Bourbon County, Business

BEDCO: Consolidating Services In The County

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Gregg Motley. Submitted photo.

A local non-profit group was reorganized this fall and is seeking ways to consolidate public services in the county to save money.

The Bourbon County Economic Development Council, BEDCO, has been around for 28 years. But recently the 501c-3 non-profit organization has been “reconstituted”, according to Gregg Motley, president of the group.

Incorporated towns in the county, and entities such as school districts were asked to provide a representative to the council.

They had their first meeting as a new council on Oct. 22.

“At that first meeting, several communities hadn’t finalized their choice of representation,” Motley said.

They met again in November, then last week.

Motley was chosen as the president of BEDCO on Dec. 3. At that time Jim Fewins was selected as vice president and Mary Pemberton as treasurer.

“No one as yet has taken the secretary position, I am doing double duty,” Motley said.

Following the Dec. 3 meeting, “Assignments were given,” Motley said. “We won’t meet again until January. There is a lot of work behind the scenes in those assignments to be completed.”

 

BEDCO in the past

 

Representing the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Motley was a member of the group before it was “reconstituted”, along with current members Fort Scott City Commissioner Randy Nichols and Bourbon County Commissioner Lynn Oharah.

 

“The focus had narrowed,” Motley said. “We wanted broader representation and focus in the county.  They had become focused on the industrial park in Fort Scott.”

 

BEDCO in the future

 

A committee was formed earlier in the year, led by Mark McCoy.

 

“What was left of BEDCO considered consolidating services in the county and they formed a committee to look into it,” Motley said.

 

“We discovered a lot of distrust between the rural and city populations,” Motley said. “Our conclusion was it’s not possible to look at consolidating government, but could look at consolidating services.”

 

“We talked to people around the county who observed there was a duplication of economic development directors,” he said. “The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission both had economic directors. Our committee suggested we start there, to serve all the county.”

 

Consolidation of the economic development directors would include sharing of costs and reducing overall investment, he said.

 

“More effort, less money,” Motley said.

 

“Economic development would be consolidated into one position and employed by BEDCO,” he said. “We would hire that person and there would be an office. We are going to take our time. We are close to having a job description and a human resource routine for that position.”

 

Not all on board

 

The Bourbon County Commissioners agreed to buy-in on the idea by appropriating money to a future position and eliminating their economic director’s position when that happens, Motley said.

 

“The City of Fort Scott has not taken up the issue,” Motley said. “It did not appear they had any interest in giving up their economic director position. My hope is they will get behind this effort.”

 

 

Following is a list of the current BEDCO members:

Lynne Oharah, Randy Nichols, Jess Ervin,  Mike Blevins,  Michael Stewart,  Mary Pemberton, Misty Adams,  Ted Hessong,  Bret Howard, Jim Fewins,  Gregg Motley, Mark McCoy,  and Heather Davis.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Dec. 1

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December 1, 2020                                           Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting) Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune,

Clint and Rachel Walker, Jessie Walker, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy and Dale Arnold.

 

Eric Bailey met with the Commissioners; the Commissioners told Eric Bailey to contact KCAMP regarding applying for the $2,000 grant to be used for the repair of a tarp used on the hauling trucks.

 

Eric Bailey said there are 17 bridges due for inspection; he said Schwab Eaton will provide a proposal for the inspections.  He said he would talk to them about the needed repairs for a bridge North on 69 Highway.

 

Eric said he has asked a contractor to give a quote on repairs for a guardrail south of Soldier Road on the old highway that was damaged in a hit and run accident.

 

Jeff Fischer said he would provide Eric Bailey contact information for the Federal Fund Exchange Program so that he can apply for grant money for the blasting work that was done at the Shepherds Quarry.

 

Eric reported that there may be a landowner contact the Commissioners regarding a road that has been closed at 45th & Unique; he said they may be coming to re-open the road since their property is landlocked.

 

Eric said that Phoenix Coal Company has petitioned to close out their mining operation; he said Phoenix Coal had 4-6”of gravel placed on the road in the area, Eric said it appears there are ditches in the area and said that portion of the road is better than the portion going south of there, he felt the road met or exceeded the requirements; Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the release for Phoenix Coal Company.  Jeff made a motion to sign the release for Phoenix Coal Company (regarding an area on 260th) and said they had met the contractual requirement, Clifton seconded the motion and all approved and Lynne signed the release.

 

Eric reported that the exhaust manifold had cracked on a dozer; he said he is trying to find someone to weld this; he thanked the City of Fort Scott public works department for diagnosing what the problem was.

 

Eric reported they had cross trained an employee from the quarry to do grader work.  Jeff suggested using the gravel road maintenance manual as a reference for the road grader operators.

 

Eric said the beavers had built dams in the culverts at Range and 235th; he said the City of Fort Scott helped blow open the culvert pipes.  Jeff described a process that could be used to remove blockages in the culverts; Lynne said a lot of the culverts are blocked due to a lack of ditches.

 

Jeff made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, the session will be located in the old I/T office and the Commissioners will convene back in the Commission room when the session is over, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Justin Meeks).  Jeff made a motion to go back into session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne reported that the road is a mess (due to clay in the road) on 95th south of Soldier Road; Eric Bailey said due to the way the fiber optic was installed in the road, this will be an ongoing issue.  Jeff suggested re-visiting the right-of-way policy and to have a bond in place prior to someone doing work on a County road; Eric said we already have this requirement, but said we will need to hold the companies accountable for this.

 

Eric said they have a grader broken down.

 

Monica Murnan (by phone) met with the Commissioners regarding the Spark grant funds.  Lynne said there will be $11,815 leftover funds that will need to be allocated, he said it was suggested to use these funds for contact tracing, Jeff said USD234 requested a contact tracer and said two people had been hired to do contact tracing.  Jeff said Tri-Valley had requested $5,900 in Spark funds, it was stated that the County I/T could use the funds for a broadband project.  Monica said she was hesitant to bring in an entity that didn’t go through the original application process, (she said Tri-Valley did not go through the original application or MOU process), she said the original process was very transparent.  Monica said the Health Department’s request is a direct COVID expense, Rebecca Johnson from the Health Department said they could also use funds for the COVID vaccination process.  Jeff made a motion that the $11,815.57 be assigned to the SEK Multi County Health Department for the purpose of contract tracing (both payroll and supplies needed for contact tracing) due to COVID, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Monica said there is still approximately $40,000 remaining of the appropriated money to Greenbush for administrative fees; she felt they should let William Wallis use this money to purchase COVID PPE supplies.  Clifton made a motion that the remainder of the administrative funds be directed towards William Wallis for PPE, Jeff seconded and all approved.  Monica said they are still trying to gather approximately $1 million worth of receipts from Spark grant recipients’.

 

Jessie Walker met with the Commissioners regarding Unique Road west of 95th; he said he met with the Commissioners a few years ago where they discussed if it was an open or closed road.  He said a few years ago the County bladed the road and provided the Commissioners with a case from the Supreme Court where there was a ruling that if a road had been maintained by a County then it would be required to be an open road, but said that didn’t mean they would have to keep the road maintained.  Mr. Walker asked that the road be graded or maintained a few times each year.  Justin Meeks said they started this process two years ago and said in 1986 the County re-did their maps, he said they have a lot of roads that they were unsure of if they were vacated or not.  Justin said in 1986, there were public hearings held about roads that were opened or closed.  Justin said they are looking for a Resolution from 1986 and said then the Commissioners can decide whether or not to maintain the roads.  Mr. Walker said he had a load of gravel put on this road and asked what his liability was for doing this.  Justin said there is a process to petition to have a closed road opened.

 

The Commissioners discussed the OMNI lockbox option; Justin said adding a new endeavor would create a new universal position and that position could do the work regarding a new building, accounts receivable and budgets, HR director functions, business management, medical mall; Jeff said OMNI had been contracted to do the EMS billing, but said the universal position could possibly do the billing.  Lynne made a motion that he be allowed to work with Justin Meeks to come up with a comprehensive list of items for this job description, Jeff seconded and all approved.  The Commissioners recently hired a 1099 person to do the EMS receivables.  Lynne said they could identify different areas where they could save money by hiring a universal employee.

 

The Commissioners discussed the holiday gift cards for County employees; Jeff said he had received feedback that employees were in favor of supporting local businesses, Lora Holdridge said getting Chamber Bucks helps local businesses and helps the Chamber.  Jeff made a motion to select Chamber Bucks for the holiday gift cards, and that each employee (non-elected, elected, part-time and full-time, with the exception of the Commissioners) receive $25 worth of Chamber Bucks, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners discussed the proposed longevity pay; Jeff said the County currently has longevity pay plan, he said some employees have worked for the County more than one time, he suggested taking the prior service time and combining it with current service to come up with the total years of service.  Jeff suggested doing $100/year for year 5 and on.  $51,000 has been budgeted for 2020 for the one-time longevity pay.  Jeff said this is a one-time payout, but said if the County could afford it in future years it could be paid out with each paycheck.  Bobby Reed questioned if the employees would still receive their current longevity pay; the Commissioner said yes, Bobby asked if department heads came to the Commissioners with future budget requests asking for a wage increase for employees if they would be told they were given longevity pay instead of a raise; Lynne said the discussion of the longevity pay instead of a wage increase was never discussed.  Jeff made a motion to do a one-time longevity payout, in addition to the current longevity pay, of $100/year of service beginning at year 5 with the effective date of 12/31/2020, excluding elected officials, (5 years of service as of 12/31/2020 = a one-time $500 longevity payout) to be paid by 12/31/2020 on a separate check and to include prior years of service, Clifton seconded, it was stated that an elected official doesn’t qualify, but if in the future they came back to work for the County as a non-elected employee, they would have elected and non-elected years of service combined, all approved the motion.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, and reconvene in the Commission room, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  No action was taken.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 24 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, and reconvene in the Commission room, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to go back into session, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss department head salaries, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne said the 2021budget included raises for two employees in the Correctional Center and for the I/T department, he said they needed to do a salary resolution for the increases.  Lynne made a motion to give the two employees in the Correctional Center (major and captain positions) a 10% increase and to give the I/T person a $10,000 raise in 2021, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne said these positions weren’t given a raise last time and said they had given the I/T person a lot more responsibility and said they expect that job function to increase.

 

At 12:16, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

December 8, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

Knowing this Christmas season may look a lot different from Christmas past, we may be struggling to find ways to carry on some of our traditions. Previously, I had written about simplifying our holiday festivities this year, and that may involve starting some new traditions.

Traditions help to explain our family stories. They give meaning to our family culture and explain where we came from. Those stories need to be passed on.

Our sense of smell can often bring back memories in a matter of seconds. What better way to activate our sense of smell, and recall some of those memories and stories, than with food?

Specific foods are closely tied with family traditions. Those foods, of course, will be different for each of our families. I mentioned last week that some of those favorite foods might be able to be sent through the mail to family members to help maintain some traditions this Christmas.

Keep food safety in mind when shipping homemade food gifts through the mail. Why is this an issue? Foodborne pathogens grow faster between 40°F and 140°F, potentially doubling every 20 minutes, in what is often referred to as the temperature danger zone.

Food products requiring refrigeration should be frozen solid and packed with a cold source prior to shipping. Double-check the shipping method is adequate for your gift to arrive timely, ideally overnight. Make sure the recipient knows a perishable item is coming their way, so it can go straight to the refrigerator. It’s important to take the extra precautions to ensure recipients of your food package feel the love and not the effects of food poisoning when they receive their gift.

Sending only non-perishable foods through the mail is a good set of rules to follow. Non-refrigerated foods stay fresher longer and are safe at room temperature. Some examples of non-perishable foods include: Dried meats, dense and dry baked goods such as fruitcakes and biscotti. Chocolates, hard candies and homemade sweets, such as pralines and toffee, are safe to send either cold or at room temperature.

Cookies and crackers are safe to mail, but should be shipped in airtight packaging. Non-perishable ingredients that are already measured can be sent for specific food products. Food items such as cookies, hot teas or drink mixes, favorite dip mixes, and snacks, like trail mix, can easily be shipped through the mail. Don’t forget to include the recipe!

While you don’t need to worry about the temperature of non-refrigerated foods, you should protect the original packaging. Sturdy packaging helps keep it undamaged for the bumpy ride ahead.

If you would like to add a new twist to your holiday traditions involving food, choose one or two favorite family recipes that everyone can make. Set a time when you can meet by Zoom or some other virtual option, have the food prepared ahead of time, and let everyone enjoy that favorite dish or snack while on the virtual meeting. Conversation always goes better with food!

A virtual process of sharing foods from different locations reminds me of the progressive dinner concept that is a lot of fun. In that process, participants all enjoy the same meal, but travel from house to house to consume a different part of the meal. We may not be able to physically travel to other homes this year, but technology gives us options to still ‘visit’ each other’s homes.

For more information on food products that ship well, contact the Southwind Extension Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

UNIONTOWN HS 2020-21 BASKETBALL RESULTS GAME 2

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Sports Reporter

The Eagles’ Varsity basketball teams traveled to Humboldt once again to face the Erie Red Devils. Both teams were defeated by Erie.

The Lady Eagles lost to Erie on Thursday 29-32. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 1 assist and 8 rebounds, and Karleigh Schoenberger had 10 rebounds and 2 steals. Rylee Coulter, a freshman, had 4 rebounds and scored 4 points, one basket being a buzzer-beater that took us into a second overtime.

“As much as we hate losing, we really needed this experience tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Foul trouble, coupled with our usual top performers stumbling, required us to step outside of our comfort zone. This unfortunate outcome may have helped our team more than the sting of the loss will let us realize right now. Get bitter, or get BETTER. I know what these girls will choose.”

The boys’ Varsity team also lost to Erie 39-53. Jake Harvey scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Clay Sutterby scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds, and Luke Perry scored 6 points and had 5 rebounds. Drew Perry had 1 assist and 2 steals.

“I’m extremely proud of the guys on our team,” Coach Hays said. “We competed hard and left it all on the court. We defended and rebounded much better tonight. We need to continue to work on our chemistry on the offensive end, but that will come with time.”

Fort Scott

Rotary Close to Bikes for Children Goal This Year

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Rotary is close to meeting their goal of 87 bikes ~
no amount is too small to give!
You may drop off your donation to the E3 store at Wall & National Ave. or click here to pay via the Chamber PayPal and we will forward your donation.
Call Rhonda Dunn for questions or more info:
620-224-1186
Rotary asks for your
partnership in meeting
their goal on
purchasing Bikes
for Children this Christmas!
Rotary Christmas Bikes 2020
The Fort Scott Rotary Club is working with The Beacon
again this year to bring Christmas bicycles to Fort Scott children.
We really came together last year and met the needs and
think we can do it again this year. We need over
80 bicycles, scooters, or tricycles this year.
How can you help?
– Buy a bicycle, scooter, or tricycle and bring it to
Rotary c/o Rhonda Dunn 13 S. National between 9-6 Mon-Fri.
– Make a donation for bicycles and we will do the shopping for you. Mail it to: Fort Scott Rotary Club at 13 S. National Fort Scott.
– Click here to make a donation online via the Chamber’s PayPal and we will forward the money to Rotary.
– PM or call Rhonda @ 620.224.1186 with questions or for more info.
We will be collecting bicycles until December 16 and delivering them on December 17 to the Community Christian Church for distributions to the families on December 18.
Let’s make Christmas special for local families!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible contribution to this project!
Opinion

Christine’s Place by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

“We are blessed so that we will bless others.”

Jenn, a mutual fund expert, teared up when sharing that phrase that she had heard from a Colorado pastor. “Which is why we are here.”

I was in Kansas City for a workday to begin cleaning up a strip of buildings being converted to a shelter for prostitutes/trafficked women. For several months, my son, Adam, and his family have been involved with others like Jenn and her husband, Jared, in procuring a house to serve as a safe home for these women to be “loved on.” Just when they thought they had found the perfect place, doors would close and they would start searching again.

That’s when Jenn and Jared begin driving around Kansas City’s roughest neighborhoods where they observed prostitutes working. They wanted their facility to be in the heart of that area, so when they saw a “For Sale” sign on a group of dilapidated buildings, they got excited. A tour of the stores and apartments above reeked of danger, as floors were falling in and little was salvageable. To the trafficking team, it was loaded with potential, an opportunity for God to work.

Jenn spoke to me of the time when she and Jared were in front of their new purchase and watched a decked-out truck pull up to the curb; the driver kicked (literally) a woman onto the sidewalk, her pants around her ankles. A twelve-year old neighbor boy saw her lying there, battered and bruised, and ran inside his house to grab a blanket to cover her. She became one of the first people tended to and loved on by the young couple–confirmation to Jenn that God was blessing their dream and they were in the right neighborhood.

To Jenn, even Covid was a blessing. Normally she spends her weeks on a plane, flying around the country, but when she no longer could do that, she had time to spend on this endeavor. Jenn continued, “God did what only He does best.”

Volunteers began lining up to help, a church made a donation, a medical team signed on, and soon a “Christine’s Place” banner hung between two upstairs, painted windows. Literally, painted windows. When the glass broke years ago, instead of replacing it, the owner covered the holes with plywood and had windows painted on.

I met Christine yesterday. A recovering prostitute, she showed up, decked out in her Sunday finest and escorted by an elderly gentleman, her arm linked in his. Christine used to “work” that street until she was beaten so badly that she quit. She became pregnant, and her sight began failing. The doctor gave her a choice: use the medicine, save the eye but lose the baby, or lose the eye and save the baby. She chose the latter and gave her baby daughter up for adoption. Her second pregnancy offered her the same choice. Again, she chose blindness over abortion and today is completely blind. Her fourteen-year old son lives with her.

Some news stations were there to do a story on “Christine’s Place” and were amazed to see the number of men and women giving up their Saturdays to use their expertise to make this dream a reality. Christine was an instant hit, as were the carpenters, back-hoe drivers, donated clothes’ folders, and clean-up crew. From 10 years old to 84, people were there to help.

During this Christmas season, I pray that we all recognize that Jenn’s words are the formula for how we are to live our lives: “We are blessed so that we will bless others.”

May we all find a way to put those words into action.

Government, Kansas

Governor’s Race Equity Recommendations Released

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Recommendations

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her Commission on Racial Equity and Justice has released to the public their initial report on law enforcement and policing in Kansas.

In June of 2020, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission was tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas. It began its work focusing on law enforcement and policing.

“I’m proud to see that the Commission has engaged with so many diverse communities and stakeholder groups across Kansas to compile recommendations that get to the heart of these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I implore legislators and law enforcement agencies across the state to take a close look at these recommendations and see how they can create real change for the communities they serve.”

The governor appointed a diverse group of professionals from law enforcement, academia, public education, public health, local government, the justice system, and more to spearhead the Commission’s work. Over the past five months, the Commission met with dozens of stakeholders, community members, and law enforcement professionals across the state and collected input for recommendations on improving law enforcement interactions with the communities they serve.

The Commission, led by co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo, held five months of bi-weekly meetings and hosted 26 learning sessions with community members and stakeholders.

“We are thankful for the hundreds of community members, law enforcement professionals, and all those who took the time to candidly and selflessly present their ideas and expertise to help lead us to become a more equitable state,” said the co-chairs. “Through the many hours of virtual meetings, we have learned how dedicated so many fellow Kansans are to do what it takes to create a safer, more trusting, and more inclusive environment for all. Our work was given deeper meaning and value through their participation and recommendations.”

Last week, the Commission submitted to the Governor a report with more than 60 recommendations on ways that state agencies, the legislature, and local governments can take action to improve racial equity around law enforcement and policing in the state of Kansas. The recommendations address topics including law enforcement training, accountability, data collection, and behavioral health.

The Commission will convene today, Thursday, December 10, 2020, to discuss future topics of study. Commissioners will analyze racial equity and justice in the context of various systems in Kansas, such as mental health, education, housing, and economic opportunity. Per Executive Order No. 20-48, the Commission is tasked with submitting to the governor a second report by July 1, 2021, and a final comprehensive report by January 1, 2022.

Read the full report here.

See a summary of the report recommendations here.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Prom for People with Special Needs

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Submitted by
Michelle Hudiburg and Clayton Whitson,
[email protected]

Fort Scott Nazarene to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs

Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

FORT SCOTT, KS, The Tim Tebow Foundation’s NIGHT TO SHINE, hosted in Fort Scott Kansas is holding a raffle to raise funds to help make this year’s Night to Shine unforgettable. It is a 50/50
raffle.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go into a pot, 50% will go to Night to Shine and one winner will win the other 50%.

Last reports put that pot at over $400. You can purchase tickets in FORT SCOTT at Common

Ground Coffee or Five Corners anytime or Nazarene Church THIS Saturday from 10-1.

In NEVADA, you can purchase tickets at Verco / Davidson Shoes or Western Finance.

The winner will be drawn on DECEMBER 14th, 2020

.
We are still looking for Honored Guests, Volunteers, and Corporate sponsors. To register or for more information you can email: [email protected] or visit our Facebook page:
facebook.com/fsnighttoshine

Please like and share the Fort Scott Night to Shine Facebook page for the most up to date information.
********
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For 2021, due to the global circumstances of COVID-19, the Foundation has chosen to provide Night to Shine as a virtual event in 2021.

We feel that the best way to honor and love our guests is
to forego in-person proms in order to keep them as safe as possible. We are incredibly disappointed that we are not able to celebrate each amazing king and queen in person this year,
but we are committed to throwing one spectacular, safe, virtual celebration in their honor .

While this year’s event will be virtual, Fort Scott Nazarene and partners are anticipating hosting this event for years to come. This is just the beginning for Night to Shine in our community and
surrounding areas AND we are looking for sponsors to ensure a high-quality, high-impact evening for our honored guests. If you are interested in sponsoring, please visit our website or email
[email protected] .

An event of this magnitude requires an army of volunteers to make it successful. The Night to Shine Steering Team is actively seeking people to help make this celebration a reality. Register to
be a volunteer by using the provided link (you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer).

Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/7HFfz8KwqxcZ5RMt8

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Fort Scott Nazarene, please visit our site or find us on Facebook. These will be the best sources of information as we approach Night to
Shine.

https://fsnighttoshine.wixsite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FSNightToShine

For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/

ABOUT TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled every day through outreach in the fields of
Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs and Children with Profound Medical Needs. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving children and sharing God’s love by fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org .

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Hudson

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Marsha Ann Hudson, age 69, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Leigh Carleton Hudson; dear mother of Tyler William Hudson (Jenn) and Ryan Carleton Hudson (Alka); and cherished grandmother to Reece Ricci Hudson, Rory Ann Hudson, Uma Hudson, and Ian Hudson. She treasured her family, her friends, her church, and her community in Fort Scott. She was a person of deep faith, integrity, beauty, positivity, frugality, and love. Marsha was born in Wichita, Kansas, December 5, 1951, the daughter of Ralph William and Mildred L. (Parker) Corn and younger sister to Jim Corn (Cheri).

A proud graduate of Emporia State Teachers College in 1973, she was a member of the Tri Sig Sorority and won “Miss Sunflower” as the most photogenic student. After graduation, Marsha was a home economics teacher for several years and helped to put her husband through law school.

After raising two young boys, she became a free-lance interior decorator in 1983 and worked with Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott until her retirement many decades later. Marsha was very active in all parts of her community. She was a Charter Member of the Pioneer Kiwanis Club; she began working with the Bourbon County Red Cross in 1982, becoming President in 1985; she was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter AQ, becoming the Vice-President in 1985; she worked on the “Holiday Homes Tour” and Good Old Days committees; she was a member of PTO and was a Debate and Cook-Off Judge; she was Winfield Scott School pictures chairperson; she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Yearbook Chairman 1985-1986; and she was a member of Magazine Club and Bridge Club.

Marsha was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, having served as both Deacon and Ruling Elder. Marsha was strongly committed to the local schools, and in particular the debate and forensics programs, and she helped these programs take root and blossom. She was surrounded by many strong friends throughout the community and was both grateful and proud to live in Fort Scott. More than anything, she had a remarkable ability to get along with—and relate to—everybody. Marsha’s go-to phrase was: “If you can get along with people, you can do anything.” As so many in Fort Scott can confirm, Marsha lived this statement with a smile on her face every day of her life.

Her family is extremely thankful for the Kansas City Hospital and Palliative Care team. Due to the public health situation, the family will be conducting a family-only graveside service under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be next year (on a date to be announced and circulated by her family). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Rogers Appointed Kansas State Treasurer

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Intention to Appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers To Become State Treasurer

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intention to appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers to become the 41st Kansas State Treasurer when Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner vacates the position in January.

“Lynn is uniquely qualified to serve as the Kansas state treasurer,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “He has over 40 years of experience as a banker – both in urban and rural areas alike. I’m grateful for his service in my administration, and I have no doubt he will keep doing great things for the people of Kansas in his new role.”

The State Treasurer vacancy was initiated by the election of Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2nd Congressional District in Kansas. Lieutenant Governor Rogers will be sworn in as Treasurer on January 2nd, 2021.

“It is an honor to accept the position of Kansas State Treasurer,” Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers said. “I spent my entire career in banking and bring to this position more than 40 years of experience working in all aspects of the industry. I look forward to applying all of this experience to helping protect the financial interests of Kansans.”

The State Treasurer oversees Kansas’ revenue and finances, directs the investment of state assets, and ensures government can operate safely and efficiently through proper banking, investment, and cash management.

“The outstanding Treasurer’s Office staff and I look forward to assisting with a smooth hand-off to the new treasurer and ensuring Kansans continue to receive excellent service,” State Treasurer and Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner said.

Governor Kelly will announce her appointment to Lieutenant Governor next week.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Local Optometrist Dr. Holloway Retires

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Dr. Randall Holloway taken from Facebook.
Randall R Holloway, 65, retired from his optometric practice after 38 years, on Sept. 12, 2020.
His office was located at 4 S. National, just in the back of the Boiler Room  Brewhaus.
Holloway’s first day on the job was July 22, 1982, he said.
Holloway sold his practice to Kannarr Eye Care and it’s now known by that name.
Paula Brewer and Lisa Peck, former employees of Holloway, now work for Kannarr Eye Care.
The phone number remains 223-0850.
Hours of the office are 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
“Their main office is in Pittsburg Kansas,” Holloway said.  “The  doctors coming to the Fort Scott location are Dr. Shane Kannarr, Dr. Chris Jacquinot, and Dr. Katie Painter.”
“Some employees come from the Pittsburg office,” Lisa Peck said.
Since retiring in a pandemic, Holloway said he is trying to stay healthy.
“Currently, my time is taken up by golf, exercise, and trying to stay healthy,” he said.  “Next year we will be getting the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible, which will allow us to travel to Shoreline, Washington to visit our grandchildren.”
Fort Scott

Wreaths Across America Anonymous Donation

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Wreaths Across America For Fort Scott National Cemetery Received an Extraordinarily Generous Anonymous Donation

The Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, is the foundation behind all the organizations efforts. Throughout the year, since 2007 volunteers tirelessly work to make certain that families, loved ones and heroes get honored and remembered for the holidays. For the past 2 years, due to the efforts of many selfless volunteers the Fort Scott National Cemetery has had the pleasure to honor every single one of our military veterans with a wreath at their final resting place of the Fort Scott National Cemetery. With the many challenges of 2020 this just seemed out of reach this year. In fact , we thought it unreachable as the order window closed and we sat at only 44% of our overall goal of covering the entirety of Fort Scott National Cemetery, including a small plot at the Barnesville Cemetery. However, with only days before the wreath trucks were set to run, an extraordinarily generous anonymous donor with a larger-than-life heart got word of our shortage and couldn’t bear the thought of every soldier not being honored, stepped up to cover the funds for the entire remaining portion of the Cemetery.

“Being contacted by a donor who agreed to sponsor payment for ALL of the local graves at Fort Scott National Cemetery who have not been sponsored for 2020 was about the most wonderful surprise I’ve ever received. Prior to this generous donation, our Cemetery had donations to cover about half of the graves for interred soldiers. How grateful we are, and what this means to the families of the fallen soldiers is hard to express.” Said Diann Tucker (Location Coordinator)

To ensure the most important part (the laying of a wreath on every hero’s grave) in our Fort Scott National Cemetery is accomplished for 2020, this year’s events in Fort Scott will look a little different and therefore compromises have been made. This year there will be no ceremony, however we will still be displaying the 7 ceremonial wreaths to represent the Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Merchant Marines and Prisoners of war and those Missing In Action. We will be laying wreaths prior to National Wreaths Day to allow us to have registered volunteers while respectfully maintaining social distancing. This way wreaths will be ready to view by their loved ones on National Wreath Day on the 19th of December. (If you would like to volunteer to help place wreaths please reach out to our Location Coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700, send a email to [email protected] or logon wreathsacrossamerica.org to fill an open volunteer slot.)

Wreath sponsorships are only $15, and can be sponsored directly at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ksfsnf or email [email protected] for a link to our local PayPal account. You can also contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at Stewart Realty in Fort Scott, 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054.

“Every $15 wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “Whether the wreath is placed this December, or next, know that your gift will be honored. We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

To stay informed about changes to Wreath Day events in your community or to sponsor a wreath for a local hero, please contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700.

 

Bourbon County Local News