Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Business

Local Jeweler Sees Uptick in Fraudulent Gold Being Sold

1 Comment
This is a real stamp for an 18KT gold item. Submitted photo.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry staff  have had approximately 12 people bring in gold items to be appraised, and they are not gold, all with a similar story.

John Bartelsmeyer said he wanted to inform the public.

“I wanted to get the word out that people are getting scammed,” Bartelsmeyer said. “People have told us they are buying supposed gold at gas stations. Several local people have brought in items to be appraised in this manner since last fall.”

Bartelsmeyer did not know if they were local gas stations where the scammers were.

“They say, “This person was at a gas station and needed gas and told me they would sell me their gold ring( for money)’,” Krystal Hulbert, an employee of the jewelry store said.

The  fraudulent gold pieces have included necklaces and bracelets too, but mostly gold rings.

Often they have been stamped 18KT to indicate that they are real, which can really fool people, Bartelsmeyer said.

“The gold looks nice,” Hulbert said. “But someone like John who has been working on real gold for 50 years knows it’s not real.”

Jeweler John Bartelsmeyer works on a piece of jewelry.

There is also a chemical test to provide proof that the article isn’t real, Bartselmeyer said.

“If people are wanting to help them out, that is one thing, but thinking they will get a bargain in gold, no,” Hulbert said.

Sgt. Tim Harper, Fort Scott Police Department, said there have been no people turn in a report to the department about this.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 23

Leave a comment

March 23, 2023,                                                                                                    Thursday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Clint Walker, Tayton Majors, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Deb McCoy, Lora Holdridge, and Susan Bancroft were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes minutes from 3/9/23 and 3/20/23, approval of accounts payable totaling $423,388.77 and payroll totaling $339,592.33. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked for a 5-minute executive session for possible litigation.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to go into executive session for 5 minutes 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Jennifer Hawkins, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:07. Jim Harris seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:07 with no action. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI to present a check to EMS. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Rob Harrington introduced Troy Schell, Chairman of Legacy Healthcare who presented a check for $17,557.50 to Bourbon County EMS to purchase a LUCAS device. Mr. Schell stated that Legacy is committed to the community and is honored to be able to provide the donation which could save lives in Bourbon County.  Rob said that Clifton did an amazing job trying to obtain donations to purchase the lifesaving equipment that EMS needs. Mr. Harrington then introduced Mark McCoy, Chairman of the Board of Bourbon County REDI who presented a check to Bourbon County EMS for $17,000.00 to purchase a ventilator. Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for their donations. Clifton spoke of the needs of AEDs and said his goal is to have AEDs scattered throughout the county and in every Sheriff’s vehicle which would be about 20-30 devices. Mercy donated several devices years ago; however, they are becoming outdated. Jim thanked Bourbon County REDI, Legacy Health, and Commissioner Beth for all their hard work and said, “God bless all of you.” Susan Bancroft said there are Opioid grants at the state level and that she spoke to Dave Bruner yesterday and was informed that AEDs and ventilators could be purchased with the funds. Clifton said the job of the Commissioner’s is roads and public health and safety and he would like to get back to doing that.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, introduced David Singmaster, Noxious Weed Director, who presented the 2023 Noxious Weed Management Plan to be signed by the Commission. Eric said that David recently passed all his state certifications. Clifton made a motion to sign the management plan, Nelson seconded, and all approved. Eric presented the Federal Funds Exchange Agreement through KDOT which would reimburse the county $89,236.81 in 2023. Eric said he would like to use $60,000.00 to put in the bridge repair fund for the bridge that needs repairs on 165th St. Clifton made a motion to accept the 2023 Federal Funds Exchange Agreement and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said he will bring the final number for the sidewalk and parking project to the Commissioners next week.

 

Eric went through the 2023 Asphalt Road Plan that was discussed during the 3/20/2023 work session. In District 1 they plan to overlay ¾ of a mile of Maple Road east of 55th Street. Eric said that will tie everything in. On Yale Road from the west entrance of Hidden Valley Lake to Mapleton they plan to mill the road and bring in gravel to compact and prep the road so that they could try to overlay a mile section of the road next year. In District 2 Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to Liberty Bell Road is listed as an overlay project. Eric said he visited with KDOT who is still trying to find out if the road has been turned over to Bourbon County. Other areas to overlay include Jewel Road, 232nd St, and 232nd Terr which are all in Marco Estates. Eagle Road from Garland to the Stateline, and 227th Street and Williams Street, which is the east side of Ellis Park, were also said to be in need and were discussed. Jim said the city approved to split the cost of the Williams Street project at their Tuesday meeting. Eric said the city would pay half of the material cost and the county would lay the asphalt. In District 3 there are several areas on Soldier Road that need to be spot milled to level up with the rest of the road. A one-inch overlay will be done on Soldier Road from 215th to 245th Street, 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road, and Valley Road from 245th Street to 267th Street. Eric said he would like to do this early, within the next month or so, then come back in August or September and chip and seal. The extras listed were Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street to do a mile this year, and to chip and seal Jayhawk Road from Liberty Bell Road to 230th Street. Eric said that the additional two miles of Eagle Road and Yale Road were also listed as extras depending on funding. Eric said he knows that milling Yale Road is not a popular decision but that it needs to be done since the subbase has failed. Eric said he has to know what his carryover from last year is to be able to determine how much more asphalting can be done but that he has not received a budget report since end of the year has not been closed out. Jim asked Susan Bancroft to clarify the process of budget reports. The Treasurer closes out the end of the month which allows the Clerk to run budget reports to send out to the department heads. Jim asked Eric when he last received a report and Eric said he had not received a budget report this year. Clifton asked what we were waiting on? Clifton asked Patty Love, Treasurer, to come in and discuss the end of year and budget reports. Patty said as far as she knew end of year was done and that Susan is going to go over things to make sure all journal vouchers are done. Patty said they couldn’t go on with January until year end was done but they have run into some problems that happened in January that went back into last year. Jim asked moving forward if Patty will be able to get budget reports monthly now that end of year is complete. Patty said yes that the year-end backed them up, but that she wants to get caught up to get reports done monthly. Jim made a motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan as Eric presented it with extras if possible. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson and asked for discussion. Nelson said he has received several emails and phone calls from residents on Yale Road who do not want the road milled. Clifton asked if a meeting was needed to be held in Mapleton to discuss the road and explain that the road is a safety hazard and will never be fixed correctly without milling the road. Nelson said he is finding out when the next city council meeting in Mapleton is so he can go and explain the road situation again. Nelson asked about milling maybe a mile section then paving it and keep going mile by mile until it is complete. Eric said that due to the extent of the subbase failure he does not feel that would work. Nelson said he has had complaints that the area that is milled is so wash boarded it is worse than the potholes. Eric said he had driven that section of road and it was bad. They have added some gravel to the road and that he recently drove the road and the gravel has helped. Jim said a meeting was held in Mapleton a few years ago to discuss and explain the condition of Yale Road. Jim said there comes a point when there is a safety problem. Justin Meeks said he had received an email from a resident who has been driving Yale Road and has experienced damage to their vehicle. Justin said it can’t be pinned down that the road is the exact cause of the damage, but when you have multiple people talking about how dangerous the road is you are on notice. Once you have been notified you have to do something to try to mitigate the danger or culpability. Jim said the long-term plan with Eagle Road didn’t pan out as quickly as it was originally thought but given the data and information Eric has provided it doesn’t appear that it will be five years to get Yale Road paved. Justin asked for clarification from Eric about what has to be done once a road is milled. Eric explained that the gravel is brought in to be compacted but really needs traffic to drive on it for a year to truly get compacted. Susan spoke about the local food sales tax that the legislatures are trying to end and explained how catastrophic this could be for our county; this would affect our roads and the bond payment for the jail. Susan said to voice your opinions to our local representatives at the state level to explain how devastating this could be to us. The first year the state would cover, but the second year the county would have to raise taxes to continue our programs. Susan explained that the county receives about $900,000 from the state each year from sales tax for our hard surface roads. Justin said the way the jail sales tax and the hard surface road tax were placed on the ballot and voted on by citizens that there could be possible litigation if the state were to take local sales tax. Clifton said he wouldn’t have a problem to add to Eagle and Yale Road next year and that you have his vote. Jim said he is committed to a one-mile section of Yale Road next year, and possibly more if sales tax is up and the money is there. Clifton said he sees possibly Eagle Road being completed next year and Yale Road in two years and Jim said he agrees. Clifton said it’s not his district, but we are on notice at the county and the road can’t be fixed unless we tear it up. Jim went back to his original motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan; Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. Nelson said we could commit to paving a mile of Yale Road next year, but asked what priority it would be? Jim said Eagle should be first since it has been milled so long. Clifton said he would like to see the sections of two-mile section Eagle Road and one mile section of Yale Road both completed next year. Jim made a motion to commit to the first mile section of Yale Road and the remaining two miles of Eagle Road next year if we have the funding available. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said oil is low and he is wanting to start as soon as possible.

 

Eric said the rock crusher is back and they made a few adjustments while it was in the shop, and we have had a major increase in chip production. The culvert crew is installing culverts, we were running a little bit behind, but they are getting caught up and he appreciates everybody’s patience while they do that. Eric and Dustin will be traveling to Wichita tomorrow to look at a compost turner that they found for sale on an auction site. A new compost turner is around $100,000, so they are looking at used to try to save money. Eric said we have to have a compost turner to turn the soybeans and sawdust at the landfill. Justin said he had spoken with Eric and asked the Commissioners if Eric could have permission to either try the compost soil in different areas or to give it away to citizens to see if it would help things grow. Clifton said he would not be in favor until the compost soil is tested by K-State or another lab. Justin clarified that once the tests come back ok that Eric is ok to give the compost away and the Commissioners agreed. Eric and Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, spoke to the Commissioners about a section of Victory Road that is listed on some maps but does not have the exact length of the road. Lora said that Eric and Matt drove the road to try to determine the length of the road. Lora said that the length of the road needs to be about 2000 feet so that the landowners can access their property. Clifton and Nelson said they do not want to vote on extending the length of the road until they speak to all landowners. Jim said he would pass the owner’s information along to Nelson since it is his district and have him speak with the owner.

 

Jim asked for a 10-minute break.

 

Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel.

 

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 to include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:09. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:09 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Shane Walker requested an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property include the three Commissioners, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:15. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Justin Meeks. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (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 contracts to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:22. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:22 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to put public comments back on the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Jim asked Selena Alvarado, Deputy County Clerk, to put public comments on future agendas.

 

Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for contributing to the health of Bourbon County and providing equipment that will save lives and that he hopes other organizations and foundations will step up and also provide donations to help obtain the necessary equipment EMS needs. Jim asked Clifton to keep the Commissioners advised if funding and donations are not coming in so that the board can look at ways to help and Clifton agreed he would

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:24. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Approved 3-30-23

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 30

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue March 30, 2023, 9:00 AM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 3/23/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works Director
  2. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  3. Public Comments
  • Commission Comments
  • 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 meetin would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Spring is Here: Easter Egg Hunt and Planting of Trees

Leave a comment

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

Two upcoming events for them is the Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday at 11 a.m. sharp at Gunn Park Shelter House #2 for area children. Children will need to bring their own basket.

The Easter bunny in the 2009 Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park.

Another of the organization’s projects through the years has been to plant trees, and this year they are continuing that tradition with the help of grant funding from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

If one looks down Fort Scott main streets, many of the trees in between the sidewalk and the street have been planted by Kiwanis members in the past.

Looking south on National Avenue, one can see the many trees placed between the street and the sidewalk, some of which were planted by Kiwanis, according to Kiwanis member Craig Campbell.

Trees are available for residents and parks throughout Bourbon County.

“A lot of the trees we have planted are for citizens who don’t have the resources to put them in,” Craig Campbell, Kiwanis member, said.

This year the group ordered  flowering Redbud trees and two types of shade trees, Swamp Chestnut Oak, and Water Oak.

The Kiwanis will supply and plant the trees the latter part of April.

“The Fort Scott FFA group has volunteered to help Kiwanis members plant the trees,” Campbell said. “The city of Fort Scott will help bore the holes.”

“Tim McDonnell, with the Kansas State Forestry Service will come to town prior to help us look at drainage issues, gas and water lines, overhead lines,” Campbell said.

McDonnell drives the streets in town also to see if there is overpopulation of one tree species.

“Dutch Elm in the past and Ash Trees have been noted to have  pests recently,” he said. “Bradford Pears are not hardy to our area because ice storm and wind storm damage.”

“We need to be diverse to prevent (tree populations) being wiped out by pests or disease,” Campbell said.

To request a tree, call or text Craig Campbell at 620-224-0167, by April 7.

“The only obligation is to water the tree once a week for a year to get it established,” he said.

About Kiwanis

Fort Scott Kiwanis Club meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church at Third and Crawford Street. Meals are provided.

Bourbon County, Business

Little Osage Greenhouse Receives Start-Up Grant

2 Comments
Lori and Mike Hueston. Submitted photo.

Mike, 56, and Lori Hueston, 57, received a $10,000 grant to start up a greenhouse business from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team in the farm/ranch division.

The name of the business is Little Osage Greenhouse LLC.

“We will  be growing vegetables to start and eventually fruits,” Lori said. “We will be selling in some local businesses in Bronson and Fort Scott… and be selling at farmers markets.”
The Hueston farm is located on Highway 65, outside of Mapleton in northern Bourbon County.
“We are putting up a gothic type of greenhouse,” she said. “It is a higher peak than a traditional hoop house and with straight sides which will allow for more grow space.”
Mike Hueston on his tractor, working ground for the  green house. Submitted photo.
Mike Hueston laying out placement for corners of the greenhouse.  Submitted photo.
They will be ordering the greenhouse in the coming weeks, she said.
“With the help of the local U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Fort Scott with another grant, we will be posting online photos of the set up,” she said.
Huestons Saw The Need
“I remember helping my grandma in the garden and eating what she grew,” she said. “When my children were little I grew vegetables to supplement my budget.”
“I worked as a RN for over 25 years and saw the impact of a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables had on their lives,” Lori said. “Many could not afford to buy these at the store due to cost.  Mike is a paramedic  in the community and he also sees what the lack of a good diet has on the community. It is our hope to be able to help the community and family with fresh vegetables and fruit into their daily diet.”
Mike and Lori Hueston are part of the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team. Here they are in Louisville for the Supporting Hero’s Benefit. They serve the  loved ones of those who have lost someone in emergency medical service while on duty. Submitted photo.

Contact Lori Hueston at 620-363-1383 or email: litttleosagegreenhousellc@gmail.com.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSCC Women’s Luncheon is April 26

Leave a comment
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member FSCC…
FSCC Women’s Luncheon!
Ladies, please join us for lunch, door prizes,
and product displays!
11:00 am to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, April, 26, 2023
at FSCC’s Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Ticket price is $5.00 per person.
Please reserve your ticket by April 12th.
To RSVP, call 620.223.2700 or email communityrelationscommittee@fortscott.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Updates on Local Entities Planned for Luncheon on April 5

Leave a comment

CHAMBER TO HOST COMMUNITY CONNECTION PANELIST LUNCHEON

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on Wednesday, April 5th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. Chamber members and the community are invited to attend for updates by the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, USD-234, USD-235, and Bourbon County REDI.

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10 and those need to be ordered by April 3rd at 10am.  Those planning to attend may RSVP online at fortscott.com under the events tab.

There will be a 7-minute update from each of the following panelists, ending with time for questions:
City of Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin
Bourbon County Commission Chair Jim Harris
FSCC President Alysia Johnston
USD-234 Superintendent Destry Brown
USD-235 Superintendent Vance Eden
Bourbon County REDI Executive Director Rob Harrington

Moderators for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, 2023 Chamber Board Chair and Katie Casper, Union State Bank, Past Chamber Board Chair & Current Board Member.

This event is being sponsored by Davis Accounting, Inc. and Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Livestock Market: Online Sales As An Option

1 Comment
From the Fort Scott Livestock Market Facebook page.
Photo from the Fort Scott Livestock website.

Fort Scott Livestock Market has been a Martin family business since 1994, and marketed over 104,000 animals a year for Kansas and Missouri producers. They are the third largest agricultural auction in Kansas.

Located at 2131 Maple Road, the auction service sells agricultural livestock each weekend.

The Fort Scott Livestock Market Sale Barn, admin offices and cafe are housed in this building taken from the business website.

The auction features clear, fast-talking  auctioneers, and includes multiple televisions throughout the facility for participants to keep an eye on the action in the ring.

Jim Martin, 89, one of the owners, still is an auctioneer.

The auction is often a family event for the buyers and sellers as well.

“Cattle buyers and sellers are often joined by a spouse, child or grandchild who enjoy a clear view of each animal coming through the ring,” according to the press release.

For those people who want home raised beef for their family freezer, the auction will have five butcher steers that start selling today,  March 24, according to their Facebook page.

The business also sell paddles and flag whips for working with cattle on farms and also have apparel for sale: tee shirts, hoodies and vests.

 

Sale Times and Options

They start receiving cattle on Thursdays, according to their website,http://www.fslivestock.com/

The Friday sale is for cows, pairs, baby calves and big bulls, the Saturday sale, which starts at 10 a.m., starts with feeder and stocker calves and ends with cows and big bulls that came to the sale later.

Their cattle buyers are in person, or send a representative to help get “top-dollar” for the sellers livestock, according to a press release from FSLM.

In February 2023 they have added online purchasing of cattle on Fridays to the list of services. Fridays  at 10 a.m.the  sale features cows and bulls and Saturdays at 10 a.m. feature mostly calves, but also some cows and bulls.  In 2012, the Saturday sale was put online.

Saturdays are the biggest sales.

“We are now broadcasting our sales real-time, the cattle auction is live on the internet …at  WWW.DVAUCTION.COM,” according to the press release.   “You must be registered through DV Auction and be approved through our office to bid. If you have not been approved through our office, please have your DV Auction # ready when you call us. 620-223-4600.”

For the latest information go to Facebook,  at Fort Scott Livestock Market.

Family Owned

The market  is owned and operated by four generations of the Martin family.

“Whether you’re selling one cow or a trailer load, they strive to give you the same quality enjoyable experience,” according to a press release. “Jim, Larry, Kyle and Tyler Martin are happy to discuss your cattle with you. Their phones light up all day, every day and each call gets a response.”

The fourth generation of Martins works as yard help.

Submitted photo of the Martins. Kyle, Larry, Jim and Tyler. Three generations of Martins.

Jim, Larry’s dad, Larry Martin, along with Tyler and Kyle, Larry’s sons, are the owners and managers of the business.

They regularly give back to various community clubs and organizations through various county fairs, FFA organizations, the Hepler Rodeo, the Vernon County Cattleman’s Association and various schools, churches and clubs.

The business employs over one hundred “hard-working individuals, from check-in to load-out, it’s a hands on, one-on-one experience,” according to the press release. “Behind the scenes there is a quality crew, in the front and back that are experts at sorting the cattle, joined by cowboys on horses penning the animals.”

The cafe at the livestock market is also a multi-generational family  business. Bobbi Miller and her daughter Thabena Bower run the cafe.

“With fresh mouthwatering Friday and Saturday specials and homemade blue-ribbon quality pies,” it is a great place to eat, according to the press release.

They regularly give back to various community clubs and organizations through county fairs, FFA organizations, the Hepler Rodeo, the Vernon County Cattleman’s Association, schools, churches and clubs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 20

Leave a comment

March 20, 2023                                                                                                                 Monday 9:00 a.m.

 

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

 

Alan Drake, Lori Collier, Jeff Collier, David Klein, Larry Howard, and Malinda Bailey were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting at 9:00 with a flag salute.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session after the road work session so that County Counselor Meeks could attend. Nelson Blythe seconded and all approved.

 

Jim Harris welcomed all the citizens and thanked them for coming to the 2023 Road Work Session. Jim stated Public Works is doing a great job and that we have come a long way in 10 years, but we still have a long way to go. Dustin Hall handed out the proposed road plan to the citizens attending the meeting. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, introduced Dustin Hall who is the Assistant Public Works Director and Chad Brown who is the Public Works Foreman. Eric started by stating the proposed road plan is broken down by district but there is no set order on how the roads are listed within each district.

 

The roads in District 1 were discussed with Eric stating a section of Maple Road needs to be finished in order for Public Works to chip and seal Maple Road. Eric said he has spoken to contractors for a second opinion on Yale Road and they have recommended milling up the road as well. The sub-base has failed and the road from the west side of the Hidden Valley Lake to Mapleton needs to be milled and gravel brought in to compact and build a good base. Dustin said they will try to do an extra mile next year on Yale Road since it is four miles to the lake. Jim said he wants to make sure that before the extra mile is done on Yale Road that the focus is on a road that has been milled for 5 years.

 

The roads in District 2 were discussed next with Eric saying Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to Liberty Bell Road needs overlay work done. KDOT is currently checking to see if that section of road has been turned over to the county yet. Eric said if the road has not been signed over to the county then KDOT will have to have the road in an acceptable condition before the county will agree to take the road over. Jewel Road, 230th Street, and 232nd Terrace, which make up Marco Estates, were discussed next with Eric saying they tried to get to those roads last year but ran out of funding. Eagle Road from Garland to 267th Street is on the plan, and it was stated Eagle Road is in dire need of help. The last area discussed was 227th Street from Kansas Road to the city limits. Eric said it would cost $37,306.17 to produce the asphalt and he thinks the city should pay half of that. Jim said he has talked to the City of Fort Scott and they have it on their agenda for approval.

 

District 3 has more roads listed on the plan than the other two districts, but Eric pointed out that the other two districts have taken precedence the last two years and District 3 has not had much asphalt work done. Eric said they want to do something a little different than they have in the past and start now with a one-inch overlay then come back in July or August and chip and seal the roads. Eric has spoken to contractors and KDOT and this will save money. The roads discussed for this technique are Soldier from 215th to 245th Street, 245th Street between Soldier Road and Valley Road, and Valley Road between 245th Street and 267th Street. They plan to chip and seal 215th Street from Native Road to Yellowstone Road. Jim wanted to make sure that everybody knew Clifton allowed roads in other districts that were dangerous to get priority the past two years so that is why he is getting so much more this year.

 

There were many roads that were listed under an extra heading that Eric would like to try to get to this year if the funding is available. Eric said he would like to get started right away and lay four inches of asphalt on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street, but he needs to get a budget report, so he knows how much carryover he has from last year. Jim stated since it is almost April, he hopes that the end of year will get closed out soon so that Eric can know how much money he has to work with. Jayhawk Road from Liberty Bell Road to 245th Street was also listed under the extra’s section and Jim said it is in need of chip and seal since it was such a dry year last year the pavement moved and cracked. Eric commended Dustin on all the hours he had worked to create the plan. Dustin said that asphalt oil is down about $100.00 per ton and fuel is down about $1.00 per gallon so that will help make our limited funding stretch farther. The laydown machine has a new engine in it, and they are working out a few bugs but hope to have it running soon. Jim said if sales tax continues to be up he is confident we can do one mile on Eagle Road. It was discussed if sales tax is up doing one mile of Yale Road, and Dustin said the traffic really needs to compact the road for a year to get a good base before any asphalt is laid. Dustin said that a lot of the asphalt roads are in better shape now and that they plan to chip and seal which will make the asphalt last another 5 to 7 years.

 

Alan Drake spoke about the roads in Marco Estates stating they have deteriorated over the last several years and they need help. Alan said that the last work done to the roads was chip and seal several years ago, but recently all that has been done is patching. Mr. Drake said he appreciates all the work that the road crews and Commissioners do. Larry Howard asked about sales tax and when we find out how much we will receive. Jim explained that we do projections for the year based upon the first sales tax payment we receive in the year, but that sales tax has been up the past few years. Nelson questioned if Yale Road was milled how soon it would be before the work was started, and Eric said it could be the beginning of April. Clifton said the only way to fix the road is to mill the road and that it is a safety issue. Eric assured Nelson that they will not do any milling on Yale Road without notifying him and getting the word out to the citizens as well. Eric said that he will bring the asphalt plan back on Thursday for approval.

 

Jim asked for a short break, and the meeting started back in session at 9:37.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, asked for a 12-minute executive session to discuss security measures. Nelson made a motion for an executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 12 minutes returning at 9:53. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 9:53. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:51. 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

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 9

Leave a comment

March 9, 2023,                                                                                        Thursday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Michael Hoyt, Tiana McElroy, CJ Robinson, Patty Ropp, Deb McCoy, Jason Silvers, Lora Holdridge, and Clint Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve accounts payable totaling $160,243.72 and payroll totaling $208,645.33. Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly fuel report. Jim asked if the Sheriff’s department was still getting fuel from the county barn. Eric stated they quit around January 1st or the 4th, but that EMS is still getting fuel as well as all other departments. There was a delay getting the card system installed, but Eric made some phone calls last week and they are moving forward. The sidewalk and concrete have been completed, but there is some painting that still needs to be finished up.  There are four or five more stalls than before, we had 15-16 open previously and now there are 20 parking spaces available. Eric spoke about citizens having problems with nails or metal pieces in the roads and he has done some research and visited with other counties. He said Crawford County uses magnets that are attached to the back of their graders. Eric said they ordered 6 magnets to be installed on the back of our graders and will see how that works out for the issue. He also stated that he knows there has been a lot of flat tires from picking up nails and other things in our dump trucks, so we will see about the outcome and if the magnets will work for us as well. The cost for all 6 magnets was $3,000. Jim said this was a great idea and thanked Eric. The soybean paperwork was finalized with ADM, and they will be transporting 100% of the bean dumpsters to our landfill to make compost along with their pod dumpsters, which will be coming to Bourbon County twice a week. Jim asked if Eric if they had found a good used compost machine and Eric replied they have possibly found a compost turning machine because you have to add different mixtures, then you have to turn it so often, and sometimes add moisture. They have found a used one that they are keeping an eye on, and they are going to look at it in about a week. Jim said the compost could be sold, given away, or use it as C and D cover. Eric responded with absolutely, as well as fill in some holes and other things as needed. Jim thanked Eric and said he appreciated all the work he has done. Eric said they have had a few road projects this week with one at 230th and Hackberry where there were multiple potholes that have been milled and leveled out. East of the intersection of 250th & Fern there was a really soft spot, the road is getting a lot of traffic from gravel trucks hauling to Missouri. The area has been torn up, filled in, compacted, and the road is up and going again. 40 MPH speed limit signs are installed on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 250th street. Eric said he had a meeting with Troy Howard from KDOT yesterday and that the meeting went very well. They met for about an hour and a half and went over various topics such as asphalt, chip and seal, rights-of-way, and equipment. They also talked about grants coming up and Eric said Troy is going to have an individual get back in touch with us that is more familiar with grants. Jim asked if he was our area engineer, and Eric said yes, he is our area engineer, and he is out of Iola. Last week Eric received his yearly order of culverts, and now they will be working on getting crossroad tubes put in and replacing some entry tubes as well. A total of $53,000 was order and they also received some larger culverts; and that they have bigger projects they need to address. Eric said they have the demolition permit in hand for the house at 201 Crawford and have made contact with the utility companies and as soon as the utilities are removed, they will proceed with tearing the house down. Eric reminded everyone that March 20th at 9:00 a.m. there is a work session for hard surface roads. Nelson asked Jim what was the name of the gentleman that was at the commission meeting last week who spoke about Maple Road, and Jim replied with Mr. Arnold. Nelson asked Eric where we were on that situation. Eric stated he looked it up in the MUTCD, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and that Jim was correct with his statement you shall have striping anything over 6,000 vehicles. Anything less is dependent on whether the Commissioners would like to make a policy or not. Eric looked at the average flow through KDOT, and the average daily traffic count was approximately 768. Nelson stated that Mr. Arnold said it was west of town, but where does he live exactly and what hill is he talking about? Nelson stated that 185th is the cell tower, and asked where would it be in relation to that. Eric stated it would be a mile back East. Nelson then stated what would it look like following rules to put some striping to make Mr. Arnold happy and make it a little safer. Eric said if you’re setting a policy, there you are going to have other requests, it’s completely up to you, the Commissioners, whether you want to start. Nelson said we could deal with the request as they come. Jim stated his thought is if we do one hill we should consider doing all hills, because there’s no difference. He said he sees the attorney standing there who will say well you striped that hill and my client got hurt on this hill why didn’t you stripe it, and we will have no excuse. Jim doesn’t have a problem if they want to go that direction, but he thinks that it is all or none. Nelson stated on Eric’s point, he thinks it’s the one that people complain about the most often would take priority. Jim said he would think it should, but it shouldn’t tell us what the law says as far as us setting policy. Nelson asked what’s all the hills on pavement? Eric said you’re talking about a lot, it’s going to be very expensive, because we do not have the material or the equipment to be able to paint that. So, we would have to either buy equipment, or contract out with someone. Jim said he certainly didn’t want to sound negative on safety, because he does support it 100%, but he thinks before anything gets passed, they need more information from Eric on what it might cost us to do all the hills. Then it is just a domino effect from other things, such as the white passing lines, or no passing zones. Jim would like all the information on how the project would be performed, he told Eric he knows it may take a month or two, but he wants all information before he can make a decision. Nelson said if he is really concerned about that hill then an easier and cheaper solution would for that section to be decreased from 45 to 30. Eric said we can decrease the speed limit all we want, but it doesn’t control people. Clifton said as far as he is concerned, it is all or none.  Eric said he will work on getting pricing for the Commission.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, to demonstrate the LUCAS 3 equipment. Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton said he saw the LUCAS a few days ago, and asked Teri to come and explain and demonstrate this phenomenal piece of equipment that will save lives in Bourbon County. Teri Hulsey, along with Chris Rosenblad and Taylor Morrison spoke and gave a demonstration of the new device. The LUCAS device is an automated CPR device that delivers non-stop, completely perfect, CPR every time. Without this device it takes two people to perform CPR, one to do compressions and one for ventilation. A board is placed behind the patient’s back, the device is strapped over their chest, you attach their hands to the device, you press a few buttons, and the machine does perfect CPR every time. Chris said these are a huge benefit and you are very lucky if you work in a truck that has one because he has seen ER’s that don’t even have them. Teri said the great thing about the device is it is connected to the patient, so they can move the patient, carry them downstairs even all the while it is performing CPR. Without this device when you are trying to move someone, especially in older Victorian homes with the winding staircases where you are having to try to turn and maneuver a backboard down the stairs, you are not giving good quality CPR. Clifton said this is an unbelievable piece of equipment, and it is his goal to get at least two more to put one in each ambulance and one in the ambulance housed at the fire station and he has received commitment from Legacy Health to help purchase one device. Clifton said he is going to reach out to other entities, organizations, and foundations in our community to help purchase the devices, which are $18,500 each. Clifton said they also are needing to get new Hamilton ventilators in each of the ambulances which are $16,500 each. Teri said the first time they used the LUCAS device it saved the life of a Bourbon County resident. Clifton commended Teri, Chris, and Taylor; stating that Teri is now fully staffed and has a paramedic on each ambulance in her service. Clifton said the quality of service is unbelievable and Teri said they are probably the only ones in a 200-mile radius that is staffed that way. Teri said she spoke with Jon, who came from Mercy, and he said it has probably been six years since they were fully staffed. Jim said thank you to Teri and to Clifton for going out and trying to get funding for these devices. Teri handed out a form showing manual CPR vs CPR with the LUCAS device. Chris stated that they work in 2-to-3-minute shifts performing CPR and you can visibly see the difference on the monitors when a new person starts CPR as their compressions are stronger: but with the LUCAS device the compressions are always consistent. Clifton made a motion to allow Teri to go out to bid for a new ambulance. The Commission approved a re-mount two years ago, before Teri was EMS Director, but it didn’t get ordered. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. The Commissioners thanked Teri, Chris, and Taylor for coming and demonstrating the new device.

 

Clifton presented Resolution 09-23 which creates an ambulance equipment reserve fund to move additional funds from the end of the year to a separate fund that will be used to cover the cost of ambulance replacement. Clifton made a motion to approve Resolution 09-23, Nelson seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton said people should realize how lucky we are to have what we have in regard to EMS. Jim said he was very impressed with what he just saw.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:34. 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

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Starlite FCE March 2023 Minutes

Leave a comment

 

 

The Starlite FCE held it’s March meeting at the Yeager Building on the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Eleven members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for thirty-four hours and had recycled three hundred and ten pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She announced that the Area Recognition Day will be April 18th in Humboldt, the Aging with Attitude will be April 28th in Parsons, and the Spring Social will be May 4th.

 

Glenda recognized Ida Ford and Claudia Wheeler for their birthdays.  It was also announced that the Program “Herbs, Plant to the Plate” will be held April 6th at 12:00 at Buck Run Community Center, presented by Krista Harding, and Clara Wicoff.

 

Old business consisted of putting together the Easter eggs for Tri-Valley and the gift basket for Jack Jackson.  Glenda announced that Jack would be presenting the lesson on men’s heath to the Uniontown Ruritan Club.

 

New business consisted of putting together a team for Walk Kansas which will start March 26th and run through May 20th.  Our team consists of Glenda Miller, Letha Johnson, Karen Peery, LeAnna Taylor and Brian and Terri Williams.  A motion was made by Deb Lust for Starlite to donate $50 to open class as Fair premiums.  Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Letha Johnson moved that we donate $40 to 4-H for Fair premiums, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.  Betty Johnson moved that Starlite make a Scarecrow and a hay bale for the fair, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Doris Ericson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Karen Peery seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Deb Lust presented the lesson on Container Gardening.

Refreshments of a Lime dessert, mints, nuts and water was provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams