Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

City of Uniontown Receives SPARK Grant

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Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

The City of Uniontown has received SPARK funds to help during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 with statewide distribution of the U.S. Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to  https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/

 

“The City of Uniontown did receive $39,041 in direct aid for various projects, not economic development, as designated by our application,” City Clerk Sally Johnson said.

There are two projects the city will use the funds for.

They will renovate the entrance to city hall to install a service window/barrier between public and city employees so that in-person transactions can be safely facilitated, Johnson said.

Personal Protection Equipment purchased July through December 2020 will be paid for with the funds as will purchasing hardware/software to effectively conduct virtual meetings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, she said.

The city government will also purchase and install a handwashing station and barriers, to allow for closure of public areas of congregation as needed, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Johnson said.

In addition, the city will purchase hardware/software to automate the city’s library to make it accessible while closed to the public due to COVID-19.

“We are a small library, without much space for social distancing,” Johson said. “Our library patrons come from rural areas and in town.  When we are closed due to COVID-19 we would like to be able to offer curbside pickup or delivery in town.  We don’t have any way to provide online browsing or check out due to our library currently still using paper cards to check out books, paper library cards, and handwritten inventory.  If patrons could access online browsing and check out for our hundreds of books, videos, and books on tape, no one would have to be without entertainment during this pandemic.”  3) Purchase and install a hand washing station and barriers, to allow for closure of public areas of congregation as needed, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

 

The city received the funds on October 13, and it must be expended by December 30, she said.

 

“We applied for funds in order for the City to better mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for the protection of staff and citizens,” Johnson said. ” We chose projects that we felt would benefit the most citizens and protect our staff at the same time.”

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Maycumber Receives Community Block Development Grant

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Chris Maycumber, owner of Mayco Ace Hardware.

Chris Maycumber. owner of Mayco Ace Hardware, 205  Scott, is the recipient of a Community Development Block Grant to repair his building. The grant was for $225,000, with Maycumber matching with $75,000.

 

According to the website:   https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs :

“The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allows the Department of Commerce to distribute federal funds to Kansas cities and counties looking to improve their community.

CDBG awards are given in four primary categories:

  1. Annual Competitive Grants
    1. Water and Sewer
    2. Housing Rehabilitation
    3. Community Facilities
  2. Economic Development Grants
  3. Commercial Rehabilitation Grants
  4. Urgent Need Grants”
Maycumber’s grant is for rehabilitating his building.

“It’s to fix up the appearance of the building exterior,” he said. “The roof, windows, doors, and anything that will get the building up to  city code.”

The CDBG process began in 2018, he said.

“After a few snafu’s and the COVID-19 pandemic, it put us behind,” Maycumber said.

When the state does a CDB Grant, the project is put into a state-wide website, where contractors can bid on the specifications.

Although he can’t determine the contractors for the project, Maycumber said he hopes to use local businesses.

Currently, Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is providing the building specs, he said.

“The state hasn’t put their money up yet, then we do, then the process to bid begins,” Maycumber said.

Thirty days after the project has let bids, they will know who the contractors are.

“Hopefully, by the end of November,” he said. “Then they will have so many days to finish the project.

The storefront at 203 State, north of the hardware store is the focus of the grant.

The last store in that building was Dollar General Store, who left in 2015, he said.

The 203 and 205 State building is owned by Maycumber with his mother, Joyce Maycumber.

 

203 State Street is the storefront just north of Mayco Ace Hardware, which is 205 State Street. It is all one building that will receive updates from a new grant that Chris Maycumber received.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19

CHC/SEK Fort Scott Receives Mobile Unit With SPARK Funds

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CHC’s mobile testing unit can be set up wherever needed. Submitted photo.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will soon have a mobile testing unit available to help during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

“Community Health Center requested funds to purchase a portable shelter system  to accommodate COVID-19 testing,” said CHC CEO Krista Postai.  “Once a vaccine is available, mass drive-through immunizations providing shelter for patients and staff in winter and summer weather (will be possible). The structure is portable and can be at the clinic site and/or used for outreach testing/vaccinating across the county. The shelter price included electricity, freight, HVAC unit and covered trailer for storage and transport.”

“As we continue to provide testing – and plans are being made for mass immunizations — winter weather is on the way and the structures will protect patients and staff from the elements,” she said.” Additionally, these units also block the sun’s rays which made our summer testing challenging for staff who endured 100+ temperatures to provide testing services. The shelters are durable and can be used for years to come.”

 

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

 

 

The shelter has been ordered but not received as of this date, Postai said

 

CHC plans are to set it up outside the CHC building once it’s received.

 

The front door of the Community Health Center of
Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

St. Mary’s Catholic School Receives SPARK Grant

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St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School has received SPARK funds to provide laptops for students and increased technological capabilities. along with a small transportation bus.
The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, distributing funds provided from the U.S. Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to its’ website https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/
St. Mary’s students enjoy lunch outside as an aid to social distancing at the school..Submitted photos.

 

Technology
“We will use the money to buy laptops for our students to use at school and also to be used at home if we were to be shut down again by the state,” Principal Josh Regan said.  “We will also be purchasing new laptops for our computers with software upgrades that are capable of bringing remote learners, who have been required to isolate or quarantine, into our classroom via Zoom.”
Josh Regan. Submitted photo.
Cameras and WIFI access
 ” We have purchased Swivl cameras to make that experience more seamless and interactive for remote learners with SPARK FUNDS as well,” he said. ” We are also updating our WiFi access points throughout our school to accommodate more devices on the system.”
Purchase of small bus
“We were given funds to assist in the purchase of a small bus for the school, based on transportation needs and difficulties especially due to COVID,” Regan said.
COVID-19, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Veteran’s Day 2020

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Several activities are planned for Veteran’s Day 2020 in Fort Scott.
On Nov. 10 there is a reception for veterans at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, National Ave. at Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.
A Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be held on Nov. 11 at 11  A.M. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street
A lunch for vets will follow at VFW Post 1165 on National Avenue.
On Nov. 13, free trolley tours will be provided by Fort Scott Tourism, located at the Chamber of Commerce office on Wall Street.
For more information: 620.670.2750.
The Fort Scott Veteran’s Day Parade starts at 3 p.m. on November 14.
Line-up for parade entries will be at 6th Street and Main Street.
The parade route will go north on Main to Wall, then west to National Avenue, and south back to 6th Street.
This event is sponsored by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
“As a Chamber member, they asked me to be the organizer/coordinator this year,” Diann Tucker said.
“The purpose of the parade is to show our honor and respect to our past and current military and to increase awareness of and the sacrifice for what has been done to maintain the freedom we enjoy each day.”
Virus avoiding steps because of the COVID 19 Pandemic
“We are asking that everyone maintain safe social distancing and wear masks when you cannot,” Tucker said.  ” We want to adhere to all CDC and local guidelines.  This will be an outdoor event and there should be no problem for family units to socially distance themselves from others.  Parade entries will easily be socially distanced from those attending the parade.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott, Health Care

City of Fort Scott Receives SPARK Funds

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Fort Scott City Hall.
The City of Fort Scott has received SPARK grants to help with COVID-19 expenses.
The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK)  Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, with funds distributed from the U.S. Federal Government, according to its website https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/.

Previously,  $9,975 was received for personal protection equipment (PPE)  and cleaning expenses the city incurred since the pandemic began in March 2020, Susan Bancroft, the city’s finance director said.

Susan Bancroft is the City of Fort Scott Finance Director. Submitted photo.

 

In addition, the city received $142,000 on October 9, 2020 to cover the following categories,  according to Bancroft.

 

PPE-$31,500 and Public Health Expenses-$15,000.

 

“Public Safety will receive funding to protect essential workers during the pandemic, as well as address disinfecting several community facilities,” Bancroft said.  “The City of Fort Scott will be purchasing MSA self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for our firefighters, rechargeable Gen Eon Misters to disinfect public areas, air purifiers for several locations, PPE and additional janitorial services.”

 

Economic Support $6,500:

 

“The Coronavirus Pandemic has created a completely different landscape for tourism,” Bancroft said. ” No longer are people interested in going to big cities with crowded venues.  Instead, they are looking to visit towns like Fort Scott where they can get away from those crowded areas.  Specifically, they are interested in getting outdoors.  Fort Scott and Bourbon County are uniquely positioned for this type of activity.  We have a plethora of agritourism businesses that people have greatly enjoyed visiting over the years, such as the Lavender Patch, Black Dogs Farm, Gunn Park Trails, T&C Wildlife, Anderson Elk Ranch and more.  The funds received for economic support will be used for direct mailings, professional photos, drone video, agritourism postcards and brochures and pay per click advertising.”

 

 

Technology costs $89,000:

 

“Travel has become very limited due to COVID-19,” Bancroft said.  “Furthermore, public safety workers need to continue educational training for certification.  These technology funds will enable a training area to be created for this purpose.  Computers for telework, a projector, tables and chairs and a whiteboard will be purchased to create this learning environment.  In addition, in order to reduce the contact when officers are out patrolling, mobile dispatch units, additional computers for telework, and an Ecitation program with printers for records management will be purchased.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Jobs

New Employment Help Center Opens in Old Kress Building, Grocery Store Will Open Soon

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A1 Towing and Moving, Fort Scott, moves shelving into the new grocery store, which will be located in the Old Kress Building, 17 S. Main.

A resource center in the former Kress Building, 17 S. Main is open in downtown Fort Scott.

The center is called the BWERC which stands for Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center.

The first floor is currently being prepared to sell groceries, while the second floor is open for business as a multi-partner center to help with COVID-19 related issues.

 

Downtown Grocery Store

BAJA Investments LLC, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and a  local farm and ranch food cooperative grocery store will be located on the first floor, according to info from Hoener.

BAJA Investments will manage the grocery store that will open sometime in the second half of December 2020, said Bill Michaud, developer for the business. The store is as yet not named, Michaud said on Nov. 3.

The first-floor space will have shelving, coolers and freezers for
local produce and meat.

This will increase access to healthy food,  and make more food available for local food assistance programs, Hoener said.

 

To view a recent story on the grocery store, click below:

New Grocery Store In Downtown Fort Scott Is Coming

 

Employment Related Services

Through a multi-partner collaboration of Bourbon County government , Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center www.pittstatesmallbusiness.com, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce http://fortscott.com/, Fort Scott Community College http://www.fortscott.edu/ , Kansas Works http://sekworks.organd BAJA Investments LLC , the hope is to address the urgent COVID-19 related crisis needs in Bourbon County, according to information provided by Jody Hoener, economic director for the county.

The large room of the B WERKS Center on the second floor of the Old Kress Building in downtown Fort Scott.

 

The building will be used for distance learning and teleworking and also a place for childcare businesses to become legal and thus help in childcare relief during the pandemic, Hoener noted.

A work room in the BWERC Center in the old Kress Building in downtown Fort Scott.

The plan is to give businesses the tools and technical assistance needed for increased  online capabilities and the assistance to
obtain the money needed to sustain their business.

There is also unemployment and job-seeking assistance.

Amy Kauffman, career advisor with KansasWorks sits at a desk in the Kress Building on Nov. 3. KansasWorks helps with job search assistance and employment related services.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Entertainment, Schools

UHS Plans Veteran’s Parade Nov. 11

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Instead of the annual Veteran’s Day assembly at Uniontown High School, a parade has been planned in the town on Wednesday,  November 11 at 2:30 p.m.

The idea came from a conversation between UHS Principal Mike. Reith and UHS History Teacher Hannah Hays.

“Traditionally we host an assembly, but knew that wasn’t an option this year due to COVID,” said Hays.Teacher. “A parade allows us to still recognize our local vets but in an outdoor venue with plenty of space to spread out.”

 

“We don’t have a specific theme, just simply gratitude for their service,” Hays said.

In the parade will be decorated trailers and trucks, the UHS band, local law enforcement and horses as well, she said.

It will take place Wednesday, November 11th at 2:30 in the afternoon.

A photo of the parade route is in the flyer that Hays sent and accompanies this feature.

The route will be around the perimeter of the grade school which sits south of the high school on the towns east side.

“We have invited anybody and everybody to participate in the parade,” Hays said.  “Just as long as they demonstrate an appreciation for our veteran community.”

Patriotically decorated vehicles, flat bed trailers, bikes or horses are invited. Meet at the football stadium at 2 p.m.

Extra parking is located south of the grade school on First Street and community members may line the walking trail, with social distancing in famiy groups.

“We have also invited both UHS and West Bourbon Elementary School students and staff, as well as community members to attend and watch the parade,” she said.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Township and Judges Election Results

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Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

The following is provided by the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office.

These are the results of the township votes, along with the retaining of judges. Also at the bottom of the report are the sales tax question numbers.

Township Trustee DRYWOOD
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Richard Cullison Jr. (REP). . . . . 205
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 4

Township Trustee FREEDOM
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Janice Seested (REP). . . . . . . 221
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1

 

Township Trustee FRANKLIN
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Tony Bradbury (REP) . . . . . . . 145
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 4

Township Trustee MARION
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Steve Geiger (REP) . . . . . . . 478
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1

Township Trustee MILLCREEK
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Yvonne Beck (REP). . . . . . . . 242
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1

Township Trustee MARMATON
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
David Duffey (REP) . . . . . . . 326
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 5

Township Trustee OSAGE
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Brian Wade (DEM) . . . . . . . . 137
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 9

Township Trustee PAWNEE
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Karen A. Endicott-Coyan (REP). . . . 148
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 4

Township Trustee SCOTT
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Jim Sackett (REP). . . . . . . . 1,051
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 13

Township Trustee TIMBERHILL
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Dan Laughlin (REP) . . . . . . . 105
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0

Township Trustee WALNUT
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
NO CANDIDATE FILED . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1 100.00 1 0 0 0

 

Township Treasurer DRYWOOD
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
NO CANDIDATE FILED . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 35

Township Treasurer FREEDOM
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Karen A. Paddock (REP) . . . . . . 215
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1

Township Treasurer FRANKLIN
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
NO CANDIDATE FILED . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 17

Township Treasurer MARION
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Rex Wilson (REP) . . . . . . . . 488
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0

Township Treasurer MILLCREEK
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Betty L. Graham (DEM) . . . . . . 197
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 6 2

Township Treasurer MARMATON
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Wilma K. Graham (DEM) . . . . . . 253
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 25

Township Treasurer OSAGE
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Kathleen Valentine (REP) . . . . . 177
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 2 1\

Township Treasurer PAWNEE
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Sharon Middleton (DEM) . . . . . . 121
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 9 6

Township Treasurer SCOTT
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Harold Rogers (REP) . . . . . . . 1,061
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 6

 

Township Treasurer TIMBERHILL
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
David Scharenberg (REP). . . . . . 106
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0

Township Treasurer WALNUT
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
NO CANDIDATE FILED . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 2 100.00 2 0 0 0

ROSEN
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,589
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,071

WARNER
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,029
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,654

BRUNS
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,186
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,441

ATCHESON
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,541
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,064

BURGER
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,594

NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,006

GARDNER
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,146
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,412

JOHNSON
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,408
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,317

 

WARD
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,435
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,491

MONTGOMERY
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,036
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,439

LEBLANC
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,244
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,540

SALES TAX
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,333
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,934

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Residents Say Yes to Sales Tax

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Voters at the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office.

Bourbon County residents said yes to the sales tax continuance on Nov. 3, 2020.

SALES TAX

YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,333
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,934

 

Republicans won the night in Bourbon County.

 

Provided by the Bourbon County Clerk’s office:

2020 GENERAL ELECTION UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
RUN DATE:11/03/20 09:27 PM REPORT-EL45A PAGE 001

TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY EARLY VOTE PROVISIONAL ADV.GRP 3&4

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 20) . . . . . 20
REGISTERED VOTERS – TOTAL . . . . . 11,943
BALLOTS CAST – TOTAL. . . . . . . 6,579
VOTER TURNOUT – TOTAL . . . . . . 55.09

Presidential Electors For President
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Biden and Harris (DEM) . . . . . . 1,504
Jorgensen and Cohen (LIB) . . . . . 110
Trump and Pence (REP) . . . . . . 4,906
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 25 .38 13 12 0 0

United States Senate
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Barbara Bollier (DEM) . . . . . . 1,653
Jason Buckley (LIB) . . . . . . . 311
Roger Marshall (REP). . . . . . . 4,516
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 7

United States House of Representativ
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Michelle De La Isla (DEM) . . . . . 1,456
Robert Garrard (LIB). . . . . . . 281
Jake LaTurner (REP) . . . . . . . 4,727
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 8

Kansas Senate, 13th District DISTRICT 13
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Richard Hilderbrand (REP) . . . . . 2,978
Nancy J. Ingle (DEM). . . . . . . 1,213
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 6

Kansas Senate, 12th District DISTRICT 12
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Mike Bruner (DEM). . . . . . . . 417
Caryn Tyson (REP). . . . . . . . 1,793
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 7

Kansas House of Representatives, 2nd DISTRICT 2
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Kenneth Collins (REP) . . . . . . 466
Lynn D. Grant (DEM) . . . . . . . 94
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 2

Kansas House of Representatives, 4th DISTRICT 4
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Trevor Jacobs (REP) . . . . . . . 4,149
Bill Meyer (DEM) . . . . . . . . 1,717
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 3

 

County Commissioner DISTRICT 2
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Jim Harris (REP) . . . . . . . . 2,292
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 98

County Commissioner DISTRICT 3
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Clifton Beth (REP) . . . . . . . 1,268
Phillip G. Hoyt (DEM) . . . . . . 391
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 6 .

County Clerk
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Kendell Dawn Mason (REP) . . . . . 4,977
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1,123

County Treasurer
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Patty Love (REP) . . . . . . . . 5,889
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 130

County Register of Deeds
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Lora Holdridge (REP). . . . . . . 5,881
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 59

County Attorney
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Jacqie Spradling (REP) . . . . . . 5,596
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 105

County Sheriff
(VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ) 1
Mike Feagins (DEM) . . . . . . . 2,043
Bill Martin (REP). . . . . . . . 4,338
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 65

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

U235 Receives SPARK Funds To Clean Schools, Technology, Extra Staff and Help Bring Health Clinic to Town

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Uniontown High School.
USD 235, Uniontown’s school district, is the recipient of two SPARK grants.
The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, with funds distributed from the U.S. Federal Government.

The first USD235  grant is a collaborative project to bring a medical clinic to Uniontown.
“The collaborative project in the amount of $88,000 was for the rural health clinic in our old board of education building,” USD235 Superintendent Brett Howard said.  “The collaboration is between Girard Hospital, the Uniontown Ruritan Club, and USD 235.  The $88,000 will be used for remodeling the building into a rural health clinic.  The Uniontown Ruritan Club and Girard Hospital are working together and USD 235 is leasing the building to Girard Hospital for the Health Clinic.”
The building for the medical clinic is south of the Uniontown High School Football Field.
USD 235 also received $102,000 in SPARK funds, for a heating/air conditioning purification system, technology, and an extra custodian.
 “Those funds are being used to install an IWave purification system in our HVAC system,” Howard said. “IWave kills mold, bacteria, viruses, reduces odors, and even reduces allergens and static electricity. It requires no maintenance and has no harmful byproducts, safely cleaning the air in schools.”
“We are also purchasing technology for our teachers to help them work with our students who have chosen the remote learning option or who are quarantining and working from home during their quarantine,” he said.
Rose Gauthier’s kindergarten class could view each other on Zoom during lesson time in spring 2020 when the district was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submitted photo.
“The money will also be used to purchase cleaning supplies and help pay for an extra custodian to clean buses and transportation vehicles,” Howard said.
Bourbon County, Church news

Ken Ansell: New Pastor at First Baptist and Cherry Grove Baptist Churches

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First Baptist Church, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Ken Ansell,56, is the new pastor at First Baptist Church in Fort Scott and Cherry Grove Baptist Church, Garland.

Cherry Grove Baptist Church, Garland. Submitted photo.

He is called to the churches to preach, counsel, equip, teach, servant-lead, and shepherd, he said.

Ansell has been in the full-time ministry for 20 years, serving at churches in Hereford, Waxahachie, Rockdale and Linden, Texas.

His hometown is Rockdale, Texas.

Ansell is married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer and they have four adult children.

His tie to this area is his family.

Ansell’s parents were born in Iola and they still have family there and in Oswego, he said.

 

Why did you pursue this career?

“The ministry is kind of a second career,” Answll said.  “God called me to the ministry after a successful career in business and a not so successful career in farming (ha).”

“God put southeast Kansas on our hearts and Jennifer saw the two churches we serve were looking for a pastor on the Baylor-Truett Seminary website and here we are,” he said.

In his spare time, he plays tennis, golf, likes to fly fish,  run, and “I like to spend time with Jennifer and drink coffee,” he said.

Jennifer and Ken Ancell. Submitted photo.

About The Churches

First Baptist Church and Cherry Grove Baptist Church formed Cherry Grove/First Baptist Ministry Coalition in 2017  to meet the needs of both churches as they were seeking a new pastor at that time, according to information sent by Rita Tiegreen and Glenda Lalman, members of First Baptist.

 

Pastor Ken Ansell is the pastor for both churches.

 

“We are excited to have our new pastor,” Tiegreen said.  “Pastor Ken Ansell began his ministry with us on October 19th.  We are blessed to have him and his wife, Jennifer here with us.”

 

First Baptist Church is currently holding the following open services using safety guidelines:

11 AM Sunday worship service

11 AM Sunday Children’s Church

6:30 PM Wednesday night Youth Group

 

The church is  hoping to open up our Sunday School very soon, according to Tiegreen and Lalman.

 

The office hours are limited at this time.

” If someone needs to contact the church office, they may call 620-223-3080 and leave a message if there is no answer,” they said. “We will get back to you as soon as possible.”

 

First Baptist Church will once again be a drop-off center for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes this year.

Collection Week is November 16-23.

The hours are:

Monday – Wednesday (16th-18th) 3 PM – 6 PM

Thursday-Friday (19th-20th) 4 PM – 6 PM

Saturday (21st)  10 AM – Noon

Sunday (22nd) 2 PM – 4 PM

Monday (23rd) 8 AM – 10 AM

If questions,  call 620-223-3080 and leave a message.

 

The church’s community outreach program is still active as they reach out to various organizations to supply needed items, the two said.

 

Cherry Grove Baptist Church is located at Hwy. 69 south and Calvary Road.

Their weekly schedule is:

9:15 am Worship Service

10:30 Sunday School

6:00 pm Bible Study

 

 

Pastor Ken Ansell can be reached at 972-921-4221.