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Bourbon County History Tour August 13
Rural By Choice Applications Sought
Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project.
“We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”
In 2021, Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation, outlined the recommendation for Rural Champions in its Power Up and Go report, an effort begun by former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers prior to his appointment as State Treasurer. The need for the Rural Champions program was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success.
In order to apply, communities describe current activities, challenges that are stifling progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit advancement. Twelve communities will be selected for the pilot program and will receive a stipend for wages for the Rural Champion. Projects could include anything that the community designates as critically needed, including, but not limited to:
- a new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center;
- health and wellness projects such as a trail system or shared bike program;
- rehabilitation or construction of new housing units; or
- entrepreneurship development.
Eligible applicants, which must be located in counties with less than 40,000 population, include:
- Cities or Counties;
- Economic/Community Development Organizations;
- Community Foundations;
- Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism groups;
- Nonprofit organizations including 501(c)3 or 501(c)6;
- Main Street organizations or affiliates; or
- Federally recognized tribal communities.
“The program was designed to help revitalize rural communities,” said Trisha Purdon, Director Office of Rural Prosperity. “The Rural Champions will play an integral part in identifying projects – and then making them happen. Every community is unique, and this program provides the flexibility to develop a project that fits their goals.”
Rural Champions will receive direct guidance and technical assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure project success. The Office of Rural Prosperity will assist with the development of a rural community playbook to share with other communities for future projects.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16. An informational webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit our website at https://www.kansascommerce.
Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at [email protected] or 785-207-5206.
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://
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 11
Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely
Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –Thursday, August 11 (8/11) is National 811 Day – a good reminder to call 811 before starting any digging project. To promote public awareness, now through August 11, Kansas Gas Service is challenging residents to “Take the Pledge” to dig safely at BeADigHeroKansas.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
“Many people don’t remember, or even know, how important it is to call 811 before planting a garden, removing trees or installing sprinklers,” said Trey Pool, manager of Public Awareness and Damage Prevention for ONE Gas, parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “We hope to help change that by raising awareness about the free 811 service, which helps increase the safety of our communities.”
Why Call 811?
To prevent damage to underground facilities, harm to yourself and others, unnecessary costs and service disruptions, always call 811 to have underground facilities marked before any digging project.
A call to 811 is the safest way to know where utilities are buried in your area.
Underground lines may be found in yards or below sidewalks, driveways or streets. By making the free call to 811 or visiting Kansas811.com at least two full working days before digging begins, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s the law!
To learn more about safe digging and sign the Safe Digging Pledge, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that 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.
For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Nextdoor.
New Grocery Store Opens in Bronson
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry opened their store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store on July 31 in Bronson, Kansas-population 309.
The store is located right on Highway 54 that runs through the town.
The mom and pop operation has people sign a guest book when they come in. “This is for Kansas Tourism,” Kelly said. “There have been a ton of people coming in.”
“We sold over 200 pounds of (her homemade) fudge in the first three days we were open,” she said.
Mama K’s fudge, made by Kelly Perry on site, has the capability of making 200 flavors of fudge.
“The fudge takes two hours to make with real cream and butter,” she said. “It’s from the same company that made Ozark Land and Silver Dollar City fudge.”
“We are wholesaling fudge and doing fundraisers (for community organizations),” Kelly said.
Their best seller at the store is their pork rinds, which along with the fudge is made in the back of the store.
Thaddeus said to make the pork rinds they order from a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture site.
“Then it’s cooked until done, then seasoned, then cooled and then bagged,” he said.
“It took two-and-a-half years to get to produce rinds and fudge on site,” Thaddeus said. “People have been asking us for six to eight months when we were going to open.”
In addition to their signature products, “We now carry milk and eggs, that will be from local vendors,” Kelly said. “We will be getting eggs and frozen chickens from Freedom Farms ( a Bourbon County farm) and all our ground beef, brats, hot dogs and bacon are from Bronson (Meat) Locker.”
And important to locals and those passing by, is the ability to purchase local fruits and vegetables.
“The first weekend we sold 28 watermelons and 60 pounds of tomatoes,” she said.
A hot meal is also served everyday from 11 a.m. “until it’s gone,” she said. A list of the week’s offerings are on a whiteboard near the inside door of the store.
The Perry’s have eight employees, some part-time and some full-time.
“We just hired three new employees for the front store,” Thaddeus said.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
To contact the store: 620.224.2052.
Make Views Known on Local Housing: Take Survey
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services on Aug. 11
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 10
Chamber of Commerce Blue Health Insurance Offering Until August 18
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Obituary of Betty Barnes
Betty Jean Barnes, 90, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Fort Scott Medicalodge. She was born January 6, 1932, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Grover B. and Florence (Lounsbury) Barnes. She was the last of her immediate family.
Betty graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1949, and received a B.S. degree in 1953 and an M.S. degree in 1956 from Pittsburg State University. She taught high school mathematics in Bonner Springs, Kansas, returning to Fort Scott in 1966 where she was a high school counselor until her retirement in 1993.
From childhood she was a member of the Presbyterian Church in which she served in a variety of ways, including that of Elder. In 1999 she became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she also served.
Betty especially enjoyed her church work as well as her volunteer work at the hospital and in the Presbyterian Village office. Her special interests included music and animals.
Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Scott, with burial following in the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Friends may come to call at the funeral home any time until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Marvin Taylor
Marvin Lee Taylor, 81, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away at his home Friday, August 5, 2022. He was born August 3, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Joseph Marvin and Geneva Francis (Hall) Taylor. He married Dorothy Nell Bloesser on November 26, 1966, in Redfield, Kansas, and she survives of the home.
Marvin served in the US Army from November 7, 1963, until being released from active duty on November 5, 1965. He worked for the railroad, retiring after 36 years. He was a member of Post 25 American Legion and Color Guard and the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott.
In addition to his wife Dorothy, Marvin is also survived by his children; Marvin Lee Taylor, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Evan Randall “Randy” Taylor (Kayla), of Fort Scott; two sisters, Leanna Taylor, of Fort Scott, Nancy Holt, of Uniontown, Kansas; a brother, Kenny Blake (RoAnn), of Redfield, Kansas; four grandchildren, Dayton Lee Taylor (Lauren), of Manhattan, Kansas, Kyle Mitchell, Courtney Shelton, and Jackson Marlow, all of Fort Scott; and nine local nieces and nephews, Rick Taylor, Bill Taylor, Quentin Taylor, Lisa Ziegler, Dennis Ziegler, Chad Holt, Bryan Holt, Kerri Snyder, and Eric Shoemaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Kenneth Blake, a brother, Richard Taylor, and a sister, Joyce Ziegler.
Pastor James Collins will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening, August 11, 2022, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Post 25 American Legion or First Southern Baptist Church, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
News from USD 234
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, August 8, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Minutes from July 11, 2022, Board of Education Meeting (with modification) and minutes from July 25, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – July 20, 2022 – $1,289, 232.37
- Activity Fund accounts
- Audiology Contract with Greenbush
- Low Incidence Contract with Greenbush
The board heard reports from FSKNEA, the Assistant Superintendent, and the Business Manager. The board received a presentation of the budget and reviewed a copy of the District Needs Assessment. Budget publications will also be posted to the district website.
The board approved the following items:
- Superintendent Brown to proceed forward with negotiation and finalization of a MOU with the City of Fort Scott to expand the School Resource Officer program to include a second School Resource Officer.
- Participation in the KDHE School Board Grant. The board heard from Ashley Hooper and Dan Duling with CHC regarding a KDHE grant to provide a school-based clinic that would provide access to a medical provider, additional nursing services, and mental health services for students and staff. The planned site is the Fort Scott High School, but services would be available to all students.
- COVID updated guidance for the upcoming school year
- 2022-23 Employee Handbook
- 2022-23 No Limits Contract for physical therapy services
- 2022-23 Happy Kids Contract for preschool slots and classrooms
- Middle school chiller replacement up to $200,000
- Personnel Report – following
- 2022-23 Negotiated Agreement as amended to reflect an increase to the base salary and agreed upon items
- Recommended increases for Administrators, Directors, and Special Services personnel
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters, negotiations to discuss reopening the 2022-23 negotiations, and then into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Lannette Wood – Resignation as FSHS paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2022
- Norma Floyd – Resignation as Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective July 25, 2022
- Lacey Miles – Resignation as Winfield Scott cook, effective August 2, 2022
- Angella Curran – Resignation as FSHS speech/debate/forensics teacher, effective August 15, 2022
- Delynn Abati – Resignation as FSHS play assistant
- Josh Hudiburg – Resignation as FSMS basketball coach
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Instructional Coaches – Additional 10 days added to contract
- Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott After-Care Program Coordinator
- Adam Feagins – FSMS Intramural Coach for the first, second, and third nine-weeks
- Shelly Sanborn – FSHS paraprofessional
- Jannah Farrington – District Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) Coordinator
- Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Building Test Coordinator
- Tracy Homan – FSMS Building Test Coordinator
- Josh Messer – FSHS Building Test Coordinator
- Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott Professional Development Chair
- Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Professional Development Chair
- Angie Kemmerer – FSMS Professional Development Chair
- Sara Jackman – FSHS Professional Development Chair
- Gordon Harris – Reassignment from FSMS custodian to FSPC/Eugene Ware Custodian
- Dylan Goucher – Reassignment from FSPC/Eugene Ware custodian to FSHS Custodian
- Allen Davis – Reassignment from FSMS/BOE custodian to FSMS Custodian
- Alisha Watkins – Reassignment from FSHS custodian to FSMS/BOE Custodian
- Anthony Ogle – Assigned to FSMS custodian position
- Dixie Jackson – Assigned to FSHS custodian position
- Kenny Hudiburg – FSHS assistant girls’ tennis coach
- Jered McKay – Reassignment from Eugene Ware focus room teacher to Winfield Scott focus room teacher
- Anna Anderson – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to Eugene Ware focus room teacher
- Megan Hull – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to speech paraprofessional
- Siarra Willard – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Tamra McReynolds – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Sara Rood – Eugene Ware paraprofessional