Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

Mental Health For Veterans

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We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to Fort Scott Community Green Zone Advocacy Training, April 12th 8:30-2:30, at The Ellis Family Fine Arts Center in Fort Scott.

Green Zone, is a program designed by Loran Osborn with Four County Mental Health Center, Inc. (CCBHC) Service Members and Veteran Families Navigator Office and Dr. Alan Parsons former Director of ICC’s Veteran Student Success.

Our speakers for the day will be Loran Osborne, Mike Feiveson – Kansas Department of Commerce, SSG Farra McChesney – 1011th Quartermaster Co. Operations NCO (USAR), Jeremy and Dana Tompson – Team Rubicon Southeast Kansas Field & Ops, Jason Owens – Veteran and Insurance Representative and Dan Miller – Wounded Warrior.

 

Some of the topics covered will be basic communication & interaction, questions not to ask, military culture familiarization & public-friendly terminology, best practices for forming community partnerships, Veterans returning to school, volunteering with Vets, how an employer can best utilize Veteran skill sets, Veteran healthcare & insurance types, getting a Veteran to seek help & where to send them, and a few others.

 

This is a free event open to anyone in the community, with free lunch.  We will have snacks, drinks, and door prizes throughout the day!

 

I am including the link to register for the event  https://hybridcourse10-21-19.eventzilla.net/e/hybridcourse10-21-19.eventzilla.net/e/bourbon-countyfort-scott-community-green-zone-2138608108#organizer

 

 

Submitted by:

Shelly Kelley (She/Her/Hers)
MHFA Project Director

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

Opinion

How Little is Enough? By Patty LaRoche

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Do you remember when “one” was enough?  When razors had only one blade, a single bathroom met a family’s needs, and one, shared car got us where we needed to go?  If we misplaced our eye- glasses or hair clips or pens and pencils, too bad.

Televisions entertained us with three stations. A handful of singing groups dominated radio stations, and we could name the dozen, famous movie stars by sight.  Closets held very few items of clothing, and we had two pair of shoes: one for school and one for church.  There were slim pickings for restaurants, and French was the only salad dressing available.  Simple was the only thing we knew.

No more.

Now, it’s all about amassing.  Bigger and better. Onward and upward.  More and more and more and more and more.

A while back, Dave and I were invited to a couples’ home for the evening. They are fun, caring, adventurous and love the Lord.   I was given a tour of their magnificent house and was astounded at the number of massive rooms devoted to “stuff.”  The wife said that she never could downsize because she wouldn’t know where to start to get rid of things that mean so much to her.  When her husband spoke of the dozen Christmas trees they put up each year, his wife claimed there weren’t “quite” that many.

On our way home, Dave, freshly inspired to declutter our lake cottage, commented on how we should start with our kitchen.  So, while he played pickleball this morning, I tackled the cabinet that holds our water bottles.  Check it out to the left.  This is the stash I removed from one cabinet…just in case, I guess, the water bottle fairy comes knocking and we, having the most in the universe, win a million dollars.

Removing the unnecessary ones was easy.  They were Dave’s.  I placed them in the “giveaway” pile.  Dave put them back and removed my “Grandma” one and my “Thanks for coming to my wedding” one and my “Apparently we’re trouble when we’re together…who knew?” one.  This was not going well.

In the end, we compromised.  Dave gave in, and so did I (somewhat).

Luke 12:15 tells us that Jesus spoke to his listeners, addressing how we hold on to our possessions: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”         

“More is better” seems to be the mantra for our country.  One more drink.  One more donut.  One more snort.  One more lost pound.  One more dollar.  One more eyelift.  One more trophy. One more hour on our phone. One more accolade.                                                           

Readers, take Jesus’ words to heart.  It’s not about how much.  In the end, maybe it’s about how little.

Area News, Youth

Youth Volunteerism Grants Available

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Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Announces 2024 Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle

 

The Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ (GBL) Foundation has been awarding funds for projects aimed at youth volunteerism as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Grant Program since 2016. Since then, 50 grants totaling $26,000 have been awarded to Southeast Kansas nonprofits for youth volunteerism projects.

 

These projects keep Dylan’s spirit of adventure, fitness, curiosity, generosity, and a daily zest for life experiences alive and thriving. The GBL Foundation is determined to “break down the boundaries that keep people from living life to the fullest, whether those boundaries be social, economic or imaginary.”

 

Last year, the GBL Foundation awarded $4,000 in grant funds to eight nonprofit organizations across Southeast Kansas.

 

“We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the 2024 GBL Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are not just about funding projects; they’re about fostering Dylan’s legacy and empowering youth volunteerism in our communities. Through volunteering, we hope young hearts are ignited to embrace adventure, curiosity, and the joy of giving back.”

 

Don’t forget the 2024 GBL 5K, Friendship Walk & Kid Fest on April 27th at Hutchinson Field.

 

CFSEK is pleased to be the host agency for the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Fund and is proud to assist them in the granting of these awards.

 

For more information on the GBL Foundation, visit SoutheastKansas.org/GBL.

 

If you have an interest in establishing a grantmaking fund, please contact CFSEK at 620-231-8897.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes of Feb. 27

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The Special Council Meeting on February 27, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties, benefits, and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00PM

 

Clerk Johnson included in session, open meeting resumed at 7:00.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:35PM.

 

Johnson still included in session. Open meeting resumed at 7:35PM.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Clerk Johnson post City Clerk position with appropriate publications and organizations

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to amend Section 2.9.0 with the statement that full-time employees hires on or after March 1, 2024 will not be eligible for this benefit and add Section 2.11.0 Health Insurance Benefit effective for all new full-time hires on or after March 1, 2024

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:36PM

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Restoration of Historic Building at 6th and Main Is In The Works

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The historic building facade at 6th and Main is having its masonry restored by Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott in this February 26, 2024 photo.

The historic building at 6th and Main Streets in Fort Scott is in the process of being restored.

The building is owned by Al and Luanna Niece and was purchased in June 2023, according to a prior interview.

Nieces Are Working to Renovate the Payne Building At 6th and Main

“It’s a total restoration of the building,” said Chase Halsey, Co-Vice President of Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott.

Koehn Construction, Fredonia, is the general contractor of the project and Mid-Continental is a sub-contractor doing the masonry restoration, which includes the brick replacement, stone replacement, tuckpointing, and stripping of the building, and in addition, will be doing the new window installations, Halsey said.

Koehn Construction did the demolition of the interior and are “pouring concrete in the basement. Getting more of the fittings in. We are pouring the slab this week,” said Brandon Koehn, a manager at Koehn Construction.

Luanna Neice said she thought they were right on schedule “probably next week steele will go up on the inside.”

The building is two stories with a walk-out basement, Koehn said, and the inside had been destroyed by a fire.

Koehn said the building should be mostly complete by mid-summer.

A Mid-Continental Restoration worker is stripping the facade of the building in this February 26, 2024 photo at 6th and Main in Fort Scott.

The building will house two apartments on the second floor, an ice cream shop on the first floor, which is street level and the basement is slated to be a gentleman’s bar, according to Niece.

 

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Rick Mayhew

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I recently purchased a financial education package to donate to a school.  It contains all the materials the school and instructor will need.

 

I offered it to both the Fort Scott college and high school but had no response.  My take is that the students of Fort Scott are receiving this kind of financial education and the program I offered is not needed.

 

Having financially literate students will be a big plus for the future of the community.

 

Rick Mayhew

Government, Kansas

Commerce Announces $4.1M Available in Tax Credits Program

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $4.1 million in tax credits once again will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).

CSP assists private nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities undertaking major capital campaigns for projects involving:

  • Community service, including childcare
  • Non-governmental crime prevention
  • Youth apprenticeship and technical training
  • Healthcare services

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process.

“CSP tax credits help a wide variety of community-led projects come to fruition,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The program benefits organizations and donors alike as they collaboratively work to improve their hometowns by supporting projects that positively impact a community’s overall economic health and quality of life.”

Proposed projects should be unique or one-time in nature and create lasting value for charitable organizations. For example, projects might include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building, etc.

The application window is open from March 1 through April 30, 2024. Applicants may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit.

If your organization is interested in applying for the CSP program, the Department of Commerce invites you to an introductory webinar at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 1. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.

For questions regarding CSP Tax Credits, visit the Commerce website here or contact Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom here or at (785) 506-9278.

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.

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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Fort Scott Community College Trustees Meet On February 29

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The FSCC Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting on Thursday, February 29 at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in Burris Hall.  The recently updated technology is not yet ready to carry a livestream, so the meeting will not be streamed.  After calling the meeting to order, the board will adjourn to executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.  A majority of board members may be present at noon to tour student housing, but no business will be conducted during the tour.

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Will Open in May at 17 S. Main

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17 S. Main is being remodeled into Mi Ranchita Mexican Restaurant.

The Historic Downtown Fort Scott building at 17 S. Main has seen many different businesses but is known by the residents as the Kress Building.

A new restaurant is slated for opening there whose most recent business was the Pizza Republic, which closed in January 2024.

Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant is anticipating an opening  in May, said Robert Coon, who along with his wife, Kim, are the Coon Rentals LLC owners of the building,

Robert and Kimberly Coon. Submitted photo.

There is 5,000 square feet of restaurant, 4,000 square feet of seating space, and a 1,000 square feet kitchen.

“They are remodeling to suit themselves,” Coon said. “They are adding a bathroom and  redoing the kitchen.”

“I want to see the business succeed,” Coon said. “I would say Mr. De La Torre ‘s (the restaurant owner) restaurant background is superior.”

The owner of Mi Ranchito is Rulber De La Torre, from the Kansas City area. He has two restaurants in Olathe, two in Overland Park, one in Lenexa, one in Mound City, and one in Gladstone, MO. according to the business’s Facebook page.

 

Rulber and wife,  Ana Lilian De La Torre. Submitted photo.
Rulber and his children: Teresa, Yareli, Rulber Jr., Nicolas, Rulber, Samantha, and Nereyda De La Torre. Submitted photo.

“We will employ 20-30 people,” De La Torre said. “We are a full-service restaurant. I will hire all of them from Fort Scott and bring trainers to train for 2-3 months to our standard.”

“There will be a full-service bar,” De La Torre said. “My margaritas are exclusive to Mi Ranchito, a flavor you won’t find anywhere.”

His most sought-after dish is his cream cheese chicken enchilada, he said. But he will also serve American fare: hamburgers and a Kansas City Strip Steak Plate.

To view the menu from Mound City’s Mi Ranchita:

Mi Ranchito Mound City Menu 2023

De La Torre will be celebrating 20 years in the business this year in August.

Hours of operation will be Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. (depending on the business flow he said). Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m., depending on the business.

De La Torre said he chose Fort Scott because it’s close to Mound City where he opened a restaurant two years ago.

“I have people come from Fort Scott to that restaurant and wished they had one here,” he said.

Robert Coon contacted him about opening his restaurant here in Fort Scott, he said.

Some of the equipment left from the last restaurant will be utilized by De La Torre,  “but he has an astronomical amount of equipment he is bringing,” Coon said.

 

Looking through the kitchen to the southwest door of 17 S. Main on February 26. Remodel work was going in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The second floor of 17 S. Main has been renovated for professional space, Coon said. “It has 2,500 square feet in space.  With two offices, a board room, and a huge foyer.”

Area News, Government, Health Care

Health Advisory, Safety Tips for Prescribed Fire Season in Flint Hills

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TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people limiting or avoiding strenuous outdoor
  • Vulnerable people should remain
  • Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit The Kansas Flint Hill Smoke Management Website.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT is March 5

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CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT

Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym

Tuesday, March 5th between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized

by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!

COME VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

TRADESHOW EXHIBIT ~ CASH PRIZE!

Click here for the FB event.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
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Bourbon County Local News