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Bourbon County, Government

Dawson Mitchell To Appear on January 20 For Preliminary Hearing For Double Murder

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The double murder case in Bourbon County is moving forward with the defendant, Dawson Mitchell, scheduled to appear on January 20 in a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. at the Bourbon County District Court, according to information provided by John P. Milburn, Public Information Officer for the Office of Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Mitchell is charged with killing his mother and step-father with a gun stolen from his father, and is currently an inmate in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

The Bourbon County Courthouse.

The case is being prosecuted by attorneys with the Kansas Criminal Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General at the request of the Bourbon County Attorney. The case number is 2021-CR-588.

Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, according to the document provided.

The following are the charges against Mitchell.

The State of Kansas versus Dawson James Mitchell case alleges that

Count 1
On or about the 21st day of December 2021, in Bourbon County, Kansas, Dawson James Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Melissa Hays Mitchell, which is murder in the first degree.

Count 2
On or about December 21,  2021, in Bourbon County, Dawson  Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Leonard Zimmerman, which is murder in the first degree.

Count 3
On or between December 19 and December 21, 2021, in Bourbon County,   Mitchell, did unlawfully and knowingly possess a firearm, a Walther 9 mm handgun, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He was not found to have owned a firearm at the time of the prior crime, and has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Count 4
On or between  December  19, 2021, and December 21, 2021 in Bourbon County,  Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: a Walther 9 mm handgun, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000. The charge is theft of a firearm.

Count 5
On or about  December 19-21 2021 in Bourbon County,   Mitchell did unlawfully and knowingly possess a weapon; which was a Puma pocketknife, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is an aggravated weapon violation by a convicted felon.

Count 6
On or between the December 19-21, 2021, in Bourbon County,  Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: which was Puma pocketknife and $200 cash, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000.

All of the above acts then and there committed being contrary to the statutes in such cases made and provided and being against the peace and dignity of the State of Kansas, according to the document.

The case was filed by:
OFFICE OF THE KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL
DEREK SCHMIDT
CJ. Rieg, W21 0
Assistant Attorney General
120 SW 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Topeka, Kansas 66612—1597
Phone: 785276-9707
Fax: 785.291.3875
[email protected]

Gordon Parks Museum, History

Martin Luther King Celebrated Next Week

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Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The Gordon Parks Museum staff has been calling attention to and celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. for a decade, according to Kirk Sharp, the executive director of the museum for three years.

“King was an activist, a (black)Baptist minister during the civil rights protests, who fought for change to eliminate racial inequality, all through non-violence,” Sharp said.

Kirk Sharp. Submitted photo.

The community is invited and encouraged to learn more about his life, which is celebrated nationally around January 15, his birthdate.

Several days are planned to celebrate King’s life in Fort Scott.

This celebration will be done through a series of diverse events: dramatic readings, ballet, films, Lunch and Learns, and the sharing of food.

Events start on Thursday, January 13 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

The day begins with the museum staff hosting the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00 am.

At 7 p.m. that evening, a Kansas City ballet group will do a  tribute performance in honor of Martin Luther King and Gordon Parks

The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey: Ever Present will give a free performance that is funded by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

A reception will follow the performance with light refreshments hosted by Great Western Dining, the FSCC food service provider.

Friday, January 14, a Lunch and Learn in the Ellis Arts Center at noon will feature the Fort Scott High School Advanced Drama students reading the “I Have A Dream” speech given by King. The students are under the direction of teacher Angela Bin.

FSCC students and members of the community will also do some readings related to Martin Luther King, Sharp said.

A reception will follow with birthday cake in honor of King’s birthday.

Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great Western Dining.

The day will also include three film showings at 9:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, all related to the American Civil Rights Movement.

The celebration will wrap up on Monday, Jan 17th, with a Lunch and Learn event at noon by Prisca Barnes, speaking on the “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”, an event that happened in Wichita.

A free lunch will be provided by Luther’s BBQ. Drinks and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dining.

 

The community is invited and encouraged to bring canned food or cleaning products from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the museum which is in recognition of King’s day of service events that will happen nationally. These canned goods/cleaning products will be presented to The Beacon, a local helping agency. Please, no out-of-date goods.

The Fort Scott Community College Endowment Foundation is a key contributor to the celebration events.

All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Fine Arts Center.

Civil Rights films will also be shown throughout the day on Friday and Monday.

On Friday, Jan. 14, the community can view the beginning of the series of films Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights which starts at 9 a.m. with Awakening,  about the murder of Emmett Till and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

At 1:30 p.m. view Fighting Back, a story of the Little Rock Nine and James Meredith.

At 3:30 p.m. view Ain’t Scared of Your Jails, a story of the Nashville sit-ins/boycotts and the Freedom Riders.

On Jan. 17,  at 9 a.m. view No Easy Walk, stories from Georgia and Alabama, and the Walk to Washington.

Martin Luther King.

At 10:30 a.m., Mississippi: Is This America? stories of Medgar Evers and the “Mississippi Burning” murders.

And at 1:30 p.m. A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr by Gordon Parks.

The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Gordon Parks.

For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at

620-223-2700 ext. 5850.

Bourbon County, Government, History

Bourbon County Tax Sale: 78 Properties Up For Auction

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The Bourbon County Courthouse, 2nd and National Avenue in Fort Scott.

Seventy-eight properties will go up for auction at the Bourbon County Tax sale next Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Forty-one are Fort Scott properties and 31 are from the Mapleton area, most of which are from Hidden Valley Lake, according to a spokesperson for the county.

Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office, 210 S. National Avenue.

Buyers can’t have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.

Family members can’t buy property owned by another family member.

Properties in the city of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the special assessment due on the property.

Any Fort Scott properties that don’t sell will go to the Fort Scott Landbank.

There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner at the auction.

Payment in full is required at the end of the auction.

There is an added fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.

Announcements by the county will override any prior statements.

 

To view the tax sale properties:

 

BBCO Tax Sale 01 13 22 public

 

BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION
JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
property address, City, OwnerName, OPENING BID, 2021 TAXES

1011 CLAY BRONSON ERICKSON, RICKY A 49.52
305 MAIN BRONSON BARTLETT, RICHARD L 146.19
307 CHARLEs BRONSON COMPTON, WILLIAM 73.78
1007 230TH ST FORT SCOTT HUTTON, GEORGIA N & PAMELA  500.73
104 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C  10.79
107 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, REBECCA  $ 6 46.32 6.41
110 S MAIN FORT SCOTT BENITIZ, SANTIAGO2 ,152.36
113 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C 558.74
113 S NATIONAL FORT SCOTT D J & A LLC  $ – 5 ,794.21
116 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 6,852.85 608.61
12 N EDDY FORT SCOTT ISAACSON, JAMES  $ 8,988.58 1 ,031.97
1302 GRAND RD FORT SCOTT JAYHAWK ENERGY INC  59.71
1311 E 1ST ST FORT SCOTT SIMPSON, BETTY A $ 2 0,516.37 230.32
1403 E OAK FORT SCOTT HACKNER, NELSON D  $ 9 24.42 152.66
1498 212TH TER FORT SCOTT KENDRICK, JACK 142.32
1517 S MAIN FORT SCOTT HAGOOD, RAEANNE $ 1 79.32 203.43
1801 E WALL FORT SCOTT FOULK, JOHN D & ADDIE $ 7,521.70 752.59
201 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 4,489.10 43.09
202 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT DECKER, MARY / FILES, CYNTHIA  $ 1 3,431.95 43.09
208 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DUROSSETTE, CHRISTINE  $ 1 0,495.20 9.40
2144 MAPLE RD FORT SCOTT JUDY, ELMER JR & LEE ELLA 233.91
215 S OSBUN FORT SCOTT HAM, JACK D JR $ 6 9.83 9.40
216 S MARGRAVE FORT SCOTT FRIEND, MARGARET 111 341.35
219 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DOUCET, STEVEN DAVID 510.08
312 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, JESSICA  $ 2 ,754.35 130.59
315 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 1,949.34 89.55
317 S LITTLE FORT SCOTT CLARK, RICHARD$ 1 3,498.17 43.09
323 W 2ND ST FORT SCOTT HIPPLE, PAMELA  $ 1 7,816.91 67.02
324 S BROADWAY FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 6,051.44 47.86
416 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT ALFARO, ARLENE/KELSCH, GEORGE$ 1 3,948.43 93.34
417 S MAIN FORT SCOTT IRELAND, MICHAEL T/NEEDHAM, TRAVIS/ COON, RYAN $ 4 ,052.86 93.34
517 S BURKE FORT SCOTT CARSON, JOHN H 504.92
517 S CLARK FORT SCOTT DUREN, JIMMIE D  $ 1 1,049.66 413.96
602 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 8 21.82 51.29
602 S ANDRICK FORT SCOTT CARSON, SHANE’313.73
612 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR $ 4,329.60 9.40
615 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR$ 2,985.12 9.40
616 S HORTON FORT SCOTT NEWBERRY, JAMES  $ 7,241.70 93.34
619 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT DAVENPORT, SAMUEL  $ 7 4.78 9.40
621 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD  $ 2,126.93 135.98
E SYCAMORE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.34
N MARION FORT SCOTT BUCHFINK, TOMMY SUE  9.40
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 26.14
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.14
EAGLE ROAD GARLAND CULVER, ED  0.88
10 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON AFUALO, COLETTE  8.01
10 KANSAS DR MAPLETON DAVID, ANDREW R 185.40
11 BOURBON DR MAPLETON FREAR, INEZ G  6.75
127 OAK DR MAPLETON ADAMS, JAMES D JR & ADAMS, BRIAN 8.01
130 PERSIMMON RD MAPLETON HARN, LEVI/BRIGGS, JEFFREY  31.91
138 HIDDEN VALLEY RD MAPLETON HIGGINS, TRAVIS 2021-14.35
14 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
16 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
17 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON GLASS, LARRY  15.03
19 APPLE RD MAPLETON BRADFORD, DALE R 8.01
20 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 7.45
22 E EASTPORT RD MAPLETON GIER, JOHN A 8.01
22 WARE RD MAPLETON HAUN, CHRISTOPHER M 13.03
25 CHESTNUT DR MAPLETON DUNIVAN, MICHAEL P  8.01
27 CEDAR LN MAPLETON PARKER, BARRY / JARVI, STEVE  9.64
4 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY 6.75
4 LOCUST RD MAPLETON BROWN, ANTHONY E  8.01
42 WARE RD MAPLETON HESS, DONALD G 9.48
48 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON HARRIS, JESSIE R  8.01
48 WARE RD MAPLETON GILLESPIE, KENNETH C  21.60
BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION

JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
5 APPLE RD MAPLETON HUNTER, JESSE W8.01
57 WARE RD MAPLETON GRIFFITHS, DALE15.99
58 WARE RD MAPLETON ADAMS, TYSON SR7.31
6 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY  8.01
6 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 13.43
8 E LAKEVIEW RD MAPLETON BELT, AIMEE C16.98
80 WARE RD MAPLETON LINDBLOOM, VERNON L / GILLILAND, JOSEPH 6.75
98 CLARK RD MAPLETON FRIZZELL, ROBERT T 8.01
LIBERTY MAPLETON CULVER, INC1 1.95
MAIN MAPLETON CULVER, INC 10.85
20TH ST MORAN BURNS, WILLIAM34.71
402 N CEDAR REDFIELD CRAWFORD, HAZEL804.24
405 WASHINGTON UNIONTOWN CARPENTER, R A 57.14
41 FORT SCOTT
30 MAPLETON
1 GARLAND
1 REDFIELD
1 UNIONTOWN
3 BRONSON
1 MORAN
78
Sale date: 1/13/2022
Time: 10:00
Location: Bourbon County Courthouse
TERMS:
Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Treasurer’s office
Buyers cannot have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.
Family members cannot buy property owned by another family member.
Properties in the City of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the Special Assessment due on the property (if any)
Any properties in the City of Fort Scott that do not sell at this auction will go into the Fort Scott Land Bank
There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner after the auction.
Payment in full is required at the end of the auction
There will be an adidtional fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.
Announcements by the County at the auction over ride any prior statemetns.

Business, Fort Scott

Country Cupboard Building Purchased by Ed Townly

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Ed and Susan Townly with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townly, and Ella Townly. The family is pictured in the  11 N. Main storefront before the holidays.

Ed Townly has purchased the County Cupboard Store, 12 N. Main from the Renard family on Dec. 28, 2021.

Last month, Townly, from Olathe, had purchased the Books and Grannie’s Book Store, just across the street at 11 N. Main.

Barb Albright, a realtor with H & H Agency, handled both the acquisitions.

Townly said that he doesn’t have definite plans for that store, nor the newly purchased one as yet.

The Townly’s have two businesses in the K.C. area and a daughter still in school, but they are looking forward to moving to Fort Scott, when their youngest daughter graduates, and she is currently in the eighth grade, he said in a prior interview.

The County Cupboard store was owned by Judy and John Renard for decades and was an anchor business in the historic downtown area, selling home decor, jewelry, clothing, cards, old fashion candy, and other accessories.

John died in 2019 and Judy in 2021.

Judy Renard, owner of the County Cupboard.

History of the Building

The building at 12-14 North Main was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service, in 2009. The building is approximately 5,000 square feet on the first floor and 2,000 square feet on the second, according to Barb Albright, the realtor.

It is part of the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District comprised of 9.5 blocks with irregular boundaries, according to the application for registration.

To view the property’s  National Register Application:
Bourbon_FortScottDowntownHistoricDistrictNR.pdf (kshs.org)

12-14 N. Main Street building was Liepman’s Clothing House, from 1895 until 1930, according to the application.

“Reportedly, this was not the Liepman family’s first business location in Fort Scott and this was not their first building on this property,” according to the national registration application. “In 1895, the family decided to build a more substantial building. In 1909 the property was recorded as the Liepman Block with M. Leipman & Brother (brothers Morres and Joseph Leipman), clothing occupying the storefront. Liepman’s Clothing Store operated until circa 1930.

By 1938, the A & P Grocery was located at this address.”

A marker on the outside of the building at 12 S. Main. Taken from Waymaker website.

Following the A & P Grocery store, it was a western clothing shop then the Renards purchased it in the 1980s.

“This is a rectangular two-story brick commercial building with a flat roof and parapet,” according to the national registration application. “It has a recessed central entrance flanked by display windows. The three-bay second-floor facade is well preserved with a smooth-cut stone belt course under the windows, ornamented pilasters between the window bays, and an ornamented belt course above the window bays. Central paired windows are flanked by a bank of three windows. The windows have 111 double-hung sashes with transoms. There is a brick panel at the eave with the name, “Liepman’s Clothing House,” spelled out in raised letters. A corbelled and molded brick cornice ornaments the parapet. Reportedly, the original display windows and entrance were altered about 1938. There is a shed-roofed shingled awning supported on posts. Aluminum storm windows have been installed on the second-floor windows.”

To view prior features on the buildings:

New Owners of Historic Downtown Fort Scott Building

Country Cupboard To Close For Good, Until Then Saturdays Only

 

Business, Fort Scott

Upper Cut Salon: New Shop That Gives Back to Community

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
 Tanya Glessner is the owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, Fort Scott, which opened for business on November 12, 2021.
Glessner has been a stylist for 16 years.
“I chose this career because I grew up in a salon watching and helping my mom, Laura Brown,  in her salon,” Glessner said. “I always loved how her clients became family and no matter what was going on in their lives they always walked away looking and feeling good because of her talent and company. Now I get to share this experience with my clients. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Glessner operates her business in her home.
Upper Cut Salon interior. Submitted photo.
“Having the salon in my home also has the benefit of privacy and comfort for all my clients without the hustle and bustle of a typical salon,” she said. “It’s one-on-one and personal. I also have the benefit of flexible hours. So there’s no set work schedule. I schedule appointments based on my client’s needs every day of the week. I also make house calls for the elderly and those who aren’t able to leave their home.”
“Every Tuesday I offer $10 haircuts for everyone,” she said. “And every day I offer $10 haircuts for EMS, firefighters, veterans, law enforcement officers, and anyone currently in the military with proof. It’s my way of giving back to those in the frontline of our community.”
Upper Cut Salon services and prices. Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
“And for those who follow the salon on Facebook I always have something new going on each month,” she said.
The shop is located at 408 Jefferson Street, Fort Scott,  and can be reached at  620-224-6704.
Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care, Housing

Positive Events in Fort Scott: Mayor Jones

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Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones.

Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said many positive events happened in the community this past year, and the city is poised for some promising events in the new year.

“A lot of things done in 2021 laid the groundwork for 2022 and we expect a lot of 2021 things to be executed in 2022,” Jones said.

The following is what Jones provided fortscott.biz as accomplishments.

In 2021, the Fort Scott City Commission:

1. Refinanced city bonds saving $15,500 per year over the next five years.
2. Passed a half-cent sales tax with 90% of revenue going towards streets and 10% going towards parks. This money will start coming in, in 2022.
3. Started an in-house safety training program saving the city $15,000 per year.
4. Utilized the Firstsource Building for  Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s giving mass vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Put out Requests for Qualifications for a new city attorney leading to the city commission hiring a city attorney saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.
6. Approved to enter into a cost-sharing venture with the Bourbon County Commission for joint purchase of materials and equipment.
7. Approved a conditional use permit for an area south of town to allow a micro-meat processing plant to build a facility,  which will create about 30 jobs.
8. Implemented the SeeClickFix app, which allows citizens to report road problems and code nuisances.
9. Started semi-monthly roller skating sessions at Buck Run Community Center for an added amenity for the community.
10. Moved city-county emergency dispatch to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
11. Improved the beach area at Lake Fort Scott.
12. Sold the Firstsource Building for $315,000.
13. Sold four Lake Fort Scott lots for approximately $500,000.
14. Entered into a shared services agreement with Bourbon County for information technology services, saving approximately $30,000 per year.
15. Used $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study for re-use of the former Mercy Hospital Building as a hospital.
16. Reworked and finalized setting up the Fort Scott Land Bank which focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
17. Approved $2,000 bonuses for all emergency services workers that work for the city.
18. Entered into an agreement with Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) to provide economic development services for the City of Fort Scott,  saving approximately $100,000 a year.
19. Repaired over one mile of city sewer lines.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for traffic signal upgrades in 2022 on Highway 69.
21. Was awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Internet for upgrades to the Skubitz Plaza area on the north end of historic downtown Fort Scott.

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Commission Highlights For 2021

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Lynne Oharah is the current chairman of the Bourbon County Commission. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner Lynne Oharah is optimistic for the future.

“I am seeing major endeavors in economic development, improved infrastructure, and continued cost savings to the taxpayers,” Oharah said in response to questions from fortscott.biz.

“One of the major accomplishments that was achieved in 2021 is the mill levy was reduced by 1.68 mills for the 2021 budget year and 2.43 for the 2022 budget year which is a total reduction of 4.11 mills or approximately $440,000 taxpayer dollars, which is a trend that the commission is dedicated to continuing.”

A significant success this year was the asphalt program for roads.

“Our Public Works Director and his crews were able to lay 14 miles or 28 lane miles of asphalt at the depth of 2 and ½ inches which has never been accomplished in at least the last seven years,” he said. “If this trend continues through a vigorous chip and seal program coupled with increased asphalt application we are in a position to improve all of our asphalt roads.”

Additionally, the public works crews are increasing gravel production which will mean more gravel on county roads, he said.

“Although COVID-19 hit our community hard this year, the residents continued to support our local economy, “Oharah said. “Sales tax receipts were up this year, allowing us to do more projects in the road and bridge department on hard surface roads.”

“2021 saw the reorganization of BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.) into a county-wide economic development board which was able to consolidate economic development for the county and cities, as a whole,” he said.

It is now called Bourbon County REDI  (Regional Economic Development Inc.)  and a new economic development director was hired, Rob Harrington.

“One of Rob’s first tasks was to provide a roadmap to a successful economic development program,” he said.

“Just to name one of these successes is the introduction of a  $125,000 granting program that awarded grants to the smaller communities to improve quality of life in these communities, plus a bike recreation project in Gunn Park,” he said.

Harrington, along with other individuals, is working to increase access to healthcare, which is one of the keys to the growth of Bourbon County, he said.

Oharah said the results of the hospital feasibility study will be released on January 31.

For the Bourbon County Courthouse, there have been many personnel changes.

The commission has hired Susan Bancroft as the financial/human resource director, which has been needed for many years, he said.

This position has resulted in an ability to provide the financial tracking and oversite, budget planning, program implementation, and human resource services that have been lacking, he said.

Additionally, Bancroft is working part-time for the City of Fort Scott until they can find a replacement finance director.

A new county appraiser was hired, Matt Quick.

“Matt is very good at what he does and very good at public relations,” he said.

The commissioners also hired a new county clerk,  Ashley Shelton. “Ashley has hit the road running, is personable, and a fast learner,” he said.

The county’s information technology department has been busy, as the City of Fort Scott and the county signed a contract to share the services and their costs, he said.

“The IT department worked with the 911 dispatch center to move dispatch into the old jail area at the courthouse which increases safety for this essential group,” Oharah said.  “IT is continuing to work on providing broadband access to areas of Bourbon County that are poorly served.”

“Lastly, I’m sure that you have noticed that the front steps at the courthouse have been replaced,” he said.

A few anticipated Bourbon County Commission 2022 projects:

  • Start repairs on the Elm Creek Lake dam.
  • Move all budget responsibilities under directors and elected officials.
  • Move to electronic time reporting.
  • Implement public works to handle public works projects and work orders.

“As we wrap up 2021, I want to wish our residents a happy new year and I look forward to a more prosperous year in 2022,” he said.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Hare & Crow Barbershop Hosts Open House Dec. 31-Jan.1

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Hare & Crow Barbershop, 118 S. Main. Submitted photo.

Matt Park has received his barbershop license this week for Hare & Crow at 118 S. Main.

“We’re planning to host an open house this weekend as a way to ring in the New Year,” Park said. “We will be open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.”

Included in the open house for the business, there will be door prizes, light snacks, and beverages.

Visitors will also be entered to win a gift bag of items stocked on his mercantile shelf in the shop.

“We still have a few more finishing touches to wrap up, but we wanted to get the doors open and invite our neighbors to come see the progress,” Park said.

Hare & Crow is a modern barbershop with a traditional aesthetic and atmosphere.

Hare & Crow Barbershop, an interior view. Submitted photo.

Park offers haircuts, straight razor shaves-complete with hot lather and steam towels, beard and mustache trims, facials and shampoos.

The shop will be a comfortable space with a lounge feel for those waiting for their turn in the chair, Park said in a prior interview.

He envisions it to be a place to hang out, have a cup of coffee or a soft drink, chew the fat with friends and neighbors-whether you need a haircut or not—and loafers are more than welcome, he said.

 Park is the owner and barber.
Matt Park. Submitted photos.
Contact information:
PHONE: (620)705-9287
E-MAIL: [email protected]
SOCIAL: @hareandcrow

To view a prior feature:

New Barbershop Opens Soon At 118 S. Main

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Travel Service Agency in Fort Scott: AnchorBay Travel Shoppe

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Judy Cassidy, owner of AnchorBay Travel Service. Submitted photo.

 

Judy Cassidy is the owner of AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.

She describes the business as a family-owned, faith-based full-service travel agency specializing in cruises, groups, and all-inclusive vacations.

“I operate out of my home office so I mostly do free consultations over the phone if anyone is interested in making travel arrangements,” Cassidy said. “Or (we can) meet in a public place for coffee/tea.”

Cassidy attended Fort Scott High School, got married and moved away, then moved back to Fort Scott in October 2021.

She pursued a hospitality career and lived in Nashville, Denver, and Kansas City in those years away.

The idea of the business started years ago in a church she was attending.

“My original passion for this agency started when I was very involved in my church in Denver,” according to a press release.  “I already had the travel bug and wanderlust appetite for travel but I wanted to do something fun and eventful for church groups.”

She then began planning cruise groups for churches: for their singles groups, women’s/men’s retreats, and for trips to the Holy Land.

She began her diverse career in travel and hospitality after having gained an unexpected jumpstart into the industry when she found herself managing a hotel at the age of 18, she said.

She then worked as a human resources generalist for one of the largest travel agencies at the time in Kansas City.

“Completely passionately in love with traveling, (I) continued expanding my career in upper-management and consultative roles in information technology, hotel/resort operations, sales, marketing and revenue management along with managing (my) travel agency,” according to the press release. “The travel agency was kept at a manageable part-time level while (I) continued with my hospitality career.”

Cassidy is now full-time in Fort Scott, since October 2021, with her agency AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.

The logo for AnchorBay Travel Shoppe. Taken from Facebook.

She has been partnering with a travel agency to get re-certified and help with re-branding, Cassidy said.

“We haven’t officially launched, we are getting ready to do that at the end of January 2022,” she said. “But I am available to do some travel arrangements now.”

“I am the main person in the business, I have a couple of travel advisors that work by commission,” she said.

Her mission is to “passionately inspire, educate, and fulfill dreams – one client, one destination, one travel experience at a time,” according to the press release.

She believes traveling is the gateway to a broader understanding of vast cultures and destinations yet to be explored.

“We are a full-service agency with a special niche for groups,” according to the press release.  “Whether it be faith-based cruises, business/incentive seminars at sea, or annual affinity groups. We look forward to crafting the vacation experience of your dreams.”

“And because Covid also changed the dynamics of traveling, and continues to change daily, we have the tools to stay on top of the latest news, rules and protocols,” she said.

“If something goes wrong on your trip, we work on your behalf and will go to bat for you– no matter who is at fault — and try to get your vacation back on track.”

“We have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn’t know about,” she said. “We can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, add amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.”

Contact information: 620.644.9696  or https://anchorbaytravel.com/

 
Government, Jobs, Kansas

Snow and Ice Seasonal Workers Are Needed: KDOT Is Down 30 % in Employees

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Hwy. 69

Though the temperatures have been extremely mild for Kansas winters, it is probable in the next few months that ice and snow will be covering our roadways.

The Kansas Department of Transportation agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages are greater this year.

KDOT is about 30-percent off of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state.

“We WILL BE clearing the roads,” Priscilla Petersen, KDOT’s Public Affairs Manager said. “We are concentrating on pre-treating the roads and bridges with our salt brine.”

KDOT is needing ice and snow seasonal workers in 2021. Taken from its’ Facebook page.

“We will also be shifting crews to affected areas when possible,” she said.

“We are off about 29 percent in employees,” she said. “We need seasonal and full-time help. We have an ongoing staffing concern.”

Snow and ice seasonal equipment operators will earn $25 per hour and are eligible for overtime, Petersen said. A pre-employment physical is required, along with drug testing.

Snow and ice seasonal temporary operators start at $19.55 per hour and also are required to take a pre-employment physical and drug test.

There are many different criteria for wages, Peterson said, and one can view and submit an application online or at a KDOT office.

 

The closest offices are in Pittsburg and Chanute, she said.

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Splash Pad is being Planned For Gunn Park

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A similar splash pad to this image is being planned for Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

A small group of Fort Scott residents, most of whom have young children,  have a vision for a splash pad in Gunn Park.

A splash pad is a water recreational play area, which in other cities, is often in a public area.

“A splash pad will benefit all ages,” Josh Jones, one of the organizers said.  “It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.”

columbiasc.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/splash-pad-2.jpg Taken from Facebook.

“A small group of us started this right before COVID  (the disease pandemic) hit and it’s been on hold till recently,” he said.

The group is comprised of Kristin Bishop, Will Bishop, Seth Needham, Bailey Lyons, and Jones.

“The planned location for the splash pad will be right down from the caretaker’s house, on the east side of the road, as you start to exit Gunn Park, across from shelter house #1 (the big rock shelter house),” he said.

Fundraising will begin January 2022 and the plan is for the splash pad to be operational by summer 2023, Jones said.

“We have a couple of fundraisers lined up that we will announce in the next month or so,” he said.

Donations are being accepted at Lyons Realty Group, Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Female Entrepreneurs Dare to Dream

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is sponsoring a Dare to Dream seminar on January 5, starting at 104 N. National Avenue for women entrepreneurs. It starts at 5 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect up-and-coming female entrepreneurs with local women who can mentor them,” HBCAT CEO Jody Hoener said. “We want to inspire these ladies to take on their dreams to become business owners themselves!  The HBCAT wants to provide opportunities to help our community build wealth and income, to come out of poverty, and to take control of their destiny.”
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.
“This has been a series of four events that have been incredibly well attended and successful,” she said.  “Women are coming and asking questions of the panel and speakers.  They are talking to each other at their tables, networking, and building each other up”.
A dinner, catered by Drywood Creek Cafe,  and a networking time will begin the evening from 5-5:30 p.m.
The Keynote Speaker will be Kristi Banwart.
Kristi Banwart. Submitted photo.
Banwart will speak about how her hobby of making little girl hair bows for her daughter turned into a multi-million-dollar business in 15 years, Hoener said.  “Not only did she build regional and national relationships–but international relationships to help her business grow.”
The agenda also includes a  short panel speaker session which will include Rebecca Williams with The Butcher Block, Angela Simon with Bids and Dibs, and Katie Casper with Union State Bank.

 “They will each discuss a component of business relationships with its supplier, customer, or professional relationships–they are all instrumental in helping build any business,” Hoener said.

 

Rebecca Williams. Submitted photo.
Angie Simon. Submitted photo.
Katie Casper. Submitted photo.
“We will then have open question and answer so the attendees can ask questions to the speakers,  The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce staff, HBCAT staff, or Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center staff,” Hoener said.
There is free childcare available if registered prior to the event.
The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas.