Category Archives: Bourbon County

U235 Special Board Meeting June 30

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235

UNIONTOWN, KANSAS

SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Friday, June 30, 2023

7:00 a.m.

 

 

 

AGENDA

 

  1. I.    Call to Order.
  2. Flag salute.
    B.   District Mission Statement.
  3. B. Approve the Agenda.

 

  1. Information Items:
  2. Purchase of Vehicle.
  3. Selection of Construction Manager at Risk.

 

III.         Action Items:

  1. Approve Purchase of Vehicle.
  2. Approve Construction Manager at Risk.

 

  1. Adjournment.

 

Next regular board meeting date is Monday July 10, 2023 at 7:30.

Bo Co Commission Minutes of June 19

June 19, 2023                                                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

 

Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Deb McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from 6/12/2023, approval of payroll totaling $337,222.05, and approval of accounts payable totaling $433,607.15. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move Susan Bancroft and the discussion of the HRSA notice before the department updates sections. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft, CFO, informed the Commission that a notice was received Friday from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the first payment of Cares Act funding for EMS. The payment was issued with the stipulation that the county had to make application and do reporting. The reporting was never completed and Susan was unable to obtain an extension since the reporting cutoff was in 2021. Susan said Jody was the initial contact, and is unsure where the letters went from the time she left until Jennifer received the final notice letter. Jennifer and Susan looked unsuccessfully through files over the weekend for documentation regarding the funding. Since the cutoff period has passed with the county’s obligations not met, we will have to pay back more than $38,000 plus penalty which started assessing as of May 28, 2023 unless Susan can get a grievance. Nelson questioned why we never received notices, and Susan said it was due to turnover. Susan stated we need to have a county contact with a general email address so when people leave, we are still in touch and receiving all the information we need. Clifton said that by state statute the County Clerk is the County Commissioners secretary so he feels she should be a contact, and Jim agreed. Justin said there should be at least two contacts and recommended the Treasurer, Chairman, and CFO. Jim made a motion to allow Susan to file a grievance so we won’t have to pay back the funding. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, gave and update and thanked the First Church of the Nazarene who provided an appreciation breakfast for the public works crew this morning. The asphalting on Valley Road has been completed and they will now be heading south on 245th Street to Soldier Road. Dustin reported there was a delay in receiving asphalt oil that is being delivered from Oklahoma due to the storms they received over the weekend. Dustin gave an update on noxious weed chemicals stating the 160-acre maximum per person per chemical has been re-instated and a chemical order was placed and will arrive Friday. Clifton questioned the 160-acre maximum stating individuals should be spot spraying to eradicate noxious weed not spraying entire pastures. Clifton said when he purchased chemical from the county in the past you had to pay for the chemical that day. Clifton also questioned why we are providing so many types of chemicals and that he feels we are subsidizing people with county tax dollars and that is infuriating to him. Jim suggested putting reasonable limits on what we sell. Nelson brought up the voucher program that Linn County uses, however Dustin said he fears it would cost the county more money to do. Dustin asked for permission to go out for bid on a mini-excavator and trailer for the bridge crew and road graders.  Dustin discussed the equipment replacement plan that Public Works has and how they plan to get on a schedule so they can replace equipment while it still has some trade-in value. Jim told Dustin to check fuel consumption on the road graders as they bid because an additional four gallons per hour over five years would result in substantial savings for the county. Nelson clarified that Dustin was just going out for bid at this time and not actually buying equipment, which Dustin confirmed. Jim expressed his concern about not having the mowers out mowing the ditches. Dustin updated the Commissioners on parts they have ordered and are still waiting for to fix one of the mowers. Nelson asked Dustin where they were on dust control. Dustin stated the truck is tied up asphalting now and they are waiting for a final number of participants this year so they can spray the dust control between asphalting projects. Dustin said the price to participate is $1.75 per linear foot again this year with a minimum of 300 feet. Nelson said he was contacted by USD 235 who received a grant to rebuild their walking trail and it was questioned if the county would help remove the old trail. Dustin said if the Commission gave the approval, then they would make it happen.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented Gary Hall’s fence viewing application again to try to set up a time with the Commissioners to attend a viewing. Clifton called Gary who after discussion over times said he would try to figure out a time for the following week and let the Commission know.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, handed out quotes for repairs to one of the ambulances. Dustin said the ambulance had been previously sent out to a company for repairs, and Teri said she doesn’t think it had been in service one week since it was picked up from the company. Dustin said they have had a hard time finding companies to do the repairs in our area and were looking for some in the Kansas City area.  Another ambulance is needing repairs and Dustin had a quote for $29,000 but he felt it was high and will be getting quotes from the additional companies in the Kansas City area. Dustin suggested the Commission consider purchasing a new ambulance since they are three years out on delivery dates. Teri said the company they purchased the last ambulance from will work with us to order now and set up payment options so that we comply with cash basis law.

 

Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.  The executive session will include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:29. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:29 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.  The executive session will include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:40. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During the public comments section Clint Walker discussed noxious weeds and how they can build up resistance to chemicals if sprayed with them over and over.

 

During the Commission comments Clifton explained he had over 35 years of experience farming over 3,000 acres and he knows about noxious weeds. Jim asked Justin Meeks, County Counselor, why the Commission were going to a fence viewing if the fence was already built. Justin explained they have to go in an open meeting to view the fence to determine who all pays for the fence. Jim also asked about having a meeting on the night of July 3rd since most fireworks shows will be held that night. Jim made a motion to not hold a meeting on the night of July 3rd. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Justin asked if the Commission will be holding meetings in Redfield or Bronson. After discussion it was determined to hold a meeting in Redfield on June 26, no meeting on July 3, be back in Fort Scott on July 10 and possibly hold a meeting in Bronson on July 17.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:48. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

Approved 6-26-2023                                                                                           

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

                                                         

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

Amended Agenda for Bo Co Commission Meeting This Evening at Redfield

 

 

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 Redfield Community Center

June 26, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/19/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Don George-KDWP Elm Creek Update
  3. Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
    1. Fireworks Permits
    2. Gary Hall Fence Viewing
    3. NACO Invoice
  • Sheriff Bill Martin
    1. Budget Review-Sheriff’s Office and Jail
    2. Union State Bank Loan Documents
    3. Return of Employee-Vacation Request
  • Susan Bancroft-Health Insurance
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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.

 

Young Entrepreneur: Rinley Holly

This is part of a series highlighting young entrepreneurs in our community.

If you would like to nominate a young entrepreneur, please submit their contact info to [email protected].

Rinley Holly sells to a customer, while her brother Stetson looks on.

Rinley Holly, rural Fort Scott,  is five years old and likes to bake.

Katie, her mom, said she would bake everyday if she could.

Her parents, Katie and Ethan, own Still Waters Farm and sell beef and pork at the farmers market on Saturdays. She is with her family on Saturday mornings, along with her brother, Stetson, 3.

“Last year, she kept asking me to let her sell cookies,” Katie said.

So, Rinley baked and sold her product once last year at her family’s booth at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.

This year when Katie heard that other entrepreneurs were going to be selling products at the farmers market on June 3, “We asked her if she wanted to make some cookies.”

She did, and she has a helper.

“Stetson likes to taste test for her,” Katie said.

Rinley tells the process of making her cookies:

“You make dough, roll it in a ball, and flatten them with a cup, then put them in the oven on a rack,” she said. “Snickerdoodles are my favorite.” She also makes chocolate chip cookies.

Rinley likes to bake, “Cause it’s fun,” she said.

She is planning on attending the Acton Children’s Business Fair, later this year, her mother said, to learn more about the business side.

“Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace,” according to https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/fortscott-ks

“We will host children’s business booths at the 2nd annual event that will be held at the Farmer’s Market located at Skubitz Plaza near the Historic Fort on September 30th, 2023 from 8 a.m. to noon.”

The Fort Scott Farmers Market is at Skubitz Plaza, directly in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

NPS photo.

 

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and 2nd,  we will fire artillery, host interpretive programs/discussions addressing the differences between officers and enlisted men, lead Fort tours, and play historic games. Join Ranger Jessica for a nature walk on Saturday and Tuesday. The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. will be serving free ice cream at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

 

On Tuesday July 4th,  black powder programs will continue with artillery demonstrations and a special program/discussion on the meanings of the Declaration of Independence.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 1

9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

11:30  a.m. – Homemade Ice Cream (Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.)

Noon – Historic Games

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion

 

SUNDAY, JULY 2

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Historic Games

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion

 

TUESDAY, JULY 4

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Tallgrass Prairie Walk

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – We Hold These Truths: Meanings of the Declaration of Independence Discussion

4 p.m. – Flag Retreat

 

Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

-NPS-

 

 

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on June 26

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 Redfield Community Center

June 26, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/19/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  2. Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
    1. Fireworks Permits
  3. Sheriff Bill Martin
    1. Budget Review-Sheriff’s Office and Jail
    2. Union State Bank Loan Documents
    3. Return of Employee-Vacation Request
  • Public Comments
  • Commission Comments
  1. Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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.

 

Uniontown Independence Day Celebration: July 3

Fireworks from the Independence Day Celebration in Uniontown 2022. Submitted by Amy Holt.

The Independence Day Bash will be held on Monday, July 3rd in the Uniontown City Park.

“We love celebrating our nation’s independence with our friends and neighbors and hope to see YOU there,” according to Amy Holt, Vice President – Loan Administration at Union State Bank.

The bank has funded the annual event for 18 years.

Events start at 6:30 p.m. with a free hot dog and chips meal, that the bank provides.

Uniontown’s Baptist Church will be selling soft drinks for a camp fundraiser, the Uniontown High School Cheerleaders will have a bake sale and sell glow sticks, and the Old Settlers Day Committee will have a bake sale to raise funds for the annual event in Uniontown on Labor Day.

There will also be inflatables (bounce houses, etc. )for the kids and kids at heart, she said.

There will be live entertainment by Trevor Holman and the Haymakers.

This band is a Red Dirt and Classic Country Band from Southeast Kansas, according to its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HAYMKRZ/

 

The fireworks begin at dusk, this time of year around 9:30 or 10 p.m.

 

The Artificers In July  

Logo

The Artificers In July

Happy July! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this Month!

Register for Classes Here!

Artist Opening Reception

Master Artist

Liberty Worth, Textile and Fabric Artist

Guest Artist

Gentry Warren, Mixed Media Artist

About the Artists

Master Artist Class

Work with textile artist Liberty Worth to give new life and artistic outcomes to old fabric scraps. We will be “painting” (no paint involved) with fabric to create new objects d’art.

Register for The Fabric Art Classes Here!

Farmers Market Vendor Spotlight: Mack and Michele Houser

Mack and Michele Houser have been growing and selling vegetables at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for several years now! They find great self accomplishment in producing fresh, homegrown vegetables for spring, summer, and fall. You can find them at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. They are also available to make deliveries in and around Fort Scott. For more info, stop and visit their booth, or give them a call!

Vendors Have Two Options at 2023 Bourbon County Fair

The Bourbon County Fair has two options for vendors the year.
The first is in the Merchants Building on Tuesday, July 18, Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20.  All three night are from 5 pm to 8 pm and the cost is $25.
  The second option is new this year and it is the Makers’ Outdoor Market.  The outdoor market will be in setup between the main fairgrounds and the rodeo arena on Thursday, July 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm with a cost of $5.
There is limited spaces available in the Merchants Building.
Both options are open to any business, organization, maker, producer, creator, or non-profit.
Any questions can be sent to [email protected]
Registration:

Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda For June 19

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 Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
June 19, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
III. Consent agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 6/12/2023
b. Approval of Payroll $336,021.25
c. Approval of Payroll $1,200.80
d. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $433,607.15
IV. Department Updates
a. Public Works
V. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Hall Fence Viewing
VI. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of EMS Vehicles
VII. Susan Bancroft, CFO- HRSA Notice
VIII. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
IX. Public Comments
X. Commission Comments
XI. Meeting Adjourn

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.

 

Farmers Market Vendor Spotlight: Sweet Country Farms

Sweet Country Farm is a three generation family living and working the land just south of Fort Scott. They specialize in farm fresh produce, berries, herbs and eggs. They also provide handmade soaps, felted wool art, specialty cards and a variety of paper products. For special occasions and parties, you can contact them on their Facebook page Sweet Country Farms to place a special order for eggs, cookies and pies. Come out to the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market and meet them this Saturday morning!