing to consider legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I would not be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Providing Southeast Kansans with access to affordable healthcare means a healthier and more productive workforce. I support expanding Medicaid. In addition to providing more Kansans with access to healthcare, it creates more good-paying jobs and stimulates our economy.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life. However, abortion is a federal issue because Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introduction To The Candidates: Richard Hilderbrand

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This is part of a series  introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.

Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)

Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic

Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican

Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian

Name: Richard Hilderbrand
Age: 49
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Senate, District 13
Place of residence: Galena, KS
Current occupation: Small Business Owner
Community involvement: Local Business Owner, Economic Development, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #71
Party affiliation: Republican
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
We need fiscal accountability in Topeka.
The biggest issue that we are facing in Kansas is the out of control spending and high taxes. I will continue to fight against the out of control spending budgets that increase spending by $1.1 billion; continue to rob $355 million from our employee’s retirement, and $580 million from our highway funding; cuts $114 million from education funding, and still out spends our revenue by $304 million over two years. I will continue to fight to lower taxes in the state of Kansas, especially our high property taxes, and sales tax.
2 )Give your views on food sales tax:
We are 1 of only 12 states that tax food sales. We have the second highest food sales tax in the nation. This is just down right embarrassing. We have to control our state spending so that we can lower this.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I do no support it.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
Healthcare like everything else, is becoming more urbanized.
When Obamacare was passed, it cut reimbursement rates for our elderly and disabled by $1 trillion to set up Medicaid expansion to the able-bodied. We have to restore those cuts, so that we can give the most vulnerable the care that they need. We have to continue to cut regulations on hospitals so that they can offer more services in rural areas, such as telemedicine.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am endorsed by Kansans For Life. I would vote in favor of any legislation that would ban, or make it more difficult to kill an innocent unborn child. I don’t have any positive views on Planned Parenthood.
Bourbon County, Schools

New Fitness Center Opens at Uniontown

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The ribbon cutting of the new USD 235 fitness center was led by Jake Steinfeld, Thursday morning, Oct. 11.

Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils,  along with students and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on Uniontown’s new $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center, during a ceremony in the West Bourbon Elementary School gym.

Fitness ambassador students get a run-through before the ribbon cutting with Don Payne, Equipment Director for TuffStuff Fitness Int.
Four students from each grade, 4th through 12th, were randomly selected to be student fitness ambassadors. They were given prior training in the weeks leading up to the official ribbon cutting.

During the opening speech before the students, teachers, and guests, Steinfeld said that exercise helps students stay focused and therefore improves student learning.

He encouraged the students to stay active their whole lives.

“When you have your health and you have hope, that’s what I believe the American dream is all about,” Steinfeld said.

The opening of the new USD 235 Fitness Center created excitement at the West Bourbon Elementary School Thursday morning, not only for students but the Uniontown community.

The reason: Community members will be using the equipment in the future, as well as students.

Last month USD 235 Superintendent Brett Howard was uncertain if the community would be able to use the equipment in addition to the students as originally planned, due to liability insurance issues.

The insurance issues were resolved at the board meeting this week, WBE Principal Vance Eden, said in an interview.

 
In a later email to fortscott.biz, Eden said community members will need to come to the office of WBE to pay and get their card for the fitness center from him.

The details of the public use of the fitness center will be worked on this week, and it will be open to the public next week, according to Howard in an interview.

The ceremony moved from the elementary school gym to the site of the new fitness center across the road at the junior high school, where the ribbon cutting took place. The center is housed in the former library of the school.

The Uniontown High School former library, pictured here, is the site of the new center.

 

Uniontown High School 2018

The USD 235 students starting at 4th grade will begin using the facility next week, Physical Education Teacher Jackie Hall said.

“We are so excited for our kids to have this opportunity,” she said.

Bourbon County, Elections

Introduction To The Candidates: Ken Collins

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This is part of a series of responses from candidates for the Nov. 6, 2018 election. There are two people running for 2nd District Representative.

State Representative, 2nd District (vote for one)

Adam J. Lusker Sr. 452 S. 210th St. Frontenac 66763 Democratic

Kenneth Collins 102 E. 1st Street Mulberry 66756 Republican

These are Ken Collins responses:

Ken Collins.

Name: Ken Collins

Age:55

Candidate for the position of: Second District Kansas State Representative

Place of residence: Mulberry, Kansas

Current occupation: Retired from AT&T and working to establish a convenience store business.

Community involvement: Adjutant of American Legion Post 176 in Mulberry.

Party affiliation: Republican

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

An important issue for me is economic growth in Southeast Kansas. I plan to advocate for continuing improvements on US Highway 69 and to look for ways to reduce taxes including sales, gasoline property and income taxes. We are in competition with neighboring states in several ways so we need to keep our tax rates as low as possible.

2)Give your views on food sales tax:

We need to try to find a way to lower sales tax, especially on groceries. Many states have reduced sales tax rates for food. A large percentage of Kansans live in close proximity to Missouri so we are losing business when consumers choose to cross the state line to shop. Missouri’s sales tax rate for groceries is 1.23% as compared to our basic rate of 6.5%. on all items including food.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I haven’t seen any reliable information yet on how legalization has had an effect on states like Colorado so I haven’t come to a decision.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

We need to find some new ways to provide health care in rural areas. It is shocking news to everyone that Mercy Hospital of Fort Scott will soon be closing but hopefully solutions can be found to fill the gaps in service that will result. I’m generally leery of Medicaid Expansion, although the program would be federally subsidized it would still cost the Kansas taxpayers.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am strongly pro-life and if elected I will vote in a manner to protect the unborn. I would not support any taxpayer subsidization of Planned Parenthood.