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Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Oct. 2
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2024
- Welcome: Eighteen members representing fourteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Lora Wilson CHC-SEK- Lora is currently working with CHC-SEK’s tobacco cessation program.
- Mary Jo Flint introduced herself as the new Pediatrician at Fort Scott CHC-SEK.
- Clayton Cook – CHC-SEK/Mount Carmel Hospice – Clayton is a Social Worker for hospice patients in the community. He is seeking ways to connect his clients to local resources.
- Kathy Brennon. Area agency on Aging – Medicare open enrollment is coming up. Part B plans are changing a lot this year. Kathy’s program is free and can help anyone on Medicare. Meals on Wheels has not had a sit down site in Fort Scott for many years. Beginning Nov. 4, Fort Scott will have sit down meals Monday through Thursday for residents 60+ , preregistration is required. Meals will be served at Buck Run. Home deliveries will continue for homebound residents.
- Sandy Haggard- Americorp Seniors works with volunteers age 55+. Sign up for adopt a child will be beginning soon. Community Blood Drive is in need of volunteers for Oct. 14th and 15th.
- Becky Johnson – Health Department Director-Becky introduced Tori White Regional Emergency Preparedness Market and Outreach Coordinator. She works out of Iola office. Flu shot clinics have begun. Flu, RSV, pneumonia, and shingles shots are available. Prenatal classes start Monday. They will run for six weeks each Monday from 3:00-5:00 pm. Contact Holly Fritter at the Bourbon County office. Allen county office is now a breast milk donor depot. If eligible, breast milk can be sent to the Oklahoma clinic then distributed to hospitals.
- Rhonda Hoener – SparkWheel- The SparkWheel program is in place at FSHS, FSMS, UHS. SparkWheel can work with 18-25 year olds. Rhonda is looking for connections to local programs and resources. SparkWheel can provide essential needs items free of charge to students if requested.
- Jordan Eidson – KANSASWORKS- Jordan works with clients from many different counties
- Larry Jump SEK-CAP Early Childhood Education Liaison – SEK-CAP provides services for low-income families under Head Start umbrella. Head Start has a center in Fort Scott and provides home-based services throughout Bourbon County. They are hiring for many positions, including director, in many communities. Qualifications vary depending on the position. Visit SEK-CAP website for a list of openings.
- Ashley Reeder- SEK Mental Health Center – SEKMHC is fully staffed in Bourbon County. Each school has both therapists and case workers providing school-based services.
- Cherri Walrod- Southwind Extension District Community Health Worker – Cherri’s program is funded through a KSU Grant and works with KU’s COPE program to bridge gaps in the community. Cherri has started a support group for parents of special needs children in Bourbon County. Allen County has a kitchen restore program working with Hope Unlimited. They are taking donations of gently used kitchen supplies.
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – ECBG serves six counties in Southeast Kansas.
- Angela Handly – Salvation Army & Compassionate Ministries- A laundry detergent drive will take place October 5th-19th. Anyone wishing to help can drop off detergent at Bourbon County Cars, HBCAT, or the Senior Center. Cash donations can also be accepted.
- Lisa Robertson –HBCAT COPE Community Health Worker – Lisa partners with many organizations to help people in the community. She would love to discuss coordinating events with any organization. She reminded everyone that free wash Thursdays is still taking place. Residents can receive one free wash and one free dry.
- Nick Johnson – Fort Scott Preschool Center will be hosting Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat on October 30 from 4:30-6:00. Organizations interested in attending, please email [email protected].
- Program: Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS-
Dustin began with a quick introduction of KANSASWORKS. They can post jobs and make referrals for organizations needing to hire employees. KANASWORKS also has a youth career advisor, Christine, who works to help youth find employment and work based learning opportunities. KANSASWORKS connects employees and employers in multiple ways. Visit the website where hundreds of employers post jobs free of charge. Job applicants can also post their resume on the site to be seen by verified employers. KANSASWORKS can help with on the job training and can relieve financial burden of employers by paying the salary of qualified employees while they try out or learn the job.
Retain Works is a federally funded grant to help people return to work after becoming ill or injured. The program works with the employee, employer, and health care provider to determine the best path back to employment. The goal is to keep people who want to work off of long-term disability. Also aims to reduce the likelihood of secondary complications such as depression. Retain Works can help individuals with training, equipment, clothing needed to learn new job skills and prepare for a job. Retain Workss can take the burden off of the employer by providing accommodations to help people return to work. The program is designed for individuals aged 18-65 who are employed or looking for employment. Clients must live or work in Kansas, have a valid SS number, cannot be receiving or pending SSI or SSDI benefits. Retain Works also works to provide veterans with the same services. Anyone interested can apply for RetainWorks on KansasWorks website.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be November 6, 2024.
Promotional Specialties International Donation Requests Are Not Legitimate
Notice from Becky Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator/ Local Health Officer:
If you or your business have been contacted by Promotional Specialties International requesting donations on behalf of the SEK Multi-County Health Department or “Bourbon County Health Department”, please be aware that this is not a legitimate request. They have falsely claimed that we are seeking sponsorships for t-shirts, which is not the case. This group has previously engaged in similar activities, successfully obtaining funds from several businesses under the pretense of supporting our local health department. We strongly advise against making any donations to this organization.
Numerous complaints are noted in the Better Business Bureau for the same issues in other states.
Thank you!
Jayhawk Road Closed Oct. 9-11
Please announce/post the following closure from BNSF Railway:
BNSF is closing the railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road beginning Wednesday morning, October 9th through Friday, October 11th.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Should you have any questions, please call Eric Bailey at (620) 215-5183.
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Lisa Dillon: New FS Housing and Community Development Coordinator
Lisa Dillon started as the new City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator on September 23.
Her wages will be split over a couple of different funds including economic development, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“I graduated from high school in 1986 and later attended Fort Scott Community College. I have gained valuable insights into community development and social issues with prior employment and volunteering ventures with different communities through the years,” Dillon said.
She has experience in real estate, residential lending, and community programs that assisted families.
The following was provided by Matkin about the roles that Dillon and her department head, Mary Wyatt, play.
Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department
The Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department plays a vital role in shaping the future growth and sustainability of a community. It focuses on urban planning, housing initiatives, and business development strategies, ensuring they are integrated to create a vibrant and resilient community. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster economic growth, improve public infrastructure, enhance housing options, and strengthen community ties.
Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development: Mary Wyatt
- Oversee the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Tourism and Public Relations Coordinator, Codes Department, and Woodland Hills Golf Course.
- Work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce on promoting Fort Scott to entice businesses to come to our community.
- Ensure the City of Fort Scott is competitive regionally attracting prospective companies to the City.
- Work with the area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with existing businesses.
- In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and local realtors, develops, and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community.
- Provide education to possible new businesses for grants, funding, and locations.
- Report to the commission quarterly on findings, wins, and expectations of the Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department.
- Develop short- and long-range economic development plans.
- Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the City of Fort Scott or Bourbon County.
- Develop incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
- Represent the City of Fort Scott at regional and national economic development conferences and trade shows.
- Study and monitor the up-to-date market statistics and demographics for existing businesses, labor shed, and market data for businesses interested in relocating or locating in Fort Scott.
Housing and Community Development Manager: Lisa Dillon
- City liaison for the City of Fort Scott Land Bank
- Educate investors on housing incentives
- Legislative liaison working with Kansas League of Municipalities to influence state and federal legislation.
- Develop, implement, and manage housing and community development programs.
- Oversee the administration of grants and funding for housing and community development projects.
- Ensure that all housing and development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with the Codes Department to provide support and assistance
- Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
- Continued education in housing, codes, and community development regulations.
- Identify and secure funding sources for housing and community development
- Report quarterly on housing developments and community activities to the City Commission
- Help the Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development with incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
- Promote the development of affordable housing and improve existing housing stock with the assistance of the Codes department.
- Work with the City of Fort Scott’s bond counselor to promote and execute the city’s RHID program.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment
Her office is located at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street Fort Scott, and her phone number is 620.223.0550.
Virtual meeting launched as part of water local consult outreach
A virtual, on-demand meeting is now available for Kansans wanting to provide input on water issues in the state. The virtual meeting is part of a second round of local consult meetings to gather input on strategies to implement the 2022 Kansas Water Plan. The virtual meeting mirrors the content from the eight in-person meetings held across the state in September. The recent in-person and new virtual meeting build on the first round of local consult meetings held this summer, as well as Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings.
The virtual meeting is available at: https://burnsmcd.mysocialpinpoint.com/kansas-water-planning. The content is offered on demand, so people can participate at any time they’d like.
Through the virtual meeting, Kansans will have the opportunity to provide feedback on:
- Updated investment scenarios based on feedback heard in round one;
- What criteria are most important as investment strategies are evaluated to achieve the Plan’s long-term goals around aquifers, reservoirs and water quality;
- Setting objectives and identifying what Kansans think are reasonable actions to achieve them; and
- Preferred revenue sources to meet the objectives.
Interim results of the survey, along with a summary of input gathered at the in-person meetings in September, will be shared with the Kansas Water Authority on October 16. The survey will remain open until November 8 and then a final summary of results will be developed and shared.
More information about the Water Plan implementation effort and materials from both the first and second rounds of local consult meetings are available online at: https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/kwa-strategic-planning.
The local consult meetings are being held by the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Questions can be emailed to: [email protected].
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 7
Tucker Family Band Returns to River Room
The Tucker Family Band will present their ’24 Comeback Special at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, held in the Fort Scott River Room, 3 W. Oak Street (upstairs with elevator access). Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
The TFB is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (keys and vocals) Fort Scott; daughter Mariam Tucker Self (lead vocals and saxophone) Peculiar, MO; son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals) Asbury, MO; cousin Jessie Bergen (electric bass) Anderson, MO; and J Williams (lead guitar) Columbus, KS. Kitten Lagoon from Anderson, MO, is the sound engineer and emcee. There is no admission fee; tips are appreciated.
The Band is excited to come back “bigger and better” to the River Room. Carolyn Tucker explains, “’Bigger’ means we’re doing a two-part show this time with Elvis gospel in the first half, and then our favorite ‘70s Elvis songs for the second half. ‘Better’ means our sound equipment is new state-of-the-art and we’ve added stage lighting. We’re calling our show ‘24 Comeback Special after the televised ’68 Comeback Special that Elvis performed after he concluded his movies contract.”
“All these musicians have been playing or singing since they were youngsters,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “So when all their experience, talent, and camaraderie unites together, the band is really tight. The fun they have on stage is contagious. You won’t want to miss this free energy-packed show.”
The venue fee is sponsored by the following local businesses: Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs PA, Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, and Varia Quality Resale Clothing Shop. The concert is sanctioned by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and promoted by Carlson.
Catholic Trapshoot Fundraiser For Rebuilding Fund
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #796 IN FORT SCOTT, KS
IS HOSTING A TRAPSHOOT THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
WHAT: TRAP SHOOT
WHEN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th STARTS AT1 PM
WHERE: Hollister Shooting Range is approximately eight miles Southwest of Fort Scott
COST: $10.00 per shooter
Shooting game of KNOCKOUT will be offered with a small cost. Winner in each round gets 50% and our council gets 50%.
A practice area will be set up in the pistol range area early.
ANY MONEY MADE BY OUR COUNCIL WILL GO TO OUR CHURCH REBUILDING FUND.
You Get One Chance by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
You Get One Chance
As a fun way to spend an afternoon together, I met three of my girlfriends at a movie theatre out of town. Before I left, I made sure I had the correct name of the cinema and directions. When I pulled into the parking lot, the theatre had a different name from the one I’d been given. So I thought perhaps there were two cinemas close together, and I began slowly driving around the area. I decided to return and that’s when I saw the girls getting out of their car. I found out that when the theatre changed its name, a new sign had never been installed. Strike one. When Charlene began to place her order at the snack bar, she sweetly asked, “Do you have Dr. Pepper?” “No.” “Do you have Mr. Pib?” “No.” Do you have Diet Coke?” “No.” “Do you have lemonade?” Finally, the concession worker answered in a toneless voice, “We have Diet Pepsi.” Strike two.
The attendant then told us to “go right and then right” to find our movie room. Come to find out, those directions were exactly backwards. Strike three. When we finally found the right room, we discovered an older couple sitting in two of our four seats. They refused to move over, so we just sat in the row in front of them. Strike four. In the middle of all these confusing, amusing, ridiculous, and annoying fiascos, I leaned over to Charlene and said, “If this were a church, I’d never come back.” We both chuckled.
Feeling confused, awkward, and ignored are three big strikes when a guest visits a church. Charlene’s husband is a pastor and, many years ago, I distinctly remember Dennis saying, “You get one chance to make a good first impression.“ This is a sobering absolute truth, especially for the family of God. Generally speaking, the Church is not in the business of trying to impress people, but it is a Body of Believers who should go out of their way to make guests feel welcomed and valued on their first visit. We get one chance to do this right.
My wild experience at the movie theatre caused me to seriously evaluate my personal response to everybody (not just guests) in the House of the Lord. Not everyone feels as elated as King David did when he wrote, “I was glad when they said to me, ’Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1 NKJV). Some people enter the church building carrying burdens, experiencing emotional pain, sorrow, heartbreak, loneliness, etc. But the good news is that they made the right decision to come to church. I want to be better at reading faces and responding to people appropriately.
The apostle Paul wrote a powerful letter to the church of Ephesus. Since a church is made up of individuals, we all have to stand up, “own it” and say “ouch” or “amen.” Paul’s letter didn’t beat around the bush and is intended to ground, shape, and challenge believers. He writes: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT). He continues, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them“ (Ephesians 4:23,29 NLT).
The Key: I’ve got my work cut out for me. Does anybody want to get on the bandwagon with me?
The Enduring Word Travel Museum: 1st Southern Baptist Church Oct. 25-29
The Enduring Word Travel Museum
Teaching the History and Significance of the Bible
Come see the exhibit at First Southern Baptist Church 1818 S. Main St. on Hwy 69 in Fort Scott, Ks. In the Family Life Center.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday October 25-27 9:00am- 6:30pm Friday and Saturday or 1:00- 6:30pm on Sunday.
View the authentic historical artifacts dating back 5000 years from the Holy land, Middle East, and Asia Minor. (Ancient Torahs, Bibles, manuscripts, and pottery, plus a working replica of the Gutenberg press.)
Teaching classes Friday and Saturday at 10:00am and 5:30pm, also at 1:00pm on Sunday. Exhibit presentation with curator John Sliffe daily at 1:30pm.
Concluding Sunday night with a concert by the Missourians at 6:00pm.
Fall control for Marestail or Horseweed
Marestail or horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) is a challenging weed to manage in no-till or minimum-till soybeans systems. This weed is classified as a winter annual, but it germinates well into spring and summer, making it even more difficult to manage. In addition to an extended germination window, marestail can produce up to 200,000 seeds/plant, with approximately 80% of those seeds being able to germinate immediately after maturation. Kansas producers also face the added difficulty of trying to manage glyphosate-and ALS-resistant marestail.
Acceptable control of fall-emerged marestail with herbicide applications at planting will be unlikely because the marestail are generally too large, but control can be achieved with both fall and early spring herbicide applications. Other control options include tillage and cover crops.
Residual herbicides for marestail control include chlorimuron (Classic, others), flumioxazin (Valor, others), sulfentrazone (Spartan, others), and metribuzin products. Group 4 herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, fluroxypyr (Starane Ultra), or haluxifen (Elevore) are good options to control emerged marestail, especially populations that are resistant to glyphosate or ALS-inhbiting herbicides. Control of marestail in the rosette stage is similar among the Group 4 herbicides, but dicamba controls bolted marestail better than 2,4-D. Saflufenacil (Sharpen) or glufosinate (Liberty, others) can also control bolted marestail.
Fall and spring tillage has been shown to be effective in controlling marestail for a spring-planted crop. When tillage is not utilized in the fall, marestail will establish and be present in the spring. If implementing a minimum tillage system is the goal, research suggests that marestail can be controlled when a fall herbicide application is followed by shallow tillage in the spring or vice versa.
Utilizing cover crops can result in fewer and smaller marestail plants in a field. Research in Kansas has shown control of marestail with a cereal rye cover crop paired with spring herbicide applications. The key to achieving effective suppression of marestail with cover crops is the accumulation of adequate cover crop biomass before marestail emerges, so timely cover crop planting is important for this strategy to succeed.
In summary, to have the best chance at a successful weed control program you must be proactive and stay ahead of the curve. Like all weeds, marestail are easier to kill the smaller they are. Many of next year’s plants will come up in the fall and a simple and cheap broadleaf herbicide can reduce the number of weeds for the next spring allowing you to get you ahead and have fewer weeds to contend with.
For additional information, see the “2024 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland” (K-State publication SRP-1183) or check with your local K-State Research and Extension office for a paper copy.
The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Science Specialist
[email protected]
Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist, Agricultural Research Center – Hays
[email protected]