The City of Fort Commission will have a Work Session to discuss the Planning Commission Ordinance on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:00PM at City Hall. Open to the public and available on YouTube
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 11
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes 3/4/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,076.65
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,928.16
- Public Comments
- Don George-Elm Creek Dam Grant Status Report
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- BlueMark Energy Agreement
- Cintas Rental Service Agreement
- KCCA Conference
- Real Property Relief Applications
- Clifton Beth-Public Safety
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING Unapproved Minutes of March 5
Minutes of March 5, 2024 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 5, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Roll Call
Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation: T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Audience in Attendance Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Ben Hart/Director of Finance-Baker-Tilly, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Community Development Director, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections Supervisor, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Robin Button, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Carol Glover, Justin Meeks/County Counselor, Diane Striler, Richard Clark, Michael Hoyt, and Carl Brenner/Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS.
Approval of Agenda
Appearance item for Shanda Stewart – Request for donation to Fort Scott High School Prom After Party was requested to be removed from the agenda. T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendment. M. Wells requested to amend the motion to include an amendment to New Business to include (2) Letters of Interest for consideration to the Fort Scott Public Library Board – Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment to his motion. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED AMENDED AGENDA
Proclamation
Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger – National School Breakfast Week – March 4th through 8th, 2024 – M. Wells officiated the Proclamation and honored the following USD234 staff members: Robin Button, Anna Marsh, Jessica Phillips, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Millie Willard, Carol Glover, and Ginger Houston.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1355-A – $975,852.99
Approval of minutes of February 20, 2024
Request to Pay – Invoice #1756 – Marberry Concrete, Inc. –Fort Scott Lake Boat Ramp repair – $69,990.00.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment
Richard Clark appeared before the Commission to state his concern about changes at Fort Scott Lake regarding long-term safety, cost, and lot sales. (Time stamp – 12:04)
Appearances
Diane Striler appeared before the Commission to continue discussion regarding the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink.
(Time stamp – 27:17)
- Guns moved to allow the City Manager to work on an alternate site for the skate rink (not the Pavilion), that the City agree to take ownership of the skate rink with the understanding that it must be run by volunteers and not City staff and any upkeep and maintenance of those would be paid for by the funds that were raised while the skate rink is open.
MOTION DIED FOR THE LACK OF A SECOND.
- Wells moved that we explore alternate sites, that the City take ownership and that the money go into a fund that will pay for repairs, maintenance, and operation of said skate park. M. Guns seconded the motion.
- VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no. M. Guns, M. Wells voted yes.
MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Old Business
Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 32 – A CHARTER
ORDINANCEOF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, EXEMPTING SUCH CITY FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 12-1222 RELATING TO LIBRARIES, AND PROVIDING SUBSTITUTE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO – Tabled from February 20, 2024
- Wells moved to approve the amended Charter Ordinance. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32.
New Business
Consideration to purchase Allen Trench Safety Badger Pro Series Set of (4) Modular Trench Shoring Boxes – Sole Source by Allen Trench Safety Corp. – $28,048.00.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the request for the Badger Pro Series Modular Trench Shoring Boxes for $28,048.00, sole source by Allen Trench Safety Corp. D. Olson seconded. All voted yes.
APPROVED REQUEST TO PURCHASE TRENCH SHORING BOXES.
Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Planning Commission Board Members for another term: Cheryl Adamson and Carol MacArthur – Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.
- Wells moved to reappoint Chery Adamson and Carol MacArthur for another term to the Planning Commission. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO REAPPOINT CHERYL ADAMSON AND CAROL MACARTHUR FOR ANOTHER TERM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Consideration to amend Ordinance No. 3497 Planning Commission Membership Terms to (7) members instead of (10) members – Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.
- Wells moved to table the consideration of Ordinance 3497 until the amendments can be added to bring it into compliance and have it presented back at the next Commission meeting. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3497 UNTIL THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING.
Consideration of Letter of Interest for Library Board Vacancy from Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer
- VanHoecke moved to approve the Letter of Interest from Constance Banwart and Susan Messer for the (2) open vacancies for the Fort Scott Public Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO APPOINT CONSTANCE BANWART AND SUSAN MESSER TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.
Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Street Advisory Board members for another (3) year term: Clete Hall, Charles Gentry, Nick Barrows, and Gary Cullor.
- VanHoecke moved to reappoint the expired terms of the Street Advisory Board Members. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO REAPPOINT EXPIRED TERMS OF THE STREET ADVISORY BOARD: CLETE HALL, CHARLES GENTRY, NICK BARROWS AND GARY CULLOR FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM.
Consideration to approve Ordinance No. 3761 – Amending section 10.04.90 regarding inspection requirements for annual U.T.V. license.
- VanHoecke moved to table this consideration to have verbiage changed.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the amended suggestions of Ordinance No. 3761 regarding inspection requirements for the annual UTV license.
- Wells seconded the motion.
MOTION STRUCK IN ITS ENTIRITY. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3761 WILL APPEAR ON MARCH 19, 2024, AGENDA.
Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Public Dance License
- Matkin left the meeting at 7:21PM and returned to the meeting at 7:24PM.
- VanHoecke moved to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 requiring a Public Dance License. M. Guns seconded the motion. M. Guns, D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
APPROVED TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060 REQUIRING A PUBLIC DANCE LICENSE.
Consideration to fill vacancies on the Design Review Board – Decision to renew expired term of Arnold Schofield tabled February 20, 2024.
- Wyatt is requesting that the Commission to renew Arnold Schofield’s expired term, approve the appointment of Cathy Dancer to fill (1) vacant seat, consider having a work session regarding the Design Review Board and direct her on contacting previous applicants to fill the (1) remaining vacant seat.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the appointment of Cathy Dancer and the reappointment of Arnold Schofield to the Design Review Board. M. Wells seconded the motion. D. Olson, M. Guns, M. Wells and T. VanHoecke voted yes. T. Dancer abstained.
APPROVED APPOINTMENT OF CATHY DANCER AND REAPPOINTMENT OF ARNOLD SCHOFIELD TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD.
- VanHoecke requested a copy of the current Design Review Board Ordinance before scheduling a work session.
Final approval of Mulligan Ridge Donation Agreement
Justin Meeks appeared before the Commission representing Mulligan Ridge LLC for the City’s donation of land to the property owner to build a pond and water feature that was approved on October 3, 2023, by the City Commission. This agreement was drawn up between City Attorney B. Farmer and J. Meeks as final approval of that agreement. The changes from the original agreement are a quit claim deed from a warranty deed and first right of refusal.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the final agreement for Mulligan Ridge donation of land out at the Fort Scott Municipal Golf Course. D. Olson seconded the motion. M. Guns, D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
FINAL APPROVAL OF MULLIGAN RIDGE DONATION AGREEMENT.
Discussion of 190th Street Maintenance
- Farmer left the meeting at 7:36PM.
- Matkin explained that 190th Street is an internal road at Fort Scott Lake that needs repair. It is a County road with City property on it and the City maintains the roads at the lake. He is requesting direction from the Commission to either include it in the City’s Road Repair Program or approach the County.
- Farmer returned to the meeting at 7:38PM.
CITY COMMISSION DIRECTED B. MATKIN TO TALK WITH THE COUNTY BEFORE THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION.
Consideration of 2024 Street Program
- Wells moved to approve the Street Program for 2024.
- Matkin confirmed that it included the Cape Seal Project which will begin in August and the price will not change.
- VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED STREET PROGRAM 2024.
- Matkin presented a plan for street, water, and sewer repairs with B. Lemke and B. Hart (Time stamp: 1:43)
Discussion of Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID)
- Wells moved to provide this list and reach out to the Land Bank about the additional properties and provide those to our bond counsel to start drawing up the documents to create a RHID. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CREATION OF RHID.
Reports and Comments
City Manager Comments (Time stamp 2:34:41)
Engineering Comments (Time stamp 2:36:03)
Commissioners Comments (Time stamp 2:36:34)
City Attorney Comments – No comment
Executive Session
- Dancer moved to recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing medical benefits pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In attendance will be (5) City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney and City Financial Director. The open meeting will resume in the City Commission Room at 8:56PM. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO MOVE IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:46PM.
- VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session with no action.
- Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:56PM WITH NO ACTION.
- VanHoecke moved to adjourn at 8:56PM. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2024, ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter
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March 8, 2024 Volume 1 |
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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Irena Sendler, an Unsung Hero |
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As we embrace the significance of March as Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable women whose courage, resilience, and unwavering determination have shaped history. Among them stands Irena Sendler, a true Unsung Hero whose extraordinary acts of bravery serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, and her network of helpers, risked their lives to save hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust. Operating within the shadows of Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Sendler orchestrated daring rescue missions, smuggling children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and providing them with new identities and safe refuge. Her selfless actions exemplify the power of compassion and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Sendler’s story is even more compelling when you consider the journey of discovery that led to her recognition as an Unsung Hero. It was a group of young women from Uniontown High School in Kansas who stumbled upon Sendler’s story while working on a project for National History Day. Captivated by her bravery and resilience, they embarked on a mission to ensure that Sendler’s legacy was not forgotten. The impact of their project led to the idea for the creation of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, an organization dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes of history and inspiring future generations to make a positive impact in their communities. Irena Sendler’s story served as the catalyst for this noble endeavor, reminding us that ordinary individuals have the power to change the world through acts of courage and compassion. As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let us remember Irena Sendler and the countless unsung heroines whose contributions have shaped our world. May their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and inspire us to strive for a future defined by empathy, equality, and justice for all. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring the extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on history. |
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Discovery Award Updates |
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Join the 2024 Discovery Award Competition! The 2024 Discovery Award Competition is here, offering students in grades 4-12 a chance to win prizes totaling $25,000. Sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, this competition encourages students to discover and celebrate the stories of unsung heroes. Key Details: $25,000 in Prizes Eligibility: Open to students in grades 4-12 Deadline: Submit projects by July 1, 2024 Mode: Performance, Website or Documentary Submission Approval: Encourage students to submit topics soon. (Although it is not required to enter the competition.) Learn more: http://bit.ly/2wYZPiD. This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to showcase their talents and explore the stories of unsung heroes. Share this with your students and integrate it into your curriculum. Any questions? Reach out! Let’s inspire the next generation of storytellers! Call: 620-223-1312 email: [email protected] |
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ARTEFFECT Updates |
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The submission period for the 2024 ARTEFFECT competition is open! Show off your artistic talents and make an impact. Learn more and submit your entry at https://bit.ly/ArtEffect- |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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We’re happy to share that Megan Helberg from Nebraska, one of our outstanding 2021 LMC Fellows, has been honored as Educator of the Year by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina! Megan’s dedication to her students and community shines brightly, and we couldn’t be prouder of her well-deserved recognition. Learn more about Megan and her efforts to bring educational opportunities to her students and community. Check out the recognition video here: https://youtu.be/rvkrvwlaAuw? |
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Join us in celebrating Lindsey Dowell, one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Kansas Master Teacher award! Lindsey, who serves as the 7-8th Grade Gifted Facilitator at Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka, has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to education. In her classroom, Lindsey empowers her students to take control of their learning journey. Through her innovative teaching methods, she fosters an environment where students excel academically and socially. As a result, her students consistently demonstrate remarkable growth, surpassing expectations and setting a high standard for their peers. Congratulations, Lindsey Dowell, on this well-deserved honor! Your commitment to excellence in education is an inspiration to us all. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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Our recent event, “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920,” featured a captivating presentation by Lem Sheppard. The event, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, The Gordon Parks Museum and Humanities Kansas, celebrated the life and accomplishments of James Reese Europe, one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero. Delving into the vibrant musical heritage of historic Fort Scott, Sheppard highlighted the pivotal role played by musicians like James Reese Europe, who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the era. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history while enjoying a delightful soup luncheon accompanied by soulful melodies courtesy of the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson. The event provided a unique experience, allowing guests to step back in time and partake in a cakewalk, reminiscent of a bygone era. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in celebrating this enriching journey through Kansas’ musical past. Stay tuned for more exciting events to come! |
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Step into spring with an unforgettable visit to the Lowell Milken Center! As the season blossoms, we invite groups of all ages to explore our inspiring exhibits and engage in enriching educational experiences. Whether you’re planning a field trip for students, a group tour for history enthusiasts, or a team-building outing, the Lowell Milken Center offers a perfect destination. Come discover the stories of Unsung Heroes and be inspired by their remarkable journeys. Contact us today to schedule your visit and make memories that will last a lifetime! |
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What’s Happening In Fort Scott
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Obituary for Ronnie Felt
Ronnie Lee Felt, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Via Christi Medical Center, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1938, in Fort Scott, the oldest son of Kenneth Marcellus Felt and Sylvia Mae Beerbower Felt. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1956. Ronnie married Laura Lea Coonrod on April 5, 1959, at Cato, KS. Ronnie started trucking right out of high school. He was also a farmer and a rancher after purchasing his parents’ farm in 1972. Ronnie and Laura would become the owners and operators of Felt & Sons Trucking Company out of Redfield, KS in 1982. He chased that white line for over three million miles with his sons and family by his side. Through his time trucking, Ronnie, also known as Bigfoot, made many friends and built relationships that would last his lifetime. He served as a Deacon at Mt. Orum Baptist Church.
Ronnie retired at the age of 72. His pride and joy was his family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. He could often be found in his recliner with multiple great grandchildren piled on his lap. He led his family for 85 years with knowledge and wisdom. At the end of his life, he was surrounded by the family that loved and adored him.
Survivors include his wife Laura of the home, and children Rickie Felt and wife, Cindy of San Antonio, Troy Felt and partner, Tami Shirley of Redfield, and Rhonda Kellstadt and husband Robert of Mound City. Six grandchildren, Kathy Felt, Kenny Felt (Megan), Clayton Dierksen (McKenna), Tyler Felt (Skylar), Haley Arnold (Adam), and Cade Kellstadt (Avery) and his great-grandchildren: Blair, Waylon, Easton, Knox, Smith, Carver, Creek, Olivia, and Macy. Ronnie is also survived by his siblings Shirley Felt Cary, CH Felt, and Gary Felt.
He was preceded in death by a grandson Scott Felt, his parents Kenneth and Sylvia Felt, and a sister Marcella Felt Butler.
Pastor Tom Bevard will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 13th, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church, Redfield, KS.
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
FSHS Floriculture Students Start New Venture Selling Products They Make
Fort Scott High School Floriculture Teacher Sydney Cullison’s students plan to create and sell some of the products they have learned to make.
“Students in floriculture are looking to create Easter-themed centerpiece arrangements,” she said. “This is a learning experience for students and each arrangement may vary slightly.”
This is the first year for floriculture in FSHS.
“Our source of flowers is Flowers By Leanna,” she said. “She sells them wholesale to us. We have done a workshop there with her.”
“It’s the first time we’ve ever sold arrangements,” Cullison said. “We are testing the waters.”
“We plan to make corsages and boutonnieres,” she said.
“We are lucky to have several floral shops in town, some rural towns don’t, but we want to give the kids the experiences at the same time,” she said.
“The proceeds will be used for future floriculture things,” she said.
Orders for the Easter arrangements are due by March 17.
Each arrangement is $30. Flowers to be possibly included are: white easter lilies, tulips, stock, carnations, static, and leather leaf in a 5.5″ tall tin bucket with ribbon.
Cash or Check to Fort Scott FFA. Venmo @Sydney-Cullison
Delivery inside city limits is available for $5.
Pick up at FSHS Ag Shop.
Delivery and pick up on March 27 by 4 p.m.
Order Link: https://forms.gle/
Sydney Cullison has taught agriculture at FSHS for three years and is also the FFA Advisor. She graduated from FSHS in 2015.
AD: Make An Impact In Uniontown: City of Uniontown Is Looking For A City Clerk
Would you like to make an impact in your community while broadening your skill set, connecting with people, working close to home, and receiving good pay & great benefits?
As Uniontown City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk you can do all this and more! This is a 40 hours per week position with above average wage and benefits, including:
- Paid Time Off: 10 Holidays, 1-4 weeks Vacation, 12 days Sick Leave, & More
- Retirement Plan: participate in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System)
- Health & Life Insurance available
- Wage Scale: minimum $15.00, may be more depending upon experience
The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail, and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).
Personal Requirements:
- You must be a Motivated, Self-Starter
- High Attention to Detail
- Basic Computer, Accounting, and Secretarial Skills
- Ability to Maintain Confidentiality and Discretion
- Live Within 10 Miles of Uniontown
- Valid Driver’s License & Pass Pre-Employment Drug Screen
Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] . Applications are accepted through Noon on March 12th.
North American Travel Journalists Award Kansas a Bronze Award for “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy”
Kansas Tourism Triumphs with Four Marketing Awards, Highlighting Excellence in Destination Promotion
TOPEKA – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) recently announced that Kansas Tourism received four awards in the 32nd Annual NATJA Awards Competition. The competition honors the best of the best in travel journalism, photography and destination marketing organizations. This recognition underscores Kansas Tourism’s dedication to innovative destination marketing and its commitment to showcasing the state as a premier travel destination.
“Kansas Tourism’s award-winning efforts in inspiring travelers to explore our state are pivotal to our image and growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Every visitor represents a potential resident or business connection, and elevating Kansas as an attractive destination ensures lasting benefits for all communities.”
The four awards presented to Kansas Tourism include:
- Destination of the Year Award: This special recognition honors Kansas Tourism for its unwavering dedication to innovative tourism marketing strategies and captivating the attention of travelers worldwide. Kansas Tourism was chosen for their overall 2023 marketing campaigns, which all used the brand messaging of To The Stars, and included the Kansas Day release of the “Home on the Range” project and the “To The Stories” video series.
- Creative Marketing Campaign, Gold Award: “Home on the Range.” This campaign celebrates the uniqueness of Kansas through a series of videos set to the state’s iconic song and featured images of the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Featuring five well-known Kansas artists, this campaign, which was launched on Kansas Day 2023, showcases how the lyrics written more than 150 years ago still ring true today. You can see the full campaign here.
- Destination Video, Bronze Award: “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy.” This video is part of Kansas Tourism’s “To The Stories” series, which explores the faces and places that make Kansas an incredible place to visit and live. It explores Gordon Parks, who dedicated his life to combating racism and poverty through art, and how the lessons he learned on his family farm in Fort Scott helped him to become the first Black photojournalist on staff at LIFE magazine and the first African American to direct a major motion picture. Academy Award winning screenwriter and fellow Kansas native Kevin Willmott narrates the remarkably true story of how Parks opened doors for Black filmmakers everywhere. You can watch the video here.
- Travel Guide, Honorable Mention Award: “Kansas Official Travel Guide 2023.” The annual Kansas Travel Guide invites readers to explore the Sunflower State’s diverse things to do, including attractions, museums, dining, accommodations, historic sites and outdoor adventures. Filled with captivating imagery and insightful narratives, this guide beckons travelers to discover the treasures within Kansas’ vibrant cities, historic towns, rolling plains and expansive prairies. The 2023 guide’s front cover featured a wakeboarder at Lake Perry ripping the waves, depicting one of the many unexpected activities you can find in Kansas. You can order the latest travel guide here.
“We are honored to be recognized for the work we do to inspire travel to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Winning these prestigious tourism marketing awards reaffirms our commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence in promoting unforgettable experiences in the state.”
“Submissions for this year’s awards competition included a diverse group of journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations from North America,” NATJA CEO Helen Hernandez said. “Selection of the winners by our independent panel of judges was particularly difficult this year because of the outstanding quality and broad range of articles, images and marketing campaigns submitted for consideration.”
Judges for the competition included award-winning newspaper and magazine editors as well as educators from across journalism disciplines. To qualify for an award or honor, work had to be published from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
About the North American Travel Journalist Association:
Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public. NATJA also publishes TravelWorld International Magazine (www.travelworldmagazine.com).
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
The Transparency Illusion by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
“Andy, I will video you from the shower,” I told my son.
“Mom, do you know how weird that sounds?” He answered. He was right. I was referring to an upcoming baby shower. He couldn’t have known that. Miscommunication can easily become problem.
Is there a chance…
- He didn’t mean to say what you think you heard?
- She just might be innocent?
- He was only kidding?
The chance for misinterpretation is greater now than ever, thanks to social media and a psychological phenomenon known as “the transparency illusion”—the belief that what we intend is crystal clear to others, no matter how poorly we communicate our thoughts. “Why is she offended? It’s obvious I was just messing around. I even put LOL at the end of my text.” Or… “I bared my soul, hoping he would apologize, but he told me that I was being dramatic.” Or… “I expected her to meet me for dinner, but later she used the excuse that she thought I was just messing around. How could it be any plainer?”
And speaking of misinterpretation, how about those online dating complaints?
- Instead of 5’11” as he advertised, not even his three-inch orthotics made him close to her 5’7” height.
- The picture she used was photo-shopped so drastically, the only thing even remotely resembling her were the earrings she wore.
- “Respectful” included everyone except, apparently, this date.
Sometimes, however, social media is not to blame for misinterpretations. In Mazatlán, our friends “Bill and Colleen” were asked by “Harry and Marge” if they (H&M) could move in with them for a few days because they (H&M) had an opportunity to rent their condominium and make a lot of money. Nervy, yes, but Bill and Colleen are kind souls and thought a few days couldn’t hurt. It turned out that “a few days” meant a month to the moochers who quickly took over their new abode without offering to help with cleaning or rent that B&C were paying for their unit. When enough was enough, Harry and Marge were asked to leave (which they did only after bad-mouthing the generous couple and never speaking to them again.)
We all have had experiences dealing with misunderstanding, but I’m not sure there is any book more misconstrued than the Bible. These are a few untruths I have heard:
- God never could send someone to Hell. (Side note: He doesn’t. We make that choice.)
- Jesus commands that we poke our eyes out if we lust.
- There are many ways to Heaven. Jesus doesn’t mean it when he says that he is the only way.
- All of the authors of the New Testament got together to write their stories to cut down on discrepancies.
- Paul hated women. That’s why he told them to be quiet in church.
Let’s face it. Communication risks misunderstanding. If we took the time to ask for clarity instead of conjuring up what we think is meant, if we researched just a little deeper, if we did not succumb to the transparency illusion, we might have a chance of being on the same page as the other person. Then again, if we don’t do those things, we might not even be in the same book.
Road Closure on 20th Road from March 11-12
from Bourbon County Public Works:
20th Road will be closed Monday, March 11th and Tuesday, March 12th between 39 Hwy and Eagle Rd for culvert installations.
Thank you,
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
