Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Gordon Parks Celebration Oct. 4-7

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Gordon Parks Celebration this weekend at the Ellis Center at Fort Scott Community College. Here is the list of activities.

Thursday October 4th

PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center.  The Merl Humphrey Photography-sponsored photo contest will be on display with the theme of “What Inspires Me.”  Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. —“Leadbelly” film in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.

 

Friday October 5th

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the Museum.

9:05 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: “Leadbelly and Irene: Heartbeat of the Musical Frontier” with Megan Felt.  Megan Felt, Program Director at the Lowell Milken Center in Fort Scott, created this short documentary on Huddie Ledbetter when she was a student at Uniontown High School.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  FREE

10:05-11:30: “A Conversation with Roger Mosley.”  The 2018 “Choice of Weapons Award” honoree, Mr. Mosley played Huddie Ledbetter in the Gordon Parks-directed film “Leadbelly” and starred in the popular television series, “Magnum P.I.”  Discussion led by Karole Graham, Big Mabel in “The Learning Tree” and Laura May in “Leadbelly.”  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Theatre.  FREE

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.—Grab a sack lunch from the lobby ($8-purchase that day) and join us in the museum for PARKS POETRY OUT LOUD, sponsored by the Bourbon County Arts Council.  Poetry Out Loud is a contest & reading of selected poems of Gordon Parks.  ANYONE may enter.  No preregistration –just show up!  Prize money of $100 (First Place), $75 (Second Place), and $50 (Third Place). (The eight poems are on the gordonparkscenter.org website.)  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  FREE

2:00 p.m. Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott.  Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.  See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.  Fee: $7.

5:00 p.m.—Meet and Greet at Sharkey’s Pub.  Drop by and meet Roger Mosley and Karole Graham, “Big Mabel” in The Learning Tree.”

7:00 p.m.—Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring the music of blues guitarist Lem Sheppard, Heritage Park Pavilion at 1st and Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.  Food Vendors will be open at 5:00 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair! FREE

Saturday, October 6th

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the Museum.

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Kid’s Art Workshop–Art activities for kids age 5-12.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Meeting Rooms.  Fee: $5-payable the day of the workshop.

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Dimensional Art Workshop-Museum $10  Participants will experience creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork using photography, pastels and/or watercolors.  The finished work will be printed on 11 x 17 paper.  Gordon Parks used this technique in his later years and created beautiful images by creating a background either with pastels, watercolor, etc.  He then used a found object, lit the entire scene on two levels and took a photograph of it.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  Fee: $10-payable the day of the workshop.

12:00—1:30—Lunch on your own.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Gordon Parks, Jazz, and Photography,“ with John Mason, Associate Professor, Associate Chair, University of Virginia Department of History. Mason is working on “Gordon Parks and American Democracy,” a book about the ways in which Parks’ Life magazine photo-essays on poverty and the black liberation struggle and the books that he published during the civil rights era made him one of the era’s most significant interpreters of the black experience. FREE

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.—Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott.  Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.  See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.  Fee: $7.                            7:00 p.m. – “Celebration Tribute Dinner.” Dinner and evening of tribute; presentation of the 2018 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Roger E. Mosley and a Celebration 15th-year Anniversary retrospective. Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main.  All seats reserved. Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed., Oct. 3)

 

Sunday, October 7th

10:00 a.m.—Breakfast at Nate’s Place.  Enjoy breakfast at one of Fort Scott’s finest!  Located on the corner of National & 8th Street, you’re sure to find something on the menu to please.    Check it out at: lyonstwinmansions.com/nates-place-restaurant. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Medicare Update Season Is Here

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Joy Miller, Family and Consumer Science Agent K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 223-3720 or [email protected]

 

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment, What Should You Do?

Medicare Part D (prescription) annual open enrollment is around the corner.

This nationwide enrollment period runs from October 15 thru December 7.

In the state of Kansas, ten companies provide Medicare Part D totaling 26 different plans to choose from in 2019. Monthly premiums range from $16.20 to $99.50 a month. The deductible upper limit is $415 but ranges from $0-$415.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary enrolled in a Part D prescription plan, you may have already received your Annual Notice of Change for your plan in the mail. The notice will include information regarding any changes to your current plan such as monthly premium, deductible, and coverage of your medications. These notices may not include everything you need to know such as a change in medication formulary or change of in-network pharmacies. Carefully review them. If you do nothing, you will continue in your current plan.

Each year insurance companies providing Part D plans make adjustments regarding monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance and copayments.

Often people are happy with their current plan and can afford the increases, but there may be an opportunity to save money. For many years, probably since 2006 when Part D plans started, Humana Walmart RX has been the lowest premium plan.

It is great for those who do not take any prescription medications but enrolled to have coverage and avoid a penalty in the future.

Two new plans are being offered in 2019 with even lower premiums than Humana. The difference is $90, something beneficiaries may not know if they don’t evaluate all the plans each year.

Having a plan comparison completed will let you know what to expect financially for the upcoming year and make sure your 4 C’s are covered.

The 4 C’s to review in coverage are:

  • Cost. How much have you spent on premiums, deductibles, and copayments this year? How will these amounts change next year?
  • Coverage. Does your plan cover all of the medications you believe you will need next year? Do you want to get your health care and drug coverage through one single plan? If so, you should review your Medicare Advantage options.
  • Convenience. To what extent will your plan restrict access to certain medications you need, such as through prior authorization or quantity limits? Can you use the plan at the pharmacy of your choice? Can you get your prescriptions through the mail if you prefer to?
  • Customer service. Is your plan responsive when you have a question? Does it have a high-quality rating as displayed in the Medicare Plan Finder?

The Southwind Extension District provides free, unbiased, confidential assistance by a Certified SHICK Counselor to help you compare all 26 plans, providing you an estimate of your prescription costs for the upcoming year.

Last year 50% of the beneficiaries I assisted who were new to Medicare or enrolled in a new plan saved over $440,000 dollars.

It is also an opportunity if you have questions about how Medicare works, advantage plans (Part C), or supplement insurance plans.

Those new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare coverage may call the Extension office to discuss Medicare any time during the year. I can also assist you in understanding how Medicare does or does not work with employer insurance or Marketplace health insurance plans.

Evaluation of income and resources are also available to determine eligibility financial assistance programs such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program.

For an appointment, call me at 620-223-3720 or email: [email protected]. In person appointments will be scheduled at our Extension offices located in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, and Yates Center.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

National 4-H Week Proclaimed in Kansas

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Gov. Colyer proclaims National 4-H Week in Kansas, inspiring kids ‘to do’

The event concludes with 48 Hours of Community Service on Oct. 13-14

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer signed a proclamation on Monday recognizing Oct. 7-13 as National 4-H Week in Kansas, clearing the way for a week-long celebration of America’s largest youth development organization.

4-H reaches nearly 75,000 young people across Kansas. Colyer’s proclamation notes that National 4-H Week “highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Kansas who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.”

The Kansas 4-H program is delivered through K-State Research and Extension and its network of local extension offices. Amy Sollock, the southwest area 4-H youth development specialist, notes that the organization empowers youth with skills to lead in their life and career.

“4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers, and communities,” she said.

In addition to the youth members, there are nearly 11,000 people who volunteer their time to Kansas 4-H by creating the life experiences that “Inspire Kids to Do” for their communities, which is the theme for National 4-H Week.

“4-H Youth Development has been a part of Kansas communities since 1905,” said Wade Weber, the state program leader for Kansas 4-H. “Today more than ever, 4-H provides a unique opportunity for youth to discover their passions, build their skills, and grow confidence with the support of caring adults and dynamic partnerships with local and K-State based resources.

He adds: “4-H youth build essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and decision making that enable them to become tomorrow’s leaders by doing leadership today.”

National 4-H Week in Kansas wraps up Oct. 13-14 with the fifth annual 48 Hours of 4-H community service event taking place across the state. 4-Hers and volunteers plan community service events sometime during that weekend to symbolize the organization’s commitment to ‘doing.’

“Kansas 4-Hers are active in their community year-round, but 48 Hours of 4-H is an opportunity to highlight the 4-H members and volunteers who are ‘doing’ all across Kansas,” Sollock said. “In 4-H, kids roll up their sleeves and do with their hands. Their experiences grow the confidence they need for life and career. 4-Hers do with a purpose, lead by example and empower their peers to do the same.”

More information about 48 Hours of 4-H is available online. On social media, look for the hashtag, #484H.

For more information about National 4-H Week, visit 4-H.org. To join Kansas 4-H and the movement to Inspire Kids to Do, visit Kansas4-H.org.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 2

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 2nd, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:45-10:00-Letter for Diehl-Banwart

10:30-12:00-Justin Meeks

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-Robert Coon-No Zoning

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County

Who Is The Oldest Veteran In Bourbon County?

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Carl Jowers, U.S.N. Retired is searching for the oldest male and female Veteran living in Bourbon County. They will be the Grand Marshalls for the Fort Scott Veterans Parade on November 10 at 5 pm.
If you would like to suggest someone as the oldest Bourbon County Veteran, please reply to this email or email Carl [email protected].
Proof of military service and age may be required. This is an excellent opportunity for our unsung heroes to be recognized for their service.
Bourbon County, Schools

Bourbon County Schools See Enrollment Increase

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September 20 is the headcount date for Kansas school districts.

The enrollment of a district is the number of students regularly enrolled at the district on September 20 of the preceding school year, according to the website: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/documents/summary_sb_19_2017.pdf

Bourbon County public schools have noted an increase in enrollment, which means an increase in funding.

Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston.
 

 

 

 

 
Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College enrollment is up around 1,000 credit hours from last year at this time, President Alysia Johnston said.  “15 credit hours (per semester) is considered full time.”

“We also report numbers based on Full-Time Equivalency (FTE); therefore, the 1,000 credit hour increase would be an FTE increase of 66,” Johnston said.

How does the increase in students benefit the school?

“It is hard to give you an exact dollar amount – as I’m not sure how many of the 1000 credit hour increase we would have provided tuition scholarships for; and if the credit hours were generated from in-district, out-district, or out of state,” Johnston said. “If I assume that 50% of the hours we gave scholarships for , and they were all in-district, it would be approximately an increase of around $80,000.”

“Our enrollment is up due to the great work our faculty and staff at FSCC do to ensure we meet the needs of our students and community,” she said. ” Their dedication, expertise in their area, and devotion to quality is reflected in our increased enrollment. Our focus is not just on growing enrollment, but maintaining and improving excellence in our programs and meeting student needs so they can be successful and reach their goals.”

USD 235

Bret Howard, superintendent of USD 235, Uniontown.

The Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) for Uniontown is 451 with enrollment of 458 students, Bret Howard, superintendent for USD 235 said.

“Unofficially we are up 6 (from last year),” Howard said. “We will still be audited by the Kansas State Department of Education and numbers can change slightly. Nothing is ever “official” until after the audit.”

“A school district receives $4,165 for each full-time equivalent (FTE),” Howard said. ” All Kindergarten through 12th-grade students are 1.0 FTE. A Pre-K student is funded at .5 FTE per student and each district has a cap determined by the KSDE. We are funded with 14 Pre-K slots or 7 FTE in Uniontown USD 235.”

“A district also receives weighted funding for At-Risk Students, Students on Free Lunch, Students who ride district provided transportation to and from school, etc,” Howard said. “A district budget has many different factors that make it up.”

USD 234

USD 234 Assistant Superintendent Nicki Traul.

The enrollment has also increased at USD 234, said Assistant Superintendent Nicki Traul.

Fort Scott Schools have seen an increase of 27 students from last school year.

In 2018-19 there are 1934 students, in 2017-18 there were 1907 students and in 2016-17 there were 1890 students, she stated.

 

 

 

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Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Courthouse North Wing Transformed

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The north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, on the right in this photo, has been reconfigured to house the county clerk, treasurer and commission offices. Additionally, at the back of the wing, Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative has leased a space for their business operations.

The public will be using a different door to get to the Bourbon County Commission, Treasurer and Clerk offices at 210 S. National.

The Bourbon County Courthouse personnel moved the offices late last week from the second floor to the north wing, the space of the former Sheriff’s Office and jail.

The Sheriff’s office and jail moved to a new facility at 293 E. 20th Street, earlier this year

The Bourbon County Commission room, September 2018.

The commission room is on the north side of the courthouse door as one enters in the north wing, There is room for the public to attend meetings comfortably now and space is more handicapped accessible on the ground floor.

The Bourbon County Clerk’s Office. Whitney Ball man’s the desk Monday. The office is located on the south side of the hall as one enters the doors on the north wing of the courthouse.
The Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office employees wait on the public in the new office on Monday. This office is located on the north side of the hall as one enters the doors on the north wing of the courthouse.
The north door of the courthouse is now for the Public Works Department.

To enter the county public works office, use the north door on the 2nd Street side.

The driver’s license office will be moving to the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office at Second and Judson Streets, behind the courthouse, pictured here.

The county attorney will move from the office building at 108 2nd Street to the 2nd floor of the courthouse on October 9.

The last day the driver’s license will be in its current location on the second floor of the courthouse, is Oct. 26, according to Shane Walker, Bourbon County Information Services Director.

On November 1, the driver’s license office will be open for business at 108 2nd Street, Walker said.

The Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative space is seen at the back of the Judson Street side of the courthouse. The county commission has leased Craw-Kan two cells from the former jail at the courthouse for its business operation in Bourbon County.

“We’ve leased them two cells in the former jail in exchange for internet and phone services for life,” Walker said. “That will save the county $250,000 over the next 10-12 years. We currently have internet from them and will be switching to their phone service in the next month.”

“The other cells of the former jail are empty,” Walker said, “There are some future plans ahead for them.”

 

 

Bourbon County

Upcoming Events For American Legion Post 25

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American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

September 27. Thursday. Post 25 Executive Committee meets at 6 pm in Memorial Hall.

September 27. Thursday. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 members are invited to join the Post 25 Color Guard. Meetings last about an hour. 

October 1. Monday. Post 25 general membership meet and greet begins at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available.

October 1. Monday. Post 25 general membership meeting starts at 7 pm.  

October 2. 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 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 2. 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. 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.

November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.

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

November 9. Saturday, 10 am:  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, 7 pm:  1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. Tickets required. Email [email protected] for information on purchasing tickets.

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

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

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