Obituary

Obituary of Carol Barrett

Leave a comment

Carol Irene Barrett, age 87, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born August 6, 1933, in Mapleton, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence A. Kern and Myrtle N. Clayton Kern.  Carol attended grade school at Mapleton and graduated from the Fulton High School and later Ft. Scott Junior College.

She married Ira Robert “Bob” Barrett on June 14, 1953, at Mapleton.  Bob and Carol made their home in Mapleton the majority of their married life.  Carol had worked for Mid-America Business Forms which later became Ennis for many years.  She was a member of the Mapleton Christian Church.

Following Bob’s death in 1994, Carol moved to Ft. Scott where she became an active member of Community Christian Church.  She also served with pastoral care for the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a past member of the Eastern Star and had volunteered her time for the American Red Cross.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She enjoyed attending her children’s grandchildren’s activities and attending family get-togethers.  She enjoyed working in her yard and going to garage sales.

Survivors include her three sons, Mike Barrett of Pearl, Mississippi, Pat Barrett and wife, Deb, of Wichita, Kansas and Tim Barrett and wife, Missy, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; five grandchildren, Christy, Jacob, Jaron, Lacy, and Colby, six great-grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Tracen, Alice, Eva and Arya, and a great-great-grandson, Jaxson.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, a daughter-in-law, Libby Barrett, and a brother, Clarence A. “C.A.” Kern, Jr.

Pastor Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church 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.

Obituary

Death Notice For Pamela Bloomfield

1 Comment

 

Pamela Jean Bloomfield, age 63, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Pamela Bloomfield memorial fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Project Breaks Ground This Week

Leave a comment
Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Jayhawk Wind farm facility breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, according to a press release from Apex Clean Energy, the developer.

The project will consist of 70 General Electric wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MegaWatts.  The project will provide more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue, according to the press release.

The following is an email interview with Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager.

 

Apex sold to WEC yet you will be doing the construction and operating of the windmills?

“Apex Clean Energy has not been sold to WEC Energy Group. Jayhawk Wind, the wind project developed by Apex in Bourbon and Crawford Counties, has been sold to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy.

“The power produced by the project will be injected into the Southwest Power Pool grid, the electric grid network that serves Bourbon and Crawford Counties.

To learn more about the Southwest Power Pool: https://spp.org/

“Facebook signed a contract to purchase the power from Jayhawk Wind after the previous power purchase agreement (PPA) was mutually dissolved. The tech company will buy that power to help support its operations in the region.”

Facebook is a valued Apex customer, according to a Bloomberg Business press release about the transaction:

https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2021-03-01/apex-sells-jayhawk-wind-with-facebook-ppa-to-wec-energy-group-and-invenergy

 

 

Apex sold to WEC but will still construct and operate the farm?

“Apex Clean Energy will manage the construction of Jayhawk Wind on behalf of its new owners, and IEA Constructors will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project.

“Under this contract, IEA will be responsible for working to hire subcontractors, vendors, and local personnel. Upon completion of construction, Invenergy will take over operations.

“IEA Constructors is a subsidiary of IEA that manages utility-scale renewable energy and heavy civil infrastructure projects. They will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project,” according to Chilton.

 

 

A question was asked if Apex was planning on selling Jayhawk Wind from the beginning?

“Yes. Our plans to work with a financing counterparty on Jayhawk Wind have been a part of our discussions with the community since the beginning of this project. Apex is honored to help design and permit excellent projects like this one for companies that want to support and own renewable energy facilities. We believe WEC and Invenergy will be wonderful long-term partners for this community.”

 

 

You will be hiring locals, so where is the info if someone is interested in seeking a job with Jayhawk Wind.

“Jayhawk Wind has been running a local vendor program, which is ongoing.

“More information about this program is available at https://www.jayhawkwind.com/local_vendor_program.

“Through this program, local contractors and vendors have been signing up to let us know they are interested in supporting the construction of Jayhawk Wind.

“As promised, we have been preparing to share this information with the Balance of Plant contractor. We have continued to aggregate a locate vendor list throughout development and vendors are welcome to continue to submit their information on our website for consideration.

The Balance of Plant (BoP) is a power engineering term that refers to the various supporting and auxiliary components of a power plant system required to produce energy, according to https://ifsolutions.com/what-is-balance-of-plant-in-power-plants/

“Now that IEA has been selected as the Balance of Plant contractor, we will be sharing our local vendor directory with them directly.” 

Advertisements, Bourbon County, K-State Extension

K-State Extension Crop, Forage Management Agent Needed

Leave a comment

K-State Extension has a Crop, and Forage Management career opportunity in Southwind District.

The primary office location is negotiable between Iola, Erie, Fort Scott and Yates Center.

See https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs/current_openings/index.html   for responsibilities, qualifications and application procedure.

The application deadline is March 17, 2021.

K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

A background check is required.

From the website:

The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas.  There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages.  The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.

Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.

This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages.  Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

  • Provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages.  Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
  • Share responsibility for seasonal county fair management.
  • Programming will include these steps:
    • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
    • Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. These strategies might include delivering educational programming in a community-based setting, coordinating events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities, using innovative technologies, providing individual educational consultations and facilitating groups seeking similar educational outcomes. Some overnight travel and evening and weekend work will be required.
    • Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to under-served audiences and to make certain K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
    • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
    • Develop specialized knowledge and skills by engaging as a member of the Crop Production Program Focus Team.
  • Secure external funding such as grants, gifts and cost recovery to supplement local tax revenue to support and expand educational programming.
  • Serve as a member of the Southwind District team cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
What You’ll Need to Succeed: Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Academic coursework and/or professional employment related to the position responsibilities
  • Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts, acceptance into a graduate program or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
  • Leadership skills as evidenced by working with individuals, groups and co-workers.
  • Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Experience working with adults and youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Commitment to personal professional development.
  • Ability to utilize electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work with a minimum of supervision, balancing multiple projects.
  • Ability to design, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs.
  • Skills in group facilitation.
  • Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
  • Experience in seeking and administering external grant funding.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish learners

Other Requirements:

  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
  • Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $41,500 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $45,500 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
  • Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. Depending on the date of hire there is a minimum of 30-day waiting period for health insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
  • Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
  • New agents are provided approximately 15 days of new agent professional development on the K-State campus or online during the first six to nine months. These 15 days are spread out in four different weeks. In addition, new agents spend at least three weeks with a mentor agent during the first year.
How to Apply: Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
  • Resume
  • Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
  • Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.
Screening of Applications Begins: Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021
Equal Employment Opportunity: Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
Background Screening Statement: In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Special Meeting March 4

Leave a comment

(Updated) The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. They will also meet to discuss accepting RFQ’s for City Engineering services.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL ROUND 1 SUBSTATE RESULTS 3/1 and 3/2

Leave a comment
Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Uniontown hosted the first round of our 2-A Sub-State games on Monday and Tuesday this week. Both teams were victorious and will move on to the next round, hosted at Humboldt on Thursday and Friday.

The Lady Eagles once again defeated the Southeast Lancers with a score of 58-29. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 23 points and had 2 assists and 2 steals. Danielle Howard had 16 points, 4 assists, and 7 steals. Sammie Hampton had 5 rebounds and Gwenyth Fry had 3.

“The girls played hard and took care of business tonight. We will face Humboldt in the second round on Friday. We’ve got what it takes, but it will take all we’ve got,” said Coach Miller.

Point guard Danielle Howard said, “It was a good win for our last home game. We’re looking forward to another game against Humboldt.”

The boys played Jayhawk and won 50-44. Jake Harvey had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 10 points and had 4 assists. Clay Sutterby also scored 10 points and had 12 rebounds. Dawson Dreisbach had 5 rebounds.

“We’ve reached the point in the season where it’s win or go home,” Coach Hays said. “The boys played really well in spurts tonight against Jayhawk Linn. We turned the ball over too much and didn’t rebound very well, however. Those are both things we will need to get fixed heading into our matchup with Southeast on Thursday.”

Bourbon County

Teen Transportation Safety Virtual Conference Offered

Leave a comment

Here is an exciting opportunity for teens in your communities!

Please, share with your coalitions and communities, Thank you!

If you have any questions please contact Laura Moore

 

The Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference is virtual.  https://www.ktsro.org/kansas-teen-transportation-safety-conference.

 

We encourage you to invite ALL of your middle and high school students to the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference by sharing this link https://www.ktsro.org/kttsc-registration-form and allowing all students to register themselves.

All registered sponsors and students will receive a conference registration kit including a shirt and other goodies.

Session will be recorded so can be watched later.

Let us know if you have questions!

Thanks!

 

 

Laura Moore 

State SAFE Coordinator

DCCCA Inc, Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office

www.ktsro.org/safe    

* 785-430-4026 * 2930 SW Wanamaker Drive * Topeka, KS  66614 * fax 785-233-1342

                                                                                    

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of March 3

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

March 3, 2021

  1. Welcome: Billie Jo welcomed fourteen members representing fifteen agencies to the meeting. She informed members that she is waiting on information from the City of Fort Scott in order to finalize the 2021 family swim pass application. Details will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Following the March 2 Board meeting, it was decided that we would continue to meet through Zoom for April, May, and June, not meet in July, and resume face-to-face meetings at the Scott View Apartments (High Rise) Community Room in August.

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Allen is still waiting on the budget for Salvation Army so does not yet know how much assistance will be available through that program. Although he had some trouble securing heaters, he now has heaters and blankets available for those in need; funds for this program were provided by the Fort Scott Community Foundation.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, Next Steps, Feeding Families: Next Steps is on hold due to the pandemic; Feeding Families is serving 300-325 meals each week. Due to the numbers of meals and lack of adequate seating space, it is very likely that Feeding Families will remain a “to-go” meal even after the pandemic is over.
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross: All assistance and trainings through Red Cross are being done virtually. Cinda will be helping with the Iola blood drive next week.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Patty has a one-bedroom apartment available with no waiting; she will have several others of varying sizes available soon. These are income based rentals subsidized through HUD.
  • Alice Leonard, SEK-CAP Head Start: They are especially in need of applications for the home-based programs.
  • J.J. Karlinger KVC: They are instituting projects to help foster children throughout the year rather than just at Christmas; for the month of March, they will be doing “Underwearness” where they will collect new underwear, socks, pajamas, etc. If anyone would like to help with this project, or obtain information on fostering, contact J. J. at [email protected].
  • Christine Abbott, Southeast Kansas Works: Funds are available for job training and assistance. The Pittsburg office is open five days each week; the Fort Scott BWERK office is manned twice each week. Contact Christine at 620-779-3727 for specific office hours and appointments.
  • Mandi H-Woods, Healthy Families: She is doing online group activities to educate about healthy eating! She is in the process of starting parent support groups.
  • Michele Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Center, USD 234: Michele works with children from pre-natal through age 6; she does have some openings. She has been able to do home visits with masks and social distancing. She and Star McClellan, Parents as Teachers, were able to do a Family Event Drive Through activity where parents were provided many resources, wonderful freebies, and door prizes.
  • Shana McClure, DCF: LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) applications continue to be accepted until the last day of March. These can be completed online or applications can be obtained at DCF.
  • Andrea Scott, Principal, USD 234 PreSchool: The Four-Year-Old At-Risk program and Kansas PreSchool Pilot program are housed in the preschool building at Fourth and Judson where they serve one hundred children. She also has a classroom at New Generations. Andrea is also working on establishing and maintaining an Early Childhood Committee to help ensure that our preschools and daycares continue to prepare our students for kindergarten.
  • Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County: Jody was instrumental in creating Healthy Bourbon County in 2016. This organization has highlighted healthy eating and cultivating habits into our Bourbon County lifestyle with the overall goal of healthier people. Jody can also provide assistance for those persons who own or wish to start a small business.
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP: Sandy needs service ideas for our senior volunteers in Bourbon County. Her grant areas for volunteerism include opioid prevention, food distribution, veterans, blood drives, and K-12 support. Right now, Bourbon County RSVP has volunteers at The Beacon.
  1. Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
  1. Open Forum: Dena Kemp was unable to attend today’s meeting; if anyone would like resources, training, or technical assistance surrounding substance use prevention, suicide prevention, or problem gambling, contact Dena.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be April 7, 2021 by Zoom.

Bourbon County Local News