Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

On Monday, May 10, Rob Harrington will begin as the newly created position of Bourbon County Economic Director.

 

 

Harrington, 40,  has 13 years of experience in economic development and civil investment.

 

 

Currently living in Houston, MO, Harrington is the economic director there. He has a wife and four children.

 

The Harrington family. Submitted photo.From left: Ostin, his wife Kathryn, Rob, Braley, Hunter, and Avery.

 

 

“His office will be in the Landmark building,” Gregg Motley, chairman of Bourbon County Economic Development Council, said.  “That may be temporary, but we would like him to take ownership of a final domicile.”

 

 

Harrington has a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Phoenix in business and has been a retail company business manager and in politics, he said.

 

 

He has a master’s degree in economic development practicum and certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Clemson, Texas Christian U., Southern Mississippi U., and New Mexico U.

 

 

He is currently finishing a master’s degree in public administration from Park University,  based in Parkville, Mo.

 

 

“I am facilitating a rural economic development class in the Kansas City portion, for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.”

 

 

For Harrington, the best part of his job is “Knowing if I do my job right, the person with no job, can get a job and provide for their family.”

 

 

Challenges  of Economic Development

 

 

The number of members in a family has decreased, which for this generation means fewer workers,  Harrington said.

 

 

People his parent’s age are retiring, and there are not as many people in the working-age group, he said.

 

 

 

“Also in rural areas, is ‘brain drain’ in the 1990s and early 2000s,”  Harrington said. This is where young people left their rural areas to find higher-level wages.

 

 

That is changing because of quality of life issues like cost of living and crime, and many in urban areas are seeking smaller towns, he said.

 

 

“And in my opinion, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way people look at being in densely populated areas,” he said.

 

 

Work ethic also comes into play.

 

 

There is a work ethic problem when you can stay at home and receive money, he said.

 

 

“There will still be some who would live off the system,” he said.

 

 

 

Harrington has been president of the University of Missouri Extension Board and treasurer for the Houston Community Foundation, along with several other groups in his community, he said.

 

 

“My kids are active in our school, where we live,” he said.

 

 

In his spare time, he likes to hunt and fish and is a Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

 

 

 

Harrington will have a forty-hour workweek, Motley said

 

 

“We are not disclosing salary, as we are a private entity,” Motley said.  “Funding is from a budget from the county (Bourbon County Commission).

 

 

Area News

Safehouse Crisis Center Available For Victims

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Safehouse Crisis Center is continuing to accept victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Human Trafficking into our shelter.

If you are working with or know anyone in need of shelter, please contact 620-231-8251.

If you are working with or know anyone who does not want shelter but would like outreach services, please contact 620-231-8692.

Some of our outreach services include protection order assistance, Court accompaniment, safety planning, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, information on victim rights/victimization, helping navigate through the systems, etc.

If you have any questions about our services or would like more information, call our office number at 620-231-8692.

All of our services are completely free, and  are ready to assist anyone 24/7.

—

Submitted by Megan Rogers

Victim Advocate

Safehouse Crisis Center

1-620-231-8692

Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting May 4

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  3. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 20th, 2021 and special meeting of April 27th, 2021 and amended minutes of April 6th, 2021.

  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1287-A totaling $270,376.88.

  3. Certificate of Appropriateness – Unsung Heroes Park sign murals

  4. Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $7,335.00-River Intake Project

  5. Approval of Cereal Malt Temporary Beverage License – Good Ol’ Days – Beer Tent – June 4th & 5th, 2021

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments

  1. Director Update: Allyson Turvey-Smart Growth/T-Mobile Update

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Emilie Zalfini – NLC Presentation

Shaun O’Brien – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:

Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue

     Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street

     Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street

     Wall Street from National to Scott

     First Street from National to Scott Street

     Second Street from National to Scott Street

     Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza

     Heritage Park at corner of First and Main

     Parking lot behind Heritage Park

     Parking lot at corner of Third and Main

     Parking lot at Second and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott

     Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library

     Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

     Old Fort Blvd – South side from National to alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, June 2nd)

Skubitz Plaza – (No special set up for event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on east bound from Main.  All closed Thursday and Friday.

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – 10 N National – Allow residential living on the first floor

  2. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – $1,914.00

  3. Consideration of Curbside Pickup Program

  4. Consideration of RFQ’s – Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering

  5. Discussion of Proposed and Recommended Deed Restrictions from Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee

  6. Consideration to purchase mini-excavator

XI. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIII. Adjournment:

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: David Prickett

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Free Friday Night Concerts are sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by Ralph Carlson. The event is usually at First and Main Streets, Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, the event is moved to indoor venues.

Each Friday evening at the Heritage Pavilion in downtown Fort Scott live music performances are offered to the community from 7 to 8 p.m.

 

“This week’s featured artist will be David Prickett on guitar and vocal,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer, said. “David made his career in Alaska, moving back to Deerfield Missouri upon retiring. David has a wide range of music, from gospel, Hymns, classic country, and old standards. David has been a great supporter of our Chamber of Commerce music series and it is a real pleasure to get him back.”

“In addition, another regular contributor will be Floyd Feezell, a local native who made a career in California and Washington states,” Carlson said.  “Floyd has been a regular at the pavilion since his retirement and return to the area. Floyd also does a mixture of music including hymns, classic country traditional and gospel”.

In the event of bad weather, the event will move to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.

Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.

Business, Fort Scott

Opening Soon: Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall

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From front to back are Jaylisha Montanez, Giancarlo Montanez, and Jose Montanez, the three new barbers in Fort Scott. Mayra Montez stands beside her husband, Jose. In the barber seat is Jose Montanez Jr.
A view of the inside of Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall.

The Montanez family will soon open their new barbershop at 118 E. Wall.

 

 

They are waiting on a few items to complete the shop and plan on opening in the next few weeks.

 

 

Jose Montanez is father to the other barbers: his daughter, Jaylisha Montanez, and son, Giancarlo Montanez. Jose’s wife, Mayra does bookkeeping for the business “and everything else,” Jose said.

 

 

For 20 years the family has had a barbershop in Overland Park, operating six shops altogether, Mayra said.

 

 

“Jose won an award for best barbershop in the midwest and the Trailblazer Award of Kansas City,” she said. “Jose started training other barbers. We specialize in straight razors. It gives a clean, direct shave to the face, that started getting people’s attention.”

 

 

Razor cuts are what the Montanez family is known for in Overland Park.
Jose Montanez demonstrates a razor cut on his son Giancarlo.

“It is an old fashion barbershop with hot towels and hot lather for our VIP treatment,” Mayra said. “But also all the trending hairstyles.”

 

 

The cost for a haircut is $20 and $30 for the VIP Treatment, which includes a beard cut with a hot towel and hot lather, Jose said.

 

 

There are posters of 180 men’s hairstyles on the wall of the barbershop, Jose said. “But we can also do custom hairstyles.”

 

 

 

“If you bring your kid in for a first haircut, they get a certificate with a piece of the hair and their name, date, and the signature of the barber,” Mayra said.

 

 

Their hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

 

 

Their first day of business, instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, will be a day of free haircuts for City of Fort Scott personnel: which includes police officers, firemen, city office, EMTs.

 

 

 

 

“Following the honoring of Fort Scott employees, the shop will be open to the public,” Mayra said.

 

 

 

 

“We are making vouchers, so if the city employees can’t come on that day, they can still come and get the VIP treatment,” she said.

 

 

 

 

“Being Puerto Rican…we know how to work with all hair,” Mayra said. “That has helped us be so diversified in the city. Anybody can come  and get a great haircut experience.”

 

 

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was in the shop on May 3 to welcome the new business.

 

 

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier, right, welcomed Joses Montanez, to Fort Scott on May 3 outside the new barbershop.

 

When people are looking for a new town to reside in, they look for the basics: housing, transportation, schools, health care… but also personal care, such as barbers, Frazier said. “I feel like this shop will help add diversity and offer people with different kinds of hair a place for a haircut.”

 

 

 

The Montanez family purchased the storefront at 118 E. Wall from Dean and Marlene Gettler.

Former building owners Dean and Marlene Gettler stop in the Fort Scott Barbershop on May 3 to view the building remodel.

 

The Gettler’s would often have coffee and people-watch from the storefront, they were told by their realtor, Barbara Albright.

 

Realtor Barb Albright, left talks with Mayra Montanez on May 3 at the new barbershop.

 

So the Montanez’s have installed a coffee station in the shop, with free coffee, and a table to sit and have the coffee.

 

 

“We started a coffee station, with Puerto Rico, Brazilian and American coffee, so the Gettlers can come for coffee, along with patrons,  and can have a free cup of coffee,” Mayra said.

 

 

Jose and Mayra have purchased a home on Judson, Jaylisha a home on Main Street and Giancarlo is looking to purchase a home in Fort Scott, as well.

 

 

To view the previous story on this barbershop:

Downtown Barber Shop Coming Spring 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Register For Town-Wide Garage Sale May 5 at Chamber

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SPRING
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
MAY 7TH & 8TH, 2021
IN FORT SCOTT!
FORT SCOTT BUSINESSES!
CALL THE CHAMBER AT 620.223.3566 TO GET YOUR AD ON THE MAP!
ADVERTISEMENT INCLUDES:
KOMB FM 103.9 RADIO, FS TRIBUNE, THE CHAMBER WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, AND ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Email Art & AD information: [email protected]
Government, Kansas

Kansas April Tax Receipts Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces April Tax Receipts

~April receipts show $91.3 million more than estimated~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas saw a $91.3 million, or 10.2%, growth over the estimated tax receipt with $982.4 million in total tax collections during the month of April. That is $404.3 million, or 69.9%, better than last year. This increase is due, in part, to businesses having opened back up compared to the same month last year.

“Our April tax collection numbers are encouraging, but we must maintain fiscally-responsible policies as we continue to recover from COVID-19 to ensure our continued growth,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

With federal stimulus money, federal tax refunds, and state tax refunds getting into the pockets of Kansans, retail sales and compensating use tax collections were more than the estimate. Retail sales tax collections were $236.5 million; a 9.5%, or $20.5 million, growth from the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were $59.2 million; up $13.3 million, or 29.0%, for the month.

In addition to changing consumer purchasing patterns, another contributing factor to the increase in compensating use tax collections is the fact that more out-of-state businesses are registering with the state to collect and remit taxes that are due and owing.

Individual income tax collections are $26.5 million, or 5.8%, more than the estimate with $487.3 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $152.8 million; a 23.9%, or $29.4 million growth from the estimate.

To view a complete breakdown of April tax receipts, click here.

Area News, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID-19 Health Challenges Persist For Many

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Cognition and Swallowing Among the Common Challenges Persisting for Many Americans After COVID-19

Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help Patients Regain Health and Quality of Life, NRMC Expert Stresses During Better Hearing & Speech Month

With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing “long-haul” symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, Nevada Regional Medical Center speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is encouraging the public to seek care from qualified experts who can help them regain their functioning and quality of life. Wydick is sharing this message in recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19,” said Wydick. “From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.”

How They Help

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:

• Cognition

Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.

• Swallowing

People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.

• Communication

People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.

People who have severe speech and/or language difficulties may need to find other ways to answer questions or tell people what they want, such as through gesturing with their hands, pointing to letters or pictures on a paper or board, or using a computer. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLPs help find the appropriate AAC method to meet an individual’s needs.

Where to Find Care

SLPs work in settings that include hospitals, long- and short-term care facilities, private practices, and patients’ homes. Many SLPs are also providing their services via telehealth at this time. If you or a loved one are experiencing communication challenges, Wydick recommends letting your doctor know.

For more information, Vernon County and area residents can contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790, or visit www.asha.org/public.

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Restaurants: Apply For Revitalization Grants

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Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansas Restaurants Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants

~Revitalization Fund Grants will boost hospitality industry and aid continued economic recovery~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today urged Kansas restaurants and eligible businesses in the hospitality industry to apply for federal funding through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Registration for the RRF began on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 8 AM CT and applications will open on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11 AM CT.

“These RRF grants will boost our hospitality industry and aid our continued economic recovery as we get our state back to normal,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for this program and thank the SBA for their partnership to provide relief for Kansas businesses.”

The SBA will be co-hosting a webinar for Kansas businesses with the Governor’s Office of Recovery, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, May 5 at 9 AM CT. Learn more about the webinar at https://covid.ks.gov/rrf/.

“Restaurants are vital to our state’s hospitality sector, and this program exists solely to help them,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Hospitality businesses have been incredibly resilient through this historic and unprecedented challenge, and restaurants have had to be creative to get through the storm. This program is a lifeline for them, and I would encourage all Kansas restaurant owners who need help to take full advantage.”

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Entities eligible for the RRF include:

  • Restaurants;
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts;
  • Caterers;
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns;
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars;
  • Additional entities if onsite food or beverage sales are at least 33% of gross receipts (e.g. Bakeries, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries and/or microbreweries, Wineries and distilleries, Inns).

“Restaurants and the food service industry are critical to the economic wellbeing of our communities,” said Michael Barrera, District Director, SBA-KC District. “Restaurants are gathering places for our cities and towns and are where many milestones and everyday conversations take place in our lives. The RRF will help keep these ‘centers of influence’ going and we here at the SBA look forward to working with our Kansas partners to make this program a Kansas success!”

“The RRF provides critical support to restaurants, food trucks, small caterers, coffee shops and other food service companies hit hard by the pandemic,” said Wayne Bell, District Director, SBA-Wichita District. “We want Kansas small businesses to be fully prepared for this opportunity.”

“As we look toward the future, it is crucial that we support the restaurant industry in every way we can,” said Ryan Wills, Kansas Department of Commerce Hospitality Industry Liaison. “Food service organizations provide nourishment to our community not just through food, but also through fellowship. They are essential to our economic vitality, and the Department of Commerce is looking forward to the RRF providing much needed relief to businesses across our great state.”

Learn more about the RRF and apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

Bourbon County Local News