Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are a versatile plant. Are you interested in learning how to grow herbs and utilize them as natural seasoning? If so, plan to attend an herb workshop set for Thursday, April 14 at 6:00 pm at the Bronson Public Library in Bronson. The workshop will cover growing herbs indoors, care and maintenance, the health benefits of cooking with herbs, utilizing them in the kitchen, and herb preservation. In addition, participants will get to taste test a few recipes. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242.
Amber Ericson holds her granddaughter Journee Ericson in front of some of the pre-owned appliances THRAMS sells in Bronson. At right is Helen Bolling, Amber’s mom, and a business partner.
THRAMS Antiques has ventured into providing pre-owned appliances from a source in the Kansas City area.
While owner, Amber Ericson, was in K.C. purchasing antiques and unique furniture, she ran into an appliance repairman at the marketplace, she said.
Some of the pre-owned appliances offered at THRAMS from their Facebook page.
“He buys from apartment complexes when they redo the apartments,” she said. “That’s what we are buying.”
“He refurbishes them and sells them,” Ericson said. “I go up to K.C. once a month and get more. I’ve already sold 40. If they don’t work you can bring them back.”
Clothes washers including top, front, stackable units, gas stoves and dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and deep freezers are sole at the store.
“We thought we would try it,” Ericson said. She started the venture in August 2021.
Ericson opened THRAMS next door to her parent’s business Bronson Locker, a butcher store, at 504 Clay Street in the small town 20 miles west of Fort Scott just off Highway 54.
THRAMS Antiques, 504 Clay Street, Bronson. March 2022.
The storefront next to Bronson Locker was unused space, and owned by the Bollings, Amber’s parents.
“It was a pile-up room,” Helen Bolling, Ericson’s mom and part-owner of the store said. “Amber started picking up a few things and it grew.”
The space is now packed with unique furniture and antiques.
“Antique hall trees and wardrobes are our best sellers,” Bolling said.
“Divans, appliances, wardrobes, hall trees we sell as quickly as we can get them,” Ericson said.
A large divan offered at THRAMS, Bronson, from their Facebook page.
The store is open Mondays from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday-8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday-8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday call or text for an appointment at 620-363-1159.
Cole Bowman, 37, Fort Scott, and Scott Morris, 47, Parsons, have launched a new computer application called MyShift in the Apple Appstore.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, businesses have been struggling to fill staff vacancies and operate at their full capacity because of illness, quarantine and other measures taken during the pandemic.
Nine months ago, Bowman began to think of a way to help this situation.
“I came up with the idea on May 24, 2021 while waiting for one of my sales reps at a hotel in Tulsa to go have dinner,” Bowman said. “He was late, so I was looking through the food delivery apps and overheard a hotel worker talking to a customer about how none of the employees they had before the shutdown would come back to work, or had found other jobs, and she must have been the first person on their list that was willing to come back to work for the pay they were offering.”
Bowman said he thought to himself that surely there is an app for that.
“A situation where businesses could look through available workers that they could bring them in to cover a shift, but there wasn’t,” he said.
Bowman enlisted help from Scott Morris.
“I talked to Scott about the idea for the app and he liked it,” he said. “We searched and searched for something that worked like our app and never found anything, so we began our path of figuring out how to build an app in late June. Finally, our app is complete and went live in the Google PlayStore and iOS Appstore this last week,” Bowman said.
New Ways To Work
“Businesses were unable to operate at full capacity after reopening from the pandemic, and people have evolved to find new ways to work without the traditional employment requiring them to commit to a schedule,” Bowman said.
MyShift is starting in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, then within the next few weeks expanding to four more states.
Their plan then is to release nationwide by October 1, 2022, Bowman said.
“This is a web/ mobile app-based platform for businesses to connect with workers to fill shifts on-demand with the transaction being as simple as using a ride-share app,” Bowman said.
How It Works
MyShift allows businesses and workers to connect anywhere, anytime, to fill shifts and have the entire payment transaction handled through the app, according to a press release.
Businesses can list open shifts including details about when, where, description of work, and the amount they will pay for the shift.
“Shifters” will then be able to see the open shifts in their area and can select which one they would like to work.
MyShift. Submitted graphic.
After a Shifter has requested the posted shift, the business is able to review the applied Shifter’s ratings in their profiles and click on the one they would like to work their shift. Then the Shifter shows up to the business at the agreed-upon time and works the shift; upon completion of the shift, the business will then rate the Shifter between 1-5 stars and confirm the payment triggering Myshift to deposit the payment in the Shifter’s account.
Myshift is free for everyone to download, and the business will only pay a fee once they agree to accept the Shifter to work a shift they have posted.
There are no fees to the Shifters, and there are no commitments beyond the shifts they choose to work.
For the business, it allows them to find help on-demand to fill shifts hassle-free.
Business owners will now have a pool of vetted professionals ready to fill their shifts, all without the hassle of recruiting and onboarding, according to the press release.
Shifters have the freedom to work as often as they’d like and get paid each time they complete a shift, allowing the flexibility to earn money without the commitment of traditional employment.
The first target markets for MyShift will be Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma & Texas for the initial startup.
Cole Bowman. Submitted photo.
About the Creators
Bowman is a 2003 Fort Scott High School Graduate and 2007, Pittsburg State University Graduate with a Bachelor in Plastics Engineering.
He has 15 years of professional experience in plastics engineering and is currently the regional sales manager for Sepro Group, a robotics and automation manufacturer based in France.
He and his wife, Wendy Bowman, have four kids Luke, Lily, Nora, and Gage. His parents are John and Cindy Bowman, who own the NuGrille Restaurant.
Scott Morris is a 1993 Labette County High School graduate and earned a BBA in accounting for Pittsburg State University in 2002 and an MBA in 2009 from Friends University.
He has 20 years of experience in plastics manufacturing as vice president and chief financial officer of Charloma, Inc.
His wife, Jeanna Morris, and he have four children: Grant, Hallie, Mason, and Brady.
In his community Morris coaches multiple youth sports, he said.
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 29, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Millie Lipscomb, Elks Lodge – Consideration of Donation for Fireworks
• Hamlin Energy Contract
• EMS – Dave Bruner
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
o Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
o Reminder: April 5th Commission Meeting at the Mapleton Community Center, 6pm
o Budget Forms & CIP Forms
• Noble Health
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials 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.
This is Clara Wikoff’s first Walk Kansas event as a Nutrition, Food, and Health Kansas State University Extension Agent.
This year K-State Southwind District, which includes Bourbon County, is hosting the annual walk-team event in conjunction with Wildcat District, she said.
“We hope you’ll join us at the Wild Wind Fun Walk/Run Walk Kansas Kick-off,” she said. “It will be at Chanute, which is more central to each district.”
“Anyone can participate and those 18 and younger, can for free,” Wikoff said.
Adult registration is $25 which includes the event entry, T-shirt and Walk Kansas registration. If one just wants to participate, the program is free, she said.
If already registered for Walk Kansas, then pay $15 for the event and T-shirt.
The kick-off fun run starts at 9 a.m. this Saturday, March 26, in the Neosho County Community College Student Union at 800 W. 14th in Chanute.
There will be a closed Walk Kansas Facebook support group page, she said. “To help people reach their goals. If a state of Kansas employee, you are eligible for Health Quest Credit.”
There will be a weekly newsletter, recipes, and a youth newsletter to all who participate, she said.
Walk Kansas is a team-based program that will help you and others lead a healthier life, according to a K-State press release.
Join this program and
Learn how eating a certain way can help protect brain function and reduce your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Guess what? There’s an app for that! You’ll need to register online first, then you can use it to log minutes, chat with your team, and more! Please note that the app is for iOS systems. An app for Android systems is in the works, and you’ll see it here when it becomes available.
If you have questions about Walk Kansas, please call Clara Wicoff: 620-365-2242, or email: [email protected]
For many people, a tax refund is the largest check they will receive all year. And most of us wouldn’t be at a loss for ideas on how to spend that check, the dilemma is deciding what to drop from the list.
The IRS reports that the average tax refund is close to $3,000. This isn’t a crazy, change your life forever amount of money, but definitely an improve your financial standing amount. General rules of thumb are helpful in determining how to divide and utilize your tax refund. One option is the 30-40-30 plan to pay for your past, present, and future financial needs. Designate 30% of your refund to paying off debt and catching on up bills. Earmark 40% for current use. And utilize the other 30% to jump start an emergency fund or long-term savings.
It is always important to catch up or be prepared to pay current bills and financial commitments. If possible, use part of a tax refund to eliminate service or installment payment fees, late fees, or pay down high interest (double digit) debt. Paying for car, home, or renter’s insurance can be cheaper if paid in full instead of monthly installments. Some medical services provide a discount if the balance is paid in full, too. Avoiding late fees on bills or taxes and paying down debt increases future income to meet other financial needs and goals.
Another option is setting some funds aside for the expected but yet unexpected expenses such as a car repair, the air conditioner quitting, a medical bill, or loss of a job. Creating an emergency fund for these type of expenses helps reduce stress and the possibility of taking on debt.
You may also have a big ‘shopping list’ of wants and needs. Do you have plans for a kitchen remodel? A family vacation? College tuition? A tax refund can serve as the seed money for expenses that are two to five years away. Check with banks and financial companies for investment options that pays a return but not at the risk of losing value to help fund short term financial goals.
While it may seem far off, pay attention to your retirement savings, too. If it is thin, dedicate some of your tax refund into a retirement account such as an IRA. Time and compounding interest allow investments to grow, furthering your financial stability in the future.
Plan today on how to best use your tax refund for you and your family’s financial well-being.
For more information, please contact Joy Miller, Family Resource Management Extension Agent, at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720.
# # # K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The second annual Southeast Kansas Spring Classic was held at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott, KS on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Kids from across Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma came out for a shot at winning banners, cash, and prizes.
This is a one-day cattle show featuring bulls, breeding heifers, market heifers, market steers, and a showmanship class for all ages.
This year there were 6 Bulls, 93 Breeding Heifers, 6 Market Heifers, 51 Market Steers, and 71 Showmanship entries (ages 7-18) + a peewee and adult class, for a total of 152 calves and 227 total entries. There were 18 total breeds represented between the bulls and heifers.
The show is hosted by Adam and Hannah Montee of Arma. They hosted the show for the first time last year to give kids another chance to showcase their animals. Plans are already underway for next year’s show.
A huge thank you is extended to the Bourbon County Fair Board for the use of the fairgrounds. Their support and help throughout the process is greatly appreciated.
The results of the show:
Bull show –
Champion Angus: Easton Newsome
Grand Overall: Adysin McCarley – Lim-Flex (Girard, KS)
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: March 25, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT 2:00PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Noble Health Update
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.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team staff are looking for up to 12 participants to give information to a community health and wellness assessment in eight separate sectors in the community, according to Jody Hoener, President and CEO of the HBCAT.
“Please take a look below and consider providing your input either online or in person,” she said. “Eight different dates with 24 time slots!! We are hoping you can find a time that fits your schedule!”
HBCAT is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
The Fort Scott City Commission and the Bourbon County Commission will hold a work session on Wednesday, March 30th, 2022 at the Empress Event Center, 7 North Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas at 12:00 p.m. Even though a majority of City Commissioners will be present, no City business will be conducted.
The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry March 2022. Submitted by Calvin Barr.
The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry continues for two more weeks, with no drive-through orders. The sit-down meals will be inside Kennedy Gym at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Serving is from 5 to 7 p.m.
The dates for the last two fish fries are March 25 and April 1.
