Bourbon County, Business, Food

Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend

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The Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will have a soft opening following the Bronson Day event on Saturday and Sunday. The store is in the background, left and sits on Hwy. 54 that runs through Bronson.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry have been pursuing a building purchase to manufacture their food products for several years.
Yesterday, they received final state approval for a manufacture license to make fudge and a retail license for the new building store front in Bronson. They will be having a soft opening of the business this weekend, following Bronson Day, a community event in this small town in western Bourbon County.
“We received our manufacture license for our fudge and our retail license for the front portion of the country store…(and) we will have a open house on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We are planning for a grand opening on July 30.”
The store open house will have limited items this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.  and Monday 5-9 p.m.
History of the Business
The Perry’s started making pork rinds at the Hume Fair in 2017 and discovered the demand and profit, Kelly said. “So it made sense to push forward. However, because pork rinds are technically a meat product we cannot wholesale or go on any store shelf until we physically built a USDA inspected meat processing facility. Although we do not slaughter any animals, we still have to follow all safety and federal rules regarding meat so we decided to put every penny into building a facility.”
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Perry’s discovered something.
“As we came closer to that reality, we realized, through the pandemic, what a food desert we really have on the western side of the county and felt we could change this! We decided to not only build a pork rind meat production plant but a retail store front for our biggest supporters, our community!”
Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store on Hwy. 54 in Bronson has a soft opening on July 9 and 10
The store will be open following the  vendors leaving town on Saturday.
“Once the Bronson Day vendors close at 3 p.m., we will then open our store,” Kelly said. “We will not be fully stocked, but we will have bags of ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, fountain soda, canned soda, ready-to-eat foods and snacks foods.”
“We should have all of our items available for sale for our grand opening celebration on July 30,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store on Hwy. 54 which is also known as792 Pine Street in Bronson.
Contact info: the store phone 620.224-2052 or email [email protected]
Financing Their New Business
The Perry’s saved money for the down payment for their business and borrowed the rest from Iola Community National Bank.
“They worked with us and believed in our business plan from the beginning,” she said.” We also used another loan through the Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan to help us finish the project and have enough capital to fill the store front upon opening. Out of the second loan we were granted $9,000 in loan forgiveness through the Patterson Family Foundation (through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team).
They currently have six employees and anticipate substantial growth, she said. They will soon go from two production days to five and offer wholesale pork rinds and fudge nationwide.
On the Horizon
“We will not be stopping with just the store front,” she said.  “We are already working on phase two for our property, which is a full hook up RV park for travelers.  This will utilize the large property we have as well as bring revenue to the city with utilities.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum

Live Rock, R&B, and Pop Music Tonight at the Liberty Theater

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The Gordon Parks Museum Announces a Fundraiser Event Featuring a Music Performance by
CHARLIE REDD & LUNA VOO DOO BAND
The Liberty Theatre
TONIGHT at 8pm | Doors Open at 7pm
It is not too late to purchase tickets and reserve seats!
The Gordon Parks Museum is excited to announce a fundraiser Event: Featuring a music performance by Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo Band. This very popular and entertaining band will be providing the very best fun party dance music in Rock, R&B, Pop, etc.
Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo perform regularly at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, OK. The performance will be held at the Liberty Theater on Friday, July 8. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performance starts at 8 p.m. Cash bar will be available. Tickets are $25 each or $30 at the door.
Tickets are on sale now at The Gordon Parks Website and the Gordon Parks Museum located at 2108 S. Horton St. on the FSCC Campus.
Thank you to all of our Chamber Champions for your support!
Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for July 12

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The Uniontown City Council will meet July 12 at 7 p.m. in city hall, on the east side of the square.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

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

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Open bids for School Pond Improvement Project –

 

 

2022 Audit presentation, Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton –

 

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Worksession
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KDOT Safety Inspection –

Lead & Copper Testing

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

KMU Water Training @ Uniontown

LKM request to send thank you to legislators for their support of local government

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

Street Repair –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

2023 Budget –

 

 

Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ­­­­___________.

 

 Attachments:

07-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – June

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Work Session Minutes of June 29

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Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Council Worksession on June 29, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

Three proposed options for the general fund budget were discussed – leave the mil the same, lower the mil, or use the revenue neutral rate mil.  A proposed budget of all other budgeted funds was discussed.  The council will decide at the July 12, 2022 regular council meeting to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2023.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:15PM

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of June 14

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Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Regular Council Meeting on June 14, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (6:04), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George, KDWPT, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George – Mr. George was unable to attend.  The concrete for the bathroom has been poured with floor drains.  Anticipate pouring the concrete for the sidewalk on June 17 or 18 depending on help available.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the May 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $374,736.00, Receipts $44,285.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,948.52, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,297.29. Bank Statement Balance $343,897.73, including Checking Account Interest of $30.53, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $600.44, Reconciled Balance $343,297.29.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $420,273.56. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $146.56, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $221.40.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of May $31,438.71, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,553.79.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $45,047.13 (42.7%), Expenditures $44,930.06 (34.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,459.23 (40.5%), Expenditures $18,189.7 (44.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $79,699.68 (57.1%), Expenditures $63,501.51 (25.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $69,133.52 (53.8%), Expenditures $64,719.69 (39.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,578.39 (52.2%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The June 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $35,545.46 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Ordinance-ARPA Worksession
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that a freeze proof hydrant was installed at the fire station for the automatic watering system that is to be installed.  Fire District #3 wants to know who is paying for that (approximately $140).

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to see if Park Committee will pay and if not pay out of Parks and Recreation line of the General Fund

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that a certified letter has been sent to owner of 404 Washington.  Clerk Johnson reported that the letter has not been picked up yet and is on its way back. She will send another to owner in care of partner in rehabbing property.  202 Fourth St. had a “Mow Your Yard” sign posted. Tenant came in angry and stated he wouldn’t mow the ditch.  A certified letter was sent to property owner.  They refused to pick up.  Bobby mowed/trimmed, an invoice was sent with the original certified letter enclosed.

Coyan will draw up specs for the ADA bathroom at City Hall and try to find a contractor.  He will also gather some quotes for reskinning the warehouse and putting in the rollup door on the south end.

Draft ordinances for fence regulations, accessory buildings regulations, and establishing trash and physical waste service were presented for first reading.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to pass and approved Ordinance No. 197 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Fences within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, Ordinance No. 198 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Accessory Buildings within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, and Ordinance No. 199 An Ordinance Establishing Trash and Physical Waste Service within City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions.

 

Council asked for an invitation for bids or request for proposals be drafted for the trash service by next meeting.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and City of Uniontown for Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

Copier maintenance agreement annual renewal was presented; $25 increase this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept the annual renewal of copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems for $325

 

Budget worksession was scheduled for June 29, 6PM, food will be provided.  Clerk Johnson will send out text reminder.

Independence Day Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, will be held on July 1 this year instead of July 3.  Portapotties have been ordered.  Clerk Johnson said she ordered them for Old Settlers also, just in case the new restrooms are not finished.

Citywide yard sales date was set for Saturday, August 20.  Clerk Johnson will put flyer in with billings.

Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting authorization for legal action for collection of utility account 1017005.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to authorize Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action for collection of utility account 1017005

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – four-wheelers are speeding and tearing up the railroad right-of-way.

Mayor Jurgensen – Gas Liaison meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, 5PM, at community center.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations for bids were mailed to seven contractors on May 25 and published on May 28 to be received by noon, June 14.  No bids were received.  Some of the contractors wanted some clarification of specifications in the bid.  Don George, KDWPT, advised us on some more specific specifications for the project – 4”-6” riprap, 1’ deep, 8’ wide with 2-3’ below waterline, riprap and weed barrier will be provided on site, designated area to haul excess dirt will be railroad right-of-way at First and Clay Streets, and remove broken part of splashblock and riprap below tube instead of concrete repair of splashblock.  Pond level can be pumped or siphoned down, if needed.  A new invitation for bids will be written and sent out.  The rock the county had already delivered is too large for riprap; although, some could be used to build a shelf for the riprap.  There is plenty of time.  We can ask for an extension, if necessary.  There is some moss on the pond.  Mr George will check if there are any grass carp available to put in the pond.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The second tranche of $20,144.41 was received on June 13, making the total received $40,288.82.  This will be used to upgrade the warehouse or an ADA compliant restroom at City Hall.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen spoke with the county June 14; per the county counselor, they cannot asphalt our streets as they are not allowed to compete with private industry.  Killough will be working in the area in the fall.  We will contact them, Bailey’s Asphalt (did school parking lots), and Bettis for quotes.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:47PM

Opinion

Offered A Suite But Settled For the Bleachers

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Patty LaRoche

“You’re in our seats,” she said, not kindly.

She thought that Dave and I were sneaking into the nicer section at a minor league baseball game in Iowa, taking the more expensive seats that were rightfully hers.

She was right.

But it wasn’t completely our fault.  Our son coaches for the team, so he left us two passes for our tickets.  We were there last year and knew that family seats were behind home plate.  As we headed that direction, Dave looked at our tickets. The word “Bleacher” was stamped on the side.  Surely there was a mistake.  The bleachers are not regular seats.  They are cheap, crowded, aluminum platforms in the outfield.

We nabbed two empty seats in the handicapped section just before the rightful occupants asked us to move.  I texted Andy’s wife.  The same had happened to her, she said, and we were to “find the usher with the long hair” behind home plate; he would get us seats.  He advised that we sit a couple of seats away from the scouts in that section.  However, this night was “fireworks’ night, so it’s a sold-out crowd, so you might have to keep moving around.”

So not good!

Andy texted from the dugout that someone from upper management was in the scouts’ section and was excited to see Dave who had coached him years ago.  Soon they were engrossed in conversation.  I found an empty seat and prayed that I would not be publicly embarrassed by being told to move again.

Silly me.  No sooner did a family boot Dave from his seat than he joined me, and we had the same fate… not once, not twice, but three times.

For a little background, I get sick to my stomach when I inconvenience someone.  If an item doesn’t ring up at the checkout stand and people behind me are waiting.  If I’m two minutes late.  If I don’t press on the gas the second the light changes to green.  So, the thought of people having to deal with me taking their seats puts me in orbit.

Crowds are always sympathetic to the rightful seat occupants who have to kick out some freeloaders—us!—who are too cheap to pay for the better seats.

I wanted to scream, “My son is a hitting coach for this team, and there’s been a mistake,” but I knew that Dave would head for the parking lot if I did. So, we slinked out of the seats with some feeble apology.

By now, the aluminum seats were crammed, so we tried the indoor restaurant. That took a special ticket.  Maybe we could get a hotdog and stand by the dumpster and watch the game.

Bad idea.  The food line was 50-60 fans long. We headed to the parking lot.

Andy met us after the game.  “Dad,” he started, “because of your years in baseball, don’t you have a card that gives you VIP status at any ballpark in the country?”  Dave’s answer stunned me.  “I left it at home.” SAY WHAT?

All this time, we could have had the best seats in the house—perhaps even a suite—and Dave forgot to bring his benefit’s card?  Dave had earned that perk but didn’t use it.  The spiritual application should not go unnoticed.

In John 10:10b, Jesus promises something extraordinary: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Life to the full offers every awesome thing imaginable: joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing–whatever we need.

If we are Christians, we are card-carrying members of God’s elite club. No one can kick us out.  So, why don’t we understand what has been offered us? Why don’t we claim what is rightfully ours?

God has offered us a suite.  Think about that the next time you are tempted to settle for the bleachers.

Kansas

Ks Dept of Agriculture Seeks Nominations for Ag Heroes

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!

Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.

KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.

For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].

Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Adds Staff

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Left to Right: Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Suzette Torres

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc (BC REDI) staff is growing. The organization has added three new positions in the last few weeks. New employees include the following.

  • Emily Diebolt – Grants Manager, has a 20-year background in not-for-profit administration. She researches funding opportunities and writes grants to improve existing local assets and finds funding for new opportunities in Bourbon County on behalf of BC REDI.
  • Suzette Torres – Projects and Marketing Assistant, worked in hotel administration in Hawaii, before joining the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce as Communications & Events Coordinator (exchanging her “alohas” for “howdies”). She also has municipal administrative assistance experience with the City of Fort Scott. Suzette will be working on economic development and tourism marketing as well as administrative support.
  • Tayton Majors – Special Projects and Marketing Intern, is assisting REDI in building a new website and social media platforms to better communicate the organization’s mission to the public and with potential community investors.

Also on the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development staff is Mark McCoy, Small Business Development Director, who has a lifetime of business building experience and organizational management. Mark will work with new prospective businesses to discover potential opportunities and incentives for local entrepreneurs.

Jackson Tough, who works for the City of Fort Scott as Public Relations and Tourism Director also shares the office space to work closely with the economic development staff. Tough has been in business and organizational management for over 30 years and brings a vast knowledge of marketing as well.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “Because of growth and the need to expand our efforts in so many areas we welcome these new members to our team. Emily Diebolt is focused on finding more funding for Bourbon County through federal, state, and local grants. Tayton Majors will be with BC REDI through the summer then he will attend Lead for America in Washington, DC before returning to Kansas to work in Economic and Tourism Development. We recently brought Suzette Torres aboard to assist Jackson, Mark, and me in our marketing efforts as well as special projects. We look forward to the contributions these team members will make in our mission to increase economic development and tourism in Bourbon County.”

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.

 

Bourbon County

Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries

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Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.

Allen Schellack has a problem.

He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.

Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.

Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.

“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.

These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact  Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.

The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.

In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with  a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.

Walkers are available for free through the ministry.

In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.

In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.

At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.

Additional services are through partnerships with job search  assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.

FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.

Baby diapers are also available.

Volunteers are welcome.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.

Bourbon County Local News