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Obituary of Keith Gibson
Keith E. Gibson, age 89, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at his home. He was born March 31, 1934, in Mount Ayir, Iowa, the son of George Gibson and Violet Rowena Newman Gibson.
Keith served with the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. Following his military service, he married Barbara Stuckey on September 29, 1957, at Porterville, California. He had worked for several years in the roofing business. Keith will be remembered as a quiet man who could fix almost anything. He especially enjoyed motorcycles and dune buggies, watching football and reading western novels.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; two sons, Randy Gibson and wife Julie, of Alpine, California and Russ Gibson and wife, Jill of Gentry, Arkansas; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers and a sister.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
There was cremation and no services are planned at this time.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in care of 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.
New Northwest Bourbon County Reservoir Project Introduced in Kansas Legislature
A bill was introduced on February 9 in the Kansas Legislature that could impact Bourbon County, especially those living in the northwest part of the county.
Senate Bill 497 reads that it is an act concerning economic development; establishing the Pike Reservoir Project District Act; providing for the construction of a dam and a lake in Bourbon County, residential and commercial property development, and water resource development; authorizing the establishment of a governing board for the project and the establishment of real property tax and sales tax increment financing districts to finance the project costs; creating the Pike Reservoir District sales tax fund and the Pike Reservoir District sales tax refund fund; authorizing the creation of a special district fund to pay project costs; authorize the issuance of special obligation bonds and pay-as-you-go financing to pay project costs.
To view the entire bill:
On February 12, the bill was referred to the Kansas Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Senator Robert Olson, who worked with the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs on the project, spoke with fortscott.biz about the project.
“It was just introduced and is a long process,” Olson said. “This is the very first step. To build that reservoir takes five to 10 years.”
State and county leaders met to discuss the matter several years ago, Olson said.
“Lynn Oharah, who was a Bourbon County Commissioner at the time was pitching that,” Olson said. Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill and others were a part of the discussion, he said.
“I like the concept, especially in smaller counties,” Olson said. “We need the water for agriculture and public consumption. Your (Bourbon County) water situation was pretty bad (because of drought).”
“This will improve your water supply,” Olson said.
The project proposes an approximately eight-mile lake in northwest Bourbon County, with a 68-foot-long dam.
The location is described as beginning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65; east along Highway 65 to 95th Street; north along 95th Street to the Linn county line; west along the Linn county line to Highway 3; south along Highway 3 to the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65.
Olson envisions it will be like Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, he said.
“People living in big weekend homes, and if houses are built it can bring lower property taxes (for Bourbon County property owners),” he said.
One part of the long process of the project is public comment, he said.
The reservoir is named after Lieutenant Zebulon Pike who went through the area in the early 1800s.
Ad: Key Apparel Hiring Two Operation Positions in Fort Scott
KEY Apparel is a clothing company located in Fort Scott, Kansas, focused on manufacturing and selling high quality work, industrial and outdoor related apparel. Key is searching for a Director of Operations and an Operations Coordinator. See details of each position below.
Director of Operations
Key is searching for a Director of Operations to manage and execute the procurement strategy of the company by analyzing the product and inventory needs of the company to meet sales and budgetary goals, to monitor and maintain the production process, including the identification, development and oversight of factory partners and the timely receipt of inventory that meet or exceed Key’s quality standards at competitive prices.
Primary Responsibilities Include
Strategic Planning
- Coordinate with Finance and Sales Departments to assess the business strategy of the Company to enhance the Company’s competitive position and promote sales, profitability and growth in a sustainable manner that will meet future objectives;
- Identify new areas of production opportunity for short and long-term change to improve profitability;
- Take ownership of the company’s operational and supply chain strategy;
Contractor Management
- Overall responsibility for the Contractor Management function and contractor relationships;
- Responsible for the designation of factories for appropriate product placement;
- Responsible for the costing process for each product;
- Maintain and routinely update Key Vendor Manual to ensure best practices.
Forecasting / Planning
- Responsible for ensuring the appropriate amount of inventory is always on hand to meet budgetary requirements.
Quality Assurance
- Responsible for ensuring that incoming inventory receipts meet or exceed Key’s quality standards utilizing a mix of internal staff and external quality assurance vendors.
Training
- Develop and communicate training programs to help subordinates meet their job expectations and to grow professionally within the company through training and ongoing feedback;
- Conduct annual (or more frequently if necessary) performance evaluations of subordinates.
Embellishment
- Oversee the embellishment (print and embroidery) operations and staff
Key offers competitive compensation including a highly competitive benefits package. Interested candidates please send resume with references via e-mail [email protected] or by mail to Key Industries, Inc., Attn: Human Resources, 400 Marble Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701. For more information about Key, please visit our web-site at www.keyapparel.com.
Operations Coordinator
Key is searching for an Operations Coordinator to organize and communicate operational information between various KEY departments, including Operations, Accounting, Sales, Customer Service, and the Distribution Center and to be a central point of contact with internal and external Quality Assurance teams and our factories regarding all necessary information to create and receive high quality apparel. This role is responsible for all aspects of the purchase order process from creation to receipt, including closing-out, extending, and communicating changes to all relevant parties.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Input, evaluate, and execute purchase orders with suppliers (forecast planning is not required – the purchase plan will be provided);
- Establish and maintain supplier relationships by serving as a primary point of contact between KEY and its manufacturing partners;
- Manage record keeping for all contractor correspondence and documentation;
- Manage Work-in-Process (WIP) report weekly to ensure the timely delivery of products, timely communicate discrepancies or issues within the WIP report, propose resolutions to WIP report discrepancies;
- Coordinate with the Quality Assurance Team – internal, independent 3rd parties, and factory personnel – to ensure that each Purchase Order has received an audit by both the factory (prior to shipment) and by either an independent 3rd party or an internal KEY Apparel audit;
- Provide Purchase Order-related issue resolution, both internally and externally;
- Monitor and complete Purchase Order close-out, extension, or renewal, as appropriate;
- Coordinate freight / shipments between suppliers and freight forwarders;
- Communicate Purchase Order related information to all stakeholders;
- Create / set up new items within KEY’s ERP system;
- Maintain all tech packs and insure all information is current (requires coordination with external vendors); and
- Manage the Pre-production Check Run (PCR) process for new item creation.
This job profile is not meant to be all inclusive of the responsibilities of this position and this position may require the performance of other duties as necessary.
Key offers competitive compensation including a highly competitive benefits package.
Interested candidates please send resume with references via e-mail [email protected] or by mail to Key Industries, Inc., Attn: Human Resources, 400 Marble Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701. For more information about Key, please visit our web-site at www.keyapparel.com.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by once again earning High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
“Our OB team takes pride in caring for their patients and has continued to set the bar high,” says Janelle Wade, director of Inpatient Services, which includes Women’s Health. “I am so proud of their commitment to helping the approximately 600 babies born at our hospital each year get the healthiest possible start in life.”
Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg first received High 5 recognition in 2018 and has maintained it each year since that time.
High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals implement 10 evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.
To obtain this recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and must follow five of its 10 evidence-based practices:
- Have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all 10 High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
- Maintain staff competency in lactation support
- Provide all expectant mothers with information and instruction on breastfeeding
- Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
- Provide all families individualized infant feeding counseling
- Give no food or drink to newborns other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
- Allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
- Encourage feeding whenever the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
- Provide mothers with information about community resources for breastfeeding support following their discharge from the hospital
These steps are designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the state of Kansas. Factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six out of 10 mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they had planned.
“We aim to provide the support that mothers and babies need to be successful through delivery and then breastfeeding, for as long as they desire to do so,” says Miranda Caskey, RN, the certified lactation consultant who led the hospital’s High 5 Mom & Baby efforts. “By empowering them to have better breastfeeding outcomes, we’re uplifting the health of our community.”
That support is critical, particularly during a pandemic, which is why Ascension Via Christi converted its lactation and childbirth education classes to virtual offerings led by a registered nurse and offered them at no cost to parents. Breastfeeding mothers also can schedule in-person follow-up appointments and weight checks with Caskey to help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.
Earlier this year, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg also earned designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care, showing it demonstrates expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.
To learn more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, visit viachristibaby.com.
For more information on the High 5 for Mom & Baby, contact Cara Gerhardt, program coordinator, at [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/
Need A Job? FS/Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports February 13
Obituary of Brenda Hathaway
Brenda Sue Hathaway, age 66, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at her home. She was born July 8, 1957, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Leon Moore and Donna Hall Moore.
Brenda married David Hathaway on May 26, 1984, at Mapleton, Kansas. Brenda never knew a stranger and loved meeting new people. She worked in food service for both USD #234 in Ft. Scott as well as Country View Nursing Home in Prescott. Her outgoing personality also led to a career in sales. Brenda worked in the cell phone industry for several years. Her success in this business gave her the opportunity to take numerous trips throughout the United States.
Brenda loved her family and wanted us all to remember, “When you have someone you love in Heaven, you have a little bit of Heaven in your home.”
Survivors include her husband, David, of the home; her children, Kyle Hathaway (Shannon), Rhonda Cole (Ben), Rachel Thompson, and Angela Carpenter (Jeff) all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren, Kyler Clampitt, Kaylyn Hathaway, Blaine Hathaway, Laryn Schnichels (Kyle), Hayden Cole (Madison), Nicolette Carpenter and Dalton Carpenter; six great-grandchildren, Cason, Colbi, Jace, Addy, Cohen and Spencer. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Patty Hathaway of Ft. Scott and Bertha Valdivia of Topeka, Kansas and several nieces and nephews.
Brenda was preceded in death by two sons, Kenny and Clinton Clampitt, her parents, Frank and Donna Moore, two brothers, David and Lonnie Moore, mother-in-law, Helen Hathaway, and brother-in-law, William Hathaway.
There was cremation.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 P.M. Wednesday, February 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place at a later date in the Barnesville Cemetery east of Fulton, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of 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.
Core Community Bourbon County: Healing Lives, Solving Poverty, Empowering Communities February 2024
Submitted by Cherri Cable Walrod – Community Liaison
Core Community is a program that aims to end poverty in Bourbon County, Kansas. Core Community is unique in its approach because it involves those who are currently experiencing poverty to be a part of finding a solution. At heart, it creates a safe place of unconditional love and non-judgment where relationships are formed with the participants, allowing Core to assist them with the tools and resources needed to move up and out of poverty for good. Within the safety of the community, all who come to the table are changed forever.
A community-wide effort occurred to raise funds so Core Community could begin without delay in Bourbon County. The Bourbon County Commissioners realized that Core Community is a good investment for economic growth for Bourbon County. They provided the initial investment of funds in June of 2023. Then the USD #234 School Board and the Fort Scott City Commission also invested financially towards the fundraising efforts. Several area churches, businesses, individuals, advisory board members, and civic groups all worked together, pooling their resources to generate the development funds to launch Core Community in Bourbon County in November 2023 officially.
Several Fort Scott churches have been involved in helping to launch the program, providing meals, volunteers, providing meeting space and financial donations. Bourbon County businesses, community leaders and individuals have also given their time and finances to launch the program.
Core community launched its first weekly class on Monday, November 13, 2023. Meetings are held every Monday at 5:30 PM at the United Methodist Church, Fort Scott. Each week Core Community provides a family style meal which is provided by local churches, small groups or civic groups.
At 6:15 PM, the adults head to class and the children are cared for in a fun, safe and loving environment run by Angie Trim.
The adult program participants are called “Core Leaders”. They are called Core Leaders because they are the most qualified to lead themselves out of poverty. Core Community Bourbon County currently has fifteen adult individuals participating in this first 20-week commitment class. They represent eleven individual households.
During Phase One, the class participants studied a curriculum book called, “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World” by the author, Philip E. DeVol for 20 weeks. Participants become investigators of their lives, and then learn new ways of thinking about their situation and how to change the trajectory of their lives. They begin to shift their mindset about poverty.
There are several ways in which the Core Community model is set apart from other programs that have been tried in Bourbon County. Core Community Bourbon County is a chapter affiliate of Youth Core Ministries. YCM is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit which provides leadership, guidance, and infrastructure for Core. YCM has implemented fifteen successful Core Community programs throughout rural Kansas counties and tracked the statistics for the program.
Y YCM estimates that 72 % of all participants have stabilized their lives. The process can take many years to overcome the grip and mindset of generational poverty. Core Community offers a full spectrum of wrap-around support for participants who are willing to work towards a better future.
Core Community program raises funds from within its county of operation for an annual operating budget. These funds stay in the county and help to cover operational expenses, including three part-time paid staff positions. It is necessary to have paid staff, not just volunteers, to achieve the best possible outcomes with the participants.
Much of the success of Core Community is due to the Community Coach. Janice Lamb is the Community Coach for Bourbon County. Janice is a “life coach” of sorts and has five to ten interactions a week with participants. Interactions range in scope from minor questions about the availability of resources to helping them with more complex issues. Janice has done many one-on-one visits with participants who seek to build personal confidence to overcome trauma so they can be more successful in the workforce. She helped a participant obtain a reliable and affordable vehicle from Bourbon County Cars so she did not miss work when hers was no longer drivable after an accident.
Core Community outperforms similar programs because of the longevity that the participants are in the program. Phase Two is for the graduates of the initial 20-week “Getting Ahead” class, or Phase One. In Phase Two, the participants continue to come to weekly Monday meetings. These participants decide what will help them overcome barriers that may be holding them back from rising above poverty. They know better than anyone else what they need next as they forge their way towards a better life. Phase Two participants are matched with a local middle-class community member, called a Core Friend. Other Core Community Programs throughout Kansas see Phase Two participants stay in the program for two to five years.
Core Community Bourbon County is scheduled to graduate its first class of Core Leaders (program participants) from Phase One in April 2024. These brave participants overcame fear, many obstacles and beat the odds to build a better life for themselves and their families.
“Core community has been nothing but an amazing program to be a part of. I was hesitant at first but was immediately greeted with nothing but kindness and love, it was an instant relief that I knew I was supposed to be there. It has brought my family closer together than we have ever been. Monday nights are our favorite night of the week. We can’t wait to see what changes our family can grow from not just class but building relationships with people we would have never met otherwise. Our family is forever grateful for everyone who helps out.” Brittany, Bourbon County Core Leader.
Another Core Leader in Bourbon County says, “I look forward to Core Community each week. I used to feel so alone and isolated in my life. Now I know that I am not alone. I now have hope and the support I need to help me get ahead.”
Core Community Bourbon County Advisory Board Members include Bill Michaud-Chairman, Jennifer Michaud, David Shepherd, Amy Harper, Carie Fess, Josh Jones, David Goodyear, David Gillen, Destry Brown, Rachel Carpenter, Jodi Davis, Shelby Reichard, Janice Lamb, Cherri Walrod, Angie Trim.
Cherri Cable Walrod is the Community Liaison for Core Community Bourbon County. If you are interested in learning more, Cherri is available to speak to individuals, groups, churches, civic organizations, etc. Cherri’s contact email is [email protected].
Core Community is about healing lives, solving poverty, and empowering communities for greatness through relationships. You are invited to join the movement to end poverty for all!
Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Feb. 12
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
February 12, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 2/5/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $297,154.89
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $810,179.43
- Public Comments
- Trevor Jacobs
- Jennifer Hawkins-Resolution
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Sheriff Bill Martin
- Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification
- Vehicle Loan-KCAMP
- Justin Meeks-Healthcare Sales Tax
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
Scout Pinewood Derby is February 17: Come and Cheer Them On
The Fort Scott Scout Pinewood Derby event is on February 17, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East Third.
The schedule for February 17 is as follows:
5 to 6 p.m. Check-in and registration.
6 to 6:30 Scout races.
6:30 to 7 Scout awards.
7:30 to 8 Corporate Races.
8 to whenever… Grudge Races.
“The Pinewood Derby has been an annual event for many years for scouts, and it’s one of the highlights of their year,” said Scoutmaster Seth Needham. “Three years ago, we decided to make it a community event and invite local businesses and organizations to attend. It’s been a huge success, and it’s a lot of fun.”
The purpose of the event is twofold, Needham said.
“First, more people come to our derby. The scouts work hard on their cars, so this allows more people to come and cheer them on, the kids love it…and a chance to see what scouts is about. Local business people show up, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. The kids look up to those guys, so it’s a big deal for the scouts to see them come cheer them on.”
“Second, it’s a fundraiser for us,” Needham said. “Companies pay $25 to enter the race, which gets them a pinewood derby car kit and gets them entered for the race. We use that money for a variety of things, but it mostly goes to trophies and the cost of putting on the derby. Any extra money we raise helps cover membership dues.”
“When I first started doing this, I talked to a lot of people in the community about participating,” he said. “Over and over, I heard the same thing; ‘I still have my trophy from pinewood derby from when I was in scouts’. It’s something that they held onto for years. Our pack used to do much smaller trophies due to the cost, but with the addition of the corporate derby, we can hand out nice trophies that the scouts will keep for a long time”.
“We give out trophies for 1st place for each Den, as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion,” Needham said. “My favorite trophy is the Sportsmanship Trophy… it goes to the scout who shows the best sportsmanship throughout the event…Factors in deciding who wins this trophy…(are) helping your fellow scouts build their cars, cheering on your friend (even when you’re competing against them), helping set up, building their car versus buying one online, and much more. It’s my absolute favorite trophy for the night. And honestly, we probably couldn’t have afforded to add this trophy without the addition of the corporate derby.
“The grudge races are a new addition,” he said. “After the main races, the teams can go to the pit area and make modifications to their cars and then challenge other racers to a race. So if the sheriff and the police department want to see who has the fastest car, they can settle the dispute on the track. Each race costs $5, and the challenger pays the entry fee.”
After the races, there is a lock-in at Presbyterian Church for the kids..an overnight race-themed evening of games, crafts, and movies.
The Scouts meet on Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church. Once the weather gets nicer, they usually meet at Riverfront Park. “It’s a good park to meet at because there is a lot of open space for the kids to explore, and the gazebo to do our lessons,” he said.
“The Scout program is open to any child in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. After 5th grade, they move up to the Troop, which is the older kids.”
Needham has been the Cubmaster for three years.
“I love it. I enjoy seeing the kids learn the importance of helping other people, doing their best no matter what, and being creative,” he said. “My favorite part of Scouts is our community events, whether that is the Pinewood Derby, or taking the kids for a walk downtown to pick up trash. We also help with flags at the Old Fort on Flag Day, participate in parades, and usually try to spend at least one day a year doing a project at a local park. Oh, and we also go camping and go on hikes.”
Upcoming Events
The Blue and Gold banquet is in May, where awards for the year are received. Each Den has adventure requirements throughout the year, as well as electives they can participate in.
At the banquet, they receive belt buckles for these activities. There is also a “Cross-Over” for 5th-grade students choosing to continue in the Scout program by joining the Troop.
“We have a wooden bridge that we set up, and they walk across it to symbolize they are crossing over into the troop,” Needham said. “I don’t know how old the bridge is, but it’s been around for many years and has signatures of previous scouts who crossed over. There are a lot of names on that bridge from people in our area.”
For the first time a, Soapbox Derby race will be held on June 1.
“I’m excited,” Needham said. It will be a fundraiser, with money raised to send Scouts to Camp Arrowhead, in Missouri, this summer. “It’s a wonderful camp, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Other summer outdoor activities: include a scout swim at Fort Scott Aquatic Center for one night; a Beach Bash at Fort Scott Lake which is one of the kids’ favorite activities; and also hikes and camping.
KidWind Challenge kicks off this week with record number of teams
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