Government

Market Hog Pandemic Program Issues $62.8 Million

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USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program

 

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022.

 

“In order to provide more targeted support to hog producers affected by the pandemic, FSA was able to increase funding for SMHPP to provide full payments to producers instead of applying a payment factor,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We are pleased to be able to provide more equitable opportunities for hog producers who were hard-hit by the pandemic.”

SMHPP Payments

SMHPP payments will be calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible hogs, not to exceed 10,000 head, by the payment rate of $54 per head.

 

FSA originally planned to apply a payment factor if calculated payments exceeded the allocated $50 million in pandemic assistance funds for SMHPP. Payments are not expected to be factored due to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s decision to increase funding enabling producers to receive 100% of the calculated SMHPP payment.

 

There is no per person or legal entity payment limitation on SMHPP payments.

 

SMHPP Background

USDA offered SMHPP in response to a reduction in packer production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in fewer negotiated hogs being procured and subsequent lower market prices. The program is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course on July 28

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, July 28th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course located at 2414 Horton St. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Fort Scott’s Woodland Hills Golf Course was named a Top 10 golf course in Kansas by Best Things Kansas and number 6 in the entire state. Woodland Hills has also been named one of the best municipal courses in Kansas. Woodland Hills is an 18-hole park-style course, winding through beautiful scenery, with elevation changes and some of the best views in Bourbon County. Come enjoy one of Southeast Kansas’s hidden treasures at the Woodland Hills Golf Course.
Click here to visit Woodland Hills Golf Course’s Website
Click here to visit Woodland Hills Golf Course’s Facebook Page
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for all of your support!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government, History

History of Fort Scott National Cemetery Tour on Aug. 13

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Bourbon County Carpool Tour taking place Saturday, August 13th
National Cemetery

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.

The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am.  The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour.  A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity.  For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care

Walk-In Mammograms Today at CHC

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CHC/SEK Fort Scott to provide walk-in mammograms July 27

FORT SCOTT — Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is hosting a walk-in mammogram event for women age 40 and older who have not received a recent mammogram. 

The event will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27 at the Fort Scott main clinic located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd Fort Scott. Refreshments and a gift will be provided.

Women in Southeast Kansas rank far below state and national averages in receiving this life-saving screening, and having the service available within the clinic helps remove barriers many women have in receiving timely breast cancer screenings. Likewise, the walk-in event will give patients an option on when they can arrive. 

Because CHC/SEK believes every woman should have the best quality mammogram available, every patient receives a 3D exam. A physician’s referral is also not required. The screening is available to eligible women regardless of ability to pay. 

CHC/SEK uses the Hologic Genius system that screens the breast in 4 seconds for a much less compression time, with less radiation exposure than many conventional mammography machines. The Genius exam is also superior for denser breasts that that can hide early signs of cancer in a traditional mammogram. 

In addition, the Hologic Genius scans potentially reduce patient callback by up to 40 percent compared to 2D, sparing the emotional and economic toll of additional testing, including biopsies when there could be nothing wrong. 

For more information people can call 620-223-8484.

Business, Fort Scott

Bailey and Nate Lyons: $65,000 KDC Grant for McDonald Hall Building Reno

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Commerce Department, Patterson Family Foundation Team Up to Help Downtown Areas Throughout Kansas

TOPEKA – It is a familiar sight in smaller Kansas communities throughout the state: vibrant downtown districts whose allure is somewhat diminished by one or two vacant or dilapidated buildings. In many cases, a major barrier to making these structures useful again is the high cost of renovation.

Last fall, the Kansas Department of Commerce launched a new community revitalization program, the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL), to address the issue. With HEAL, the state assists building owners with matching grants to cover eligible expenses as historic properties are revitalized. HEAL was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, which has been dedicated to strengthening rural communities since 2007.

Today, Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced the inaugural HEAL grant recipients. Slightly more than $1.8 million in matching grants will be awarded to help 32 projects across the state.

“The goal of the HEAL is to rescue downtown buildings and restore them as productive spaces for business and community use,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “Seeing our downtown districts turned into more attractive and vibrant places to live and work, along with creating new jobs and services for Kansans, is key to our state’s prosperity.”

Grants are divided into two funding categories, Emergency and Regular, for cities with fewer than 50,000 residents. The program is designed to transform buildings for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurship – and once again become economic drivers in the community.

“Vibrant downtown areas are important to the future prospects of smaller communities, so it was not a difficult decision for us to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in funding HEAL grants,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “HEAL grants give architecturally significant buildings a new lease on life, so they can continue to play vital roles in their communities.”

Emergency HEAL was established to make strategic investments in underutilized, dilapidated or buildings in danger of collapse. Twenty-four applications were received for this category. A total of 10 projects are receiving $585,000 in matching grant funds.

Emergency HEAL Award recipients include:

  • Elmo Building, Burden – $40,000,
  • Union Gas Building Renovation, Caney – $65,000,
  • Pretty Boy Floyd’s Underground Restaurant and Event Venue, Ellsworth – $65,000,
  • Cohn-Gardner Hill Department Store, Eudora – $65,000,
  • The Eureka Project, Eureka – $41,000,
  • McDonald Hall, Fort Scott – $65,000,
  • Kollock and Bragunier-Otte Buildings, Peabody – $65,000,
  • David Rettiger Building, Strong City – $65,000,
  • Jacob Engles Dry Goods/Restaurant and Distillery, Wellington – $64,000, and
  • Stiles Mortuary Building, Wilson – $50,000.

A total of 220 applications were received for Regular HEAL grants. Twenty-two projects from across the state are receiving $1,294,715 in matching grant funds.

Regular HEAL award recipients include:

  • The Star Block Restaurant/Retail, Osage City – $65,000,
  • Restoration of 17 E. Fourth Ave – Brewery Manufacturing, Emporia – $65,000,
  • HL Hart Building Coworking & Apartment, Newton – $65,000,
  • Historic Lowis Building – Nesting Expansion, Colby – $65,000,
  • Atchison Riverfront Brewery Project, Atchison – $65,000,
  • Letha’s, Plainville – $8,000,
  • Farmer & Florist Renovation/Expansion, Marysville – $65,000,
  • Weathered Wood Home Store, Council Grove – $65,000,
  • Heartland Gamebirds & Lodge, Courtland – $65,000,
  • The Gym at Matfield Green Recording Studio, Matfield Green – $65,000,
  • 1010 Main, Goodland – $65,000,
  • 113 W. Lincoln Ave – Fitness Center, Lincoln – $65,000,
  • Bill and Essie’s BBQ LLC, Marion – $65,000,
  • Farmers Union Co-op Rehab-Children’s Museum, Alma – $65,000,
  • Farmhouse Fresh in Jetmore, Jetmore – $57,260,
  • OmGrown Yoga & Wellness Collective, Baldwin City– $41,780,
  • The Landing Restaurant & Outdoor Gathering Place, Great Bend – $43,960,
  • Junction City Brewery & Restaurant, Junction City – $65,000,
  • Midland Theater Front of the House & Stage Restoration, Coffeyville – $65,000,
  • Marquee Performing arts Center, Winfield – $38,715,
  • Tree House of Early Learning, Independence – $65,000, and
  • Robin’s Nest, Minneola – $65,000.

 

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Patterson Family Foundation

Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Insurance Interest Survey

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Chamber Blue Health Insurance

Interest  Survey is Now Open

For businesses and organizations

of all sizes!

You must take the Interest Survey by August 18th if you are at all interested in taking out the insurance to be effective 1/1/23.

Click here for survey.

Completing the survey is no obligation to take out the insurance.  Rates and plans will be released in September and then you can make a choice to proceed or not.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer another benefit to our members. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) and local Chambers across the state have created an association health plan (AHP) – Chamber Blue of Kansas. This AHP offers member businesses access to health insurance associated with large group medical coverage.

 

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey: Chamber Blue Survey.

Completing this survey allows your business to be eligible to enroll in Chamber Blue effective January 1, 2023. If your business is currently enrolled with BCBSKS, you simply will include your business information and group number. If your business is not currently enrolled with BCBSKS, please complete the census which will include the name, date of birth, gender and zip code for each employee, spouse and dependents covered under your current plan or those you believe will want coverage under this plan. The deadline is August 18, 2022.  The survey is to be completed one time per business by the person responsible for the decisions of the health benefits for your company. It is not to be passed to the employees to complete.

 

If you would like more information before completing the survey, check out the Employer Guide and Benefit Brochure on the Chamber Blue of Kansas website.

Here is also a link to a recently recorded webinar on the insurance offering, click here.

 

Please note there will be a separate process to enroll your business in Chamber Blue. Completing this survey does not obligate your business to enroll in the program.  If you have additional questions, you can contact your BCBSKS representative or complete the form on the website.
Survey

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS BELOW!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

www.fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Area News, Business

Kansas Gas Service: Environment, Social, Governance Report

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New ONE Gas ESG Report Highlights Kansas Gas Service’s Community Involvement and Sustainability Progress in Kansas

 

ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service, has released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, which outlines the company’s commitment to safe operations, responsible environmental stewardship and an inclusive and diverse work culture.

 

“Natural gas plays an essential role in Kansas’ transition to a carbon-neutral energy future, and we are actively working toward that future,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of Operations for Kansas Gas Service. “This report highlights our commitment to provide safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service to our customers, now and into the future.”

 

Some highlights from Kansas in the report include:

 

  • Energy-Efficient Hutchinson South Service Center
    In 2021, the company completed construction on the Hutchinson South Service Center using new energy-efficient building standards including:

    • Automated lighting system and brightness sensors.
    • Automated thermostat control and more efficient HVACs.
    • Stormwater capture to aerate low-impact landscaping.
  • Low Income Support
    The Kansas Gas Service Customer Service team offered in-person workshops around the state to guide customers through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program application process.
  • Community Giving

The ONE Gas Foundation donated more than $400,000 across the state of Kansas to        support community enrichment and development.

 

“Our ESG report outlines the vision and progress toward a more sustainable future for all the communities we serve,” Postlethwait said.

 

The full ONE Gas ESG report is available at esg.onegas.com.

 

About ONE Gas

ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS) is a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.

Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONE Gas provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Its divisions include Kansas Gas Service, the largest natural gas distributor in Kansas; Oklahoma Natural Gas, the largest in Oklahoma; and Texas Gas Service, the third largest in Texas, in terms of customers.

For more information and the latest news about ONE Gas, visit onegas.com and follow its social channels: @ONEGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

Bourbon County, Government

K-7, K-31 chip seal work starts this week

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin resurfacing on sections of K-7 and K-31 in Bourbon County this Thursday, July 28.

 

KDOT will place a chip seal on the following sections:

 

  • K-7, from the east K-31 junction north to the Bourbon-Linn County line.
  • K-7, from the U.S. 54 junction north to the east K-31 junction.
  • K-31, from the east K-7 junction east to the junction with U.S. 69 (see map).

Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work will be finished by mid-August. Vance Brothers Inc. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is contractor on the project, which has a construction cost of $550,000.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Area Engineer Troy Howard at (620) 901-6557 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Health Care

Free COVID-19 Tests Available for Vulnerable Communities

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has partnered with The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital, and Project Access to Covid Tests (Project ACT) to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests directly to Kansans in vulnerable communities. More than 2,000 Kansas families have ordered over 10,000 tests through Project ACT to date. Kansans can visit AccessCovidTests.org to check if their zip code is eligible.

Frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting. By visiting AccessCovidTests.org, Kansans will be able enter their zip code to see if free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available in their area.

Kansans who need more support in ordering may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).

Business, Fort Scott

New Restaurant and Pub Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

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From left: Bret and Sara Holder, Pat McDonald and Kim and Robert Coon are the investors in Pizza Republic.

A new restaurant and pub is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott, called Pizza Republic.

“We want to make sure people have good options,” Bret Holder, the president of the new business venture said. “You’ll get a great meal and it’s a place for the whole family.”

Robert and Kimberly Coon, owners of 17 S. Main, the old Kress Building, are partnering with Pat McDonald and Bret and Sara Holder, all of Fort Scott,  and Dennis Moon, Houston, TX, Sara’s uncle, to open the new business venture by September 1.

Demolition is taking place inside 17 S. Main, in preparation for the new restaurant, Pizza Republic.

Bret Holder is the president of Pizza Republic, and has 20 years of corporate law experience, he said. “I am setting the vision, and making sure it’s going,” he said.

Pat McDonald just moved from Kansas City Northland, and has previous restaurant ownership experience: PatMacs in Kansas City. He is also an investor, chief chef and manager, he said.

Moon is the treasurer of the new venture, Holder said.

The Coons have been facilitating the reno of the first floor,  5,000 square foot of space, that will be divided into a family dining area, a bar, a large kitchen and an office space.

In the family side will be arcade games, a juke box, 10-plus big screen TVs and space for live music on occasion.

“It’s a big thing coming,” Robert Coon said. “The new floor plan requires a lot of reconstruction. The restaurant and pub will take up the entire first floor.”

“Kim and I have a residential construction crew, that we are having them take time off from that, to work on this,” he said. “We’ve been working non-stop.”

Demo workers are employed by Robert and Kim Coon, from left, Noah Terry, Drake Garcia, and Dacoda Garcia, all of Fort Scott.

The idea for the business has been percolating for some time.

“Bret and Pat approached me quite some time ago, but I wasn’t open to the idea because the building was already rented,” he said.

A sushi restaurant business was formerly the renter of a portion of the first floor.

“The sushi restaurant closed on July 5,” Coon said.

The new restaurant plans to employ 15-20 people, Holder said.

The ideal candidates for employment are “go-getters from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College and others,” Holder said.

Holder, a veteran,  said the reason he moved to Fort Scott “was to help veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome with Adam LaRoche.”

Adam LaRoche, retired from major league baseball, along with his wife, Jennifer, both of Fort Scott, are the founders of the E3 Ranch Foundation.  Together, they are committed to put God’s love into action, through supporting combat wounded veterans, fighting against sex-trafficking, and providing support during humanitarian crises globally, according to their website.

In the future, Holder sees opportunities for veterans getting training at this restaurant for future franchises.

“The plan is open other restaurants, in other towns,” Holder said.

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott

American Legion: Recognition of Korean War Veterans July 27

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American Legion Post #25 Fort Scott, KS would like to recognize and thank the community’s Korean Conflict Veterans on July 27.
If you know one of these special people or their surviving family members, please thank them.
On National Korean War Armistice Day we recognize and pay tribute to the Korean War veterans.

 

The Korean War began June 25, 1950 with the North Korean army’s invasion of South Korea. On July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed ending the war, now officially recognized as Armistice Day.
At 10 a.m. that day, in Panmunjom, 18 official copies of the tri-language Korean Armistice Agreement were signed.
The signing of the agreement marked the end of the longest negotiated armistice in history with 158 meetings spread over two years and 17 days.

 

Sincerely,
Jessica Allison
Commander
American Legion Post #25
Fort Scott, KS

Bourbon County Local News