Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of May 3

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

May 3, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-four members representing twenty-one agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that a vacancy continues on the Board of Directors.  She also noted that the Board had approved swim pass applications and would be notifying those recipients as soon as the new pool manager and pass regulations were in place.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Billie Jo shared the following information from Vicky Wright, SEK Mental Health: May is Mental Health Month.  They will be hosting their first annual “Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair,” on May 23, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., at the Fort Scott Middle School.  Seventeen vendors are currently sign up to participate, but they continue to take registrations.  This is a free event with the possibility of door prizes!  Contact Vicki for further information:  [email protected] or 620-212-9391.
  • Kathy Romero and Travis Wilcoxen with Angels Care Home Health were first time members.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool Center: Round-Up will be held on Friday, May 5.
  • Michelle Stevenson Fort Scott Early Childhood Program: Fourteen children are ready to exit her program, she now needs referrals!
  • Maggie Young, CHC Tobacco Succession: The program will be starting next month for Bourbon County.
  • Shana Willey, CHC Community Health Worker: Can help families and community members with applications and resources.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Teen Pregnancy and Baby and Me Tobacco Free programs continue to be available in Fort Scott.  Tammy also reminded members that the Bourbon County Community Baby Shower would be held on June 22, 10 a.m. until noon, at the County Health Department.  Holly could still use donations of gifts for the mothers and babies.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: All 190 units are currently full. There are already 25 on the waiting list but she is still taking applications.
  • LeaKay Karleskint, K-State Research: She has several classes in progress with another to begin on May 18.  LeaKay continues to look for partners who can supply space for her classes.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE and Lindsey McNeil, KU: The “Diabetes Education Event” will be May 10, 5:00 p.m. at 104 N. National;  a “ Self Care Mental Health Awareness” will be May 18 at HBCAT office.  Contact Lisa for more information.
  • Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: Contact Rachel for grant opportunities.
  • Cassidy Lutz, K-State Research: Will present “What the Tech?! Phone Safety for Parents” on May 31 at 104 N. National, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Megan Smith and Amy Hagan, Family Resource Specialists with CHC: They strive to connect families with resources; Megan through the office setting and Amy in the homes.
  • Christine Abbott, SEKWorks: Reminded members about Workshop Wednesdays which are 15 minute video/chats found on the website; Christine can send the QR code for those that are interested.
  • Sydney Herring, Response Advocate with the Family Resource Center: Sydney works under a grant that keeps children in their homes as long as it is safe.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Kiwanis: These organizations need more volunteers.
  • Sandy, RSVP:  Sandy matches non-profits and volunteers.  She noted that the Uniontown Teammate program is completing a successful two years.  The next Red Cross Blood drive will be June 15/16 at Buck Run Community Center.  Contact Sandy to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army/Ministerial Alliance: Allen will be working again with Evergy to distribute fans; last year the program provided seventy fans for needy persons.  Allen also informed the members that the Ministerial Alliance helps transients going through town by provided a night in a hotel and bus ticket as needed.  Bus station now is in Fort Scott at Pete’s.

 

  1. Program: Bourbon County transportation program presented by COPE, LHEAT, and SEK-CAP. The June program will be an explanation of KanCare/Medicaid by Dawn Cubbison.  April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present our August program.

 

Scott, Director of Transportation for SEK CAP, explained how the General Public Transportation works in other counties and what would be needed for the program to be implemented in Fort Scott and/or Bourbon County.  This program would be 70% grant funded with 30% matching funds from county and city governments, local programs or grants, or private support or donations.   Passengers would not be charged fares, but donations would be accepted, typically $1.00 per ride.  Bourbon County demographics certainly confirm the need for such a service.  Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, will be working with SEK CAP toward the goal of implementation.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Need monthly programs beginning in September.  David Gillen, Beacon, was not able to attend the meeting but wanted members to know that he is looking for an Assistant Director.  The job would require sixteen hours each week with an additional two hours on the third Thursday of each month; salary is $1,000 per month.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be June 7, at 1:00 p.m.
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Papa Don’s Celebrates Anniversary

Leave a comment

 

Papa Don’s Restaurant day staff: Sheila Rygmyr, Emily Martin, Jessica Joyce, Shayla Cowlshaw, Amy Walker.
Mother-daughter team of Sheila Rygmyr and Brita Bolton are the owners of Papa Don’s Pizza Restaurant in historic downtown Fort Scott.
From left, the evening crew of Papa Don’s Pizza, Cash Rygmyr-Rose, Melody Cooper, Abby Sczpanski, Brita Bolton and Daswon Wilson. Submitted.
They originally opened the business at 22 N. Main in March 1991 and after a break of several years reopened at 10 N. Main on May 2, 2011.
May be an image of text
They strive to provide their community with all manner of food service.
“We actually do it all,” Brita said. “Not only dine-in and carry-out but also delivery, catering, online ordering and curbside. From pizza, pasta, salad bar, ice cream and deli sandwiches. Plus gluten-free and low carb is available.”
Hours of operation are Monday to Saturdays 10:30 a.m, to 8 p.m. and  the first Sunday of every month 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
To contact the business: email at [email protected] or by phone 620.223.4171 or find them on Facebook Papa Don’s Pizza.
They currently have 15 employees that includes the owners.
The best part of being a small business owner in Fort Scott is “the local support from the community and surrounding schools that we cater lunches for every week,” Brita said.

 

Papa Don’s back patio is a pretty place to eat a meal on these warm spring days.
Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

FS Christian Heights School Annual Country Store This Saturday

Leave a comment
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Fort Scott Christian Heights…
Annual Country Store and Auction!
This year, we will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Fort Scott Christian Heights, and our 57th Annual Country Store and Auction! Nostalgic pictures and yearbooks will be on display for the day.
The day begins with registration (7:30) for our 5K and Fun Run/Walk (race begins at 8:00).
The Booths, Garage Sale rooms, and Bakery will be open from 9:00-3:00.
A fried-chicken dinner will be served from 4:00 until Auction time at 6:00.
The concession stand will run all day, and serve pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, taco salads, malts, shakes, and more!
Country Store offers a day of fun for everyone!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
*We are taking gently-used donations for the garage sale, and new items for the auction! Items can be dropped off anytime during school hours (8:00 – 3:45 Monday through Thursday).
Please contact FSCH Office for more info!
620-223-4330 or email [email protected] .
Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

5 Comments

Fort Scott, “the Jewel of S/E Kansas

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got engineers to lead us,

We got grants to rebuild Wall Street,

Sewer and water lines and Horton Street

We got a 100-block-per-year street improvement program,

With a new heated and stirred asphalt emulsion tank.

We even got a brick crew leveling up the historic brick streets!

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got funds that stay in the right place,

We got 6 mil in the sewer account, and we got plans

To start rebuilding per our comprehensive plan.

We got beer sales on Sundays and

We no longer have to go to the line.

We now have a million or two in the lake account, (Skitch led the way)

With lake improvements on-going (new docks, beach improvements,

Campground and shelter house repairs).

We have funds in our parks account, with improvements on the horizon.

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got new city management (born and raised in FS),

And commissioners who make policy and hold everyone accountable.

We got a new school district superintendent, and soon-to-be new college pres.

We got a new truck route policy (with enforcement coming)

This is to keep the heavy trucks off our side streets.

Best of all, we have a new attitude! “We Can” instead of “We Can’t”!

We are doing it! Just look at the renovations going on downtown

And you will see! Citizens of Fort Scott… pat yourselves on the back.

We have just begun!

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

 

Pete Allen

5/4/2023

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas

KDOT’s Active Transportation Plan focuses on increasing alternate ways to travel

Leave a comment
TOPEKA – Increasing active transportation opportunities across Kansas – whether walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, skateboarding, etc. – is the goal of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s newly revised Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

“Providing access to safe, direct and continuous routes for people whether they are driving, walking or cycling is essential for a healthy multimodal transportation system,” said Acting Secretary Calvin Reed. “The vision of the ATP is for Kansas to be a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have safe and convenient active modes of travel available throughout the state.”

The ATP will serve as a guide for KDOT and Kansas communities on how to include and promote active transportation infrastructure when planning roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. The plan was developed with extensive input from Kansans and with guidance from KDOT and other state agencies, stakeholders and partners. National and local experts in planning, design and safety were included in the plan’s development process.

Funding for active transportation projects is included in the 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.

“This plan provides communities with information to develop active transportation opportunities through improved planning, design and partnerships with state agencies,” said Matt Messina, KDOT Multimodal Bureau Chief. “Whether Kansans use active transportation regularly, rarely or somewhere in between, infrastructure that supports all modes of transportation is critical for residents.”

KDOT will host “Bike, Walk and Roll” webinars where attendees can learn how to implement the plan in communities. Webinars begin May 24 and continue through the year. People can also attend an in-person summit in McPherson from Sept. 20-22 with more details on each plan topic, workshops and other activities. To view the Kansas ATP and for information on the webinars and summit, visit https://www.ksdot.org/KansasATP.asp.
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store: Special Breakfast and Lunch This Saturday

Leave a comment
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store…
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store
Come fill your belly at Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store located at 702 Pine Street, Bronson Kansas, THIS Saturday, May 6th from 9am-1pm.
9am-11am – $7 Big Breakfast Bowls.
Fried Taters, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage with
Gravy or Cheese.
11am-1pm – $10 Frybread Taco Salads with 32oz drink
Kelly’s Hand Made Fry Bread, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Meat & Cheese. Black Olives & Jalapeno are optional.
Single Frybread $3. Full Order (5) $12.
Pre-orders are highly recommended.
You can call or walk in to place an order, Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store will be accepting orders until 6pm on Friday, May 5th.
Contact Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store at 620.939.4300
for more information!
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Brickstreet BBQ Opens

1 Comment
Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott. Oak Street turns into Old Fort Blvd. when you cross National going east.
Brickstreet BBQ, at  the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street opened yesterday with a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
Alex and Carissa Bowman welcome the crowd that came for the ribbon cutting on May 2.
 Owners  are Carissa and Alex Bowman.
In an interview, Carissa said they are looking forward to  this new venture and “The  challenge and excitement of starting something that Alex and I can build together.”
She said they are also looking forward to bringing more job opportunities to Fort Scott.  They currently have 60 part-time and full time employees.
Brickstreet BBQ owner Carissa Bowman, left, and Shelby Burdick and Donna Hughes, servers, prepare for the first customers on this opening day.
The service they will be providing to their community is “A sit-down restaurant experience with high quality smoked meats,” she said.

 

Brickstreet hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday  11 a.m.- 9 p.m.;   Friday-Saturday  11 a.m.- 10 p.m.  Sunday 11 a.m.  – 3 p.m.
Contact them at 620-224-2425 or on their Facebook page.
In this photo of the ribbon cutting at Brickstreet BBQ, the Bowmans are pictured in the center with family, friends and staff surrounding. At left is the Chamber Chairperson Bailey Lyons and holding the other end of the ribbon is Mayor Matthew Wells.

There was much gratitude expressed in the comments for the opening of this restaurant.

Carissa welcomed and thanked all the family and friends for the support they give.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Bailey Lyons told the attendees “Thanks for bringing barbecue back to Fort Scott.”

“May this place bring you much return on your investment,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said.

The door is open at Brickstreet BBQ.
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

 

April 28, 2023

 

Property Tax Relief for seniors in need and disabled veterans by expanding the property tax freeze that passed last year, is in CCR 8 along with several other provisions.  The Senate passed it with a bi-partisan vote of 26 to 13.  Hopefully, it will became law.  It’s in the Governor’s hands.

 

Record Number of Vetoes and veto overrides is being reported.  The legislature didn’t attempt to override all of the vetoes, but of the ones they did, 12 were overridden.

 

The Governor worked to get a Republican Senator and an Independent (former Republican) Senator to vote against the veto override on CCR 169.  Apparently, they were seen coming out of her office on the day of the vote.  These are two legislators who originally voted YES on CCR 169.  It contained tax cuts on Social Security, an accelerated food state sales tax cut, some property tax relief for homeowners, an income tax cut by increasing the standard deduction, and a single income tax rate of 5.15%.  It would have accelerated the corporate tax cuts in 2024 and 2025 to 2024. The Republican who flipped, said the bill was too rich for corporations, but these are cuts they are going to get anyway.

 

The state budget increased over $1 billion this year, $1.5 billion was given to a handful of companies over the last two years, over $1.5 billion has been put in a rainy day fund, and yet the Governor and a few legislators blocked tax reductions for all Kansans.  Some say it was because of the single income tax rate policy at 5.15%.  A Democrat said the last day of session, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next year because it is an election year.”  My heart sunk.  It shouldn’t matter if it is an election year.  We should pass it because it is good policy, no matter what year.

 

The successful veto overrides include:  HB 2313 Born-Alive Infant Protection, HB 2264 Women’s Right to Know about Abortion Drug Reversal, HB 2350 Making Human Smuggling a Crime, HB 2138 Requiring Separate Accommodations by Biological Sex on Overnight School Trips, HB 2094 Work or Training Requirement for Able Bodied Adults to Receive Food Benefits, SB 228 Modernizing County Jail Statutes (reimbursement for mental health detainees), and SB 180 Women’s Bill of Rights.  Bills that failed to secure 2/3 majority for an override: HB 2344 Loosening Overly Burdensome Daycare Regulations, HB 2236 Parents Bill of Rights, SB 169 Tax Reductions, SB 206  Ballots Due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, and SB 26 Child Mutilation Prevention Act.

 

Session has ended.  Many of us were surprised when leadership ran the Sine Die resolution, ending the 2023 session April 28th.  Usually it is a few weeks after the last day of veto session, not on the last day of veto session.  As I was walking out of the building many people commented they had no idea that day was going to be Sine Die.

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

Caryn

Airport, Fort Scott

Invitation to Submit Bid for Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport

Leave a comment

 

The City of Fort Scott, Kansas is soliciting requests for bids from persons who are interested in the hay rights at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport.  The contract will be for a ONE       (1) year period beginning in 2023.

 

There are 130 acres to be hayed.  Contractor is responsible for any damages to Airport grounds or equipment caused by contractor.  All hay must be baled and removed from the Fort Scott Municipal Airport property between the time frame of July 1st and August 31st annually.

 

Interested applicants should submit sealed bids by 2:00 PM, May 31st, 2023 to the City Clerk at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

Bourbon County Local News