Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Meal Fundraiser for Catholic Church Rebuild: Nov. 18

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The Knights of Columbus are continuing their fundraising efforts to help rebuild the Mary Queen of Angels Church.

The church suffered extensive damage on the evening of August 29, 2022 and will be rebuilt.

Mary Queen of Angels Church. November, 2022.

 

“No plans yet,” Mark McCoy, church member said. “We are in the conceptual phase. We are hoping to come to an accepted position on how to rebuild.”

Meanwhile the Knights of Columbus group at the church are having monthly meals in the Kennedy Gym, at 705 S. Holbrook as a fundraiser for the rebuilding of the church.

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners, according to https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-story/index.html Their intent is to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

This month, it is Friday, November 18, and the meal is homemade chicken noodle soup and cream of potato soup, with the desserts prepared by the Catholic women of the church.

Tea, coffee or water goes along with the meal, with a suggested free will donation of $7 per meal.

The meal is from 5-7 p.m.

“The community has been so supportive,” McCoy said. “All proceeds will go to the rebuild of the church.”

The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry March 2022. The set up will be the same for all the meal fundraisers. Submitted by Calvin Barr.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Serving Needs: Requesting Help For Salvation Army Bell Ringing 

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A Salvation Army Bell-Ringer in 2020.

Serving a Community in Need

And Requesting Your Help

Times have become more difficult and challenging for many individuals and families in both Fort Scott and throughout Bourbon County. At the forefront of this economic situation stands Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center, where those who are struggling can be assisted with a vast array of services and personal needs.

FSCM is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center at 26 N. Main, where director and chaplain Allen Schellack operates on a volunteer basis. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m or by appointment, supported in part by local churches, private donations and The Salvation Army bell ringing campaign, which is the largest annual fundraiser.

Schellack extends a heartfelt request for more participation in the bell ringing. “The need has never been greater, and we ask our community to support this fundraiser as much as possible. We need volunteers to operate the Red Kettle Campaign at Wal-Mart, starting November 19th through December 24th. The days and hours are flexible, and it’s critical that we have enough volunteers to make this happen in a big way.”

FSCM is the only designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County. Community participation and generosity will help provide a variety of disaster relief services, in addition to assistance with rent, utilities, prescriptions, temporary lodging, gasoline for work or doctor appointments, eyeglass help, clothing, school supplies and other needs on a case by case basis. The center also provides personal hygiene items, diapers, formula, bedding, towels, canned food items, fans and space heaters.

It was formerly known as Our Father’s House, operated by Schellack until government funding became unavailable. He created Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries in 2016 to fill the gap in needed services. It works in partnership with several groups, organizations and community partners, relying heavily on individual donations and volunteerism throughout this holiday season.

Director Schellack is hopeful. “Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to sign up for a shift – it’s a fun, easy way to help those less fortunate. All gifts made through the Salvation Army fund raiser will stay in our community.”

Bourbon County businesses are needed to display the Salvation Army mini buckets – where customers can donate their spare change, Schellack said.

During this special time of giving and sharing, please schedule to volunteer by contacting FSCM directly at 620-223-2212.

Submitted by Marti Wells-Smith

 

 

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Advertisements

AD: Help Wanted at Bandera Stone

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Bandera Stone’s showroom in Uniontown, KS. Submitted photo.

Bandera Stone is a natural stone quarrier and fabricator based
in Bourbon County since 1988. We operate a cut stone mill &
quarry in Redfield, a quarry near Bronson, and have recently
opened a showroom in Uniontown. We provide crushed rock to
farmers, ranchers & homeowners in the western half of the
county, and ship building stone throughout the United States.


We are continuing to expand and have IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for
FULL–TIME EMPLOYMENT, NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
We will provide training to operate a variety of stone fabrication tools and equipment. You will create products that last a lifetime and take pride as they are displayed and help beautify homes, businesses, parks & recreation facilities, public buildings and more in our local area and across the country.


We offer:
• Competitive Pay Rate
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Health Insurance (BCBS—low cost to you, low $500 deductible)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Work locations in Redfield & Bronson


APPLY: email your resume to [email protected] or call 620–223–3920 or in person at 103 3rd Street in Uniontown or 101 W 4th Street in Redfield.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Interactive Technology Added to Gordon Parks Museum

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GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT FOR INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY EXPANSION

 

Fort Scott, Kan. Nov. 17, 2022 – A grant through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation has enabled the Gordon Parks Museum to further expand interactive technology in the museum. This includes two tablet kiosks with stands and software. The tablets can be used by visitors of any age.

“We are extremely thankful to receive this grant award from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation. The interactive technology expansion gives us the ability to not only continue to modernize the museum, but to expand digitally,” said Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum.

Funds from the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund Award – courtesy of the adult children of the benefactors (Janet Braun, Bob Irby and Mary Rio) – were also used to help in the purchase of the tablet kiosks with stands and software.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Call the Foundation at (620) 224-6500 with questions about the Community Foundation or go to https://fsacf.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Uncategorized

CASA Benefit: “Change A Child’s Story” On December 9

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member
Bourbon County CASA…
You are cordially invited to a
Christmas Celebration
to benefit Bourbon County CASA
Friday, December 9th, 2022
7-9pm
Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided
At the Cullor Lake Home
810 195th Street
Fort Scott, Kansas
RSVP by Friday December 2nd!
Giving Levels:
Sponsor: $25 per person, $50 per couple
Guardian: $50 per person, $100 per couple
Guardian Angel: $75 per person, $150 per couple
Friend: $125 per person, $250 per couple
Benefactor: $500 and over
Mail your RSVP & giving level payment to:
Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott, KS 66701
or call Christa Horn at 620.215.2769 with any questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fort Scott

Chamber Coffee on November 17 at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry!
Thursday, November 17th
8am
22 North Main Street
We hope to see you there!
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
Tell everyone you know!
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is having their second big week of the Estate Jewelry Sale now! Stop in to see all the gorgeous and unique pieces in their Estate Jewelry Cases – all 25% off with free ring sizing!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Obituary

Obituary of Daniel Bruner

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Daniel William Bruner, age 65, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Friday November 11, 2022, at his home in Bronson.  He was born September 29, 1957, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Irwin William Bruner and Lucille Evelyn Gillispie Bruner.

Dan graduated from the Marmaton Valley High School with the Class of 1975.

He married Trisha Farr on April 20, 2009.

He had been employed by Copy Products in Iola, Kansas for nearly forty years.  He had made many friends and acquaintances while traveling the area as a copy technician.

When not working, Dan could often be found on the golf course. He also enjoyed coaching and working youth athletic events.

 

Survivors include his wife, Trisha, of the home in Bronson; two sons, Brett Bruner of St. Joseph, Missouri and Chad Bruner of Lawrence, Kansas; two step-children, Katie Avery (Jordan) of Kansas City, Missouri and Michael Rogers (Jessica) of Springfield, Missouri.  Also surviving is a brother, David Bruner (Penny) of Ottawa, Kansas.

 

Following cremation, a celebration of life will be held at Monday, November 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Freeman Presbyterian Church Life Center at 402 N. Harrison St. in Freeman, Missouri

.  Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Christmas in Gunn Park: December 10

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Gunn Park, on Fort Scott’s west side,  will be closed the morning of the December 10th in preparation for the annual Christmas in the Park. The event is sponsored by Buck Run Community Center and other donations from the community.

At 5 p.m. the park opens, with parking off site and a shuttle to be provided for park visitors.

At 6 p.m. Santa will arrive at the park to speak with the children who attend. The events will end at 8 p.m.

Included in the park events is a live nativity scene, live music by Bourbon County Revival, the visit with Santa and THE GRINCH, a cookie decorating site for the kids, chili, hot chocolate and popcorn.

The event is free to the public.

The Bourbon County Angels, a local helping organization, will be accepting children’s gifts to distribute to those in need of them.

The purpose of Christmas in the Park is to spread Christmas cheer to the residents of Bourbon County and surrounding areas, according to Josh Jones, one of the organizers.

The planning committee is comprised of: Josh Jones, Suzette Torres, Devin Tally, Craig Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Nov. 1

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November 1, 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County
Clerk present.
Matt Quick, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Patricia Ropp, and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the special meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Eric Bailey presented new culvert paperwork. Commissioners signed. Eric also presented monthly fuel report. Eric stated they are asphalting on 195th and will be there all week. Eric
stated the 6422 asphalt oil price came down to 690 per ton from 755. We had to buy 300 tons of sand to be able to finish. Eric stated Hall Bros came last week and started with the Onyx. We
started on 235th on Soldier coming south. Hope to be done by the end of the week. Eric stated they purchased the 96 International 4900 Utility Service Truck for a price of $21,500. Eric
stated they got 215th and Range taken care of last week where we put down the dust control we got that tore up, regraveled and recompacted. Culvert crew is out ditching in the southeast part
of the county. Eric stated that when they put out cones and barricades it is for public safety. I know it’s an inconvenience but when you go around you are putting yourself and the workers in
danger.


Clifton made a motion to approve accounts payable. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion for Chairman Harris to sign the natural gas lock-in from Blue Mark Energy. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin Meeks requested an executive session liability issues. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-43 l 9(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or
agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship related to contracts including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Rob Harrington for 7 minutes
returning at 9: 19 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin gave an update on the tax sale including discussion on the land bank. Justin stated $10,000 from the money the County pays for the tax sale will be used for a part-time position
with the land bank and this person would help with the tax sale. Jim reiterated that this would be no new money and this person would be considered staff for the land bank and the $10,000 from
Justin Meeks is taking his private practice he pays for sales tax, would take that person and put them in land bank position with a shared city between city and county. Clifton stated the last
city commission meeting he watched it appeared not sure how land bank is even funded. You can’t have shared service with something not here. Justin stated the money is going to that position. It is still county tax sale help. Clifton stated he would be ok with it for one year then would like to revisit. If they are buying up whole blocks I’m not in favor of that. Tax dollars to something that should be self-funded but never is. Justin stated this person would use a county
office to work on tax sale. Justin stated he appreciates Lora’s office and Patty’s office for their help with the tax sales.


Susan stated that longevity will move forward. She suggested doing this on November 18th•
One to four years would get $100 each and five years and up would be same as before. Susan presented information on Area Agency on Aging. She had a letter from Deb Needleman, and she can come talk to the commissioners if they would like. Susan stated there are five or six areas on appropriations that she has pulled statutes. There are three appropriations that are optional but still want Justin to review and make certain.

Susan stated that she sent to each of the
commissioners a presentation from Mary Pemberton on the transient guest tax. I talked with the Kansas Dept of Revenue and I sent that to yoμ as well and what we would need to do to proceed
with that. If the county wants to have a transient guest tax, they can join the city or have your own outside the city limits. Jim stated he thinks we need to pass it or quit talking about it.
Nelson stated he is against it. Jim asked him why. Nelson stated that it’s additional taxes that the establishments will have to raise their rates to cover it or eat the cost. Jim stated he travels a
lot. I pay it everywhere I go. Susan stated the maximum amount you can do in the county is 2% or you can do a charter ordinance and go above that. Clifton stated he is not in favor of 2% taxes
if we could do one for the whole county that might be something to consider. The city’s is 6% and generates around $150,000 per year. Those dollars can only be used to promote overnight
stays. You are marketing your community with those dollars. The city is already marketing things out in the county. Jim stated there is not enough revenue in the county to worry about it
right now. Jim also stated that he wants this to be as fair to everyone as possible. It was decided to pass for now and possibly revisit in the future.

Susan stated that they are still releasing
information on the Opioid Settlement Fund and she will stay educated on it and if something comes up that might fit I’ll present it to the commissioners. Susan requested an executive
session for job performance and duties. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75- 4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Terri Hulsey, and Jon Lowry for five minutes returning here at 9:51 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton
made a motion to return to normal session at 9:52 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton asked that we look at where we are banking. Clifton asked for permission for Susan to look at
what our options are. Jim stated that we should probably look at that every year. Susan stated it would be better to look at it every three years. It is a strain on the Treasurer and Clerk’s office to
move funds. Susan said she will work with Treasurer and Clerk’s office.


Shane Walker- CIO: Shane stated that he and Eric got a couple of antennas from Purple Wave from the state which saved us about $20,000. It will get us the one we needed at Tomahawk and
the other at the landfill and then we’ll have another 60 foot one for whatever. I think we may put it at the asphalt plant and get them back into our system. Shane asked for an executive session
for security. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would
jeopardize such security measures including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker for five minutes returning here at 10:02 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to adopt the Bourbon County Kansas Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy. It is our electronics, computers, IT all of the above. It will become part of the
handbook and will be effective today, if approved. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Public Comment: No Comment


Commission Comment: Clifton made a motion to add an executive session. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(l) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy for 15 minutes
returning at 10:25 a.m. including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to return to normal session
with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect
their privacy for ten minutes including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks returning here at 10:37 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to
normal session at 10:37 a.m. with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) job description and performance to discuss
personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for seven minutes returning at 10:45 a.m. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Commissioners discussed having another night meeting and agreed
upon December 20th at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse.
At 10:49 a.m., Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Nelson seconded. All approved.
ATTEST:
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

Bourbon County Local News