Twenty-six recipients of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation were presented checks to further their projects during the annual award ceremony on Oct. 26 at Landmark Bank.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed those attending.

“We are so thankful for the foundation starting in 2007,” she said. “This year 26 recipients were granted $53,500 in awards.”

Before the ceremony, the Mercy Fort Scott Hospital Foundation Board, comprised of Bryan Holt, Marci Smith and Jared Leek presented a $250,000 check to the FSACF. The board closed out the foundation with this last distribution to be used for future health care needs in the community. Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its doors in December 2018.

Carla Farmer, FSACF Board Member, also presented $299, 446 to FSACF from the John and Pat Neff annuity that was originally for the Mercy Foundation, but was transferred to FSACF.

The Sisters of Mercy had assisted the Neffs in adopting two children and had wanted to give back, so they created an annuity that paid them until they died, then the funds went to the Mercy Foundation. Mrs. Neff died three months ago.

FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell sent more information, following the ceremony, on the First Christian Church of Ft. Scott Endowment Fund, which contributed over $12,000 toward this fall’s grantees.

When the First Christian Church closed, a foundation was formed to provide grants to support local needs for years to come.

The following are grants this year selected by the First Christian Church Endowment board:
Riverfront Authority Labyrinth
Methodist Church Feeding Families
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement
USD 234 Healthy Snacks

The following are the recipients and what they received the grant for:

Photos were unavailable for the following :

Bourbon County CASA received a grant to provide training and support for the organizations volunteers.

Ronda Hassig, from the Lowell Milken Center, received a grant to invest in a high-powered telescope to bring the universe closer to the community.

From left: Becky Tourtillott,Bonnie Milburn,Craig Campbell, and Jean Tucker.

Feeding Families In His Name Ministry feeds free meals to 450 people each Wednesday from the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church. Bonnie Milburn is the coordinator, who received the check along with Jean Tucker.

Fostering Connections helps with integrating children into adoptive families by providing resources for them. Lacy Nicholson accepted the check.

Fort Scott Teacher Linda Minor, left with FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell.

Linda Minor accepted a check for USD234 students, who will be receiving snacks for those who don’t have the resources to invest in healthy food.

Fort Scott Middle School Teacher Stephanie George received a grant to take students to the Nutcracker Ballet in Kansas City.

Lewis Dunkeson,Winter Moore and Craig Campbell.

Communities in School is a nation-wide program to provide support for struggling youth in Fort Scott Middle and High School. Accepting the check was Lewis Dunkeson and Winter Moore.

Cubmaster Seth Needham accepted the check for the local Cub Scout program to support recruiting efforts.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club received a grant to continue planting trees in the community, represented by John Crain.

Becky Tourtillot, Craig Campbell and Gregg Motley.

USD 235 teacher Jeff Feagins received a grant to upgrade the computer lab in his classroom, with Gregg Motley accepting the check for Feagins.

Jennifer Terrell received a check for Kansas State’s Southwind Extension to engage youth in the art of cooking.

USD 234 teacher Larry Amer received a grant for the Empty Bowls program which combines art, function and self-sustaining fundraising for students.

Fort Scott Preschool Principal Nick Johnson received a grant to provide engagement activities that hopes to involve teachers and families.

Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier, Janderon Loyd and Craig Campbell.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health received a grant to bring expertise and resources to the USD 234 school district. Accepting the check was Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier and Janderon Loyd.

Josh Jones, Bailey Lyons and Craig Campbell.

Josh Jones and Bailey Lyons accepted a check for the purpose of a future splash pad for children in Fort Scott.

Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason, Becca Clay and Craig Campbell.

Fort Scott Community College received a grant to support students who are first in their family to attend and graduate from college. Accepting the grant for FSCC was Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason and Becca Clay.

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Executive Director Allen Schellack received a grant to help the immediate and acute needs of families in our community.

Joe O’Rourke accepted a check for Tri-Valley Development Services for purchase of an electric sit-to-stand machine to aid residents and caregivers.

Autumn Durrosette, Robin Webb and Craig Campbell.

Autumn Durrosette and Robin Webb, USD 234 First Grade Teachers, received a grant to provide a life science natural habitat.

Tom Havron, representing Fort Scott Community College, received a grant to display school memorabilia in display cases and shelves.

Erin Fletcher, representing Special Olympics, received a grant for equipment and uniforms.

Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain with Craig Campbell.

USD 234 received a grant to study Edgar Allen Poe in an electronic classroom experience. Representing the school district in receiving the grant was teachers Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain.

USD 234 Teacher Cristin Start will lead students on a historical walking tour of Fort Scott with a grant received.

Jerry Witt, representing the Riverfront Authority, received a grant to fund a walking labyrinth dedicated to the memory of the late Allen Warren.

From left Becky Tourtillott, Debbie Potter, Craig Campbell and Greg Post.

The City of Mapleton received a grant for a community defibrillator, along with training to a number of residents on the equipment. Accepting the check was Debbie Potter and Greg Post.

Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott, Kirk Sharp and Craig Campbell.

The Gordon Parks Museum received a grant for interactive touch screen displays from the foundation. Receiving the grant are board members Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott and Kirk Sharp.

AD: Jerry Moran For U.S. Senate

October 28, 2022 Advertisement Leave a comment

Government, Kansas

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

October 28, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

With energy costs expected to rise this winter, the protections offered by the Cold Weather Rule could be more critical than ever in keeping individuals and families safe and connected. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest households heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33%. Those using electric heat could pay 8% more. If the weather is colder than expected, those numbers could be higher.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric, natural gas, and water utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.

Information on what to expect in terms of energy costs this winter is also available on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/kcc-consumer-alert-winter.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Holds Work Session Nov. 1

October 28, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a work session on Tuesday, November 1^st, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting room. No action will be taken.

Following the Work Session will be the regular City Commission Meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting room.

These meetings are open to the public. They will also available on YouTube live and as a recording following the conclusion of the meeting.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 28

October 28, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

10-28-22A

10-28-22R

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Bailey Hall Renovation Celebration is Today

October 28, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us THIS MORNING,

Friday, October 28th at 10am!

You are invited to a Ribbon Cutting,

Memorial Dedication and Reception

celebrating the newly renovated

Bailey Hall on the campus of

Fort Scott Community College,

2108 S. Horton St.

Click here to visit FSCC’s website.

Click here to view their Facebook.

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS BELOW!

Opinion

Check Your Details by Patty LaRoche

October 28, 2022 Submitted Story 1 Comment

A friend sent me an email of the following story. I found it preposterous but asked my friend who worked in the nuclear weapon’s lab to verify it. He did, with only a couple of modifications, not significant enough to mention.

Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard, four- pound, dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea was to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields.

British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high-speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control console, snapped the engineer’s back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.

The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the U.S. scientists for suggestions.

NASA responded with a one-line memo: “DEFROST THE CHICKEN.”

Such a minor detail, right? But as we all know, that’s where the most problems occur.

Dave and I have been visiting with our son Jeff and his wife Kira. Kira is taking classes to get her pilot’s license, and the more she explains what she is learning, the more I realize that I have no desire to fly an airplane. Yesterday, she shared just how dangerous it is if a fowl fouls up a flight pattern. Or if she enters an airspace designed for bigger planes. Or if a pre-flight inspection misses a minor detail (like the propellers hides a plastic cover over a vent). And let’s face it, if you fly, you want every little detail taken care of by your flight crew.

There seems to be an epidemic of this missing.

At Burger King in Louisburg, Kansas, last month, only one man had shown up for work. He took the orders, made the food and collected the money. People don’t feel like coming to work? Apparently, no big deal. Then, when I was clothes shopping in a department store in Kansas City, two elderly ladies were running around, trying to place things where they belong. I struck up a conversation with the manager. When she asked a couple of the younger workers why they didn’t put things in the right place, she was told, “I just don’t feel like it.”

Details!

Every employer needs a detail person, the one who looks at the big picture and calculates what needs to be done. No one is better at that than God. When you read the Bible, take notice of the exact dimensions God gave Moses to build the Tabernacle, of the specifics he gave Noah to construct the Ark, of the rules for sacrifices and obedience expected of the Israelites. Then think of the ways our bodies are designed and the structure of the planets. God is definitely involved in the details.

And we should be too. Let’s purpose this week to see the trees instead of the forest: an extra tip to the weary waitress; an offer to help the customer shopping in the wheel chair; a “thank you” to the trash collector; an email of appreciation to the frazzled teacher; an “I love you” to our spouse; a prayer offered…just because.

In so doing, you will be putting God in the details…right where He belongs.

Area News

Grant Awards from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund

October 27, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund (WHF) is furthering its support of women’s health
initiatives in the Southeast Kansas area by awarding a total of $50,992 in grants in 2022. The
Women’s Giving Circle awarded $43,312 to five SEK nonprofit organizations and the Circle of
Friends Giving Circle awarded four nonprofit organizations $7,680. All projects receiving funding
are committed to carrying on the WHF mission “To improve the health and wellbeing of
women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality of life
opportunities to benefit all women.”
In 2007, the establishment of the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Giving Circle at the Community
Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) was a philanthropic beginning for women helping
women in our area. Today the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is made up of the Women’s
Giving Circle, the Circle of Friends, and the Nightingale Endowment. Circle memberships
support granting to area organizations. The Nightingale Endowment supports the Irene Ransom
Bradley School of Nursing Simulation Hospital at Pittsburg State University. Since inception, the
giving circles have generously granted over $350,000 to improve women’s health in our
community.
The Women’s Health Fund and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas would like to
congratulate the following 2022 grant recipients:
Women’s Giving Circle
Community Health Center of SEK, Inc.: Scope it Out – Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer
Fostering Connections: Teen Girl Shopping Spree
Kansas Angels Among Us Inc.: Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients.
Labette Health Foundation: OB/GYN Patient Care Improvement Project
Mount Carmel Foundation: Better Care at the Bedside: Ultrasound Probes Needed to Care for
Expectant Mothers & Babies.
Circle of Friends Giving Circle

Friends of Mapleton Association: Emergency Preparedness
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters: Here We Grow
Labette County USD 506 Meadowview Elementary School: Girls Day in Aviation at Greenbush
Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc.: A New Bed for a New Beginning
The Women’s Health Fund is proud to be able to contribute to the success of these
organizations and their projects in support of women’s health and wellbeing in the SEK region.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is pleased to be the host agency for the Rita J.
Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK is a public non-profit foundation that serves the region
by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and
improve the quality of life. The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and the Girard Area
Community Foundation are CFSEK affiliates. If you would like to learn more about the CFSEK or
the Women’s Giving Circles, we invite you to visit SoutheastKansas.org or call 620-231-8897.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Agenda for Nov. 2

October 27, 2022 Submitted Story 1 Comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
November 2, 2022

1. Welcome:

2. Member Introductions and Announcements:

3. Program: Barb McCord and Janet Irvin: Fort Scott Garden Club

4. Open Forum:

5. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 7, 2022, at 1 pm.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert Changes Venue For Oct. 28

October 27, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

Due to the cooler weather forecast, the Friday Night Concert that

is usually held in the Heritage Park Pavilion will be moved to The

Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

The finale show of the season will feature Dan Duling, John Duling,

Shanna Stone, and Addi Brown.

Business, Fort Scott

Hedgehog INK Bookstore Celebrates Four Years

October 27, 2022 Loretta George 3 Comments

Hedgehog INk bookstore is located at 16 S. Main.

Jan Hedges, owner of Hedghog INK, opened the bookstore in October 2018, with her husband Dick, at 16 S. Main.

“Both Dick and I loved books,” Jan said. “Anytime we traveled we always went to a bookstore. I thought it would be neat to work in one. We had a lot of books at home we needed to do something with.”

“Dick was very supportive of Fort Scott and was sad to see the downtown with hardly any businesses,” she said. “We started talking and, well, instead of someone else doing something, maybe we needed to do something.”

“We started looking at storefronts downtown,” she said. “I talked with the city staff and found that Jared Leek was looking for someone to rent this building.”

“Dick and I had both retired three times, and then we opened this bookstore,” Jan said. “We took the leap.”

And so the business venture began in October 2018.

Jan and Dick Hedges, owners of Hedgehog.INK, stand in front of the store when it opened in October 2018.

Dick Hedges, was a co-owner of Hedgehog.INK, and the unofficial greeter to the store until his death this year.

“Dick died March 11, 2022,” Jan said. “He was the official greeter.”

The Business Has Grown

In the four years since opening, Jan has doubled the size of the store, finding space to rent behind 14 S. Main and a doorway entry to the space opened up.

“The added space we call the Great Room, we rent out, after hours to local groups,” she said. “PEO, the Garden Club, a magazine club have used the space.”

In this space also is a mezzanine type area.

“The reading loft is good for small groups,” she said. “High school, college kids study there, moms and their children sometimes go to read books.”

Coffee and tea are available for free, for those who want to sit a spell.

Employees

Currently there are four part-time employees at Hedgehog INK.

Sheryl Bloomfield has worked at the store since its opening and her specialty is decorating the windows at the front of the store.

Lynn Pallaske is in charge of their social media marketing.

Rylan Mason is a high school student and Casey Lewis was a customer who was “here all the time, so we asked her if she’d help us out.”

They all do the work of the store, processing donated books, shelving, working as cashier, etc.

People can call to see if the store has a certain book in stock.

“If we don’t have a book, we can try to order for people,” she said.

Book Offerings

Children’s books and history books are the store’s best sellers.

Lynn Pallaske, left and Jan Hedges stand in front of the mural that directs children to a reading room just for them.

There is a section for local authors in all genres.

Hedgehog INK has a local authors section.

The list of local authors: Cathy Werling, Evelyn Kalvelage, Carol Russell, Sally Freeman Jadlow, Joyce Love, Rick Mayhew, Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association Books, Ann Miesner, Martie Wells-Smith, Jane Tucker, Mary Barbara McKay, Gerri Hilger, Kay Large, J. Speer, Rogena McPherson, Nanette Holloway, R.J. Thesman, Sally Smith, Barbara Ramsey, Marvin Ramsey, George Proctor and Ann Joyner.

“We have Writers Wednesday, a group that meets from 1 to 3 p.m. every week and recently hosted a writers seminar,” Jan said.

Story time at the store is starting again after a hiatus because of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

“It’s the first Saturday of each month in the reading loft area,” she said.

Fort Scott has been so generous in donating books to the book store, that during November and December they are not accepting donations.

They have over 30,000 books.

Other Products Are For Sale

In addition, the store sells local products such as goat milk lotions and lavender products, handmade handbags, photo cards, arts and crafts materials, games and puzzles, journals, chocolates and more.

Hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are open by appointment at other times.

Contact the store at 620.670.2752 or [email protected].

Government, Housing, Kansas

Kansas accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance

October 27, 2022 Submitted Story 1 Comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $25M has Supported more than 2,300 Kansas Homeowners

Program still accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that six months after its launch, the Kansas Homeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) has distributed $24.8 million in mortgage, property tax, and utility aid to 2,321 Kansas homeowners.

“Housing is vital to a strong workforce and a resilient economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This program is providing much-needed relief for Kansans, and my administration will continue supporting homeowners by cutting property taxes and expanding affordable housing.”

The Kelly Administration granted the funding for the temporary relief initiative distributed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help Kansas homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship avoid foreclosure and catch up on their mortgages and property taxes. The program assists with mortgage payments, property taxes and charges, utility and internet fees, and more.

“Housing stability is essential for strong families, healthy communities, and a thriving economy,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).“This assistance keeps families safely housed and preserves the dream of homeownership for Kansans facing hardship.”

Currently, 2,321 KHAF applications have been granted assistance, and additional funds remain to assist homeowners. Kansans who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property tax payments are encouraged to apply now.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

jjjjjjjj• You own your home in Kansas and are at least 30 days past due on mortgage or jjjjjjjjjjjjproperty taxes.

jjjjjjjj• The property (a single-family home, one-to-four-unit dwelling, condo, townhome, or jjjjjjjjjjjjmanufactured home) is your primary residence.

jjjjjjjj• Your recent income did not exceed 150 percent of your area’s median income.

jjjjjjjj• Your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.

Kansans requesting KHAF assistance are encouraged to apply online. If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider(s), who apply them to the homeowner’s account(s).

More than 200 mortgage loan servicers partner with the KHAF program as participating lenders. The program will remain open until program funds are fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.

Applicants in need of assistance may call 1-855-307-KHAF(5423) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

###

The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.