Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Susan Bancroft Assumes Duties as Bourbon County Business Manager

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The Bourbon County Courthouse.

In an effort to consolidate some business services in government, a business manager has signed on for the county, in addition to her duties at the City of Fort Scott.

 

Susan Bancroft started January 19, 2021, as the part-time Bourbon County Business Manager.

Susan Bancroft. Submitted photo.

 

She is currently the City of Fort Scott Finance Director.

Fort Scott City Hall.

 

“For many years, the city and county have had interlocal agreements in the area of public safety,” Bancroft said. “This has been a long positive relationship meeting the needs of both city and county residents.”

 

“A couple of years ago a task force was formed and has been researching ways to save taxpayer dollars through shared services between the city and county,” she said.  “Recently, the county commission determined there was a need for a part-time business director and approached the city to see if this could be a shared service opportunity.”

 

 

To view a prior story on the movement to consolidate government services:  https://fortscott.biz/news/bedco

 

 

In order for the relationship to work, Bancroft agreed to work her regular hours with the City of Fort Scott and an additional 20 hours for Bourbon County.

 

 

“My current position is based on a 40-hour workweek so this would be an additional 20 hours per week,” Bancroft said.

 

 

The Bourbon County Business Director will initially be responsible for assisting the commission in the development and analysis of budgets and reporting, human-resource-related issues and policy,  and also accounts payable and receivable for public works, she said. Additionally, she will be the interdepartmental liaison to build relationships and oversight. Additional duties are expected to be added over time.

 

 

Bancroft will be paid $115,000 per year by the city. The county will pay $60,000 to the city for Bancroft’s services, according to the agreement between the two.

 

The memorandum of understanding between the city and county ends Dec. 31, 2021, with possible renewal.

 

To view the agreement between the city and county:

DOC011421-01142021165840

 

 

 

“Some may look at this as additional dollars being spent at the county level,” she said. “However, some of the assigned duties will replace expenses already being incurred by the county through contractual services.”

 

 

 

“In addition, the City of Fort Scott will realize approximately $34,000 in savings due to the partnership,” Bancroft said.

 

 

Bancroft worked for the City of Fort Scott from 2005-2012 as the finance director and spent two of those years as the assistant city manager/finance director.

 

 

From 2012-2015 she worked for USD 234 as the business manager/clerk. In 2015, she took a position with NPC International as their human capital management director until 2019 when she returned to the City of Fort Scott once again, as the finance director.

“HCM  encompasses human resources, benefits, payroll, and compliance,” she said. “NPC employed 40,000 employees at the time of my employment.”

 

 

“The four years I was in the private sector I missed actively serving the community in which I lived,” she said.  “I am excited to use the knowledge I have gained over the past 20 years to evaluate processes, budgets, improve transparency and build relationships between the City and County and its constituents.”

 

 

“I strive to see the glass half full rather than half empty, always looking for opportunities to improve,” she said.  “One of my favorite quotes by Henry Ford is ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.’  I believe the city and county leaders are working towards this collaboration and look forward to many more opportunities to share services to reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

 

 

Bancroft will have offices at both entities.

 

“The (county) commission is currently working on finding a small space for me,” she said.  “I am fortunate to also have the ability to work remotely.”

Fort Scott, Government

Jeremy Frazier To Begin As Fort Scott City Manager on Feb. 1

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT PRESS RELEASE

On February 1, 2021, Jeremy Frazier will begin his service as City Manager for the City of Fort Scott.

After Interviewing multiple candidates, it was clear that Jeremy was unanimously the top choice for every commissioner.

Jeremy will bring a new vision and new ideas at a much needed time in Fort Scott. Every commissioner is excited to have Jeremy come on board and all of us have committed to give Jeremy the tools and resources he needs to be successful in moving Fort Scott forward.

Jeremy brings to this position over a decade of public sector experience. Mr. Frazier has managed cities of various sizes and demographics. From his first position as Assistant City Manager in a charming tight-knit community with a population of 1,800, to his most recent position as the City Manager of El Reno with a population of nearly 20,000, he has developed a strong passion for public service and economic development. He has led full service organizations of up to 170 employees and has managed budgets up to $58 million.

Mr. Frazier takes pride in his work with City staff and the community such as launching various programs between public safety and its residents; conducting organizational assessments and financial audits to insure financial stability and operational efficiencies; and initiating leadership development strategies for City staff with a focus on customer service excellence.

He is described as a goal-oriented, motivated, and energetic leader with demonstrated experience in building strong relationships in diverse communities. Mr. Frazier’s primary focus in Fort Scott will be to execute the vision and mission of the City Commission and to build upon the City’s strong forward momentum while capitalizing on its rich history and culture.  He plans to concentrate on economic development, job opportunity expansion, business relations, and infrastructure improvement.

In his spare time, Mr. Frazier serves on various committees such as the University of Central Oklahoma’s Master of Public Administration Advisory Committee, whereby he assists the University in shaping its current and future MPA program and students. He is an active volunteer and active participant in various civic organizations such as Lion’s Club. In addition to serving as a member of the City Management Association of Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, in 2020 he was awarded the designation of Accredited City Manager and has served two past terms as a board member of that organization. He is also a past gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees for a local university. Finally, Mr. Frazier served as a past Board of Trustees member for the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group, a municipal insurance provider for over 500 cities and towns throughout the state.

Mr. Frazier possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. He has served on numerous boards and committees as he is committed to the improvement of his community and his profession. Mr. Frazier looks forward to making Fort Scott his home while serving the community and residents.

 

To view the contract with Frazier:

FedEx Scan 2021-01-20_14-12-31

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Rennet Studio Converted To Office Spaces

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The Rennet Studio building is being renovated for new occupants. Submitted photos.
Diane and Dean Striler recently purchased the Rennet Studio building,  6 N. Main, which includes the loft above.
Diane and Dean Striler, owners of the Rennet Studio building, 6 N. Main. Submitted photos.
The building is located between Fort Scott Family Dental and Papa Don’s Restaurant.
They have begun renovating the building for three office spaces.
Renovation of the interior of the Rennet Studio building. Submitted photos.
 “We started looking for a downtown building in November and  closed the purchase on December 3,” she said.
“The main reason for this purchase is that Dean and I have wanted to invest in the Fort Scott community,” Diane said.    “After purchasing our home at Fort Scott Lake in July of 2014, we had often discussed the idea of ending up in Fort Scott as our full-time home.”
“We are living full-time in Fort Scott but still have a home in Lenexa,” she said.
“We feel that there is a lot of potential in the downtown area and see how it is expanding and growing,” she said.   “We enjoy the history of the town, the people we have met, and love the quaint atmosphere of the community. We feel that purchasing the Rennet Studio would be a great way to start investing in the community.”
After the Striler’s decided to invest in a downtown building, they looked at a few and then placed an offer on the Rennet Studio, she said.
“Although the main floor of the building had not been occupied for quite a while, we were impressed that the building was in such great shape,” Diane said. “Obviously the owners of the building, the Barnett family, had taken great care of it.”
“It also has a full finished basement that is lined with cinder blocks, had extra cement poured, and has a vinyl floor,” she said.  ” We were also very excited about the loft apartment above the retail area.  This part of the building really appealed to us because of the tall ceilings, old woodwork, and transom windows above the tall doors.”
Renovation of the interior of the newly purchased building is on-going. Submitted photos.
After purchase, they started working on some exterior repairs to the building.
The new roof portion of the Rennet Studio is completed. Submitted photos.
“We started with getting the front brick power washed,” Diane said.  “It was amazing to see the difference in the before and after pictures.  The brick on the upper portion of the building had an orange tint to it and now is redder and much brighter. We are waiting to also have some tuck work done to the brick on the upper portion.”
 ” We have picked out some new paint colors for the front of the building and have submitted them for approval from the City Historic Design Board,” she said.  “Last week we had a new roof put on the back portion of the building.  That was badly needed and  we are happy to have that done.”
The Striler’s are currently renovating the main floor of the building in preparation for new occupants. Submitted photos.
New Tenet Ready To Move In

The main front area of the building will be leased to the Fort Scott Tribune Newspaper, currently at 22 N. Main.

 

“We have been working with them to update the area they will be in,” she said.  “Everything is being painted, we’ve had some trim work to do, and new flooring is being put in. The paper is working on the transition and would like to be up and running in our building by the beginning of February. ”

 

Additional Office Spaces

“My husband, Dean, will also have an office in the rear of the main floor,” she said. “We were able to close off a wall so that he has a separate entrance to his office.”
“Dean is the Senior Vice President of Sales for Zephyr Ventilation, she said. “The company manufactures residential hoods to go over cooking appliances along with beverage units and wine storage units.”
“We have an additional 700 square feet of commercial/office space that we have available to rent out that will include a break room and restroom,” Diane said.
“Once we complete updating the main level, Dean and I will start working on the apartment loft above,” she said.  “We are planning to keep as much of the original woodworking as possible and are going to try to refinish the original hardwood floors.”
Seller’s Market
Diane is a realtor for Front Door Real Estate,  with Jared Leek as the broker.
It is a seller’s market, she said.
” I am finding that with the current conditions, I am receiving calls from all over,” she said.   “People from other states are wanting to come back to the Midwest for a calmer way of life and are enquiring about the properties that I have listed.”
“Housing is one thing that Fort Scott definitely could use more of, and there is a shortage of what is for sale,” she said.
 ” As a result, I am trying to find additional properties that are not being occupied, and could be put to good use for a family in need,” she said. “If anyone knows of any properties like this, I would greatly appreciate it if you would reach out to me.”

 

 

Diane Striler’s contact:  620-878-3630 or
248-568-7790

Business, Fort Scott

New Barber Coming to 118 S. Main This Summer

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The Hare and Crow Barber Shop, 118 S. Main, will be open in the summer of 2021. Submitted photos.
Matt Park,, owner of the Hare and Crow Barbershop, 118 S. Main. Submitted photos.
 Matt Park is the sole owner of the new barbershop located at 118 S Main Street, which will open this summer.
Hare & Crow is the name of the business.
“Hare & Crow will be a full-service barbershop offering haircuts for men and boys, beard and mustache trims, and hot lather razor shaves,” Park said.  “Our aim is to bring back the barbershop experiences of a bygone era reminiscent of the 1900’s architecture and small-town charm Fort Scott is built on.”
He sees it as also a gathering place for the community.
“This will be a place to sit and chew the fat with friends and neighbors whether you need a haircut or not—loafers are more than welcome,” Park said. “Our space will be comfortable and inviting with a lounge feel for those waiting for their turn in the chair.”

“We plan to sell some retail items; mostly related to men’s hair and grooming, but hope to offer other items such as locally roasted coffee, chocolates, and handmade wood and leather goods from local and regional artisans,” he said. ” We hope to incorporate a curated selection of books, music and art too.”

“I am currently in school at Headlines Barber Academy up in Kansas City, on the Kansas side,” Park said. “It’s a bit of a commute, but it’s the closest barber school to Fort Scott.”
He and his wife, Krista,  have three daughters and one son.
“I cut all of their hair and have been known to cut my wife’s hair as well,” he said. “So, women and girls are welcome too.”
Why Fort Scott?
“My wife, Krista, and I both grew up in the Midwest,” he said. ” We met at school not too far from here in Bolivar, MO.”
“Krista spent many summers during her childhood visiting her grandmother in Fort Scott and she had so many fond memories of those visits,” he said. ” In July of 2019, we experienced a loss in the family that left us questioning our distance from family. We spent the majority of our marriage living in the South and were ready to come home.”

“Helen Carson is my wife’s maternal grandmother,” he said. “Helen has lived here most of her life and once owned Helen’s Hilltop Fabrics. Her family has been in the area going back several generations.”

“We wanted to move to a small town where we could raise our four children with a little less noise and start a business that would serve the local community,” Park said.  “As we began contemplating a move back to the Midwest, Fort Scott stood out to us as a place to slow down a bit, embrace our heritage here and put down lasting roots closer to family. We moved here in July 2020 from Tennessee and this place already feels more like home than anywhere we’ve lived over the last 15 years.”
Reading a book formed a new business idea.
“About the same time we started talking about moving, I read a book by Wendell Berry called Jayber Crow  written from the perspective of a barber in a small town,” Park said. “That story was so formative for me that I began looking into the profession of barbering.”
“When we landed on the decision to move to Fort Scott and realized there was no longer a barber in town, we began looking into schools in the area and I enrolled shortly after we moved to town,” he said.
Why the name Hare & Crow?

“I wanted to tip my hat to Wendell Berry’s book, Jayber Crow, because it was so formative for me,” Park said.  “Hare really just started out as a play on words suggested by my brother in-law. I was concerned naming the place Crow’s barbershop might be confusing because my name isn’t Crow. So, I started looking for characters in other stories and when Hare was suggested it just fit the idea of storied characters. It almost has a fable-like ring to it. ”

They are loft dwellers in downtown Fort Scott.
“We bought a building downtown on Main Street, live upstairs and plan to open our shop in the storefront on the ground floor,” he said.  “We are eager to open our little shop and become part of the fabric of this community. Once I complete school and receive my barbering license we’ll be ready to open our doors this summer.”
He can be reached by phone (620)705-9287, by e-mail [email protected], website hareandcrowbarber.com, and on instagram @hareandcrow.
Submitted photos. The Park Family: Matt, Krista, Jovie, Kenley, Noble and Kansas.
Business, Fort Scott

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Is Relocating To Downtown Fort Scott

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The Bartelsmeyer’s loft apartment is above the Fort Scott Tribune Newspaper office at 22 N. Main.

The local jeweler is relocating his business to downtown Fort Scott.

John and Cindy Bartelsmeyer are the owners of Bartelsmeyer Jewelers, which is currently located at 1519 S. National.
They are moving the shop to 22 N. Main in late spring or early summer 2021.

“We like our current location at 1519 S. National,” John said.  “We own the building at 22 N. Main and because we wish to promote the growth and renewal of downtown Fort Scott, we decided to relocate. We believe Fort Scott will soon be the hub of tourism in Southeast Kansas.”

 

At their new location, the Bartelsmeyer’s will continue selling fine jewelry including engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary rings, diamond pendants, custom designs, sterling silver jewelry, watches, clocks, and other gift items, he said.

 

John will continue with jewelry repairs, and an employee will be continuing custom design and engraving.

 

“Krysta Hulbert does most of the custom designs, she’s a great artist, and  (also does)engraving,” Cindy said.  “Krysta also does minor jewelry repairs and ring sizing.”

 

The Fort Scott Tribune newspaper is currently located at 22 N. Main and will be moving to the Rennett Studio building just down the street to the south.

 

Loft Living Downtown

The Bartelsmeyer’s have been residents of downtown Fort Scott since 2019, she said.

 

“We have completely renovated the second floor and added a deck and master bedroom, ” Cindy said. “We added an elevator, a garage, and a workshop.”

 

“The building was purchased in 2014,” she said.
Renovation began in the spring of 2014 and is on-going as there is continued building updates each year.”
They said there are benefits to living downtown.
“We love living downtown,” Cindy said. ” We have beautiful views of from our windows of the continuous activity on Main Street, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and North National Avenue.”
“We are within walking distance of restaurants, a coffee shop, a bakery, a brewery, a hardware store, great shopping opportunities, the post office, banks, and a new grocery store,” she said. ” We can observe beautiful sunrises from our front east-facing windows and sunsets from our the deck on the west side of the building.”
“The development and renewal of downtown Fort Scott has been fun to watch and we are happy to participate in contributing to the history of our community by the restoration of our building,” Cindy said.

Current jewelry store employees are the Bartelsmeyers,  Hulbert, Julie Kibble, Jenna Bond, and Yvonne Holloway.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is currently located at  1519 S. National.
Business, Fort Scott

Downtown Barber Shop Coming Spring 2021

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Mayra and Jose  Montanez in front of the building they purchased at 118 E. Wall in December 2020. Submitted photos.

An Overland Park barber’s family was impressed with the homes and brick streets of Fort Scott when they would shop here.

“We have a property in Mound City and drive to Fort Scott to shop,” Jose Montanez said. “We fell in love with the old Victorian homes and streets like cobblestones.”

The family was from Puerto Rico and lived in Boston for some time, he said.

“This kind of felt like home,” Jose said.

 

“We are excited,” he said. “We started our business 20 years ago, and are excited to start again in Fort Scott.”

 

“We are hoping, God willing, to provide modern cuts with ‘old school’ vibes,” Jose said. “Old school razor cuts, hot lather shaves.”

 

He currently owns a barber business in Overland Park, while living in Shawnee.

 

“There is a barbershop on about every corner, here,” Jose said.

 

Currently, Fort Scott has no downtown barbershops.

 

When the family purchased the building for the new shop at 118 E. Wall, in December 2020,  they also purchased a home in Fort Scott.

“We are hoping to be here full-time in the spring,” Jose said.

 

The building at 118 E. Wall that the Montanez family purchased. It is west of the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store. Submitted photos.

“We are going to make Fort Scott our home,” he said.

He, his wife, Mayra, and their daughter, Jay, and son, Giancarlo, will all be moving to Fort Scott.

 

Jay Montanez giving a haircut at the family barbershop in Overland Park. Submitted photos.

Jay and Giancarlo are also barbers.

 

Giancarlo Montanez giving a beard trim at the family barbershop in Overland Park. Submitted photos.
Photo of Jose Montanez’s barbershop in Overland Park. Submitted photos.
A three-chair family barbershop is coming to Fort Scott. This a photo of the Montanez business in Overland Park. Submitted photos.

“There will be a three-chair barbershop in Fort Scott,” Jose said.

“We are tying up loose ends in Overland Park,” he said. “We will be coming to Fort Scott every weekend, also prepping our house to sell (in Shawnee).”

Jose Montanez giving a shave with a straight razor at his family barbershop in Overland Park. Submitted photos.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber/E3 Ranch Host Downtown Meet and Greet

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Lindsay Madison, standing on right, addresses the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Meet and Greet on Jan. 12, 2021.

Business owners and others interested in downtown Fort Scott,  met Jan. 12 in the future walk-in freezer space at E3 Ranch and Co. store at 13 S. National Ave.

E3 Ranch and Co. 13 S. National Avenue. Oct. 2020

 

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet was hosted by E3 Ranch and Co.

 

E3 owner Jennifer LaRoche said the room “will be full of the walk-in freezer and meat products” soon.  In addition, the storefront of the business will be redone, she said.

The other storefront business spaces at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue “we are chipping away at construction,” she said.

There are two spaces on National Avenue and one on Wall Street available for retail space, Laroche said.

For more information contact LaRoche at the E3 Ranch store at 13 S. National or Common Ground Coffee Co. around the corner on Wall Street she said.

Business news

Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

There are three new businesses this calendar quarter in the downtown area, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.

“Next week the Star Emporium is opening on Main Street,” Madison said. “Laree + Co is at Wall and National and H Bar Suites is a new vacation rental on VRBO, above the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store on Wall Street.”

Low-interest loans are available for businesses, Madison said.

E-Community Loans are available locally and can be applied for at www.networkingkansas.com,  she said.

She said a Youth Entrepreneur Challenge is on for all high school students in Bourbon County. “They must put together a business plan and compete,” Madison said.

 

Some of those in attendance were given an opportunity to speak.

 

Fort Scott Interim City Manager Jeff Hancock said candidates for the city manager position have been narrowed down.

The newly reorganized city commission, with Josh Jones as mayor, will work on capital improvements, street improvements, will be sharing “business services” with the Bourbon County Commission, and working on Land Bank possibilities, Hancock said.

Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said the city has “come a long way” and noted that Diane Striler recently purchased the old Rennett Studio on North Main street, additionally the recently completed Union Lofts apartments on Main Street have 10 of the 25 apartments rented. There are two barbers who plan to open businesses downtown, she said.

Carl Brenner,  Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Fort Scott National Historic Site, said the fort is doing maintenance projects on seven buildings currently. These are paid for by park user fees, he said.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the fort employees have been utilizing online capabilities more. In-person tours are still available and they are planning to have school student visitors at the fort in the near future.

Dacia Clark, Small Business Development Center representative, spoke about the partnership with Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center, which is located above the new Star Emporium Storefront at 17 S. Main. Her hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark can help new businesses get started and marketing plans for established ones. She can also help with Quickbooks for organizing data.

Beth Nuss spoke on behalf of the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Park. She and a citizen committee have worked for several years on the greenspace repurposing. Recently Lowell Milken is providing funds to bring the new park to fruition, and “the goal is to have it done by the all-school reunion in (June 2021),” she said.

Madison said the downtown walking trail, a project of LEAD Bourbon County, is slated for completion by April 1, 2021. The project was funded by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

Madison said a sailor remains are being returned to Fort Scott for burial at the national cemetery on May 29. William Barnett was 21 when he died at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in World War II. She wondered if there were any living relatives who would be interested in the event. Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel owner Jerry Witt who attended the meet and greet, said Barnett was his second cousin.

To learn more about Barnett, view:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/remains-of-fort-scott-kansas-sailor-identified-decades-after-pearl-harbor-attack/35131996#

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC New Semester Begins With Continued Virus Mitigation

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Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston.

With COVID-19 prevention measures in place, Fort Scott Community College began spring classes on January 11.

The following is an email interview with FSCC President Alysia Johnston.

Will you give an update on the new semester?

“Classes began Monday and we are always happy to have everyone back on campus. We continue to do our part to help prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

“All individuals at all locations are required to wear a face mask while in buildings, or when outside if social distancing cannot be maintained.”

“No outside activities or groups will be allowed on campus, we will re-evaluate allowing outside groups and activities on February 1, 2021 to determine our policy moving forward.”

“All sports will be played this semester, including those that are typically played in the fall, such as football and volleyball. No fans will be allowed at sporting events through February 5, 2021, KJCCC will re-evaluate allowing fans on February 1,2021.”

“We will not have spring break and the semester will end April 30, with graduation on May 1, 2021.”

“We tested all of the residential students for COVID-19, around 350, and so far we have had 11 positives with 95% of the results back. The positive cases and their contacts are being isolated/quarantined.”

 

Brief summary of COVID 19 measures.

“All students living in campus housing were administered a COVID-19 test by CHC/SEK medical staff.”

“Students living in campus housing arrived and were tested in small groups.”

“Tom Havron, certified contact tracer, coordinated with the county health department to contact students concerning isolation or quarantine.”

“All individuals, at all locations are required to wear a face mask while in buildings, or when outside if social distancing cannot be maintained – individuals should social distance when possible.”

“Administration continues to monitor the Center for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the World Health Organization  websites regularly for updated information on COVID-19 and communicate with Bourbon County Health Department and Bourbon County Emergency Management on current public guidelines.”

“The emergency Action plan is displayed on the FSCC website.”

“We will maintain our COVID-19 dashboard on the FSCC website which indicates number of positive cases, quarantined students, and recovered cases.”

 

From the http://fortscott.edu/covid19 website:

“FSCC is dedicated to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Please view the FSCC COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan and all COVID-19 updates by clicking HERE.”

 

“Current Confirmed Positive Cases: 13

Number of Students in Quarantine: 10

Total Recovered Cases: 37

*Numbers reflect FSCC students residing in student housing and commuter students*”

 

How many students have enrolled?

“Enrollment as of January 11, 2021 was 13,351 credit hours, which is down from last year at this time by 10%. We will increase enrollment with late start classes and some concurrent enrollment that has not been entered in the system; however, I believe we will still be down this semester compared to last semester.”

 

SPARK Grant Received To Help With COVID-19

 

FSCC received $287,000 on August 18, 2020, from a SPARK grant, distributed from the federal government to the Kansas government and then to the Bourbon County Commission for local distribution.

The college had unplanned expenses related to COVID-19 that were eligible for reimbursement under the SPARK grant, according to Julie Eichenberger, vice president of finance and operation.

The college used the monies for public health expenses such as sanitizing equipment, hand sanitizer, masks, thermometers, etc. she said.

“The grant was also used for technology for distance learning needs to facilitate remote learners, and for technology that gave our employees the ability to work from home,” Eichenberger said.

In addition, dorm capacity was increased to have available rooms for quarantine use, she said.

To view the prior feature on the dorm rooms being leased from the former Mercy Hospital corporation: https://fortscott.biz/news/fscc-classes-sta…some-big-changes ‎

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Star Emporium Downtown General Store to Open Next Week

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The Star Emporium staff on duty January 12: front row from left: Ashlin Williams; Vickie Morgan, deli manager;  and Kylie Bruner, customer service/marketing manager. Back row: Ruth Cullen, deli employee; Travis Patrick, general manager and Faith Thomas.

The Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  a new grocery store offering specialty and private label products, will open on January 18 at 7:30 a.m., according to Bill Michaud with BAJA Investments.

Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.

 

Michaud is the owner of the business.

 

“One week is left before we introduce ourselves to the public,” Michaud said.  “We’re excited too, although it’s tough to tell because we’re all growing tired due to the long hours and many tasks that we see still between us and being ready to open.”

 

The hours of the store will be 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.   Monday through Saturday,  on  Sunday hours are from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Shelves are being filled on January 12 in preparation for the Star Emporium opening on January 18.

 

“We are going to try to carry as many products as feasible to give shoppers as much variety as we can,” Michaud said.

 

 

“We are going to open with about 2/3 as many items as we expect to have down the road,” he said. “We will grow our offering in the next several months to meet the needs of our regular customers.”

 

The store will feature a salad bar and deli that utilizes many fresh local ingredients, he said.

 

“The salad bar and deli will also open on the 18th,” he said.  “The deli will offer build-your-own deli sandwiches with our unique selection of deli meats and cheeses and a variety of bread alternatives. The salad bar will have about 30 salad topping and ingredient options including signature house ranch and vinaigrette dressings.”

 

 

Currently, the store has 62 feet of freezer space, a basic selection of dairy and cheese items,  produce, along with both fresh and frozen meats,” Michaud said.

 

The coolers are being stocked at the Star Emporium in preparation for the opening January 18.

 

 

The store general manager is Travis Patrick. He said 10 employees are needed and eight have been hired currently.

 

Travis Patrick works at a temporary workspace on January 12 at the Star Emporium.

 

The phone number of the store is (620) 644-4414.  For more information see its’ Facebook page.

 

BAJA Investments was granted SPARK funds in the amount of $450,000 for the project. SPARK grants were a part of the monies given Kansas from the federal government to help with the on-going effects of COVID-19.

The Star Emporium’s new sign, created by Darren Crays of Designing Edge Graphics. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Project in Final Development Stage

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Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

 

Jayhawk Wind, the wind energy project in Bourbon County, is in the final stages of development, according to Apex Clean Energy Inc., the developer and owner.

 

“As contemplated, Apex will need to secure a project sponsor to build Jayhawk Wind, and we believe the project is very well-positioned to do so,” Apex Public Engagement Manager Patrick Chilton said ” We are currently progressing discussions with a potential project sponsor, and we know that Jayhawk Wind is a strong project with proven positive attributes for investors. Apex Clean Energy has a long track record of successfully commercializing its projects, and we look forward to adding Jayhawk Wind to that list.”

“If we are able to secure this partnership, it will allow us to begin project construction in the coming months,” Chilton said.

 

Jayhawk Wind is located in southwestern Bourbon County and northwestern Crawford County, he said, with about 80% of the project facilities located in Bourbon County, between the areas of Porterville and Hiattville.

To view the Jayhawk Wind project boundaries:

JAY_boundary_Map_20200824(1)

 

“Once construction begins, we will establish a construction laydown yard off the highway and begin upgrading county roads that will be used during the construction phase,” Chilton said. ” We expect that foundations will be excavated later this year, and turbines will begin arriving late summer or early fall. We hope that construction will be complete by the end of the year.”

 

Maps of the current draft of the project’s design are located in the  Girard office at 124 E. Forest Ave.

 

“Final maps will also be shared with the public when they are ready,” Chilton said. “Once project construction begins, we expect it will take about nine months to reach commercial operation.”

 

History of the project in Bourbon County

“Apex started developing Jayhawk Wind in 2016 and have continued to develop the project since,” Chilton said. ” In March 2020, the project entered into agreements with Bourbon County, which were updated in the fall of 2020. Since then, we have been working diligently to finalize the required approvals and complete all necessary research and surveys to inform the final project.”

 

“Despite the challenges of the past year, we made substantial progress in 2020 at Jayhawk Wind,” said Julianna Pianelli, development manager for Jayhawk Wind. “I’m excited about what 2021 will bring, and I am looking forward to completing the final steps to bring this important economic development opportunity to Bourbon and Crawford counties.”

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Peerless Expands In Fort Scott

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The parcel being annexed is just south of the Peerless facility, highlighted in purple.  Submitted photo.

Peerless Products, Inc. , 2403 S. Main,  is currently working on an expansion of its Fort Scott facility.

 

Fort Scott is not only the home office of Peerless Products, but where the company was founded in 1952, according to Allyson Turvey, Fort Scott Community Development Director.

 

“Our most recent employment numbers, which were updated in Dec. 2019,  show Peerless had a total of 410 employees in Fort Scott,” Turvey said. This makes Peerless the city’s largest employer.

 

“The impending expansion here in Fort Scott just goes to show their continued commitment to our community,” she said.

 

” We don’t have a lot of details at this time,”  Turvey said.  “Over the last couple of months, they have been working on rezoning and annexing… lots into city limits.”

 

The rezoning of the property was on the Fort Scott Commission agenda for Jan.5, 2020, and was approved. The business expansion required rezoning from commercial to industrial.

 

One parcel is to be annexed into the city limits, one is outside the city limits, according to the request for commission action presented at the commission meeting and provided by Turvey.

 

“(Fort Scott Economic Director)Rachel Pruitt has been working closely with Peerless on this project and has helped facilitate the rezoning and annexation of the property,” Turvey said. “This expansion has been on the horizon for several years, and she has helped every step of the way.”

 

The Bourbon County Commission approved the zoning  change on Dec. 8, 2020.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Entities Have Received The COVID-19 Vaccine

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC-SEK) and the local county health department have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

“Each of our clinics did receive the vaccine to immunize medical personnel….our own and any others in the community not covered by the local health department,” said Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK. “It is our understanding that staff and residents in long term care (facilities) are being immunized through a federal contract with Walgreens who has received their own allocation of the vaccine.”

 

“We have exhausted our first shipment of 100 vaccines and are awaiting word on the next shipment,” she said. “We used (these) for our Fort Scott, Pleasanton and Mound City employees along with some other non-CHC/SEK medical personnel.”

 

“As you may have seen in the media, Kansas does not appear to be faring well in getting their vaccine distributed….although the state says that’s not accurate….it’s a problem, they say, with the reporting system,” Postai said.

 

“That said, we do anticipate receiving additional vaccine in the communities we serve and will coordinate/collaborate with local health departments, who are also receiving the vaccine,” Postai said.

 

 

Postai said she received the following email from KDHE.

 

 

  1. “ALL healthcare associated workers, hospital staff and local health dept staff are eligible to receive vaccine right now. This includes dentists, ophthalmologists, EMS workers, home health workers, school nurses, pharmacists, etc.

 

  1. “If a county has more vaccine and has vaccinated all health care workers in the county, please contact the Kansas Immunization Program at [email protected] and KDHE will help redistribute your extra vaccine doses to another county who still needs more for health care workers.

 

  1. “KDHE anticipates that additional vaccine doses will arrive weekly in the state. Facilities that received vaccine will automatically receive a separate delivery/shipment for the second dose.

 

  1. “The Governor’s office and KDHE are working on priorities beyond healthcare workers and long-term care and those will be shared soon. For now, we are asking the whole state to stay in phase 1 and we will move on to phase 2 after all healthcare workers that want to be vaccinated are vaccinated with the first dose.”

 

For more info: contact [email protected]

 

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director. Submitted photo.

“We received 60 doses and have given them all,” Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department Administrator said.

 

 

“When we know how many more we’ll be getting and when, we’ll be reaching out to whom KDHE instructs us to vaccinate next,” she said. “When we are able to vaccinate the public, we will advertise this in the paper, radio, Facebook and on our website. From the availability chart, it says high-risk individuals are looking at late winter 2021 and all other adults are looking at spring 2021.”

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has instructed local health departments to vaccinate Emergency Medical Service personnel, healthcare and public health workers, she said.

 

“That’s who we’ve administered to,” Johnson said. ” We received 60 doses and have given them all.”

 

“Walgreens is working with long term care facilities on their vaccination plan,” she said. https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp

 

“In the first category, KDHE has listed Healthcare Personnel, Long Term Care Facility Staff/Residents, and EMS/Frontline Public Health Workers,” she said.  “This chart can be found on the KDHE website or folks can go to our updated website: www.sekmchd.com.

 

From the sekmchd website:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Active Cases | January 6, 2021

Allen County 96

Anderson County 71

Bourbon County 83

Woodson County 27

Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases at 620-223-4464.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available?

Currently, the vaccine is only available to healthcare workers and long-term care residents. As more vaccine is made available it will be offered to additional groups.

Please see the Expected Vaccine Availability Status to Population Group (pg 3) put out by the Governor’s office. SEKMCHD receives instructions directly from KDHE about which groups are eligible for vaccination with the vaccine they send to us.

 

Is vaccination mandatory?

Public Health officials are not mandating vaccination at this time. Your employer may require you to be vaccinated.

 

Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?

The Federal government has indicated that there will be enough for everyone who wants to be vaccinated.

 

How much will the vaccine cost?

The vaccine itself is being paid for by the federal government. SEKMCHD won’t be charging a fee. Other places giving vaccinations may charge a fee to administer the vaccine.

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?

Right now vaccine is only available for healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Vaccine will be made available to the public in the spring/summer of 2021. At that time it may be available through the health department, pharmacies, and physician offices. Check this website for further updates.

 

Do I need to make an appointment to get the vaccine?

No. When the health department receives enough vaccine to give to the public we will host a large event. No appointment will be required for that event.

 

I already had COVID-19.  Do I need to get the vaccine?

It is suggested that you get vaccinated even if you have previously had COVID-19.

 

How long after I get my vaccine do I need to wear my mask?

You should wear your mask even after being vaccinated. Public health officials will advise when it is safe to go back to not wearing a mask.

 

I want to get a specific vaccine.  How do I do that?

The health department is unable to honor requests for specific vaccines. The health department cannot request specific vaccines at this time.  When we are ready to begin vaccination of the public we will let the public know which specific vaccine is available.