Bourbon County, Business

Eco Devo Visioning Groups Have Goals For 2023

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Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
In 2022, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. group held visioning meetings to find the perceived needs of the community.
These meetings were in August, October and November and focused on specific areas: labor, housing, retail, and an in-depth sales tax revenue study.
“These sessions brought community and business leaders together to work through important issues that we face today,” said Rob Harrington, director of REDI. “On average, we had 40 participants at each event and the dialogue was very thought provoking.”
“In the final session the hard work and dedication of all who attended these visioning sessions came to three very specific projects which the group felt were the most important,” he said.
Bailey Lyons, CEO of Lyons Realty Group, was chosen by the housing group to lead a group that will encourage more housing developments in the county.

“A separate committee decided that having a quality place to live was just as important, and would help with growing our housing possibilities as well,” Harrington said. This group  is being lead by Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, and will be working on the planning and construction of a tennis court complex in Fort Scott.

Training the youth in the county  was another issue the visioning group thought was important.
“This group decided to work with the three different education boards (USD 234-Fort Scott, USD 235-Uniontown and Fort Scott Community College) to develop more technical training for our youth,” he said. “This group is being led by Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer of Bourbon County.
The groups have been asked to meet throughout 2023 to work on each of these goals.
“At the end of next year the same group of people will be asked to reconvene and discuss with the group all of their progress on each goal,” Harrington said. “At which time, if goals have been reached others can be developed.”
“This was the first time a group of leaders across the entire county had been brought together to target and address concerns and opportunities for our communities as a whole,” Harrington said. “Bourbon County REDI was honored to be the host organization, and look forward to the continued work by this and other groups.”
The Bourbon County REDI mission is to build a vibrant county through business, economic and tourism development, and ongoing community development throughout the county, according to its website.

The Bourbon County REDI is housed on the second floor of Landmark Bank, 200 S Main St Suite 200, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be contacted at (620) 644-7966.

Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Obituary

Obituary of Betty Hall

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Betty Jean Hall, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  She was born August 25, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Alfred Marion Wratchford and Myrtle “Sis” Coombs Wratchford.

Betty attended the Humboldt School west of Ft. Scott and went on to graduate from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1949.

She married Forrest E. “Slim” Hall in 1953.  Betty and Slim moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia where Slim was stationed with the United States Army.  They later returned to Ft. Scott in 1955.  Betty was employed as a machine operator for Key Industries for over forty years.

Survivors include her son, Danny Hall of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Slim Hall on January 8, 2019.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary L. Hurd.

 

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Integrity Hospice 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.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 4

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Please note this meeting is at 12:30pm

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 4, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
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.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet Jan. 10

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for January 10th!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, January 10th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Papa Don’s,
10 N. Main St.
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Exercise

Read and Walk Off Holiday Pounds Starting January 9 at FS Public Library

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Our first Walk Into Books, Bourbon County! walking contest featured a virtual walk down the Yellow Brick Road, with 118 local residents participating, and the Reading Rangers team winning the contest. Our next contest begins on January 9. Please help us get the word out about this free fitness & literacy program!
Submitted by:
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!

The Little House Trail Challenge

Walk off those holiday pounds and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk a trail from Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home “Rock House” in Mansfield, Missouri. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.


• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception after the contest ends for all participants
• Book club for all participants after the contest ends (depending on interest)

Register here: https://forms.gle/WUpQakNKiK1rZtfW8 or fill out a paper form at the library.The contest begins on January 9, is open to everyone, and free of charge. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].

For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs. 

 

Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/walkintobooks/

Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.

This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

Government, Kansas

Building A Stronger Economy Grant Program Continues

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Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.

The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.

The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.

County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.

The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.

An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections More Than Expected

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Governor Kelly Announces December Total Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $140.1 Million

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $1.1 billion — $140.1 million, or 14.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also 21.9%, or $194.6 million, more than December 2021.

“Because of my administration’s work to put the state’s finances back on track, we are able to fully fund education, improve roads and bridges, and work to address mental health issues across the state, all while also providing Kansans immediate tax relief,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

Individual income tax collections were $374.8 million. That is $5.2 million less than the estimate but $19.6 million, or 5.5%, more than the previous December. If it were not for higher-than-normal refunds in December, receipts would have surpassed the estimate by over $5.0 million. Corporate income tax collections were $281.0 million, which is $151.0 million, or 116.2%, more than the estimate.

Retail sales tax collections were $234.0 million for December. That is $14.0 million, or 5.6%, less than the estimate but $9.7 million, or 4.3%, more than December 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $73.3 million and met the $73.0 million estimate for December. Those collections are also $4.1 million, or 5.9%, more than December 2021.

“Collections for the four major tax types all show growth over December 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “The corporate income tax receipts are much higher than expected due in large part to the influence of the recently enacted SALT Parity Act, which, beginning with tax year 2022, allows owners of pass-through entities, such as S corporations and limited liability companies, to elect to have the pass-through entities pay tax on the income flowing through to the owners.”

Click here to view the December 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.

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Entertainment, Fort Scott

Local Cook Pays For a Movie as a Present to Her Community

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Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott

A Fort Scott woman, who cooks at a local restaurant for a living, has paid for a movie for the community at Fort Cinema,  224 W. 18th.

On January 7 at 2 p.m. there will be a free showing of Puss in Boots The Last Wish hosted by this woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“This is Christmas present to the community,” Terri Belcher Turner, her cousin, said.  “The first 95 people will get to enjoy the movie, free of charge.  The concessions stand will be open. There was a scheduling issue before Christmas, so now it is the Saturday after the holidays.”

Turner sent an email to fortscott.biz with the story.

“I know the donor and want everyone to know she is a life-long Fort Scott resident with a love for her town and the families in it,” Turner said. “She works regular jobs and struggles like the rest of us but wanted to give families a chance for an afternoon out that they normally couldn’t afford. I hate I am 500 miles away and can’t be there to help promote this generous act.” Turner lives in St. Paul, MN.

“She is someone that cares and really doesn’t have the extra but wants to make a difference,” Turner said. “I’m just wishing I could be there and could  help get other people or companies involved because this could help the community and be an ongoing thing on spring break, summer break anytime through out the year.”

“I’m wondering if anyone would like to step forward and pay for the concessions,” Turner said.

The donor paid close to $200 for renting the theater for this free event to the community.

“This is something for a family to do together, but because of the cost, can’t go to a theater anymore,” Turner said.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

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Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, with several events planned in Fort Scott.


The events will start on Thursday, January 12th at the Gordon Parks Museum.

The day will begin with a hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00a.m. and a film showing at 10:00a.m., “Martin”, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks.

This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon
Parks.

To view the schedule:

MLK ’23 Celebration Schedule 11_17


On Friday, January 13th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that will be held at 12:00p.m. featuring a music and speaking presentation by multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, and educator, Alex Kimball Williams. A reception will follow with birthday
cake. Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great Western Dining.

For more info:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Lunch & Learn, 2023

The day will also include three film
showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.


The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January 16th, with a (Lunch and Learn) event and Canned Food
Drive. Canned and non–perishable (non–expired) food items for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, Kansas,
will be collected at the museum from 9:00am – till 2:00p.m.

To learn more about the food drive:

Canned & Non Perishable Food Drive 2023

The Lunch and Learn speaker presentation event
“Good Trouble” by John Edgar Tidwell will be held at 12:00pm. Lunch will be provided by Dunk’s BBQ. Drinks
and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dinning.

To learn more about this presentation:

Good Trouble Presentation Press Release

Lunch & Learn Good Trouble January 16, 2023

Films will also be shown throughout the day on
Monday at 9:00a.m., 10:30a.m., and 1:30p.m. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and
Ellis Fine Arts center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.


A full list of film showings and events can be found at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events. For more
information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620–223–2700 ext. 5850.
For more information call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to
strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships
have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and
supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the
communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

Bourbon County Local News