Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fans Are Available For Free to Those In Need

5 Comments
Allen Schellack unboxes a fan at the ministry storage room.

EVERGY DONATES FANS TO THE SALVATION ARMY

Annual Donation Helps Those In Need

 

For the 5th year, The Salvation Army will be distributing fans for those without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather. Fans are distributed by appointment at the local Salvation Army Extension Unit located at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center/Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N Main.

The fans are intended for elderly, disabled, and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants will need to provide ID and proof of address. Distribution will continue until all fans are distributed.

Evergy’s local gift of fans is part of a large contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.

For further information, contact Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, 620-223-2212.

Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.

HEAT SAFETY

  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING

Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if some shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

###

About Westar Energy

As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve.  For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Westar Energy is on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/westarenergy and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WestarEnergy. Westar Energy media line 888-613-0003.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Kansas and Western Missouri is and evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, supporting those in need in His name without discrimination. The organization provides assistance through a board array of social services ranging from food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information about the Kansas and Western Missouri Division of The Salvation Army, visit www.salarmymokan.org.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Transportation Projects Announced

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $42 Million Investment to Support 30 Transportation Projects Statewide

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced that more than $42 million will support 30 transportation construction projects across Kansas through an expanded list of recipients of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for Spring 2021.

Cost Share is a component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE. Cost Share is designed to help both rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion and improve access and mobility.

“Infrastructure projects like the ones funded through Cost Share are a perfect example of how government can make smart investments that not only make our economy more dynamic and competitive, but also make Kansas a better place to live, work, and play,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this $42 million investment, 30 communities from every corner of our state will have safer roads, increased access to outdoor recreation, and the opportunity to modernize important historical landmarks.”

KDOT took advantage of 2020 federal coronavirus relief funds by doubling the available Cost Share funding for this round. Selection criteria was adjusted to take into account hardships caused by the pandemic and points were added to communities that endured above-average economic loss.

KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients contributing a 50/50 match of $21 million.

Secretary Lorenz said demand for Cost Share transportation dollars remains strong, especially after the “long, tough year we’ve been through.” She said 117 communities requested more than $103 million in funding for this, the fourth round of the Cost Share program.

“Despite that tough year, I couldn’t be more impressed with the record level of local contribution – proving we are stronger when we work together,” Secretary Lorenz said. “Thanks to the KDOT team and our local partners, we are moving quickly to expedite the delivery of projects.”

Today’s announcement was made via video (VIEW HERE) highlighting the wide range of investments made possible under the IKE program.

The entire list of all 30 IKE Cost Share projects announced today available here.

View a map of Cost Share projects here. 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

Leave a comment
Voters at  Bourbon County Clerk’s Office in a prior election…

Next Tuesday, June 1,  is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.

“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.

As of May 25, the following have filed to run:

For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.

For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.

For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.

For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.

For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.

For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.

For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.

For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart

For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin

For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.

The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.

All the filing deadlines, for each entity,  is noon June 1st, 2021.

The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.

The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.

In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.

The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

 

For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.

 

For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.

The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

 

Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.

If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Flags Half-Staff For Memorial Day

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff for Memorial Day

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective from sunup until noon on Monday, May 31, 2021, in recognition of Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, let us all come together to honor and remember the women and men in the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our freedom and our way of life,” Governor Kelly said. “Today and every day, we owe them our gratitude.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools, Sports

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program, Thursday, May 27th at 8 a.m. located at the FSHS Gymnasium, 1005 S. Main St. Attendees should enter through the northwest doors of the gym facing 10th Street.

Jared Martin, FSHS Strength & Performance Coach, is excited to showcase the program’s top-notch facility at Fort Scott High School. The USD-234 school board and administrators have made a considerable investment in the development of student’s health and performance.  A summer program will be starting soon and for students ranging from 11-18 years of age. The focus for middle school students is to provide high quality opportunities for them to learn how to train properly in a fun and exciting environment.  The high school age group will focus on performance enhancement as we build team chemistry and comradery through training together.  

Homemade sticky bun-style cinnamon rolls and homemade sausage rolls reminiscent of Johnson’s at the old Daylight Donuts will be served.  Fresh fruit and coffee from Common Ground will be provided as well.  Along with that, there will be a variety of Tiger gear giveaways.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

***

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Parade Entries Registration Due June 2

Leave a comment
The Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
is taking registrations for
Parade Entries
for the
40th Annual
Good Ol’ Days Festival!
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE for a printable registration form.
The 2021 Good Ol’ Days Festival Parade
is drawing near!
The deadline for entries is
Wednesday, June 2nd
@ 1:00 p.m.
Entries which arrive without pre-registering
will not be allowed in the parade.
The theme for this year’s festival is
“40 Years of Family, Friends & Fun”
For full festival information, please visit the
Good Ol’ Days website by clickinghere.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,
231 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.223.3566
or email to: [email protected]
Area News, Kansas

Clean Energy Jobs

Leave a comment
Kansas Leaders Highlight Benefits of Renewable Energy on the State’s Workforce
Panel addressed job creation and economic benefits through wind and solar energy growth
Wichita, KS – Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion today that took a closer look at job creation and career development in the clean energy sector. The virtual event, “Boosting Kansas’ Workforce Through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders in education, industry, and workforce experts today who highlighted that Kansas is well-positioned to lead the nation’s transition to renewable energy generation.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Deputy Director, Randi Tveitaraas Jack, kicked off the conversation, “Renewable energy has brought remarkable economic opportunity to Kansas. It has put us on the map as a hub for specialized manufacturing and helped attract new business in search of clean energy to our state.”
Watch the event here.
Kansas ranks second in the nation in share of electricity generated by renewables, accounting for 42 percent of the state’s energy generation – enough to power 2.2 million homes.
“In a time of uncertainty with the pandemic on our heels, one thing the state can count on is renewables and its expected growth at the national scale,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.” Our state’s natural resources along with the advancing renewable energy sector will play an integral role in boosting the state’s economy, setting an example for other states to follow.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wind and solar technicians are two of the fastest growing jobs in the nation. Supporting 3,000 jobs in Kansas, wind and solar energy provide unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion.
Kristin Brighton, founder of HirePaths added, “By providing young Kansans with the right opportunities and proper training, the renewable energy sector can provide opportunities to retain young people in our state while adding diversity to our local economies.”
“Renewable energy not only creates direct jobs, it creates workforce opportunities up and down the supply chain,” said Michael White of The Kansas Contractors Association. “The benefits of renewables in Kansas extend far beyond what meets the eye.”
With more than $13 billion invested in the state, clean energy industry provides $52.5 million in annual revenue for state and local governments and another $32.3 million in annual lease payments to landowners – offering a stable source of income for farmers and ranchers during unprecedented weather events.
Kansas has 41 wind projects and 1,104 solar installations across the state. With more projects in the works, renewable energy will play an integral role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities.
“Pitt State does its part to keep Kansas on the map for its renewable energy excellence by helping to fuel its workforce,” said Shawn Naccarato, Chief Strategy Officer at Pittsburg State University. “I am proud to be a part of an institution that champions the renewable energy sector and all of its benefits for future generations.”
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
###
About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Clean Power Association
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the voice of companies from across the clean power sector that are providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the American economy and driving high tech innovation across the United States. ACP works to transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies, along with manufacturers and construction companies, developers and owners/operators, utilities, financial firms and corporate purchasers, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States. Visit ACP’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits renewable energy brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting May 25 At 6 p.m.

Leave a comment

The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to discuss the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Fort Scott Lofts, LLC. They will also discuss potentially amending the agreement that was previous awarded to Bettis Asphalt for the mill and overlay of National Avenue from 13th to Highway 69. An Executive Session for attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) will also be held.

After the special meeting, at 7:00 p.m. the 2022 Budget Work session will begin.

This meeting is open to the public.

Obituary

Obituary of Laura Steele

Leave a comment

Laura Marie Steele, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Allen “Bert” Wallen and Inga Marie (Ekstedt) Wallen. She had eight older brothers and was the last of her family, with the exception of two nieces, Teresa Wallen of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Mary Kay Easton of Lexington, Kentucky.

Following her graduation from Fort Scott Community College, Laura worked at several companies over the years as a secretary and bookkeeper including Fort Scott Hydraulic Cement Co., Bruce Marble and Granite Works, the F.B.I. in Kansas City, Missouri, The Western Insurance, and Citizens Bank (now Landmark).

Laura married Russell Steele, a grain farmer of Uniontown, Kansas, in 1973, having met when she worked for The Western. She was a farm wife and homemaker until his death in 1992.

Laura was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Scott. She played the piano for F.C.C., as well as for other churches in the area.

In addition to her husband, Russell, Laura was also preceded in death by her parents, and her eight brothers, Frank, Albert, Charlie, Harry, Raymond, Robert, Richard, and James Wallen.

Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County Local News