The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports can best be viewed on a computer. The sheriff’s office number is 620-223-1440.
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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Farmers Market Plans For Season, And Is Looking For Honey Vendors
The Fort Scott Farmers Market group met Thursday evening to review 2017 and look to this season possibilities.
The market sets up stalls in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site at the north end of Main Street starting in May on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon and Tuesday evenings from 4-6 p.m.
It continues until October.
Market stall fees are $5 per day and there is a $5 application fee to reserve a vendor space. Or there is a discounted fee of $4 per day if pre-paid in the amount of $108 for the 27-week market space.
A new president of the market was elected, Stacey Atkins.
Beverly Brown was re-elected as treasurer.
Atkins was the secretary in 2017 and that position is still open.
In 2017 the group facilitated:
- Breakfast on the Bricks, where customers can purchase a breakfast on Saturday mornings while attending the market.
- Several demonstrations of interest to the community, such as CPR and rain barrels.
- Tuesday evening strawberry shortcakes social.
- Once a month raffle drawing, starting in June, with market vendors contributing goods for the prize.
- The Third Saturday Marketplace, working in collaboration with the City of Fort Scott, the market moved to historic downtown on Main Street once a month.
- Special music that entertains while customers stroll through the market.
- Children’s activities.
The group is looking for honey producers, at the request of community members.
Group member Vickie Shead said she has some honey but production has been difficult with the drift of herbicides that have helped to decimate her bee population.
Traditional offerings of this market are veggies, fruit, eggs, crafts, jellies/jams, baked goods, herbs, live plants, nuts, and pottery.
This year Fort Scott Kiwanis has offered to do Breakfast on the Bricks the first Saturday in May, according to Mickie Kraft, a group member.
Group member Ronnie Brown told about the Bourbon County Food Alliance that he is a part of.
“They were talking about how they could help us, possibly furnishing entertainment, breakfast, public relations, and help with the business part,” Brown said. “They want to see this farmers market extended.”
Brown also mentioned Project 17, which is a regional economic development and community engagement initiative in the southeast region of the state, according to a K-State website.
“Bob Marshall helped initiate it,” Brown said. Marshall was a Kansas Senator from 2009 to 2013.
“Local food is a by-word now,” Brown said. “There is a lot to look forward to, a lot of enthusiasm.”
Newly elected President Stacey Atkins told the group about a program through a Pathways Grant that is seeking input from local food producers.
“On May 3, a Buy and Sell-Meet and Greet will be at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall,” Atkins said. “This meeting will be to bridge the divide between local gardeners and retail food sellers.”
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report March 14
“Go Further with Food”
by Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (March 15, 2018) – March is one of my favorite months! Why you may ask? March is National Nutrition Month®; a whole month dedicated to celebrating nutrition and what dietitian doesn’t love that?
The theme for March 2018 National Nutrition Month® is “Go Further with Food.” This campaign is geared towards being mindful of what you put in your mouth, as well as what is left over as food waste.
What does this mean for you? How do we go further with our food? To begin, start planning your meals and snacks. Make a weekly menu and a shopping list for the grocery store. As hard as it may seem, try to stick to items on that shopping list when at the grocery store.
It’s important to make sure your meals and snacks have some variety and color. Have fun with your meals and try new foods and recipes! Once you plan what to prepare, have a plan for the leftovers, too. Use your leftovers in another meal later in the week, or freeze the leftovers for another time. Also, be mindful of your portion sizes. Think about the amount you should be eating and dish up just that amount. Help our environment by reducing food waste (the stuff that goes into your trash) by not overserving yourself.
I encourage you to take time this month to think about helping ourselves be healthier by eating a variety of healthful foods, as well as helping our planet by cutting down on food waste. Again, happy National Nutrition Month® and “Go Further with Food!”
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 and 2016 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Coalition Helps With Rent, Utility Assistance AND Swim Passes
A local helping agency provides both a need and a want.
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition provides rent/utility bill assistance and additionally, family passes to the Fort Scott Municipal Swimming pool in the summer, with help from United Way of Bourbon County.
FortScott.Biz is featuring each agency that was granted funding through United Way.
The contact person is Billie Jo Drake, her phone number is 620-223-5946 and email address is bjducktracks @gmail.com
What service do you provide for our community?
“We have two programs: rent and utility bill assistance and the family pool pass project.”
When are you open?
“We have no office or office hours. People who are in need of assistance make their requests through the Beacon (Phone, 620-223-6869 · Address. 525 E 6th St; Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.) Pool pass applications can be obtained at Buck Run Community Center Phone, (620-223-0386 · Address. 735 Scott Ave; Fort Scott, Kansas 66701) in the spring.”
What percentage of your budget is the United Way grant?
“It varies depending on other grants and donations, but this year it will be about 20 percent.”
Who are the board members?
Doug Altic, Bob Eckles, Sue Emmons, Shana McClure, Tisha Miller, DeAnn Welch, and Billie Jo Drake.
Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
2nd Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 13, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Asphalt Tanker Trailer
9:15-9:45 Jim Harris-Preliminary discussion relating to acquisition of real property
9:45-10:15 KDOT Annual update
10:15-10:30 Executive Session – personnel matters of non-elected personnel
10:30-10:35 Justin- discuss Opioid Meeting in Independence, Ks. on March 19, 2018@ 10am
10:35-10:40 Justin- Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client relationship/
possible litigation
10:40-10:45 Justin-Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client/relationship/
Personnel matter of individual non-elected personnel
10:45-11:00 Justin- Executive Session Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
11:00-11:30 William Wallis/Shane Walker- emergency operations plan for Bourbon County
Courthouse/emergency drills
11:30-11:45 Justin -regarding business in Fort Scott needing to change a law for Bourbon County
11:45-12:00 Justin- regarding direction from Commissioners/ Visioning Committee
12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch
2:00-2:30 Pathways Bourbon County
2:45 Employee Handbook
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
Garden Soil – Test Before Planting
Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, all gardeners should think about their soil fertility levels. Just looking at your plants won’t provide the proper information. Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed about. So as we get ready for planting time, consider having a soil analysis on your garden soil.
A soil test reveals the base line nutritional values of soil. From this test, the type and amount of fertilizer to be used can be determined. In addition, a soil test will find the pH level of the soil. This kind of information is basic for developing a good plant nutrition program. For example, if your soil doesn’t need phosphorus or potassium – which may very well be the case – applying it is a waste of time and money.
Nutrient levels can change over time of course. K-State recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. But soil tests are only as good as the samples submitted. To take a soil sample, follow these steps:
- Mentally divide your garden into areas. Each area should be fairly uniform in soil color, texture and slope, as well as ability to grow plants. Avoid or sample separately any places that could give misleading results: low spots, old fence rows, etc.
- You will need a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade. Take 10 thin core or slices from different spots in the garden. Include soil down 6 to 8 inches deep. This is much easier to do if you don’t take samples when the soil is really wet.
- Put all samples into a bucket, crumble and mix them thoroughly. Remove any stones, grass, roots and thatch. Then take out a cup to a pint’s worth of soil, air dry it, and put it in a sealable container. You can spread the soil out on a newspaper to dry.
- Put soil into a lock-seal plastic bag or plastic food container. Label each container with your name, mailing address and phone number.
- Bring soil sample to the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola or Fort Scott. Chanute residents can drop soil of at Breiner’s Feed Store for pick-up. Soil sampling is $12 per sample. Sample results are usually available in 7 to 10 days.
Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in the soil. Excess can harm growth, or worse yet, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. In recent years, the soil testing lab at K-State has found some Kansas garden and landscape samples contained so much phosphorus and potassium that testing couldn’t measure the amounts. The results literally were “off the charts.” By soil testing, you can determine if these nutrients need to be applied or not.
Did your garden just not perform the way you wanted it to last year? It could have been because the soil fertility level is not what it should be or the soil pH is off. Soil testing will determine that.
Don’t put off sampling until after the garden is planted. Do it now so soil fertility corrections can be made!
And as a reminder as we head into the growing season, I have office hours in each of the three locations within the district. I am in the Erie office Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Iola on Tuesday and Fort Scott on Thursday.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Headline: FSCC Gears up for Jr./Sr. Day
Fort Scott Community College invites high school juniors and seniors to Spring Junior/Senior Day on Thursday, March 29.
The event will begin with registration at 9:00 am at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott.
During the event, students and their parents will have the opportunity to visit and experience FSCC.
College faculty, staff, and students will be on hand to show potential students what it’s like to be a Greyhound.
The event will also include a free lunch and entertainment.
Students may preregister at fortscott.edu/juniorseniorday. For more information, please contact Matt Glades at 620-223-2700, ext. 3520.
Chamber Annual Dinner March 15
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD ANNUAL DINNER & AWARDS CELEBRATION
Submitted By Vonnie Rickerson Phone: (620) 223-3566 Email: [email protected]
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding the 2018 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration Thursday, March 15st at Liberty Theatre.
The evening themed “Road Trip” will bring together members and guests to recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute greatly in different ways to benefit Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will be the featured guest speaker along with WenDee Rowe. Marci has authored two books featuring all things to do and see in Kansas including the “8 Wonders of Kansas! Guidebook” and the “Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers”, which was co-authored by Marci and WenDee. The Kansas Sampler Foundation encompasses programs such as the Kansas Explorers Club, “Rural Kansas: Come and Get It!”, and The Big Kansas Road Trip. More information about Marci, WenDee, and the foundation may be found online at www.kansassampler.org.
The Annual Dinner event will start with a social hour and silent auction at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner, awards and live auction at 6:30 pm. Reservations are $30 for individuals, and table pricing is available. Those wanting to attend may contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected] with your choice of beef tips or walnut chicken entrée by noon on Monday, March 12th.
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Escape Room Event Comes To FSCC
Fort Scott Community College President’s Ambassadors have come up with a fun way to fundraise, and add an entertainment venue to the community.
“Last fall, Matt Glades, Jennalee Martin and I went to an escape room in Joplin,” Kassie Fugate-Cate said. All three are staff/faculty at the college.
“An escape room is an interactive game/puzzle where groups of people are locked in a room and have to solve puzzles and find clues to escape, all within 60 minutes,” according to Newsweek Magazine.
Following the Joplin excursion, Glades proposed an idea to the Ambassadors of designing and implementing an escape room for fundraising, Fugate- Cate said. They agreed.
“He got them a room, they did the rest,” Fugate-Cate said.
“We began planning in August,” Haley O’Neal, an FSCC Ambassador said. “We just now got to the point to financially support it.”
The cost isn’t much, but a camera had to be installed in the room.
“We had to install a camera, which was $500,” O’Neal said. “Legally we had to be able to watch so there is no property damage (to the school).
“We did research on designing a room, (and) one of our Ambassadors had been through a lot of escape rooms,” O’Neal said.
The theme the group chose for their room is “Secret Agency.”
The lights are turned off the duration of the time in the escape room.
“Initially, someone must find the flashlight,” O’Neal said.
Waivers must be signed and fees paid 24 hours prior to the assigned time.
Prices are $5 for students and faculty/staff, $10 for community members. A team is comprised of up to five people.
The escape event is available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 6 to 8 p..m or by appointment.
Contact the admissions office at 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 or email [email protected] for more information.
Participants must be at the escape room 15 minutes prior to their assigned time. If a time has been scheduled, no refund will be provided.
Several groups have spent time in the “Secret Agency” room for trial runs, Fugate-Cate said.
“The best time they have now is 30 minutes,” Fugate- Cate said.
The storyline will be changed periodically, Fugate- Cate said, to keep it interesting.
“I love that we are trying something new,” O’Neal said. “The Ambassadors are creating a fundraiser to do a fun day together later.”
O’Neal said the group has a plan to Main Event Entertainment in Kansas City on April 14.
Area Artists Exhibit At Ellis Art Center
The Bourbon County Arts Council’s 26th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit and Sale has grown over the years, according to the judge who picked the winners.
Schultz judged about four years ago she said.
“There is a lot more artwork this time, 125 pieces,” Schultz said. “Last time it was 80ish pieces.”
This year is a bigger variety as well, she said.
Schultz said she looks for composition, color techniques, and technical skills when she judges art.
This year she felt like the jewelry pieces “were really beautifully done, they were amazing,” she said.
The exhibit continues from noon to 7 p.m. through March 9 at the Ellis Fine Art Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
Featured below are the first and second place winners of the exhibit.
Pictured below are some glimpses of artwork submitted to the exhibition by area artists.
The following are corporate prize sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goldston, Landmark Bank, City State Bank, McDonald’s Restaurant, Union State Bank, H & R Block, H & H Realty, Fort Scott Broadcasting, Bernita Hill, Ward Kraft. The best of show prize is awarded in honor of E. C. Gordon.
Juror Tera Schultz is the fine arts instructor at Allen County Community College, Iola.