A local eatery known for its’ generous portions, is closed for some aesthetic improvement to the dining area.
“We will be closed February 6-11,” Brian Lancaster, owner, said.
H2 Painting LLC will be painting the ceilings and walls.
“We are wanting to update and improve our dining room area,” Lancaster said. “We are planning to update flooring and the kitchen area at a later date.”
The deli’s owner, Marsha Lancaster, died on September 19, 2021, and on October 13, 2021 , her siblings became the owners of her decades-running restaurant.
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.
Old Business:
Consideration to remove “Interim” from Interim City Manager’s title
B. Consideration of Splash Pad location
VII. Appearances:
Pat Bishop – Fort Scott Land Bank Manager- Introduction and Annual Report for the Commission.
Shane Lamb and Susan Galemore/SEKEDC
Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2023 A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT KANSAS HOUSING INVESTORS TAX CREDIT APPLICATION BY RURAL REDEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING LOCATED AT 736 S. HEYLMAN, FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
C. Justin Pergont regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project
Consideration of Resolution No. 4-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION
Consideration of Resolution No. 5-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE VAN FOSSEN APARTMENTS PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 19 S. MAIN AND 23 S. MAIN IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS
Patrick Wood
Stacy Wood – Advisory Boards
VIII. Public Hearing:
Petitioner Robert Lembcke – 2010 E. 3rd Street, Fort Scott
Vacate the roadway easement on Barteau Street between 3rd and 4th Streets – Property described as: APPROXIMATELY 300’ x 60’ OF BARTEAU STREET LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1-13 BLOCK 16 AND LOTS 2-14 BLOCK 17 MCMILLAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT KANSAS.
New Business:
Consideration to publish for Request for Proposals – Ground Lease – Scott Flater
Consideration to go out for bids – 2023 Mowing Season – Norm Nation
Consideration to apply for Grant Project for Automatic External Defibrillator to be placed at City Hall, Buck Run, Fire Department, Airport, Golf Course, Public Works, and Memorial Hall – Dave Bruner
Consideration to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace the Exhaust Removal Systems within truck bay areas of Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2 – Dave Bruner
Cape Seal for 2023
Brick Crew Justification
Reports and Comments:
Interim City Manager Comments:
RenoDry Report Regarding Moisture Control at Memorial Hall
School Crosswalk Light on National Ave.
Sidewalk and Curb Reimbursement Program
Demolition Budget
Audio-Visual Equipment for Commission Room
Engineering Comments: Update included.
Commissioners Comments:
Jones –
VanHoecke –
Woellhof –
Harrington –
Wells –
City Attorney Comments:
Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells. Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.
FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023. J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
I asked my brother one day, “Why is it that I often find myself thinking back to yesteryear when I need a lede for a column?” He quickly responded, “It’s because we’re growing older,” and I knew that was the simple truth. So here goes: When I was a young girl, my Mom was the reporter for our church. She would submit articles to the local newspaper announcing upcoming revival services, and then later report on those services when they concluded. Around 2011, I was alone in my folks’ kitchen when I pulled out a Bavarian soup tureen and found numerous old newspaper clippings inside it. As I began reading one of the articles Mom had written, she had chosen this scripture, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1 KJV).
I’ve heard that some people start the day by saying, “Good morning, Lord!“ and some say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” I usually sit up on the side of the bed and declare, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” After I said that aloud one Sunday morning, I immediately added, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.“ Apparently, I had hidden that verse in my heart because it just popped out of me.
It’s important that believers spend private time with God during the week. But going into the house of the Lord to worship Him in the beauty of holiness is the icing on the cake for me. The cake and the icing go hand in hand and both are wonderfully delicious. However, if the cake has been haphazardly made and improperly baked, it’ll be less than desirable and possibly not even fit to eat. No matter how much lip-smacking icing you smear on it, the end result won’t taste good. We need to do our part during the week to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Then when we walk through the sanctuary doors we can, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8 KJV).
All my life I’ve heard, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” I know what that means out in the world, but I beg to differ when it comes to worshipping God together in the house of the Lord. When we bring our dedicated piece of cake into His presence, God will be more than happy to add His blessing of icing. And that, my friends, will make us glad!
“Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return” (Hebrews 10:25 NIRV). When God’s dear children meet together to worship in His presence, something wonderful beyond my limited vocabulary happens in my spirit.
“And they [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ’Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8,9 ESV). When my church family meets together, I don’t want God to look down, notice I’m AWOL, and ask, “Carolyn, where are you?”
The Key: If the Lord isn’t tasting so good at church, try changing your cake recipe.
There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue. Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand. I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.
This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities! I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you take a part in.
Child Care Community Partnership Grants
Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.
Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop:
All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.
The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment. Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.
We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Research shows that one in four homes in Kansas tests high for radon. Many home inspectors are now testing for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
K-State Research and Extension is partnering with the Kansas Radon Program to bring three learning sessions to southeast Kansas. The hour-long program is free to attend and will feature information on radon risks and how to test your home. A light meal will be served.
Sessions will be held at the following locations:
Independence – Wed 2/15 at 12pm – 410 Peter Pan Rd.
Parsons – Wed 2/15 at 5:30pm – 25092 Ness Rd.
Iola – Thursday 2/16 at 12pm – 1006 N. State St.
While there is no cost to attend, registration is required to allow for food count. Register online at https://bit.ly/krpsekc or by calling (620) 365-2242.
This event is sponsored by Security 1st Title, with offices throughout southeast Kansas. Other sponsors include Kansas Radon Program and KSRE’s Southwind and Wildcat Districts.
For more information, contact Clara with the Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or Julie with the Wildcat District at (620) 784-5337.
Yesterday, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:32 am, officers from the Fort Scott Police Department along with personnel from the Fort Scott Fire Department, responded to a house fire in the 900 block of S Osbun, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Due to the suspicious circumstances of the fire, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was requested to assist with the investigation. This investigation revealed that the fire was started intentionally.
At around 7:30 pm, the FSPD Special Response Team (SRT), executed an arrest warrant on a 20 year old male, identified as Corbin Sheldon, at his residence. Mr. Sheldon was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was also executed at Mr. Sheldon’s residence. Mr. Sheldon was subsequently booked into the Bourbon County Jail on the charge(s) of:
4 counts, Aggravated Arson, which is a Level 3 person felony
Mr. Sheldon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Our investigators are continuing to investigate this matter. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact FSPD at, 620-223-1700.
Submitted by
Bill Downey Jr, Administrative Sergeant / Public Information Officer
Tara Solomon-Smith, is the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for K-State Extension Service.
She began work on January 9, 2023, at her home office in Erie, which serves Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties, which comprises the Southwind District.
Smith is in the Fort Scott office, located at the Bourbon County Courthouse on Thursdays.
Her hometown is Yates Center.
Smith earned a bachelors degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University, and has been working in community education and engagement for over sixteen years.
The K-State Extension offers support to the community.
She offers these programs:
Walk with Ease and Stay Strong Stay Healthy: Evidence based physical activity programs providing health education and an avenue to safely and comfortably increase activity.
Youth and Adult Financial Education: Provide information and education to help increase your financial well-being through programs such asCheck Your Credit,the interactive assessment gameMoney Habitudes, andFamily Financial Story Walks
Bonding Thru Board Games: A short term or series-based lesson using board games as a tool to support child and youth development while developing strong families and relationships
Mental Wellness and Resiliency: Mental wellness is an important aspect of health. ProgrammingincludesStress Less with Mindfulness, Exploring Resilience, Ag Wellness,andYour Thoughts Matter.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas: Assist older adults in navigating new to Medicare decisions and yearly decisions regarding prescription drug plans.
In her spare time she enjoys being on the family farm and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two boys, Smith said.
Welcome: Eighteen members representing seventeen agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that there continues to be an opening on the Coalition Board; they are seeking a volunteer.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Sandy Haggard, RSVP: At present she has volunteers working with the Teammates program at Uniontown, Beacon, Fort Scott Housing, and Red Cross blood drives. The next blood drive is February 16 at Buck Run, 12:30 – 7:00.
Elizabeth Schafer, CASA: CASA is a rewarding way to help the youth in our area. Pioneer Kiwanis also works to support youth projects. Both organizations would welcome additional members.
Lea Kay Karleskint, K State Research: Three classes are in process at this time; she is always looking for partners who can provide space for programs.
Dave Gillen, Beacon: Reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers.
Donna Cunningham, Family Strong Program: Now housed in the Board of Education building, 424 S. Main.
Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 ECPS: Program is full right now but she can always take referrals for a waiting list.
Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Has lots of resources if there is a need: hygiene products, medical equipment on a temporary basis, fans, bedding, temporary lodging, gas, etc. Red Kettle campaign did not go quite so well as last year so they will suffer some budget cuts. Allen’s hours are 10-2 Mondays through Thursdays; however, call first as Alan may be out of the office assisting someone with a need.
Kelly Mengerilli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Works with preschool, Happy Kids, etc. to provide quality child care.
Ann Elliott, Family Resource Center: In addition to writing grants and overseeing the Family Strong Grant, she can help with gaps in services.
DeeDee, Community Liaison: Helps facilitate a close working relationship between organizations: Parents as Teachers, Birth to Three, Early Childhood, etc.
Christine Abbott: SEK Works: Works with ages 16-24 on completing a GED, job trainings, etc. Christine is in Fort Scott on Mondays and Wednesdays at the HBCAT office. SEK Works also provides adult services; the Fort Scott office is staffed all week.
Lindsey McNeil, CHC, COPE: works strictly with KU.
Lindsey Waterman, CHC and KU: Works with the COPE grant to house homeless, help with applications for apartments, SNAP and Medicaid. COPE is not housed in the clinic but at HBCAT office. They also help with Meals on Wheels.
Vicki Wright: SEK Mental Health: Have received a grant to expand training for mental health first aide: how to properly help when someone is in a mental health crisis.
Melinda Miller: SEK Area on Aging: Does case management and assessing; her office is in Pittsburg.
Program: Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice
Gentiva was formerly known as Avalon Hospice. Melanie’s job is to educate what hospice really is because hospice is underutilized. Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care where the focus is the patient and family – not the disease.
Medicare adopted hospice services in 1980; therefore, there is no cost for the service. Hospice is not just treating physical systems; they have a whole team approach. A physician must refer for hospice.
Hospice care allows patients and families to focus on the things that matter the most – time with loved ones and sharing conversations with family and friends.
Hospice is about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and bringing comfort, compassion and closure for patients and their families. It is a plan of care that brings comfort, compassion, and closure for the patient and the family. Gentiva specializes in honoring life and offering dignity to those who are facing a life-limiting illness.
Contact information for Gentiva Hospice: 2307 South Tucker, Pittsburg, KS 66762, 620-231-8000, gentivahs.com.
Open Forum: Billie Jo mentioned that our April program will be a presentation by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra Department; the March program is not finalizedb
Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be March 1, at 1:00 p.m.
Congratulations to the FSHS Scholars Bowl team on finishing as Regional Runner-Up tonight at the Fort Scott Regional Tournament! They qualify for the 4A State Tournament next Saturday at Circle High School.