Good Ol’ Days, the annual Fort Scott town-wide event, begins on Thursday, May 30 and runs through Saturday, June 1, this year.
There have been a few changes in venue for some of the events.
Rhonda Dunn, a member of the Good Ol’ Days Steering Committee, answered the following questions posed to her from fortscott.biz.
Why change of venue for the dances, from outside to inside?
“The committee wanted to move away from the street dance format because they haven’t been well attended in recent years. We did a survey after last year’s festival and people wanted it to stay downtown so we were looking for a solution. The cost of a concert quality stage was very expensive so we opted to utilize Memorial Hall so we can have great concerts without the worry of rain.”
Why the change of venue for the carnival?
“The carnival is a very popular part of the Good Old Days but has been limited by the space we can provide. By moving them to the parking lot at 3rd and Main, we can give them more space which we hope results in more rides and bigger rides.”
Anything else new?
“We are collaborating with Velocity’s Customer Appreciation event and the trolley will shuttle people between the two events making it one great festival. They are planning a BIG car show and motorcycle show and are even giving away a Harley Davidson motorcycle!
The Friday and Saturday night concerts are a big change for the festival and we hope it becomes a fixture of the festival for years to come. Friday night’s concert is the 90’s country band, Restless Heart. Saturday night will be a Beach Party in Memorial Hall with the #1 Beach Boys Tribute Band in the US, Still Surfin.”
The annual baby contest is always well attended.
Who is on the committee?
“The (Good Ol’ Days) Steering Committee is Shawn Obrien, Charlotte Thompson, Janet Braun, Leah Bowman, Carl Brenner, Melissa Wise, Allyson Turvey. Many other people work with the committee to make all these events happen. We are looking for volunteers to help not only with this year’s festival but work throughout the year to plan for the next year too. Volunteers can contact me by text or call at 620-224-1186.
Jess Ervin is the new CEO of the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program. Submitted photo.
Jess Ervin, Uniontown, transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Southeast Kansas Community Action Program on January 1, 2019.
“I replaced Steve Lohr, who was with SEK-CAP for nearly 40 years,” Ervin said. “He had served as CEO since 1999.”
Ervin’s office is located in Girard, at the SEK-CAP Central Office facility on North Sinnet Street.
“This location houses the Agency’s administrative offices, as well as office space for our Early Childhood Services staff,” Ervin said. “Also located here is an annex facility, in which our housing services and transportation departments are located.”
Ervin is a Bourbon County resident.
“I graduated from Uniontown High School in 2002, Fort Scott Community College in 2004 and Pittsburg State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,” he said.
“From 2006 to 2014, I worked at Mercy Health Center Fort Scott, first as a staff accountant, then as a senior accountant,” he said. “Following that time I transitioned into the role of a senior financial analyst for Mercy of Southwest Missouri and Kansas, where I worked until January of 2017. In January of 2017, I was hired as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for SEK-CAP. I served in that capacity until the end of 2018.”
What does the future look like with Ervin as CEO?
“We will continue to serve the children, families and communities in the twelve counties in southeast Kansas,” Ervin said. “Our current services include Community Engagement, Early Childhood Services, Housing and Transportation.”
“We are currently engaged in completing a Community Needs Assessment for our service area that will combine both qualitative and quantitative data factors to determine areas of need, and to identify opportunities for change.”
SEK-CAP is active in Bourbon County.
“Right now in Bourbon County, we are active through Community Engagement, Housing Services and Early Childhood Services. Community Engagement encompasses community planning, involvement and needs assessment,” he said.
“Our housing services in Bourbon County include the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) which can be utilized for homelessness assistance. Our wait list for TBRA is currently open and is set to close April 30th for the current grant cycle.”
“Early Childhood services include both a center-based (Head Start, ages 3-5) model that is housed in a classroom of the Fort Scott Preschool building, and Home-Based Services (Early Head Start and Head Start, prenatal through age 5), which are services delivered by staff who conduct weekly visits to children in their home, and work directly with the parents to promote healthy development. SEK-CAP’s Early Childhood programs promote school readiness for children prenatally to age five for low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. Each Early Childhood program supports families in fulfilling their roles as parents and movement towards self-sufficiency by offering comprehensive services such as education, nutrition, medical, dental, mental health, employment services, leadership development and community engagement.”
“Each program our agency offers is vitally important to the success of the families and communities we serve, and we can proudly say that the skill and passion that our over 200 staff has for helping people is a cornerstone to all programs.”
Ervin encourages people to visit the agency website at www.sek-cap.com to learn more, and also on facebook and twitter – Southeast Kansas Community Action Program/@SEKCAPINC.
The mission of SEK CAP addresses the causes and effects of poverty by uniting staff, individuals, families and community partners to provide quality comprehensive services through compassionate, respectful relationships.
Joyce Davenport, right, President of Progressive Mothers Club of Fort Scott, presenting $200 to Janet Tucker for Bags of Love ministry on April 4. Submitted photo.
The local Fort Scott Progressive Mothers’ Club has been very active through the years, according to Shirley Palmer a member.
The local group recently presented Janet Tucker with a check for $200 to help with the project which helps children.
“At their recent meeting in April, Janet Tucker, Bourbon County chapter President spoke to the group and talked about It’s My Very Own BAGS OF LOVE project,” Palmer said. “It is championing the immediate needs of the displaced child.”
“This is a local mission project for Bourbon County,” Tucker noted. “Where a group of volunteer women meets each week at the Seventh-Day Adventist church to sew comforters and duffle bags.”
Locally, the group program is called It’s My Very Own, Bags of Love.
“When a child is removed from their home for reasons out of their control, a bag is filled with gender and age-appropriate items,” which is then given to the child, Tucker said.
When a child is removed from their home by the local protective service, often they can take nothing with them but the clothes on their back.
It’s My Very Own, is dedicated to providing a bag with personal care age and gender appropriate items for children from birth to 17 years old.
“These consist of basic body care items, stuffed animals, new toys, clothes, socks, p.j.’s, books, journals, diapers, baby care items, and then packed with lots of love and prayers,” Tucker said.
Items currently needed: large/small stuffed animals (can be gently used), new toys, puzzles, coloring books/crayons, journals, pens, craft kits, shampoo/body wash, toothpaste/toothbrush, deodorant, combs/brushes, hair bows, and seasonal items, according to information provided.
The supply list for duffle bags/comforters is colorful cotton/poly fabric, thread, twin flat sheets, high loft batting, thick cording, 1-inch buttons.
Needed items for children “aging out” of foster care: laundry detergent and basket, Clorox wipes, paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, dish soap/sponge, stain remover, dryer sheets, trash bags, tampons/pads, body wash/soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, towels/washcloths, small first aid kit, small lock box to keep important papers in, basic tool set, flashlight, batteries, planner for them to keep track of appointments, school supplies, blankets, basic cooking supplies, Walmart Gift Cards in increments of $25.
Also needed are prayers, monetary gifts and ink and paper for printing, stamps, blade replacements, sewing pins/needles, and volunteers.
For more information contact Tucker at 620-768-9356.
About Progressive Mother Club
The following is from a press release from Palmer:
“The local Progressive Mothers’ Club meets monthly, September-April, with the purpose of helping and promoting children and their activities.
The local group had a yearly membership of 24 people for many years and there used to be a waiting list for ladies in the community wanting to join. They met in homes for many years.
Today their membership is eighteen and they often still meet in homes of members or in a place in the community.
Through the years the local group has participated often in the Christmas Parades, Good ‘Ol Days parades, always promoting children. Their objective is to promote and to help children.
They have helped with the Mother to Mother ministry by donating items many times. They give money to each of the schools for needed items for children throughout the school years.
They often donate to families with children who have experienced house fires and who have lost everything. They adopt children of various ages at Christmas time and provide special Christmas gifts to them.
All in all, this club is a very caring and giving organization.
The Progressive Mothers’ Club was founded in March 1918 in Dayton, Ohio.
The purpose of the club was to bring together local mothers for social and educational functions that were meant to nurture and enhance their role as mothers.
The Progressive Mothers sought to provide opportunities for mothers to learn about child development, nurturing family environments, and the stresses associated with youth and families. The non-profit group prided itself on providing welfare and advocacy for all children.
The Progressive Mothers’ Club joined the Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1921, as well as later joining the National Federation of Women’s Clubs.
The official Progressive Mothers’ Club on the national level disbanded in 2003 but many Progressive Mothers’ alumni are still active and functioning in local clubs such as the Fort Scott group.
Joyce Davenport has been the local president the past two years. Shirley Palmer was installed as the new president for the Fort Scott group at their April meeting. Other officers are Donna Wilson, vice-president; Teri Campbell, Secretary, and Connie Finley treasurer.”
For more information about the club: contact Shirley Palmer at 620-223-4105.
Ronni and Dane Clayton are the new owners of Union Station, Uniontown.
Union Station, in the small town of Uniontown, population 267, has new owners.
The station has been the gathering place/gas station/convenience store in Uniontown for about 20 years, under the ownership of Susan and Ron Eldridge.
Ronni, 32, and Dane, 33, Clayton of rural western Bourbon County, purchased Union Station from the Eldridges, on April 1, 2019.
“We’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” Ronni said. “This came up for sale. We’ve known the Eldridges for years.”
“It seemed like it would be a good investment for the community and our girls, ages 6 and 4,” Ronni said.
Both are graduates of Uniontown High School, Ronni in 2005 and Dane in 2004, and had attended school with the Eldridge’s daughters.
The best thing for the Clayton’s so far is the community, Dane said.
“It’s been great, especially in the morning,” Ronni said. “Friends and family, everybody knows everybody.”
The Claytons have no current plans to change the business.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Ronni said.
The phone number remains 620-756-4884.
The summer hours have taken effect and are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Both continue to work other jobs and fill in shifts when needed at Union Station.
Dane works for Walmart.
“I do heating and air conditioning for Walmart,” Dane said. “My job is flexible.”
Ronni works for the Farm Service Agency in Fort Scott.
The two were working a shift Saturday evening so some employees could attend the Uniontown High School prom, just down the road.
Other employees are Schotze Griffiths, manager; Christy Pritchett, Tammy Davidson, Nicole Clayton, Candace Clayton, Danea Esslinger, and additional high school students.
David Brown, 55, was recently hired by USD 234 to be the Fort Scott Middle School Principal.
” My wife and I will be moving back to Fort Scott in June into my childhood home,” Brown said. “I look forward to the opportunity to once again serve my community. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.”
Brown is a Fort Scott native.
He is a 1981 Graduate Fort Scott High School, 1982 Graduate Fort Scott Community College, 1985 Graduate Baker University Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and History, and in 2015 he graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.
“I started my teaching career at Raymore-Peculiar High School and after a year I was fortunate to return to Fort Scott and assume a teaching position at Fort Scott Middle School where I taught Math, Civics, and History for 13 years,” Brown said. “I then transferred to the high school teaching history and PE. I coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track at the middle school during my time there and coached football, wrestling, track, and softball at the high school. I was head wrestling coach from 1995 until 2016. In 2016, I became assistant principal at Chanute High School and have been in that position until now.”
Brown’s first love was coaching and to coach is to teach, he said.
“I had siblings who had entered the field of education,” Brown said. “I could see how their influence on students inspired learning. I saw the joy that came over both student and teacher when that spark of learning and success took place. I knew I wanted to have that impact and that experience.”
“I believe every worthy educator has been inspired to teach but seldom is the inspiration singular. We educators are inspired by our own teachers, our family, and our friends. ”
“The joy of being in education is knowing you have a tremendous impact on the future. What we do every day in classrooms directly affects the lives of the children, families, and the community we serve. ”
He believes education is facing a challenging future.
“The children we are teaching today are experiencing access to information at a rate unseen in history,” Brown said. “The skills we provide them with are preparing them for careers and jobs that have yet to be invented. The ten most in-demand jobs today were not even in existence ten years ago. Our challenge is to equip our kids with the tools to achieve their dreams whatever that may be.”
Brown is married to Stacy and has four daughters: Cori, Morgan, Addi, and Riley.
Teachers at Fort Scott Christian Heights School. From left: Terry Chance, prinicpal; Jeremy Budy, history teacher; Larissa Hunter, pre-school and kindergarten teacher; Karen Schellack, 7-8 grade; Julie Going, 1-2 grade; Sarah Pridey, English; Esther Arnold, 3-4 grade; Amanda Bachand, 5-6 grade; Larry Davolt, science; and Jan Beltram, secretary.
Terry Chance, principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights School, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that the school was started in 1947.
The school educates children pre-school through grade 12.
“We are not funded by the state,” Chance said. “We are funded by tuition, donations and interest income.”
Country Store
To help support the school, each year a Country Store event happens at the school, located at 1101 S. Barbee.
This year it is May 4.
The Country Store includes a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a supper from 4-6 p.m. and an auction at 6 p.m.
Chance thanked the businesses in town who contribute prizes, including silent auction items that help make the fundraising event successful.
Terry Chance speaks at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on April 11. In back ground is the Chamber Announcer Robert Uhler.
5K Race
Prior to the Country Store event, the school offers a Crusader Charge, which is a 5K race and two-mile fun walk for persons 12 through 31-plus years old. The race will be conducted on Margrave Street.
The entry fee is $15, with t-shirts free for the first 60 paid entrants.
For more information contact Larry Davolt at 620-223-4330.
Fun Run
The Kids Fun Run and Obstacle Course is for children 6th grade and younger, and includes water balloon carry, gunny sacks, jump ropes and more.
Participants who pre-register by April 29, will receive a t-shirt and concession stand voucher.
The entry fee for this is $15. For more information contact Lacey Avery at 913-375-7608.
The kids event starts at 10 a.m. at the south entrance to the school.
Applications can be picked up at the school.
School Play This Weekend
This weekend it the FSCH Junior/Senior school play “Cheaper By The Dozen.”
Play time is 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13.
Chamber members converse before the announcement segment of the weekly coffee at Fort Scott Christian Heights School on April 11.
Fort Scott High School Homecoming 2019 candidates are front: Kelcie Bailey, Rebekah Sweyko, Shaylee Terry, Karli Wright; back row: Johnathan Gauthier, Nicholas Krebs, Gage Lamb, and Alan Santana.
Fort Scott High School Prom 2019 is this Saturday, April 13 at the River Room, 3 West Oak Street where it intersects with North National Avenue.
The public may view the prom site indoors from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
“Great Gatsby is the theme,” Bert Lewis, FSHS teacher and sponsor said. “Cars and vehicles will drive north on Judson and drop off at the corner of Oak and Judson. Valet parking is available. Oak Street will be blocked off at 2 p.m. Saturday through 12 a.m. Sunday morning to accommodate the walk-in.”
“Parent parking will be allowed in the public lots behind the old Downtowner (Currently the Boiler Room Brewhaus),” Lewis said. “Please refrain from parking behind or east of Sharky’s and Nu Grill to respect these businesses.”
“Parents will be able to set up chairs, or watch from sides of the street,” she said.
Fort Scott Family Dental moved from a residential neighborhood to the corner of Wall and Main Streets in the historic downtown district earlier this year.
“We moved in officially January 30th, 2019,” said Dr. Timothy P. Crawford DMD. “My staff pulled together a crazy two-day move!”
” We needed more space and operatories to grow business so we chose to move downtown and restore an amazing historic building,” Crawford said. “We are thrilled to be here.”
Dr. Timothy Crawford’s new dental office. Submitted photo.
The dentist office is located at 2 N. Main.
Fort Scott Family Dental, as viewed from the front door of the practice.
“We have five employees at the moment, and are looking at adding one more employee either PRN for on call when we have a call-in, or just as additional help because we have expanded our patient data base so much after we moved,” Crawford said.
The office hours are Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Contact the office at 620-223-4448.
Fort Scott Family Dental is located at the corner of Wall and Main Street.
The following are services Dr. Crawford and his staff provide:
Composite Fillings
Extractions
Cosmetic Bonding
Tooth Whitening
Clear Correct
Crowns and Bridges
Laser Tissue Surgery
Root Canal Treatment
Partial and Complete Dentures
Tooth Replacement Implants and Implant Supported Dentures
Bone grafting
Fort Scott Family Dental
The old office, at 1115 S. Main, was sold to a family who is transforming it into living quarters, Crawford said.
Crawford owns the whole building at the corner of Wall and Main Streets.
Currently, there are five tenants on the third floor including the doctor Crawford himself, who stays in town two nights a week.
At the Topeka Veterans Administration Luncheon recently are from left to right: Michael Leachner, Darrell Spencer, Roger “Skipper” Brown, Myra Jowers and Carl Jowers. All are veterans although non-veterans have volunteered to be shuttle drivers as well.
Local citizens have signed on to take veterans to doctors appointments for free at two Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Kansas. And plans are in place to pick up any veteran along the Hwy. 69 corridor from Fort Scott northward.
To register for a shuttle seat, the veteran must
· Have an appointment at a VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 p.m. for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.
· Call 785-925-0261 or email [email protected] to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 p.m., the day prior to their appointment.
The Fort Scott VA Shuttle service is coordinated by Carl Jowers, who commander of the local American Legion Post 25.
Shuttles are provided on Mondays and Tuesdays from Fort Scott to Topeka VA Medical Center; and Wednesdays from Fort Scott to Kansas City VA Medical Center.
Veterans must have an appointment scheduled between 9 am and 1 pm on the day they ride the shuttle.
“The vet should mention that they are a shuttle rider, when calling for a VA medical appointment,” Jowers said.
The shuttle will depart from the designated spot in Fort Scott, Pete’s 66 Convenience Store, across from Briggs Automall on Hwy. 69 and will return to Fort Scott after the last veteran has completed their appointment. The departure time is based upon the time of the first appointment of the day at the VA Medical Center day. Riders will be notified of the shuttle departure time the evening before their ride.
“The departure time depends upon the time of the appointment of the riders,” Jowers said.” If there is a 9 a.m. appointment, then the shuttle departs at 6:15 a.m. for Topeka or 6:45 a.m. for KC. If the earliest appointment isn’t until 10:45 a.m., then the departure time is adjusted accordingly. It didn’t make sense to me for a driver to pickup a rider at 6:15 a.m. to arrive in Topeka at 9 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. appointment.”
“As the shuttle coordinator, after the reserved seating has closed out at 5 p.m. for the next day’s schedule, I decide on the shuttle’s departure time and convey this information to both the driver and the rider. It’s extra work on my part, but I think it’s a better use of time for both driver and rider.”
The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.
Veterans living along Highway 69 may be picked up at the Casey’s Convenience Store in Pleasanton.
“We are going to make a pick up spot at McDonald’s in Louisburg at the intersection of Hwy. 68 and Hwy. 69 for either the Topeka VA or the Kansas City VA,” Jowers said.
“The Ottawa pickup location will be at Love’s Truck Stop at Highway 68 and I35, going to Topeka,” Jowers said.
” Veterans scheduling rides must be at one of our predetermined stops to ride the shuttle,” he said. “This is a shuttle service, not a taxi service. We have to plan for a group. If a person calls and is at a specific spot, they can ride the shuttle. They have to have a seat reserved.”
The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat by calling 785-925-0261. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area veteran on a first come, first served basis.
Family members may not ride with the Veteran on the shuttle. Those veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.
“Drivers have to pass a comprehensive VA medical and background investigation,” Jowers said. “It’s the same process as if you were being hired by the VA. We’ve had quite a few people step up and two more are awaiting background clearance.”
The list of shuttle drivers is: Roger and Faye Brown, Darrell Spencer, Steve Dean, Michael Martin, Michael Leachner, and Danny Graham. Jowers and his wife, Myra are back-up drivers.
Currently, one veteran a week is using the shuttle to get to their medical appointments, Jowers said.
“While at this time, there are not a lot of riders, I think that this will change as vets become aware of the service and begin making use of it,” Jowers said.
Alysia Johntson announced the Centennial Celebration of Fort Scott Community College at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Thursday at the college gym.
The school is oldest continually operating community college in Kansas and will celebrate one hundred years of existence September 20 and 21, Johnston told the coffee attendees.
Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston.
“Fort Scott Community College started in Fort Scott High School in 1919,” Johnston told the coffee attendees.
That move allowed students who wanted to start college, but not have to go out of the community, to attend college, said Mert Barrows, a member of the Centennial Committee.
The college moved to the present site on South Horton Street in 1967, Johnston said.
“Today we provide online degrees and also have one of the best occupational areas around,” Johnston said.
“I was a student here for the 50th anniversary (of the college),” Harold Hicks, Centennial Committee Chairman, said.
“This college has a special place in my heart,” Hicks said. “Several members of the committee are graduates and much of our success in life, the seeds were planted here.”
To celebrate the centennial, there is a banquet and tailgate party planned for the community.
The celebration will kick off Friday evening, September 20, with a banquet for graduates, employees, and their families, according to a press release from FSCC. Saturday afternoon, Sept. 21, will feature a tailgate party at the stadium for all members of the community and conclude with the Homecoming game at 7 p.m.
Other activities planned include the burial of a time capsule, a series of featured articles in the newspaper, display cases around the campus, cake celebration, a video depicting campus activities, and appearances at local fairs and other community events, and other activities in the works, according to the press release.
Fort Scott Community College (then Fort Scott Junior College) was voted into existence on November 8, 1918, in a city-wide election. Rees Hughes, principal at Fort Scott High School, administered the newly formed college with fully qualified teachers to teach a program of consisting of foreign languages, English, mathematics, and science that would be identical to that offered by the University of Kansas, according to the press release.
According to a Fort Scott Tribune article published in April 1918, “By establishing the two years of college work in Fort Scott, it offers an unusual opportunity for students in Fort Scott and Bourbon County and adjacent counties to secure two years of normal school or college work while near home. The work done in the Fort Scott Junior College will be fully accredited at any of the colleges, normal schools or universities of the state,” according to the press release.
Centennial Committee members: Hicks, Barrows, Carolyn Sinn, Valetta Cannon, Bernita Hill, Robert Nelson, Bob Cable, Lori Cable, Rhonda Bailey, Ellen Fairchild, Leslie Damien, Karri Johnson, Marcel Normand and Kassie Feugate-Cate.
Contact person for the Centennial Committee is Harold W. Hicks, [email protected], Fort Scott Community College, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Tel: 620.223.2700 X3150
Approximately 60 vendors focusing on home, sport, farm and garden, plus booths of community entities, await you at the KOMB-FM 103.9 Home Show this weekend.
Fort Scott Broadcasting Company, owner of KOMB-FM and KMDO-FM is having its annual home show this Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
Tim McKinney tells the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees about the home show this weekend. Deb McKinney listens in the background.
“We will have tons of giveaways and great food,” McKinney told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee, which they hosted at the show site. “We have more vendors than we have ever had.”
Participating vendors:
Advantage Metals, Albers Marine, Ascension Via Christi, Autumn Exteriors, Bath Innovations, Blue Valley Trailers, Briggs Auto, Bourbon County Conservation District, BN Hunting Supplies, Busy Bugs Pest Control, Care to Share, Community Health Center, City of Fort Scott, Common Ground/Astra Coffee, Country Place Senior Living, Covey Garage Doors, The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce/Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, FSCC Centennial Committee, Hague Quality Water, Heidricks Tru Value, Home Depot, Home Pro, Jim’s Sales, K-State/Southwind Extension District, LeafFilter, Live Local, Miller Feed & Farm, Momentum Indoor Training, Nemesis Contracting, Norris Heating and Air, O’Malley Implement, Phillip’s Lawn Care, Perry’s Pork Rinds, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Pro Active Agriculture, R II Concrete Construction, R&R Equipment, Redbud Farms, Rolox Home Service, Ruddick’s Furniture, Satellite Center, Seal Smart, Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Shirt Shack, SIT Solutions, Skitch’s Hauling & Excavating, Stewart Realty, Stutesman’s Action Realty, Sunscape Pool & Backyard, Thrasher, Inc., Tractor Supply Co., Twister Trailer, Visit Fort Scott, Wreath Ride, U.S. Cellular, and Yutzy Construction.
In conjunction with the home show, Fort Scott Community College is providing a kids fair from 9 a.m. to noon on April 6. Parents can leave their children at the kids fair and enjoy the home show, said Fort Scott Communication Director Kassie Cate.
Tim and Deb McKinney, owners of Fort Scott Broadcasting and Central Communications.
McKinney said his family opened the station in 1954 and the radio station is known for its local news, sports, talk and podcasts, live stream events, live play by play sports and more.
It is headquartered at 2 N. National Avenue and can be contacted at (620) 223-4500.
The budgeting process for the new Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service has two government bodies amending their budgets for 2019.
These actions are because of Mercy Hospital closing in December 2018, and along with that, the hospital ambulance service.
A collaboration between the city and the county will provide the new ambulance service.
The City of Fort Scott will operate the ambulance, Bourbon County Commissioners will bill the insurance and receive the revenue and then reimburse the city. The majority of this budget is wages, taxes and benefits, according to the Fort Scott City Commission March 19 minutes.
A task force was formed to put together a new ambulance service that will serve the community. The task force was comprised of representatives of Mercy, Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott.
On March 19, the Fort Scott City Commission approved to create a new EMS fund and adopt an EMS budget of $1,004,242, according to the commission minutes.
The county government is also revisiting its budget.
“The county’s projected budget for 2019 for ambulance service is 1.1 million dollars,” Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said.
Lynne Oharah
“The county has always had a line item budget for ambulance service which was paid to Mercy,” Oharah said. “I think that that budget item was approved for $316,000 for 2019. This is a budget line item where we will amend our budget.”
“We have (Certified Public Accountant)Terry Sercer working with us on an amendment to the ambulance budget…,” Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said.
“This budget will be figured on what we contracted with the city to provide ambulance service, plus what we pay an outside company, OMNI, to provide medical billing and collections, wages for the volunteer employees that staff the third ambulance and other ancillary expenses associated with handling ambulance. Building a budget item for future ambulance replacement included,” Oharah said.
The north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse houses the Bourbon County Commission, Treasurers Office and the Clerk’s Office.
