Category Archives: Bourbon County

Core Community Has New Liaison and A New Fall Farm Fest In the Works

Deana Betts. Submitted photo.

There is a new community liaison with Core Community, a local helping organization that has a mission to engage the community to lift families out of poverty.

Deana Betts, the new Core Community Liasion, moved to Fort Scott this summer and began work with Core Community on July 8th.

Betts moved to the area after her husband accepted the pastor position at Lifetrack Church in Frontenac.

In discovering the organization and the opening for a liaison, she learned Core Community is a faith-based organization that helps people out of poverty.

“I liked that they are leading themselves out of poverty, with support. It’s more than just a class, it’s a pathway.”

The mission statement of the organization is “Engaging the community to lift families out of poverty.”

Classes for this second year of the organization in Bourbon County start on Tuesday, September 10 at the Nazarene Church, 1728 S. Horton Street with 16-17 people enrolled.

See their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/p/Core-Community-Bourbon-County

Betts explained the evening.

Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. will be a family-style meal provided by different organizations in the community. Following this, children will be directed to the childcare area with Angie Trim, the childcare coordinator and the people from last year’s classes will meet with the coach, Janice Lamb. The new class meets with teachers, Amy Harper and David Goodyear. The evening finishes at 7:30 p.m.

The first class graduated in May of this year.

Getting Ahead In A Just Get By World by Ruby Payne is the book that is worked through, in the 20-22 weeks of the classes.

Fall Festival

Larry and Vickie Shead have agreed to open the Shead Farm on Saturday, October 19 for a fundraiser for the Core Community organization. The farm has an annual community spring festival that has grown larger each year.

Vickie and Larry Shead, 2020, from her Facebook page.

“Our childcare coordinator Angie Trim helped the Sheads with their spring festival. I met with them and they said it’s the Lord’s farm. I asked them to pray about it, and they did and said yes,” she said.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the farm located at 2468 Calvalry Road, Garland, south of Fort Scott.

The cost is $5 per person, for families with over five members it’s $25 and there will be food, vendors, games, and raffles to entertain the family.

To learn more about Core Community or the Fall Fest, contact Betts at [email protected] or 785.488. 8411.

 

 

New Uniontown City Council Agenda for September 10

Agenda for the City Council of Uniontown on September 10, 2024 at 5.30 p.m.

Personnel interviews followed by regular council meeting.

ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Interview non-elected personnel –

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Bill Martin

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of August 13 Regular Council Meeting and September 3, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Public Water Supply Inspection

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

2023 Audit

Craw-Kan business internet

811 tickets

KSGFOA Fall Conference

FEMA Conference Call September 12

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Sale of Property –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Ribbon Cutting For Uniontown Pickleball Court

Uniontown held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for the Uniontown Community Pickleball Court on September 1.  Pictured are Councilwoman Danea Esslinger, Levi Ervin (cutting the ribbon), son of Councilman Jess Ervin, Councilwoman Mary Pemberton, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

The court was completed with the help of the entire community, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, Uniontown City Council, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.  A grant facilitated by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas contributed to the cost of the court; the equipment and benches were donated by community members; and Uniontown Ruritan Club is donating fencing for the north and south ends.  The City of Uniontown wishes to thank all those involved with this project.  The court is being used daily by  the community.

 

Beginning Support Group For Parents of Special Needs Children

Cherri Walrod, K-State Research and Extension Office Community
Health Worker, is providing an opportunity for parents of special needs children.
Cherri Walrod is a new K-State Research and Extension Community Health Worker (CHW), photo from her Facebook page.

“I am a mom to special needs kids myself…being a parent to a special needs child can be a special kind of isolation and hurt.”

 

She said another mom asked her to start a support group for parents of special needs kids.

 

“Throughout the spring of this year, I hosted a few meetings for special needs parents in the area, just as a personal service to the community,” Walrod said.

 

 

Walrod began a new job as a community health worker for K-State Research and Extension Southwind District on August 1.

 

 

The Community Health Worker project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.

 

“Since I am part of the community of parents of special needs children myself and support groups fit in the role of a CHW, the timing was perfect to form this group officially.”

 

The first meeting will be September 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Splash Pad and Gathering Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. on Fort Scott’s north end. It is a come-and-go event opportunity to connect with other parents of special needs children.

 

Bring your kids, lawn chairs, snacks, and water to drink, she said.

The Gathering Square Pavilion, the splash pad is behind the pavilion on North National Avenue.
“This first meeting is just a meet and greet time for area parents of special needs kids to come together for some fellowship time,” she said.” I hope to gather enough names and contact info of families interested and then try to determine which day and time might work for families to gather on a regular basis. All of the logistics for future meetings are to be determined based on the feedback from the parents in attendance. I hope to talk to enough parents to get an introductory idea of what they may need in the way of support. “
“Based on what I’ve heard so far, many parents of special needs kids feel very isolated, alone, overwhelmed, defeated and just surviving from one day to the next. Many feel judged by their parent peers due to some of the behaviors of their children.”
“This first meet and greet is just that. A chance to meet other parents in an environment of non-judgment so that we can begin to make plans to help support each other in the future.”
“I will be the lead facilitator for the time being and responsible for the majority of the logistics planning right now. Eventually, as we form a more organized group, we may have more involvement from the parents themselves and also invite community partners to join us to address special topics, needs or to provide educational or training opportunities.”
This is for parents who have wished to get together with others who are in the same situation and understand some of the stresses.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Old Settlers Picnic Contests/Raffle Results

The following were bike winners at the Old Settler’s Picnic in Uniontown yesterday afternoon, as submitted by Mary Pillion, one of the organizers of the event.

The AR-15 300 Blackout Rifle raffle winner was  Heath Lord. Not pictured

Winners of bikes: (Submitted photos)

(Names were not provided to fortscott.biz)

Longest Beard Contest

Longest beard contest winner is Ray Taylor, middle. Submitted photos.
Longest married couple Coach and Mrs. Walker. Submitted photos.
Becky Shinn won for the longest resident with a Uniontown address. Submitted photos.
Oldest women was Babe Goodbody, 80 years old. Submitted photos.
Oldest man was Leo Hartman, 95.
Longest mullet, unknown winner. Submitted photos.
Even the young enjoyed the bingo game on Sunday afternoon. Submitted photo.

The 2024 Old Settlers Picnic Photo Highlights

The 2024 Old Settlers Picnic had dancing, running/walking, fishing, church, bingo, pickleball, kids games, and rodeos that all led up to the highlight event of the parade at Uniontown on Labor Day.

The community and surrounding areas enjoyed the food, crafts, vendors, car show, and parade on Labor Day. People picnicked in the park, enjoyed the baby parade, recognition of old settlers, kids games and raffles/contests.

The Holt family were the grand marshalls of the parade, with Marilyn Holt, the matriarch,  sitting front and center on the float,  along with three of her children Debbie Likely, Randy Holt and Susan Eldridge,their spouses,their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her oldest son, Kenny, died in 2019, and her husband Kent, “Poke”, died in 2021. The Holts have been bankers in Bourbon County since 1901.

Horse riders bring up the tail of the parade on Sept.2 at the  Old Settlers Picnic.
The class of Uniontown High School 2026 in the parade.
The U.H.S Freshman Class.
The alumni Class of 1959.
The U.H.S Class of 1964.
The U.H.S. Class of 1974.
Fort Scott Community College students in the parade.
Members of Bethel Community Baptist Church in the parade.
The younger Uniontown foot players in the parade.
The U.H.S. Football Team.
Uniontown Cheerleaders.
The Marching Eagles Band.
The Holt family with Marilyn (center, right in blue shirt) and her descendants on the float.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office leads the parade.

Bourbon County Coalition Meets Sept. 4

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

We will be meeting at the Keyhole this week for our September 4 General Meeting. The Keyhole is located at the corner of 10th. and Main Street across from the south end of the Fort Scott High School. See you Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at The Keyhole

 

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  Judy Hood will give us an update on The Keyhole.

October program will be by Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be October 2, 2024.

 

Fort Fest 24: Blues Music and More at Riverfront Park on Sept. 27-29

 

The annual Fort Fest is September 27-29 at Riverfront Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue.

Blues singers entertain during the Fort Fest 23 event.

The event is an entertainment weekend that features Blues Music and brings in donations for a local cancer survivor group, Care to Share.

Care to Share/ Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer, with financial or emotional support, and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.

To learn more more about Care to Share: C2S One Page Highlights
Teresa Davenport is the President and can be reached at

(620) 238-0902

Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, and Cory Bryars, vice president, hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area for the organization at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Music begins at 6 p.m. on September 27 with Two Lane Highway, Linn County; and at 8 p.m. with Tim Hoggard and the Two-Legged Rooster, Jonesboro, AR.

On Saturday, singing starts again with Big Luke and the Soul Disciples at 1 p.m.; Alyssa Galvan, from southwest Missouri at 3 p.m.; Hamilton Loomis from Louisiana and Texas at 5 p.m., and the Divas on Fire from northwest Arkansas at 7 p.m.

In addition, there will be food and art/craft vendors, a corn hole tournament, and an ax throwing area around the park.

“There is also a MUCH IMPROVED Kidz Korner including the train that Lavetta Simmons (one of the founders of Care to Share) used to have at her house, bouncy houses, the petting zoo again, giant jenga games, a cakewalk, face painting, and much much more,” Cory Bryars said.  “We did a poor job last year, and we want the community to know that we are taking huge steps to have a great kid component of the event, We have a dedicated volunteer already rounding everything up and a PLAN!!! Last year we slipped in the kid area, and we would love the community to know that we know it and are correcting it.”

The organizers are asking that no pets be brought to the festival.

Please bring chairs/blankets/bug spray/small coolers for the event and there will be shuttles to the parking areas nearby.

New this year is the addition of another day with a switch of music genre.

“Sunday is a Gospel celebration and car show, Cory Bryars, spokesman for the Care To Share organization

Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, there will be biscuits with gravy, donuts, coffee, juice, pop, and water available until 1 p.m.

At 1 p.m. the gathering will hear local choir musicians, soloists, and piano musicians along with prayers, a Scripture reading, a speaker and testimonies of cancer survivors interspersed in the event.

The event will end at 2:30  p.m. and the car show will start in the park at 3 p.m.

The car show was Saturday last year, and there was no Sunday activity, Bryars said.

 

 

A small segment of the car show at Fort Fest 23.

Bo Co Commission Holds Special Meeting on August 30

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

August 30, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

A special meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission meeting room of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Dare to Dream Event on September 28: For Women Entrepreneurs

The  Dare to Dream: Collective Impact event occurs from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Fort Scott Community College’s Ellis Center, 2108 S. Horton.  Check-in begins at 8 am.
Fort Scott Community College Bailey Hall.
Women business owners can be inspired and network with like-minded people during the event. Provided for attendees is a free lunch and child care.
“Our event kicks off with a dynamic pre-conference session on “The Entrepreneurial Mindset,” setting the stage for a day of inspiration and collaboration,” according to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
The event will allow women to converse with like-minded individuals during the networking event, forging connections that extend beyond the conference, according to Jody Love, President and Chief Executive Officer for HBCAT.
Jody Love. Submitted photo.
The main event features a keynote address and a variety of breakout sessions tailored to diverse interests, ensuring a customized and enriching experience, according to Love.
Mary Ricketts is the keynote speaker.
Turning Point CEO and founder, Mary Ricketts, began her leadership path in 1990 in the telecommunications industry, according to a press release from HBCAT. Her natural coaching and leadership abilities led her to increased leadership responsibilities in the telecommunications space, and eventually into insurance and financial wellness.
Partnering with John Maxwell’s team helped her sharpen her training and development abilities.
Turning Point Training and Development was founded in 2019 in response to requests from community partners that needed a professional and experienced resource to ensure organizational success.
Learn more about Mary and Turning Points at https://tptrainingcenter.com/
“We understand the importance of accessibility, which is why we provide complimentary lunch and free childcare, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this empowering journey,” she said.
The event is sponsored by:
NetWork Kansas
Bourbon County Childcare Coalition
Southeast Kansas Prosperity Foundation
KUMC COPE
Refine MedSpa
Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission
Blissful Aesthetic and Wellness
Fort Scott Community College
City of Fort Scott

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