OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Feb. 16, 2021 – With extreme cold weather producing historic lows and increased demand, Kansas Gas Service has directed large customers to reduce their usage to ‘plant protection mode’ (lowest possible usage that will keep pipes from freezing and avoid damage to equipment) to prevent outages in Kansas.
“We are planning for potential outages and putting measures in place to keep gas service to our customers and critical facilities,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of operations for Kansas Gas Service. “Our large commercial, industrial and transport customers play an important and pivotal role in helping the community avert a disruption in service.”
This curtailment does not apply to schools, hospitals, health care facilities, hotels or lodging facilities, grocery stores, universities, colleges, churches, public safety buildings, multi-family dwellings and apartments.
“Following our regulatory obligations under our curtailment plan, an initial critical step is to take measures to seek assistance from our large commercial and industrial and transport customers to help avoid disruptions,” said Postlethwait.
Customers are encouraged to visit KansasGasService.com/SevereCold for any company severe weather updates.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service delivers safe, clean and reliable natural gas to more than 639,000 customers in 360 communities in Kansas. We are the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
We are a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a stand-alone, 100 percent regulated, publicly traded natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information, visit the websites at www.kansasgasservice.com or www.onegas.com
Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit started in 1992.
The council “reconstituted” in 2020.
“The bylaws were amended, and the board reconstituted in 2020, to make economic development functions a county-wide effort again, and to reestablish cooperation and trust amongst the disparate geographies in our county,” he said. “We can no longer afford to go it alone, and must work together.”
In the last few months, the council began a search for an economic development director.
Their goal for this month is to hire an economic development director to move the county forward.
“The Human Resource Committee (of BEDCO) is currently running the process of hiring an executive director,” Motley said. “We had 13 applications from all over the United States, and one from overseas.”
Through a qualifications matrix, six applications were selected, and each of the six has completed a test to measure skills and temperament suitable for the job, he said.
The committee will reduce the number of applicants based on their scores, and begin interviewing the finalists soon, Motley said.
Composition of BEDCO
“The board of trustees consists of appointees by the…seven incorporated cities, one each from USD 234, USD 235, Fort Scott Community College, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and two at-large members,” Motley said.
The group is comprised of:
Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah, City of Fort Scott Commissioner Josh Jones, Jess Ervin representing Uniontown, Mike Blevins-Mapleton, Michael Stewart-Bronson, (Treasurer) Mary Pemberton-Redfield, Misty Adams-Fulton, Ted Hessong-USD234, Bret Howard-USD235, (Vice President) Jim Fewins-Fort Scott Community College,(President) Greg Motley-Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, (At-Large) Mark McCoy and (At-Large) Heather Davis.
“Our goal is to be a trusted vehicle whereby we can act as a catalyst for economic development and any other function that might integrate well on a county-wide basis,” Motley said. “Right now, our most valuable assets are lots in the Fort Scott Industrial Park; in conjunction with the county, we are currently working with an active prospect on a land deal in that vicinity that would bring a new business to town.”
“The main board only meets when there is something of substance to consider,” Motley said.
In addition to the human resource committee, the operations committee is meeting regularly.
Operations Committee
The operations committee met on Feb. 11, and worked on logistics of onboarding the economic development director, including office space, phone, etc., Motley said.
That committee is comprised of Mark McCoy, Lynne Oharah, Mary Pemberton, Misty Adams, and Josh Jones.
Mark McCoy. Taken from Facebook.
“We discussed office locations,” McCoy said. “Cost is number one, we have very limited funds.”
Two locations were discussed: the BWERC ( Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center) office above the new Star Emporium Downtown General Store on Main Street and an office inside Landmark Bank, also on Main Street.
“Both of these offer the potential of the first year, no cost,” McCoy said.
Also discussed was the equipment needed for the job.
“Telecommunication is an important part of the job,” McCoy said. “We want to make sure BEDCO has appropriate information technology access.”
The position is being funded by the Bourbon County Commission who committed $130,000 for the total package of salary, benefits, equipment, supplies, transportation expenses, association expenses, and office space, McCoy said.
“The goal is to save taxes in Bourbon County,” McCoy said. “My goal in the future is to have one economic director representing the county.”
Currently, the City of Fort Scott and the Bourbon County Commission both have an economic director.
The city and county recently agreed to share the finance director position, held by Susan Bancroft.
Consist of over 80 posters, photos, and literature of the great and important Black Innovators and Leaders throughout history! Free display in the lobby at
Our stations are also now streaming, so you can listen anywhere, anytime on http://www.kombfm.com. You can now access our website, and bid on any items, and even buy it now prices.
WALMART IS NOW OFFERING THE COVID VACCINE ACCORDING TO KS PHASE 2 GUIDELINES, click here to make an appt.
Call the Pharmacy w/questions 620-223-5051.
2/12- Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
2/12 & 2/13- Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
2/12 & 2/13 – Consignor Appreciation Days at Bids & Dibs! 108 S. Scott Ave. Suite C. clickhere for more info.
2/12 & 2/13 – Galentine’s Day at Angie Dawn’s Boutique! 108 S. Scott Ave. Suite B. clickhere for more info.
2/12- Virtual Lunch & Learn on Mayhew the Forgotten Cemetery by the Gordon Parks Museum celebrating Black History Month, 11-12 pm, click here for more info. Pre-Registration required.
2/12- Creative Canvas Couples Paint Night, moved from Gunn Park to Buck Run, 6 pm, click here for details.
2/12 & 2/13- The Prairie Troubadour 5th Annual Symposium, most events will take place at the River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak St., click here for more info.
2/13-Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping Event – SATURDAY – 14 PARTICIPATING STORES!Downtown & Around shops will feature chocolate tasting as you shop specials & enter drawings for giveaways! See the flyer below for more info.
2/13- Great Backyard Bird Count at the Fort Scott National Historic Site! Saturday starting 10 am until 12 pm. Click herefor full details of joining the rangers!
2/13- Pickleball from 8-10 am at Memorial Hall, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page herefor any location changes or cancelations. Tuesdays 6-8pm, Thursdays 6-8pm & Saturdays 8-10am.
2/13-The Lavender Patch Gift Shop will be open! Sat., Feb. 6th from 9 am -2 pm located 2376 Locust Rd., Valentines Day items and other lavender items.
2/13- Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament @ Gunn Park, registration starts at 9 am, click here for more info.
2/13- Valentine Crafts @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-school to 5th grade, 9 am to 10:30 am, pre-register for $1 thru Buck Run.
2/13- Timken Job Fair! Saturday from 9 am until 1 pm, held onsite at 4505 Campbell Drive in the Fort Scott Industrial Park.
2/16- Kiwanis Drive-Thru Pancake Feed at First United Methodist Church! Two Times: 11:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 6:30pm. $5 suggested Free Will Donations.
2/18- Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Board of Directors, hosted by the Chamber Board at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
2/19- Chicken Noodle Fundraiser for medical expenses of Marsha Lancaster of Marsha’s Great Plains Deli! click here for flyer. Address included to send a card to Marsha.
2/19- Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry Drive-Thru only! Kennedy Gym, Every Friday. 3 weeks committed until March 5th.
2/19- Ryan Hall Band Live @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 8pm, click here for FB event.
2/20- Barn Quilt Workshop, 1-4pm, click here for FB event.
2/20- FSHS Thespians Royal Tea Party & Revue, two performances @ 5 and 7:30pm, click here for FB event.
Local business owner, Marsha Lancaster, has been in the hospital for over a month, according to her sister Debbie Baxley.
“She went into the hospital at Pittsburg for two to three days, then they took her to Arkansas,” Baxley said.
“Her kidneys were shutting down and they couldn’t find a hospital to take her with COVID (the pandemic virus plaguing the nation and the world),” she said. “They found one in Arkansas and we said just take her to wherever she can get help.”
They have tested Lancaster three times for COVID-19 and each was negative, her sister said.
Lancaster is currently on dialysis every other day and oxygen.
“Her kidneys’ aren’t functioning yet, the doctor said they could kick in any day,” she said. “They have been trying to get her off of oxygen. That’s been going well.”
“We can see her on our cellphone and she looks good when we talk to her,” Baxley said.
Cards can be sent to Marsha at
Regional Springdale NW Medical Center,
609 W. Maple Avenue, 6th floor, attn: Marsha Lancaster
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
Her business is running with the help of others.
The Marsha’s Deli crew on Feb. 10, 2021. From left: Beverly Lind, Debbie Baxley (sitting) behind Deb is Carla Hamrick, Tom Lancaster, Lisa Bradley, Shelly Rowe. .Submitted photo.
Her well-known restaurant, Marsha’s Deli, is continuing with the help of staff and family. The restaurant is located at 6 W. 18th in Fort Scott.
Baxley and her daughter, Shelly Rowe, along with Carla Hemrick, and Lisa Bradley “are taking care of the business for her,” Baxley said.
Monday and Tuesday the restaurant was closed due to the ice roads and arctic weather conditions.
A fundraiser has been started for Lancaster.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been started for Lancaster.
“We thought being self-employed, there was no way she wouldn’t need help,” Linda Findley who is spearheading the fundraiser said.
The fundraiser is Friday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elk’s Building at 111 W. 19th. People are asked to drive to the east door of the building and orders will be taken by helpers. Then the meals will be brought out to the buyer.
It’s a chicken and noodles dinner with mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread for $10 cash or check only.
Pre-ordering is encouraged. Call 620-215-2036 or 816-797-4884.
Findley said she is anticipating serving 500 meals, with over 200 already ordered.
“Numerous people have sent big donations,” Findley said. “Marrone’s of Pittsburg and G & W Foods of Fort Scott has helped with food.”
Helping the day of the fundraiser will be Nancy Maze, Brenda Collinge, Debbie Myers, JoLynne Mitchell, and Adina Findley, Findley said.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Sunshine Boutique
18 E. Wall Street
Downtown Fort Scott
February 11, 2021 @ 8 am
Join us for Coffee, Networking & Community News while visiting the boutique!
Georgia Brown has owned and operated Sunshine Boutique in Downtown Fort Scott since 1981.
Over the past year, the store doubled in size with Georgia’s granddaughters joining the business offering apparel and accessories in addition to the gift shop which features home décor and kitchen wares, coffees and teas, floral design and tuxedo rental, candles, greeting cards and Dixie Belle chalk paint.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE:
~ 2/18 ~ Fort Scott Chamber Board of Directors
~ 2/25 ~ Ascension Via Christi ER – Drive-thru Chamber Coffee
~ 3/4 ~ Chamber Coffee “OPEN” call to schedule!
~ 3/11 ~ Chamber Coffee “OPEN” call to schedule!
~ 3/18 ~ Briggs Auto “Birthday Week” 6 years
~ 3/25 ~ Nevada Regional Medical Center (location TBA)
The City of Fort Scott announces another significant downtown rehabilitation has been completed. Fort Scott received back-to-back multi-million-dollar investments from Flint Hills Holdings which speaks to the character of our community and those who have represented us.
Elected officials, business owners, and community enthusiasts who supported the renovation are invited to tour the Union Lofts.
Tours will be on Friday, February 5th offered from 12pm to 2pm.
Chamber Announces Love Local & Chocolate Crawl Shopping Event
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Love Local & Chocolate Crawl shopping event will take place on Saturday, February 13th. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.
Customers are invited to shop local retailers while sampling a variety of chocolate treats along the way, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions. Locations included in the event will have a Chocolate Crawl poster and red and white balloons displayed at their entrance.
The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, love local and join the Chocolate Crawl on February 13th to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A list of retailers will be posted on the Fort Scott Chamber website fortscott.com.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
A donation of $5500 toward a downtown program working to address urgent business and community needs.
A program that originated to address the urgent needs of business, childcare centers, food insecurity, and employment will continue through 2021 as a result of an anonymous donation to the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (BWERC).
Because of the generous donation, these critical services will continue to be provided to Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott residents and business free of charge.
The center is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott in the upstairs of 17 South Main Fort Scott KS.
It is a “one-stop shop” for business, employment, food, telework and distance learning needs.
Current businesses, and those looking to start a business, have a physical location to meet with a person.
Additionally, services are available for those seeking employment, developing soft skills (i.e. interviewing), or other job seeking help.
Businesses are encouraged and welcome to contact Southeast KANSASWORKS to see how they can connect with those looking for employment.
An overview of services BWERC provides Bourbon County:
• WORKERS & FAMILIES:
o Distance Learning and Telework Space
o Training & Job Seeking Assistance
o Increasing Access to Healthy Food
o Building Capacity for Local Food Assistance
• ADDRESSING CHILDCARE:
o Relief in Fulfilling Educational Requirements for Centers
o Incentives for Becoming a Legal Childcare Provider
• BUSINESS TOOLS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
o Get Businesses Online via new Websites & Social Media
o Loans & Grants
o Special COVID Programs & Resources
Background of BWERC:
Originally funded by a county SPARKS grant, the BWERC was created through a multi-partner collaboration of Bourbon County Economic Development, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, PSU Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Southeast KANSASWORKS, and BAJA Investments. The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has since joined the partnership in an effort to address the social determinants of health. The BWERC provides a location, with high speed internet, and all the needed technology for our partners to meet face-to-face or virtually with community residents and business owners.
Through the collaboration childcare centers receive relief in fulfilling educational requirements and illegal childcare is incentivized to become legal. PSU SBDC is available to
business to provide the technical assistance needed to obtain capital, develop marketing strategy, and more.
Southeast KANSASWORKS provides assistance to those seeking employment and to businesses looking for employees. The partnerships with CHC/SEK and BAJA Investments are
actively working to address health inequities and food insecurity throughout the county.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, Bourbon County
President, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
620-215-5725
jhoener@bourboncountyks.org
Amy Kauffman, Career Advisor, Southeast KANSASWORKS
akauffman@sekworks.org
620-231-4250
