Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

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Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.

He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

 

Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.

She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a  focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.

She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.

Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo

Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024  but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”

2023 Accomplishments:

  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
  • Completion of Cooper Street
  • Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
  • Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
  • Gunn Park Campground area improvements
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair
  • The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
  • 2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
  • Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
  • Approvement of 2nd Phase of  City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
  • Pothole and crack sealing program
  • Established “street repair” crew
  • Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
  • Assignment of Baker Tilley,  a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
  • Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
  • Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
  • Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
  • Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
  • Several street and water line repairs
  • Bringing back the Community Development position
  • UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
  • Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
  • New Christmas “swags” for downtown
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
  • Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium

 

What’s Up in 2024:

  • Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City  area to promote Fort Scott
  • 2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
  • Horton Street project
  • Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
  • Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
  • Gunn Park sewer project
  • 2” water line replacement program
  • Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
  • Two additional police cars were purchased
  • Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
  • Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
  • Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
  • Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
  • Improved housing initiatives
  • Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
  • Contractor licensing completed and implemented
  • Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
  • City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
  • Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
  • Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
  • Additional water sources researched
  • Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
  • Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
  • 25th Street rebuilt
  • School speed signs installed on Margrave and National

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor: Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year

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Governor Kelly Announces Grocery Shoppers Can Expect an Additional $150M in Tax Relief in 2024

~~Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that in 2024, consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2% will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach, we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025.”

After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. By the end of 2024, it is projected that shoppers will have saved more than half a billion dollars in sales tax on groceries over the two years the reduction has been in place.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

The reduction to the 2% state sales tax on qualifying items goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

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Opinion

What Kind of a Wait-er Are You by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Are you a considerate “wait-er”?  Not like the person who takes your restaurant order, but one who is asked to demonstrate patience?  Think of traffic jams. Lengthy red lights when no car is in sight.  Standing in a return line after Christmas. Unnecessary, college requirements in order to graduate. Impulsive credit card debt as opposed to saving money for a purchase. Writing off a potential friendship because of a bad first impression.

If you’re like me, your patience is constantly tested. Think, the grocery store line.  You choose the shortest one and watch everyone in the longer lines get out the door before you.  This is a regular occurrence for me.  My line always seems to be the one in which the customer argues about the price or has expired coupons or whose debit card is denied.  I wouldn’t mind it if they made eye contact and said they were sorry, but they seem oblivious to me tapping my toes or clearing my throat or semi-whispering, “Seriously???!!!”

We impatient types do not accept that this “now” moment is a teachable one but focus only on what is ahead.

The article “Exploring Your Mind” listed eight consequences of impatience.  Two came as a shock: (1) it causes obesity (because you eat impulsively) and (2) it speeds up the aging process by weakening the telomeres, structures that protect DNA from breaking down so the signs of aging appear. (In other words, if I don’t get my impatience under control, I will become fat and wrinkly.)

I make rash decisions with less-than-desirable consequences. Volunteering to help where I am not qualified.  Purchasing a car that cannot handle our town’s brick streets.  Becoming involved in a friendship that zaps my energy.  Defending someone without knowing both sides of the story. When I am impatient, I expect God to answer my prayers…Now!

The crazy thing is, being too patient also can be problematic.  I know people who are patient to a fault. (I do not fall into this category.) They cannot make a decision and miss out on great sales/ job opportunities. They spend too much time weighing their options for wonderful friendships or a loving relationship. They delay seeing a doctor until the prognosis is a deadly one.

Let’s face it.  We all are called to be a patient “wait-er.”  In the Bible, we read in the Old Testament of the Israelites waiting hundreds of years for the Messiah to appear, and as Christians, we also wait expectantly for that same Messiah to return to earth for the final days before eternal judgment begins.  In the meantime, we are to find the balance necessary between impatience and patience, to enjoy our journey and not waste the “now” in our lives.

Sounds like a perfect New Years’ Eve Resolution, don’t you think?

 

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meeting Agenda for January 3, 2024

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The monthly Bourbon County Coalition Meeting will be on January 3, 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments.  If unable to attend and have an announcement, send it to Billie Jo Drake to share.

Please be thinking about future programs that could be scheduled; bring ideas to the meeting!

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

January 3, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  Tess Watson, bed project

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 7, 2024.

 

 

Government, Kansas

There is a Resource for Residents Seeking Info on Legislative Matters

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Kansans encouraged to call, chat, or email the State Library’s Legislative Hotline

TOPEKA –As the beginning of the 2024 legislative draws near, the State Library of Kansas reminds Kansans of the dedicated Legislative Hotline, an ongoing resource for residents seeking information about state legislation or legislative matters. Staffed by experienced librarians, this hotline serves as a trustworthy point of contact.

Residents can inquire about various topics, such as:

  • Identifying their legislators
  • Accessing legislator contact information
  • Checking the status of specific bills
  • Understanding the legislative process
  • Locating historical information
  • Other inquiries related to Kansas government

“Finding timely and accurate information about state government can be challenging, yet is critical to ensuring that Kansans can engage with their elected officials on the issues that matter the most to them,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By reaching out to the legislative hotline, Kansans can get the information they need from trusted librarians.”

Kansans can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

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Obituary

Obituary of Harvey Green

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Harvey Preston Green Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated community member passed away on December 25, 2023, at his home in Shawnee, Kansas. He was born on May 14, 1935, in Licking, MO, to Charles and Martha Green.

 

Harvey was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Fred Andrew Green, Arngie Green, Delphia Dodson, Melba Cooper, Albert Green, Charlie Green, Bessie Morgan, and Melvin Green. He was also preceded in death by three children: Debra Jones, Ida Rene Davis, and Timothy Green. Despite the sorrow of losing his siblings and three children, Harvey leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength.

 

Harvey is survived by six children: Darlene Atkinson, Robert Green, Karen Winters, Janice Zickefoose, Harvey Green Jr., and Susan Leichter. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

In his early years, Harvey served with honor in the United States Army, showcasing his commitment to duty and country. Following his military service, he utilized his skills as a maintenance technician, working across the country. Harvey’s dedication to learning was evident as he earned two Associate’s degrees, one as an insurance adjuster and the other in HVAC. Harvey was a proud Shriner and a member of the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge in Fort Scott, Kansas. His commitment to service extended to his role as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, where he also contributed as the editor of the assisted living newsletter, “The Spade.”

 

A man of many talents and passions, Harvey enjoyed playing musical instruments, spending quality time with his family and friends, and expressing himself through writing. Recently, he dedicated his time to serving as the President of the resident group at the Homestead of Shawnee, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

 

Harvey’s love story with Wilma Jo Green, whom he was married to for 33 years, was a central part of his life. In a final tribute to their enduring love, Harvey was laid to rest in the Clarksburg Cemetery, next to Wilma.

 

A memorial service to celebrate Harvey’s life will be held at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

Following the service, a family meal will be served at the Cheney Witt Carriage House at 301 S. Main in Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

Harvey Preston Green Sr. will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and contributions but also for the love and warmth he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends.

 

Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

New Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.

A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.

‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”

“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”

This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.

The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.

The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.

It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.

Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,”  Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction

 

The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.

“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”

Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January

“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”

“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said.  “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design.  Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”

A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.

“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.

The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.

“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”

“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”

The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”

There are more phases to the project.

“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said.  “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”

 

The pavilion committee consists of:

Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells

 

Obituary

Obituary of Fred Large

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Fredrick Dale Large left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2023, at the age of 61. Fred was born May 3, 1962, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Merle Eugene Large and Dorothy Mae Wiley Large.

Fred attended school in Ft. Scot, Kansas and Meredosia, Illinois. Fred has dealt with health problems since he was three years old. He has now been made whole; there is no more pain and suffering. Everyone who knew and loved Fred will always remember how much he loved working outside. He kept many lawns in Ft. Scott looking very nice until his health began declining a few years ago. They will also remember him as an inspiration because he never gave up. Doctors have been amazed that he hadn’t left us several years ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and battling epilepsy at the same time.

Fred will be missed. He will also be remembered for his charming smile and infectious laugh; you always knew you were going to get a chuckle when you were around him.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Dianna Brown (Russ) of Auxvasse, Missouri, Curtis Large (Tammy) of Beardstown, Illinois, Joyce Mills (Robert) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gena Surratt, of Meredosia, Illinois and Chuck Large (Beth) also of Meredosia, Illinois. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Jim Brown of Ft. Scott, Kansas, step-grandmother, Enid Large of Ft. Scott, two aunts, Ruby Brown of Duenweg, Missouri and Marie Wiley of Ft. Scott as well as many nieces, nephews, step-aunt and uncles and his beloved companion, his dog, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Large and Dorothy Large Hofman, a sister, Susan Brown, a brother, Thomas Large and brother-in-law, James R. Surratt and a nephew, Aaron Brown.

There was cremation. Burial will take place at a later date in the West Liberty Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Exercise, Government, Kansas

Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park

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Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.

“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:

  • Water
  • Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).

First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.

For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tops Nation in Economic Growth Over Fall 2023 

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~~Kansas’ Economic Growth Was #1 in the Nation in the 3rd Quarter of 2023,
#2 in the Nation in the 2nd Quarter~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%.

“This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.”

The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas.

Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas.

Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.

Bourbon County Local News