Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County Garden Club: Encouraging Gardens and Providing Community Service

Submitted photo of a pocket garden that club members have planted in Fort Scott.

Bourbon County Garden is a group of local gardeners that gather to learn, grow, and share in their passion of gardening, according to a press release from the club.

They have provided care of many of the downtown area garden spots.

This garden at the north end of downtown Main Street is one of projects of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club's Facebook page.
This garden at the north end of downtown Main Street is one of projects of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club’s Facebook page.

Club meetings are  the 4th Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. from March to October.

The Bourbon County Garden Club met at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop in this May 2022 photo. Taken from the clubs Facebook page.

“Our members take turns hosting our meetings, so the location changes depending on who is hosting,” President Austin Bolinger said.

Austin Bolinger is the president of the Bourbon County Garden Club. From the club’s Facebook page.

“We have 60 people on our email list, and about 1/2 of those are active in the club,” Bolinger said.

The list of members:

Aaron Houser

Jan Hedges

Janet Irvin

Dora Jasinski

Betty & Dale Johnson

Leah Lewis

Deb McCoy

Diana Morriss

Linda Noll

Clara Schofield

Norma Sellers

Priscilla Sellers

Ashlee Shakir

Kate Sweetser

Judy Wallis

Robin Whitlock

Stana Parsons

Judy Warren

Margaret Kerr

Helen Carson

Bill Hoyt

Darcy Sinn

Krista Harding

Ann Stark

Jenni Wilcoxen

Deborah Hyland

Pam Speer

Heather Wilson

Janette Danley

Martha Kraai

Barbara Woodward

Honey Bidwell

Barbara McCord

Delphine Parks

Austin Bolinger

Estevan DeBoer

Makensie Griffin

Sheryl Bloomfield

Jim Logan

Marcile Logan

Rachel French

Calista Rchards

Brenda Alter

Deb Lust

Doris Ericson

Paula Blincoe

Rondi Anderson

Sandy Areu

Whitney Beth

Karen Billiard

Maggie Brenner

Sharon Campbell

Kelly Collins

Maggie Davenport

Rita Emmerson

Connie Findley

Constance Gates

Martha Jane Gentry

Lindsey Gulager

Teri Hamilton

Rosemary Harris

Rhonda Hassig

 

This is the club selling plants at the May 2022 Fort Scott Farmers Market, annual event for the club. From its Facebook page.
The club sells plants at the first Fort Scott Farmers Market in May each year. Taken from their Facebook page.

Complimentary Pocket Garden Drawing Winners Announced

Recently the club awarded two community residents with consultation and installation of a pocket garden.

“Bourbon County Garden Club recently held a drawing to award a pocket garden to lucky Bourbon County residents,” according to the press release.

A pocket garden is an area on a homeowner’s property that is a gardening challenge.

“This might be a corner where curbs and sidewalks intersect, by a mailbox, or by a driveway and a pocket garden can beautify that area,” according to the press release.

The winners, Marianne Crane and Gabrielle Martin, will get an initial pocket garden consultation, along with the plants and installation of the plants in the garden. The maintenance of the garden is the winners’ responsibility.

 

“The benefits of planting a pocket garden include improving a problem area of your yard, collaboration with neighbors to create multiple attractive garden corners, pollination for bees and butterflies and engagement in a healthy outdoor activity,” according to the press release

About the club

Bourbon County Garden Club encourages growing plants in these areas that provide three seasons of bloom and fourth season of winter interest. Example pocket gardens in Fort Scott are located at Pine and Eddy Streets, 8th and Crawford Streets(all four corners), and 9th and National Avenue(SE corner).

 

For more information on planting a Pocket Garden or joining Garden Club, email Austin Bolinger at [email protected] or visit the Bourbon County Garden Club Facebook page.

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Treasure Island

Submitted photo.

 

This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Treasure Island on June 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School commons area.

 

Thirty five students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production. The play is adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller from the book by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

The character of Jim is played by 6th grader Scout Eden. Other notable characters include Long John Silver who is played by 8th grader Theodore Bowman, Doctor Livesey – freshman Dimple Williams, and Squire Trelawney portrayed by freshman Adeline Hartmetz. Other campers make up a motley crew of pirates, storytellers, and Skeleton Island Natives.

 

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Seniors Regen Wells and Lexi Hill are the Directors.

 

“I absolutely love getting to share my love of theatre with the younger people of our community and I’m extremely happy to have an outlet in the community for directing and producing,” Wells said.

 

Other high school staff include:  junior Kiara Thompson – Stage Manager, sophomores Emma Bin and Tuesday Glessner – Choreographers, junior Cooper George – Costume Designer, senior Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, senior Jericho Jones – Music Director, sophomores Charlie Chaplin and Chris Newman – Props and Set Designers and freshman Tobi Larrabee and junior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.

 

During the two-week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.

 

Hill said, “This is my first time directing a show and I am so excited to see it performed. Working with the kids is amazing and everyone involved has put so much work into this hilarious show.”

 

Tickets for the show are $5 and available at the doors at Fort Scott Middle School. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Young Entrepreneurs: at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.

Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.

Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses

“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”

“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”

The Acton Children’s Business Fair will be sponsoring a fair again this fall. To learn more: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/

“There will be cash prizes for the event in the fall,” Whitson said.

Whitson and Melanie Lamb are the parent organizers who will be available to answer questions on Saturday.

Melanie Lamb. Submitted photo.
Maria Whitson. Submitted photo.

Some of the children who will participate:

Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.
Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.

“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”

Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.

In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.

Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.
Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.
Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.
The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.

 

The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Ruritan Plans Summer Entertainment For Uniontown Community

Uniontown City Park. The flower garden at the northeast corner of the park is in memory of Doris George by Carol and Hershal George.

Movies/Music in the Park, sponsored by Uniontown Ruritan Club, will provide Uniontown school district  residents with some free family fun this summer in the park on the town square.

“At the beginning of this year, we had a brainstorming session to consider various ideas for community service projects for 2023,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members, said.  “Mauriel Whisenhunt and I suggested something that would highlight and make use of the beautiful city park, bring people together, and provide entertainment for all ages.  One of our ideas was Movies in the Park.  That idea was well received and expanded to include music.  We decided to put on one Movie in the Park event each month and another separate Music in the Park night each month during June-July-August.”

Submitted graphic.

“Our schedule kicks off on June 9th with a Movie in the Park night,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members” said. Each movie night starts at 7 p.m. with games and activities such as: sidewalk games, corn hole, spikeball, dodgeball, washer toss, face painting and rock painting.  Then at 9 p.m. seating begins for the movie – this is an outdoor movie showing, so bring your own chair or blanket.”

The group has planned music entertainment on alternating evenings this summer.

“Alternating movies and music means the next event, on June 23rd is a music night,” Pemberton said.  “Music nights feature food trucks from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  Musical performances are from 7-8:30.  We have arranged for different genres of music each month – Mike Miller (gospel), Rick Hite (country/folk) and Ridge Runnerz (classic rock/country).”

“On June 23rd and July 14th there will be special performances by a mother/daughter duo who are both world class baton twirlers,” she said.  “We enticed them out of ‘retirement’ for these performances and I witnessed part of a practice session when they were refreshing their skills and working out a routine.  They are amazingly talented – you won’t want to miss this; baton twirling is an art you don’t see locally at this skill level and Kristi  and Lexie are truly awe-inspiring.”

The movies, music, games/activities and entertainment are all FREE and Uniontown school district residents are invited, she said.

“We are also giving away free hot dogs/chip/drink at the first event, a free ice cream social in July,  and free popcorn to munch on during each movie,” Pemberton said.   “Tips for the musicians and/or free-will donations are accepted, but not required.”

Food trucks will be available on certain dates.

” Food trucks include Los Tres Pollitos on June 23;  on July 14 the Ruritan Club is selling pulled pork BBQ sandwiches; and on August 11 the Hot Pink Heifer food truck is here,” Pemberton said.  “Additionally, the Sunshine Shak will be here most evenings with sweets, snacks and drinks for sale.”

The complete schedule of events can be found on flyers posted at businesses around Uniontown and on social media.

For more information contact her at 620-224-9654 or stop by 103 3rd Street in Uniontown.

Ruritan Club Music in the Park Committee members are Pemberton, Mauriel Whisenhunt and Randy Rathbun.

“In addition, several Uniontown High School clubs are helping on the event nights,” Pemberton said. “The Uniontown High School  FFA  is grilling and serving hot dogs on June 9; the  UHS Art Club is doing face painting and assisting with rock painting each movie night; UHS Cheerleaders are assisting with games and will perform at each movie night.  We also wish to thank Rhonda DeWitt with the First Missionary Baptist Church for allowing us to use their movie screen and popcorn machine.”

“Ruritan is a nationwide service organization and our club performs a variety of services or projects each year that benefit the community and residents in and around Uniontown,” she said.  “Last year we financed and built public restrooms which are located across the street from the park.”

The public restrooms are just across from Uniontown’s downtown park.

 

Learn About the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 3, 2023. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9 am – 4 pm. And meet at the park Visitor Center. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

 

9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk

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

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Flash Flood: Westward Expansion Discussion

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

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Democracy Run Wild: Bleeding Kansas Discussion

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

 

Throughout the Day:

  • What’s in my backpack? A discussion about what a soldier needs on patrol on the prairie.
  • A discussion around the Underground Railroad.

 

 

From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm 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-

 

Starlite FCE May, 2023

 

 

The Starlite FCE held it’s May meeting at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect.  Nine members and one guest were in attendance.  The club reported that they have volunteered for thirteen hours and had recycled fifty pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report, she announced that she had sent in the Best Choice labels and had received sixty dollars.  Karen Peery reported that the Spring Tea was held in Humboldt with a lesson on Day Lilies.

 

New business consisted of discussing the June meeting which we are opening to the public.  The lesson will be presented by Jack Jackson on Men’s Health, and will be held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room at 2:00 on June 15th.  Refreshments of cobblers and ice cream will be served.

 

Doris Ericson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Taylor Bailey presented the lesson on “What’s on your Device.”  Taylor informed the club about the pros and cons of apps for your devices.

 

Refreshments of cookies, strawberry frozen dessert, nuts and water were provided by Letha Johnson and Taylor Bailey and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

GET YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR WAHZHAZHE: AN OSAGE BALLET SOON

 

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Time is running out to get discount tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet.  This moving story of the Osage people is coming to Fort Scott, Kansas for three performances July 21-22, 2023.  Discounted early bird prices are only available until May 31.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.osageballet.com/events or by clicking on the get tickets button on the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Facebook page.  Persons needing assistance with online purchases can do so, in person, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

The heart-pounding drumbeats, rhythmic dancing, and compelling stories of Wahzhazhe are sure to delight dancing enthusiasts and history fans of all ages. The Fort Scott performances will be held Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service are hosting Wahzhazhe as part of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s educational programming.  Contact [email protected] for more information.

 

#####

Bo Co Commission Minutes of May 15

May 15, 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 Fulton Community Center.

 

Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Misty Adams, Kathy Talbot, and Karen Paddock 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 last week’s meeting. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, gave an update on the laydown machine stating the ECM did not fix the problem and the machine has been taken back to Chanute. Jim asked if the machine will not start or won’t run, and Eric said it will start sometimes and then die and sometimes it won’t start. Eric said the codes come back as a timing issue. Jim said in his opinion if the machine is not fixed within a week or so then perhaps the County Counselor should get involved as this machine has had issues for a long time. The Public Works crew has started a project on 205th Street south of Wagon Road replacing tubes, cleaning ditches, and building the road back up in places. Eric said they have a list of projects, and they are steadily working down the list. Eric told the Commissioners about an issue that was put on Facebook, and wanted to explain the situation and the process of notifying Kansas One Call. Eric said a vehicle went off the road and sheared a culvert marker sign off at the ground. Eric stated that Kansas One Call must be notified before we dig or drive a post into the ground, and then they have three business days to come out and mark the area. To temporarily notify drivers of the location of the culvert a culvert marker sign was placed in the top of an orange cone, and then the cone was placed at the culvert until Kansas One Call marked the site and the county had clearance to dig. Eric stated the post of Facebook had a picture and a comment referring to how the county fixes problems and reiterated this was only a temporary fix and was done so that other drivers could be made aware of the culvert. Eric said he called the individual who posted the picture to explain to her that the county could not dig without the go ahead from Kansas One Call and left a voicemail, but never heard back from her. Jim said Eric is doing a great job and going by the book, and stated we definitely don’t want to tear up any fiber out there. Eric said that the crew went to Yale Road and did some spot repairs patching some holes due to safety issues. Eric said they are waiting on the contractor who will mill the road and have no timeline yet as to when that will happen. Nelson voiced his concerns that the goal of having some of Yale Road paved next year will not be met if the road has to be milled for a year. Eric said he received a call from Redfield last week requesting the county donate three loads of gravel. Eric stated he is unsure of how things have worked in the past and said that right now due to the interlocal agreement the county is trading rock at cost with the City of Fort Scott. Jim said the county has previously donated it. Clifton stated in his opinion fair is fair and we donate to all or sell it. Jim agreed that if we give to one, we should give to all. Clifton voiced his concerns about donating rock to all municipalities that we would get to a point where we give away more rock that we can produce. Jim asked if there was an interlocal agreement with Redfield, and Justin Meeks replied no. Justin suggested making a donation to each municipality of a set number of loads per year. There was discussion on how many loads of gravel the county should donate to each municipality. Jim made a motion to donate and deliver five loads of gravel to each municipality in Bourbon County. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a budget timeline and a tentative schedule of budget presentation to the Commissioners. The audit agreement from Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA was presented to the Commissioners to be signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the audit agreement for the fiscal year 2022 audit to be conducted by Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips PA. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

There is a vacancy on the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Board for Bourbon County and a recommendation to appoint Michele Dunkeson was submitted. Clifton made a motion to appoint Michele Dunkeson to the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Board as a representative of Bourbon County. Nelson seconded the motion.

 

A fence view request was submitted by Gary Hall and the County Counselor outlined the Commissioners’ role in viewing the fence. Justin stated he would provide a packet of information detailing the steps required to complete the fence viewing to the Clerk and Commissioners by the end of the week.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy and under 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 for possible litigation to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks. The executive session will be held in a section of the old school building next door and they will return at 6:15. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clint Walker discussed grant opportunities to update cell service that he read in the newspaper. Jim said we would share the information with our IT department and REDI.

 

Misty Adams spoke about an area of 215th Street, behind the city burn pile, that is holding water resulting in a mosquito problem. Misty said she has called Topeka and the EPA to try to get help with the issue and questioned if it was possible to go under the road to put in a whistle. Eric said he would have to look at the location, and it was agreed upon to do so after tonight’s meeting.

Rachel Walker questioned the Commissioners on if a municipality does not use their given five loads of rock in year if it would roll over to the next year allowing them to get ten loads of rock. The Commissioners stated that was a good question, and agreed to clarify the motion from earlier. Clifton made a motion to strike the motion made earlier giving five loads of gravel to each municipality in Bourbon County. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to deliver five loads of gravel, at approximately 15 tons per load, to each municipality per year and it will not roll over, it is five loads of rock per year per municipality. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton commended Clint Walker for still reading paper newspapers during Commission comments.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session KSA 4319 (b)(2) for the consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for possible litigation to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks. The executive session will be held in a section of the old school building next door and they will return at 6:29. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:29 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow County Counselor Justin Meeks to hire outside counsel for an EOC issue. Justin asked that a cap of $5,000 be placed for the hiring of the outside counsel. Clifton added to his motion to place a cap of $5,000 for the hiring of the outside counsel. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

                                                         

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

Electric Transmission Line Approved For Route Through Bourbon County

KCC approves siting permit for Wolf Creek to Blackberry transmission line in SE Kansas

 

TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a siting permit establishing the route for the Wolf Creek to Blackberry 345 kV transmission line in Southeast Kansas. Approximately 83 miles of the line will be in Kansas, crossing Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford Counties. NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest (NEET Southwest) will construct and operate the line.

The order, approved in a 2-1 vote, states “The Commission finds that the method that NEET Southwest used to select its route and the route proposed by NEET Southwest are reasonable and that the siting permit requested by NEET Southwest complies with all statutory requirements and should be granted.”

In August, the Commission granted NEET Southwest a limited certificate of convenience and necessity as a transmission-only public utility, after determining that the transmission project will benefit customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion, and improving the reliability of the transmission system.

In addition to approving the proposed route today, the Commission granted NEET Southwest micro-siting authority. Micro-siting allows the transmission owner to make minor modifications to the route and the placement of infrastructure to accommodate landowner preferences or to avoid environmental concerns. However, material, major adjustments, and any adjustment for which landowners would not have received notice, must be approved by the Commission before implementation. In addition NEET Southwest is required to file its permit and county and private landowner reclamation plans with the Commission when they are completed.  Also, the company must demonstrate evidence that they notified all landowners along the route of the landowner’s ability to request an electromagnetic field (EMF) study after the line is completed.

Commission Chair Susan Duffy and Commissioner Andrew French voted in favor of approving the line siting permit. Commissioner Dwight Keen voted against approving the line siting permit and filed a dissent stating, among his concerns, objection to locating the line parallel to an existing Evergy line and to not remanding the matter to SPP for reconsideration of double circuiting the lines on shared poles and right of ways or for other options to reduce landowner impact for 22.5 miles or roughly one fourth of the route. Double circuiting was evaluated, but not pursued due to estimated increased costs, significant time delays and differences in construction methods between the two companies.

The Wolf Creek to Blackberry project originated from the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a Regional Transmission Organization mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices on behalf of its members. Kansas is one of 17 states served by SPP. In 2019, the Wolf Creek to Blackberry line was identified by SPP as a necessary economic project to increase transmission capability and reliability and relieve transmission congestion from western Kansas, east to SPP load centers.

The Commission’s order also noted a need for SPP to provide an avenue for state input and involvement early in the design process on future projects and the Commission’s intent to open a general investigation into principles and priorities to be used in future line siting proceedings. SPP will be made aware of both the Commission’s concerns and the results of its general investigation in order to better facilitate future cooperation and expectations.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by all Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

Today’s order and Commissioner Keen’s dissent can be viewed here.

###

Farmers Market Opportunity For Fundraising

Fort Scott Farmers Market is looking for groups or organizations that would like a fundraising opportunity.
“We’ve just had two incredibly successful weekends of Breakfast on the Bricks for two local groups,” said Teresa Hamilton, president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market. “This is a free location at our Saturday Farmers’ Market, open to anyone hoping to raise a little cash. Spread the word, and contact us via  Facebook Messenger. We’ll give you all the details and get you on the calendar!
We can’t wait to hear from you!”

Minutes of the Bo Co Commission on May 8

May 8, 2023                                                                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

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

 

Shirley Richard Locke, Deb McCoy, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Trace Evans, Don George with KDWP, Michael Hoyt, and Rachel Walker 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 approval of minutes from last week, approval of payroll totaling $210.758.69, and approval of accounts payable totaling $321,662.17. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the Commissioners with a Request for Quote for the overpass feasibility study. Eric stated the request will be published in the newspaper this Saturday. Jim clarified that the request has already been approved and Eric was just giving a copy to the Commissioners for review before publication. Nelson asked when the last overpass study was completed and it was discussed at least eleven years ago, and that location was for 23rd Street, which would not work out now due to the expansion of local businesses. Jim stated Jayhawk Road is not a locked in as the location, and that after the feasibility study, a better area might be suggested. Nelson questioned if we had to have the feasibility study before we applied for grants, and Jim replied yes. Jim explained it seems like a lot of money, but sales tax money can be used since it is a hard surface road. Eric updated the Commissioners that the house at 201 Crawford has been torn down, and they will finish hauling it off tomorrow. Eric thanked the Commissioners for giving him permission to purchase a truck for the landfill if one came available and gave details on the truck that was purchased. A 2018 Mack Pinnacle CXU613 with 156,000 miles and 505 horsepower was purchased for $74,000 delivered. Eric said the truck currently at the landfill will be moved to road and bridge to haul gravel with a belly dump trailer. Eric said the laydown machine is having motor issues again and they are waiting on a part to fix it, and they are looking at the later of the part of the week having it back. Eric said he wants to start the asphalt program right away as the oil prices are low right now. Eric said they are going to start at 245th and Valley and work east to the state line. Eric said the culvert crew replaced some culverts last week to be ready when they are able to start asphalting. Eric said the culvert crew is working down their list of culverts that need to be installed and the bridge crew is cutting trees and clearing decks.

 

At 5:45 the public hearing for the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan opened. Jim explained that per statute this plan has to be updated which generally includes updating the committee to reflect any new commissioners. Eric stated the other changes are we are now a composting facility at the landfill due to accepting soybean hulls and waste and adding sawdust to them to make compost. Jim opened the hearing to public comments and Clint Walker stated he think it’s wonderful that Bourbon County is doing composting. Clint questioned if the compost can be used for cover for the construction and demolition area, and Eric said yes. Michael Hoyt questioned where the soybean waste product was going before Bourbon County started accepting it, and Eric stated Arcadia. Michael voiced his concerns about the issues the city is having at the wastewater treatment plant and doesn’t want to move the problem from one location to another. Jim stated he was not sure what type of material the city was accepting but explained that the county is accepting hulls which can be fed to livestock, so it is pretty safe. Eric said that a sample of the soybean material was sent to K-State and the results came back good with it only being high in nitrogen and was told what to mix in to make it lower. Clifton made a motion to close the public hearing. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to adopt the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan and resolution 11-23. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, handed out a map showing the location of a portion of road that has been requested to be closed. The road closure will be placed on the agenda again in a few weeks once the Commissioners and Public Works Director have a chance to look at the road.

 

Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, came to discuss other possible revenue sources to help with the repair of Elm Creek Lake dam. Don said the first step is to have a meeting to get the best estimate for repairs that we can. Jim asked if it would be good to get some contractors to come out and give estimates for the repair and asked Eric to meet with them. Eric said that would be a good idea to get an idea of how much it would cost so that we can make an educated decision. Don commented about the $165,000 estimate the engineer had previously submitted, but Eric said that was only to fix the initial problem and doesn’t include the valve or the areas to the west by where the drain is. Eric said when we tear into the dam, we need to fix it completely, not just put a Band-Aid on it. Clifton said he feels at least three contractors need to look at the dam to get their opinions. Clifton said there are several contractors in the area with the equipment and expertise to fix the dam. Eric asked if Jim would like to be involved with the contractors since he was here previously with repairs. Jim said he would if Eric would like him to be, and Clifton and Nelson both said that would be ok. Don said he had mentioned an opportunity to apply for an additional $40,000 grant and spoke of a new special account for lake renovations that just started this year. Mr. George said he wants to help Bourbon County but really needs to get solid numbers within the next three weeks. Don said he would like to be kept informed and the sooner the better.

 

Mark McCoy had submitted his letter of resignation for the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Board to the Clerk. Clifton Beth and Anne Dare are also Bourbon County representatives for the board. The Commissioners discussed the board and were unable to come up with an individual to appoint to the board. Clifton suggested putting a notice of the vacancy on the county website and Facebook asking for interested individuals to submit an application.

 

Lora Holdridge said she met with the City of Fort Scott and they brought her plat maps so that she could research the interior roads at the Fort Scott Lake. Lora said the maps the city brought were not signed, so she went through the maps in her closet and found signed maps that showed the only roads that are Bourbon County’s are 190th Street and 195th Street. Lora stated all interior roads and the common area belong to the City of Fort Scott. Jim asked what the process would be if the city wanted to give the county the roads and Lora stated they would have to do a Deed of Dedication. Beth Nuss thanked Jim for bringing the matter forward so the residents could know what is going on moving forward. Beth said it sounds like they need to visit with the City of Fort Scott. Frank Halsey questioned if a precedence was set about 20 years when the county was paving 190th Street and paved the access roads as well. Jim said the City of Fort Scott needs to get involved with this matter and fix the roads or start the process to petition the county to take over the roads.

 

Justin Meeks, on behalf of Susan Bancroft, asked the Commission to set up two days for reviewing department budgets. After discussion the it was determined to set up the budget meetings for June 12th and 13th starting at 8 a.m.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, and Trace Evans came to follow up on the discussion of purchasing an ambulance. Teri commended Trace for doing the leg work researching and trying to find available ambulances. Teri said they have spoken to Dave Vance at Osage, and they will hold the demo unit for delivery in fall 2024. Jim said he spoke to Susan and said that if it is purchased today, it would have to be paid for this year unless the company is willing to allow us to do a two-year lease purchase and make the first payment this year and pay it off next year. Clifton said there is cash basis law that we have to follow. Trace said he has been reassured that if we need to split payments, we can do that. Clifton asked if there is any reason to keep the old ambulance since we would only receive $10,000 for the trade in. Trace said it could be used as a backup and used as a standby unit for area football games. The Commissioners discussed the benefits of keeping the old unit and decided to keep the old ambulance. Clifton made a motion to accept the demo truck from Osage, keep the old ambulance for a backup, pay the full amount of $306,323.35, and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the purchase agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton said that if we didn’t purchase this demo unit it would be 2026 before we would be able to get a new ambulance. Trace agreed and said he has reached out to other companies and the soonest they could get an ambulance would be spring 2026.

 

Clint Walker suggested reaching out to senators for money, like CHC has done. Clint also thanked the Commissioners for the gravel on Tomahawk Road.

 

Michael Hoyt handed out an article from the Kansas Bar Association outlining the position the Kansas Supreme Court has taken interpreting the Kansas Open Records Act. Mr. Hoyt said a few KORA requests that have been submitted to the Clerk’s Office have been denied for various reasons including identifiable personnel records. Michael said that the Supreme Court ruling says that individuals who submit KORA requests cannot be charged for paper copies if the documents can be submitted electronically.

 

A 5-minute break was taken, and normal session was resumed at 6:30.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:45. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:45 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session 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 for possible litigation to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:57. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:57 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to give the Clerk the ability to schedule some employee training and if there is overtime to approve the overtime as well.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow the Clerk to set up employee training that could potentially result in overtime and to approve that overtime. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton said last week he discussed talking to senators and received approval from the other Commissioners to ask for money. Clifton said as a taxpayer he would like to see everybody who is spending the tax dollars to submit an invoice for those expenditures, and Jim agreed. Jim said the Commissioners are responsible for the budgets, so they are requesting all department heads or elected officials submit invoices for all purchases to the Clerk and accounts payable for payment or it might be questioned if they are paid or not. Jim said he appreciates all Eric is doing for the roads, that he has called him about a few roads, and he has a quick response for our public.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:01. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date