Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Sleep Inn on January 18

Leave a comment

Join us for a Chamber Coffee hosted by

CORE Community

Bourbon County

Thursday, January 18th

8:00 am

302 East Wall (Sleep Inn & Suites)

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee Thursday, January 18th at 8 a.m. hosted by Core Community which will be held at Sleep Inn and Suites, 302 E. Wall Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

CORE Community Bourbon County had its official launch date of Monday, November 13, 2023. The mission of CORE Community is engaging the community to lift families out of poverty. It is about bringing families experiencing poverty to a safe place where their voices are heard, and they help actively find solutions to get people out of poverty-including themselves. If you or someone you know is interested in CORE Community, contact Cherri Walrod, Community Liaison,  at 620.215.1703 for more information.

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

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
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of City of Fort Scott Commission Meeting on January 9

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of January 9, 2024                                         Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 9, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, M. Wells, M. Guns and D. Olson were present with Mayor T. Dancer.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION  T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The City Clerk requested that Approval of December 19, 2023, minutes be removed and put on the next agenda.

 

  1. Olson requested that New Business items B and C be swapped for order.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendments. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

AGENDA APPROVED WITH THE OMMITANCE OF APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 19, 2023, MINUTES AND NEW BUSINESS ITEMS B AND C BE SWAPPED FOR ORDER.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1351-A – $4,063,977.89
  3. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project No. 23-430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Invoice No. 17054 – Inspection Fees – $17,473.48
  4. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 3 – $70,875.00
  5. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – Contractor’s Project No. 231031 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 2 – $231,061.95
  6. Request to Pay – T. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 -Application for Payment No. 8 – 17th and Eddy St. Stormwater Improvements – Drainage – $23,619.44
  7. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Treasurer – 2023 Real Estate Taxes for City-owned properties – $43,301.08.
  8. Renewal of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle – DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt, Fort Scott.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comments

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Review and Agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563 – tabled from January 2, 2024 – T. Dancer asked if anyone would like to make a motion to accept and begin adherence to the Code of Ethics as it stands with no amendments.  T. VanHoecke moved to approve adherence to the Code of Ethics as it is written with the option of making future amendments.

 

  1. VanHoecke withdrew his motion.

 

  1. Olson moved to approve the Code of Ethics with the changes he proposed.

 

  1. Olson amended his motion to move forward with the revisions he provided for the Code of Ethics.

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion with an additional amendment of the Commission being able to independently reach out by electronic communication to the City’s Bond Counsel, City Attorney, City Finance Director, City Clerk and City Engineer and “cc” the City Manager on all communications.

 

Further discussion was had on amendments to the Code of Ethics.

 

  1. Olson amended his motion further to include by submitting his revisions to City staff to revise the changes and return it to the Commission for a vote.

 

  1. Guns seconded the motion. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO SUBMIT D. OLSON’S AND M. WELL’S REVISIONS TO THE CITY ATTORNEY TO AMEND THE CODE OF ETHICS ORDINANCE AND RETURN TO THE COMMISSION FOR A VOTE.

 

Discussion of Advisory Boards from Work Session

  1. VanHoecke stated that discussion was had at the Work Session to disband the Lake Advisory Board, Golf Advisory Board, Airport Advisory Board, Electrical Board, Plumbing Board.

 

  1. Wells moved to keep the Design Review Board. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO KEEP THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD.

 

  1. Wells moved to keep the Land Bank Board of Trustees. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO KEEP THE LAND BANK BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to repeal the ordinance for the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE FOR THE LAKE FORT SCOTT ADVISORY BOARD.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to repeal the ordinance for the Golf Advisory Board. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE FOR THE GOLF ADVISORY BOARD.

 

  1. Wells moved to keep the Planning Commission. T. VanHoecke seconded.

 

Discussion to table the decision to obtain legal counsel regarding combing the Planning Commission with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

  1. Wells withdrew his original motion.

 

  1. Wells moved to table a decision regarding the Planning Commission to obtain legal counsel about combining with the Zoning Board of Appeals. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE A DECISION REGARDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO OBTAIN LEGAL COUNSEL ABOUT COMBINING WITH THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.

  1. Guns moved to repeal the ordinance for the Electrical Board. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE FOR THE ELECTRICAL BOARD.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to repeal the ordinance for the Plumbing Board. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE FOR THE PLUMBING BOARD.

 

  1. Wells moved to create an ordinance for a Contractors’ Advisory Board to include positions as presented by the City Manager for electrical, plumbing and a City Commission Liaison to be included. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE FOR A CONTRACTORS’ ADVISORY BOARD TO INCLUDE POSITIONS AS PRESENTED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOR ELECTRICAL PLUMBING AND A CITY COMMISSION LIAISON TO BE INCLUDED.

 

  1. Wells moved to keep the Streets Advisory Board with the changes that were suggested during the work session: the number of members on the board, include the City Commissioner Liaison, the City Engineer when needed and meet every other month or as needed. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO KEEP THE STREETS ADVISORY BOARD WITH THE CHANGES THAT WERE SUGGESTED DURING THE WORK SESSION: THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THE BOARD, INCLUDE THE CITY COMMISSIONER LIAISON, THE CITY ENGINEER WHEN NEEDED AND MEET EVERY OTHER MONTH OR AS NEEDED.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to repeal the ordinance for the Airport Advisory Board. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE FOR THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

Selection of City Commissioner Representatives to Advisory Boards

 

Bourbon County REDI City Commission Representative

  1. Guns moved to retain T. VanHoecke as the City Commission

Representative to the Bourbon County REDI Board.  M. Wells seconded.

All voted aye.

 

  1. VANHOECKE APPROVED TO REMAIN THE CITY COMMISSION RESPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOURBON COUNTY REDI BOARD.

 

Land Bank Board of Trustees City Commission Representative

  1. Guns moved to select D. Olson as the City Commission Representative to the Land Bank Board of Trustees. T. VanHoecke seconded.  All voted aye.

 

  1. OLSON APPROVED TO BE THE CITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LAND BANK BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

 

Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board City Commission Representative

  1. Wells moved to table the selection of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board City Commission Representative until the ordinance is repealed. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

SELECTION OF THE LAKE FORT SCOTT ADVISORY BOARD CITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE IS TABLED UNTIL THE ORDINANCE IS REPEALED.

 

Fort Scott Public Library Board City Commission Representative

  1. VanHoecke moved to retain M. Wells as the City Commission Representative

to the Fort Scott Public Library Board.  M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. WELLS APPROVED TO REMAIN THE CITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate

  1. VanHoecke moved to select T. Dancer as the Fort Scott Housing

Authority Delegate. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. DANCER APPROVED AS THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY DELEGATE.

 

 

Healthy in All Practices (HIA)

  1. VanHoecke moved to select M. Guns as the City Commission Representative to the Healthy in All Practices Commission. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. GUNS APPROVED AS THE CITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO HEALTHY IN ALL PRACTICES COMMISSION.

 

Approval of Golf Advisory Board recommendations – (8) Letters of Interest submitted to fill (4) vacancies – Golf Advisory Board recommendations made on December 27, 2023.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the recommendations to fill board vacancies pending the approval to repeal the ordinance of the Golf Advisory Board. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO FILL BOARD VACANCIES PENDING THE APPROVAL TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE OF THE GOLF ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Request to Amend Ordinance No. 3604 – Membership Terms – Golf Advisory Board recommends change City/County requirements in the ordinance as stated on Staff Request for Commission Action

 

  1. Wells moved to table the recommendations to change membership requirements pending the approval to repeal the ordinance of the Golf Advisory Board. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CHANGE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS PENDING THE APPROVAL TO REPEAL THE ORDINANCE OF THE GOLF ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th St. Repair – Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $7,341.20

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 1 with Sprouls Construction Project No. 22-032 for a decrease of $7,341.20. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH SPROULS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NO. 22-032 FOR A DECREASE OF $7,341.20.

 

 

 

Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 (Final) – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair – $148,783.80 – Certificate of Substantial Completion included.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the payment of $148,783.80 to Sprouls Construction, Inc. for Project No. 22-032. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF $148,783.80 TO SPROULS CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR PROJECT NO. 22-032.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Engineer’s Project No. 217314-022 – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – $129,530.00

 

  1. VanHoecke asked J. Dickman/City Engineer to confirm for the citizens that this portion of the payment would be reimbursed to the City by Evergy. J. Dickman confirmed.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 2 on Project No. 217314-022 with Bennett, Inc. for $129,530.00. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 ON PROJECT NO. 217314-022 WITH BENNETT, INC. FOR THE AMOUNT OF $129,530.00.

 

Approval of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for Consumption on the Premises and Retail Sale of Original and Unopened Containers – Kevin Allen – DBA Aunt Toadies – 1411 E. Wall, Fort Scott – 2023 CMB License was issued for Consumption on the Premises only, requires new approval.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Consumption on the Premises and Retail Sale of Original and Unopened Containers for Kevin Allen DBA Aunt Toadies at 1411 E. Wall, Fort Scott. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE 2024 CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE LICENSE FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISES AND RETAIL SALE OF ORIGINAL AND UNOPENED CONTAINERS FOR KEVIN ALLEN DBA AUNT TOADIES AT 1411 E. WALL, FORT SCOTT.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Resolution No. 1-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Olson moved to approve Resolution No. 1-2024 as presented. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FORT SCOTT TRIBUNE IS THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

 

Resolution No. 2-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Olson moved to approve Resolution No. 2-2024 as presented. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CITY STATE BANK, THE UMB BANK, THE LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK, THE LIBERTY SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, AND THE UNION STATE BANK; ALL OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; AND THE KANSAS MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT POOL OF TOPEKA, KANSAS, BE DESIGNATED AS THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION.

 

Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table approval of this resolution until the January 23, 2024, City Commission meeting. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A UNTIL THE JANUARY 23, 2024, CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resolution No. 4-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 922 E. WALL – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 4-2024 regarding the alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 922 E. Wall with a Public Hearing to be held February 20, 2024, at 6:15PM. M. Guns seconded.
  2. Guns, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 4-2024.

 

Resolution No. 5-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 515 S. HEYLMAN – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2024 regarding the alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 515 S. Heylman with a Public Hearing to be held February 20, 2024, at 6:15PM. M. Guns seconded.
  2. VanHoecke, T. Dancer and M. Guns voted aye. M. Wells and D. Olson voted nay.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 5-2024.

 

Reports and Comments

Comments were made by the City Manager, City Engineer, Commissioner VanHoecke, Commissioner Wells, Commissioner Guns, Commissioner Olson, and Commissioner Dancer. Available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.

 

  1. Wells moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:24PM. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:24PM.

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Gordon Parks Museum, History

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Gordon Parks Museum…..

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Day of Service: Canned Food Drive” – Join us as we will collect

canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in

the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Celebration Soup Lunch” – Come and join us for free soup

followed by a music celebration performance at 1:00 p.m. Soup, drinks and dessert

provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with the “I Stand For Signs”

provided by the Lowell Milken Center. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. FREE.

1:00 p.m. – “Celebrating Every Voice” An afternoon of celebration with great gospel

hymns and inspirational music. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. FREE.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fort Scott, Youth

New Business: Country Club Kids Daycare

Leave a comment
Jessie Combs. Submitted photo.
Jessie Combs, 27, opened her business, Country Club Kids Daycare in Fontana, KS in 2020. Then re-opened her business in Fort Scott when she moved here in October 2023.
She provides child daycare services for children ages six weeks to five years old, for Fort Scott families and the surrounding areas.

The business hours of operation are from 7 a.m . to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The daycare is located on South Broadway  Street in Fort Scott.

In her care currently are her three children and three daycare children (2 full-time, 1 part-time).

“I have 1 full-time and 1 part-time opening for toddlers (18 mos-5 yr),” she said.

She is the only employee and is licensed for up to 10 children.

To contact the business, email  [email protected]

Combs began the business initially to stay home with her own three children. “I enjoy being able to serve the community and working with children,” she said.

She graduated from K-State in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Following graduation she worked in scientific research, helping to characterize pharmaceuticals to prepare them for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, she said.
“I’m also a Certified Nurse Assistant,” she said.
“I got my daycare license in April 2020 in Miami County and in October 2023 in Bourbon County,” she said.
To earn a daycare license in Kansas contact your local Kansas Department of Health and Environment office to get started.
“There’s an online application, fingerprints, background check, health and wellness checks, a small fee, and licensing will come to inspect your daycare for compliance,” she said. “There are also classes you must take to become licensed including being Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and child development and daycare specific classes required.”
Submitted graphic.
Government

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

 

January 12, 2024

 

New Session new hope.  Anything is possible.  I have high hope for a successful session for Kansas.  The Senate has passed exempting Social Security from state income tax several times in the past few years.  It’s nice the Governor has seen how important this is to Kansans and has joined in support.  There are many other items I have been leading an effort to pass into law.  We lost most of the provisions last year because some people want their way or the “highway”, not what they claim is the middle of the road.  Hopefully, others will join me in putting our constituents first.

 

Working with the House Tax Chairman and others, we will put together a tax plan to simplify the income tax code.  It will be a sustainable tax cut for all and help those in need.  Leadership provided a ‘vehicle’, a bill that allows Tax Conference Committee to meet and work on a tax package.  It is unusual for conference this early in session, but it makes sense because Kansas legislators have recently debated and passed the policy being considered.

 

A Property Tax Freeze program for seniors in need and disabled veterans, named Homestead II, passed in 2022.  Last year the legislature passed expansion of the program so more people would qualify.  The Governor vetoed it and there wasn’t time for an override.  I’m working with others to pass this legislation into law.

 

Property Taxable Valuation Limits on Increases passed the Senate last year in a Constitutional Amendment. We started at a 3% limit in SCR 1610.  It fell one vote short, so we passed a 4% limit in SCR 1611.  It requires 2/3 majority in both chambers to get it on the ballot for voters to decide.  It passed with a super majority 28 to 11.  Hopefully, the House and Senate will lower the limit and pass the SCR giving voters a chance to be heard on taxable valuation increases.

 

Transparency – bills, hearings, floor debate, and other information can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I can be reached by email at [email protected] or phone 785.296.6838 during session.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Business, Fort Scott

Witts Take Ownership of Hedgehog INK on February 1

3 Comments
Hedgehog INk bookstore,16 S. Main, is pictured in this October 2022 photo.

With support from her husband, Jordan, and three kids, Randi Witt, Ivan, Ava, and Lydia will take ownership of the Hedgehog.INK! bookstore at 16 S. Main on February 1.

From left to right, Jordan, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Randi Witt. Submitted photo.

The phone number will remain the same  (620) 670-2752 but the email: [email protected] is new. Both the website and Facebook page will remain the same.

“We will take over running those on Feb. 1,” Randi said.

The store was opened by Jan and  Dick Hedges in 2018, and Dick died in 2022. Jan announced in December 2023 that she was selling the bookstore.

“I heard about Jan planning to sell the store, and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Randi said. “Jan and Dick created a magical space that makes you feel good when you walk inside. The store has something for everyone, from books to unique items and gifts.”

The whole family enjoys bookstores.

“In college, Jordan and I would frequently visit a used bookstore in downtown Lawrence,” she said. “Now we enjoy taking our kids to bookstores. Hopefully, our bookstore can give others the same memorable experience and be a place they want to frequently visit.”

The name of the bookstore will remain the same.

“Even though I will be the new owner, I see this as a continuation of the amazing bookstore Jan and Dick brought to our community,” she said. ” I plan to put my own spin on the space and expand our offerings over time. I will continue to accept books for credit or donation. In addition to books, you can purchase journals, art supplies, candy, handmade purses, goat milk soaps, and lavender products. We definitely want to continue supporting local authors. Please follow us on social media for updates as we grow!”

“I am going to explore expanding hours of operation and will announce that on social media,” she said.

The current hours of operation will be  Monday 10 am – 2 pm and Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

“I will be running the store day to day, and I will rely on help from my kids,” Randi said. “This is definitely a family venture.”

Uncategorized

Outcasts and Misfits by Carolyn Tucker

1 Comment

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

My earliest memory of feeling sorry and sad for someone who was considered a misfit was hearing the song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Music has always deeply affected me. The specific lyrics I’m referring to are: “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.“ My little child heart was tender and compassionate and the thought of Rudolph being treated as a misfit, just because he was different, really hurt me.

 

I think that the manner in which this Christmas song affected me as a young child is partially what Jesus was referring to in these scriptures: “Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, ’I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven‘“ (Matthew 18:2-4.) Jesus taught that all believers must be childlike (innocent, trusting, tender). He is not condoning a childish (immature) lifestyle; there’s a ton of difference between childlike and childish.

 

Jesus said, “…I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts” (Matthew 9:13 TEV.)  If you don’t feel like you fit in, be comforted in knowing that Jesus came for you too. You’re not left out — you’re wanted and included. Jesus loves you enough that He was willing to die for you so you could have an overflowing life of God’s goodness.  The Prince of Peace came to piece together the broken lives of outcasts, misfits, and sinners. Jesus makes it clear that all are sinners who need to come to Him for salvation. However, those who think they’re already on the right path will reject Jesus’ invitation to a restored life. Jesus’ unmerited mercy transforms everyone who comes to Him for salvation.

 

If friends have thrown you under the bus, Jesus will reach under it and pull you out. If family have rejected you and made you feel like you don’t fit in, Jesus will accept you. If life has slammed you to the floor, Jesus will pick you up and walk with you all the way to heaven. If you think Jesus’ true-blue promise of restoration is too good to be true, just ask Him and find out for yourself. “…I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 RSV.)

 

Whether you’re an outcast, misfit, sinner, or the nicest person in the whole world, Jesus came for you. His own mother, the virgin Mary, was ostracized when the news broke out that she was with child and unmarried. Although she and Joseph knew that the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit, society rejected the truth of this supernatural birth. Nevertheless, Mary praised the Lord, realized she was blessed, and delivered the Messiah according to God’s perfect plan of redemption.

 

Jesus loves you without exception and He will accept you as you are. You don’t have to try to be righteous first; simply accept His invitation and come to Him in honest confession and repentance. The Savior is an expert at taking the broken pieces of outcasts, misfits, and sinners and making them whole and holy.

 

The Key: Jesus can make a misfit fit perfectly on earth and in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Art, Bourbon County

Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2024

Leave a comment

The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, February 29th, through Saturday, March 9th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “ART OF EVERYDAY LIFE”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.

Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category.  Entry deadline and payment are due by February 23rd, 2024.

Cash awards totaling over $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 23rd

. No late entries will be accepted.  Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday February 25th, between 1 and 4 pm.

 Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday February 28th; this is closed to artists and the public.

The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday February 29th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.

A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, February 29th through Friday March 8th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 9th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

 

 

 

K-State Extension

Fight the Post-Holiday Blues

Leave a comment
Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

The transition from the holidays to the start of a new year can be difficult to navigate for many reasons. Post-holiday blues are just one reason why you might be feeling down this time of year. Do you remember Garfield the cat’s famous hate for Mondays? Post-holiday blues have been compared to these “Sunday scaries” or the “Sunday blues,” which are the letdown feelings that some people experience on Sunday because their weekend is ending. Similarly, post-holiday blues are the letdown feeling that many people experience after the holidays. According to Colorado State University, this can be accompanied by lower energy, increased fatigue, and resistance to going back to work.

 

So, what can be done to combat the post-holiday blues? Dr. Crystal Schiller, an associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, recommends planning to spend time with a friend you did not see over the holidays, doing something small (like listening to your favorite music) to bring yourself joy, and getting tasks done. The final item in this list can help raise your spirits by bringing you a sense of accomplishment. Other things you can try to combat post-holiday blues include practicing gratitude daily, engaging in physical activity, and watching something funny. Both physical activity and laughter release endorphins, which have been described as “the body’s natural painkillers” in one article from Harvard Health Publishing.

 

Practicing mindfulness is yet another thing you can try to combat post-holiday blues. In his book “Wherever You Go, There You Are,” Jon Kabat-Zinn writes: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment reality.” He also writes that it “provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck.” This route to getting unstuck is one that may be particularly useful in fighting post-holiday blues. Try committing just five minutes of your day to practicing mindfulness by focusing on your breathing and letting your thoughts float away like clouds. To learn more about practicing mindfulness, visit bit.ly/southwindmindfulness.

 

It is important to note that post-holiday blues differ from depression. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away, seek professional help. If you or someone you know is in crisis or seeking emotional support, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them online at 988lifeline.org/chat.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

No Bourbon County Commission Meeting on January 15

Leave a comment

 

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

 

 

There will not be a meeting held on Monday, January 15, 2024 due to the courthouse being closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Bourbon County Local News