Fort Scott Chamber Awarded Grant For History Mural on Skubitz Plaza
A historic mural project commemorating the African-American troops that fought in the Civil War is moving forward in Fort Scott.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Division applied for and received a Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity grant for $5,250 to have a mural painted on the building that faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza.
“The 1st Kansas Colored Infantry mural will be facing the Fort Scott National Historic Site,” Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison said. ” It commemorates the infantry that was stationed at the fort.”
The grant application was made through a new Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is a 501c3 entity, she said.
Rachel French, who is on the FS Chamber Downtown Division committee, served as the project coordinator, assisted by Taton Majors, with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. Other members of the downtown Chamber committee are Cathy Bishop, John Crain, Bailey Lyons and Angela Simon.
Deadline for proposals from artists interested in designing and painting the mural was May 31.
Selected artists proposals will be sent to Kansas University Professor of African American Studies, Randal Jelks, to ensure that all drawings are culturally sensitive, French said.
“Then he can make recommendations for possible revisions for design, after that, a local panel here will judge,” French said.
Names will not be attached to the art proposals for judging, to ensure fairness.
The local judges panel includes Trent and Kate Freeman, owners of a local art shop; Whitney Beth, a local art teacher; Katie Hueston, who has been involved in the coordinating of murals in the last two years in the historic downtown area; Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum; Carl Brenner, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Fort Scott National Historic Site; and Jerry Witt, owner of the building on which the mural will be painted.
“After they select a winner, we will reach out to the winner personally,” French said. “We will then make the announcement on Facebook and do a press release on June 19. After that, the artist can start and has to be done by September 1.”
To keep up to date on the mural creation:
https://www.facebook.com/muralsoffortscott
The mural will be dedicated during the Gordon Parks Celebration on the first Friday in October, French said.
The $5,250 grant is a matching grant.
“We are fundraising for the match,” French said. “We need to do signage and there will be recognition of donors.”
To donate:
https://muralsoffortscott.wixsite.com/home
According to French, other community stakeholders in this mural project are Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.; Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin; Fort Scott City Commissioners Matthew Wells and Josh Jones; Gordon Parks Museum Director Kirk Sharp; Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski, and Brenner, also with the fort.
The following is from the press release announcing the grant awards from the Kansas Department of Commerce:
“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”
To view a prior story:
Historic Mural Soon Coming to Downtown Fort Scott: Artist Proposals Needed by May 29
Obituary of Flona Jane Palmer
Flona Jane “Jani” Palmer, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 4, 2023, at her apartment in Cavalry Crossing.
She was born October 11, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of J. E. Douglas Palmer and Clara Christine Honaker Palmer.
Janie had lived primarily in Maryland where she worked for a time in childcare and also as a bus driver; however, her most important job was being a mother and grandmother.
She enjoyed arts and crafts – there was never a craft she would not try. She especially liked painting and drawing as well as crocheting and cross-stitch. In 2016, she moved to Kansas to be near family.
The last year and a half were spent at Cavalry Crossing.
Jani enjoyed playing marbles and participating in activities with the other residents. She enjoyed reading and had recently reorganized the apartment complex’s library. Some of her favorite times were spent at the beach.
Survivors include her three children, Michael Guns, Jr. (Julie) of Delaware, Christine Guns of West Virginia and Douglas Guns (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and ten grandchildren, Michael Guns III, Morgan Guns, Alyssa Haymaker, Grayson Guns, Liam Guns, Douglas Guns, Jr., Zander Guns, Emma Guns, John Guns and Lincoln Guns. Also surviving are a sister, Connie Callahan of Spokane, Missouri and three brothers, Rick Palmer, Cherry Hill, Maryland, Douglas Palmer, Jr., Onalaska, Texas and Ronald Hancock of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents.
There was cremation and no public service is planned.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 7
NEWS RELEASE – CITY COMMISSION VACANCY
Effective June 6, 2023, Josh Jones resigned his position as City Commissioner on the Fort Scott City Commission. Persons interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner Josh Jones are asked to submit a Letter of Interest to: City Clerk, Lisa Lewis at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or by email at [email protected] . Letters of Interest must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023. Only individuals who reside in the City limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply. Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the next scheduled City Commission meeting, June 20th, 2023, and the term will expire in December of 2025.
Any additional information or questions may be obtained by contacting Lisa Lewis, City Clerk OR Brad Matkin, City Manager at 620-223-0550.
Obituary of Glenn Post
Glenn M. Post, 103, resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home. He was born on June 2, 1920, in Redfield, Kansas, the son of Marion Melvin Post and Gladys Elizabeth (McHenry) Post.
Glenn was a WWII veteran and member of the V.F.W., a 60-year member of the Xenia Masonic Lodge, as well as the Grange.
Survivors include his daughter, Vickie Kay McWilliams, of Redfield; two sisters, Anna Ruth Bybee of Parsons, Kansas, and Natalie Comstock, of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Robert Kerr.
Rev, Chub Bolling, Rev. Seth Bolling, and Tom Bradbury will officiate graveside services on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Marion (Paint Creek) Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mirza Transportation Fund and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Leta Welch
Leta Ann Poore Welch, 82, of Fort Scott, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2023, to join her Lord and Savior. She was born on December 13, 1940, in Bronson, Kansas, to the late Paul and Pearlie Roberts Poore. Leta was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pearlie Poore, her beloved brothers Howard and Melvin Poore, her nephew Brian Shelton, and the love of her life, Jerry Welch.
Growing up in Bronson, Leta attended Bronson schools and cherished her hometown. She embodied love as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Leta dedicated many years of her life working at the Western Insurance Company, Newman Young Clinic, and Key Industries. Her caring nature led her to employment at Tri-Valley Developmental Center and Care-4-U, where she found joy in taking care of others.
Leta is survived by her sister Martha (John) Shelton of Drexel, Missouri; her son Roger (Carolyn) Welch of Bronson, Kansas; her daughter DeAnn (Bill) Cambers of Walnut, Kansas; and her daughter Lisa (Ron) Gray of Olathe, Kansas. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren Ryan (Jonna) Mills of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Paul Welch of Fort Scott, Kansas; Bayley (Brett) Linn of Garnett, Kansas; Kelsey (Dalton) Bruns of Mound City, Kansas; Jordyn (Jon) of Spring Hill, Kansas; and Dane Cummings (Dani) of Girard, Kansas. Leta’s great-grandchildren, Isaac Mills and Kate Mills, Brynleigh and Barrett Linn, Sutton and Walker Bruns, Luke Cooper, and Remi Cummings, will forever carry her memory. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members who will deeply miss her presence.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Horton House for their exceptional love and care during her stay there.
Rev. Marty DeWitt will officiate graveside services to celebrate Leta’s life on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Uniontown Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Artist Reception and Master Class at Artificers
Join Us at The Artificers ForPhillip OrtizOpening Reception and Master Class! |
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This Friday! June 9th 6PM |
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Artist Opening ReceptionMaster ArtistPhillip Ortiz, Mixed Media Artist |
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Bo Co Commission Minutes of May 22
May 22, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Garland Community Center.
David Klein, Raymond Kalm, Lester Waring, Ruth Waring, Shirley Colvin, Tammie Underwood, Rob Gray, Jeremiah Hill, Richard Cullison Jr., Kathy Crisp, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from last week’s meeting, approval of payroll totaling $327,284.67, and the approval of accounts payable totaling $780,170.75. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Matthew Wells, Mayor of the City of Fort Scott, asked the commission for a donation for the fireworks show that Fort Scott provides. Mr. Wells asked for the same amount that Bourbon County gives to Uniontown or any other town. Jim stated the Uniontown show is not paid for by the city, but by a private company. Jim said he appreciates the city stepping up to provide a fireworks display for our residents. Nelson stated he doesn’t believe that government funds should be involved and does not want to use taxpayer dollars in that manner. Clifton said to his knowledge Bourbon County hasn’t donated to a fireworks display before. Jim made a motion to donate $2500 to the City of Fort Scott for a fireworks display. The motion failed due to a lack of a second. Clifton made a motion to donate $500 to the City of Fort Scott and the City of Uniontown for a fireworks show from the PILOT funds. It was explained that the PILOT funds are revenues generated from the Jayhawk Wind project and are not taxpayer dollars. Jim seconded the motion, but Nelson opposed stating no county funds should go to fireworks. The motion passed 2-1. Jim said we are responsible for a better quality of life for our residents.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session with Matthew Wells. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Matthew Wells, and Justin Meeks. The executive session will be conducted in another room in the community center and the Commission will return at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 5:46 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, gave an update stating they are redoing decking on the bridge at 60th and Arrowhead Road. Dustin said there have been 21 signs vandalized throughout the county. The laydown machine is currently waiting on a part, but they anticipate having the machine back this week. The crusher has been down due a programming issue, but the company will be here Wednesday to fix it. Jim asked if the price of oil was still ok, and Dustin said it is good right now.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to strike Eric’s executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Tim Spehr submitted an application for a road closure on a portion of 260th Street south of Deer Road. Mr. Spehr stated he came before the Commission a few years ago and was told by the prior board no because re-opening a road could be a hassle. Mr. Spehr said the road is in bad shape and isn’t driveable. Jeremiah Hill voiced his concern and said he disagrees with closing the road. Mr. Hill said there was an agreement with the coal company who was to put the road back in good condition when they were done reclaiming. The Commissioners discussed the condition of the road as they all separately viewed the section of road that Mr. Spehr is wanting to close. Clifton said he takes in all input and if a motion is made today, he will abstain until he talks to all the landowners on 260th Street between Cavalry Road and Deer Road. Jim tabled the application for a few weeks to allow the Commission to speak to the area landowners and do more research. The County Clerk will contact Tim Spehr and Jeremiah Hill when the issue is placed back on the agenda.
Jeremiah Hill questioned the section of Eagle Road that is scheduled to be paved this year and asked why it was starting at the railroad tracks and going to the state line instead starting at the top of the hill. Dustin said they’ve discussed starting at the railroad tracks due to the budget, but if there are funds left, they may be able to tie in and asphalt to the hill.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked the Commission about the schedule for future evening meetings. There are currently meetings scheduled in Uniontown and Mapleton, and Jennifer stated if additional locations are wanted, she needs to reserve buildings and notify the public. The Commissioners decided to have a meeting in Hammond on June 19th.
Jim opened the meeting to public comments and stated if an identifiable individual is going to be discussed it would have to be done in executive session.
Vicki Shead stated the county has previously sprayed poisonous Hemlock and the area around 250th Street and Deer Road needs sprayed again. Mrs. Shead stated the Hemlock is very dangerous and can kill deer and cattle and she is concerned as there are kids who go fishing at the bridge where it is located.
Larry Shead thanked the county for quickly cleaning the graffiti on the metal bridge. Mr. Shead asked if the county would be mowing to the fences as they did last year, and Dustin replied in the fall they will try to make two passes while mowing.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance and will include all three Commissioners, Dustin Hall, and Jeremiah Hill. The executive session will be conducted in another room in the community center and the Commission will return at 6:21. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 6:21 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Richard Cullison Jr. and Raymond Kalm discussed Tweedy and Custard cemeteries and how they are not being mowed properly. Mr. Kalm said a lot of people come in for Memorial Day and the cemeteries need mowed especially then. Since the county does not mow the cemeteries the County Clerk will research who is on those cemetery boards and notify them of the mowing issues.
Nelson talked about how there are roads in the county that are not maintained, and employees not paid well, and the county has to stop spending money on things like fireworks and extra stuff. The recent $50,000 donation that Bourbon County made to Core Communities was brought up. Jim stated that the Meals on Wheels program and the Southeast Mental Health Clinic makes life better for Bourbon County residents and he will always vote to help the elderly. Jim said the $50,000 donation will help 50 families out of poverty and to think about how that will help the next generation, that we have to reach out and help them. Nelson asked about those who work for Bourbon County who make $13.00 an hour. Jim said the Sheriff’s Department, Jail, and Public Works have given raises and they need to work on the courthouse, but that we can’t abandon other people we need to make the county a better place to live. Clifton said the money given to Meals on Wheels and for the elderly is a good investment. Clifton stated they have lowered the levy 5 mills since he has been Commissioner and not raised taxes. Jim agreed they have lowered taxes and helped people.
Jim said he was contacted by the Fort Scott Tribune about not releasing minutes of the meetings before they are approved. Jim said it is up to the Commissioners, but he is ok as long as it is posted as un-official minutes. Clifton said he has been misquoted in the minutes before and Nelson agreed and said if he sees something wrong, he will want it corrected. Justin explained that the notes the County Clerk takes during the meeting are KORA discoverable. Jason Silvers, with the Fort Scott Tribune, said if they report something from unofficial minutes, they report it as such. A comment from a previous article regarding the meetings outside of the courthouse was discussed. Jim said it was questioned if the Commission wanted to please five people in person or 200 who watch on livestream. The residents in attendance were asked if they liked having meetings come to the smaller communities in the county, and they responded yes. Clifton said that the meetings don’t have to be livestreamed and Jim explained that started during COVID when the courthouse was closed, and residents were unable to attend meetings. Clifton stated a lot of counties are stopping the livestream of their meetings. Justin stated that for the whole time he was county counselor people have been asking for night meetings.
Jim gave an update on the Elm Creek dam project stating Eric Bailey has been in contact with engineers and contractors to set up meetings. Clifton suggested if anybody knows of contractors to have them contact the Commission to go look at the dam. Jim said they want four or five contractors to look at the dam and will need an engineer if it goes to the grant process.
Clifton asked those in attendance if they would like the meetings to come out in the community more often and they responded yes and they would like more notice. Clifton said he would love to have more people come to the meetings.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:43. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 6-5-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
___________________,
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Bo Co Commission Minutes of Special Meeting on May 16
May 16, 2023 Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with Jim Harris and Clifton Beth attending via phone and the County Clerk and the County Counselor present.
Brian Allen and Matt Quick attended the entire meeting.
Jim Harris called the meeting to order.
Jim made a motion to allow two or more of the Bourbon County Commissioners to attend the City of Fort Scott Commission meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. for economic development with no action being taken by the county. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:31. Clifton seconded and all approved.
Approved 6-5-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
___________________,
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Kansas Historic Economic Development
Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded Third Consecutive Gold Shovel for
Historic Economic Development
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the third straight year, Kansas has won Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel Award. The back-to-back-to-back accolade has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment.
“Every day, my administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This award shows that our work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.”
Kansas was recognized for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state. Five states were awarded the prestigious Gold Shovel in their respective population categories, with Kansas at the top of the list of states with fewer than 3 million residents.
Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022, but it wasn’t the only one. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained.
“Governor Kelly’s commitment to bring prosperity to communities across the state is being fulfilled by home-grown businesses and companies from around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “A third straight Gold Shovel confirms our strategic plan for economic development is working.”
That strategic plan, the Kansas Framework for Growth, was unveiled by Governor Kelly in early 2021. Through the work of thousands of Kansans from the public and private sectors, the plan emphasizes:
- Talent development and retention
- Working with higher education institutions on job and business creation
- Innovation as a driver of opportunity
- Community assets and regional approaches
- Long-term growth policies
- Target business sectors
Almost 90% of the successes announced since the beginning of the Kelly administration came from one of the five target sectors. Over that time, Kansas has attracted more than $16.2 billion in private-sector investment and created or retained more than 57,000 jobs.
Area Development Magazine is a publication for economic development executives covering corporate site selection and relocation.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Newsletter May 2023
