Josh Jones Chosen For FS City Commission
Josh Jones, 39, was sworn in this week to serve on the Fort Scott City Commission, replacing Jolynne Mitchel, who resigned.
Jones was born and raised in Fort Scott and has several businesses in the community.
“I have rental houses and I run Bourbon County Cars,” he said. “I also work part-time as a bus driver for USD 234 and FSCC
Jones believes it’s a cumulation of life lessons learned that give him the experience and qualities to serve on the commission.
“I have made many mistakes in life but find a way to learn and grow with each mistake,” Jones said. ” My favorite quote is ‘Show me a man who never made a mistake and I will show you one who never tried anything.’”
“We have to understand we will make mistakes but how you learn and grow from those mistakes is what we need to focus on,” he said.
“I have always told my children if you want to come to me to complain about something, then you better follow it up with a solution to try,” he said. “I feel like Fort Scott is in a period where we need some new ideas to continue to move forward and I felt like I wanted to help any way I could and felt like being a commissioner was a good way to bring solutions or ideas to concerns I had.”
“My duty as a commissioner is to serve the citizens of Fort Scott the best way I think is possible,” Jones said. “Every decision we make comes back to one thing. Citizens.”
Jones said he has ideas about the future of Fort Scott.
“However I am one of five commissioners and I feel like it’s not about my ideas but rather about the ideas of the five of us as a whole,” he said. “I look forward to getting into the mentality that the five of us are a team and the new things on the horizons will be a collaborative effort from all of us.”
FS Commission Work Session Is Dec. 8
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 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 Charter Ordinance No. 31 and the upcoming sales tax ballot vote. 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.
FS Design Review Board Meets Dec. 8
The Design Review Board will meet on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street, and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Rural Preservation Grants Available
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Preservation Grant Applications Now Available
TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are now available for the Kansas Historical Society’s Kansas Rural Preservation grant program through the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Earlier this year, the Kansas Historical Society received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program. Those funds are now being offered through this subgrant program to the owners of historic properties for repair and rehabilitation projects.
A complete program description, application information, and application link are available online at kshs.org/20430. The application deadline is midnight on March 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted online via the weblink above.
“The Kansas Historical Society has been actively working to preserve and share Kansas history for nearly 150 years,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Paul Bruhn grants will go a long way in ensuring historic properties across the state can get the upkeep and treatment they need, so we can continue to celebrate and learn about our rich history for generations to come.”
Applicants must own a property listed in the National Register of Historic Places individually or as a contributing property in a National Register-listed historic district or have their property determined eligible for listing before the grant application is submitted. Properties determined eligible must be listed officially to the National Register during the grant period. The property must be within a community with a population of less than 30,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census and applicants must provide justification of their rural location as part of the application. Property owners may not be the State or federal governments.
Grantees can receive between $5,000 and $50,000. The grant reimburses 90 percent of eligible project activities up to the award amount and grant recipients shall provide 10 percent of the cost of eligible project activities as match.
All rehabilitation work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards & Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Eligible activities include professional services (architect and engineering fees) and projects involving the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of an eligible property. Repairs involving building components such as walls, doors, windows, chimneys, roofing, and foundations are eligible activities. Projects involving the preservation or restoration of non-building properties such as archeological sites, parks, cemeteries, bridges, and monuments are also eligible. Because this grant is supported by funding administered by the National Park Service, projects must follow federal project requirements including competitive selection of contractors and consultants. In addition, an easement will be placed on the property following the project completion.
Kansas Historical Society staff members will offer a free webinar with specifics for this program at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. Staff members will discuss the application process, approaches to writing the application, and answer questions about the program. Contact the Historic Preservation Office at 785-272-8681, ext. 240; or [email protected] to register for this workshop or to request additional information.
KCC Virtually Discusses Evergy’s Plan on Dec. 3
The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a virtual workshop tomorrow to discuss details of Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan
What: The Kansas Corporation Commission is holding the first of four virtual workshops tomorrow, beginning immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting, to learn more about Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) and how it will affect ratepayers.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2020 immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting (approximately 10:30 a.m.).
Where: The workshop will be broadcast on the KCC’s YouTube Channel.
Details: Each workshop will cover a specific topic related to the plan. The subject of tomorrow’s workshop is Grid Modernization Investments. Evergy representatives will make a presentation followed by questions from Commissioners and intervenors in the general investigation docket. The Commission opened the investigation to evaluate whether the STP is in the public interest.
The general investigation docket is available on the KCC’s website at:
FSCC receives generous donation from Robert and Sylvia Bailey
FSCC receives generous donation from Robert & Sylvia Bailey
Fort Scott, Ks–Fort Scott Community College received a generous donation from former Greyhounds Robert (Bob) and Sylvia Bailey for $100,000. FSCC is extremely grateful to the Bailey family for their continued support of the FSCC foundation and the greater Fort Scott community
“I was overwhelmed with Bob and Sylvia’s generosity when I opened their letter and saw the check! Bob and Sylvia’s continued support of Fort Scott Community College reflect their belief in giving back to their community. The Baileys our passionate about giving FSCC students the opportunity to accomplish their dreams, and helping FSCC have a positive economic impact on Bourbon County,” FSCC President, Alysia Johnston said.
FSCC fosters an atmosphere of learning and supporting students to continue their education. The type of contribution given by Mr. and Mrs. Bailey is utilized to ensure students have a tremendous experience while attending FSCC and lay the framework for educating the next generation of leaders.
“I am extremely grateful for the unbelievably generous gift to the Fort Scott Community College foundation. Robert and Sylvia Bailey have been outstanding contributors to the college for many years. This latest gift shows their commitment to Fort Scott Community College and the future success of our campus,” said Chief Development Officer, Jeff Tadtman.
FSCC is extremely thankful for all of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey’s contributions, which continue to positively impact student learning.
CDC Shortens Quarantine Periods
CDC Announces Shortened COVID-19 Quarantine Periods
Counties may opt in to similar guidance in Kansas
TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plan to reduce the quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19, KDHE is issuing similar guidance in Kansas. Counties may choose to opt in to the shortened quarantine period, either 10 or 7 days with testing, or continue with the 14 days.
“KDHE continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine and monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The incubation for this disease is still 14 days. The guidance is being changed at a federal level to encourage more people to get tested and encourage better compliance with quarantines.”
With the shortened quarantine period there are two options, one with testing and one without, with both requiring the individual to be symptom-free. Due to high risk situations, those residents in long-term care and assisted facilities as well as offender populations in Kansas Department of Corrections prisons, are not eligible for shortened quarantine periods in any county.
Individuals should check with their local health departments regarding the quarantine recommendations specific to their county.
7-Day Quarantine (Testing and No Symptoms)
- After exposure, individual must monitor symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 7 days.
- If there are no symptoms during this time frame, on or after Day 5, the individual may get a PCR test (antigen and antibody tests are NOT allowed for this purpose).
- If the test is negative and the person remains symptom-free, the individual can be removed from quarantine on or after Day 7.
- If Testing Results are pending on Day 7, the individual must not leave quarantine until results are received.
10-Day Quarantine (No Testing and No Symptoms)
- After exposure, you monitor yourself for symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 10 days.
- If you have no symptoms during the 10 days, you can be released from the quarantine without a test.
KDHE recommends all exposed people should self-monitor for 14 days from exposure and contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop. The disease can still develop through day 14.
For questions in your community, please contact your local health department. For those contacts being monitored by the KDHE, the computer system is currently being transitioned to allow for the shortened time periods, so those participating with KDHE may continue to experience monitoring calls during the transition period.
BoCo Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of Dec. 2
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2020
- Welcome: Nine members representing eight agencies attended.
- Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board was awarded $1,803.50 from the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Trust Fund. Janet Braun, daughter of the Irbys, had notified her of the award.
- The next Red Cross blood drive will be held on December 15 and 16 at Buck Run. Due to Covid, it is best for donors to make appointments because “walk-in donors” are not guaranteed to be accepted.
- There is a vacancy on the Coalition Board; interested Coalition members should contact Billie Jo.
- Billie Jo shared the following email announcement from Tammy Alcantar: The Crawford County Health Department is still taking referrals for the programs they offer in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Case Management Teen Wrap for moms aged 10-20 on Kan Care insurance, and Early Detection Works. Prenatal classes per Zoom will begin in January.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, informed members that she does have a three bedroom unit available for a family and possibly a two bedroom unit soon. Patty can also assist people with the application process for the Kansas Eviction Protection Program.
- Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, noted that she had recently assisted a Fort Scott family who had lost everything in a home fire.
- Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that Red Cross is performing virtual deployment to disasters due to Covid. She and Cinda are also involved in online training for new Red Cross procedures. Of special note, Nancy announced the “Aunt Bertha” webpage that allows users to access all resources available in their areas. Simply type “Aunt Bertha” into a search engine and follow the links.
- Sandra Haggard, RSVP, thanked members for helping with the RSVP poinsettia fundraiser; the group sold 200 flowers.
- Michelle Worsley, SEK CAP Head Start, noted that they have openings in both the 3-5 and Birth to 3 programs. Head Start is an income based program where parents are taught how to work with their children to ensure school readiness.
- Robin Griffin, Thrive, shared that she is in charge of the Opioid Coalition which includes Bourbon County. She mentioned that FDA approved sharps containers can be obtained at the Health Department. She also reminded members that CHC does offer MAT: Medication Assisted Treatment.
- Amanda Gilmore, Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse, introduced Ann Dare, a first time Coalition attendee. She shared that their group is looking for a building; they meet on Wednesdays at noon and Thursday evenings.
- Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest):
- Open Forum: Following discussion concerning the low attendance numbers, the consensus of the group was to hold a Zoom meeting on January 6. Robin will be the Zoom host; notification of the meeting will be sent via email.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 6, 2021, on Zoom.
Laree and Co. Boutique Grand Opening Dec. 5
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Virtual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, Dec. 4
The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many local events, but one annual event, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour has created an online opportunity for the community to enjoy.
“Last spring we began expanding park programming by creating virtual opportunities for visitors including online programs/events and virtual visits,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management, said. “As we moved into the fall and began planning for the 39th annual Candlelight Tour, we understand that not everyone is ready to travel. We want to have alternative opportunities and provide an event that was safe and available to those who have traditionally participated and for those who are unable to travel to the park. We hope everyone enjoys our virtual rendition of the Fort Scott Candlelight Tour, Friday, December 4, 2020, at 7 pm on the park’s web page (www.nps.gov/fosc).”
Brenner described the six vignettes that comprise the tour.
- Scene 1-Hospital – Health and Care of the Soldiers. This scene is a depiction of healthcare and hospital conditions on the frontier. Actors in this scene are Skip Thomas and Reed Hartford, with a depiction of sick patients by Aiden Mann and Daxson Ruggero
- Scene 2- Stables – Health and Care of the Horses. Horses were one of the most important tools of the Dragoon soldier. Sometimes horses were treated better than the soldiers. Actors are Brett Dawson, Jericho Jones, and Jesse Dineen.
- Scene 3- Mess Hall – Lifestyle, Comfort, Camaraderie. Enlisted soldiers had a less formal or private life. They ate, slept, and worked in crowded conditions. Actors are Wayne, Dee, and Barrett Young.
- Scene 4-Officers’ Quarters – Lifestyle, Wealth, Comfort. With greater responsibility came greater space, freedoms, and comfort. Actors are George and Diane Bernheimer.
Scene 6: a depiction of the officers quarters at Fort Scott. Submitted photos. - Scene 5- Quartermaster Storehouse – Supplies, Preparedness, struggles. The Quartermaster, and his staff, kept all aspects of the fort running. They also knew what was really happening on the post. Actors are Barry Geertsen and Frankie Ruggero.
- Scene 6-Guardhouse – Discipline, Law and Order, Punishment. To ensure their soldiers were ready for whatever task they were assigned, discipline was a frequently used motivational tool on the frontier. Actors are Lucas Leininger and Casey Gomez.
The scenes and their introductions are being filmed by Barry Geertsen, Laura Abbott, and Abby Schauer from the park staff.
Brenner gave a little background of how the pandemic is affecting the NPS and Fort Scott in particular.
“We, like many Park Service sites, have experienced a reduction in visitation,” he said. ” We have taken this time to reach out to a broader audience. We continue to develop virtual opportunities for visitors and content for teachers to engage their students. Two such projects include: working with educators to develop curriculum around the Missouri Compromise; and to engage students to research and develop videos around African American heroes from the Fort Scott area.”
The park staff has increased their online presence during the pandemic, Brenner said.
“Sharing park stories through Facebook and Instagram is not new,” he said. “However, we have been increasing these opportunities to share more of the park’s stories and connect with a broader audience.”