During the first Chamber Coffee of the month of March, Bourbon County leaders gave an update to Chamber of Commerce members of current projects and services provided and other changes happening at the courthouse.

“We are very proud of the services and the people that are resources in this county,” county commission chairperson Barbara Albright said Thursday, taking time to introduce each of the county’s department leaders. “They’re here to serve you.”

Information provided included items such as a move by the register of deeds to a new office, real estate appraisal notices being sent with the deadline approaching, emergency exercises to be conducted in upcoming months, newly appointed department leaders as well as changes in appearance to bring the courthouse back to its original look.

The county leaders also reminded members of the community of services they offer such as offering election information, providing hunting, fishing and boating licenses and taking care of the approximately 1,000 miles of road in the county. Representatives from the different departments said anyone with questions or concerns should reach out to them.

Sheriff Bill Martin also gave an update on the department’s new K-9 unit program, which received its first of two dogs this week. The dog will begin getting acquainted with the county and his handler during the next month while his handler also begins training.

Other chamber members were given the opportunity to announce upcoming events including:

• The Young Professionals League will hold their monthly meeting at Papa Don’s Friday at noon, with Sheriff Bill Martin and USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham being on hand to provide information and answer questions about their areas of service in the community.
• Fort Scott Community College will hold their 35^th annual spring rodeo Friday through Sunday.
• Mercy Hospital will hold a Save a Life event Saturday, providing mammograms between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. Those interested should contact the hospital to schedule a time.
• Registered voters can cast their ballots Saturday, March 5, for a presidential candidate. Information on where to go can be found at the County Clerk’s office.
• The Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the Lift Every Voice: The Black Experience in the Heartland play Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
• Country Place Living Senior Center will hold their ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, March 10, with festivities beginning at 5:15 p.m.
• On March 13, during their Sunday service, the First United Methodist Church will celebrate 150 years of existence. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
• During the month of March, participants can register for the Kansas State Extension Office’s Walk Across Kansas health initiative, a state-wide program that involves teams of six people in challenges to walk far enough in their own community during the months of April and May to cross the state of Kansas.
• Later this month, local churches will come together for a Good Friday service at Life Point Assembly of God while an Easter sunrise service will be held at the downtown gazebo on Main Street. Anyone is welcome to attend.
• The Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Chamber Banquet on March 31. Members of the chamber are encouraged to begin nominating businesses and individuals for awards such as for a new business, business person and best community spirit awards.
• The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is holding a fundraiser for the new Unsung Hero Park, allowing participants to purchase bricks for $100 each to be engraved and placed at the park. Those interested in sponsoring a brick can contact the center for request forms.