Art, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at the Empress Event Center July 25

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Hosted by:

Bourbon County E-Community
Location:

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.
Thursday, July 25, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
August 1 – OPEN – CALL TO SCHEDULE
August 8 – State Farm/Meeks Law Firm (RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY TO FOLLOW)
August 15 – Craw-Kan
August 22 – Ascension Via Christi Fort Scott

Obituary

Obituary of Maxine Harris

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Maxine Harris

Maxine Harris, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, July 22, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born May 23, 1933, in Greenfield, Missouri, the daughter of William B. Cagle and Effie Norris Cagle. Maxine graduated from the Lockwood, Missouri High School.

She married David Donald Harris, on May 27, 1950, at Greenfield. They later moved to Ft. Scott. Maxine worked in the shipping department for Key Industries for over thirty years. In earlier years, she attended the Nazarene Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and going to garage sales.

Survivors include her daughter, Ludean Evans and husband, Gene; her son, Jim Harris and wife, Susie, all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Jenny Pryor, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Matthew Harris (Tera) and Mark Harris and six great-grandchildren, Ericah, Zack, Jarrett, Kyra, Hayden and Luke. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Faye Cagle of Jay, Oklahoma and Cleo Cagle of Ft. Scott. Her husband, David, preceded her in death on March 30, 1987.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Don Harris and two brothers, Richard and Carl Cagle.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Government, Kansas

Angel Investor Tax Credit Application Fee Reduced

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Secretary David Toland reduces fee for businesses seeking Angel Investors

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that he has reduced the application fee for businesses seeking to participate in the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.

After reducing the application fee from $750 to $500 in February, the Kansas Department of Commerce reduced the fee further to $250, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through August 31.

The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.

“The Angel program exists to support small start-up businesses, so it didn’t make sense to charge an application fee that put the program out of reach to the very businesses seeking help,” Toland said. “This is a straightforward, business-friendly move that we hope will encourage more start-ups to apply and make it easier for Kansans to invest in promising new businesses.”

The KAITC Program is designed to bring together accredited “angel” investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act is to help facilitate:

  • The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
  • The creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job- and wealth-creating enterprises.

Applications for certification are accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.

Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:

  • The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
  • In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
  • Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
  • The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
  • The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
  • The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
  • The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
  • The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
  • Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit.

For more information, visit kansasangels.com or contact:

Rachéll Rowand

(785) 296-3345 Office

(785) 207-4755 Mobile

[email protected]

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Flagship Romance July 26

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REMINDER: Get your tickets now! Seating is limited!
Flagship Romance
performing music from their new album “Concentric”
at Liberty Theatre Patio
Friday, July 26th at 8 p.m.
Flagship Romance
will be performing music from their
new album, “Concentric”
at the Liberty Theatre Patio,
113 S. Main St.
Friday, July 26 from 8-10pm
Tickets $10
To purchase tickets, text or call:
Deb 620-224-8650
Terri 620-224-7221
Kate 620-224-4442
Watch a Flagship Romance video
by clickingHERE.
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC plans to renovate Bailey Hall with generous contribution

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Fort Scott Community College was established on the second floor of the Fort Scott High School in 1919. In 1967, FSCC rehoused onto 150-acres of land in what was called the Academic Building with 581 students enrolled. FSCC continued to expand, adding buildings throughout the years as enrollment numbers grew. In 2011, the Academic Building was renamed to Bailey Hall after Robert and Sylvia Bailey, both former Greyhounds.

Bailey Hall, being the original and oldest building on campus, is due for some renovations and FSCC plans to start putting a plan in action after a generous contribution from Robert and Sylvia Bailey who also encourage other to contribute to the cause:

“We feel strongly that those of us who are financially able should contribute to FSCC, a ‘jewel’ that is making a critical impact on the Fort Scott and Bourbon County economy. FSCC permits large numbers of young people to build the skills required to get good paying jobs immediately. And for those who want a four-year degree, FSCC enables students to fulfill the first two years of college study at a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions. Students simply do not need to run up huge debts to get a good education. FSCC is the biggest bargain in higher education. I found in my own career that my first two years at FSCC were never a handicap and may well have served as an advantage to this poor Garland farm boy”, says Robert Bailey.

Funds will be placed in reserves until enough funds are accumulated for the full renovation project of Bailey Hall.

“The generous gift from our faithful supporters, Robert and Sylvia Bailey, has a huge impact on our students by providing the funds for a quality educational environment. We are very humbled to have Bob and Sylvia as FSCC alumni, and we will work hard to honor their donation by strategically using the funds to improve our teaching and learning environment”, says President of FSCC, Alysia Johnston.

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Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Government, Jobs

Business Incubator: Offering Office Space to Entrepreneurs/Professionals To Start Up

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The new Bourbon County Business Incubator offices  are located in the old SRS Building at 108 W. Second Street, Fort Scott.

A business incubator is being developed by Bourbon County to attract new entrepreneurs and professionals back to the area.

What is a business incubator?

It is a facility established to nurture young, startup firms during their early months or years, according to businessdictionary.com. It can provide affordable space, shared offices and services, hands-on management training, marketing support and, often, access to some form of financing.

“The business incubator is still under development,” Bourbon County’s Economic Director Jody Hoenor, said. “But is available… it’s a county-wide service.”

“The vision is to have a workspace for a professional business, someone who needs office space,” she said. “The first six months are free, then rent is negotiable. The maximum stay is two years.”

“The point is to get their business up and going without initial opening costs,” she said

Skilled professionals such as web designers, architects, and lawyers. for example, who want to start a business, are the target for the incubator.

Retail would not be appropriate for the space, she said.

“Shane Walker (Bourbon County Information Technology) and Justin Meeks (Bourbon County Counselor) have been working on this before I started in October 2018,” Hoenor said.

There are six office spaces available, one with a reception area attached.

The largest of the offices shown by Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor is 11 feet by 23 feet. The other offices are smaller, but each has a window.

There is a lobby, conference room, kitchen space and bathroom that goes with the office spaces, and includes high-speed internet access.

Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor opens the door to the reception area, next to the largest office space available for skilled professionals to start up a business.

Hoenor can be reached at 210 S National Ave.,

Fort Scott, KS 66701, or 1-620-223-3800 or

1-620-215-5725 Mobile, or

www.bourboncountyks.org

 

Bourbon County repurposed the building at 108 W. Second Street, just west of the courthouse. Years ago it housed the Social and Rehabilitation Services offices, most recently the Bourbon County Attorney had an office there until that office was moved to the second floor of the courthouse.

Currently, the building is being used also by the community corrections office and the driver’s license bureau.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Health Care, Kansas, Mercy Hospital

NPR Hospital Closings In Small Towns

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Sarah Jane Tribble, of National Public Radio, published this to her Facebook page.

She has been publishing stories on Fort Scott’s Mercy Hospital closing.

No Mercy: What Happens When A Rural Hospital Closes?
Here & There Host Dave Marash and I spent an thoughtful hour discussing No Mercy and rural hospital closures for his radio show on KSFR Sante Fe Public Radio. Listen here: https://davemarash.com/2019/07/22/sarah-jane-tribble-kaiser-health-hospital-closings-in-small-towns/
Government, Kansas

Governor Appointments Update

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Governor’s Appointments Pass Senate Oversight Committee

 

The Kansas Senate Oversight Committee Monday approved Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Shawnee, to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Herman Jones, Berryton, as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with other appointments to state boards and agencies.

 

“I appreciate the Senate committee’s action in approving the appointments of Kansans who are all well qualified and committed to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s truly an outstanding group, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in helping to move our state forward.”

 

Burns-Wallace was the Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kansas, and also served as the assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford University.

 

Before working in education, Burns-Wallace worked for the U.S. Department of State as a management officer in the foreign service in China, South Africa and Washington D.C., experience she says helped prepare her for her new role at the Department of Administration.

 

“Managing a foreign mission for the U.S. government is a complex set of challenges that touch on logistics, construction, budgeting, HR – these issues also line up closely to the mission of the Department of Administration,” Burns-Wallace said. “I’m excited to start working on some of these issues for the State of Kansas.”

 

Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Herman Jones began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Emporia Police Department. He then served as a state trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1982 to 1992. Later, he was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

He returned to the Kansas Highway Patrol as the director of administration from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he became Undersheriff of Shawnee County, and later was appointed Shawnee County Sheriff in April 2012, elected in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.

Jones is a graduate of Emporia State University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

“I’m honored to be Governor Kelly’s choice to serve in this important law enforcement position,” Jones said. “I’ve dedicated my career to public safety and take great pride in working with the men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol to strengthen our agency and improve public safety across Kansas.”

Additionally, the following appointments by the governor were approved Monday by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee:

 

  • Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, Shellaine (Shelly) Kiblinger, Cherryvale, and Jonathan Rolph, Wichita; Kansas Board of Regents

 

  • Emily Hill, Lawrence, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

 

  • Earl Lewis, Topeka, director, Kansas Water Office

 

  • Constance Owen, Overland Park, chair, Kansas Water Authority

 

  • Joni Franklin, Wichita, Jonathan Gilbert, Dodge City, and Michael Ryan, Junction City; Public Employee Relations Board

 

  • Doug Jorgensen, Topeka, State Fire Marshal

 

  • Kelly Kultala, Basehor, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

 

  • Kala Loomis, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency

 

  • Stephen Durrell, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas Lottery

 

  • Catherine Moyer, Ulysses, and Kenneth (Ed) Trimmer, Winfield; Kansas Lottery Commission

 

The appointments approved Monday by the Senate Oversight Committee will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Library Con Winners

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Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
LibraryCon event was held on July 20, from 10 am – 2 pm at Fort Scott Public Library.
A number of contests, trivias, workshops, etc. were held but these two contests were among the highlights of the day:
 
The first, which began at 10:30 am, was Children’s Literature Trivia, led by Susan Messer. Six people participated. The winner, Jayce Warner, received a prize, trophy, and promise of having his photo and name sent to local news outlets.
 
The second, which began at 11:30 am, was Sports Trivia, led by Professor Allen Twitchell. One person participated. The winner, Brenda Buehler, received the same prizes as the Children’s Lit Trivia contest.
 
At 12:45 pm, we held our first costume contest. First, six kids in the ages 0-11 years category showed off their costumes.
Our judges: Angela Bin, Allen Twitchell, and Brenda Buehler, chose Madalynn Miner as the Best Costume winner in that category.
Next, three teens in the ages 12-17 years category paraded their costumes before the judges, and Jo Goodbody was declared the winner.
Finally, one adult (also a volunteer earlier in the event), Taylor Qualls, entered and won in the ages 18+ years category.
The judges also awarded a prize to Kaylee Cannon, age 9, for Most Unique Costume, Brooklyn Miner, age 10, for Funniest Costume, and Kimberly McBoon, age 7, for Most Beautiful Costume.
Each winner received a prize, trophy, and promise of having their photo and name sent to local news outlets. They are also featured in a post on the library Facebook page. 
Submitted photos.
Trivia Winners
Children’s Literature Trivia: Jayce Warner
Sports Trivia: Brenda Buehler
Costume Contest Winners
Best Costume, Ages 0-11: Madalynn Miner as “Little Red Riding Hood”
Best Costume, Ages 12-17: Jo Goodbody as “The King”
Best Costume, Ages 18+: Taylor Qualls as “Belle”
Most Unique Costume: Kaylee Cannon as “Joy” from Inside Out
Funniest Costume: Brooklyn Miner as “The Big Bad Wolf Dressed as Granny”
Most Beautiful Costume: Kimberly McBoon as “Belle”.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 2

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July 2, 2019                                                    Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Jim Harris reported that they have been paving on Condensory (235th), he said the new paver is doing a great job. He said they are saving money by using the new paver verses the old. He estimated that by the end of the next paving season the material savings will pay for the cost of the new paver. He said they should be done working in this area tomorrow and will be moving the equipment to Mapleton once completed. After the work at Mapleton is completed, they plan to start working in the Industrial Park. Jeff complimented the professionalism of the work done on Condensory Road.

Dale Arnold met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; he reported a washed out area on 2nd Street.

Jim Harris discussed an Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer that will be needed when work is done in the Industrial Park, on the bridge on Condensory Road and on 215th; he said it is $3,500/month to rent and $20,200 to purchase the machine. After discussion, Jeff made a motion to purchase the new Asphalt/Rock John Deere Cold Plainer with a 30” cut for $20,200, Nick seconded and all approved.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne reported that Tom Davis reported a hole in the road at 157th & Range Road; Jim Harris said he would view the road.

Jeff reported a request for work to be done on 215th with the pothole patching machine from Dale Bollinger; Jim will view the road.

Lynne and Jim plan to meet Ed Guss with the City of Redfield on July 3rd to discuss the city boundaries.

Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 14-19, changing the mileage reimbursement rate to .58 cents/mile effective July 1, 2019, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the Resolution.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott arrived at the meeting.

The Commissioners considered the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program; Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the documents, he said it appeared to be no cost to the County and could benefit low to moderate income families. Jeff said it is based on issuers of bonds that provide funding assistance and they want the County to agree to cooperate with the program; Jeff said he felt that if the program could help people get into homes then it was a good thing. Jeff made a motion to approve Resolution 15-19 agreeing to cooperate in the Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program, Nick seconded and all approved.

Appraiser Clint Anderson and Matt Quick met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 budget; Clint requested a grand total of $274,371 for 2020. This total included a budgeted 3% increase for wages for his office. Lynne suggested that Clint revise his budget to include budgeted money in the equipment reserve fund for the future purchase of replacement vehicles. Clint revised his budget and requested a grand total of $284,371, (this included a budgeted amount of $13,213 in the equipment reserve fund).

Nathan Fawson, Joe Springer and Marty Dewitt with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center met with the Commissioners to present their 2020 requested budget. Bill Martin and Bobby Reed were also present for the meeting. They requested $97,850 for 2020. “Services provided by SEKMHC include 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient psychiatry, therapy, chemical abuse counseling and education, case management, parent support, psychosocial skill development groups, and supported employment and housing.

In August of 2019, they will provide USD 234 with a school-based therapist and case mangers to better meet the mental health needs of our community’s students and families”.

Mr. Fawson discussed the State of Kansas and the moratorium that Oswatomie has in place; he said Oswatomie has to restrict the level and type of clients that can be there, SEMHC steps in and helps the others that need care. SEKMHC supports Medicaid expansion. Nick questioned since the Hospital had closed, how they help patients with mental needs; Mr. Fawson said if law enforcement felt that a person needed psychiatric help they would go to the Emergency Room and if inpatient is necessary they begin coordinating care, if a person is uninsured or does not have Medicaid or is a threat and refusing care then Oswatomie could be their only option and if there are no beds available there then law enforcement and SEKMHC put forth attentive care. Mr. Dewitt helps rehabilitate inmates. He said he started his work in mental health in schools; he said over the years schools have become more accommodating to their presence in schools. SEKMHC is comprised of 6 counties; Mr. Fawson said he felt that they were under-serving our communities needs.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to present his 2020 budget request; he requested a grand total of $57,039.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis gave a disaster update regarding the recent flooding; he said once the applicant briefings were underway they would have 18 months to complete all programs. Will said he didn’t initially view the debris removal from the bridges; he questioned what the County policy is on repairs for low water crossings and river crossings. Will said that two grader operators still haven’t provided him their grader maps which could help him assess damages. Will said the County could easily hit the $366,000 target.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale; he said that Gill Gregory will be reviewing the tax sale list and then Justin will do the publication.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:56, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

0709/2019, Approved Date

Bourbon County Local News