First Time Home Buyer Help

Expanded eligibility for First Time Homebuyer program to benefit qualified homebuyers, lenders
Homeownership is within reach for more Kansas families, thanks to expanded eligibility guidelines for the state’s First Time Homebuyer program. Administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the program helps income-eligible households purchase their first home by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
“KHRC wants to keep the dream of homeownership alive for Kansas families despite recent increases in home values and interest rates,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “By expanding eligibility for first-time homebuyers, we’re making homes more affordable, enabling households to build equity, and helping families invest in future generations of Kansans.”
The First Time Homebuyer Program assists those purchasing their first home or those who have not owned a home for at least three years and earn no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income. Homebuyers must make a modest down payment investment and are eligible for an interest-free loan in the amount of 15 or 20 percent of the home’s purchase price. The loan is forgiven if the buyer remains in the home for 10 years.
Recent program updates have expanded eligibility:
  • Debt-to-income ratio of up to 45 percent. Previously, homebuyers could spend up to 41 percent of their monthly income on debt such as car loans, credit cards, and student loan payments.
  • PITI (mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) ratio of 15 to 30%. Previously, applicants were required to devote 20 to 30 percent of their monthly income to PITI.
  • Homebuyer down payment contribution of one to 10 percent. Qualified participants were previously required to contribute two to 10 percent of the home’s sale price.
  • Adjusted interest rates. To accommodate a broader range of credit scores, lenders can now set interest rates up to .65 percent higher than Freddie Mac, a .15 percent increase from the previous limit.
Other updates will modernize and streamline the application process for lenders and homebuyers. These include allowances for electronic signatures in place of original signatures, and encrypted emails to replace faxed applications.
Funded by federal HOME funds, the state’s FTHB program assists with home purchases throughout the state except for within the city limits of Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, or Kansas City, or Johnson County. These areas administer their own HOME funds.
KHRC also administers theHome Loan Guarantee (HLG) for Rural Kansas, which helps existing and prospective homeowners in rural counties by covering the gap between the loan and the appraisal for building or renovating a home.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

Bourbon County Democrats Meet March 19

Join Bourbon County Democrats on Sunday, March 19th to discuss Education in the state of Kansas with Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin at the Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting.
The meeting will be held 2-4 p.m. in Room H121 of the Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Please text Carol MacArthur at 620 215 1505 for more information or a ride to the meeting!
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
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St. Martin’s Academy Featured at Common Ground Coffee Shop This Friday

 

Common Ground Coffee Co. presents the students of Saint Martin’s Academy, 1950 Indian Road, this Friday. The concert will be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day featuring vocal solos, duets, and ensemble numbers. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr.

Common Ground Coffee Shop.

The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at 12 E. Wall Street. The show is free and open to the public.  Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of young and lively music!

Unforgettable One-Liners by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

When I watch a movie or hear a sermon, I listen for those great one-liners. Here’s a few favorites that quickly come to mind: “Yo, Adrian, I did it!” “Houston, we have a problem.” “Right turn, Clyde.” “You can’t ride two horses with one butt” (refer to Matthew 6:24). The John Wayne movie, “Chisum,” has a scene where his herd of horses has been stolen by a band of marauders. Chisum (Wayne) catches up with the horse thieves, approaches the ring leader and boldly says, “Those animals are mine.” The red-handed bandit replies, “Oh, there must be some mistake here.” Chisum responds, “You made it.” Oh yah, that’s my favorite one-liner in the whole movie, bar none.

 

A beloved one-sentence verse in the Bible is: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). This scripture is the gospel in a nutshell. Here‘s another good one, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8 NLT). God is the source of all real love, so everyone who is like Him will have a spirit of love. We maintenance our vehicles, so we should understand the importance of checking our love. Is there even any showing on the dipstick?

 

Everyone likes the cheery one-liners in God’s Word, and rightly so. Believers are  encouraged and strengthened by reading the Bible. But we need to read the whole truth  and not just the parts we like. There are sobering scriptures we must not neglect to study and reflect on. Jesus is teaching His followers what true disciples are and explains, “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ’Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ’Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ’I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NLT).

 

In the words of Piglet, “Oh dddear!” I sure never want to hear that one-liner spoken to me — nor to anyone, especially my family and friends. I’ve heard it said that God is too loving to send people to hell. That’s true. Because of pride, people send themselves to hell by rejecting God’s love and not believing on Jesus. I’d say that would be the biggest mistake anyone could make. Our job, as disciples and harvest workers, is to love people into heaven by practicing God’s Word. Everybody gets a one-shot lifetime on planet earth followed by an unchangeable eternity in heaven or hell. So we better get it right. The good news is that, while there’s breath, the Holy Spirit is working diligently to convince everyone to repent, change, and accept and follow Jesus.

 

Let’s keep our relationship with God healthy and strong so we can offer life-giving encouragement and love to others. Believers are called to help people grasp the truth that Jesus came to forgive, restore, and give abundant life to all who choose to accept Him. Make no mistake, choosing and genuinely following Jesus is the only way not to hear, “Sorry, I never knew you” at the Judgment.

 

The Key: Possibly the best one-liner for true disciples is, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God“ (Matthew 5:8 NLT).

More Herbs, Less Salt

Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Did you know that herbs offer numerous health benefits in addition to increasing flavor in foods and beverages? In contrast, eating too much sodium (which is a mineral that’s found in salt) can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

 

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, our bodies do require a small amount of sodium each day for vital functions like contracting and relaxing muscles. However, most Americans consume far more than is needed. According to the American Heart Association, over 70% of the sodium we eat is from packaged, prepared, and restaurant foods. This means that it isn’t just coming from our salt shakers (although an estimated 11% of the sodium we eat does come from the salt we add in while cooking or while food is on our plates).

 

So, what can you do to reduce your sodium intake? Try buying low-sodium food options at the grocery store, tasting your food before deciding to add salt, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables (which are naturally salt-free), and using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt.

 

In addition to reducing sodium intake, the last option in that list also has the added benefit of providing other health benefits! What exactly are the health benefits of consuming herbs and spices? To start, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants which help our bodies fight off chronic diseases. Some (such as turmeric) contain anti-inflammatory compounds which combat inflammation. Furthermore, some herbs and spices (such as cinnamon, clove, cumin, oregano, and thyme) contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Finally, there are some (like ginger) which can be used as an antiemetic agent to prevent vomiting. Chamomile and peppermint also have anti-nausea properties. To learn more, visit bit.ly/EatMoreHerbs.

 

Interested in learning even more about the health benefits of cooking with herbs and how you can grow your own herbs at home? The Southwind Extension District is hosting an educational program which will cover all of this and more this spring! The program, entitled “Herbs – From Plant to Plate,” will be offered at the 4-H Community Building in Yates Center on April 5th at 6 PM and at Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott on April 6th at 12 PM.

 

For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and emp

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of March 1

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting

 

March 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty members representing sixteen agencies attended.  The Coalition Board will be meeting next week to finalize the applications for the swim pass program.  Applications will be available at The Beacon and Buck Run throughout the month of April.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Sandy sent word that the next Red Cross blood drive will be April 19 and 20; please contact her to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush: DeeDee helps match resources with needs.
  • Dawn Cubbison, Aetna Better Health of Kansas:  She is available to share information about Medicaid redetermination which will start next month.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis and CASA: both organizations need volunteers; CASA does not have enough volunteers to support the children they have been assigned.
  • Dave Gillen, The Beacon: They continue to receive produce on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; clients can shop on the back porch.  They also help with rent and utility assistance and have a limited number of taxi passes.  Beacon hours are 9:00 – 1:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • LeaLay Karleskint, K-State Snap Ed: She is still looking for partners to provide space for her classes which provide nutrition education.
  • Lisa Robertson, COPE and CHC: COPE works with partners to help people find resources. The COPE grant runs until December, 2023; they are now working on the extension. They have been able to help 219 individuals in less than one year.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army:  Alan is able to do some things to help that are not the usual types of assistance.  He is working with a new program:  SSVF =  Supplemental Services for Veterans families.  This organization helps veterans find housing.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: Christine works with ages 16-24 with GED, training, work experience; she can also help with resumes.  The office is located within the HBCAT office with hours Monday through Friday.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: For the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program, Tammy comes to Fort Scott to meet wherever the mom feels comfortable.  Her pre-natal program can now do tours of the labor and delivery units at Via Christi.
  • Lindsey McNeil, KU COPE grant: The Local Health Equity Action Team has been able to provide freezers for Feeding Families and make partial  payment for windows at the Senior Citizens Center.  The team stresses homeless housing and transportation.  Meetings are every other Thursday from 6-7; contact any COPE person to become involved or Rachel Carpenter at the HBCAT office.
  • Amy Hagan, Family Support Specialist at CHC: her main function is to provide support for mothers.
  • Maggie Young, Bourbon County Community Engagement Manager for CHC will be doing canned food drives in the near future.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool: Screening this month will be on March 24; the Spring Fling on April 6; Kindergarten Round-Up on April 19; PreSchool Round-Up on May 5.  The community is working to start a Childcare Coalition; please contact Nick if you wish to be involved.
  • Kelli Mengarelli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Kelli partners with childcare providers to ensure quality child care.
  • Michelle Stevenson: Her program is full right now but she will always take referrals.  Michelle works within the preschool building with children prenatal through age 6.
  • Amy Boyd: Amy is actively working on finding additional quality childcare for children aged newborn to three.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: She has a total of 190 units; right now there is a wait list for all size units, but applications, based on income, can still be made.  The Housing Authority has office hours Monday throught Friday.
  • Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice: Gentiva will host a resource fair on April 7, 9-11 a.m. in Homer Cole, Pittsburg.  A Community Healthcare partner, Autumn Green, an attorney, will be talking about advance directives.

 

  1. Program: Bailey Lyons, Meredith Tucker, and Katie Hueston provided information about the first completely accessible park in Fort Scott: the Splash Pad.  Although they still have about $40,000 to raise, they plan to have the park operational by Good ‘Ol Days.  The park will be free of charge and open from dawn to dusk.  Once the Splash Pad is installed and functional, they will begin on Phase 2 which will include fencing and bathrooms.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be April 5, at 1:00 p.m.  Carson Felt and an ensemble from the FSHS orchestra will present our program.

FS Streets and Parks Have Vacant Position on Advisory Boards

STREETS ADVISORY BOARD

There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board to fill vacated positions. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott. When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.  All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Streets Board meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:00PM at City Hall.  If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your Letter of Interest by 4:00PM on April 12th, 2023.

 

FORT SCOTT PARKS ADVISORY BOARD:

There is ONE (1) opening on the Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board. The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Parks Board meets quarterly at 4:00 PM at City Hall.  If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.

Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on April 3rd, 2023.

 

Walk Kansas: Eight Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.) The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact me at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

March 10th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

March Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Children’s Books, Get 1 free

Gardening Books 25% off!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo, March 10th starts at 7:30pm, Saturday March 11th starts at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, and Short Go at 1pm on March 12th, Admission is $12 for adults, children ages 6-12 $5 and children 5 & under get in free, FSCC students w/ID – $5. Click here for more info.

3/10 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook, all donations will go to help rebuild the Catholic church, 5-7pm, click here for more info.

3/10-11 ~ The Dirty Bourbon Band at Sharky’s starting at 9pm both Friday and Saturday. Join them for food, drinks, and live music!

3/10 ~ Dangerous Doug Harper performing Indie Folk Music at Common Ground Coffee Co. 7-8pm, free admission. Click here for more info.

3/11 ~ Last chance to view the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, open to the public 9am to 1pm, Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC.

3/11 ~ March Makers Market at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4H Building, 10am-3pm, click here for info.

3/12 ~ Daylight Savings Time, Spring Forward!

3/12 ~ Austin Parks Benefit Dinner, FSHS Cafeteria, 11:30am-2pm or until out with an auction starting at 1pm, this is a free will donation with all proceeds going to Austin Parks Family to support him during his cancer treatment journey, click here for more info.

3/13-17 ~ Kids Spring Art and Paint Parties, 702 S. National Ave, cost is $125, $25 to reserve your child’s spot and the balance of $100 due the first day of camp, click here for more info.

3/16 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall hosted by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, BINGO starts 7pm.

3/17 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique, 10am-6pm, contact Sunshine Boutique for more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at the Elks Lodge! Reubens, Karaoke and more, starting at 6pm, click here for info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at Sharky’s, breakfast buffet from 9-11am, lunch/dinner special from 11am-close, live DJ from 6:30-10:30pm, join them for drink specials and live music! Click here for more info!

3/17-18 ~ SEK Spring Classic Lamb & Cattle Show, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more info.

3/17 ~ Baked Potato Bar and Pie at First United Methodist Church 301 National, free will donation, 11:30am-1:30pm, see flyer below for info.

3/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Big Sugar Lumber, 1005 S. Clark, 8am, celebrating 40 years in business in March!

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days at Fort Scott Community College, 8am-3pm

3/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/24 ~ Annual FSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) Pageant, admission is $5, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm, click here for more info.

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, shop at participating retailers for savings!, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Visit the Easter Bunny at Bids & Dibs, they have the backdrop; you bring the camera, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Benefit

Golf Tournament, 4 person scramble $60 per person ($240 per team) 8:00 Registration, 9:00 Tee off, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Unique Fundraiser at Museum of Creativity, $15/person, starts at 9am, click here for more info.

3/26 ~ DIY Wine Bottle Bouquet Class at Sunshine Boutique, 1pm, click here for info.

3/29 ~ Star Party at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, join Park Rangers and the Kansas Astronomical Observers for a deep look into space at stars, galaxies, and nebulae, dress in layers, comfortable shoes, bring a red covering for your flashlight, 7:30-9:30pm, click here for more info.

3/30 ~ Chamber Coffee-OPEN, if your business would like to host a Chamber Coffee please contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566.

3/31 and 4/1 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Arnold Arena at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St., hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 and 98.3 FM Radio

4/1 ~ Eggstravaganza @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-k – 5th Grade, pre-register by March 30th, 9-10:30am, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, guest reader and an activity, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

4/4 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank 202 Scott Ave, 8:30-9:30am

Save the Date!

4/5 ~ FSHS 2023 Career Fair, Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym, 8am-12pm

4/13 ~ JOB FAIR hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 3-6pm, click here to register for an employer booth.

4/15 ~ America’s Got Talent Semi – Finalist Greg Morton Comedy Show, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for tickets!

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

March Into Savings at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

44th Annual Spring College Rodeo!

Austin Parks Family Benefit

Dinner and Auction!

United Women in Faith hosting a Baked Potato Bar and Pie!

Spring Open House Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event!

Uniontown City Council Agenda for March 14

The Uniontown City Council will meet March 14 at city hall at 7 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for Citywide trash service –

 

 

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Grass seed around public restroom

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Chamber of Commerce Job Fair 2023

2023-2024 Insurance Renewal Quote

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 Attachments:

2023 Financials – February

03-23 Informational items

Bourbon County Local News