Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Library Staff Thanks Community

Leave a comment
Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library

Youth Librarian and Assistant Director
“The Fort Scott Public Library staff wants to send out an enormous thank you to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who helped to make this year’s summer reading program a huge success, including the following: The City of Fort Scott, Casey’s General Store, Daylight Donuts, Domino’s Pizza, Family Video, Fort Cinema, Fort Scott Aquatic Center, Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott Middle School VIPs, FSHS Thespian Troupe, G & W Cash Saver, The Keyhole, The Lowell Milken Center, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Wendy’s, all of Fort Scott.
We also want to thank the Hammond UMC for their generous donation, and the countless people who have donated food, volunteer time, and supplies to our programs.
Thank you to Buck Run Community Center, the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Scott Tribune, fortscott.biz, and KOMB FM for keeping the community informed about events, and to the churches, public and private schools, and daycares in our county for distributing flyers and posters to help promote the program. 
As a result of all of your efforts, the library registered a total of 284 kids and 37 teens for this year’s summer reading program, with individual reading goals, met a total of 530 times by our youth.
Approximately 20 adults participated in our adult reading program, receiving goody bags.
Prizes were also awarded for completing literacy-based activities. 
Together, we are helping to prevent the summer slide, encouraging patrons of all ages to read, providing educational entertainment for local families, and feeding kids snacks weekly, all at no cost to them.
We hope that through our combined efforts this year, we have helped interest local families in A Universe of Stories, which they can explore at the library every week.“
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Local 7-Year Old Loves To Rodeo

1 Comment
Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

Lane Murphy’s first rodeo was in 2015, at age 3, in Hume, MO, where he tried his hand at “Mutton Bustin'”, which is riding a sheep to see how long you can stay on.

He liked the challenge and later that summer, at age 4, Lane started riding with the Kansas Junior Bull Riders (KJBR).

Lane will be a second-grade student at Winfield Scott Elementary School this school year.

But like young children everywhere, he knows what he wants to do when he grows up.

Lane has hopes of being a future rodeo star.

“I want to do the same thing I’m doing now (riding in rodeos),” Lane said. “Everything except getting hurt. I want to ride as much as I can. It’s not easy.”

Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

 

In 2018 Lane ended the season ranked as the No. 1 rider in Mutton Bustin’ for the JPBR; No. 1 in Mutton Bustin’ for the MJRC, and No. 1 in Mutton Bustin’ for the All Youth Rodeo Association (AYRA). Thus, earning his entry into the 2018 YBR World Championships in Abilene, TX where he finished No. 4 in the World for Mutton Bustin’, and then placing No. 7 in the 2018 National JPBR Championship that took place in Amarillo, TX.

The cowboy recently participated in the Youth Bull Riding (YBR) World Championships in Abilene, TX, where he placed 18th in the world for Calf Riding.

Currently, Lane is ranked No. 3 in Calf Riding with the JPBR, and No. 3 in Calf Riding with the Missouri Junior Bull Riding Circuit (MJRC) for the 2019 rodeo season.

Lane has qualified to ride in the upcoming Junior Professional Bull Riding (JPBR) National Championship in Amarillo, TX during the month of October.

Lane Murphy. Submitted photos.

He has also been invited to ride in the International Miniature Bull Riders Association (IMBA) World Finals taking place in Las Vegas, NV in December 2019.

Every weekend the family attempts to find at least one rodeo to ride in, and even for “close” rodeos, they might have to travel hundreds of miles to rodeos in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

The family is currently seeking additional financial assistance through fundraising to help support his travel expenses to the National JPBR Championship in Amarillo, TX and the IMBA World Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

His family is selling t-shirts in youth and adult sizes, and his parents are accepting donations on his behalf.

Lane is the son of local residents Jaymie and Patrick Murphy who is the owner/operator of Murphy Day Work, and the grandson of life-long Fort Scott residents Pat and Janet Murphy and Jay and Julie Leek.

A photo of the t-shirt the Murphy’s are using as a fundraiser to help get Lane to national and world competitions later this year.

To purchase a t-shirt in support of Lane contact, send his mother Jaymie Murphy a text message at 620-215-5012 to order. Please include name, shirt size, and color. Monetary donations can be sent to 1210 180th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

“Lane also invites you to like and follow his fan page on Facebook to keep up with videos of his rides,” his mom, Jaymie said.

Fort Scott, Schools

Ashlea Taylor: New Special Ed. Teacher at WS

Leave a comment
Ashlea Taylor. Submitted photo.
Ashlea Taylor, 29, is a new special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
Taylor has taught pre-school children at  Head Start 0-5 from September 2016-April 2019.
Her hometown is Phoenix, Arizona and she graduated from Pittsburg State University.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family, she said.
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“I have two aunts who are educators and I have always loved kids. Several family members have seen me with children and suggested it is where I belong.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“Learning each child’s individual way of learning and watching them experience breakthroughs in moments of doubt. “
 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Cobalt Open Interviews Aug. 22

Leave a comment
Job Fair and open interviews at
Cobalt MedPlans
THIS THURSDAY, August 22nd
Cobalt MedPlans is hiring!!
We are hosting a job fair and open interviews THIS THURSDAY, August 22nd from 2pm-7pm
at 2801 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS
We are looking for Claims Examiners and Customer Service Representatives
Cobalt MedPlans offers the following:
  • $12.50/hr. and up to start
  • Employer sponsored medical & dental
  • Employer paid disability & life insurance
  • Company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan with match
  • Paid holidays & vacation
  • Casual work environment
  • Performance incentives
  • Flexible schedule & work at home
For more info, call 620-220-1540 or email
Bourbon County, Business, Kansas

KCP&L and Westar complete transition to Evergy

Leave a comment

Local utility debuts Evergy brand with community focus

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 20, 2019 – This week, KCP&L and Westar Energy will launch a customer education campaign to introduce the companies’ new brand name, Evergy. The campaign highlights the utility’s continued focus on communities it serves.
“While our name has changed, our character has not. We remain committed to stabilizing prices for our customers and remaining deeply involved in the communities we serve,” Terry Bassham, Evergy’s president and chief executive officer, said. “Operating under the same name across our communities in Kansas and Missouri helps solidify that we are one company ready to meet the region’s energy needs and bring innovative programs to our customers.”
Westar and KCP&L merged in June 2018 to form the parent company, Evergy. The new company delayed changing its name for customers to minimize confusion. Televisions spots, billboards and other advertisements introducing Evergy feature employees and communities the company serves in Kansas and Missouri. Initially, ads will let customers know the name change is coming. Advertisements will also communicate when the name change becomes effective in October.
“Our service and product touch everyone in the communities we serve. When they see Evergy on trucks, in the news and in their mailbox, we want them to recognize their local energy provider,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy’s chief customer officer.
Today customers can still reach both companies at their respective phone numbers and websites. Outage reporting, bill payment and other business functions for customers have not changed. When the rebrand is complete in October, web customers will be redirected to evergy.com, bills and other correspondence will be mailed with the Evergy logo. In the upcoming weeks, customers will receive information about the name change a variety of ways, including advertisements, direct mail, email and inserts in their billing statements.
More information about the name change is available online at Westarenergy.com/evergy and kcpl.com/evergy.
Why Evergy?
When KCP&L and Westar agreed to merge as equals and serve customers as one company, a new brand was promised from the start. Evergy was selected after research that included consulting with customers and employees. A combination of ever and energy, Evergy conveys our proud history as a reliable, enduring source of energy for our community and our vision to continue being so far into the future.

About the campaign
Electricity is part of everyday life and enables us to experience life’s best moments. We begin our
day with the glow of a light bulb and might finish it under the lights at a little league game. Evergy
employees make that happen. They are members of the community and live, volunteer, shop and
play alongside our customers every day. They’re excited to be part of a company that’s been
keeping the lights on in Kansas and Missouri for more than 100 years and positioned to continue
moving energy, and our communities, forward.

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 Chamber of Commerce

Vet Appreciation at Briggs Aug. 22

Leave a comment
You are invited to the
Midwest Ford Dealers
4-State Hero
Appreciation Tour
(Sending on behalf of
Platinum Chamber Member
BRIGGS AUTO)
The public is invited to the
Midwest Ford Dealers
4-State Hero Appreciation Tour
this Thursday, August 22nd from 11am-1pm
at Briggs Auto of Fort Scott
1819 S. Main St.
Free hot dogs, chips & drinks for all veterans, active service members & family!
Be sure to visit BuyFordNow.com!
Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert Features Workman Bluegrass Band

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce sponsors a weekly free concert at Heritage Park, First and Main Street, each Friday evening.

“This Friday’s show will feature The Workman Bluegrass Band,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator, said. ” The group has been a very popular group with our fans fo several years. In addition to Bluegrass, they will perform Classic country, gospel, and traditional songs.”

The concert starts at 7 pm. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

“I am really pleased to get this outstanding group of musicians for this show,” Carlson said.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Brain Injury Waiver Expanded

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Applauds KDADS Expansion of HCBS Brain Injury Waiver;

Services to now include individuals age 16 years and older with traumatic or acquired brain injury

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is pleased to announce the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved its Brain Injury Waiver to include both acquired and traumatic brain injuries for individuals ages 16 years and older.

 

“Secretary Howard and her team at KDADS have accomplished what is a true collaboration between her agency and interested stakeholders and community partners,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I believe expanding inclusion for this wavier will positively impact many Kansans and I’m grateful for the time and effort so many people put into making it happen.”

 

In accordance with a legislative proviso, the expanded waiver makes eligible for services under the traumatic brain injury home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver under the Kansas medical assistance program (KanCare):

  1. Individuals with a documented brain injury acquired from a cause not already covered under the traumatic brain injury waiver, including, but not limited to, stroke, brain trauma, infection of the brain, brain tumor, anorexia or other cause; and
  2. Individuals of any age who would otherwise qualify for services under the traumatic brain injury waiver but for the individual’s age.

 

“Working with the legislature and collaborating with partners is part of my team’s commitment to continue the long-standing leadership in home and community-based services people expect from KDADS,” Secretary Howard said. “We will continue to look at and talk about innovative ways to approach waiver renewals from a people-first perspective.”

 

KDADS plans to submit an amendment to CMS later this year to include children younger than age 16 years. Kansas is the first state to propose including children in its brain injury waiver.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 20

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 20th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-2020 Budget

10:30-10:35-2019 Primary Election Tie Breaker

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

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

Business, Fort Scott

Young Entrepreneur: DeLynn Abati

Leave a comment
DeLynn Abati holding the cake she used to announce that she would be returning to school and selling cakes to pay for it.  Submitted photos.

This is part of a series that highlights young entrepreneurs, under 30 years of age, in Bourbon County. If you would like to nominate a young entrepreneur, submit to [email protected] the name and email/phone number of the person, along with why you are nominating them and your name.

Delynn Abati, 26, first dabbed in cake creating, that has become her livelihood, when she became engaged.

“When my husband and I got engaged, my parents sat us down and gave us a choice: they would give us a set amount of money to pay for our wedding OR we could pay for the wedding ourselves and they would give us a bigger gift on our wedding day,” Abati said.

Tony and Delynn Abati on their wedding day, cutting the cake she made herself for the wedding. Submitted photos.

“We decided we’d give the second option a try,” she said. “As I planned our wedding, I saved money wherever I could, somehow we managed to do that without sacrificing anything we really wanted.”

“I decided I’d use that year to learn how to make my own wedding cake,” she said. “It wasn’t a perfect cake. There are some birthday cakes that I do now that look better than our wedding cake looked, but it was cool to be able to say I did it myself.”

She was married in 2018.

Once the wedding was over, she never stopped making cakes.

Out of that challenge by her parents, came  For Goodness Cakes, offering custom cakes, cupcakes, cake truffles, cake pops, and French Macarons. 

Delynn Drake holds a cupcake, one of several items she creates. Submitted photo.

“I started selling cakes originally, as a way to gain funds to go back to school,” Abati said. “The more cakes I did, however, the more I just wanted to do cakes… So I made a business of it.”

Submitted photos.

The business was technically formed on January 1, 2019.

“I did cakes informally for about six months before I started calling it a business,” Abati said. “I wanted to make sure I had a good chance of at least breaking even before I threw everything I had into this business.”

Abati works from home at her bakery business.

“I work out of my home for now,” she said. “I do not have any plans of moving my operation any time soon but that option is also always in the back of my mind.”

She loves creating and working from home.

“I have always loved creating so it’s great to be able to use my hands to create new things every day,” Abati said.  “The part that I love about owning my own business is that I get to create my own hours. I am a night owl so most days of the week you’ll find me baking in my kitchen or making cake videos in my living room at 2 a.m. People think I’m crazy but I come alive at about 8 p.m. every evening. It’s great to be able to do something I love, at such a peaceful time of day.”

Abati is the only paid employee of her home business.

“It’s just me right now.,” she said. “My husband, Tony Abati; mom, Amy Drake, and mother-in-law, Sandy Abati, are always willing to help and have jumped in several times to help me deliver, set up, or sometimes even finish decorating things. I’m lucky to have them! I couldn’t do it 100% on my own.”

Recently, Abati started offering new products and services.

“Thursday, August 15th, I released a lot of new changes to FGC,” she said. “The most exciting of which, in my opinion, is the fact that I am now offering French Macarons and I am introducing a cake cutting service. The rest of the changes are listed in a Facebook and Instagram post on my page @ForGoodnessCakesFS.”

Abati’s contact info:

Call or text: 6207041315 (texts preferred for orders)

Facebook and Instagram: @ForGoodnessCakesFS

Bourbon County Local News