Government, Kansas

KS Marketing Campaign Launched

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Kansas Tourism celebrates Kansas Day by Launching 2024 Marketing Campaign

TOPEKA — To commemorate Kansas Day, Kansas Tourism has released a new video inviting audiences to reclaim their vacation in Kansas. The video kicks off Kansas Tourism’s 2024 marketing campaign that focuses on the true meaning of a vacation and how Kansas is the perfect vacation destination.

To watch the video, click here. Kansans and non-Kansans alike are encouraged to join the movement by sharing the video on social media and making their plans to vacation in Kansas at the Tourism website here.

“Too many trips leave us drained instead of refreshed, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Instead of counting vacation days, we want visitors to make their vacation days count in Kansas.”

The concept of a vacation was first popularized in the 1860s and was intended to encourage people to “vacate their homes” to experience the wilderness and reconnect through rest and relaxation, essential to living a healthy life. But nowadays, vacations are often stress-inducing, jam-packed and expensive.

“Let’s get back to the heart of what a vacation is meant to be,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “We know that you can find it in Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism provides valuable free resources to help plan a Kansas trip, including a free travel guide available to be mailed or immediately downloaded. The TravelKS.com website features an entire Plan Your Trip section.

“Visitors worldwide should plan a Kansas vacation in 2024 because Kansas is filled with outdoor adventure, inspirational history, world-class attractions, and exceptional arts and entertainment,” Jobe said.

Kansas Day, January 29, provides the perfect opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the unique history that has shaped the Sunflower State and to kick-off the 2024 tourism marketing campaign. On this day in 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This celebration provides the opportunity to acknowledge contributions of Kansans throughout the years, from the pioneers who settled the prairies to the modern-day innovators driving the state’s progress.

Follow Kansas Tourism on:

Facebook – / travelks 

Instagram – / kansastourism 

#VacationinKansas

#ToTheStarsKS

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Church news, Fort Scott

Ground(hog) Pancake Feed on February 3 at the First Southern Baptist Church

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Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church

FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF FORT SCOTT

 

JOIN US FOR OUR 5TH ANNUAL

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES

WITH A SERVING OF GROUND(HOG)

DINE IN OR CARRY OUT

ALSO SILENT AUCTION,

 VALENTINE GIFTS & BAKE SALE

February 3, 2024, 8 A.M.- 2 P.M.

at First Southern Baptist Church

1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS

Children 7 and under FREE

8 to Adult $5.00 in advance

or

$6.00 at the door

for advanced tickets Contact

Ida Ford 417-262-3948,

Terri Williams 620-215-3202

 

 

 

Opinion

Refuse the Cues by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

Through the years, I’ve always appreciated the cue for when to stop playing the prelude for funeral services. After seating the family and the minister, the funeral director would walk past the piano and quietly say, “Finish this verse and we’ll be ready,” or “Play the chorus again and we‘ll start.“ His cue to me was very important for ensuring a smooth start of the service. Since I was unable to see what was happening out front, I relied on his cue. Cues are important, but we need to be careful who we take our cues from. Not just anybody will do.

 

The Passion Translation has the chapter heading, “Characteristics of the Last Days.” Apostle Paul is writing to young Pastor Timothy and boldly lays it on the line: “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce. People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right” (2 Timothy 3:1-3 TPT). I could be wrong, but it appears these scriptures have become a reality in today’s culture.

 

I refuse to take my cues from today’s culture because it usually stands in the opposite direction of  God‘s Spirit. Believers are called to be God lovers, people lovers, humbly gracious, reverent to God, and forgiving of others. I believe our American culture is actively practicing what Jesus talked about in Matthew 12:25 TEV: “Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other will not last very long. And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.”

 

Apostle Paul later admonishes the Romans on how to live as Christ followers in a pagan culture: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Believers need to be brazen enough to wisely decide for ourselves by allowing God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to lead us. Let’s leave the crowd behind and stop allowing society to influence us to do stupid stuff. I recently heard a message about how important it is for a shepherd to keep all the sheep safely together. Because if one wanders away from the flock, others will follow it and fall off the cliff just like the first one. Surely humans are smarter than sheep and won‘t do something silly or ungodly just because someone of influence does it.

 

As believers, let’s not become so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without even thinking. Let’s continue to fix our focus on God and what He wants. If we’re asleep at the wheel, today’s influencers can drag us down to their level of disrespect for God. Many in our culture are faithless, twisted in their thinking, and defy general truth and the truth of God’s Word. They’re far from being trustworthy influencers from whom we should take our cues. I could be wrong, but it appears that some of them have lost their minds.

 

The Key: Let’s continue to conform to God’s standards and not today’s culture.

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for January 29

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Attachments:

Accounts Payable 1-26-2024

Payroll 1-26-2024

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

January 29, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 1/22/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $288,272.48
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $526,700.78
  1. Public Comments
  2. Vance Eden-USD 235 Walking Trail
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-17 County Meeting
  • Commission Comments
  1. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! January 26th Weekly Newsletter

Photograph by L. Wright on July 28th, 2013. Click here to purchase!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until futher notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

1/27 ~ Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” Pool Tournament at Holmtown Pub, $40/per team, lots of great raffles and auction items, 10am-3pm, click here for more information!

1/27 ~ Bracelet Bar Extravaganza: Taylor Swift Tribute Concert Edition at Better in Bourbon, 1-3pm, click here for more information.

1/27 ~ Paint & Pizza at Papa Don’s, “Winter Friends”, $5 to reserve your spot and $20 due at class, 11am-2pm, click here for more information and to sign up!

1/27 ~ RED – Taylor Swift Tribute LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

1/31 ~ Bourbon County Conservation District 78th Annual Meeting at Clover Leaf 4-H Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds, 5:30pm, see flyer below for more information.

1/31 ~ STOP! Sex Trafficking Project sponsored by E3 Ranch Foundation and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton, no children please, for questions or concerns contact 620.215.2681.

1/31 ~ Bourbon County Community Outlook Event at Bourbon County REDI, gain valuable insights on the economic future of Bourbon County from speak Jeremy Hill, 8am-10am, click here for more information and to register.

2/1 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Champion member Riggs Chiropractic, 304 E. 23rd, 8am

2/1 ~ Rep. Jake LaTurner’s mobile office hours at the Chamber, 11:30am-12:30pm, open to the public, click here for info.

2/1 ~ CRP Land Management Workshop in Bronson, 6:30pm, call the Bourbon County Conservation District at 620.223.1880 to reserve your spot.

2/2 ~ Artist Reception at The Artificers featuring Sally Brandon and Kate Freeman, refreshments/artist talks/new art, 6-9pm, click here for more information!

2/3 ~ 2024 Coyote Calling Contest (Care to Share Benefit), three man team, $75 per team, pre-registration required by Jan. 31st, click here for more information and to register.

2/3 ~ Cooking Tips and Tricks at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with Twigs and Berries, cooking on a budget/eliminating food waste and using leftovers/meal planning made easy/including kids in the kitchen, free event to the public, 10am-12pm, click here for more info!

2/3 ~ Fort Scott Youth Basketball Tournament, 3 games, boys and girls 3rd-6th grades, click here for more information.

2/4 ~ Botox and Brows at Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness with The Beauty Lounge Girls, special event pricing, deposit required, contact 620.215.0305 to register, 12-3pm, click here for more information.

2/6 ~ Southeast Kansas Day on the Hill in Topeka, breakfast and networking with Chambers across SEK, State Legislators, SEK businesses, and State Officials, 7:30am.

2/7 ~ Community Connection Panelist Event sponsored by Fort Scott Chamber, free event but registration is requested in order to plan seating, box lunches are available for $10 and need pre-ordered by 2/5, 11:45am-1:00pm, click here for more information and to register.

2/8 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by SparkWheel at Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St., 8am

2/8 ~ Dustin Treiber LIVE at Brickstreet BBQ, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

2/9-10 ~ Prairie Troubadour Catholic Symposium, click here for more information and a full schedule of events.

2/10 ~ Cupid’s Corner Holiday Craft at Buck Run Community Center, ages pre-k – 5th grade, $1/per person, 9-10:30am.

2/10 ~ Timber Hills Lake Ranch Valentine’s Day Special, overnight stay including cabin AND food for two for only $175, visit www.timberhillslakeranch.com to view more or see flyer below!

2/10 ~ Legislative Update/Outlook from our legislators hosted by the Chamber, 10am, location TBA.

2/10 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping event hosted by Fort Scott Chamber, enjoy sweet deals and yummy treats, downtown and around.

SAVE THE DATE!

2/12-17 ~ Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class at The Artificers, 2 hours of wheel throwing as a couple/heavy appetizers catered by Crooners/guaranteed laughs & entertainment, $175 per couple, 6-9pm, see flyer below for more information!

2/17 ~ Care to Share – Evening with Elvis at River Room Events, happy hour and a silent auction at 5:30pm followed with a fantastic dinner and desserts with Twigs and Berries, $25/per person/$50 per couple/and $200 for a table of 8, click here for more information.

2/17 ~ Scouts Pinewood Derby at Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for more details.

2/22 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair hosted by KansasWorks, 2:30pm-5:30pm at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., see flyer below for more information.

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” – Pool Tournament, January 27th!

Cooking Tips and Tricks at HBCAT featuring

Twigs and Berries!

Botox and Brows at Blissful Aesthetics with

The Beauty Lounge!

Timber Hills Lake Valentine’s Day

Sweetheart Special!

Care to Share hosts Evening with Elvis at

The River Room! Tickets on sale @ the Chamber!

Bourbon County Job Fair at Woodland Hills. Businesses are able to scan the QR below to sign up!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

…

Health Care, K-State Extension

Know Your Numbers for a Healthy You

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

I recently completed my annual wellness checkup, including the essential step of having my blood drawn. While I tend to procrastinate on this particular task, I am well aware of its vital importance. Now, let me share some valuable insights on the significance of knowing your numbers:

Cholesterol

  • A waxy substance found in the fats (lipids) in your blood crucial for building and maintaining healthy cells and hormones. It has no symptoms so many people may not be aware of their risk.
  • The recommended target cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
  • About 25% of cholesterol comes from food (meat, fish, dairy), and the rest is produced by the body.
  • There are two forms of cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) — also known as the “bad” cholesterol much can form plaque, clogging arteries and leading to heart disease and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) — the “good” cholesterol, helps clean the artery walls and removes excess bad cholesterol.

 

Triglycerides

  • A type of fat in the bloodstream that provides energy for body tissues to function
  • Like cholesterol, high triglyceride levels (over 200 mg/dL) increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Dietary and lifestyle changes help lower triglyceride levels:
    • Avoid fatty foods and foods high in cholesterol such as processed meat, fried food, and whole-fat dairy products
    • Choose to eat fruits, vegetables, and nonfat or low-fat dairy
    • Opt for foods high in good, unsaturated fats.

Blood Pressure

  • Is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries and can vary due to many factors
  • Normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Facts

Factors like age, diet (too much sodium, too little potassium, calcium, magnesium), excess alcohol, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, stress, and insulin resistance can contribute.  It often has no obvious symptoms but can damage the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys.

  • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Facts

Happens when blood flow is lower than normal and can be caused by dehydration and nutrient deficiency.  Signs can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, thirst, lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, and fatigue.

 

Blood Sugar

  • Blood sugar, or glucose, is a type of sugar in the blood and is a primary fuel for the body. It comes from carbohydrates including sugars, starches, and fiber.
  • The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet with healthy carbohydrates including: Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables without added sugar, whole grains, Low-fat dairy, beans and legumes, and limited sugar
  • Fasting blood sugar, which is measured six to eight hours after a meal provides an accurate measure in non-diabetic individuals.
  • The normal range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. After a meal, blood sugar will rise but not usually above 135 to 140 milligrams per deciliter, leaving a fairly narrow range of blood sugar throughout the entire day.

 

Track Your Heart Health Stats, Together

Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Ask your friends or family to join you in the effort. Check out NHLBI’s my health tracker here:  https://bit.ly/3OfjjEF.

 

Today’s information comes from Keys to Embracing Aging:  Know Your Health Numbers Fact Sheet.  More information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Opinion

Letter To The Editor: Pete Allen

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I read on another post, a description of events in Lindsborg, Ks. and the following is my reply: Their are a lot of differences between Lindsborg and Fort Scott.

Lindsborg is pushing and highlighting what they have, building on their history and entertaining 30,000 people at their 2-day festival. Quite obviously they like what they have and are proud of their heritage. It is a place geared to tourism, and it sounds like they have learned to live within their means.

Quite the opposite for our town. We are being naive about our history and what the future of our town is. Our past leaders have quite simply ignored what makes a town a place where people want to come to visit, play, shop, and stay. Who wants to come to FS with our overflowing sewers, pollution of our waterways, suspect water in our water supply, sewers backing up into homeowners basements, kitchens and bathrooms, restrooms in our parks that takes 2 years to get a water line fixed to a toilet, streets one can barely navigate and a community college in danger of closing, due to lack of funding.

The character of our town, and what brought me back to town, is defined by the old fort, and more importantly, the character of the people who live here. Our citizens are our most important asset, and yet our leaders are more interested in the glitzy, pie-in-the-sky projects that mean nothing to the citizens now, and never will.

Our town is crumbling, and we need to fix it, not build some $300M project south of town that is completely out of character with our heritage.

Where in our comprehensive plan does it suggest such a plan?

FS needs to stop the nonsense perpetrated by BB Co. REDI. and get our town back to the basics of fixing what we have and making it a great place to live.

Overland Park is 90 miles north, we don’t need another one south of FS! I like it like it is, or like it used to be.

My vision of FS is a clean, well maintained, friendly, formerly frontier city, with clean water to drink, sewers that do not pollute, and streets we are proud to own. We need neighborhoods cleaned up and kept that way and available jobs with pay that will sustain a family and make them want to stay in FS.

We have come a long way toward this vision in the past four years and we have a marvelous base, let’s be like Lindsborg and build on it! Our roots are not in commercialization!

Business, Fort Scott

Bowman Purchases Geneva and Son Monument

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The Bowman family. Submitted. Left to right: Miles Bowman, Dan Bowman Leah Bowman holding Blair Selvey, Emily Selvey and Colten Selvey.

Dan Bowman purchased the Geneva and Son Monument business in August 2023, from Kenny and RoAnn Blake, who owned the business for 24 years.

The new business is now called Bowman Monument Co. and Bowman has two employees, Emily Selvey, his daughter, and Colten Selvey, his son-in-law.

These monuments are just a small selection that the business offers. Submitted photo.

The products provided by this business are urns (for funeral cremation) memorials (headstones), grave markers,  monuments, and benches. The services offered are installation, resetting, and cleaning of headstones.

They recently created a bronze plaque that will be placed on the First Colored Infantry  Memorial Mural in downtown Fort Scott.

The bronze plaque will be placed on the historic mural in downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

The location remains the same at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.  The phone number is 620.223.3350, the email address is [email protected].

Business hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

The business site of Bowman Monuments and also D and J Glass Company at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

They are currently putting the final touches on a website, Bowman Monuments.com.

 

D and J Glass Company

These windows are custom to needs for housing, the door is a commercial storefront door. Submitted photo.

In addition, Bowman has housed his other business, D and J Glass at the 111 Scott Avenue site. Formerly the business was on State Street. He has been in the glass business for about eight years, he said.

“I sell new windows and do glass replacement for home and auto, and commercial,” Bowman said.

D and J Glass Company’s phone number is 620.223.1220.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Broadband Grants Available

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Broadband Acceleration Grant Makes $10M Available

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $10 million is available to enhance broadband infrastructure statewide through the Broadband Acceleration Grant program. Grants funded through this program are designed to offset the capital expenses needed to deploy in unserved areas.

In its fourth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and areas of compelling need.

“Empowering communities through broadband infrastructure buildout allows Kansas to lean into our innovative spirit as we grow businesses, keep talent here, and pursue new opportunities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The IKE program is a great example of how state agencies, local communities and the private sector provide high speed internet to all Kansans.”

During the first three years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to 8,000 homes and businesses in 25 counties. The cumulative $15 million generated another $17.5 million in matching funds.

“The IKE Program is founded on strong partnerships to leverage investments in critical infrastructure sectors, like broadband,” Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “I’m proud KDOT investments support Kansas communities to meet the needs of businesses and citizens now and in the future.”

The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is action-oriented to connect all Kansans. Through this ongoing infrastructure investment, Kansas aspires to be a top 10 state for broadband, improving the lives of Kansans and fostering economic growth for all.

“It is important to focus taxpayer resources on projects that provide sustainable economic benefits that help to grow our state and will encourage people to live and do business in Kansas,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “The IKE program and the Broadband Acceleration Grant accomplishes that by providing high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing the areas that need it the most.”

“Expanding access to quality broadband services not only helps to develop our Kansas workforce but provides more tools for small businesses as well, which is why we included it in the IKE Transportation program,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “After four years of this program, I’m looking forward to seeing the difference these grants make in our underserved communities.”

Key highlights for the fourth round of the Broadband Acceleration Grant program include:

  • Maximum grant funding request of $1 million
  • Qualifying program speed of 100/20 Megabits Per Second (Mbps)
  • Requirement of 50% matching funds for the project, including the possibility of an in-kind match of up to 50% of the required match
  • Co-investment required by sources other than the applicant

“Building digital infrastructure enables KOBD to serve underserved and unserved Kansans, supporting buildout in previously neglected areas,” Office of Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “The Broadband Acceleration Program allows KOBD to strategically align with our Five-Year Action Plan, working towards the goal of bringing affordable broadband to every corner of the state.”

The application period runs from January 29 to March 11. The Office of Broadband Development will have a kickoff webinar from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 29. For more information about the program, register for the webinar, or to apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Rescheduled FSCC Trustees Meeting Agenda for January 29

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January 29, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, January 29, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort
Scott Community College at noon, 12 p.m.

1.22.24 Consent Agenda-actually for 1.29-final

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Review of Programs – John Deere, 4
D. Conflict of Interest Disclosure, 4
E. Affirmation of Service, 4
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 5
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2024, 6
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS FOR 2024, 7
CONSENT AGENDA, 8
A. Approval of Agenda, 8
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on December 18, 2023, 9
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 10
D. Approval of deposit of proceeds ($623,971.50) from the sale of 902 S. Horton into fund 12, 8
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 8
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 30
A. Foundation Donation, 30
B. Institutional Workstudy, 30
C. Five Year Financial Plan, 30
D. Administrative Restructure, 30
ACTION ITEMS, 32
A. Consideration of John Deere Certificate, 32
B. Approval of Revision to the Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture – John Deere, 33
C. Consideration of Heavy Equipment Operation Program, 341
D. Review and Approval of FSCC Mission, Core Values, and Vision Statement, 35
E. Approval of 2024-25 Academic Calendar, 36
F. Approval of Bank Signer Resolution, 38
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 40
REPORTS, 42
A. Higher Learning Commission
B. Gordon Parks Museum,
C. Foundation
D. Administration
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 52
ADJOURNMENT, 53
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• January 29, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2

 

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2024
Information Officer
(Previously Juley McDaniel)
Clerk of the Board
(Previously Juley McDaniel)
Treasurer
(Previously Marianne Culbertson)
KPERS Representative
(Previously Juley McDaniel)
KACCT Representative and
Council of Presidents Representative
(Previously Kirk Hart and Robert Nelson)
Greenbush Representative
(Previously John Bartelsmeyer)
Designated Bank for General Fund
(Previously Landmark National Bank)
Designated Attorney
(Previously Zackery Reynolds)
Official Newspaper
(Previously The Fort Scott Tribune)7

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on December 18, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF DEPOSIT OF PROCEEDS ($623,971.50) FROM THE SALE OF 902 S.
HORTON INTO FUND 12

E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions
a) Vickie Laderer, Associate Dean of Health Programs, effective December 15, 2023
b) Ively Pride, Louisiana MEP Regional Recruiter , effective January 1, 2024
c) Yasmine Lennon, Educational Specialist, effective January 1, 2024

2) Separations
a) Emily Hoffman, MEP, effective December 31, 2023

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp8

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
December 11, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer personally thanked Board members Dave Elliott,
Kirk Hart, and Robert Nelson for their time on the Board, noting that each has been so helpful. Board member Jim
Fewins agreed.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda, including the additional purchase order list provided.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
academic scholarships as presented, with further discussion regarding D1 flat scholarships to come.
B. A motion was made by Elliott seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to approve the contract
for the sale of the property at 902 S. Horton to USD 234 for $625,000.
C. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Elliott and carried by unanimous vote to authorize President
Kegler to complete appropriate transfers of funds and related paperwork to fulfill the debt obligation to
CHCSEK for this property.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed items of appreciation and correspondence.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Instruction,
Finance and Operations, Athletics, and Student Services, and President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Elliott and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 7:25 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected
personnel as it relates to organizational structure with action expected to follow. The board invited Dr. Kegler, Juley
McDaniel, Sonia Gugnani, and Gina Shelton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 7:36 pm by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session.
A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to add an item to the agenda for
Consideration of Health Programs Division.
A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart and carried by unanimous vote to approve the addition of a Health
Programs Division within Academic Affairs which will have primary oversight for nursing, allied health, and EMT.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:38 pm by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk9

Obituary

Obituary of Joseph Rash

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Joseph Wayne Rash, age 43, a resident of Garland, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at his home. He was born June 26, 1980, in Kansas City, the son of Wayne Cecil Rash and Donna Mae Cole Rash.

Joseph enjoyed reading about history, collecting comic books and movies, and spending time on the computer.

He attended the Hannon Freewill Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri. Joseph loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and had read the entire Bible.

Survivors include his mother, Donna Rash; three sisters, Rosemary Harris of Ft. Scott, Kay Wallace of Pittsburg, Kansas and Donna Hassan of Cady, Texas and three brothers, Glenn Rash of Ft. Scott, Cecil Rash of Topeka, Kansas and Roy Rash of Independence, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, two brothers, Wesley Wallace and Henry Rash and a sister, Sherry Palmer.

There was cremation. A memorial service with burial in the Dayton Cemetery will be held at a later.

Memorials are suggested to the Joseph Rash Memorial Fund 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 Local News