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Obituary

Obituary of Donald Russell

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Donald “Don” Russell, 74, went to be with his heavenly father on March 8, 2024, after a long fight with kidney and heart disease.

He was born in Kansas City, KS on November 18, 1949, to James L. Russell and Ruth E. Selbe. He was accompanied in birth that day by his twin sister, Maurita “Rita” Garnette Russell (West).  Don and Rita were eventually a part of a family that included 12 boys and 2 girls.

While the family moved a number of times, a good part of Don’s formative years were spent in or near Fulton, Kansas.  Don’s father, James Lowell Russell passed away on November 29, 1964, at the age of 51.

He married Linda Sue Parrent in Shawnee, Kansas on March 27, 1971, at the home of Linda’s parents.  Don had one daughter Jamie Payton, and three sons, Casey, Les and Matthew “Matt” Russell.

Around 1974, Don and Linda came to Fort Scott, KS and settled to live.  Shortly after the move to Fort Scott he went to work for the City of Fort Scott in the water department.  He continued to work for the city of Fort Scott for his entire career, retiring as the city Economic Development Director.  Over the course of his career, he led, or supported numerous economic development initiatives for the city and Bourbon County.

He was also active in a number of community organizations, helping others.  For many years, he was an active sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous and he served for years on the Bourbon County Drug and Alcohol Council.  He also served the community as a reserve police officer for a number of years in his free time from responsibilities at the city.

However, as a member of such a large family, his largest presence was as a husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.  The Russell family (and the varying surnames that branch off from them) are a large family that loves to gather together.  Don was an integral, and beloved part of those gatherings, and will be greatly missed by all of his siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Wherever the Russell family gathered together, cars played an important role in those gatherings.  Don and many of his brothers loved restoring automobiles.  If you drove past Don’s home (or one of the assorted garages they worked from) you regularly saw antique vehicles in some stage of restoration.  That love of vehicles continued into retirement when Don and his brothers, bought, scrapped, and continued working on old cars.  When pulling a hulk into the driveway, with assorted parts in the bed of the pickup he would have to explain to Linda (who was unconvinced) “look at it, It’s got potential”.  Many, many of the Russell children (Don’s nieces and nephews) learned to drive in cars from the 1930’s – 1960’s.

He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Casey and wife (Mindy), Les and wife (Jena), and Matt, daughter Jamie Payton, brothers, Jesse, Dennis, Bob, Wayne,Chuck, and Kevin, four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Brysen (DeChant), Madilyn, and Max, two great-grandchildren, Landon and Kylie DeChant, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Leo (Jay), Joe, Jerry, and Les, his sisters Louise, and Rita as well as numerous other loved ones.

There was cremation.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

 

Government, Kansas

KDOT supports applications for ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ grants

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The Kansas Department of Transportation encourages counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and federally recognized Tribal governments to apply for the U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program. The SS4A program provides an opportunity to leverage federal and state funding to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets.

To assist groups with applications and learn more about the program,

KDOT will host a webinar from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 14. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VmcQRVsHRJiTXVOCb4yAeQ.

After registering, a confirmation email will be sent with details on how to join the webinar. The webinar will also be recorded and posted at https://www.ksdot.gov/ss4a/programinformation.asp within two business days of the webinar.

There are two types of grants – the first is Planning and Demonstration Grants, which help develop, complete or supplement a safety action plan, or to carry out demonstration activities. The three application deadlines for Planning and Demonstration Grants are:

  • April 4 (request KDOT letter of support by March 15)
  • May 16 (request KDOT letter of support by April 26)
  • 29 (request KDOT letter of support by Aug. 9)

The application deadline for Implementation Grants is May 16 – they help implement projects and strategies addressing a roadway safety problem. The U.S. DOT is offering a pre-application review for Implementation Grants, which must be submitted by April 17. Unsuccessful Implementation Grant applicants may apply for a Planning and Demonstration Grant in the final round on Aug. 29.

The SS4A program supports the Kansas Drive to Zero Coalition’s goal of zero roadway fatalities using a Safe System Approach. In 2024, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub will take a prominent role in the match program, offering technical support and encouraging agencies to apply for local match funds from the Build Kansas Fund.

For questions regarding local match funds or technical assistance, please contact [email protected]. For other questions, please contact KDOT#[email protected].

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Bourbon County

Bo Co Democrats Meet March 17

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The general meeting of the Bourbon County Democrats will be held on Sunday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Meeting Rooms of the Ellis Center on Fort Scott Community College campus.
The guest speaker will be Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, a member of the House Committee on Education.
For information, text with your name or call 620 215 1505.  Please join us!
Submitted by

Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on March 11

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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

 

March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 3/4/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,076.65
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,928.16
  1. Public Comments
  2. Don George-Elm Creek Dam Grant Status Report
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. BlueMark Energy Agreement
    2. Cintas Rental Service Agreement
    3. KCCA Conference
    4. Real Property Relief Applications
  • Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  • Clifton Beth-Public Safety
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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.

Opinion

The Busted Suitcase

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

The closest thing I’ve experienced to a knock-down-drag-out happened in eighth grade. I  take responsibility for instigating it although some of the details are blurry. Obviously, my mouth had gotten the best of me and I was blabbing some irritating things to one of my boy classmates. While I stood there with my little blue suitcase in hand, I irked him beyond control. I could tell he was fixin’ to punch me, so I lifted up my suitcase to ward off the blow and JG punched a big fist-sized hole in it. I don’t remember if either one of us apologized to each other the next day. But he did replace the busted suitcase with money for a new one. I was grateful I didn’t get a busted lip out of the deal, although I would have deserved it. I called Jonita to see if she recalled this incident. When I told her the story from 1972, she said she didn’t remember it, nor did she remember JG being a violent person. We both shrieked with unrestrained laughter.

 

It’s important that we get along with people and live in unity with one another. We’re familiar with the Old Testament story of Joseph. He was favored by his father who made him a special coat of many colors. This favoritism caused the other ten brothers to be guilty of jealous hatred toward Joseph. It was so severe that they couldn’t even speak a peaceful or kind word to him. They sold him as a slave to a caravan of Midianites traveling to Egypt. Then the brothers killed a goat, dipped Joseph’s coat in it and presented it to their father who assumed a wild animal killed him. This was exactly what the ten brothers schemed and wanted their father to think as they pocketed the 20 pieces of silver.

 

After more than 22 years later, Joseph had become Egypt’s supreme ruler, next to the Pharaoh himself. Due to the severe famine, his brothers had traveled to Egypt, met and done business with him (while not knowing he was their brother). He later revealed himself to them, wept with them, and forgave them. Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to bring his father Jacob and all the family so they could settle in Egypt.

 

As the brothers left Egypt, Joseph gave them a much-needed caution: “So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, ‘Do not quarrel on the way‘” (Genesis 45:24 MEV). Most translations use “quarrel,” but some use “argue, fight, disagree.” Joseph knew there was a colossal probability for them to become involved in  disunity on their dusty trip home. The brothers could certainly argue about the best approach to tell their father that they had actually sold Joseph. They were totally  responsible for all those many years that Jacob had pined away for him. Pointing fingers, playing the blame game, and having a knock-down-drag-out would serve no purpose.

 

Instead, Joseph wanted them to be joyful that family unity had been restored. The brothers had faced up to their wrongdoing and confessed their sins, so now they could experience freedom from guilt and fear. Releasing jealousy and hatred was surely a much-needed relief. Busted relationships cause us to lose our joy and feel burdened down.

 

No one in his right mind can argue with Peter‘s rich teaching of the importance of living in harmony with one another. “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8 RSV).

 

The Key: Busted relationships cannot exist where there is unity.

Food, K-State Extension

Cooking for One or Two

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

Cooking for one or two people can sometimes feel like a burden. While it can be tempting to skip meals, opt for convenience foods, or go out to eat instead of cooking for one or two people, preparing meals at home can be good for your health and for your wallet.

 

Here are some tips to consider when cooking for two or just for you:

  • Start with MyPlate to create balanced meals. Before you plan a meal, imagine what your plate will look like. The MyPlate recommendations encourage us to make half of our plate fruits and vegetables, focus on whole fruits, vary our veggies, make half of our grains whole grains, vary our protein routine, and move to low-fat or fat-free dairy options. To learn more, visit MyPlate.gov.
  • Create “planned-overs” to repurpose leftovers. One of the burdens to cooking for one or two people is the amount of time required to prepare, cook, and clean up from meals. To reduce this burden, think about how you can plan meals that will use the same ingredients so that you can cook once and eat twice. (Make sure you use the item within the next 3-4 days.) For example, if you are cooking ground beef to make chili, consider cooking additional meat that can be used on baked potatoes for another meal.
  • Use leftovers safely. The USDA reports that leftovers can be safely kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, they should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours (or within one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit). When reheating leftovers, they should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer.
  • Become friends with your freezer. Tape a piece of paper to the outside of your freezer to keep an inventory of what you stored in the freezer. List the item and the date to remind yourself to consume it within 3-4 months. It can also be helpful to freeze leftovers in smaller portion sizes.

 

For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To learn even more about this topic, consider attending the “Cooking for One or Two” program I will be hosting at the Chanute Library on March 13th at 5:30 PM. This program is free, but an RSVP is required by calling 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 11

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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

 

March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 3/4/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,076.65
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,928.16
  1. Public Comments
  2. Don George-Elm Creek Dam Grant Status Report
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. BlueMark Energy Agreement
    2. Cintas Rental Service Agreement
    3. KCCA Conference
    4. Real Property Relief Applications
  • Clifton Beth-Public Safety
  • Commission Comments
  1. Adjourn Meeting

Accounts Payable 3-8-2024

Payroll 3-8-2024

 

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, Government

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING Unapproved Minutes of March 5

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Minutes of March 5, 2024                                             Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 5, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

Roll Call

Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation:  T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in Attendance  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Ben Hart/Director of Finance-Baker-Tilly, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Community Development Director, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections Supervisor, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Robin Button, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Carol Glover, Justin Meeks/County Counselor, Diane Striler, Richard Clark, Michael Hoyt, and Carl Brenner/Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS.

 

Approval of Agenda

Appearance item for Shanda Stewart – Request for donation to Fort Scott High School Prom After Party was requested to be removed from the agenda.  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendment.  M. Wells requested to amend the motion to include an amendment to New Business to include (2) Letters of Interest for consideration to the Fort Scott Public Library Board – Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer.  T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment to his motion. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED AMENDED AGENDA

 

Proclamation

Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger – National School Breakfast Week – March 4th through 8th, 2024 – M. Wells officiated the Proclamation and honored the following USD234 staff members: Robin Button, Anna Marsh, Jessica Phillips, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Millie Willard, Carol Glover, and Ginger Houston.

 

Consent Agenda

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1355-A – $975,852.99

Approval of minutes of February 20, 2024

 

Request to Pay – Invoice #1756 – Marberry Concrete, Inc. –Fort Scott Lake Boat Ramp repair – $69,990.00.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment  

Richard Clark appeared before the Commission to state his concern about changes at Fort Scott Lake regarding long-term safety, cost, and lot sales. (Time stamp – 12:04)

 

Appearances

Diane Striler appeared before the Commission to continue discussion regarding the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink.

(Time stamp – 27:17)

 

  1. Guns moved to allow the City Manager to work on an alternate site for the skate rink (not the Pavilion), that the City agree to take ownership of the skate rink with the understanding that it must be run by volunteers and not City staff and any upkeep and maintenance of those would be paid for by the funds that were raised while the skate rink is open.

 

MOTION DIED FOR THE LACK OF A SECOND.

 

  1. Wells moved that we explore alternate sites, that the City take ownership and that the money go into a fund that will pay for repairs, maintenance, and operation of said skate park. M. Guns seconded the motion.

 

  1. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no. M. Guns, M. Wells voted yes.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Old Business 

Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 32 – A CHARTER

ORDINANCEOF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, EXEMPTING SUCH CITY FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 12-1222 RELATING TO LIBRARIES, AND PROVIDING SUBSTITUTE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO – Tabled from February 20, 2024

  1. Wells moved to approve the amended Charter Ordinance. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

 

 

APPROVED CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32.

 

New Business

Consideration to purchase Allen Trench Safety Badger Pro Series Set of (4) Modular Trench Shoring Boxes – Sole Source by Allen Trench Safety Corp. – $28,048.00.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request for the Badger Pro Series Modular Trench Shoring Boxes for $28,048.00, sole source by Allen Trench Safety Corp. D. Olson seconded. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED REQUEST TO PURCHASE TRENCH SHORING BOXES.

 

Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Planning Commission Board Members for another term:  Cheryl Adamson and Carol MacArthur –            Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.

 

  1. Wells moved to reappoint Chery Adamson and Carol MacArthur for another term to the Planning Commission. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO REAPPOINT CHERYL ADAMSON AND CAROL MACARTHUR FOR ANOTHER TERM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

 

Consideration to amend Ordinance No. 3497 Planning Commission Membership Terms to (7) members instead of (10) members – Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.

  1. Wells moved to table the consideration of Ordinance 3497 until the amendments can be added to bring it into compliance and have it presented back at the next Commission meeting. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3497 UNTIL THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING.

 

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Library Board Vacancy from Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Letter of Interest from Constance Banwart and Susan Messer for the (2) open vacancies for the Fort Scott Public Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT CONSTANCE BANWART AND SUSAN MESSER TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Street Advisory Board members for another (3) year term:  Clete Hall, Charles Gentry, Nick Barrows, and Gary Cullor.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to reappoint the expired terms of the Street Advisory Board Members. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO REAPPOINT EXPIRED TERMS OF THE STREET ADVISORY BOARD:  CLETE HALL, CHARLES GENTRY, NICK BARROWS AND GARY CULLOR FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM.

 

Consideration to approve Ordinance No. 3761 – Amending section 10.04.90 regarding inspection requirements for annual U.T.V. license.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table this consideration to have verbiage changed.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the amended suggestions of Ordinance No. 3761 regarding inspection requirements for the annual UTV license.
  2. Wells seconded the motion.

 

MOTION STRUCK IN ITS ENTIRITY. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3761 WILL APPEAR ON MARCH 19, 2024, AGENDA.

 

Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Public Dance License

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at 7:21PM and returned to the meeting at 7:24PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 requiring a Public Dance License. M. Guns seconded the motion. M. Guns, D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

APPROVED TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060 REQUIRING A PUBLIC DANCE LICENSE.

 

Consideration to fill vacancies on the Design Review Board  – Decision to renew expired term of Arnold Schofield tabled February 20, 2024.

  1. Wyatt is requesting that the Commission to renew Arnold Schofield’s expired term, approve the appointment of Cathy Dancer to fill (1) vacant seat, consider having a work session regarding the Design Review Board and direct her on contacting previous applicants to fill the (1) remaining vacant seat.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the appointment of Cathy Dancer and the reappointment of Arnold Schofield to the Design Review Board. M. Wells seconded the motion. D. Olson, M. Guns, M. Wells and T. VanHoecke voted yes. T. Dancer abstained.

 

APPROVED APPOINTMENT OF CATHY DANCER AND REAPPOINTMENT OF ARNOLD SCHOFIELD TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD.

 

  1. VanHoecke requested a copy of the current Design Review Board Ordinance before scheduling a work session.

 

Final approval of Mulligan Ridge Donation Agreement

Justin Meeks appeared before the Commission representing Mulligan Ridge LLC for the City’s donation of land to the property owner to build a pond and water feature that was approved on October 3, 2023, by the City Commission. This agreement was drawn up between City Attorney B. Farmer and J. Meeks as final approval of that agreement. The changes from the original agreement are a quit claim deed from a warranty deed and first right of refusal.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the final agreement for Mulligan Ridge donation of land out at the Fort Scott Municipal Golf Course. D. Olson seconded the motion. M. Guns, D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

FINAL APPROVAL OF MULLIGAN RIDGE DONATION AGREEMENT.

 

Discussion of 190th Street Maintenance

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at 7:36PM.

 

  1. Matkin explained that 190th Street is an internal road at Fort Scott Lake that needs repair. It is a County road with City property on it and the City maintains the roads at the lake. He is requesting direction from the Commission to either include it in the City’s Road Repair Program or approach the County.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting at 7:38PM.

 

CITY COMMISSION DIRECTED B. MATKIN TO TALK WITH THE COUNTY BEFORE THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION.

 

Consideration of 2024 Street Program

  1. Wells moved to approve the Street Program for 2024.

 

  1. Matkin confirmed that it included the Cape Seal Project which will begin in August and the price will not change.

 

  1. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED STREET PROGRAM 2024.

 

  1. Matkin presented a plan for street, water, and sewer repairs with B. Lemke and B. Hart (Time stamp: 1:43)

 

Discussion of Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID)

  1. Wells moved to provide this list and reach out to the Land Bank about the additional properties and provide those to our bond counsel to start drawing up the documents to create a RHID. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CREATION OF RHID.                                                                   

 

Reports and Comments

City Manager Comments (Time stamp 2:34:41)

Engineering Comments (Time stamp 2:36:03)

Commissioners Comments (Time stamp 2:36:34)

City Attorney Comments – No comment

 

Executive Session

  1. Dancer moved to recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing medical benefits pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In attendance will be (5) City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney and City Financial Director. The open meeting will resume in the City Commission Room at 8:56PM. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:46PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session with no action.
  2. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:56PM WITH NO ACTION.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn at 8:56PM. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2024, ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter

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March 8, 2024                                                                                Volume 1

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Irena Sendler, an Unsung Hero

As we embrace the significance of March as Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable women whose courage, resilience, and unwavering determination have shaped history. Among them stands Irena Sendler, a true Unsung Hero whose extraordinary acts of bravery serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, and her network of helpers, risked their lives to save hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust. Operating within the shadows of Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Sendler orchestrated daring rescue missions, smuggling children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and providing them with new identities and safe refuge. Her selfless actions exemplify the power of compassion and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Sendler’s story is even more compelling when you consider the journey of discovery that led to her recognition as an Unsung Hero. It was a group of young women from Uniontown High School in Kansas who stumbled upon Sendler’s story while working on a project for National History Day. Captivated by her bravery and resilience, they embarked on a mission to ensure that Sendler’s legacy was not forgotten.

The impact of their project led to the idea for the creation of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, an organization dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes of history and inspiring future generations to make a positive impact in their communities. Irena Sendler’s story served as the catalyst for this noble endeavor, reminding us that ordinary individuals have the power to change the world through acts of courage and compassion.

As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let us remember Irena Sendler and the countless unsung heroines whose contributions have shaped our world. May their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and inspire us to strive for a future defined by empathy, equality, and justice for all.

Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring the extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on history.

Discovery Award Updates

Join the 2024 Discovery Award Competition!

The 2024 Discovery Award Competition is here, offering students in grades 4-12 a chance to win prizes totaling $25,000. Sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, this competition encourages students to discover and celebrate the stories of unsung heroes.

Key Details:

$25,000 in Prizes

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 4-12

Deadline: Submit projects by July 1, 2024

Mode: Performance, Website or Documentary

Submission Approval: Encourage students to submit topics soon.

(Although it is not required to enter the competition.)

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2wYZPiD.

This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to showcase their talents and explore the stories of unsung heroes. Share this with your students and integrate it into your curriculum.

Any questions? Reach out! Let’s inspire the next generation of storytellers!

Call: 620-223-1312

email: [email protected]

ARTEFFECT Updates

The submission period for the 2024 ARTEFFECT competition is open!  Show off your artistic talents and make an impact. Learn more and submit your entry at https://bit.ly/ArtEffect-Competition.

Fellows News and Updates

We’re happy to share that Megan Helberg from Nebraska, one of our outstanding 2021 LMC Fellows, has been honored as Educator of the Year by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina!

Megan’s dedication to her students and community shines brightly, and we couldn’t be prouder of her well-deserved recognition.

Learn more about Megan and her efforts to bring educational opportunities to her students and community. Check out the recognition video here: https://youtu.be/rvkrvwlaAuw?si=ASE8l5GNL7WVeZFM.

Join us in celebrating Lindsey Dowell, one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Kansas Master Teacher award! Lindsey, who serves as the 7-8th Grade Gifted Facilitator at Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka, has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to education.

In her classroom, Lindsey empowers her students to take control of their learning journey. Through her innovative teaching methods, she fosters an environment where students excel academically and socially. As a result, her students consistently demonstrate remarkable growth, surpassing expectations and setting a high standard for their peers.

Congratulations, Lindsey Dowell, on this well-deserved honor! Your commitment to excellence in education is an inspiration to us all.

LMC News and Updates

Our recent event, “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920,” featured a captivating presentation by Lem Sheppard. The event, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, The Gordon Parks Museum and Humanities Kansas, celebrated the life and accomplishments of James Reese Europe, one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero. Delving into the vibrant musical heritage of historic Fort Scott, Sheppard highlighted the pivotal role played by musicians like James Reese Europe, who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the era.

Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history while enjoying a delightful soup luncheon accompanied by soulful melodies courtesy of the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson. The event provided a unique experience, allowing guests to step back in time and partake in a cakewalk, reminiscent of a bygone era.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in celebrating this enriching journey through Kansas’ musical past. Stay tuned for more exciting events to come!

Step into spring with an unforgettable visit to the Lowell Milken Center! As the season blossoms, we invite groups of all ages to explore our inspiring exhibits and engage in enriching educational experiences. Whether you’re planning a field trip for students, a group tour for history enthusiasts, or a team-building outing, the Lowell Milken Center offers a perfect destination. Come discover the stories of Unsung Heroes and be inspired by their remarkable journeys. Contact us today to schedule your visit and make memories that will last a lifetime!