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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Micro-Meat Processing Plant Being Considered For a Property South of Fort Scott
The Fort Scott Planning Commission is meeting at 4 p.m. March 1 at city hall, 123 S. Main, to consider a conditional use permit for property south of the town for a micro-meat processing plant.
The property being considered is south of the Kansas Department of Transportation property, according to the press release from the City of Fort Scott. The K.D.O.T property is south of the LaRoche Baseball Park.
The Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor sent the following information on the proposed plant.
“Billy Madison, the owner of W Diamond M Meats, will be seeking the approval of a conditional use permit from City of Fort Scott Commission,” Hoenor said. “He plans to return to his hometown and build a $2.7million micro meat processing plant located approximately two miles outside the city limits of Fort Scott and south of the Fort Scott Industrial Park.”
“The processing plant will add to our efforts in building resilient and self-sustaining food systems,” Hoenor said. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for these smaller-scale processing plants, and we are very fortunate to be considered for this expansion. This proposal has potential to help farmers and ranchers with extra supplemental income act as a stimulus for other sectors such as retail trade and services.”
“The site is currently zoned correctly as heavy industrial for use,” she said. “The City of Fort Scott codes requires an additional conditional use permit approval for a meat processing plant to be built.”
The City of Fort Scott Water Department and Codes Enforcment were consulted on sewer and wastewater issues, she said.
“The codes department let us know we would need a conditional use permit to build on the selected site,” Hoener said.
Since July 2020, Madison has been working with Hoener and Bourbon County Economic Development Council Chairs, Steve Buerge (previous), and more recently Gregg Motley, she said.
“It is Madison’s goal is to be a good neighbor, bring above-average wage jobs, and provide value in under-developed land,” Hoenor said. “Financing of the project and acquisition of land is pending approval of the conditional use permit.”
“All impacts on social, economic, and environmental conditions were investigated thoroughly including air and water quality, crime rate, property valuation, wage growth, employment growth, occupational health, and odor,” she said.
“State of the art wastewater system is used to remove suspended matter such as oils and solids,” Hoenor said. “This is measured through biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The equipment skims any leftover matter and is sold. Bacteria growth is what creates an offensive odor,” she said.”The requirements in cleaning are incredibly stringent and does not allow time for bacteria to grow. As a result, there is no offensive odor in the processing plant.”
“This is a highly regulated industry with a USDA inspector office on sight,” she said. ” It is a requirement in building plans that the USDA inspector has a separate office with his/her own shower. This inspector is on-site at all times while in operation. There are 3-4 additional inspections per month, in order to keep our food safe to consume.”
“There will be no outdoor pens or holding areas for animals, mitigating smell downwind or in the vicinity,” Hoenor said. “Animals are delivered in the very early morning hours and several hours later slaughtered and processed.”
“Letters of support from residential houses in Johnson County and commercial businesses have confirmed the business is a conscientious neighbor,” she said.
In addition, the product can be sold in other states and will bring new jobs.
“W Diamond M Meats is FSIS approved, allowing the meat to be sold across state lines, injecting capital into our economy,” Hoenor said. “This business will bring 30 full-time jobs that pay higher than Bourbon County average. The new construction increases overall county valuation in property and affords the opportunity to reduce the overall tax burden.”
Presbyterian Village Auction: One and One-Half Years Accumulation on Feb. 27
The COVID-19 Pandemic has set individuals and groups rethinking fundraising ideas.
This is true for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, which will have its’ annual fundraising auction this Saturday, Feb. 27 at the former Gordman’s store, 2400 S. Main. The auction begins at 10 a.m.
“Traditionally, the auction is known for a great crowd, good food, and lots of good deals,” said Executive Director Ginger Nance. “This year, the need remains for financial support for the Good Samaritan Program and other resident-centered programs. However, the auction looks different this year. We will not provide food or raffles or any of the usual festivities.”
The auction helps fund programs to benefit the elderly residents who live at the assisted living facility.
“The 2021 auction benefits resident programs at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village,” Nance said. “Our mission is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to pivot and rethink the way we serve the mission and how the community can interact with our mission.”
“Due to the pandemic, our campus has really limited the public’s access and even at times restricted the access of visitors and guests,” she said. “We have to be incredibly careful in keeping our residents and staff safe. So, the auction items moved out of our storage and to a place where folks can go.”
The auction has been moved to the former Gordman’s building on South Main Street, in between Hibbits and Tractor Supply stores.
The auction is usually in May, but this year will be February 27.
“Everyone’s lives have changed because of the pandemic and so have schedules,” Nance said. “The collection of items has been growing since late 2019 in preparation for the 2020 event. Imagine our collection now…almost a year and a half later. We are busting at the seams. By moving the auction site, it allows all of the stored items to be removed so access to resident vehicles is easy. As they say, the show must go on. So February is as good of a time as any. We just hope the weather is good and people are understanding.”
The Village received grant funds to help with COVID-19 issues.
The facility received Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas grant money in the fall of 2020 in the amount of $84.000
“With the help of leadership at our home office, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village submitted an application in August of 2020 for Personal Protection Equipment, technology enhancement for screening and resident communication, staffing, and testing expenses,” Nance said. “We were also able to use the funds to facilitate safe visiting for family members, four stations have been established inside doorways of the community and set up with coffee machines, rolling carts, trash cans, and tables for visitation. There are also enhancements for the life enrichment team to have a rolling station of activities for residents.”
“The staffing dollars allocated helped us with payroll for employees that traditionally work in one department but are needed in other areas to assist,” she said. “It also helped with payroll for employees that were exposed to COVID while working. The SPARK money has been a blessing beyond measure! It has allowed for PPE, testing, monitoring, infection control, and reopening supplies to be purchased and available at all times for staff and residents use to keep everyone safe to the best of our ability.”
“We are grateful to have the assistance of the PMMA organization to secure grants and other stimulus money that has helped us during such a challenging time in health care,” she said.
“It is important to recognize the amazing support from donors, volunteers, and families who have given donations to the Presbyterian Village and our system and I cannot thank those donors enough! It truly takes a ‘village’ of people to pull together during challenging times.”
“We have a great community of people who have given crafts, books, hobby items and financial donations to help keep our residents engaged during what seemed like a very long year of social distancing,” she said.
“Our team’s energy and focus is committed to serving our seniors in the best possible way and without God and the assistance of our supportive community we couldn’t be successful,” Nance said.
Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christi Feb. 25: Drive-Through
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American Legion Scuttlebutt
I have emailed Bourbon County schools about the Boys State program, Cadet Law Program and the end-of-year American Legion School (Medals) Awards.
Any boy going into the 12th grade can apply for the Boys State program. Any boy or girl going into the 12th grade or is a graduating senior can apply for the Cadet Law program.
These programs can be positive, life-changing experiences for our students. If you know of any student who may be interested in going to either program, please let me know.
The cost for each student to attend is $350 with the student paying $50. However, if the student is unable to pay their share, Post 25 will cover the cost.
Membership Incentive: Recruit a new Legion member and be entered into a drawing for $500. If the new member’s name is drawn, both the new member and the recruiter win $500. If you have a potential member, let me know. Their membership information must be submitted by the Post 25 Adjutant. If the new member joins online or through the mail, they cannot be entered into the $500 drawing
Nominations of Officers. We will hold nominations of officers for the 2021 – 22 Legion year at our March 1st meeting. If you wish to make a difference in the American Legion and our community, please consider standing for an office.
If you are interested in holding an office but cannot attend Monday’s meeting, email me and I will nominate you for your desired office.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Saturday. February 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.
Monday. March 1. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.
Thursday. March 11. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 6 PM in Memorial Hall.
Thursday. March 11. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7:15 PM in Memorial Hall.
Saturday. March 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.
Your Post is member driven. Please contact your Executive Committee with your thoughts and suggestions for improving Post 25.
Submitted by Carl Jowers
Post 25 Commander
Timken Job Fair March 8
FS Planning Commission Meets March 1
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, March 1st, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property located south of the K.D.O.T. property south of Fort Scott to operate a slaughterhouse.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue
The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on March 6 at the FSHS Auditorium. The show was postponed to this date due to weather conditions.
Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.
The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.
Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.
Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks and social distancing are required. All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty. Doors will open 15 minutes early.
The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
# # #
Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]
USD234 School Bus Involved In An Accident on Feb. 22
On Monday afternoon, Feb. 22, a USD 234 School Bus was attempting to cross 12th Street at the HWY. 69 bypass with a destination of the Fort Scott Middle School, according to a USD 234 Facebook post by Superintendent Ted Hessong.
A semi-trailer hit the front of the bus, he said
“Everyone on the bus is fine physically,”Hessong said on the Facebook post. “The bus driver was obviously shaken up, and the students, around 20 of them appeared fine.”
“A few USD 234 staff were on the scene to help with the students and I want to thank them for helping to manage the students and parents, they did an excellent job,” he said. “We were able to send most of the students with their parents once the highway patrol released the students from the scene. We did need to transport a few students on a substitute bus.”
“We are thankful no one was seriously injured and I appreciate everyone who helped to manage the situation for the safety of our students and driver.”
Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton said the Kansas Highway Patrol worked the accident.
FS City Commission Special Meeting Agenda for Feb. 23
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
7:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN R NICHOLS L WATTS J. JONES
II. CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration to apply for a grant for downtown Christmas lights
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
Ward-Kraft Seeks Skilled Individuals
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Fort Scott Tourism Board Meets Feb. 25
The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, February 25th, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main. This meeting is open to the public.
The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.