Bourbon County

Letter to the Editor: Highlighting Bourbon County REDI’s Impact on Our Community

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Dear Editor,
I am writing to highlight the significant achievements of Bourbon County REDI over the past several years. Our organization has played a crucial role in driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community development throughout Bourbon County—all while operating at a much lower cost than previous efforts.
One of our key accomplishments was taking over the Pavilion project after the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) stepped back. We formed a dedicated committee that ensured its successful completion, transforming it into a vital community space that hosts local events and fosters civic engagement.
We also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the KRES building by securing Mr. Robert Coon as its new owner and working with him to bring in Mi Ranchito that has greatly enhanced our downtown dining options, created jobs, and boosted sales tax revenue.
In addition, we secured a $400,000 grant for the Eagle Block building, which was essential for clean-up efforts and the preservation of neighboring historic structures. This initiative has spurred business expansion and economic activity, further strengthening our downtown.
Our efforts were instrumental in revising and securing the Horton Street grant, nearly $1 million dedicated to improving one of our most traveled city streets, connecting our community college to the downtown business district. We also facilitated the development of a new office building on the site of the former Brew Haus, which has enhanced the aesthetics of downtown Fort Scott and increased foot traffic to local businesses.
REDI has been a key player in the sale and redevelopment of the professional building adjacent to the hospital, which will be renovated to house new businesses and create jobs. We also supported the transition of the MacDonald Hall building, actively assisting the new owners in securing grants for an incubator kitchen that promises further economic growth in Bourbon County.
Our collaborative efforts helped bring Freeman Health System to the county, working with multiple stakeholders to navigate regulatory and financial hurdles to restore critical healthcare services.
We have also worked diligently on marketing the Value Merchandiser building, exploring innovative uses and engaging prospective buyers to ensure it remains a valuable economic asset.
In 2022, we conducted housing, labor, and retail studies that have guided numerous investment decisions, attracted businesses and driven development across Bourbon County. Our work helped bring Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI) to the community, creating around 100 new jobs at wages above the county average—the largest business attraction in recent memory.
We hosted the first-ever countywide strategic planning session, which identified key issues facing our community. From this, we spearheaded several initiatives, including working with the City of Fort Scott Commission to revitalize the Landbank board, leading to the productive use of several previously vacant lots, and forming a housing committee that has been working hard to create an incentive plan with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County to help bring more housing developers to our communities.
Additionally, we have been instrumental in awarding grant funds to various organizations and communities within Bourbon County, totaling over $150,000. These funds supported quality-of-life projects, including updates to the rodeo arena, park amenities in Uniontown, baseball field improvements in Bronson, a new playground at Kansas Rocks, bike course funds at Gunn Park, and new sidewalks in Mapleton.
We were also instrumental in the awarding of grants to the city of Fort Scott for a new ATV for their fire department and for AEDs that are being placed in several city owned properties to help save lives. Additionally, we supported the Bourbon County EMS by not only writing and helping them be awarded with grants for much needed equipment.
We have also been working closely with BNSF on major infrastructure improvements that would address traffic flow issues between the west and east sides of Fort Scott, crucial for emergency access and overall community connectivity.
Finally, our efforts to support the solar farm developments in Bourbon County will lead to an estimated billion-dollar increase in tax assessments over the next thirty years, providing vital funding for local schools and potentially lowering taxes by up to 80%.
In summary, Bourbon County REDI has achieved a great deal, often where others have struggled. Our work has driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life across the county. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to building on our successes for the benefit of our entire community.
Robert Harrington
Executive Director Bourbon County
Regional Economic Development Inc.
401 Woodland Hills Blvd
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Scarecrow Contest Winner: Guild Mortgage

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Chamber announces the… 2024 Scarecrow Contest Winner

Guild Mortgage located at 1 E. Wall St.

A HUGE Thank You to ALL of the businesses/organizations that entered the contest! We encourage EVERYONE to venture Downtown to view all the festive scarecrows! A special THANK YOU to KEY Apparel for sponsoring the contest and providing the winner 12 logoed t-shirts!

  1. Core Community of Bourbon County, scarecrow located at Sleep Inn, 302 E. Wall
  2. First Presbyterian Church, scarecrow located at Front Door Realty, 113 S. Main
  3. Gross Insurance, 18 S. National
  4. Guild Mortgage, 1 E. Wall
  5. Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union, 24 S. National Ave.
  6. Ruddick’s, 117 S. National Ave.
  7. SEK Multi County Health Dept, scarecrow located in front of Iron Star, 3 N. Main
  8. Sleep Inn, 302 E. Wall

SAVE THE DATE for the Downtown Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 26th with Festivities starting at 10am, Parade 11am!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Register Today For Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend

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Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale in Fort Scott September 20th & 21st!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is EXCITED to announce the Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale happening September 20th & 21st!

Sales may be registered with the Chamber and listed on the official garage sale map for only $12. Those interested may register in person at the Chamber, over the phone by credit, debit or Venmo, or online at fortscott.com. The Chamber also offers display ads to businesses and organizations on the map for $35.

The deadline to register a sale on the official map is 1pm on Tuesday, September 17th.

The Chamber sincerely appreciates sales and ads being registered with the Chamber as those funds make it possible for the Chamber to host the event and cover expenses incurred on the event to bring as many people to the community as possible to shop the sales and patronize other businesses while here.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Friends of the Fort Annual Meeting Tonight: Featured Speaker: All Are Welcome

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site…

The public is invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) being held TONIGHT at the Herbert House located at 512 S. Judson.

This meeting will feature a program “The Greatest Test of Courage: A Story of WWII and the Philippines”, presented by Ronda Hassig. The program begins at 6pm. Light appetizer refreshments will be served.

Join us to learn about the Friends work on behalf of FSNHS and a little known WWII story in one of Fort Scott premier historic homes.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

September 16, 2024

512 S. Judson St.

6pm
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Opinion

Jack’s Snacks by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

Jack’s Snacks

 

One evening, while home alone watching one of my favorite movies and eating dry-roasted peanuts, I whispered, “I’ve turned into my dad.” When I was a kid, Dad and I would watch TV in the evenings and he’d always eat popcorn, mixed nuts, or salted peanuts in the shell. He actually had a microwave cart (as an end table) beside his swivel rocker because he stored his snacks in it. Just in the last few years I‘ve adopted his snack  habit (minus the microwave cart). There’s always bits and pieces of our parents in us because that is God’s design. Most of us are younger replicas of our mom or dad, or a combination of both. DNA is powerful and cannot be denied or erased. Jesus said, “When you look at Me you are seeing the One who sent me” (John 12:45 TPT).

 

When all the disciples were together, I think Jesus may have been saddened or  disappointed with Philip’s statement, “Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” “Jesus answered, ’Don’t you know Me, Philip? I have been among you such a long time! Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don‘t you believe that I am in the Father? Don‘t you believe that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you are not just My own. The Father lives in Me. He is the One who is doing His work“ (John 14:9-10 NIRV). Like Father, like Son.

 

While on earth, Jesus perfectly represented His Father in every aspect. All believers have a heavenly Father that’s perfect and awesome in every way. “Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, you are to be perfect like Him” (Matthew 5:48 TPT). If we take this verse out of context, then it sounds like a counsel of despair and impossibility. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching on how to treat others (see Matthew 5:43-47). We are to aim at being perfect in how we love God and others. We’ll never be perfect in the sense that God is, but we are to focus on perfecting our love walk.

 

We are to emulate our heavenly Father rather than the messed-up worldly influencers in our culture. “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6 NLT). It makes sense that if we claim to be a Christian we must surely live like one.

 

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT). Maybe this scripture is why Peter Scholtes penned the hymn lyrics, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” All of our behavior is to be characterized by love. Apostle Peter wrote, “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters” (1 Peter 2:17). If love is AWOL in the Church Body, you can be sure that God is not being imitated.

 

Many years ago I read the book, “In His Steps” by Charles M. Sheldon. This best-selling Christian fiction novel made a positive impact on my life. The scriptures tell us that Jesus went about doing good. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34). God is love and He is good. We are imitating  Jesus when we live our lives filled with love and go about doing good.

 

The Key: I doubt that God eats peanuts, but we should imitate Him anyway.

Kansas

New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

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New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that $250,000 will be available through a third round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants. The SEED program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.

“SEED grants are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring every community in Kansas has the opportunity to succeed,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants are creating real impact in rural communities, helping them build stronger local economies, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By investing in these communities, we continue laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity.”

The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:

  • Childcare and senior programming – Projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment
  • Community vibrancy – Projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage
  • Food retail – Projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion
  • Libraries – Projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations in towns not previously awarded a SEED grant are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10-percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance will be given upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the SEED program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

SEED grant applications will open Monday, September 16, and close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 8. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.

A recorded informational webinar about the SEED grant is available here. A list of previously awarded towns, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host virtual Office Hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, for anyone who might have questions regarding the grant and the application process. To register, click here.

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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for September 17

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 17, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1368-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 28, 2024 – September 10, 2024 – $1,023,007.21
  5. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, Regular Meeting and September 9, 2024, Special Meeting.
  6. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) – Invoice No. 0010 FINAL (July, August and September) – $10,000.00
  7. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 4 – Invoice No. 17453 – Payroll – $8,142.58
  8. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 5 – Invoice No. 17538 – Design – $26,490.05
  9. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Invoice No. 17532 – Payroll – $37,510.35
  10. August Financials

 

VII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Matthew Wells/Bourbon County Community Theatre – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – October 26, 2024, 6:00PM – 9:00PM – ‘Voices From The Grave’

 

  1. Kathy Brennon/Executive Director/Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Meals on Wheels

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Consideration of Building at 118 E. Wall – Continued from September 9, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting – waiting on requested documents from owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. New Business

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main St. – Alteration to Existing Structure – Design Review Board meeting on September 13, 2024.
  2. Consideration to Go Out For Bids for External IT Services
  3. Consideration of Bids for Reinvestment of $1,000,000.00 from Wastewater Fund for six (6)-Month CD – Four (4) bids received: Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank.
  4. Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Dickman
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85
  7. Request to Schedule a Special Meeting (September 23, 2024) to Consider RFPs for Consultant to Airport Projects within the Next Five (5) Years.

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments
  3. Engineering Comments
  4.  Commissioners Comments
  5. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For September 16

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Aug 2024 Financial Reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

September 16, 2024 4:45 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/9/2024
    2. Approval of August Financials
  2. Susan Walker, CFO-Insurance
  3. 5:30 p.m.-RNR and Budget Public Hearings Begin
  • Public Comments
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Tri-Valley Agreement
  1. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

 

K-State Extension

Add Bulbs to the Landscape Now for Big Color in the Spring

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Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height and shape. From the end of September to the first of November is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Spend some time thinking about the location you intend to plant before making a purchase. So many times we buy on impulse and then have to really squeeze plants into a spot that may be less than desirable!

 

Bulbs can be planted in a variety of locations including around house foundations, under deciduous shrubs and trees, along borders, in perennial beds and rock gardens, in containers and even on steep slopes.

 

When planted along a foundation, bulbs will add color in the early spring if planted in a grouping of twelve or more bulbs. If you have evergreen shrubs planted along a foundation, they will provide a nice background for planting of bulbs. Bulbs will “pop” with color in contrast to the green of the shrubs.

 

Spring bulbs can be planted under deciduous shrubs or small trees. You may be wondering how this can be because of a lack of sunlight. Early blooming bulbs receive plenty of light because they start growing long before trees and shrubs start to develop leaves. Some bulbs that do well in this type of setting include grape hyacinths, crocus, bluebells and early maturing daffodils.

 

A border of bulbs planted along the edge of the lawn will add a splash of color to the lawn area. Or consider planting low growing bulbs around the edge of a flower bed to add interest. You can add them directly into a perennial bed and the bulbs will bloom in March, April and May before perennials start to grow. Make sure to locate the bulbs so the dying foliage will not be noticed.

 

For steep slopes that are difficult to mow and maintain, bulbs with a fiberous root system such as daylilies, are an effective plant to use. The foliage is attractive and the bloom adds color to the area. The problem of trying to mow a steep area will be eliminated.

 

Both spring and summer bulbs can be planted in portable containers. The nice thing about container plantings is their versatility. For spring bulbs, once bloom is past, the container can be moved to a location out of sight while the foliage matures. Summer bulbs will add color all summer long to areas such as a patio or deck.

 

Keep in mind that planting bulbs of one variety or color in mass will have greater visual impact. This will provide uniform color and texture that is pleasing to the eye. With bulbs such as tulips or daffodils, plant at least twelve bulbs of one variety in a grouping. Smaller bulbs should be planted in groups of fifty to have visual impact.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Arteffect Ambassadors Applications Due September 16

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ARTEFFECT Ambassadors
Visual Arts Online Fellowship 2024-2025

Last Call for Applications!

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors invites middle and high school educators to apply for this online fellowship. Explore the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes with your classrooms and communities, deepen your instructional practice through the visual arts and arts-integration, and engage with a cohort in peer-learning. The fellowship carries a $1,250 stipend + $250 materials credit.

The application deadline is Monday, September 16, 2024. Review the Program Information Sheet for all the details.
Submit Your Application!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Bourbon County Local News