Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Business

Moderate Income Housing Grant to Bring 20 New Housing Units to Fort Scott

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Bourbon County REDI is proud to announce its collaboration with two housing developers on the Moderate-Income Housing Grant from the Kansas Rural Housing Corporation. If awarded, this project will bring over 20 new housing units to Fort Scott, a much-needed addition to the community.

The Moderate-Income Housing Grant provides funding for the development of affordable housing for moderate income families. This grant will allow for the creation of new housing units that will provide families with the stability and comfort of a safe and affordable home.

Bourbon County REDI, working with the two housing developers, has been advocating for this grant for many months. The grant, if awarded, will have a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and providing much-needed housing for Fort Scott families.

“Bourbon County REDI is committed to creating a better future for the families of Fort Scott,” said Robert Harrington, Executive Director of Bourbon County REDI. “This grant will help us achieve that goal and make a positive impact on the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Kansas Rural Housing Corporation and our housing development partners on this project.”

For more information on Bourbon County REDI, please visit our website at www.bourboncountyredi.com.

About Bourbon County REDI

Bourbon County REDI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development in Fort Scott, Kansas, and the surrounding areas. We work with businesses, individuals, and community organizations to create a thriving and sustainable economy for future generations.

Contact: Robert Harrington Executive Director of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes

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Starlite FCE Minutes

January,2023

 

The January meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at Presbyterian Village’s meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, and Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club collect.  Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for eight hours and had recycled fifty pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report.  Glenda Miller read a Thank you card from the VA Hospital thanking us for the 210 Christmas cards we had sent.  Glenda also passed out new address sheets to the members.  January birthday were recognized by Glenda.

 

Old business consisted of follow up plans for the March program on Men’s Health.  Glenda will present the lesson to the club with Deb Lust help. It was discussed to invite residents of Presbyterian Village and providing cobbles and ice cream for refreshments.  Plans were made to present the program to other groups as well and ask someone in the health field to present it.  It was also suggested to give a gift card to the outside presenter.

 

Before the meeting the member signed Valentine cards to take to Veterans in the assisted living facilities and senior housing and to Tri-Valley.  Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Taylor Bailey volunteered to deliver the valentines

 

Letha Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

Glenda Miller presented the lesson on Character Counts “Caring”, while the members enjoyed refreshments provided by Doris Ericson and Glenda Miller.  Refreshments consisted of Chocolate cookies, ice cream, and water.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Illusionist Coming to Fort Scott on Feb. 17

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Reza World Class Touring Illusionist!

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist is coming to Fort Scott! Come out enjoy a great event while supporting the Splash Pad and new sensory addition!

02.17.23 @ 7pm

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College

Click here to get your tickets NOW!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes

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February 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eighteen members representing seventeen agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that there continues to be an opening on the Coalition Board; they are seeking a volunteer.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: At present she has volunteers working with the Teammates program at Uniontown, Beacon, Fort Scott Housing, and Red Cross blood drives. The next blood drive is February 16 at Buck Run, 12:30 – 7:00.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA: CASA is a rewarding way to help the youth in our area.  Pioneer Kiwanis also works to support youth projects. Both organizations would welcome additional members.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K State Research: Three classes are in process at this time; she is always looking for partners who can provide space for programs.
  • Dave Gillen, Beacon: Reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers.
  • Donna Cunningham, Family Strong Program: Now housed in the Board of Education building, 424 S. Main.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 ECPS: Program is full right now but she can always take referrals for a waiting list.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Has lots of resources if there is a need:  hygiene products, medical equipment on a temporary basis, fans, bedding, temporary lodging, gas, etc.  Red Kettle campaign did not go quite so well as last year so they will suffer some budget cuts.  Allen’s hours are 10-2 Mondays through Thursdays; however, call first as Alan may be out of the office assisting someone with a need.
  • Kelly Mengerilli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Works with preschool, Happy Kids, etc. to provide quality child care.
  • Ann Elliott, Family Resource Center: In addition to writing grants and overseeing the Family Strong Grant, she can help with gaps in services.
  • DeeDee, Community Liaison: Helps facilitate a close working relationship between organizations:  Parents as Teachers, Birth to Three, Early Childhood, etc.
  • Christine Abbott: SEK Works: Works with ages 16-24 on completing a GED, job trainings, etc.  Christine is in Fort Scott on Mondays and Wednesdays at the HBCAT office.  SEK Works also provides adult services; the Fort Scott office is staffed all week.
  • Lindsey McNeil, CHC, COPE: works strictly with KU.
  • Lindsey Waterman, CHC and KU: Works with the COPE grant to house homeless, help with applications for apartments, SNAP and Medicaid. COPE is not housed in the clinic but at HBCAT office. They also help with Meals on Wheels.
  • Vicki Wright: SEK Mental Health: Have received a grant to expand training for mental health first aide: how to properly help when someone is in a mental health crisis.
  • Melinda Miller: SEK Area on Aging:  Does case management and assessing; her office is in Pittsburg.

 

  1. Program: Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice

Gentiva was formerly known as Avalon Hospice.  Melanie’s job is to educate what hospice really is because hospice is underutilized.  Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care where the focus is the patient and family – not the disease.

 

Medicare adopted hospice services in 1980; therefore, there is no cost for the service.  Hospice is not just treating physical systems; they have a whole team approach.  A physician must refer for hospice.

 

Hospice care allows patients and families to focus on the things that matter the most – time with loved ones and sharing conversations with family and friends.

 

Hospice is about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and bringing comfort, compassion and closure for patients and their families.  It is a plan of care that brings comfort, compassion, and closure for the patient and the family.  Gentiva specializes in honoring life and offering dignity to those who are facing a life-limiting illness.

 

Contact information for Gentiva Hospice:  2307 South Tucker, Pittsburg, KS 66762, 620-231-8000, gentivahs.com.

 

  1. Open Forum: Billie Jo mentioned that our April program will be a presentation by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra Department; the March program is not finalizedb

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be March 1, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Let’s Get Growing Coming to Fort Scott

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Let’s Get Growing!
Join us at our “Starting Seeds Indoor” workshop!
All participants will take home a seed starting tray with soil and seeds.
Classes are limited to 10 people; fee is $5 for class and materials.
To register, call 620.365.2242, use the QR code below, or go online: https://bit.ly/SWEDgetgrowing
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 31

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 31, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton


MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM


Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes
• Signatures for Accounts Payable
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Eric Bailey – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
• Kathy – Executive Director of Area Agency on Aging
• Jeremiah Hill – County Roads
• Bill Martin – Vehicle Bids/Loans
• Coroner Cost–Sharing Agreement
• SEKRPC – Renewal
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:


KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Attachment:

Bourbon County, Government, Jobs

Jennifer Hawkins Selected As Bourbon County Clerk by Republican Party

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Jennifer Hawkins, 34, was selected from a field of three persons to become the next Bourbon County Clerk last evening at a Republican Party Convention.

“We had three individuals contact the (Republican) party,” Mark McCoy, chairman, said.

He will forward Hawkins name to be approved to Governor Kelly today. Outgoing Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton’s last day in February 3. Shelton resigned last week.

Today Hawkins is being sworn in as Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, then her first day as clerk is Feb. 6, she said.

The Bourbon County Clerk’s office is located in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Hawkins has worked for the county government for almost a decade.

“I have worked as the lead motor vehicle clerk in the treasurer’s office for five years, and as the office manager of the public works department for 4.5 years,” she said.

She has helped with accounts payable and payroll in the county clerks office as well.

“I have a working relationship with all the county offices and feel I can help move the county forward,” Hawkins said. “I want to do my part to see Bourbon County and Fort Scott succeed.”

With the loss of the two other office staff in the clerk’s office besides Shelton, “It will be rough until I can get some additional help hired,” she said

“I will be hiring two full time office staff, one will be deputy county clerk (who will also be the) accounts payable clerk,” she said. “One will be a front office clerk to assist Bourbon County residents by manning the switchboard and helping with licensing and hunting licenses.”

The staff will have to absorb a part time position, Hawkins said.

Hawkins said the county has “wonderful benefits to offer” including retirement, health insurance (including dental and vision), vacation and sick leave.

Hawkins was born and raised in Fort Scott, attending Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.

She has a 15- year-old daughter who attends Fort Scott High School and whose activities keep her “pretty busy with her school functions.”

Tim Shellenburger New Kansas Senator Representing Bourbon County

Tim Shallenburger, taken from kslegislature.org.
Another new face will be serving Bourbon County as the District 13 Kansas Senator.
On January 22, a Republican Convention  was held in Columbus to select a new senator for District 13 replacing Richard Hilderbrand who resigned.  Tim Shallenburger was selected.
  “He is a former Kansas State Representative,” McCoy said.  “Most recently he was the mayor of Baxter Springs.”
District 13 encompasses Bourbon, Crawford and Cherokee Counties.

 

Art, Bourbon County

Call For Entries-Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit-2023

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The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 31st Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 2nd, through Saturday, March 11th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “DOORWAYS & WINDOWS”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.  Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category.  Entry deadline and payment are due by February 24th, 2023.

Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 24th. No late entries will be accepted.

Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on February 26th, between 1 and 4 pm.

 Juror critique of the artwork will occur on March 1st;  this is closed to artists and the public.

The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday March 2nd at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.

A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror on  Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 2nd through Friday March 10th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 11th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.