Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Fishing and Entertainment At Uniontown This Weekend

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A pond hopping bass tournament will start at 6 a.m. this Saturday, May 28 at Union Station Convenience Store on Hwy. 3 just west of Uniontown. There will also be a beer garden, food and live music throughout that day.

The event is a fundraiser to supply Christmas presents for children in Bourbon County in honor of a local service man.

Butch Hall. Submitted photo.

Butch Hall was a 2000 graduate of Uniontown High School who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2004.

“Butch loved fishing and this is a way for his friends and family to honor him this Memorial Day weekend,” said event organizer Sara Roufs.

“All money made from this event will go to purchase Christmas gifts for local kids in need through the Bourbon County Angels, all in Butch’s honor,” Roufs said.

Registration will be at 6 a.m. at Union Station, with weigh-in at 3 p.m.

The entry fee is $20 person, with a limit of three people per team. There is a 50 percent payback, and a $5 big bass pot.

Fish must be alive at weigh-in.

“Union Station is the main sponsor for the event,” Roufs said. “We also have contributions from K&K Auto, BN Hunting, Don’s Spirits & Wines and Perry’s Pork Rinds.”

Timber Hills. Submitted graphics.

Timber Hills Lake Ranch is donating a weekend cabin stay for our raffle.

“Registrants for the fishing tournament will have a chance to win a knife donated by Ryan Demott with Turkey Forge,” she said.

They will be selling pulled pork sandwiches for lunch, with pork purchased locally through Bronson Locker.

“We will also have baked beans, coleslaw, and Marsha’s Deli potato salad. BBQ dinners will go on sale at noon,” Roufs said. “Union Station will be hosting a beer garden throughout the day.”

“At 3 p.m., we will draw for the raffle prizes and have the weigh-in for the bass tournament,” she said. “Bourbon Boy Bait Co. will handle the weigh-in for the tournament.”

At 4 p.m. there will be live music from the Bourbon County Revival.

All money made from this event will go to purchase Christmas gifts for local kids in need through the Bourbon County Angels, all in Butch’s honor.

“Friends and family of Butch donated trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place,  as well as one for the biggest bass,”  Roufs said.

 

Bourbon County, Food

New Farmers Market at Uniontown

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Extra cars on the east side of Union Station let passers-by know of the farmer’s market on May 19.

On Thursday evenings at Union Station Convenience Store near Uniontown, you might notice more cars than usual.

A farmers market started May 5 there, just west of Uniontown on Hwy. 3. It meets every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. but may expand a day in the future if the community responds.

Vendors set up for customers at the farmers market near Uniontown.

“Union Station is allowing vendors to set up on the east side of the convenience store parking lot, in the trees,” Schotze Griffiths, store manager said.

Currently, there are four vendors who have set up, but “I have more people coming when their garden starts to produce,” Griffiths said. “This is an opportunity to buy fresh food locally.”

There is no cost to the vendor, and anyone that would like to set up a table, may.

“It’s a work in progress,” she said. “So don’t give up on us. If it is real hot in the summer it might get sparse, but it will be here as long as people want to come. There might be less vendors this week because of prior commitments.”

Saturday mornings are a possibility in the future she said.

“Especially when we have rodeos that come,” Griffiths said.

Union Station is directly across the street from the Uniontown Rodeo Grounds on Hwy. 3.

Current Vendors

The four vendors currently coming are MMM Flavor Shop, Prairie Rose Farmstead, 9 Acre Farm and Mama Mary.

Addi Foster tells of her wares to a customer on May 19.

MMM Flavor Shop is owned by Addi Foster and her sister, Emelia Whiteaker, who are selling spices. Addi’s daughter, Mayla also has crafts, eggs, peacock feathers and poultry grown on the family farm to sell. The mother-daughter duo are part of Foster Dairy, from the Hiattville area. Contact info is 620.224.8442 or 620.224.9411.

 

Dale and Lisa Griffiths set up a vendor booth for their wares on May 19.

9 Acre Farm is owned by Dale and Lisa Griffiths, Bronson, and sells fresh eggs, pickled items and candles at their booth. They will bring produce later as it starts producing on their farm. Interested parties can watch them on YouTube. For more information contact them at 620.215.3101.

 

Jessi Hall displays her wares with a customer on May 19.

Prairie Rose Farmstead is owned by Sage and Jessi Hall, Uniontown.They offer goat milk products including soap, lotion, salve and lip balm. In addition they sell raw milk, pastured poultry and grass fed beef. Contact them at 316.821.0309 or [email protected].

 

Mary Ridge sells homemade food items at her booth, Mama Mary.

Mama Mary, Mary Ridge of the Zenia area, sells pies, take and bake meals and canned goods. Her homemade food items are also sold at the Bronson Locker in Bronson. Her contact info: 620.939.4977.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Sports

Sports Training Available

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Momentum Indoor Training Summer Offerings:

Sports Performance Training – Training designed specifically for an individual to increase general and sport specialized sports performance.  It is crucial to improving an athlete’s ability to master the skills of their chosen sport, reduce the risk of injury, and gain a competitive edge.  Scheduled individually or in small groups each athlete has training designed specifically to teach proper movement patterns that will improve their speed, power, agility, and more.  Athletes from any and all sports benefit from Sports Performance Training.

 

Sports Performance Training is scheduled on an individual or small group basis Tuesdays to Fridays.

 

Pricing –

7 to 11 years old – $50 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

12 years old and older – $75 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

Monthly pricing is available after the first 12 sessions

 

 

Skills Room Access

 

Volleyball – Utilize the Sports Attack Volleyball Skillz Attack machine.  This machine can Serve, Pass, Set, and Hit.  It allows any player to train any and all the positions by themselves anytime they want or need to.  The Skillz Attack can also be used in small groups.  Volleyball will be set-up for scheduling on Wednesdays.

 

Softball/Baseball – Train like an elite athlete with the Hack Attack Softball and Baseball pitching machine.  Both machines can pitch multiple pitches and simulate a live pitcher by throwing balls around the strike zone instead of just straight pitches.  20 minutes against the machine will allow an athlete to see an average of 75 pitches.  The Softball/Baseball machines will be set-up for scheduling on Tuesdays and Thursday for individuals and groups of less than 5 players.

 

 

All training is by appointment and on a first come first serve basis and will be the following:

Tuesdays – Softball/Baseball

Wednesdays – Volleyball

Thursdays – Softball/Baseball

Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays – Skills Room is closed to all scheduling

 

Skills Room Pricing

30 minutes – $25

1 hour – $40

A loyalty program will be in place for those who qualify

All previously purchased packages will continue to be honored

 

 

Emelia Whiteaker, MS, ATC, PES – Owner/Operator/Trainer

A native of Fort Scott, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Washburn University and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Sports Performance and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania.  Emelia holds certifications from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist.  Over a 15 year career she has trained athletes ranging in age from 6 years old to the professional levels and sports that include: Football, Distance Running, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Rodeo, Hockey and more.  Many of Emelia’s athletes have gone on to be individual and team state champions and compete as elite athletes.  It is her belief that every child that has the heart to be an athletes has the potential to be an athlete and it is her job to help them get there.

 

Momentum Indoor Training can be reached by Call or Text at (620) 224-8442, e-mail: [email protected] or message the Facebook page: @mitrainingfs.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Vance Eden: New U235 Super In The District

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Scout, Vance, and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.
Vance Eden, 37, is the new associate superintendent of schools for USD 235, Uniontown.
Following completion of his education programming, he will assume the title of superintendent.
Process

“As I still haven’t completed my programming at this point, for the next year Mr. (Bret)Howard will work on a consultation basis to help with any needs that I may have,” Eden said.

Howard is the current superintendent who ends his tenure from the district on June 30.

“This provision is necessary under the current leadership license that I have,” Eden said. “Once I complete the coursework and receive the Kansas Department of Education licensure credential next spring, my title would then transition to superintendent.”

“We have tried to be open and transparent about this  process,”he said. “I had sent a letter to parents when I was hired that explained this information, but understand that many in the community would not have received such communication.”

“I will officially assume the role July 1st,” he said. “But I have been working in transition over the course of the past 6-8 weeks to make plans for the coming school year.”

His office will be located inside Uniontown Junior High/High School building.
Uniontown Junior/Senioer High School.
Education
Eden received his Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education and  a Master’s in Educational Leader from Pittsburg State University.  
“I’m currently working on a Specialist in Education Degree with a Major in Advanced Studies in Leadership from Pittsburg State that will be completed in the Spring of 2023,” he said.
Experience
Just out of college Eden taught math at Webb City Middle School before transitioning to be the assistant principal of that same building.  
“I then served as a Title I Reading and Math Interventionist at West Bourbon for three years before assuming the role of the principal for the past four years,” he said.
Ms. Tema Gilion will become the WBE principal in the next school year.
Background
Eden was raised in Bourbon County on the Eden family farm that is located on Hwy. 54 near Bethel Church, and attended Uniontown schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
His family is made up of “my amazing wife, Rachel, and two great kids, Scout and Rhuey,” he said. 
Scout, Vance,  Rachel and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.

In their leisure time, the Edens can be found outdoors.

“Our family enjoys all kinds out outdoor activities,” he said.  “Riding dirt bikes and spending time on the lake would top the list for this summer.”
While in college, Eden changed careers to enter education.
“While in college pursuing a different major, the idea of becoming an elementary teacher really started to intrigue me,” he said.  “I had always enjoyed kids and seemed to have a pretty natural rapport with them. Once I made the switch in majors, things seemed to fall into place pretty naturally.” 
Many people inspired him to pursue education.
“I’ve been impacted by too many people to list just one,” he said.  From my supportive parents and extended family, to remarkable teachers, to current friends and co-workers.”
The best part of being an educator for Eden is giving students the tools they need to pursue their passions.
There are a few challenges in education.
“Kids don’t all start from the same place,” Eden said.  “They haven’t all had the same support, opportunities, and care.  Schools have to find a balance in supporting social, emotional, and academic needs so that by the time they leave us as 18 year-olds they are ready to thrive in adulthood.” 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Prairie Sunflower Strings

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

The Prairie Sunflower Strings will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The musical group, consisting of eight musicians, play traditional folk music on  dulcimers, guitar, violin, and autoharp. A few newer songs will also be added into the mix.

 

“These talented musicians and vocalists have been playing together for four years,“  concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Members of The Prairie Sunflower Strings are Cherry Nelson, Joyce Love, Barbara Ray, and Jean Strader on mountain dulcimers, Charlena Burns on bowed dulcimer, Marilyn Adcock on autoharp and vocals, Sandy Hemphill on guitar, violin, and vocals, and Jack Hemphill on guitar. We are pleased to welcome this fine group back to the park pavilion. Come out and join us for a fun opportunity to see friends and enjoy some great music.“

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to The Loading Dock at  Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Age My Way!

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Our early life stages are pretty predictable.  We speak our first words and take our first steps — generally within a short time frame of a few months to a year or two.  We can also count on puberty taking place between a few short years of our youth.

When we become young adults, our development and maturation from there on have more to do with our environment around us and the choices we make.  These factors are what contribute to our older adults being the most diverse age sector of the world’s population.

Beyond biological changes, aging is often associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing and the experience of death of friends and partners. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole.

Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

If people can experience their extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. This thought was brought home to me through a recent conference I attended.  One of my take-away statements — “At retirement, it’s important to keep our activity level up to the level it was prior to retirement. Those activities may change and should change, but we must remain involved and active.”

Maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from tobacco use, all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, improving physical and mental capacity and delaying care dependency.

Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. Sure, we can distinguish those who are in their second half of life, but we don’t dare guess their age.  Our aging processes differ so greatly that we can easily miscalculate their years through simple observations.

Every May we have the opportunity to celebrate Older Americans Month.  The theme for 2022 is ‘Age My Way’ with a focus on aging in place and exploring ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:

  • Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
  • Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
  • Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
  • Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

 

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For May 24

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: May 24, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton


MEETING HELD AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING IN GARLAND AT 6:00PM


Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Tri–Valley Budget Request – Bill Fiscus
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
The three commissioners may be attending the funeral of Allen Warren, previous County Commissioner, on
Tuesday, May 24th at 10am.
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.

Additional funding request:

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 9

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May 9, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Harris,
Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk were present for the entire meeting.

Commissioner Beth was present by phone during the executive session.

Also present for the meeting were Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Susan Bancroft.

Jim made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 9:16am.
The session will be for 15 minutes and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth by phone) Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Susan Bancroft. Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:16am. Jim seconded. Both approved.
Lynne made a motion to allow Susan Bancroft to address and rectify a personnel issue.Jim seconded. Both approved.

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. Both approved.

Meeting adjourned at 9:17am.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commmissioner
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 3

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May 3, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal, Clint Walker, Bill Martin, Matt Quick and Jason Silvers were also present for all or some of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minute. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Eric presented a new field entry permit request from Joe Warren just south of 1161 50th street.
Lynne made a motion to approve the culvert permit. Clifton seconded. All approved.

The next permit is Josh Query on 2504 Limestone completion. The last one Christian Gospel Chapel.
You approved this one but once we got in there it ended up being a replacement. No extensions needed.

Asphalt meeting we talked about the Onyx. On 235th it is 4.8 miles and on 75th it’s 1 mile and that equals 5.8 miles for a price of $107,490.24. There is a 5 year warranty. Lynne
made a motion to go with the proposal for Onyx. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Eric stated with all the rain lately, they have been working 12 hours on dry days so that they can get gravel on the roads. Then later in the week when it’s raining they leave early to maintain 40 hours per
week. Eric stated he is keeping an eye open for another truck. Diesel is up around the $5.00 mark and we trying to cut corners everywhere we can and still remain productive.

Bridge at 160th & Fern work is coming along. Our bi-annual bridge inspections are completed and will be sent to KDOT. Once that is complete, they will be back to inspect our low water crossings.

Jimasked that Eric keep an eye on the ditch that is across the road from the cemetery on the east side of Horton out by Evergreen Cemetery. Jim said the water running has cut the ditch deep. Eric
stated the crusher should be showing up around the early part of next week if all goes well.


Clifton stated that he noticed a grader had cut some ditches up in their area and they did a good
job.

Eric reported to Lynne that they took some gravel to the cemetery up on Yale Road but was not able to dump because of low hanging limbs. He also stated that he has on his list to take gravel to the cemetery on 160th.


Becky Johnson from the SEK Multi-County Health Department appeared to request their annual funding. We are continually expanding and adding new programs to better serve Bourbon
County. We are applying for two new grants hoping to provide some new services to the community. We are proposing a request of $90,750.00 for the year of 2023 which remains the
same as last year. Services that we have provided in the last 12 months outside our normal scope: Covid 19 Case Investigations, contract tracing, fielding numerous Covid 19 related calls,
work and school release letters for isolation and quarantine, providing public guidance and education via newspaper, radio and Facebook, attending Covid 19 taskforce meetings, send
regular updates and risk levels to schools. Also, updated commissioners and emergency managers as well as attending Covid 19 webinars 4 days per week. We provided masks and
vaccination clinics to the public and businesses. We had a lot of help from our community to make this possible. We worked afterhours and on weekends to make sure ones needs and expectations were met.

Justin Meeks, County Counselor stated that he is pushing the next tax sale back to late June as some of the properties are slated for demolition. Seventy percent of the sale properties have
special assessments. The average price of the properties will be $8,000.00. We did send out the 2017 demand letters with the help of Patty’s office.

Justin requested an executive session.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session 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 for 4 minutes returning at 9:22am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action.
Lynne seconded. All approved.


Susan Bancroft requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy including 3 commissioners and Susan Bancroft for 5 minutes returning at 9:28am.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Shane Walker, CIO, stated that the tower out east is now operational. We have ordered the other for Hidden Valley should be here in about 7 weeks. It is 150 feet. We’ll do another 100’ one at
Tomahawk. We will put one on the water tower in Garland.

Clifton made a motion for an executive session 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 including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks for 15 minutes returning at
9:46am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:46am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion for Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker to meet with Kevin Ross in the near future. Lynne seconded. All approved.


Public Comment: No comment
Elected Official Comment: Bill Martin asked about EMS coming back to the county. Bill asked how we could take on the EMS when they have not been able to get raises. Susan clarified that
the County has always paid for EMS. It has always been county funded. Jim stated that there is no new dollars involved. Bill stated that Johnson County Medical Examiner Medical Office
would like to be considered to do our autopsies. Susan stated that she is already in communication with them.


Ashley stated that she and a member of her department would be attending the Kansas County Clerk meeting being held in Salina.


County Commission Comment: Lynne stated that Susan has lots of traffic in her office and if you need to visit with her, please conduct business and move on. She is very busy and needs time.


At 9:55am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.


THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS