Tag Archives: featured

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Is Connected to Southwest Power Pool Energy Project

Leave a comment

 

The transmission line of the Wolf Creek/Blackberry Project, from the NextEra Energy website.

A power delivery project, many years in the making, has started transmitting energy through Bourbon County.

NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) – Southwest began producing energy over the 92-mile, 345-kV Wolf Creek – Blackberry transmission line on July 16, 2025, according to Lillie Zeng, spokesperson for NEET-Southwest.

The project was within budget and nearly five months ahead of Southwest Power Pool’s (SSP) required in-service date.  The project was completed within three years, according to the spokesperson.

This is the second of three competitively awarded transmission projects in SPP that the company is building, she said.

“NextEra Energy Transmission – Southwest is proud to support SPP and its customers in Kansas and Missouri with a transmission line that will help enhance grid reliability and support economic growth in the region.”

The  NEET-Southwest field office is at 2522 Richards Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

“We are in the process of hiring local office staff. In addition, NEET Southwest has access to approximately 70 affiliate technical staff located in the project area,” according to the spokesperson.

The project included a diagonal power line through the southwest part of Bourbon County as noted in the graphic from NextEra.

The process can be summed up this way:

Electric power is generated by nuclear energy at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant near Burlington, Kansas in Coffee County.

The power is moved via transmission power lines to the southwest, to the Blackberry Electrical Substation, just over the state line in Missouri.

Electric power transmission lines along with wind turbines can be seen from Hwy. 3. in Bourbon County, near Birch Road, north of Hepler, KS. These are NextEra Energy Transmission lines.

There, high voltage power is then stepped down to a lower voltage and distributed over power lines to neighborhoods, businesses, and residences, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry

This project is a new 94-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) regulated transmission line that runs from the Wolf Creek substation (Evergy Energy) in Kansas to the Blackberry substation, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.(AECI) in Missouri.​

The Blackberry Electric Substation, Jasper County, MO. August 2025

About Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Kansas’s only nuclear power plant, has been providing energy to Kansans and Missourians since 1985, according to https://www.evergy.com/landing/wolf-creek-nuclear-generating-station

 

The Wolf Creek site is about 10,500 acres, and 1,500 acres of company land are reserved and managed for wildlife. Wolf Creek employs approximately 750 employees, many of whom have worked at the site since the plant began providing electricity to the nation’s power grid more than three decades ago, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek provides electric generation for Evergy and generates about 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek generates 20.7 percent of Kansas’ electricity, and 36 percent of its emissions-free electricity, according to the NextEra website.

 

Evergy is an electric service provider in Bourbon County.

“Evergy and Next Era are both members of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage the power grid and energy markets across 14 states in the middle of the country, including Kansas and Missouri,” said Evergy Director of Corporate Communications Gina Penzig. “SPP keeps track of how electricity moves through the system and helps ensure coordination among area utilities.”

“The Wolf Creek–Blackberry Transmission line simply connects to Evergy’s equipment and helps send electricity into the power grid,” Penzig said. “The SPP chose Next Era to build this line through a competitive bid process. Even though the line connects to Evergy’s substation and electricity flows through it, Next Era owns and operates the line.”

NextEra Energy
In October 2021, NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri.
NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals, and construction began, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
‘
Electric power transmission lines in southwest Bourbon County.

The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers, according to the NextEra website.

According to NextEra, the project benefits are:

  • “Leads to lower electricity costs for customers
  • Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid
  • Creates job opportunities in the short and long term
  • Spurs investment in the local economy during construction
  • Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity

“Environmental & Visual Considerations

  • Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats, and natural resources

  • Coordinated with federal and state agencies to identify protected species found along the route

  • Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts

  • Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into the routing study.”

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Mapleton Cafe Reopens With New Owner

2 Comments

 

A view of a dining room in the cafe.

The Mapleton Cafe, located in rural northern Bourbon County, is under a new manager.

“This cafe had been shut down for eight years,” Adam Clay, the new owner/manager,” said. “Joe Bisogno owns the building.”

It opened at the end of July.

“I was given an opportunity to open my own business in the country, where I want to be,” Clay said. “I have always been drawn to the country. I lived in DeSoto. Panasonic moved into the area, and lots of people have moved in.”

“You need to seize an opportunity.”

He moved a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle to the site of the building in Mapleton, population 99, in January and started renovating the building.

“I had to fix it up. I moved here, living in the fifth-wheeler.”

Clay has 35 years in the hospitality business with a focus on kitchen, menu, costing, and trends in the food business.

“I come from the K.C. area, Desoto, and worked as a chef for a corporation in their test kitchen. I left my position with Goodsents in K.C. at the end of June to do this full-time. Up to then, I only worked on weekends.”

The restaurant passed the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection in mid-July.

“Even though a lot of work needs to be done, with the help of the Mapleton City Council, the local residents, and Joe Bisogno, we’ll make it successful,” he said.

“I’m the only cook; there are two local people as employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley, and other local people pitch in to help.”

Adam Clay, right, is the manager of the Mapleton Cafe. Pictured are his two employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley.

 

About the cafe

“It’s a country cafe with a modest breakfast and lunch menu,” he said. “It’s a starter menu. I’m still trying to figure out what works in this marketplace.”

 

“We are open to suggestions. A new dish for me is chili with a cinnamon roll and a pickle,” he said.

He said he is trying to keep the prices that fit this rural area.

The menu at the Mapleton Cafe as of August 2025.

The restaurant is located at 423 N. Bourbon Street in Mapleton.  Contact info: 785-813-6051. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

GriefShare Begins August 26 at Community Christian Church

Leave a comment

“Classes begin Tuesday evening at Community Christian Church Use the southeast side door. Classes will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 13 weeks beginning August 26th,” said a spokesman, Jon Bailes. “Everyone is welcome and there is no charge except for a workbook.”

“This is a Biblically based program that has been operating with great success at helping people who have lost a loved one.”

Community Christian Church is hosting, but is not responsible.

Submitted graphics.
Bourbon County, Government, Schools

USD235 New Teachers, Goals, and Construction Projects in 2025

Leave a comment
Vance Eden from the district’s website.
Students start school in USD235, Uniontown, on August 20.
“We anticipate enrollment numbers being similar to what it was last year,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We frequently see fluctuations in enrollment all the way through the first week of school, though.”
This year, there is a new athletic director/assistant principal, Megan Mason.
Additionally, the following new teachers are: Aidan Abandon, high school history; Jennifer Ziegler, high school English; Cole Criss, junior/senior high physical education; Lauren Shinn, 6th grade; and Dallas Masoner, 6th grade.
The teachers in new assignments this year are Jenny Covey, 3rd grade; Rose Gauthier, 2nd grade; and Haley Troutman, Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten through 8th grade have new math resources this year, and there is a sprinkling of new supplementary materials throughout the district,” Eden said.
“A noteworthy item, the new ag shop will provide students with a better learning and shop space,” Eden said. “We are excited for what this can mean for the (agriculture) program.”
“For pre-kindergarten, we opened enrollment to three-year-old students who meet the necessary criteria for participation. We are excited to provide this opportunity to families and those young learners.”
“The district has adopted six goals as part of this year’s strategic plan.  Those include:
  • 1.5-  Conduct a thorough review of literacy and math proficiency rates K-12 to determine successes, trends, and potential gaps.
  • 1.8- Conduct a review of discipline policies and align them and their implementation to district objectives of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
  • 2.3-  Support staff development efforts through shadowing other educators in other districts.
  • 2.8-  Develop additional ways to utilize hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.
  • 3.4-  Develop additional ways to recognize students who are consistently meeting specific expectations.
  • 3.6-  Increase timely, consistent, and effective communication between schools and families. Consider options with apps, newsletters, and additional surveys for input.”
“Aside from that, the district will be completing all of the relevant construction projects related to the passing of the bond  (last year approved by constituents) over the next year. Timelines for those individual projects vary.”
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott

Leave a comment
This sign has been taken down, as the three needed employees have been hired.

The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.

Submitted photo.

Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.

Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.

“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.

Submitted photo.

In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.

“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”

There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area;  and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.

They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.

Submitted photo.

Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”

Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.

“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”

Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.

“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com

Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.

About Jumpy Jump Land

Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.

Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!

Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.

Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports

50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center

Leave a comment
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.

Members of the board of the Fort Scott YMCA, in a photo dated 1975. The photo is taken from a program booklet, authored by Pat Henry. The members of this board who also served on the original Neighborhood Facility, which was opened in 1975: are front row, from left Les Hinkley; Harry Fisher, second from right; and Curt Shankel, right.  Second row from left, second person is Albert Hill, to his right is Jack Eshelbrenner. Gloria Key and Beth King are not in this picture.

In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center,  was built at 735 Scott Avenue.

Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.

From the dedication program booklet for the new Neighborhood Center, 1975.

Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.

The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.

It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.

Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.

In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.

“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.

Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner.  There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”

Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

A relatively new sport is pickleball. In this photo, pickleball players enjoy the game indoors in July 2025 at Buck Run Community Center’s gym.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott School District U234 Starts Classes on August 15

Leave a comment

This is part of a series on the schools starting the 2025 school year in our community.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

 

Destry Brown is the superintendent of schools for Fort Scott’s School District, USD234.

“We are looking forward to another great year in Tiger Land!” he told Fort Scott Biz in an interview.

The first day of school for teachers in 2025 is August 11, with students first day of August 15.

He said student school supply lists are all posted on the district’s  Facebook page.

Vaccinations are a part of the new school year in schools across the nation.

“If students have started their immunizations before school starts, we work with the families to get them completed by a deadline,” Brown said. “We have not set that deadline for this year yet. It is usually in late September. If the family claims a religious reason for not getting the immunizations, they need to contact the school nurse and complete a form stating that.”

The USD234 student enrollment is approximately the same as last year, 1,750 students in five buildings across the town.

A more accurate number will be after the first couple of weeks of school, he said.

The following are the names of the school district’s 20 new teachers and administrators assigned to each building.

Winfield Scott Elementary:
Amanda Karleskint – 2nd grade
Shana Staton – Special Education
Amanda Johnson – Music
Kendal Bowles – Special Education

Eugene Ware Elementary:
Billie Marlow – 5th Grade
Angela Christy – 3rd Grade

Fort Scott Middle School:
D.J. Brown – Principal
Trey Brown – 7th Grade Social Studies
Kiel Simas – Physical Education

Fort Scott High School:
Jeff Johnson – Principal
Josh Regan – Assistant Principal
Drew Carney – Physical Education
Aleana Erie – English
Eliya Deckinger – Counselor
Marjorie Campbell – Special Education
Chloe Whitt – Drivers’ Education and Business
Jake Durossette – Business
Johnathon Stark – Physical Education
Jesse Turner – Special Education

Kansas Renewal Institute:
Christina Ellis – Elementary

New this year are textbooks and resources for middle and high school English Language Arts classes.

“We have also added a new curriculum for teaching Social and Emotional skills for Kindergarten through 12th grade called Satchel Pulse. The counselors will be using the curriculum to teach weekly lessons to our students throughout the district.”

On the horizon is a new preschool location.

“We are awaiting the architectural drawings for the new preschool building on Horton (at the intersection of 9th Street) to be approved by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. As soon as those are approved, we will go out to bid on the work inside the building. In the meantime, we will be having dirt work and waterproofing done on the outside of the building.”

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1

Leave a comment
The 120th Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown has traditionally been a day for the community to view a parade and enjoy a community picnic, with fun activities for all ages throughout the whole weekend.
A street dance, 5K Run/Walk,  fishing derby, co-ed ranch rodeo, community church service, bingo, family fun night, youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, car show, baby contest, a children’s parade separate from the bigger parade, and drawings for the raffles and bicycles will make up the weekend’s festivities.
The theme this year is Remembering the Past, Planning the Future.
Aligning with the theme, not only the recognition of the Old Settlers, but “recognizing the future generation throughout the Monday activities, including the youngest attendee,” said Mike Ramsey, planning committee vice president.
The parade grand marshals are the family of Bill and Doris George.
This year, the West Bourbon Elementary School will be the new location for the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show.
“We’ve brought back the baby contest,” Ramsey said. “Registration at 9 a.m. with the contest at 9:30 a.m.” The location is at the gazebo in Uniontown’s City Park.
” We’ve brought back the kids’ races on Monday at 1 p.m. on the streets” surrounding the downtown park, he said.
Girls race in a contest during a prior Old Settler’s Picnic.
“Personally, I’m excited about having Dustin Treiber playing for the Street Dance Friday night.” On August 29, there will be a street dance with a food truck available for refreshments.
The planning committee is comprised of Rhonda Dewitt, president; Ramsey, vice president; Mary Pillion, treasurer; and Carissa Jones, secretary.

 

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

Leave a comment
On the inside wall of the Center.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils,  and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:

 mini golf,  laser tag,  cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.

A plaque inside Buck Run Community Center.

The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Pickleball players enjoy the air conditioning while playing on July 31 in a gym at Buck Run.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
To learn more:

https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home

The fitness center at Buck Run.

Features of the  center:

  • Auditorium with a stage
  • Fitness center
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge with a television
  • Shower facilities
  • 2 meeting rooms
In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.

The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.

Deb Stewart is the 60+Nutrition Site Director for meals that are provided at 11:30 a.m. daily in one of Buck Run’s meeting rooms.

There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.

Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.

Government, Health Care

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Affecting Eastern KS Air Quality

Leave a comment

Taken from the AirNow Fire and Smoke website.

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Smoke

TOPEKA – Light northeast to east winds is bringing Canadian wildfire smoke into the state, particularly central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are likely to persist today and tomorrow. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Moderate to Unhealthy at times. You can view the current air quality, AQI and fire activity for your area on https://fire.airnow.gov.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
  • More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
  • Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

###

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Volunteers Needed To Get The Old Fort Genealogy Society Reopened

1 Comment

 

The Professional Building, located at 2801 S. Horton, is situated across from the former Mercy Hospital, which is now home to several entities.

 

For those interested in learning more about their family history in Bourbon County, the Old Fort Genealogy Society is a valuable resource to the community.

“Many people don’t know what we have to offer,” said Susan Karleskint, president of the society. ” We have tons of Bourbon County history….birth records, death records, cemeteries, pictures.”

“We provide help to people who are researching their families in Bourbon County,” she said. “In addition, we have moved beyond genealogical to historical.”

The society is non-profit.

“We don’t charge, but do ask for a donation, should they want to give one,” she said.

In early 2025, the society’s board began searching for an alternative location. The location they were at, in the basement of Memorial Hall, was too small for all the records they housed, and the cost of renovating to a different part of that building was too high.

They found a much larger site for their services at 2801 S. Horton, in the Professional Building,  north of the old Mercy Hospital.

In the spring, they began the move to that building, which has been vacant for several years.

“We have encountered some ‘hiccups’ along the way that have slowed our progress,” Karleskint said.

“The space is futuristic,” she said. “We can grow. We had a lot of things that couldn’t be put out (in the prior building), but now can be.”

The space is almost 4,000 square feet.

Now the board members are seeking volunteers to help them get open to the public.

“Volunteers are needed to unpack items….to go to the bookshelves,” she said.  “Currently, there are three to four of us. We need helpers in order to get us open.”

“When our doors open, we will have a need for volunteers who would be willing to help at least 1/2 day per week.”

Contact them at 602.223.3300. “If that number is not currently answered, an individual may call my phone at 620-224-6613,” Karleskint said.

The board consists of Karleskint, Ralph Carlson, Peggy Cummings, Shirley Hurd, Jim Logan, Terry Sercer, and Don Tucker.

Karleskint said she wanted to thank this board for all of the time and energy they have contributed in the past few
months.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Veterinary Clinic Is Open For Business

3 Comments

 

Dr. Trent Callanan, left, and Dr. Joely Johnson.
From the business Facebook page.

Bourbon County Veterinary Clinic, LLC is fully open for business at  1251 240th Street in Fort Scott.

Owners are  Dr. Trent Callahan and Dr. Joely Roe Johnson.

Dr. Callahan and Dr. Joe (Joely Johnson) both come from an agricultural background and share a love for providing veterinary care to rural communities, Dr. Callahan said.

The new business is just over the Bourbon County line in Bates County, Missouri, where the two are vets at the Bates County Veterinary Clinic in Butler.

The two clinics will share goals, clients, veterinarians, and patients.

Their core values are “Keeping your pets happy and healthy and your livestock profitable!”

Dr. Joe and her family also call Bourbon County home, with her husband’s family having deep roots in the area, she said.

“We will have a broad range of experience and knowledge,” said Dr. Joe. “We will provide large animal and small animal services ranging from routine vaccines, surgeries, herd work, consulting, and much more. We are excited to serve Bourbon County and surrounding areas.”

Dr. Callahan earned a  Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri with the class of 1998. He opened his first practice in 2008 in Bates County after practicing for eleven years as an associate veterinarian in Butler, Missouri.

Dr. Joe earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine  degree from Purdue University, class of 2023

In 2021, Bates County expanded and remodeled its facility, offering the newest technology and expanding the veterinarians on staff. In 2023, Dr. Joe joined the Bates County Veterinary Clinic team.

They will have a rotation of four veterinarians with support staff at the Kansas clinic. Other vets who will be rotating are Dr. Levi Cade and Dr. Megan Westerhold.

Contact info: phone:620-223-1171, email: bourboncountyveterinary@gmail.com, website: bcvet.us, and find us on Facebook

Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.