Obituary

Obituary of Mae Mowen

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Mae Mowen, age 97, a former resident of Shawnee, Kansas and Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Loveland, Colorado, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at her home in Colorado.

She was born May 14, 1924, in Beaver, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Harry Steffler and Pauline Bell Jamison Steffler.  She married Wilbur Eugene Mowen on July 22, 1944, at Monaca, Pennsylvania.

Following her husband’s military service, the couple settled in the Kansas City area.  Both Mae and Wilbur were employed for over thirty years with the Nazarene Publishing House.  Mae’s official job was receptionist, but she performed various duties and filled many roles while at the publishing house.  She was a longtime member of the Shawnee Church of the Nazarene.  Mae shared her musical talents with the church in various ways.  She enjoyed crocheting and made several elaborate pieces that her family will treasure.

 

Survivors include her three children, Jeanne Lynch (Jim), of Loveland, Colorado, Wilbur Mowen, Jr. (Patricia), of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Richard Mowen (Leta), of Shawnee, Kansas and nine grandchildren, Janice, Julie, James, Andrew, Jessica, Brent, Jeff, David and Sally and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur E. Mowen, Sr. on November 18, 2020.  She was also preceded by an infant son, Ned Mowen, her parents and six brothers and sisters.

 

Rev. Jaren Rowell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Halcyon 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, Business

O’Brien Starts a Consignment Business

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Christy Schobey O’Brien has had a dream for years to start a business.

In April 2021, she was given four real estate properties in Bronson, located in the westernmost town in Bourbon County.

“My first intention was to open (a place) to showcase my t-shirt company,” O’Brien said.

“It turned out being more,” she said.

On July 2, she began work on a consignment store at Hwy. 54 and Charles Street in Bronson to be called Highway Dreams.

“Once we are able to finish the inside, we plan to house homemade items by local artists and vendors,” she said. “For now, we will be showcasing locals only.”

She currently says her consignment offerings are furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, and crafts.

“Weekends we plan to have all friendly faces set up, yard sale style,” she said. “I plan to have tables and racks and a clothesline. Bring your tent and chair if you need shade and do not sit in the grass.”

August 5 is the tentative opening date of the venture.

Contact her at 620.228-1338 or [email protected]

The current sign in front of O’Brien’s business says Best Life Adventures.
Government, Kansas

KDA Seeks Nominations for Kansas Ag Heroes 

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — At last summer’s Ag Growth Summit, the Kansas Department of Agriculture kicked off a new recognition program to honor outstanding Kansans: Kansas Ag Heroes. Nominations are now open for the second year of the program, and KDA anticipates new stories of outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community.

Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community when it was needed most. KDA encourages Kansans to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 13. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 26.

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

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KDA Seeks Nominations for 2021 Kansas Ag Heroes.pdf

Government, Kansas

2019 Kansas Health Risk Behaviors Report Published 

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State Officials Release Annual Survey Results

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the results from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

“The overall goal of the BRFSS is to provide Kansas-specific data that are used for monitoring the leading contributors to morbidity and premature death, tracking health status and assessing trends, measuring public knowledge, attitudes and opinions, public health program planning and evaluation as well as policy development,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.

Results of the 2019 survey show the rate of obesity in Kansas is over 35 percent, and higher among those with diabetes or living with a disability. Over 27 percent of Kansans did not take part in any leisure-time physical activity. Also, more than 16 percent of Kansans smoke cigarettes, with much higher rates of smoking among those with an annual household income of $15,000 or less. Obesity and smoking are significant contributors to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Behavioral changes to reduce obesity and smoking can reduce the burden of such chronic diseases.

Additional highlights from the 2019 BRFSS data include:

  • 6% have health care coverage
  • 2% with a personal doctor
  • 9% were ever diagnosed with depression.
  • 6% consumed fruit at least once per day.
  • 1% consumed vegetables at least once per day.
  • 8% were diagnosed with diabetes
  • 6% were diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia.
  • 5% were diagnosed with hypertension.
  • 9% were tested and diagnosed with high cholesterol.

“BRFSS gives us an in-depth look into many health behaviors,” Julie Sergeant, PhD, Bureau of Health Promotion, Director of the Kansas BRFSS program, said. “Having data to use helps us shape the efforts of many state health programs and to partner with Kansans to improve their health.”

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is coordinated and partially funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the largest continuously conducted telephone survey in the world. It is conducted in every state, the District of Columbia, and several United States territories. Conducted in 2019-2020, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) completed its 29th BRFSS Survey to guide the state’s health activities. The survey is conducted year-round.

Answers to commonly asked questions can be found on our website www.kdheks.gov/bhp/HealthRiskStudies/ksbrf/index.htm  or call toll free at 1-866-445-1429. The complete 2019 Health Risk Behaviors of Kansans Report is available for download at www.kdheks.gov/brfss/PDF/2019_Kansas_BRFSS_Report.pdf.

Obituary

Obituary of James R. Farmer

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James Randall Farmer, born June 1, 1962, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 in Chicago, doing what he loved most on a golf course.

Jim or “Jimmy” as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was starting his 21st year at Butler National Golf Course. He lived a life full of travel, golf, and time spent with friends and family. Jim was known for his avid story telling ability and his wicked sense of humor. He loved to golf, fish, cook and all things KU.

Jim never married, which left time for his travels and working at golf courses all over the world including Royal Poinciana as well as Old Florida, Naples, Florida. He also held positions at Heritage Golf Club in Pensacola, Innisbrook in Tampa and ran the golf operations at a club in Germany, close to the Alps for over 8 years. After spending summers in Germany, he would return to Naples for the winter months. He had a loyal following of German golfers who would travel to Naples and seek him out as an instructor as he had mastered the German language.

Even though he traveled he remained an avid Chiefs fan.

He was closely tied to his nephews Tucker, Hudson, Sutton, Dexter, Jax on, and Alex as he regaled them with his many stories.

Jim had a kind heart and he loved children and animals, often taking care of stray animals even in the middle of a cold night.

As much as he loved golf, his favorite recreational time for himself was fishing. Many of the golf courses he worked at had access to water and in the evenings, he would be seen with his fishing pole on one of the water sources making sure there were no extra fish.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Norma Jean Farmer.

Survivors include brother Robert Farmer, sister Carmen Palmer, nephews Ryan Farmer and Travis Palmer, niece Christa Horn and numerous great-nephews.

His remains will be returned to Kansas and a private family ceremony will be announced at a future date.

Based on Jim’s love for children, suggested memorials can be given to Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or to the Fort Scott High School Golf Team

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at the Fairgrounds July 15

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by
Bourbon County Fair Association
to be held at
Hubenett Pavilion at the
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
(across from Fort Scott Community College)
Thursday, July 15th at 8am
Clickhere for Bourbon County Fair Association Website.
Clickherefor Bourbon County Fair Facebook Page.
The Fair is THIS WEEK, click here for the full schedule.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
7/22 ~ The Hound Nutrition Grand Opening &Ribbon Cutting
7/29 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/5 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/12 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/19 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/26 ~ The Rainbow Unicorn Grand Opening &Ribbon Cutting
9/2 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/30 ~ Bids & Dibs, Inc.
9/16 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/23 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/30 ~ Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
THE REST OF THE DATES ARE RESERVED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR AFTER 9/23/2021
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 6

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July 6, 2021                                         Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Oharah and Commissioner Harris present, Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Anne Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Harley & Beverly Fuhrman, Lora Holdridge and Economic Development Director Rob Harrington.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings Commission minutes, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

The Commissioners received a request for a permanent road opening at 45th & Unique; Lora said this used to be an open road, but was closed, Jim said it was closed in 1849.  Lora said one road in that area is not officially closed, but is being used as a private driveway.  Jim said he was concerned that if they opened this road, they would receive more requests in the future to open roads.  Lynne said they couldn’t deny access to an individual’s property.  Lynne made a motion to support opening 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed.  Lynne made a motion to sign the application for the permanent road opening of 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique Road going East, Jim seconded the motion and the motion passed and they signed the application.  Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 18-21 to open 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

 

Lynne asked Eric to review an area of Unique going West off 95th; Lynne said it had never been closed.

 

Eric Bailey said heavy rain had caused washouts around the County and they are hauling gravel.  He said they had a sinkhole at 75th North of 54 Highway and a sinkhole on Xavier ¾ mile East of 215th, both sinkholes have been fixed.

 

Eric said they will be doing a blast at the Beth Quarry on July 13th.  They will then be crushing at the Beth Quarry.

 

They are asphalting on the Jefferson Highway now.  Eric said that asphalt oil had gone up $40/ton.

 

Eric said they will be putting berms around the soybeans this week.

 

Eric said the KDOT off system bridge report is due at the end of July; he said he is working with Schwab Eaton on this.

 

Jim said that at some time they need to clean up the metal bridge on 250th.

 

Windmill update; Eric said they are also dealing with the heavy rains.

 

Lynne asked Eric to check out 120th & Unity going South to make sure it is a closed road and said if not there is a metal bridge there that is dangerous.

 

County Counselor Comment: Justin Meeks said he had received a petition to revoke a 1 cent sales tax on the City-wide sales tax; he said he would meet with Kendell Thursday of this week and will get a response back to the individual that sent the petition.

 

Mercy Hospital facility: Justin said the County is now the owner of the Bourbon County healthcare facility (formerly Mercy Hospital), Clifton said 3 employees there will keep the building up to the Joint Commission Standards.  The Commissioners will be over the 3 employees, but there is a supervisor amongst the 3 employees.  Susan Bancroft said one of the employees had been working under contract, but is retiring, so they would need to replace this employee.  Lynne said the contracts in place now have to be honored.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have an executive session, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy the session is related to job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:49, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session, with action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion that the County take on two of the existing employees at the Bourbon County Health System as County employees, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to make Shane Walker – the County I/T director the director of the Bourbon County Health System facility, and that all contacts go to him regarding maintenance and I/T there, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to give Susan Bancroft the ability to post for a maintenance technician at the Bourbon County Health System facility, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft will work with Kendell to add the Bourbon County Health System facility employees to the County Salary Schedule.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve allowing Lynne Oharah to sign the feasibility study (for the healthcare facility), Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said they would probably publish for the tax sale next week.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for that reason, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:19, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to give Clifton permission to call someone at Pittsburg State regarding a contract with Bourbon County, Jim seconded and approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to allow Rob Harrington and Susan Bancroft to look into an issue with a MOU and come back to the Commission next Tuesday about this, Jim seconded the motion, Justin said the MOU deals with real property that is not owned by the County and will possibly have revisions to it, all approved the motion.

 

Susan Bancroft reminded the Commissioners of the budget work session next Tuesday, July 13th.

 

Public Comment: none

 

Commissioner Comment: Jim said he had received a phone call from Jeremy Frazier at the City of Fort Scott, requesting that he be part of the HR interview process; Justin Meeks said as a private citizen he didn’t need a motion to allow this.  Justin said they are still looking into a shared service on this, but aren’t sure.

 

At 10:23, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 13, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Announces BEAT THE HEAT SHOPPING EVENT!

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Beat the Heat Shopping Event will take place Friday, July 16th and Saturday, July 17th. Stores in the Downtown Historic District and additional locations will be participating in the fun serving cold refreshments while you shop and find hot deals in the cool stores.

To add to the event, there will be a sno cone vendor in front of Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore and Offshore Tropix Boujee Softserve will be set up in front of Bids & Dibs with a delicious, sweet treat that is vegan and dairy-free, serving pineapple and strawberry flavors with toppings available. There are plenty of benches downtown and around while you shop or taking in the historic sites, restaurants, and museums.

Participating retailers will be offering complimentary popsicles or some cold refreshments as you shop or at checkout and those stores will be designated with a Beat the Heat poster and a pink flamingo in spirit of the shopping event. Those locations include: Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, J & W Sports Shop, The Lavender Patch, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Museum of Creativity, Sunshine Boutique, Shirt Shack, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.


Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Government

USDA Pandemic Assistance For Livestock Producers

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USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses

Farm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications for Indemnity Program July 20

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2021— Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in [recorded] remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI.  The announcement is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 20 through Sept. 17, 2021.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorized payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. PLIP payments will be based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys, but pork producers are expected to be the primary recipients of the assistance.

“Throughout the pandemic, we learned very quickly the importance and vulnerability of the supply chain to our food supply,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “Many livestock producers had to make the unfortunate decision to depopulate their livestock inventory when there simply was no other option. This targeted assistance will help livestock and poultry producers that were among the hardest hit by the pandemic alleviate some financial burden from these losses.”

Additional Assistance Planned

The previous administration proposed pandemic assistance using flat rates across the industry, which does not take into account the different levels of harm felt by different producers. Pork industry supported analysis projected that disruptions in processing capacity in the pork supply chain create a situation with small hog producers and especially those that sell on the spot market or negotiate prices, bear a disproportionate share of losses. USDA has examined the difference between the negotiated prices for hogs and the 5-year average and documented a significant drop during April through September of 2020 due to the pandemic. USDA has set aside up to $50 million in pandemic assistance funds to provide additional assistance for small hog producers that use the spot market or negotiate prices. Details on the additional targeted assistance are expected to be available this summer.

PLIP Program Details

Eligible livestock must have been depopulated from March 1, 2020 through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Livestock must have been physically located in the U.S. or a territory of the U.S. at the time of depopulation.

Eligible livestock owners include persons or legal entities who, as of the day the eligible livestock was depopulated, had legal ownership of the livestock. Packers, live poultry dealers and contract growers are not eligible for PLIP.

PLIP payments compensate participants for 80% of both the loss of the eligible livestock or poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal based on a single payment rate per head.  PLIP payments will be calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible livestock or poultry by the payment rate per head, and then subtracting the amount of any payments the eligible livestock or poultry owner has received for disposal of the livestock or poultry under the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or a state program. The payments will also be reduced by any Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 1 and 2) payments paid on the same inventory of swine that were depopulated.

There is no per person or legal entity payment limitation on PLIP payments. To be eligible for payments, a person or legal entity must have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Applying for Assistance

Eligible livestock and poultry producers can apply for PLIP starting July 20, 2021, by completing the FSA-620, Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application, and submitting it to any FSA county office. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/plip for a copy of the Notice of Funding Availability and more information on how to apply.

Applications can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. To find your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Livestock and poultry producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

As USDA looks to long-term solutions to build back a better food system, the Department is committed to delivering financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers and businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions. Since USDA rolled out the Pandemic Assistance initiative in March, the Department has announced over $7 billion in assistance to producers and agriculture entities.  For more details, please visit www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bourbon County Local News