Tag Archives: featured

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: Much Is Happening In Fort Scott

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Attendees of the Downtown Meet and Greet mingle before the meeting begins on July 9 at the Cohn’s Cafe.

Kathy and Tracy Dancer, owners of Cohn’s Cafe, 110 S. Main,  hosted the quarterly Fort Scott Downtown Meet and Greet on July 9.

Tracy and Kathy Dancer in the entrance to 110 S. Main,  called Mercantile and Market and Cohn’s Cafe.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors quarterly events to learn/tell of happenings in the downtown historic district.

Lindsay Madison, the Chamber’s executive director, told of the following upcoming events:

  • July 13 sidewalk sales-11 stores participating with a Business Bingo, Riggs Chiropractic offering free screenings, and the Bourbon County Democrats with a booth.
  • August 2-4 is the annual sales tax holiday weekend in Fort Scott.
  • September 12 is the Fall Fest from 5-8 p.m.
  • October 26 is the annual Halloween Parade at 11 a.m.
  • November 7-9 the Holiday Open House with the main kickoff on Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
  • December 5 is the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. with the theme “A Storybook Christmas.”
  • December 6-7 stores are open late for Christmas on the Bricks.
  • New seasonal downtown light pole banners are being ordered featuring local veterans. The banners will be posted on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day at a cost of $300 and the family gets the banner at the end. 30 banners have sold, so far.
  • There are a few ad spaces available on the Downtown Directory Sign on North Main Street, $100 per year.
  • The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday, July 12. Raffle items and gift cards are welcome for this fundraiser for the Chamber.
  • There will be an Election Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 25 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. and the forum at 6 p.m.
  • Several business grants are available: e-community with 6% for 10 yrs., $5,000 to $50,000; Grow KS: maximum $100,000+, 4% for 5 yrs., 6% for 10 years; USDA REAP grant for energy efficiency and solar projects (the last round of grants deadline is Sept. 30); and HEAL Grants for downtown businesses.

Superintendent of Fort Scot National Historic Site Jill Jarworski said the fire suppression project is 50 % complete, the Blair House will soon have new siding, the infantry barracks will be renovated, three HVAC units will be replaced, there will soon be more accessibility at the Fort, Candlelight Tours are in the planning stages, the Naturalization Ceremony will be Sept. 20 this year, there is an app “Sunflower Summer” for 3-4th grade students is free and features Kansas attractions.

Downtown Trolley Tours has a new driver, Steve Allmond, with Friday tours on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.; Saturday hours start at 10 a.m. on the hours. There is a wheelchair lift available and at least 6 persons minimum.

Merita Meech announced her inaugural Jim Meech Agri-Medical Foundation event at Sharkey’s Third Floor on July 27, from 6-8 p.m. She has a web link for the event to help farmers/ranchers in the first 30 days following a crisis.

There will be a craft event at the River Room Event Center at Oak and National Avenue on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Scott City representative Mary Wyatt said a new name for the golf course will be announced on August 15, a grant has been applied for Memorial Hall, KDOT recently awarded the city money for East National Avenue and the Third Street Park project is nearing completion.

Regional Economic Development Inc. Director Rob Harrington told of the Freeman Hospital opening in April 2025 at the former Mercy site. The health system is going through the Federal licensing process. At the August 2 Chamber Coffee, Kansas Renewal Institute and REDI will give tours of the newly renovated emergency department facility.  REDI is having its annual gala on August 3 at the Liberty Theater with a live and online auction to provide scholarships for local high school students. He said in 2025, there will be many construction workers (solar energy) in the county that will need housing, and possibly be shopping and attending events in the county. He encourages welcome packets for them and “they will bring in a huge amount of sales tax.”

Open Mortgage, at Wall and National, has merged and will be getting a new name.

A new business, House of Cottonwood Candles,, there is opening in the former Common Ground building at 116 S. Main.

Jerry Witt, Riverfront Authority Chair, said that Riverfront Park will soon have some new features.

Two Fort Scott Community College Basketball Coaches attending said they are recruiting for the new season.

Konantz Cheney has a new website and can be followed on Facebook.

Madison said she and staff continually get compliments about the downtown area and thanked the downtown businesses.

In June 2025, there will be the all-school Fort Scott High School Reunion events.

The Bourbon County Fair starts next week and Meech encouraged all to walk through the fair and appreciate the effort the FFA and 4H youth have done throughout the year.

Jill Jarowski gets a coffee and sweets provided by Cohn’s Cafe for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

BEE Better Health Club Is Now In Fort Scott

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The new fitness facility. Submitted photo.
BEE Better Health Club has moved locations.
Wesley DeHaven, 24, is the owner and coach of the business and last year in June he opened the fitness center on his family’s farm.
On June 10, 2024, he opened the fitness center at 212 E. 1st in Fort Scott.
The BEE Better Health Club is a group fitness studio for women.
Wes DeHaven. Submitted photo.
“I’m a certified group fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I worked at a CrossFit gym where I began my weight-loss journey and began coaching women’s Boot Camp classes. I’ve been working with clients and coaching classes since November 2022,” he said.
Lisa Ziegler, Eli (Madison’s son), Madison Bruner, and Wes DeHaven, who had just finished their first workout in the new gym. Submitted photo.
“I was initially located southeast of town in a garage on the family farm. The initial plan was to always get in town and be easily accessible to provide my services,” he said.
“As a fat loss and body recomposition coach, all group fitness members receive nutrition coaching,” he said. “I also offer one-on-one coaching services. I run what I call a hybrid model, in-person and remote which makes it easy for me to work with work schedules. In terms of products, I am an authorized retailer for 1st Phorm a supplement company. The most loved products are protein bars, high-protein meat sticks, and protein powders. “
“Inside group fitness we have 16 members and I have another 12 that I currently work with one-to-one,” he said.
Current class times are 7 AM and 5:30 PM.
Text or call DeHaven at  (620) 644-8150 or visti the Facebook page: The BEE Better Health Club
Krista Stramel, Rhonda Bowles, Delane Godden, Joe’ Fritter, Jill Ruby, Sami Rogers, Wilma Hibdon, and Paulette Albright pose in a post-workout selfie from an Upper Body Day in the new location.
Elections, Government

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer

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This is part of the series on candidates on the August Primary Ballot.

For the Bourbon County Treasurer position, there are two candidates.

Michael Hoyt. Submitted photo.

Michael J. Hoyt, 66, Fort Scott, is one of two candidates running for Bourbon County Treasurer.

He has 25+ years executive-level corporate for an NYSE, trading $4 billion in revenues.He has managed outside legal counsel for corporate governance, environmental, health and safety issues., Workman’s Compensation claims, OSHA, EPA, and other compliance issues, acquisition due diligence, phase 1 environmental inspections and remediations. Interacted with outside auditors for areas of SEC, financial reporting, and other audit issues reporting to a board of directors, and had internal consulting roles as assigned by CEO for management deficient in performance and crisis situations.

From the University of Richmond, VA he earned a B.A. Business Management graduated Magna Cum Laude and B.A. Paralegal Studies.  From Park University, he earned a Masters in Public Administration, emphasis in Business & Government. From Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, a Masters of Law. Johnson County Community College – Licensing Mediation Core and Family Law.

“The focused role of the Treasurer is to act as the ‘Banker’ for the County. To be an honest, diligent custodian of the County Citizen’s tax dollars. Achieve the highest rate of return on deposited dollars; acting in response to interest rates raising and/or falling, using a ‘laddered’ theory.  This has allowed the City of Fort Scott in the past (18) months to achieve a multi- $100k reserve to direct to projects as determined by the City Commission. Establish and achieve financial controls – checks and balances – to date has NOT provided confidence to the citizens or the Commission of transparent reporting or controls.  The audit firm states that the audits recently have less errors but must make note that producing ‘after the fact’ receipts to justify purchases is not an acceptable control.  The Treasurer’s Office functions are to be completed to the color and spirit of the Kansas State Constitution in all areas of property tax collection, delinquent property tax sales conducted on a consistent schedule, and smooth operation of the vehicle license processing through adequate training and support of personnel; fix past deficiencies and improve the services to the Citizen’s. Last but not least, to work with the County Commission to publish budgets, goals, reporting and feedback for success.”

Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

Jennifer Hawkins, 35, is the current county clerk, but is running for the county treasurer position.

She been employed by Bourbon County for the last eleven years, with five years of experience in the Treasurer’s Office.

“I am familiar with the day-to-day operations, software, and duties required of the Treasurer. My years of experience with the County have provided me with a unique opportunity to see how the duties performed in many offices all connect to help the County operate. I have created relationships with other employees, department heads, and elected officials that allows us to work together for the common goal of the betterment of Bourbon County.”

In the last few years, she has worked with the Treasurer and CFO to create policies and procedures to help avoid future audit violations and to ensure there are checks and balances present in many offices. “We have made great progress in the organization as evidenced by the recent clean audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by using my knowledge and experience as Treasurer.”

A lifelong resident of Bourbon County, she attended Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College., and has completed the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide  financial statement training, three years of Municipal Services Budget Workshops with the Kansas Department of Administration, Revenue Neutral Rate seminars with the Kansas Department of Administration, LEAD Bourbon County with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Homestead Training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, (Kansas Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act training with both the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties, how to spot fraud seminars, motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicle training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, driver’s license examiner certification with the Kansas Department of Revenue, MSRP training with the Property Valuation Division of KDOR, as well as Subject Matter Expert classes with the Kansas Department of Revenue as well as locally with other Treasurer’s Offices in the Southeast Kansas district.”

 “I feel that collecting and distributing all money owed to the County, keeping an accounting of all money paid in and out of the County to ensure compliance with Kansas laws and statutes, and administering motor vehicle titles and registrations are the primary roles of the Treasurer.”

“The most pressing issues for the Treasurer are the timely reconciliation of all accounts to ensure compliance with laws and statutes and avoid audit violations, to monitor rates for our certificate of deposits to ensure the County is earning the most interest possible, and to operate the office accurately and efficiently as the State pushes more motor vehicle duties upon the County without increasing the amount they allocate to us to operate.”

 

Fort Scott, Jobs

New FSCC Dean of Students: Vanessa Poyner

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Vanessa Poyner. Submitted photo.

Vanessa Poyner, 46, is the new  Fort Scott Community College Dean of Students as of June 11. Her office is located in the Student Services office of Bailey Hall.

Poyner earned her Associate of Science from Fort Scott Community College, then a  Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

“With 18 years of experience as the Criminal Justice Instructor at Fort Scott Community College, I have always been very student-centered and driven to assist students both in and out of the classroom in achieving their life goals,” she said.

“As the Dean of Students at Fort Scott Community College, I oversee the Student Services departments, which include admissions, the registrar, advising, TRIO, student housing, and student activities,” she said.” In addition to these responsibilities, I serve as the TITLE IX Coordinator on campus, ensuring compliance and addressing issues related to Title IX. I am also dedicated to playing a vital role as the student advocate, supporting and championing the needs and interests of our students.”

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Candidates for Bourbon County Sheriff on the August Primary Ballot

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This is part of a series featuring the candidates who will appear on the August Primary Ballot in Bourbon County.

There are two candidates for sheriff.

Nelson Blythe

Nelson Blythe, 29, has approximately seven years of “very proactive law enforcement,” he said.

“The primary role of the Sheriff is to protect life, property rights and Amendment rights of the residents of Bourbon County,” he said.  “This includes protecting rights that are threatened by State or Federal authorities.”

“The most pressing issues should be to reign in the budget that has steadily been rising, work to bring in revenue by utilizing the jail, improve cooperation with the rest of the County officials and actively communicate with the public on progress in these areas all throughout the elected term, not just during election season.”

He is involved in the community work in law enforcement and commissioner work, he said. “I attend Gracelife Church for morning services and Bethel Community Church for evening services and  I’m also a member of The Fort Jiujitsu Club.”

 

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

Bill Martin,  58, is the current elected  Bourbon County Sheriff.

Martin sees the most pressing issue facing his office as:

“Maintaining staff and working with a limited budget to provide a professional service to the community,” he said.

The sheriff’s primary role is enforcing Federal and State laws; that do not interfere with both Kansas and U.S. Constitutions, he said.

His education:

  • National Sheriff’s Institute NSI: (Class 109th) Aurora, Colorado.
  • Executive Level Management Education and Training
  • Rural Executive Management Institute (R.E.M.I.) A management education/training program designed to prepare rural law enforcement executives for unique challenges. Session XLIV, St. Louis Missouri.
  • FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA)
  • Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC)
  • Basic Non-Commissioned Leadership Course (BNOC)
  • 2020 Professional Development and Leadership Academy
  • Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)
  • Kansas Sheriff’s Academy (KLETC)
  • Kansas City Missouri Police Department Regional Training Center, 122nd class

His experience (34 years)

  • Bourbon County Sheriff (current)
  • S. Army (Active Service)
  • Kansas National Guard (Military Police)
  • Kansas City Missouri Police Dept.
  • Pittsburg (Kansas) Police Dept.
  • Fort Scott Police Dept.

He has been involved in the community in the following ways:

  • Federal and State (public safety) Grant Program Reviewer/Elevator
  • Homeland Security Council Representative for Bourbon County, Kansas
  • Kansas Peace Officer Association, District 8 Board of Governor, seated member.
  • Quest Speaker for the International Chief of Police Association, body-cam presentation, San Deigo, Ca. Aug 2023
  • Fort Scott Community College Foundation Board
  • Fort Scott Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board
  • Ali-Kemp Women’s Self-Defense T.A.K.E program training
  • Special Olympics Golf Tournament Sponsor
  • Fort Scott Men’s Kiwanis, Vice-President
  • Fort Scott Presbyterian Seated Session member, building and grounds committee member.
  • Substitute Teacher: Uniontown School District 235
  • Boys Scout Pack 0114 Charter Organization Representative (Fort Scott)
  • Good Neighbor Action Team, (GNAT) member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elections, Government, Kansas

Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives

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This is part of a series on the candidates on the August Primary Election ballot.
There are two candi dates for District 4 Kansas House of Representatives on the Bourbon County ballot.
Josh Jones.
Joshua Jones, 43, lives in Bourbon County.
He has three experience years as a  Fort Scott City Commissioner and 20+ years as a small business owner.
Jones has been involved in his community in the following ways: Kiwanis, Chair of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Advance Bourbon County, previous city commissioner, Christmas in the Park/Bricks committee, Bourbon County Core Communities
“The primary role of any elected official is to represent the people in their jurisdiction, as citizens are the ultimate authority. Unfortunately, many candidates make promises during election campaigns but fail to follow through once elected. When I served as a city commissioner, I was the only one to hold public forums while in office. Transparency and communication are essential.”
“The Kansas House of Representatives faces many pressing issues, with two major concerns being taxes and government overreach into our freedoms and liberties. Often, the government assumes it knows what’s best for us and enacts laws that infringe on our freedoms. The more this happens, the closer our government comes to resembling a dictatorship and less of a government for the people.”
Rick James. Submitted photo.
 Rick James, 61, lives outside of LaCygne.
He earned a  Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree and has
30 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps.
He has served two full terms as a County Commissioner (Linn County, Ks.); served 7 years on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, and 4 years on the Ks. Area on Aging for SE (Ottawa). He is a local business owner of Semper Fi Auction Services (2013) and Bravo Realty (2019).
His community involvement:  a member of Lady of our Lord’s Catholic Church, member of Rotary 2010-2024,  and has “Helped out doing benefit auctions for our non-profits locally. I’m a conservative and proud Republican. Semper Fi.”
The primary role of a Kansas House Representative to James is:
“Introducing good legislation that benefits our constituents. Reduce government where possible—serving as the voice to our constituents in legislative matters, advocating for their interests and concerns in Topeka. I will be fiscally responsible and work to lower taxes. By engaging with community groups, attending local events, and staying informed about local issues;  I can be the sounding board for the 4th District.”
The most pressing issue in the Kansas House of Representatives is
“Taxes… first and foremost.  We as local and state governments have got to work harder at being good stewards to our citizens when spending their money. Another issue is the recent attacks on rural America with green energy wanting to take 10’s of thousands of acres away from our landowners here in Bourbon and Linn County. Other bad ideas like Pikes Reservoir (10,000 acre lake proposed in Bourbon County) which was known in Topeka before land owners knew.  There are many things our state can improve on so lets start where it hurts citizens the most (TAXES).  We have a great district and I would appreciate your vote in August. “
Bourbon County, Entertainment

Events for Independence Day 2024 Celebrations Are Gearing Up

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Horton Street will be lined with spectators for the fireworks display on July 6 which is scheduled for 9:45 p.m.

It’s that time of year again, the mid-point of summer, the time when local gardens are producing abundant food and Fourth of July activities begin.

Firework sales in Fort Scott started on June 27 and end on July 4, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert.

“Fireworks can be discharged within the city limits from June 27th to July 2nd from 7 am to 10 pm. On July 3rd and 4th, they can be discharged from 7 am to midnight. Shooting fireworks outside of these dates could result in being ticketed and fined,” he said.

Pickert provided a list of where fireworks cannot be discharged.

  • Within one thousand feet of a hospital.
  • Within fifty feet of a location where fireworks are sold.
  • Within one hundred feet from any gas pump, filling station or bulk fuel storage facility.
  • Any community college campus or surrounding grounds.
  • Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
  • Any city-owned parks
  • And on from 18th Street to 23rd Street during the city’s fireworks display.

“The city fireworks display will still be held at the college campus,” Pickert said.   “As in years past, parking will be allowed on Horton. It can get congested so if you are driving through the area go slow and look for pedestrians.”

Uniontown’s Independence Day Bash-July 3

Fireworks over the Union State Bank, Uniontown, 2019. Submitted by Amy Holt.

Union State Bank is sponsoring the 19th Annual Independence Day Bash on Wednesday, July 3rd in the Uniontown City Park.

“The bank employees plan the event and will hand out free hotdogs, chips and water beginning at 7 pm that evening,” said Amy Holt, Loan Administration Vice President.

“Live music will also begin at 7 pm with the band Neighborhood Radio from La Cygne, Kansas performing,” she said.  “As in years past we will have Inflatable jump houses and The Selfie Bar for people to enjoy.”

Food trucks will be available to serve carnival food and ice cream for purchase.

“We are open for any organizations or clubs looking for a fundraiser opportunity to set up in the park as well,” she saidl  Contact Amy Holt during business hours at 620-756-4305 or by email at [email protected] if  interested.

Fireworks will begin at dusk after 9:30 pm. Personal fireworks are discouraged near the event as a safety precaution.

Neighborhood 4th Of July Parade on Burke Street

The Burke Street Parade in 2020. Margaret and Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Norman. Submitted photo.

An annual neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July will begin at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke Street. The whole town is invited to wear patriotic clothing and enjoy the parade.

Fort Scott  Fireworks Event

Fireworks will be at FSCC once again but will be on July 6 this year, in conjunction with a rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The community is invited to enjoy the rodeo then view the fireworks.

City Manager Brad Matkin and Bourbon County Fair Board Member Stewart Gulager had discussions in April to have the fireworks be in conjunction with the International Professional Rodeo Assn.  The event is also co-approved by the American Cowboy Assn.

“The rodeo is July 5 and 6, Friday and Saturday night, starting at 8 p.m. each evening,” Gulager said. “I asked if he could do the fireworks at the end of the last performance.”

Tickets are $17 at the gate for adults, $10 for kids 6-10 years old and free for kids five and under. A beer garden is available.

At the rodeo, there will be mutton busting and a calf scramble for the youth and nine events for cowboys and cowgirls involving roping, riding, racing, and wrestling rodeo animals.

Photo submitted by Josh Jones.

The fireworks will be shot off from the Fort Scott Community College softball field on the west side of the campus.

Premier Pyrotechnics, Richland, MO, will have a shooting crew, said Shaunn Pytlowany a licensed shooter and operator.

“There will be a 360-degree viewing angle,” he said, with the height over 150 feet in the air.

Submitted by Shaunn Pytlowany.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot

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This is a series featuring those who are candidates for the upcoming August Primary Election.

This is part of the series featuring the seven candidates running for Bourbon County Commission.

Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.

Jim Harris, 69, Fort Scott, is the incumbent District 2 Commissioner.

He attended Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.

Harris has 34 years of experience in government. Duties with the city: planning and zoning administrator, codes director, and special public projects.  With the county: sanitary inspector, emergency preparedness director, and public works director.

He has been married 52 years. “I have two wonderful sons and a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons one at Fort Scott Community College and one grandson is a Fort Scott Tiger.”

“Having served both the City of Fort Scott and the County for most of my professional life, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of commissioners’ decisions on every aspect of our county’s functioning,” he said.  “From my tenure in various managerial capacities within the city to my time with the county’s Public Works department, I have cultivated a deep understanding of our community’s needs and challenges.”

The most pressing issue of the commission? In these challenging times, with significant projects and economic intricacies at play, it’s vital to prioritize sound fiscal stewardship and resolute leadership. I assure the constituents of District 2 that I’ll continue to serve them with the same dedication and determination that has marked my time in office thus far.”

Brandon Whisenhunt, Submitted photo.
Brandon Whisenhunt has lived in Mapleton with his wife Becky for over 24 years and they have four children.  He was recently selected to replace Nelson Blythe as District 1 Commissioner.
He graduated from Uniontown High School and then served the country and was deployed to Iraq twice as an equipment operator and mechanic.
As part of community service, he helps organize the Mapleton Homecoming Celebration every year.
  “I currently work for WM in Kansas City, Kansas as a trash truck technician,” he said.
“I believe the role of government is to protect the citizens and be a good steward of the tax dollars,” he said.   “As District 1 Commissioner we have many things going on,  first is the solar panel companies we have to find a good solution for those.”
“Second, is fighting Pikes Reservoir.  No one wants it, so we need to do what we can to move it somewhere else in the county,” he said.
Clifton Beth, incumbent District 3 Commissioner, did not respond to the questions sent via email.
Clinton Walker, running for District 1 Commissioner, could not be reached for an interview.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux

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This is part of a series featuring candidates on the August Primary Election Ballot.

The following people have no opposition on the ballot:

Susan Walker. Submitted photo.

Susan Walker,49, is seeking the position of Bourbon County Clerk, and there are no other candidates on the ballot for this position.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from MSSU, is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University, and is a Certified Public Manager through Kansas University.

“I have 20 years of combined experience in governmental accounting and human resources while serving as Finance Director and Assistant City Manager with the City of Fort Scott, Business Manager for U234, and most recently Chief Financial Officer for Bourbon County.  I also worked for NPC as their Human Resources Manager overseeing payroll, risk management and benefits for 40,000 employees across half of the United States at Pizza Hut and Wendy’s restaurants.”

“After losing my husband in a car accident in 2019, I needed to work closer to home for my daughter and was blessed to have the opportunity to return to the City of Fort Scott for a short time as Finance Director. I have worked for Bourbon County as CFO since January of 2022.”

“While serving as CFO I have identified a lack of financial controls which leads to errors.   When hired, the County had experienced five years of audit violations and unreconciled cash.  I worked with County Departments to address deficiencies and am pleased to say that the 2022 and 2023 audits had no violations.”

“The county form of government relies on statutory authority given to the County Clerk, Treasurer and Commission with very specific requirements for checks and balances.  Following these statutory checks and balances are important to protect the county from errors and fraud.  There are still many procedures to implement to protect the County in the future and I feel I can be more effective in making these changes as County Clerk.  Jennifer Hawkins (current County Clerk), Patty Love (current County Treasurer, and I have worked well together over the past two years. Patty has decided not to run for re-election as County Treasurer. Jennifer worked in the Treasurer’s office for five years and felt she would better serve the community in this role since she has experience in the Motor Vehicle office.  Jennifer is a wealth of knowledge for many departments in the County and this would also make the transition smooth if she were to be elected as Treasurer.”

“The Bourbon County Clerk serves as the clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and maintains all records for the board.  The Clerk is also responsible for ensuring budget and cash laws are being followed by each department and taxing entity.  The clerk is statutorily charged with calculating the July and November abstracts of valuation and taxation, preparation of the tax role, special assessments, and motor vehicle abstracts.  The County Clerk is also the Election Officer, sells licenses for KDWP, conducts permitting for fireworks and cereal malt beverages, maintains fixed asset inventory, assists taxpayers with Homestead and Food Sales Tax refunds, serves as Freedom of Information Officer, Administers Oaths of Office.  In addition, the Clerk administers accounts payable, payroll and human resources duties.

“Most of my working adult life I have held a position that serves our community.  I want to continue to serve the community in which I live in the most transparent, efficient, and professional manner possible.  There is a lack of trust in our community, and I plan to improve our website with current information to keep the community better informed.”

“As stated before, there are still many procedures to implement in financial controls.  I plan to work with all departments to reduce liability.”

“The most important issue to me for Bourbon County to be successful is electing individuals to positions with experience, the willingness to collaborate and work together, civility, and transparency.”

Lora Holdridge. Submitted photo.
Lora Holdridge, 57, is the current Bourbon County Register of Deeds and is running unopposed.
The  Bourbon County Register of Deeds’s primary role is ensuring all documents are recorded and indexed properly, she said.
“We deal with all real estate,” she said. “We record over 100 types of documents and index them in our track index books.”
“The most pressing issue for the register of deeds is to preserve all land records for the future,” she said.  “Where all land transactions begin.”
Holdridge has 20 years of experience in this job.
In her spare time, she enjoys “watching my grandchildren in various activities.”
James Crux. Submitted photo.

James Crux, 32, is the only candidate for the Bourbon County Attorney position and currently is the Assistant County Attorney in the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from  Fort Hays State University and J.D. Washburn University School of Law and has worked as a prosecutor since 2017.

“Bourbon County is a great place that is dealing with issues that a lot of what smaller communities are dealing with.  Keeping the residents of Bourbon County safe, alongside our law enforcement partners, is my biggest concern. ”

“I see the Bourbon County Attorney’s primary role as doing justice,” Crux said.

Bourbon County, Health Care

Overview of Healthcare Development in Bourbon County 

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Last week, Freeman Health System’s  CEO Paula Baker announced that they will begin operating 10 in-patient hospital beds in 2025 at the site of the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and will open an emergency department as well.
Mercy closed its doors in December 2018, citing “declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement.”    Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close
Freeman Health Systems CEO Paula Baker announced last week that Freeman will bring a 10-bed hospital and emergency department to the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott building.
To view the feature on the Freeman announcement:
At the Bourbon County Commission meeting held on June 17, 2024, Rob Harrington, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, provided a detailed account of the efforts to bring healthcare services to the community in the last three years.
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
Fortscott.biz contacted Harrington to tell the story of all the behind-the-scenes activities that helped produce the announcement of the new hospital and emergency services that are to begin in 2025.
Harrington began by outlining the chronology of events that led to the current healthcare infrastructure since he became the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director in 2021.
He said that in 2022, the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) started discussions with Legacy Healthcare to bring their services to Bourbon County.
The Bourbon County Commission transferred the building to them to develop and the building became the responsibility of Legacy Health Foundation in November 2022. View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement
In 2022, the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department approached the Bourbon County Commission with a proposal…and the Commissioners made the prudent decision to waive the lease rate for the Emergency Room facility, he said.
Following this, “We made the strategic choice to forgo clinic rent, amounting to approximately $23,000 per month, to make sure that the hospital facility could retain and use the helipad.” Harrington explained.
This move underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring rapid medical transportation capabilities for critical cases, he said.
AVC operated the emergency department from 2019 until 2023 ceasing operations citing a ” steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census.” December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas occupied clinic space in the former Mercy building from 2019 until 2023.
CHC then moved to another site to expand services.
Harrington said the hospital building now houses two important healthcare entities. “Thanks to the combined efforts of REDI and the Bourbon County Commission, the hospital building is now at full capacity, accommodating both the Southeast Kansas (SEK) Mental Health Center and the Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI),” he stated.
Emphasizing the positive impact of these developments, Harrington noted, “KRI has created new employment opportunities and introduced a vital service to the state. Currently, they are managing a waiting list of over 100 children in need of care, demonstrating the high demand for their services.”
“In the State of Kansas, and across the nation child mental health is a critical issue and as we see the need for these services grow, we need to continue to support these types of organizations and their support for our children,” he said.
Harrington also shed light on efforts to secure emergency medical services for the county. “We engaged in discussions with multiple organizations in our attempts to establish an ER-only facility,” Harrington explained. “Ultimately, our partnership with Freeman Health System has yielded even better results.”
The 10-bed Freeman Hospital and emergency department is slated to begin operations in April 2025.
Harrington expressed his gratitude to several key stakeholders who played crucial roles in these developments.
He thanked Bourbon County  Commissioners Clifton Beth, and Jim Harris for their continued support and decision-making, the work that Bourbon County REDI staff and board put in, acknowledged the committee that worked tirelessly to place the retail sales tax initiative on this year’s election ballot, the help that KRI and its Chief Operating Officer T.J. Denning had in bringing in Freeman Health, and commended the Bourbon County Emergency Medical staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the process.
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
T.J. Denning from his LinkedIn page.
Bourbon County EMS is located at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd. Fort Scott. Photo from its Facebook page.
“This overview… illustrates the collaborative and strategic approach taken by Bourbon County to significantly enhance its healthcare infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the entire community,” he said.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Live Music and Shrimp: June 29 at The Downtown Community Pavilion

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Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, but for Fort Scottians,  the Mardi Gras party is on Saturday, June 29.

Mardi Gras In The Fort will be in the new Gathering Square Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. starting at 5:30 p.m.

“The City of Fort Scott is really trying to think of different things to get citizens to come out and enjoy our city, our venues, and other citizens,” Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said. “We feel if we can continue to do positive things while working on the negative things, our city will be a better place to live and grow our families.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

Care to Share, a local organization that helps cancer survivors and their families,  will be offering a “free-will” donation shrimp (and no shrimp) gumbo and boil starting at 5:30 p.m. Local downtown restaurants will be open for your dining enjoyment, as well.

The Care to Share group had a silent auction and bake sale at the pavilion at Riverfront Park. in 2023.

Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. Two Lane Highway and the Earnest James Zydeco Band will entertain the crowd.

“We will have limited tables and chairs for seating, so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.,” Matkin said.

The Gathering Square  Pavilion is on North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd.
Bourbon County, Elections

Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot

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This is part of a series of those candidates running in the Kansas Primary Eection in August, 2024.
The following are the  three candidates for  District 13 Kansas State Senator:
Tim Shallenburger. Submitted photo.
Tim Shallenburger, 70, Baxter Springs is the incumbent 13th District Kansas Senator, running again for the position.
Schallenburger attended Pittsburg State, served in the 1990s in the Kansas Legislature, past speaker of the Kansas House and former Kansas State Treasurer.
He has been involved over the years in many civic and community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. and has served as mayor of Baxter Springs prior to becoming state senator.
For Schllenburger, the primary role of a Kansas Senator is to protect freedoms outlined in the constitution, fight against wasteful spending and unnecessary regulation.
The most pressing issue currently in the Kansas Senate is to lower the state tax burden.
“We have a massive surplus of citizen’s money deposited in state bank accounts which should be in citizens bank accounts,”  he said.
Sam Owens. Submitted photo.

Sam Owen, 29, Fort Scott, graduated from Hamilton, MO. High School in 2014 and attended Fort Scott Community College from 2014-16 earning an associates degree in construction.

The primary role of a Kansas Senator is to ” be honest, trustworthy to the American people in this District 13. I going get the job done in the office my first four years in office. I am not going sit talk about it, I am going to fight and pass what should pass what shouldn’t be pass.”
The most pressing Kansas Senate  issues currently, in his view:
“1. Health Care Costs- We need to lower expenses for medical services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs impact residents’ access to quality health care,
2. Lower taxes down,
3. Economic Growth- Infrastructure attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. And Increase minimum wages.
4. Education funding- Make schools better, safer, and more protected in each county.”
Austin Stapleton, Photo by Breana Clark.
Austin Stapleton, 30, lives in Pittsburg and attended
 Pittsburg State University.
In the past, he has been Bourbon County Democratic Party Vice Chairperson, Bourbon County Precinct Committeeperson, Co-founder and President of Crawford County Young Democrats.
 Currently, he is the Kansas Democratic Party Rural Caucus Secretary, Crawford County Precinct Committeeperson, and Kansas Democratic Party Second Congressional District Delegate.
Stapleton’s community involvement has been in Pittsburg Community Chorus Outreach Committee Chairperson, a member of Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, participant in Pittsburg Community Theatre and Triple Threat Threeatrics.
“The primary role of Kansas Senator is the sum of their constituents’ voices,” he said. “State senators have the responsibility and honor of representing their district’s values to wider state government. A state senator should always have the best interests of their district at heart when proposing legislation, confirming appointments,  allocating resources, and working to secure solutions across the aisle. If I am entrusted with the honor of representing District 13, I will use the skill set I’ve acquired from my time as a case manager to seek out and ensure safety, opportunity, and dignity for District 13.”
The most pressing issue of the Kansas Senate is “Securing the social, economic, and legislative safety of all Kansans is the paramount issue in the Kansas Senate. When working-class Kansans are well-represented by leaders who have their best interests at heart, we can ensure the dignity of affordable healthcare, career opportunities, well-funded public education, social acceptance, and constitutionally enshrined access to reproductive healthcare.”
To view the candidate series previously featured: