Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Gunner Keylon

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This is part of a series featuring young people who have started selling a product or service. If you know of a young business person, send their email or phone number to [email protected]

Gunner Keylon preparing some of his products to sell. Submitted photo.
Gunner Keylon, 12, owns his own business called The JG Store.

He sells homemade treats: such as rock candy, brownies, rice krispy treats, peanut butter fudge, trail mix, etc.

In addition, he sells his artwork:  sketches.
An example of Gunner Keylon’s sketches. Submitted photo.
” I like to draw and get requests sometimes, so I thought they might sell well,” he said. “I also thought rock candy sounded fun to make and you can’t buy it just anywhere.”
Gunner Keylon at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on Sept. 30 selling his product: homemade sweets and art sketches. Submitted photos.
“I’ve been thinking about starting the business for a long time but I actually put it into action a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
He didn’t attend the Children’s Business Fair classes at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team in Fort Scott but joined the business fair just before it took place at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on Sept. 30.
“At the fair, I learned that owning your own business is hard work but it’s worth it!” he said.
His parents are Jared and Ashley Keylon
Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Today

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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

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. Shane Walker- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • 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.

 

Opinion

JOY and Belly Laughs by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

While in Sunday school class back in the 1980s, I heard a definition of “joy” that I’d never heard before and have never forgotten. Joy was explained as simply “Jesus” “Others” and “You.” At the beginning of 2023, I chose joy as my word for the year.  My maternal grandfather, Lawrence, was affectionately referred to as “Lawrency.” Although he died before I was born, I’ve heard many stories regarding the funny things he said and his comical outlook on life. My Grandpa and Grandma Jennings had 13 children, so I’m sure their sense of humor and ability to laugh helped them raise that passel of youngins.

 

Since I come from a laughing family, I’m naturally drawn toward those who love to laugh. I actually look for excuses to laugh at myself. While shopping, I spotted a piece of metal décor that was fashioned into the word “LAUGH.”  I studied it for a few seconds and quickly decided that it belonged in my home. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into my kitchen. The Bible states, “A merry heart does good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). I had a severe allergic reaction once to a certain antibiotic, but I’ve never had a negative reaction to laughter. I always feel fantastic when get tickled and  belly laughs erupt while tears of hilarity run down my face. Laughing is truly a blessing from God. Mom always said, “You might as well laugh as cry.”

 

I’ll be the first to admit that life’s not always a bowl of cherries. But even when it’s a bowl of gravel, I don’t want to be a sad sack. I don’t want to be a partly-cloudy person; I choose to be a partly-sunny person. I expect the joy of the Lord to show up in my life every day because He loves and cares for me and I love Him. As a kid, I remember singing this song in church: “If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.”

 

Scripture reveals the truth about where a believer’s joy comes from. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT). God enables us, through the Holy Spirit, to have hope, joy, and peace when life’s circumstances are heavy.

 

Without Jesus in their hearts, people don’t even have the proper tools to love God, others, and themselves. Life without Jesus means we’re just selfish to the core. Selfishness will ruin every relationship you ever try to develop. However, anyone can choose Jesus as Savior and then be filled with His love and joy. “He [Jesus] will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth” (Luke 1:14 NIV).

 

Loving others by serving them, being good to them, and including them brings joy to both individuals. Enjoying life is a choice and attitude of the heart. Experiencing joy is a privilege and blessing from God that lifts us above life’s challenging turn of events. When believers are a blessing to others, it will ricochet back to us in astonishing ways. Simply do what God leads you to do and watch Him work joy into your life. When we surrender every part of our being as an offering to love God and others, it’s certain to bring us joy.

 

The Key: The joy of the Lord often erupts in laughter, so grab your belly and go for it!

Obituary

Obituary of Carma Tucker

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Carma Jean Tucker, age 63, of Fort Scott, Kansas, died early Saturday, October 14, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Carma was born on September 4, 1960, in Gravette, Arkansas, to Rev. James David and Betty Jean Bergen Tucker, the fourth of six children.

As a pastor’s kid, Carma attended school in Gravette, Arkansas, El Monte, California, and Fort Scott, Kansas, where she graduated from Fort Scott Christian Heights. She was employed as a waitress at Flanner’s Owl Roost, and in the meat department of grocery stores in Gravette and Miami, Oklahoma. She retired from R&R Solutions in Gravette, when she moved to Fort Scott to care for her parents as their health declined. She lovingly cared for her father until his death in 2021, and cared for her mother until Carma’s own health rapidly declined in recent weeks.

Carma loved her home on the family land in Arkansas, where she enjoyed tending to her chickens and flowers. She loved nature, and was always collecting items to decorate her home and gardens. She enjoyed Southern Gospel music, and her family finds great comfort in knowing that she had accepted Christ as her Savior.

Carma fiercely loved her friends and family, but her greatest joy was found in her four sons: Landon (Nancy) Simons, and Jayce Simons all of Fort Scott; Dakota Simons of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Tucker “TJ” Grigsby of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and her beloved grandchildren: Kinsey and Hunter Simons, and Sydney Cullison.

Carma is also survived by her mother, Betty Jean Tucker, brothers Roger (Genie) Tucker, Mark (Brenda) Tucker, Joe (Belinda) Tucker, sister Kerri (Kirk) Bland, and sister-in-law Carolyn Tucker. She was proceeded in death by her father, Rev. James David Tucker, and a brother, Jimmy Tucker. Carma is also survived by a host of loved ones from her large family, and many friends who became a second family, especially her co-workers at R&R Solutions.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 16

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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

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
    2. Longevity
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. 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.

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 10-6-2023

Payroll 10-6-2023

K-State Extension

How to Conduct a Community Clean Up

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Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

October 2023

Crisp autumn air will make anyone want to be outside and enjoying the seasons changing. Spring and Fall are the most opportune times of the year to work on making your yard and community appearance more inviting. Fall allows preparation for winter months ahead while spring invites us out of our “hibernation” to prepare and enjoy the incoming spring months. Organizing a community cleanup is a great way for community members and neighbors to make a change and show pride in their local community while improving the physical appearances.

Hosting a community clean-up campaign also helps improve the health of the community by eliminating habitation for rodents and insects to live, provides an avenue for residents to become more involved and show visible results and will create a good impression on visitors and potential employers. Organizing your Clean up campaign into seven areas will help make your campaign a successful event.

K-State Community Specialist Nadine Sigle & Former Community PRIDE Program Coordinator Daniel Kahl offer the following advise on how to plan and organize a successful Community Clean up.

  1. Organize for success: A Clean-up effort should start with some planning and organizing from a group willing to take initiative to form a core planning committee. Those on the committee could include, but not limited to: Realtors, health professionals, parents, Chamber members, Elected officials, Local media, Civic/youth Organizations, Churches.
  2. Plan for Clear Goals: Take photos to document and assist in prioritizing projects. Before and after photos are helpful if reporting is necessary to donated services or resources for the clean up effort. When Ranking projects, consider health, visual impact, safety, resources available to your effort and the likely hood of a successful project completion. K-State Research and Extension is an excellent resource to help in identifying areas of concerns.
  3. Develop a plan: Develop a detailed plan that includes what projects are being completed and by who. Also include if there is a deadline for the completion of the project. If there are protentional cost involved in the clean up effort, develop a budget and where the financing or fundraising efforts may come from.
  4. Advertise: A good advertising campaign will get others in the community excited to participate in the effort of the community beautification. Contact local media, post pictures and information to local social media stories as well as prepare flyers to be placed around town.
  5. Volunteers: Be prepared to accommodate individuals that show up to assist after hearing about the project. Think of Friendships, family network, co-works, etc., that may provide resources or helpful contacts.
  6. Execute your Project: The Safety of all volunteers should be the most important part of your execution. Depending on weather situations, have water and drinks available. Encourage workers to come appropriately dressed (Bright colors, appropriate shoes, etc.). Make sure all volunteers know where to take litter that is collected during the clean up effort.
  7. Sustain the effort: Make sure to publicly thank all volunteers and cooperating businesses for their efforts in the clean-up. Recognizing a “Yard of the Week” or “Most Improved Property” are great ways to help sustain efforts. Use before and after photos to show the effect of the clean up and to keep the excitement of the beautification going long after the effort.

Find more information on conducting a Community Clean up in your community in “Conducting a Community Clean-up/Fix-up Campaign” publication from K-State Research & Extension found at http://bit.ly/1HU7Bcq, or contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen and [email protected] or any Southwind District Extension office.  Make sure to join our Monthly e-newsletter for Health and Wellness at http://bit.ly/southwindnews

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Board Agenda for Oct. 16

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October 16, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

To view the entire agenda:

10.15.23 Consent Agenda

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
October 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, followed by regular board
meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 25, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50
REPORTS, 51
A. Administrative Updates, 51
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 67
ADJOURNMENT, 681
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 5 – 7, 2023 Gordon Parks Celebration
• October 16, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 20, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 22 – 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed
• January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Minutes of Sept. 25

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 25, 2023
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Vice-Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Dave Elliott as Chair
pro tem.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
BUDGET HEARING
A. Comments from the Chair: None
B. Comments from the Board: The Board thanked Julie Eichenberger and her staff for getting the budget
ready. A suggestion was made to have a worksession next year prior to Julie starting the budget so the
Board can provide feedback about goals for the budget year.
C. Comments from the Public: None
D. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revenue
neutral rate resolution as stated in the agenda.
E. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023 –
24 budget as presented.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
KDWP REPORT: Don George, the District Biologist for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has
been in charge of the lakes at FSCC for many years. KDWP stocks both ponds at FSCC. In his time in this role, he
says KDWP has stocked well over $100,000 worth of fish in the east lake. KDWP and FSCC will be working
together to restructure the east pond, which will involve complete draining of the pond and restructuring the dam. A
start date for the project has not yet been determined, but the goal for completion is some time in 2025.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by 4 – 2 vote to approve the Fairness in
Women’s Sports Policy. Elliott and Nelson voted in opposition.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Instruction, Finance and
Operations, Athletics, Student Services, and CTEC.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:56 pm by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for Oct. 17

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
October 17, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by E. Woellhof
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 3, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1346-A — $419,965.77
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $25,569.95
Invoice#16850 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs Phase III – $7,000.00
Invoice#16851 – 22-305 S. Industrial Pk Waterline – Bidding – $1,200.00
Invoice#16853 –- 22-413 Cooper Street Inspection – $438.00
Amanda Simpson – 8 hours @ $48.50 – $388.00
Cylinder Breaks – 2 hours @ $25.00 – $50.00
Invoice#16854 –- 22-49 S. Horton St. and W. 6 th St. – Final 40% – $2,325.00
Invoice#16855 –- 23-05 City Engineer – Monthly Fee – $4,243.60
Invoice#16856 –- 23-306 WTP Change In Infrastructure – $1,650.00
Gather Information – 100% – $750.00
Final Plans – 15% – $900.00
Invoice#16857 –- 23-409 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $7,963.35
Jason Dickman – 13 hours @ $147.50 – $1,917.50
Amanda Simpson – 117 hours @ $48.50 – $5,674.50
Miles – 279 miles @ $0.65 – $181.35
Meals – 19 meals @ $10.00 – $190.00
Invoice#16877 –- 22-32 KDOT Sub-Area Extension – Bidding – $750.00
D. September Financials
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to approve Core & Main quotes for the purchase of water main insertions for 4th & Horton and Wall & Eddy – Tabled 10/3/2023 – $88,850.00 – B. Lemke
B. Discussion of Splash Pad Drain options – J. Dickman
VII. Appearances:
A. Cory Bryars on behalf of Care To Share: FortFest23 Report for
Commissioners and Special Thanks from Care To Share
B. Becky Gray/Executive Director of Building Health, Inc. and Dee
Yount/Transportation Manager: Request to approve Letter of Support regarding their transportation services
C. Patrick Wood: Housing Development: Requested to appear again with more
information.
VIII. Public Hearing:
A. Resolution No. 17-2023 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration to approve Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition of 10S. National recommended by Design Review Board on 9/28/2023
B. Consideration of Demolition Bids for 10 S. National – B. Matkin
C. Consideration of Bids for South Industrial Park Waterline Extension –
J. Dickman
D. Consideration of candidate, Don Tucker, for Land Bank appointment
E. Consideration to approve Certificate of Appropriation for 12 N. Main to install a new sign. Recommended by Design Review Board on 9/28/2023
F. Beginning discussions of Housing Incentive Programs – M. Wells
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Lisa Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidate Forums slated for October 25 and 26, 2023

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Meet and get acquainted with those who will be on this year’s November 6 ballot. Voters will soon empower some of these candidates with the responsibility of supervising the management of funds allocated for maintaining the effectiveness of these entities.

 

Do you know who spends tax dollars? Yes? No? Without a doubt, the time has come for all voters(taxpayers) in our local communities to know who, how, why our hard-earned tax dollars are being used for our schools and cities. These are the estimated annual budgets: FSCC- $20,000,000; USD 234- $33,800,000; USD 235- $6,300,000; City of Ft Scott- $17,000,000.)

 

Two “meet and greet” sessions have been scheduled to allow for some relevant interaction.

 

The first session, hosted by the Ft Scott Chamber of Commerce, is set for October 25, 2023, at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. The session includes candidates for the FSCC Board of Trustees, USD 234 Board of Education, and the Ft Scott City Commission. Doors will open at 5:30 followed with a time of questions and answers by the candidates at 6:00 pm.

 

Session two, hosted by the Bourbon County Republicans, will be on October 26, 2023, at the Uniontown City Hall in Uniontown. This will include candidates for the FSCC Board of Trustees, USD 235, and city council candidates from Uniontown, Bronson, and Redfield. The meeting will start promptly at 6:30 and is scheduled to last no more than 2 hours.

 

The chamber and the BBCO Republicans will receive questions from the public prior to the sessions. Please submit your questions to the appropriate entity.

Submitted by Anne Dare

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News