Business

Westar Energy Recognized as 2019 Best Employer

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Westar Energy was recently recognized as one of America’s Best Employers for 2019 by Forbes.

In partnership with market research group, Statisa, Forbes surveyed 50,000 Americans working for companies with 1,000 or more employees. Participants rated how likely they’d be to recommend their employer to other job seekers. Participants also nominated other employers in their industry. Forbes used this information to create a list of the best large and midsize companies. Westar was recognized in the midsize category.

“We work every day to create a culture of engagement and inclusion, where our employees can grow and succeed. We’re grateful to be recognized by Forbes as a top employer,” said Jerl Banning, senior vice president and chief people officer.

Career opportunities can be found at www.westarenergy.com/careers-overview.

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About KCP&L and Westar Energy:

Serving approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Young Entrepreneur: Brian Griffin

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A wall inside Brian Griffin’s bike repair facility, Brian’s Backyard Bike Shop, located on Judson Street. Submitted photo.

This is the first in a series featuring young people who found a need and are seeking to fill it with a business venture.

To nominate local young entrepreneurs, send name, phone number/email to [email protected].

Brian Griffin: Bike Fixer

Fort Scott High School Student Brian Griffin, 16, loves all things bicycles.

Brian Griffin works on repairing a bike at his shop. Submitted photo.

” I began fixing bikes because I love bikes, I love to ride, build trails, tinker with bikes, ” Griffin said.  “I’ve even built three bikes from the frame up! It helps me relax in such a stressful world.”

“My training/ experience started at a young age of around eight, fixing chains, airing up tires and other basic stuff,” he said. “I didn’t really get into the hard depths of the hundreds of small parts and how to fix, replace, and maintain them until late 2017, thanks to the help of Frank Halsey and other bicycle enthusiasts!”

 

A business idea came from Halsey.

 “The idea first came to mind by a good friend and mentor Frank Halsey,” Griffin said. “He and I were talking back in the summer of 2017, about an operation to get small kid’s bikes going to make sure kids are on their bikes having fun, instead of finding trouble. I started to buy tools and extra parts and advertising that I’ll fix kid’s bikes for free, which is still in effect.”
Brian Griffin works on a repair with a youth. Submitted photo.
“Last year I came up with the name,” Griffin said. “Brian’s Back yard Bike shop or the Triple B. I chose this name because I started in my back yard. I have since upgraded to my own section of the building.”
Brian’s Backyard Bike Shop
“There are several ways that people can get in contact with me if they wish to do so,” Brian said. “My phone number is (620)215-2247. Or my Facebook page Brian’s Backyard Bike Shop. I’ll also have an Instagram for the shop soon!”
“Thankfully I’m conveniently placed only a few blocks (on Judson Street) away from some of the finest mountain bike trails in Kansas, at Gunn Park,” he said. “So if any anyone has trouble, I could even bring some of my bike shop to them!”
Editor’s note: I recently needed my bike repaired and Brian Griffin did an excellent job-Loretta George
Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Symbols of Sacrifice Memorial At FSNHS This Weekend

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Symbols of Sacrifice event. Submitted photo.

Update: This is an all weather event. Programs will move indoors in case of inclement weather.

Thousands of American flags will be displayed in a Field of Honor at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in what is called Symbols of Sacrifice.

Fort Scott National Historic Site will be hosting “Symbols of Sacrifice” this Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 24 through, Monday, May 27.

We encourage community members and organizations to join the park in placing the flags Friday morning beginning at 9 am.

There will be guided tours daily at 11 am and 1 pm.

All weekend at 2:30 pm, we will have special programs.

Saturday will discuss the Mexican American War;

Sunday, the Civil War -A Most Diverse Army;

and Monday, a special Memorial Day program followed by a Moment of Silence at 3 pm.

Saturday, May 25 at 4 pm, Ralph Carlson and Arnold Schofield will present “The Vacant Chair” followed by musicians performing a special concert of patriotic music.

“The approximately 7,000 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

To find out more and to become involved, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

Area News, Fort Scott

American Legion Post 25 Awards

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At the recently concluded Department of Kansas Convention this last weekend, Post 25 received five awards. 
Submitted by Carl Jowers
Post 25 received the Kenneth L Young Membership Award for having the highest membership percentage in the Department of Kansas  by February 1, 2019. Our percentage at that date was 131.37. We currently stand at 157% as of last Friday.
Another award that Post 25 received was the Team 100 Post Excellence Award. Only two Kansas Posts received this award signed by National Legion Commander Brett Reistad. This award is for Posts that have taken the time to conduct programs in their local community that displays their “Devotion to Mutual Helpfulness.” This is the second year in a row that Thompson-Harkey Post 25 has received this award.
I received the Post Commander of the Year Award as Post 25 had the highest membership percentage in the state plus, thanks to Adjutant Ken Lyon, all required paperwork was submitted to Department by the due date.
We also received the 100% Post Reporting Award for submitting all required reports by the due date. This award was made possible by Adjutant Ken Lyon diligently staying on top of required reports and their due dates.
Another award was in recognition for the chartering of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25. 
 
When I came up to the dais to accept the Membership Award, the Department Commander stated to the members in attendance that just a few years ago Fort Scott had been written off as a Post on the verge of extinction, but has made a tremendous comeback. All Post 25 members should  know that had it not been for Ken Lyon, Post 25 would have turned in its charter a few years back. Ken found a member, Arnold Schofield, to step up as Post Commander and keep the Post alive until a new generation of Legionnaires could be recruited to revitalize Post 25.  The torch has been passed. It is now up to us to continue making Post 25 a viable community asset through programs for Veterans and children and youth.
Additional Convention Notes:
 
The new Department Commander is Chuck Shoemaker, Shawnee Post
The new Department Vice Commander is Marri Krupco, Blue Mound Post.
The new 2nd District Vice Commander is Myra Jowers of our own Fort Scott Post.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda May 20 Special Meeting

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 20, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

3:00-Special Meeting-Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Government, Kansas

Disturbance At Juvenile Facility in Topeka

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No injuries during disturbance at juvenile facility

 

A disturbance by 10 teens Sunday evening at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC), Topeka, resulted in property damage in three living units.

 

An investigation, being led by the Kansas Department of Correction’s Enforcement’s Apprehension and Investigation Unit, has yet to identify the amount of property damage caused by the 10 juvenile males ranging in age from 17-19 or the reason for the incident.

 

“This isn’t normal for our facility, the fact that no injuries occurred is a credit to the professionalism and response of our staff,” said Randy Bowman, Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Services.

 

Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, the state’s only juvenile correctional facility, has a population of 167.

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

Sendoff FSHS Tiger Baseball May 22

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FSHS Tiger Baseball
Sendoff to State!
Join along the route!
Decorate your home or business!
See information below.
Sendoff Details
Wednesday, May 22nd, 9:30am
Celebrate the successful season and wish the Tiger Baseball team good luck at the State Tournament! Join us on Main Street between
3rd St. and Wall St. this Wednesday, May 22nd.
The bus will leave the LaRoche Complex
at 9:30am and travel 69 Highway to 3rd St.,
down Main St. to Wall St. and then take Wall St. back to the highway.
This team will be representing our community, so let’s send them off in style!
NOTE:
A limited number of signs and noisemakers will be available at the Heritage Park Pavilion @ 1st & Main St. starting at 9am. We encourage any businesses along the route to show their Tiger Pride as well by decorating their windows, hanging a FS Tiger flag, etc.
Click here for Facebook event.
Click here for FSHS Tiger Baseball FB page.
Game/Tournament Details
Thursday, May 23rd, 11am
The 4A State Baseball Tournament
will be held May 23rd and 24th in Salina.
The Fort Scott Tigers are the #1 seed
and will open the tournament vs. Piper at
11am on Thursday, May 23rd.
Click here for a link to the bracket.
Go Tigers!
Visit www.kombfm.com and click Fort Scott TV to watch the game live or tune in by radio to KOMB FM 103.9.
Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Effective Leadership Training June 4

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REMINDER:
TEAM 2.0
Effective Leadership for First Line Managers and Supervisors
How to Build Engagement,
Reduce Conflict,
and Increase Cooperation
A Bill Drury Seminar, hosted by the
Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
8am to noon
“EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR FIRST LINE MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS”
This workshop will help your business go to the next level of teamwork and cooperation.
To register for this seminar, click HERE.
Register by 5/28 for $149/person.
Discount for 5 or more, $129/person
After 5/28, $169/person
Discount for 5 or more $149/person
Empress Event Center
7 N. Main St., Fort Scott
Tuesday, June 4th,2019
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(parking in front and back entrances)
The speaker, Bill Drury, has received rave reviews from over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. He has delivered over 2,000 presentations in the last 20 years.
This half-day workshop is a continuation of last year’s seminar hosted by the Chamber,
“A Passion For Service”.
Don’t miss this opportunity
to rev up your company’s sales/growth engine!
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Livestock Judging Camp June 11, 12

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2019 Livestock Judging Camp

Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on

picture of a mentor observing a student who is judging the quality of sheep.

The Fort Scott Community College Livestock Judging Camp is designed to help students with livestock evaluation and oral reasons skills.

At the conclusion of this camp, students should not only be more comfortable in their presentation, but they should be provided with current transitions and phrases.

We will encourage students to improve on every set of reasons while also providing a fun learning environment.  This should be an enjoyable get away for campers.

*The sign-up deadline is June 1st* Please complete the attached information page with the names of the campers attending and send it back via mail or email.

 

TWO SESSIONS:
Beginners’ Session: $50
Check In: Tuesday, June 11th @ 9:00 a.m.
Check Out: Tuesday, June 11th @ 4:00 p.m.
Check in Location: Ellis Fine Arts Center
The beginners’ session is meant for younger kids that need to start with the basic evaluation techniques.  This one day session should help kids to understand livestock selection criteria while also learning the basic oral reasons format.

 

Complete Session: $175
Check In: Wednesday, June 12th 1:00 p.m.
Check Out: Friday, June 14th 11:30 a.m.
Check In Location: Boileau Hall (Dormitory)
This session is intended for students who want to improve their oral reasons skills and terminology.  We will focus on format, presentation, voice, transitions, and phrases.  Campers will stay for 2 nights in the dorms with meals included.  They will need to provide general bedding (blankets & pillows).

 

To download the registration form, click here.

 

Blake Davis
Phone:  (870) 335-8449
Email: [email protected]
Location: 2108 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701

Uncategorized

City Office Closed May 27

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th, 2019 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 28th, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, May 25th, 2019 for the Memorial Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Bourbon County Local News