Category Archives: Bourbon County

Advertisements, Bourbon County, Jobs

AD: Kansas Recovery Institute Hiring For All Positions!

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401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Kansas Renewal Institute, a behavioral healthcare treatment center will open soon.

The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.

Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.

Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.

We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.

Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.

We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.

Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.

Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!

–Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).

–Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).

–Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

The beginning date is 03/25/2024.

Taking Care of Our Team

The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
 Competitive pay for the industry
 Medical plans with generous employer contribution
 Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
 Generous paid time off
 A strong focus on promoting internally
 Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
 AND MUCH MORE!

**Must be at least 20 to apply.

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

Advertisements, Bourbon County, Jobs

AD: Kansas Renewal Institute Is Hiring For All Positions!

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401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Kansas Renewal Institute, a behavioral healthcare treatment center will open soon.

The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.

Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.

Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.

We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.

Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.

We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.

Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.

Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!

–Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).

–Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).

–Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

The beginning date is 03/25/2024.

Taking Care of Our Team

The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
 Competitive pay for the industry
 Medical plans with generous employer contribution
 Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
 Generous paid time off
 A strong focus on promoting internally
 Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
 AND MUCH MORE!

**Must be at least 20 to apply.

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

Bourbon County, Food

Florida Strawberries Are Coming To Bronson

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store…

Strawberries!

Perry Pork Rinds is partnering with Hill Top Farmz to bring you the PERFECT treat! These strawberries are picked at the perfect time placed in an open flat, immediately put into a refrigerator truck and brought to their store directly from Florida!

Reserve your flat just in time for Easter!

Each flat is $25 and approximately 12lbs each.

Click here to fill out the form and to reserve your spot. They accept payment upon pick up.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Not Meet on March 18

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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

 

 

 

 

There will not be a Commission meeting held on Monday, March 18.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Garden Club Activities Start March 21: No Experience Necessary

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This is the club selling plants at the May 2022 Fort Scott Farmers Market, annual event for the club. From its Facebook page.
The Bourbon County Garden Club sells plants on the opening day of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market. Club member Paula Blincoe is in the visor. Photo from 2022.

The Bourbon County Garden Club started in 2003 and gives time and talent to the community through public garden care.

The Bourbon County Garden Club will open its season on Thursday, March 21, with a meeting at 6 p.m. at the Lowell Milken Center in downtown Fort Scott, at Wall and Main Street. The club meets once a month from March until October.

“New members bring new energy and new ideas,” said Martha Jane Gentry, co-president of the club in a press release.  “Learn how you can contribute to Bourbon County Garden Club activities for the coming season by attending the March 21 meeting.”

“Garden experience is not necessary for participation,” said Gentry,  “The club offers opportunities for learning and for community service.”

“The Garden Club started in 2003 and has grown in membership since then,” she said. “There are now about thirty members representing different ages, interests, and areas of the county.”

Membership is free, with the club’s activities financially supported by one fundraiser.  The annual plant sale occurs on the opening Saturday of the Downtown Farmers’ Market, this year on May 4.

“The club partners with Tri-Valley Developmental Services to sell a wide variety of plants, all of which are geared to our area’s growing conditions,” she said. “Club members offer plants freshly dug from their own gardens, and Tri-Valley provides plants and hanging baskets from the agency’s greenhouse.”

About one-third of the members have chosen to further their gardening knowledge by taking the K-State Master Gardener course through the K-State Extension Service.

“The class is offered via Zoom in the fall, with occasional in-person meetings,” she said. “Master Gardeners are required to share their knowledge through area activities, and the local club offers some of those opportunities.”

Many Projects

In addition to increasing in number, the number of community projects has increased.

The partnership with the City of Fort Scott has been vital for many of these projects.

The club sets new plants in place at the Heritage Park. Submitted photo.
There are four pocket gardens at the intersection of 8th and Crawford. The one that is most established is at the corner of 801 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.

“The city installed the watering system for Heritage Park (at First and Main Street) which members designed and planted in 2006,” she said. “That garden features a mix of annuals and perennials and is a colorful backdrop for Friday night concerts, photo shoots, and downtown gatherings.”

Club members Paula Blincoe on the left, Sheryl Bloomfield on the ladder, and Judy Wallis on the right. Submitted photo.

“Later, the city added a watering system for the downtown hanging planters and for the island gardens at the pool,” Gentry said.” In addition to those projects, the club has planted, cared for, and watered gardens in the North Main area.”

This garden at the north end of downtown Main Street is one of projects of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club's Facebook page.
The garden at the north end of Main Street is planted and cared for by the Bourbon County Garden Club.

“A recent project is the island garden at Riverfront Park, a collaboration with the Fire Department and Riverfront volunteers,” she said.

The newest project is outside the downtown area.

Residential pocket gardens were expanded last year through the club. Several members had already planted corner/pocket gardens, and the club decided to expand the project. Two local homeowners won free gardens from drawings through the club’s Facebook page and at the plant sale.

A pocket garden. Submitted photo.

“A pocket garden is a small planting plot or large pot tucked into a convenient corner of your property,” according to www.bobvilla.com>articles>pocket-gardens.

“I do the four corners at 8th and Crawford as part of the pocket garden project,” she said. “There are bulbs currently blooming”

A pocket garden. Submitted photo.

A  club committee collaborated with those homeowners in the fall, before planting the garden.

“Look for Garden Club Pocket Garden signs throughout Fort Scott to see what can flourish in small areas with challenging conditions,” she said. “For all gardens, the plant selection focuses on choices that are drought. Both the city staff and club members are committed to minimal water usage.”

Leadership
The officers of the club are:
Barbara McCord and Martha Jane Gentry – co-presidents
Austin Bollinger – vice-president
Ronda Hassig – secretary
Sheryl Bloomfield – treasurer
Advertisements, Bourbon County, Health Care, Jobs

AD: Kansas Renewal Institute is Hiring For All Positions!

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401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Kansas Renewal Institute, a behavioral healthcare treatment center will open soon.

The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.

Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.

Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.

We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.

Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.

We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.

Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.

Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!

–Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).

–Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).

–Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

The beginning date is 03/25/2024.

Taking Care of Our Team

The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
 Competitive pay for the industry
 Medical plans with generous employer contribution
 Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
 Generous paid time off
 A strong focus on promoting internally
 Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
 AND MUCH MORE!

**Must be at least 20 to apply.

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

Bourbon County, Exercise, Schools

Improved Walking Trail In The Making For Uniontown Community

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Old asphalt is coming off the Uniontown Walking Trail this week. This view is in the back of the high school. Two residents, Brian Stewart and Jason Koch are donating their time and resources to demolish the current asphalt trail.
An improved walking trail around the USD 235 Campus is in the making. The trail is an oval around the two school buildings in Uniontown and is used by many in the community.
 Work began on March 11 to dig up the old asphalt.
“Everything that was asphalt will be replaced with concrete,” said Uniontown Schools Superintendent Vance Eden.  “The new path will be 5 feet wide and ADA compliant.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.

“Excavation/demolition is being donated by Brian Stewart and Jason Koch.” Vance said.  “The  (concrete) replacement is being done by Tri-state  Building of Pittsburg.  The project was bid by several contractors and they had the winning bid.”

The major part of the community improvement project is through the Recreational Trails Program by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, he said.

“The district will cover its portion through in-kind donations and also our Capital Outlay Fund,” Eden said.  “Donations of the excavation by Brian Stewart and Jason Koch, a gravel donation of 800 tons by Mary and Don Pemberton of Bandera Stone, and a donation of the rock hauling by Bourbon County (Public Works Department) all help us minimize the district’s cash portion.
The old asphalt is coming off in preparation of the improved walking rail in Uniontown. This view is on Clay Street looking east to the West Bourbon Elementary School playground.
The project should be completed by late April or early May.
“Spring weather could be a factor but we are planning on it taking around 6 to 8 weeks,” he said.
The Uniontown Walking Trail looking south on 75th Street in January 2024.
The Uniontown Hiking Trail looking north on 75th Street on January 2024.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 4

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March 4, 2024                                                                              Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Bonnie Smith, Steve Fortenberry, Michael Hoyt, Patty Ropp. Clint Walker, Rachel Walker Jason Silvers, Debra Martin, and Brent M. Smith were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Chairman Harris read a statement outlining protocols of meetings going forward. Jim stated they want audience participation; however it needs to be polite and professional and the interruptions must be stopped. Jim said if an individual is interrupting, they will receive one warning then a motion will be made to ask the individual to leave.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-26-24. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clint Walker said he read an article about the Pittsburg State University skills program who did tuck pointing and masonry work on shelter houses and suggested someone contact them to see if they would be interested in having their students work on the shelters at Elm Creek. Clint also said the road and bridge crews have been hauling gravel and doing a good job.

 

Thomas Russell stated he is here representing the Bourbon County Republican party and said they looked over resolution 04-24 that was presented by Nelson last month and they agreed to take the phrases “churches and religious organizations” out of the resolution. Thomas presented a revised copy of resolution 04-24 for the Commissioners to review. Jim stated that what he asked Trevor Jacobs to remove has been removed. Jim made a motion to approve resolution 04-24 a declaratory resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County, Kansas. Nelson seconded the motion and Clifton opposed. The motion passed 2-1.

 

Nelson made a motion to remove healthcare sales tax ballot language from the agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

While waiting on the 6:00 conference call discussion was held with the audience with Thomas Russell commenting that he recently traveled and saw an 8-bed hospital and emergency room and suggested the Commissioners check into something like that. Jim stated that we are working on the healthcare situation and Justin and Clifton are working 24/7.

Jim said he had a friend question the duties of the Chairman, so Jim clarified that he is to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner and does not have any authority over Clifton or Nelson.

Brent Smith spoke about the new facilities being constructed for Saint Martin’s Academy near 120th Street and Hackberry Road and asked if there was something that could be done about the road when the project is complete. Mr. Smith stated the additions of a church, housing, and multiple buildings will cause a lot of traffic on that road.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, spoke about a few topics while waiting on the conference call. Jennifer stated the Clerk’s office is filing homestead claims for residents until April 15.

The Clerk’s office is still working on trying to connect Bourbon County residents with unclaimed property they have sitting at the State Treasurer’s office. Jennifer stated that they have been able to help residents claim over $100,000 of unclaimed property so far.

Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary election will begin on March 11th and run Monday through Friday from 8:30 am -4:30 pm. Early voting will also be available on Saturday, March 16th from 8:00 am -12:00 pm and on Monday, March 18th from 8:30 am-12:00 pm. Residents will be able to vote on Tuesday, March 19th from 7:00 am-7:00 pm at their normal polling place.

Matt Quick, County Appraiser, reminded individuals that they have 30 days to dispute their valuation notices that were sent out. Matt stated that it is a simple process and to contact their office and a time will be scheduled to meet and discuss the property.

 

Mike Dallman, Property Valuation Division Field Staff Supervisor, called in to review the 2023 Substantial Compliance Report with the Commissioners and Matt Quick. Mike stated the reason for conducting a conference call is it is mandated now per KSA 79-1404(b). Mr. Dallman went over the report outlining each section and explained the weighing process the use for the classifications of residential and commercial properties. Mike stated that the commercial properties are in compliance and the residential properties are only out of compliance by 0.07 of a point. Mike went over the process of sales validations and stated the Property Valuation Division has their own department who performs the validations and the county performs their own sales validations.

 

Jim and Clifton did not have any comments this evening. Nelson stated he did not understand most of what was discussed during the conference call and stated he doesn’t think most people do.

Nelson questioned what portion of taxes go towards welfare and stated that program is very abused. Nelson said he wants to work to change the situation and not just complain about it and that you have to dig in your heels and figure out a way to change. Nelson also said a prayer during his Commission comment time.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

3-11-2024                         Approved Date

 

Art, Bourbon County

Bourbon County Arts Council 2024 Fine Arts Exhibit Awards Announced

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The Bourbon County Arts Council congratulates the winners of its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

Local corporate sponsors contribute award monies for the First-Place prize winners in each category.  The Arts Council provides prizes for the Second-Place awards, the Peoples’ Choice award, and also Best in Show,  in 2-D and 3-D categories, in memory of E.C. Gordon, who provided an Endowment to the organization in 2011.

Award winners for each category, and its sponsor, are as follows:

CERAMICS

1st (Ward Kraft) – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”

2nd – Daria Claiborne – “Metamorphosis”

DRAWING AND GRAPHIC

1st (Landmark Bank) – Whitney Powell – “Dirty Nails & Fairy Tales”

2nd – Ripp Harrison – “Winter Bug”

FIBER ART/TEXTILE

1ST (State Farm Insurance) – Nancy Kreibach – “Let Your Light Shine”

2nd – Millie Karleskint – “Shabby Chic”

GLASS

1st (Edward Jones/ Armstrong) – Carleen Shatto – “Thin Vessels”

2nd – Cynthia Allen – “Tribute”

JEWELRY

1st (Citizens Bank) – Nicole Meyer Foresman – “Organic Brooch & Stand”

2nd – None

 

 

MIXED MEDIA

1st (Lyons Realty) – Eric Doucette – “Grasshopper”

2nd – Anita Wilson – “On Fire”

PAINTING

1st (Union State Bank) – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”

2nd – Tom Altenburg – “Barnyard Royalty”

PASTEL

1st (Mid-Continental Restoration) – Rick Bushnell – “Autumn Statis”

2nd – Emerson Grisier – “An Autumn Drive”

PHOTOGRAPHY

1st (The Artificers) – Linda Teeter – “Reflections – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”

2nd – Maggie Brenner – “Building Blocks”

PRINTMAKING

1st (Osage Timber) – Rick Bushnell – “Cottonwood Autumn”

2nd – Rylee Coulter – “Eyeball Kid”

SCULPTURE

1st (H & H Realty) – Mayumi M Kiefer – “Shoulder to Shoulder”

2nd – Mark Denton – “Anagama Hare”

THEME

1st (City State Bank) – Tom Altenburg – “Traveling a Dusty Road”

2nd – Eric Doucette – “A Day at the Office”

WATERCOLOR

1st (Buerge Studio) – Henry Kreibach – “Flower Tower”

2nd – Kaitlynn Sampson – “Peaceful View”

BEST OF SHOW 2D – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”

BEST OF SHOW 3D – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”

PEOPLES’S CHOICE – Addison Smith – “Orchid

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Bo Co Democrats Meet March 17

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The general meeting of the Bourbon County Democrats will be held on Sunday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Meeting Rooms of the Ellis Center on Fort Scott Community College campus.
The guest speaker will be Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, a member of the House Committee on Education.
For information, text with your name or call 620 215 1505.  Please join us!
Submitted by

Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”