Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 23

Leave a comment
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 23, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2ndDistrict-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rdDistrict-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING
WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey/Will Wallis – Road and Bridge Report/Disaster 4449-KS Project Details and Total
Summary
Lora Holdridge – 1989 Reappraisal Map
Resolution 15-21: Sewer District Bond Refinance
County Counselor
Public comment
Commission comment
Opinion

God’s beeline to you

1 Comment
Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker

 

Several years ago I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was fiddling around in the fencerow and made a bumble bee ferociously mad. He stung me; I took off running, and he came after me, stinging me again and again. I didn’t waste time zigging and zagging as I flew past my in-law’s back door and ran around to the front door. I didn’t bother to knock or ring the door bell either. I barged in and slammed the door, leaving the mad bee behind me. My nephew was standing in the kitchen grinning, because he’d witnessed my 100-yard dash. Dakota was really amused by my ability to streak fully clothed past the back window. And I was shocked at how relentless that bumble bee was in stinging me. He obviously hated my guts and didn’t even know me!

The definition of beeline is: (1) a direct route traveled quickly; (2) to go directly and quickly toward someone or something. I like to think about the fact that God is making a beeline toward me when I call on Him. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a NKJV). Believers have a marvelous privilege in belonging to God. Even though circumstances may sometimes be challenging, we can live with assurance and hope in His faithfulness and unfailing love. God is for us in Christ, and this is the gospel in a nutshell.

Nothing can keep those who belong to Christ from receiving the benefits of God’s love. “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39 NKJV). It would be to our spiritual advantage if we would meditate on these verses until we really grabbed ahold of the truth of God’s fervent love for us.

Most parents understand that it’s their responsibility and privilege to supply the needs of their children. Those needs come in the form of love, protection, spiritual training, nurturing, discipline, teaching, etc. Almighty God is above and beyond earthly parents, but He is our heavenly Father and He desires to demonstrate his love and provide for all of our needs. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). Jesus has already gone through hell and high water for us, so we shouldn’t be shy in asking for God’s help in whatever capacity we need. Life is like a book with lots of chapters and each one is different. You may need a financial miracle today, but next year you’ll need something else. Just keep in mind that God has an unbeaten track record of doing what others say can’t be done.

When God steps in and really shows off in my life, I feel like the Israelites when they traveled in the wilderness for 40 years. They followed the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. They were never left on their own because the cloud and fire symbolized God‘s presence. God went ahead of them and made a way when there seemed to be no way. All their needs were met — He supplied their food, and their clothes and sandals didn’t even wear out.

Key: God will make a beeline to you if you‘ll ask; just make sure you’ve slammed the door on the devil.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Let’s Keep the Gardening Trend Going in 2021

1 Comment
Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Last year at this time, I wrote an article on how gardens could provide some food security to us during the chaotic time we were all living through. There was a huge interest in gardening. I remember how our local suppliers couldn’t keep vegetable transplants on the shelves! They were selling out that fast. Many folks tried gardening for the very first time. I hope the same interest in gardening continues this year.

Even if you didn’t give gardening a shot last year, start this year! If you are thinking to yourself that you have never grown anything in your life and just don’t think it’s possible, let me assure you that it is possible. Even for the most novice! You might be thinking that you don’t have space for a garden, or maybe you don’t have a tiller or other equipment. Don’t let that stop you because almost all vegetables can be grown in containers.

The containers don’t have to be anything fancy. Literally, anything that can hold soil and have drain holes drilled in the bottom can be used. Containers that are 16 to 24 inches in diameter work well. Containers less that 12 inches are probably too small – except for lettuces. The most important component of growing vegetables in a container is getting the right potting media. Potting mixes are ideal (instead of soil from your yard). The components are lightweight and hold water and oxygen much better. Make certain that you don’t forget to drill some drainage holes into the bottom of the container.

Fertilizer should be added at planting time and mixed into the soil. If you want to go the organic route, mix blood meal or bone meal into the soil before planting. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, add a slow-release type when preparing the container.

Another benefit to growing vegetables in containers – you don’t have to fight the weather quite as much. Right now, traditional garden soils are way too wet to even think about planting. But with the container system, you can keep them dry inside a garage until you are ready to plant.

Early spring is the ideal time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, radish, onions, carrots and potatoes. All can be easily grown in containers, even potatoes!

Gardening is a great stress reliever. If you have kids at home, gardening is the perfect activity to get them outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, all while learning at the same time!

Here’s where I come in. I have lots of resource material to help you. The ”Kansas Garden Guide” is a full-color, in-depth guide to planting a garden. It is available in each of our Extension offices for $6. This is one of our only publications that we charge for, but it is worth it. Another very useful publication is “Growing Vegetables in Pots.” You can find a link to this publication and others by visiting our Southwind Extension District website and clicking on the “lawn and garden” tab: www.southwind.ksu.edu

In addition, I’m always available by phone, e-mail or social media to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! In Extension, we say there are no “dumb” questions. I am here to help you in any way that I can.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Filings Extended to May 17

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Extensions for Certain 2020 Kansas Tax Filings

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas 2020 individual income tax, fiduciary income tax, and Homestead or Property tax relief refund claim filings are extended to May 17, 2021, bringing our state in line with the Internal Revenue Service tax-filing and payment deadline extension.

If a balance due is paid on or before May 17, 2021, penalty and fees will not be imposed. These extensions are outlined and executed through Kansas Department of Revenue Notice 21-01.

“Though COVID-19 cases continue to decline, signaling our return to normalcy, Kansas families are still assessing the full scope of the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “Extending the deadline gives needed relief for Kansans to fully account for the pandemic’s impact and complete their state returns accurately.”

No additional forms are required to benefit from the extension. The due dates for Kansas individual estimated tax payments has not changed.

For specific questions about a state tax filing, taxpayers can contact the Kansas Taxpayer Assistance Center at 785-368-8222, Monday through Friday, 8 am-4:45 pm, or by email at [email protected].

See Notice 21-01 here.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting March 23 to Approve Hiring New City Attorney

Leave a comment

The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to approve an ordinance to hire Robert L. Farmer as City Attorney. They will also hear a request for the use of Gunn Park on April 9th.

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

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Meets March 23 For Work Session

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the relocation of the offices at City Hall to the Bourbon County Courthouse. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott: March 19 Edition

Leave a comment
What’s Happening
in Fort Scott
MARCH 19th
Weekly Edition
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
3/19 & – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes 3/19 thru 3/25 Now Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry, Chaos Walking. Click here to view showtimes.
3/18 & 3/19- Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
3/19- Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, drive-thru only, order on arrival, or preorder by texting or calling Dale Cation at 620-224-8382, 5-6:30 pm, Kennedy Gym, min. $5 suggested donation per dinner. Last Friday
State your selection when ordering:
1 – Catfish, French fries, and coleslaw
2 – Catfish, cod, French fries, and coleslaw
3 – Cod, French fries, and coleslaw
3/19 thru 3/21- SPRING FLING! LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!
Participating stores Downtown and around Fort Scott! Calling all artists of all ages! Come between March 19th & 21st in the Downtown Historic District or in front of another participating store & post to the Chamber Facebook Page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” to be included in judging with using #fortscottshopart. Prizes for Novice & advanced Divisions, to be determined by judges! Shop Hop and get you a Lollipop from participating retailers (Poster displayed in Window) Clickhere to view the full details or visit our website at www.fortscott.com.
Participating Retailers: Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK! bookstore, Laree + Co, Iron Star Antique & Such, The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique, Star Emporium General Store, Treasure Hunt Flea Market
3/20 – Paint in the Park ~ Creative Signs comes to Gunn Park in Fort Scott for Paint Class. $25 (16 x 20) 1 am – 4 pm. 1010 Park Ave. Click hereto view FB Page.
3/20- Pickleball from 8-10 am at Memorial Hall, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page herefor any location changes or cancelations. Tuesdays 6-8pm, Thursdays 6-8pm & Saturdays 8-10am.
3/20 & 3/21 – Old Fort Sharp Shooters Club Hollister Shooting Range Open every 1st & 3rd weekend of each month1 to 5 pm. Visit their Facebook Page to learn more about the club and prices. Open to the Public. Click hereto view FB
3/20- Pickleball from 8-10 am at Memorial Hall, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page herefor any location changes or cancelations. Tuesdays 6-8pm, Thursdays 6-8pm & Saturdays 8-10am.
3/22 – SHARY’S PUB & GRUB OPEN INTERVIEWS! 16 N. National Ave. All Positions! Wait Staff, Bartenders, and Kitchen Staff Monday 2 – 4 pm.
3/23 – 3/25 KANSAS WORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR 3 Day Event. Register on-line.
3/24 FSCC Basketball @ Home vs. Labette Community College 7 pm to 9:30 pm
3/25- Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Nevada Regional Medical Center being held at Common Ground Coffee Co., Landing Room. 8 am 12 E. Wall. St. Please join us to welcome the New Chamber Members and meet a couple of their Staff Members and learn about the services they offer.
3/26 ~ FSCC Aggie Days
3/27 ~ Care to Share Garage Sale 8 am-Noon
3/27 ~ Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park
10 am by the Kiwanis Club
3/27 ~ Spring Pop Up Event featuring Perry’s
Pork Rinds & Blue Spoon | Tractor Supply
from 10:30 am until 4 pm
3/27 ~ FSCC Basketball @ Home vs. Hesston
College 4 pm to 6:30 pm
3/27 ~ Bourbon County HPA Spring Program
TheComanche a Living History 6:30 -9:30 PM
at the Old Congregational Church
3/27 ~ Kansas Rocks Riding a Night of Fun
7 am until Midnight
3/22 thru 4/2- Art is Ageless Exhibit Fort Scott Presbyterian Village showing!
Seniors of the Fort Scott Community 65 + submitted art to be on display. Artists compete in nine categories, including painting, drawing, photography, quilting, and sculpture, and maybe designated as amateur or professional. Questions on viewing call 620.223.5550 and talk to Megan Brillhart. Located at 2401 S. Horton
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
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
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.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP
+ SIDEWALK CHALK
ART CONTEST!
MARCH 19TH THRU 21ST
STORES DOWNTOWN
&
AROUND FORT SCOTT!
NEWS FROM KOMB FM!
KANSAS WORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR!
MARCH 23RD, 24TH & 25TH
REGISTER IN ADVANCE!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!
Chamber Coffee Hosted on Thursday, March 25th at Common Ground Coffee Company at 8 am.
…

[Message clipped]  View entire message

Government

Senator Marshall’s 117th Congress Assignments

Leave a comment

Sen. Marshall Announces Agriculture, HELP, Small Business, and Energy Subcommittee Assignments for 117th Congress

 

(Washington, D.C., March 19, 2021) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., announced his subcommittee assignments for the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee; the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee; and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the 117th Congress.

“I am honored to be named to these important subcommittees as they give our state a seat at the table when it comes to protecting the Kansas way of life and tackling the many issues facing our nation,” said Senator Marshall. “As a fifth generation farm kid, someone who has spent many years leading businesses in a variety of fields, and as a physician, I look forward to adding the Kansas perspective to each of these subcommittees.”

The Senator’s subcommittee assignments are as follows. You may click on each subcommittee for more information.

Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Bailey Lyons Opens New Realty Business

Leave a comment
Bailey Lyons. Submitted photo.

Bailey Lyons is a lady on the move.

 

“After more than three years as a realtor in Bourbon County, I decided to launch my own independent brokerage,” Lyons said. “It was a dream of mine to open…in my hometown.”

 

 

Lyon’s real estate business has grown over the years from repeat business and word-of-mouth introductions of friends, family, and neighbors, she said.

 

Lyons Realty Group’s new office is at 8 E. Wall St., in the recently restored Tribune Building. The office is part of the LaRoche family’s investment in the block of storefronts at Wall and National Avenue.

 

Katie Hueston is the business’s office administrator.

Katie Hueston. Credit photo: Facebook page of Lyons Realty Group.

 

“We invite you to stop in and visit anytime,” Lyons said. “Stay tuned for more details regarding a grand opening in the very near future.”

 

She can be reached via phone at (620)266-9448, or email at [email protected].

 

Born and raised in Fort Scott, Lyons values this community.

 

“Growing up in this wonderful community was a blessing,” she said. I want to see it grow, thrive, and evolve, and I love playing a small part in that. The many benefits of small-town, Midwest living is not lost on me, especially since I have chosen to raise my family here. It is a true joy to help people fall in love with our little gem, and allow other families to call this place home.”

 

“Up until I found my calling in real estate, I worked in banking and finance, a background that compliments real estate and one that I capitalize on to help my clients as they work through the loan process or contemplate financial decisions.”

 

“I care about giving clients sound advice they can trust and truly want the best for them,” she said.

 

She works with a team of professionals that include marketing, lenders, home inspectors, title companies, financial advisors, and attorneys.

 

Bailey and husband Nate reside in Fort Scott with their four children, Addison-19 years old, Jhett and Jaxon-7 , and Lute-3.

 

Lyons and her family have played an active role in the community and the new business will carry on that tradition, she said.

 

“At Lyons Realty Group, we want to give back to the community that supports us,” she said. “Our business wouldn’t exist without the support of this community. It’s our goal not to express in words how much we appreciate that support, but to display it in action and deed.”

 

She is dedicated to getting top dollar for clients while making the process “enjoyable, smooth and stress-free.”

 

“Buying or selling a home is a deeply personal endeavor,” she said. “Our clients deserve the full service and attention that only a team of experts can consistently provide.”

 

 

“Working with us, you will have personal attention, professionalism, honesty, integrity, and extremely hard work ethic,” she said.

 

Lyons said she loves what she does.

 

“I hope that shows,” she said. “I am sincerely grateful that I get to work with wonderful clients, in a wonderful community. It is truly an honor and a pleasure.”

 

Lyons attended The University of Kansas where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in both finance and accounting, as well as her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

She has worked in Tulsa and Kansas City but ultimately made her way back to Fort Scott.

Activity This Weekend

This weekend the new business is a part of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.

“Bring the kids and have them draw their dream house in front of Lyons Realty Group’s new downtown office,” she said.

“Put your name in for a drawing for a prize from us,” she said.  “And of course, don’t forget to snap a pic or two and tag us on Facebook at @lyonsrealtygrp and use the hashtag #lyonsrealtygroup. Chalk and lollipops are provided!”

 

Fort Scott, Housing

GNAT City Clean-Up: Curbside Limb Pick Up Starts Today

Leave a comment

At the Good Neighbor Action Team kick-off meeting on March 18, there was lots of energy and ideas, according to Craig Campbell who is spearheading the helping group.

Following are the notes from Campbell about the meeting.

“We have started a curbside limb pick up. 

“Starts today (March 19) and will go until no longer needed. 

“We would appreciate assistance when loading at the property, if able, and a donation to the GNAT in care of the city.

“They would text 620-224-0167 to schedule the service.

 

“We lead off the meeting with a talk by (Bourbon County Appraiser) Clint Anderson.  It is a common misconception that maintaining your home such as paint, window repair, siding repair, will increase the valuation and thus increase taxes. 

 

“We had similar concerns during the East Wall Street Blitz in May 2015. 

 

“At that time, we had Judy Wallis, county appraiser, attend a meeting with residents to go over the specifics of the effects of repairs on property valuations. 

 

“If painting were to take a house on the appraiser list from sub standard to standard, that would raise the valuation slightly.  To offset that, the homeowner can apply for a Neighborhood Revitalization Program waiver of 95% of the increase for 5 to 15 years depending on the type of property. 

 

This program is available for repairs, renovations, or new construction at any time.

 

“Next, new (Fort Scott) city manager Jeremy Frazier spoke about his experience with a similar group to GNAT called Cushing Pride.  They had monthly work days to pick up trash, paint, and other things.

 

“Bailey Lyons is organizing a downtown clean up for April 16th at 3 p.m. 

 

“It was thought that we would use that time coupled with Earth Day on the 22nd to have a GNAT clean up day on Saturday the 17th from 8-11 a.m.

 

“The location of the effort will be determined in the next couple of days. 

 

“We are most likely going to have a standing day of projects going forward. 

 

“The team liked the idea of every 3rd Saturday from 8-11 a.m. 

“We would start with a few minutes of donuts and coffee, conversation, then work. We will still assist citizens with individual projects.

 

“We are exploring having a t-shirt for volunteers and may seek corporate sponsorship to preserve the GNAT funds.

 

“We are creating a team of volunteers that will assist citizens to fill out forms from the USDA 504 Repair program. 

“Many times people contact us to volunteer but the physical work is not possible. 

 

“Helping people complete government forms and assist in the follow up is a great what for them to help. 

 

“These forms allow homeowners to apply for grants and/or low interest loans up to $15,000.  These grants or loans can be used to repair heating or cooling units, roofs, winterize windows and doors, painting, to name just a few. 

 

“We have set a goal of bringing into Bourbon County $200,000 in 2021.”

Bourbon County Local News