Government, Kansas

High Plains Water Conservation and Groundwater Management Support

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Receiving Nearly $25 Million to Support High Plains Aquifer


TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Agriculture is receiving nearly $25 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support water conservation and groundwater management in the High Plains Aquifer.

“Kansas farmers drive our state’s economic success, and water quality and quantity are a key part of that,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will accelerate our work to help more producers voluntarily implement practices that ensure Kansans have access to sustainable, reliable water sources for generations to come.”

The funding comes through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP aims to reduce water use by collaborating with farmers and ranchers to implement a combination of NRCS practices including irrigation water management, cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management.

“To feed the world and to operate profitably, Kansas farmers need a secure water supply for this generation and the next,” said Representative Sharice Davids. “Our producers have been working hard to use water even more efficiently, and I’m pleased that this federal investment will help further that mission. Continued success of agriculture in Kansas is critical to our state’s economy and lowering food costs — issues that are top of mind as I work with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill.”

The High Plains Aquifer is the largest groundwater source in Kansas and plays an important economic role as farmers rely on it for irrigation. Lying underneath western and south-central Kansas, it consists of several hydraulically connected aquifers.

“I’m thrilled that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has awarded this grant to Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This five-year project, built on a collaborative effort by KDA’s Division of Conservation, the Kansas Water Office, local groundwater management districts, non-governmental conservation groups, private landowners and irrigators, and others, will help implement increased conservation and water efficient practices across the High Plains Aquifer of Kansas. I’m confident this voluntary incentive-based initiative will be a successful project.”

The RCPP aims to reduce water use by 10 percent in each of Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts. NRCS also announced that Ducks Unlimited will be receiving $10 million as part of the Kansas Nebraska Wetland Initiative to create, restore, and protect wetland and riparian barriers in Nebraska and Kansas. More information about both grants is available here.

Government

Fall Resurgence of Avian Influenza

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KDA Warns Poultry Owners of HPAI Resurgence Nationwide

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, including cases in several states that border Kansas — Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. Although Kansas has not confirmed a case of HPAI in a domestic/commercial flock since April 2023, the primary source of spread for this outbreak continues to be wild migratory waterfowl, so the threat of exposure to susceptible birds in Kansas is high.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Obituary

Obituary of Danny Schweikhardt

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Danny (Dan) Ray Schweikhardt, age 64, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at his home. He was born on June 13, 1959 in Fairfax, Missouri and was the son of Charles and Lenar Schweikhardt.  Dan was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and the family spent many happy summers and holidays in St. Joseph and Mound City, Missouri with grandparents.  He graduated from Southeast Polk High School and attended Grand View University.

 

He worked as a mechanic, became a welder and was the Lead over the Paint Line at Labconco in Fort Scott, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2021.  Dan was a talented artist who loved working with his hands.  He was known for his woodworking and could build anything.  He loved music, fishing, fireworks and especially his dogs. He loved making Halloween costumes and would dress up as Santa for Christmas, and with his dog at his side, drive around in his red convertible Mustang.   Florida was a favorite place of his to visit. Dan was loved by everyone he came in contact with and will be missed by all

 

Dan is survived by his son, Matthew, and his children, Royal Lee and Max Schweikhardt; stepsons Chris Goodman (fiancee Kaylyn) and his four boys, four girls, and three grandchildren; Josh Schoemig; brother Dennis Schweikhardt (wife Peggy) and nephews Chris and Mike Schweikhardt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife Paula Goodman/Schweikhardt.

 

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Arraignments are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 3rd Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Pizza Republic Wednesdays – 10% of sales go to FSHS Tiger Booster Club every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm

Christmas on The Bricks T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Orders NOW until November 10th, Adult Sizes only-unisex sizing, click here for pricing and to order!

Candlelight Tour Tickets are on sale NOW, contact FS National Historic Site 620.223.0310 to purchase!

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours 12/8-12/23, tickets are $8/adult or $5/kids or reserve the Trolley for your friends and family for $125! Contact the Chamber 620-223-3566 to reserve your spot!

11/4 ~Jason Scott & The High Heat + BJ Pruitt and the Barnstormers, all ages, doors open at 6:30pm with show starting at 7:30pm, Memorial Hall, click here for tickets! Tickets also for sale at the Chamber and Bourbon County Cars.

11/4 ~ Bark Ranger Event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, free toenail trims for dogs, pet adoptions, K9 demonstrations, and various pet vendors, 10am-12pm low-cost vaccinations, free heartworm testing, and low-cost microchipping will be provided by local vets, click here for more info.

11/4 ~ Chili Feed, Chili Cook-Off and Bake Auction hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights, $7/adults and $4/children, click here for more info!

11/4 ~ BJ Cattle Ranch Battle, exciting bull rides and a great bull competition, kids bounce house and a pet scramble, calcutta starts at 5:30pm, click here for more info!

11/4 ~ Voices from the Graved hosted by Bourbon County Community Theatre at Riverfront Park, tickets can be purchased at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, $10/adult and $7/students, click here for more information!

11/6 ~ Fall Foods, Gourmet Ciders, and Pumpkin Succulent Crafting hosted by Twigs & Berries at Hedgehog.INK!, $45 per person/payment before class to secure a spot!

11/7-9&11 ~ FSHS Performing Arts Presents Guys and Dolls, a musical fable of Broadway, $8/adults and $6/students&children, click here for tickets and more information!

11/7 ~ Election Day, 7am-7pm, click here for a complete listing of candidates!

11/7 ~ Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Estate Sale, November 7-18th All Estate Jewelry is 25%off with free ring sizing included, November 21-25th all Estate Jewelry is 50% off NO free ring sizing, click here for more info!

11/7 ~ Kiwanis Pioneers 35th Annual Chili Feed at the United Methodist Church, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6pm, minimum $8.00 donation per meal, see flyer below for more details!

11/8 ~ Manufacturing Day in Fort Scott hosted by the Chamber, both school groups and individuals are invited and welcome to attend, click here for more info!

11/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW, 1745 S. National Ave, 8am

11/9 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown & Around Holiday Open House Shopping Event, Stores open late 5-8pm, kick-off special event on the 9th with open house continuing the 10th & 11th. The trolley will be going around the stores, hop on & off and shop!

11/10 ~ US Marine Core Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic, all are welcome, official

cake cutting ceremony will begin at 7pm, click here for more info!

11/10 ~ Vienna Boys Choir at Fort Scott Community College, 7:00pm, tickets are $45 with general admission seating, click here for more info and to order tickets!

11/10-11 ~ Veteran’s Day Celebration by VFW at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, 11am, contact the VFW for more information!

11/11 ~ Veterans Day Program at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, 11am, organized by the VFW.

11/11 ~ Outlaw Jim and The Whiskey Benders at Pizza Republic, a concert to celebrate Veterans

and their sacrifices made for our freedom, $5 cover charge, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

11/10-11/12 ~ Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, all military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride at NO CHARGE with ID card, click here for more info!

11/12 ~ St. Anne’s Altar Society Fall Festival Turkey Dinner and Kennedy Gym, adults $10.00 children 11 & under are free, come out and enjoy the feast and fellowship, 4-6pm, click here for more info!

11/15 ~ Paint Party at Papa Don’s hosted by 2 Southern Ladies, $35 per person, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

11/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by USD234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main, 8am

11/18 ~ Almost KISS Tribute Band LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

11/19 ~ 27th Turkey Shoot at BRCC, K-8th + a partner, fee:$2.00 per team, see flyer below.

11/18-25 ~ Annual Key Warehouse Sale, one week only, NOT ON THANKSGIVING, closeouts on men’s, ladies, and kids apparel, click here for hours and more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

11/20 ~ FSMS Extravaganza sponsored by the FSHS Swim Team, 5-8pm

11/30 ~ “Candy Land Christmas” parade hosted by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 6pm

12/1-12/3 ~ First Annual Christmas on the Bricks in Fort Scott Downtown Historic District, horse-drawn carriage rides/candlelight tours at the Fort/gingerbread house making contest/Christmas paint party at Pizza Republic/Floral Centerpiece Making Class at Sunshine Boutique and SO MUCH MORE! Click here for a complete listing of activities that will be happening that weekend!

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Manufacturing Day 2023!

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown and Around, November 9th!

Kiwanis Pioneers 35th Annual Chili Feed!

U.S.M.C Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic!

Kansas Rocks Veterans Day Appreciation Special November 10th through November 12th!
…
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown’s First Christmas in the Park Event is November 25

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Uniontown Park is located in the center of the town on the square.
The flyer sent out to the community to tell of the upcoming event in the Uniontown Park. Submitted graphic.

A family fun event on November 25 is planned in Uniontown in preparation for the Christmas season.

When Ashley Endicott and Mary Pemberton learned that Sally and Frank Johnson, who’ve been decorating Uniontown Park at Christmas for several years, are no longer able to continue, they decided to do it.

“We thought this would be a great time and opportunity to create a new community event and get more people involved,” Pemberton said.

Their purpose for continuing and expanding the event is ” To spread the Christmas spirit,” Mary said. “To create a fun, festive environment and involve more people in decorating so the job doesn’t fall on just a couple of volunteers.  In addition, to light up the park,  add more decorations, and continue to have a beautifully decorated public area for Christmas.”

A lighted Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is the centerpiece of the event. The decorated, lighted trees will line the park.

“We just started putting the word… so we are still looking for teams to enter the tree decorating contest,” she said.  “Everyone we’ve talked with has been very enthusiastic and excited about it.”

Don and Mary Pemberton, owners of Bandera Stone Inc., are donating live Christmas trees for the decorating contest this year.

“For future years, we hope for donations of artificial trees as people replace theirs or will fundraise and buy during after-Christmas clearance sales,” she said.  “The larger the tree, the better!”

“We are encouraging tree decorating teams of four people and expect most to start around 3 p.m. on November 25,” she said. “Decorating must be finished by 5:30 p.m. for judging.  Anyone not on a team for the tree decorating contest can help decorate the remainder of the park – putting lights on the shelters, etc.”

” Due to the limited time we have to plan this year, we will have a disc jockey playing recorded music,” she said. “Plans are to expand everything next year, including live music.”

In addition, hay rides and hot chocolate will be available that evening.

Please call 620.223.3920 to reserve a tree to decorate for this event.

All decorations will be provided by each team of four, with cash prizes given for first and second-place tree decorating teams.

Extension cords will be needed for hooking the trees up to electrical outlets, she said.

All persons present in the park at judging time 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote for their favorite tree.

If people have decorations to donate please leave them on November 25 at 3 p.m. or leave them at the Bandera Stone office on the north side of Uniontown Park.

“We are also planning ahead and would like to form a park committee to next year expand the activities and decorations,” she said.  “Some ideas include inviting Santa Claus to come visit with children, fire pits for keeping warm and making s’mores, chili dinner, coat/toy drive, and many, many more lights and decorations.  So, anyone who might have extra outdoor lights or heavy outdoor decorations (not blow-up style) or if you are replacing your artificial tree, please consider donating these items to the park event.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Schools

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

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Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched

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Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.

The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.

“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”

The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.

Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:

More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

Kansas October Tax Collections Report

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October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.

“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

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Bourbon County Local News