Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott

Fort Scott and Bourbon County To Receive Grants to Rebuild Economies and Support Families

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66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development
Block Grants to support coronavirus response

 

Editors note: Both The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission will receive $132,000.

 

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.

 

“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”

 

Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

 

“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”

 

CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.

 

The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.

 

 

Recipient Award Amount
Abilene $132,000
Allen County $132,000
Anderson County $132,000
Atchison $132,000
Baldwin City $132,000
Beloit $132,000
Bourbon County $132,000
Chanute $132,000
Cherokee County $169,200
Cimarron $132,000
Clay County $132,000
Cloud County $132,000
Coffeyville $167,000
Crawford County $132,000
Derby $132,000
Dodge City $132,000
Ellsworth $132,000
Ellsworth County $132,000
Emporia $167,000
Eudora $132,000
Eureka $167,000
Fort Scott $132,000
Franklin County $132,000
Garden City $132,000
Garnett $132,000
Girard $169,200
Gove County $132,000
Graham County $167,000
Harper $152,000
Horton $167,000
Hoxie $173,600
Hutchinson $132,000
Independence $167,000
Jackson County $132,000
Jewell County $132,000
Junction City $167,000
Labette County $132,000
Liberal $132,000
Linn County $132,000
Louisburg $132,000
Marion County $167,000
Marquette $66,000
Marshall County $132,000
McPherson $132,000
Mitchell County $132,000
Montgomery County $132,000
Mulvane $132,000
Neosho County $169,200
Oberlin $80,600
Osborne County $132,000
Ottawa $132,000
Parsons $132,000
Phillips County $132,000
Pittsburg $170,300
Pleasanton $132,000
Reno County $132,000
Russell County $173,600
Scott County $132,000
Sheridan County $132,000
Sherman County $132,000
Smith County $132,000
Thomas County $132,000
Unified Greeley County $55,000
Wallace County $132,000
Wilson $77,000
Wilson County $132,000

 

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.

 

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

The Beacon Food Pantry Reorganizes Staffing

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The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.

 

Dave Gillen is the food pantry administrator for the Beacon. Photo by Carol MacArthur.

On Monday, June 1, 2020, David Gillen assumed full management of the operation as Beacon Food Pantry Administrator. The new assistant administrator is Patty Mowen. Both are knowledgeable of the operation, and both consider this organization their “mission.” according to the press release submitted by Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman.

Beacon Assistant Director Patty Mowen. Submitted photo.

At this time, no one but the staff is allowed inside the building, according to the press release.

Food orders are called in, filled, and picked up at the back dock of the building at 525 E. Sixth. This practice may become permanent, according to the press release.

Financial requests may be called in at this time as well.

People may call The Beacon and ask for David Gillen, for inquiries, MacArthur said. The phone number is 620-223- 6869.

Improvements in the facility have already been made by Gillen and volunteers.

Office equipment is being updated as needed as well to improve service to clients.

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

“People have been so generous with funds and donations,” MacArthur said. ” But we have had difficulty procuring large amounts of food (during the pandemic),”

“The community has been wonderful,” she said.

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS City Commission Agenda for the Meeting Tonight

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 2, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 19th, 2020 and special meeting minutes of May 22nd, 2020 and amended minutes of May 5th, 2020, and amended special meeting minutes of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1264-A totaling $459,811.91.

  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Housing Authority Appointment – Edna Erie – Resident Commissioner – 4 year term

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Avenue

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Finance Update
  1. Discussion of Pool Opening
  1. Consideration of sale of City property

  1. Consideration of Bids for Curb and Gutter Work – 500 block Andrick

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member selection
  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of Code of Ethics for the City of Fort Scott
  1. Consideration of Code of Procedures for the City of Fort Scott City Commission

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

K. Allen – Vacancy in Office of City Commissioner

P. Allen –

R. Nichols –

L. Watts –

J. Mitchell –

  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager: 500 Block Andrick residents

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Restarts This Thursday at Sunshine Boutique

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Chamber Coffee
this week, hosted by
Sunshine Boutique
featuring their
Newly Expanded Store!
2 S. Main St.
The business has entrances at both 2 S. Main St. and 18 E. Wall St.
This event will take place on the Main Street side.
Per request of the SEK Multi-County Health Dept.,
the refreshments and announcements will take place outdoors
on the sidewalk and attendees will be invited to take turns
going inside to check out the expansion and new merchandise.
There will be a ribbon cutting outside to celebrate the expansion
immediately following the Chamber Coffee.
Attendees are welcome to wear masks and any PPE to
feel comfortable and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
8 am
Go to their Facebook page to view new store images!
Join the VIP group for boutique apparel, accessories & more!
Click here to join Facebook VIP Group.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
Special Note from the Chamber Board:
Following KS state safety recommendations & health practices ~subject to Bourbon County’s continued advancement through the reopening phased plans.
Refreshments will be set up and served outside, along with announcements. Individuals are welcomed to browse the
newly expanded shop within their own comfort.
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
Briggs Auto of Fort Scott (4 yrs) – 6/11
Bourbon County Garden Club – 6/18
Old Fort Auto – 6/25
July 2nd Chamber Coffee Slot – Open
July 9th Chamber Coffee Slot – Open
Bourbon County Fair – 7/16
City State Bank (100 yrs) – 7/23
July 30th Chamber Coffee Slot – Open
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Sidewalk Sale: Parking Spots Were Difficult to Find

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Treasure Hunt owner, Carol Preston, takes photos of some of her merchandise during the sidewalk sale on Saturday. The store is located at 6. S. Main.

It was difficult to find a parking spot on Main Street in downtown Fort Scott on Saturday.

 

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosted the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale and invited shoppers to come shopping.

 

The mild weather and recent reopening of businesses during the COVID 19 pandemic made for a perfect day to go shopping.

 

Another Merchant Sale And Town-Wide Garage Sale

 

Another town-wide sale is coming soon and this time includes all those who want to clean out closets and garages.

 

On June 12-13 retailers will be celebrating National Flag Week, according to a press release from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

 

With any purchase, shoppers will receive a souvenir American Flag and also they can fill out a Trivia Card to enter them into a drawing for $50 Chamber Of Commerce Bucks.

 

Also on that weekend of June 12-13, there will be a Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale.

 

To register one’s sale which will be printed on a  garage sale map, call  the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 620. 223.3566. Sellers may also sign up at Bids & Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

 

The cost is $10 to be added to the map.

 

All customers are to use hand sanitizer at every yard sale before touching merchandise and homeowner should have this available, also practice social distancing of being 6-feet apart, according to the press release.

 

Photos of some the participating retailers in the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale:

A customer shops in Nancy’s Gift Corner at Heidricks True Value Hardware Store, 1508 S. National, on May 30.

 

Sunshine Boutique owner, Georgia Brown visits with a customer on Saturday during the sidewalk sale. The boutique is located at 18 E. Wall.

 

A shopper walks past the Iron Store Store on North Main Saturday during the sidewalk sale.

 

Main Street Gallery and Gifts employee, Rachel McClellan, waits on a customer during the sidewalk sale on May 30.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter June 2020

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Kids Summer Reading

Upcoming Virtual Events:  
 
June 2: 
10 am: Zoom Princesses & Princes Preschool Story hour with
Miss Val & stories read by educator Jeff Pommier
11 am: Zoom Princesses & Princes Elementary Story hour, with Miss Val & stories read by educator Angie Bin
2 pm: Pre-recorded video of the preschool stories will release on Facebook and YouTube
2:15 pm: story video for elementary students releasing on the same platforms.
3 pm: Scouts Leader Cyndi Goebel will demonstrate how to make the week’s craft in a pre-recorded video released on Facebook and YouTube. All Zoom meetings will require a password which you can obtain by messaging the library or emailing Miss Val at [email protected].
The above schedule should remain our normal schedule throughout the summer, with only themes, guest readers, and craft demonstrators changing from week to week. Craft supplies to go along with the demonstration videos have been distributed in summer reading packets.
June 9: Educator Ashley Morris will be our guest reader and the theme will be Grumpy Creatures for Preschool and Fantasy Creatures for Elementary. Melinda Seaver will be our craft demonstrator.
More topics and guest readers to be announced soon.

Weekly reading reward and frequent craft packet pickups will be available on Fridays, starting on June 5, from 9-11 or 1-3. You will need to call 223-2882 or email Miss Val to schedule an appointment for pickup.
We need more readers and crafters! Please consider signing up here to do a video for our community’s youth.
See Magician Jeff Quinn online! The library will present a magician’s performance tailored to our library online from June 13 – 21. We will share the link to the video through our website and Facebook page, with possible links through other social media. Stay tuned!
                                 
   Magician
Jeff Quinn
Online
                                    June 13 – 21

Tween and Teen Summer Reading

Events for Middle & High School Students  
Wednesdays at 4 pm, Join Miss Valetta on Zoom for the Teen Summer Reading Program! All Zoom meetings will require a password which you can obtain by messaging the library or emailing Miss Valetta at
[email protected].

Zoom can be accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The full application will allow participants to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of summer reading. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.
After each meeting, Miss Valetta will go on the House Party app to play games with any teens who want to join her (with parental permission).
This week’s activity: Painting on mini canvas & Discussing upcoming meetings

You may pick up your painting supplies prior to this meeting in your summer reading packet, which may now only be received during curbside pickup. Call the library between the hours of 9-12 or 1-3, Mon. – Fri. or 9-12 Sat. and request a packet. You must be a middle or high school student to participate. Your grade is the one you will start in the fall.
Weekly reading reward and frequent craft packet pickups will be available on Fridays, starting on June 5, from 9-11 or 1-3. Rewards are only for the week prior, not the current week. You will need to call 223-2882 or email Miss Val to schedule an appointment for pickup.
More opportunities for pre-released videos and screen-free activities for local teens are in the works, so stay tuned.

Adult Summer Reading

 

June 1-August 31, 2020
No assigned reading, just read one book and tell us that you read it!
  • We’ve simplified our Adult Summer Reading Challenge this year.
  • Read one book.
  • While supplies last you will receive a goodie bag for reading the book.
  • We encourage you to read more than one book for the summer, but you only need to tell us that you’ve read one.

Circulation Information about Physical Items

Holds/Interlibrary Loan
Items coming to us from other libraries should begin arriving the second week of June. Everything has to be quarantined for at least 72 hours, so transfers will take longer than usual. We will notify you when items are ready to be checked out.

Returns
All returned items are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being checked in. Don’t worry if items that you put in the bookdrop are still showing on your account.

New Books
We’ve added many new items in the past few months. Here are some links to lists in the catalog. You may place holds on any of these, and we will schedule you for curbside checkout.

Circulation Information about Digital Resources

Digital Only Accounts/I don’t have a library card

We have created a new type of account for people who don’t already have library cards. Go to our catalog www.seknfind.org and create a new account under the “Log in to your account” prompt. Be sure to pay attention to the password you are assigned. (We encourage you to log in and change the password to something more easily remembered.)

We will adjust these accounts daily so that you will have access to digital resources. If you would like access sooner, first create the account, then send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] with your name and email address.
When we adjust the accounts, we will send you an email with your account number and information about setting up your accounts with hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

I have a library card but I need help with digital resources

First look below and see if anything here helps. If you still have any problems getting set up, please email me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your name and account number plus a description of the problem.
You’ll need your library card number, your pin/password, and the email address you used when you signed up for your library card.
Anytime a site asks for your card number or account number, it means the entire 14 digit number. Ignore the spaces when entering it.
When you first set up an account with hoopla, it will ask you for your email and a password. Use the email you used for your FSPL account and create your own password. The next screen will ask for your library, library card number, and pin/password; your pin/password is the last 4 digits of your card number, or if you’ve changed it, use the pin/password that you changed it to. Hoopla has a limit of 5 items checked out per month. Usually it will send you an email near the end of the month if you have checkouts remaining.

When you first set up an account with Sunflower eLibrary, you will need to choose Fort Scott Public Library and enter your FSPL account number and your pin/password. If you have an Amazon account, you can link eligible checkouts to it and read them on an Amazon Kindle reader enabled device.

Hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary (Overdrive) both have apps that you can download to a mobile device. The websites should direct you to the apps.

What if I want a Kansas Library eCard?
Kansas Library eCards provide access to ebooks, databases, and other resources through the State Library of Kansas. If you need us to set you up, send an email with your name, including middle initial, and your birthdate to [email protected] or [email protected], and we will get your account created for you.
You will need the Kansas Library eCard to access ebooks, but many of the databases are available without logging in if you are using the Internet in Kansas. You can experiment by going to https://kslib.info/ and clicking the “Online Resources” link.

Links to Digital Resources

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. You will need your library card login and the email address associated with it.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. You will need your library card login.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. You will need a Kansas Library eCard.
Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Agenda For June 2

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 2, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 19th, 2020 and special meeting minutes of May 22nd, 2020 and amended minutes of May 5th, 2020, and amended special meeting minutes of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1264-A totaling $459,811.91.

  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Housing Authority Appointment – Edna Erie – Resident Commissioner – 4 year term

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Avenue

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Finance Update
  1. Discussion of Pool Opening
  1. Consideration of sale of City property

  1. Consideration of Bids for Curb and Gutter Work – 500 block Andrick

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member selection
  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of Financial Policy

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

K. Allen – Vacancy in Office of City Commissioner

P. Allen –

R. Nichols –

L. Watts –

J. Mitchell –

  1. City Manager: 500 Block Andrick residents

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 22

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 22, 2020 Special Meeting #5

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 22nd, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts were present, and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell was present via teleconference. Pete Allen was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

CONSIDERATION:

JoLynne Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 8:04 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Approval to consider an application to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the CDBG-CV category – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that this public hearing is being held to take comments in regards to the City applying for the CDBG-CV grant. This is a similar program to what the City had last month. The biggest difference is that if awarded, the funds will be in the form of a grant and not a forgivable loan. Another differential is this will be allowed for owner operator business. Business owners would count as employees for this round of grants. The maximum we are applying for is $300,000 and the reason for the early morning meeting is that this is a first come, first serve grant. The grant is complete after this public hearing. This grant is for cities under 50,000 in population and will be very competitive.

There were no comments from the public call in line nor did anyone call in with concerns regarding this grant submission.

Randy Nichols moved to approve the submission of the application to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the CDBG-CV grant program. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE CDBG-CV GRANT PROGRAM.

Randy Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 8:08 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 8:08 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK