Government, Kansas

Health Champion Award Nominees Are Sought

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Governor’s Council on Wellness Opens Nominations for the 2024 Health Champion Award

TOPEKA – Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness (previously the Governor’s Council on Fitness) recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.

Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.

“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said Jody Hoener, GCOW Awards Committee Chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”

The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.

The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.

To access the nomination form, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT77RYV.

Bourbon County, Business, Food

HBCAT Grant: Tiny Greens and Herbs

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This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Microgreens. Submitted photo.

Tiny Greens and Herbs, LLC, is a new microgreens business
which will open in September.

Tiny Greens and Herbs will provide Bourbon County families and
community members with convenient, year-round access to locally grown, nutrient packed greens and herbs, according to owner Cherri Walrod.

“This start-up business produces sustainably-grown microgreens which are tiny, immature vegetable and herb plants that are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts,” she said.

Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals or antioxidants, are compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits to the body. Along with phytonutrients (antioxidants), microgreens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavorful, easy to prepare and
fun to eat, according to Walrod.

Walrod moved to Fort Scott in July 2023 from Eudora, KS.

Or connect on the Facebook page Tiny Greens and Herbs LLC.

Bourbon County, Government

Road Improvements Start Today on 215th Street, Jayhawk Road

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A county road in Bourbon County.

Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County.  The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.

 

Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September.  One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones.  Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.

For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193

Submitted by

Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Jobs

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.

 

Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos credit: C. Brenner

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers. 

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Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon

TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers.  Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.

KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate.  This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.

While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage.  Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission.  KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.

Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.

Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.

The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

Area News, Government, Kansas

Mixed-use Development Project Begins in Johnson County

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Governor Kelly Breaks Ground on $2B Redevelopment in Overland Park


OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly joined Curtin Property Company, Johnson County government officials, and business leaders today to celebrate the redevelopment of Brookridge at 103rd Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park. The $2 billion project is one of Kansas’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. In addition to the groundbreaking, there was an unveiling of the property’s new name – Meridian.

“Economic development projects like Meridian are key to making Kansas a place where more young people want to put down roots and build their futures,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank our local, private sector, and nonprofit partners who all worked hand-in-hand with my administration to unlock more opportunities for Kansans.”

The first development phase includes infrastructure work, two mixed-use residential/retail buildings, a grocery store, retail and restaurants, and usable green space.

The project is the recipient of $10 million in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Building a Stronger Economy program. In addition, an $8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program was awarded to prepare roads, sewer drainage, and other infrastructure. Completion of the infrastructure and utility work is expected in fall 2024.

“The opportunity to celebrate breaking ground and unveiling our vision for Meridian marks a special milestone in the evolution of this project,” said Chris Curtin, founder of Curtin Property Company. “Our team is proud to be bringing this innovative mixed-use development to Johnson County and looks forward to being a vibrant part of the region.”

The development will feature 4.8 million square feet of office capacity, high-quality urban living spaces with 2,000 apartments, two hotels, and extensive retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues. The 200-acre property will focus on health and wellness, including more than 100 acres of usable green space featuring fountains, recreational golf, fitness facilities, walking paths, connections to hiking and biking trails, and forested and open lawns.

“Current residents are attracted to Overland Park because of the sense of community our neighborhoods provide. Future residents will be attracted for the same reason,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “I look forward to experiencing that community feeling at Meridian, a place to live, work, and play – all just a walk away from one another. I’m happy to be with the Meridian team this week to celebrate the beginning of this type of development and the economic impact it will bring to Overland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Meridian is anticipated to accommodate more than 16,000 jobs in the office and retail spaces.

Photos from the event for media use can be found below.

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Government, Kansas

2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded 

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $328,330.06 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.

  • Montgomery County Farm of the Future (Montgomery County) — Coffeyville Public Schools will increase their students’ knowledge of specialty crop production by placing an indoor farm classroom at the high school. Students will learn agriculture, plant science, nutrition, business marketing, and food preparation skills. This classroom will be managed by high school students and will produce leafy green vegetables to be served in their district’s cafeterias.
  • Expanding Fruit Production Among Small Scale Beginning Farmers in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County) — Cultivate KC will increase the variety, diversity, and resiliency of specialty crops grown and sold in Kansas City by providing education, training, and resources to refugee families starting their own small farm businesses through the New Roots for Refugees Program. This project will provide training, technical assistance, and resources to plant a fruit demonstration plot at the program’s training farm site and to support current farmers and recent graduates in adding blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries to their farm production.
  • Specialty Crop Video Series Highlighting Unique Specialty Crops in Kansas (Statewide) — From the Land of Kansas and Kansas Tourism will partner with a local marketing entity to create a video series to spread awareness of and excitement for Kansas specialty crops and the unique on-farm experiences they provide throughout the state. The video series will grow consumers’ interest in local specialty crops and the experiences they offer and educate them on how to access and consume those specialty crops in our state.
  • Exploring Mung bean Production in Kansas (Statewide) – Kansas State University will establish baseline recommendations for mung bean production and assess the crop’s adaptability to different environments across Kansas. Mung beans are a warm season crop with a short duration and a high degree of tolerance to heat and water scarcity, making this option very attractive to farmers and useful to sustain the state’s finite water natural resources.
  • Continued Safety for Produce Growers: Worker Protection Standard Training and GAPs Certification Funding and Outreach (Statewide) — Kansas State University will help Kansas specialty crop producers receive training and certification as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-recognized Worker Protection Standard pesticide safety train-the-trainers so that they can train the workers on their farm. They will also help Kansas fruit and vegetable producers earn Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification during the project, which will help growers access new markets which require that certification. This will help improve worker safety, produce safety, and the profitability of Kansas specialty crop producers.
  • Cultivate Maize: Growing Toward Educating Future Farmers with Sustainable School Meals Through School Gardens (Sedgwick County) — Maize USD 266 will provide its 7,590 students, grades preschool through twelfth grade, with hands-on opportunities to plant, maintain, harvest, and consume produce from sustainable hydro gardens, all while never leaving their school buildings. Maize USD 266 Food Service will facilitate the project to provide school gardens for educators at 13 of their school buildings to use as a teaching tool to connect the learning goals of a variety of disciplines while exposing their students to becoming farmers and tasting sustainable specialty crops through school meals.

For more information, visit KDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant.

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2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded.pdf
Government, History, Kansas

Sacred Rock Returned to the Kaw Nation

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Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation


LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.

“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”

Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.

“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”

In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.

“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at HBCAT Office on August 31

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Thursday, August 31st

8am

104 N. National

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 31st at 8am hosted by The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Coffee from Common Ground, juice, and Twigs and Berries will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth. Through policy, systems, and environmental change, they aim to make the healthy choice the default by addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Through our program, The Center for Economic Growth, they partner with PSU Small Business Development Center, Southeast KANSASWORKS, and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic growth.

They are hosting a ribbon cutting for the new BB-GO Transportation program that was established by the coalition Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT). The LHEAT coalition is an initiative of HBCAT that was formed through KU Medical Center’s grant program COPE. LHEAT develops action plans to address the social determinants of health. The LHEAT partnered with SEK-CAP, Inc. to expand their transportation program to Bourbon County. The transportation program, BB-GO Transportation will launched August 28th, 2023.

BB-GO Transportation is an affordable option, $1 donation is suggested, but not required. If a person doesn’t have $1, they are still able to utilize the service. BB-GO Transportation will service anyone in Bourbon County on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays during the operation hours of 8am-3:30pm. Call 620-724-6350 to schedule a ride. The services are first come, first served. To have the best selection of times schedule 1 to 7 days in advance. Same day rides given based on availability. BB-GO Transportation will be wheelchair accessible. Certified KDOT drivers who meet all training and safety requirements.

The Federal Transit Administration and Kansas Department of Transportation 5311 grant supplies 70% of the operating costs, and 30% comes from local matching funds from the LHEAT grant through KUMC COPE, Peerless Products, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, and Community Christian Church.

 

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
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Obituary

Obituary of Clinton Clampitt

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Clinton Ray Clampitt, age 42, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, August 28, 2023, at his home.  He was born March 25, 1981, in Ft. Scott.  Clinton attended school in Ft. Scott.  He had worked in the receiving department at Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott.  In earlier years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing.  He also was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and sketching.  Five years ago, Clinton suffered a major debilitating stroke and has primarily been home bound ever since.  Since his stroke, he enjoyed watching movies, playing video games and keeping up with his friends and family on Facebook.

 

Survivors include his parents, David and Brenda Hathaway of the home in Fulton and his son, Kyler Clampitt of Walnut, Kansas.  Also surviving are a brother, Kyle Hathaway (Shannon) of Ft. Scott and three sisters, Angela Carpenter (Jeff), Rhonda Cole (Ben) and Rachel Thompson all of Ft. Scott, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends including his caregiver, Melissa Springston.  Clinton was preceded in death by his brother, Kenny Clampitt.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, September 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Clinton Clampitt Memorial Fund 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

Bourbon County, Business

HBCAT Grant: Bee Better Health Club

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This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team located at 104 N. National.
Wesley Haven. Submitted photo.
The BEE Better Health Club owner, Wesley DeHaven started his business on June 19, 2023.
“I started a health club because I recognized how much diet and exercise can benefit one’s life in a positive manner,” DeHaven said.
“I provide group fitness classes for all ranging from 1st graders all the way up to seniors within the community, nutrition coaching, and affordable personal training services.”

He is currently in the process of getting multiple certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

He currently has the club at  2542 Hackberry Rd. Fort Scott,  with plans to build closer to town in the future.

“The grant money will used to install electrical, plumbing, and bracing in the walls for various types of equipment,” he said.
Members performing “Seated Knees to Chest” during an ab finisher. From left to right: Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Kaleb Bailey, Sondra Newton, Estevan Deboer, Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt.

 

Contact info:
Facebook: @The BEE Better Health Club Instagram: @beebetter.hc
Phone #: (620) 644-8150

 

Pictured are from left: Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt, Sondra Newton, Kaleb Bailey, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Estevan Deboer, Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles   with a  range from 18-81 years of age.

Bourbon County Local News