Category Archives: Bourbon County

Beacon Taking Appointments for Food Pantry Families, Adopt-A-Child and Christmas Basket

Dave Gillen is the director for the Beacon. Submitted photo.

They are paying $500 to $600 more per month on the food they give away, but the Beacon, a local food pantry, is not low on food, said Director Dave Gillen.

The cost of adding perishables to the food pantry has risen.

“With inflation and the number of people we are getting, 10 new families a month…we are spending over our budget,” Gillen said.
“I used to give out eggs with the food basket, but I had to cut them out,” he said. “At one time just buying bread and eggs was eating 1/3 of our budget.”
Gillen said donations of food are “doing well.”
“Schools, organizations, businesses and others, we can count on them to help,” he said.
The staff started on October 24 taking appointments for the 2023 sign up for the food pantry.
Other days they will be taking the appointments  for the sign up are  October 28th and 31st. November 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 11th.
Sign-ups must be done by November 11, with no exceptions.
One must  call in advance to make an appointment for one of these days.
The phone number is 620.223.6869.
Hours the Beacon is open are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. The agency is closed Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
If one is a member,  bring a current Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) letter and proof of residency, along with a photo ID for all adults in the household, a Social Security card for all in the household and birth dates for all in the household.
All dependent children with different names must show full time parental custody, adoption papers, and must live with you.
Proof of income, pension, retirement, social security disability, VA benefits, unemployment, child support/alimony and any other income is required.
If DCF services are  received, please bring the verification letter.
Adopt-A-Child
Also at this time, the Beacon will be doing sign-up for the Adopt-a -Child program and food baskets.
One family member should come for the whole family.
These will be picked up on Dec. 16 at Community Christian Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a drive-through operation.
Elk’s Christmas Basket
The Elk’s organization baskets will be delivered the Sunday before Christmas, December 18th.
Dave Gillen, director, and Patty Mowen, co-director, of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Oct. 26

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Date: October 26, 2022

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                     

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

MEETING HELD IN THE COPURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING at 7:45 AM.

THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session:

          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 security measures, if the disc

Candidate Forum at 5:30 p.m. Today at the Ellis Center

TONIGHT ~ Tuesday, October 25th, 2022
Join us for the 2022
General Election Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 25th
Doors open 5:30pm for Meet & Greet w/Candidates
Forum beings at 6pm
(will also be on Facebook Live ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce page)
Candidates in the races below have been invited to attend & participate in the forum.
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District
Governor / Lt. Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State Treasurer
Commissioner of Insurance
State Representative, 4th District
Member, State Board of Education, 9th District
County Commissioner, 1st District
County Clerk
County Attorney

FS National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Tickets Next Tuesday

 

Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.

 

The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

 

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward.  Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.

 

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

 

NPS Photo: C. Brenner

American Legion Raises $5,500 for Wreaths Across America

 

American Legion Riders Post #25 Sponsor Wreaths Across America

 

The American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott, under the leadership of Rider Director, Tom Metcalf, held a “Dragoon Ride” on August 20, 2022, with all proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America for Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Approximately 44 riders participated in the ride that included several destination stops over a 143 mile route.  A raffle with various prizes took place alongside a pulled pork dinner. The event resulted in over $5500.00 in sponsorships.  The money will be used to sponsor Wreaths for soldiers at The Fort Scott National Cemetery.  December 17 The American Legion Riders will lead the truck escort as they deliver the Wreaths to the soldiers and their family members.  When the escort reaches The Fort Scott National Cemetery they will participate as volunteers for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.

 

 

 

 

Tom Metcalf, on behalf of the American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott is presented sponsorship proceeds to Diann Tucker, Local Project Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Anyone wishing to donate to sponsor wreaths for the current year can contact Diann Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700.  There are nearly 7000 sites at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Only those grave sites who receive donation sponsors by November 22, 2022 will receive a wreath.

 

 

 

 

Plans are underway for a similar ride to be held at a later announced date in 2023, for another ride to benefit Wreaths Across America.  Anyone interested in riding can contact Tom Metcalf, 620-224-7951.

 

 

Become a Master Food Volunteer

Do you have a passion for food? If so, consider joining the Master Food Volunteer (MFV) program! You will meet others who also share a passion for food; participate in classes, by either leading or assisting, to teach others about food; learn up-to-date practices on food safety and nutrition; and take your knowledge of food to the next level. To join, you must complete a 40-hour training course which costs $120. This course will be offered online from January 17th to February 25th with three days of hands-on training. Interested applicants must apply by December 1st to be considered. You can find the application online here or you can call 620-365-2242 to receive a copy.
Wondering what current MFVs have to say about the program? According to MFV Susan Stich: “Being a Master Food Volunteer has taken my love for food and nutrition to new levels of knowledge and fun. With the Master Food Volunteer training and university resources, I can feel confident in sharing with the community safer and fun ways to preserve, prepare, and serve food. The MFV program gives me the opportunity to help others of all ages learn better ways to eat healthier and safer. The camaraderie I have with other Foodie Friends is a special plus.”
Some of the educational programs which our current MFVs have hosted or assisted with in the past year include our kids’ cooking classes, a pressure-cooking class, a program on cooking with herbs, and a hands-on breadmaking class. The possibilities are endless!
If you have any questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Halloween Fun at Fort Scott Public Library

All photos submitted by the library.
Halloween Costume Parade & Storytime 
Join Miss Val for a costume parade, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 am, followed by storytime immediately after. Adults & kids alike are invited to dress up (family-friendly costumes only, please). Kids will trick or treat at both the downstairs and upstairs circulation desks.
Middle & High School Halloween Party
Dress up if you want and join Miss Valetta to decorate cookies, play games, sew monsters, and more for the 6th-12th grade Halloween Party, this Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4:30.
The library holds weekly meetings for middle & high school students on Wed. at 4:30 pm.
Announcing the Winners of the Yellow Brick Road Challenge
The Fort Scott Public Library and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team are proud to announce the winning team for the Yellow Brick Road Challenge:
The Reading Rangers!
While both teams reached the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the Reading Rangers got there first.  Congratulations to the Reading Rangers!
Together, participants have walked more than 45 million steps since the contest began on June 15.
ALL participants will be invited to a wrap-up reception and to a Wizard of Oz-themed book club, which will take place approximately one month from today. Dates for both will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for the next contest, to be announced soon.
#WalkIntoBooksBourbonCounty #WIBBC #GetFit #FitnessChallenge #WalkingContest
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System
Funding for this Story Telling Project is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

K-7 pavement repair project to start at Girard into Bourbon County

 

In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).

 

Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.

 

Bo Co Commission Revised Agenda for Oct. 25

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: October 25, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll

Jerry Witt FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member

Burn Ban Discussion

Ashley Shelton Gas Price Lock In

North Parking/Sidewalk Project

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Financial Report

o KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

o KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

o KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy

o KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

The November 2022 Election Voting Starts This Week

The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.

Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7th at noon.

People may vote at the  Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.

To view the sample ballot:

Sample 22GKSBOU

“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”

Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.

In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about  the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.

 

Taken from the ballot:

County Sheriff Question

 

This amendment would preserve the
right of citizens of each county

that elected a county sheriff 
to continue
electing the county sheriff. The

amendment would also provide

that a county sheriff only may be

involuntarily removed from office

pursuant to either a recall election

or a writ of quo warranto initiated

by the attorney general.

A writ of quo warranto is a common law remedy which is used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public or corporate office, according to https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/quo_warranto

A  yes vote for this proposition would
preserve the right of citizens of

each county
, to
continue electing the county sheriff

via popular vote. The amendment

would also direct that a county

sheriff only may be involuntarily

removed from office pursuant to

either a recall election or a writ

of quo warranto initiated by the

attorney general.


A  no vote against this proposition
would not make any changes to

the constitution and would retain

current law concerning the election

of a sheriff and the procedures for

involuntary removal of a sheriff from

office.

The amendment states:

County and township
officers.
(a) Except as provided
in subsection (b), each county

shall elect a sheriff for a term of

four years by a majority of the

qualified electors of the county

voting thereon at the time of voting

designated for such office pursuant

to law in effect on January 11, 2022,

and every four years thereafter.

(b) The provisions of subsection

(a) shall not apply to a county

that abolished the office of sheriff

prior to January 11, 2022. Such

county may restore the office of

sheriff as provided by law and such

restoration shall be irrevocable.

A county that restores the office

of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a

majority of the qualified electors

of the county voting thereon for a

term of four years. Such sheriff shall

have such qualifications and duties

as provided by law. The time of

voting for the office of sheriff may

be provided for by the legislature

pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of

this constitution.

(c) The filling of vacancies and the

qualifications and duties of the

office of sheriff shall be as provided

by law.

(d)
The legislature shall provide for
such
other county and township
officers as may be necessary.

§ 5. Removal of officers.
(a) Except
as provided in subsection (b),
all
county and township officers may

be removed from office, in such

manner and for such cause, as shall

be prescribed by law.

(b) A county sheriff only may be

involuntarily removed from office by

recall election pursuant to section 3

of article 4 of this constitution or a

writ of quo warranto initiated by the

attorney general.

From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,

“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”

The Question of Legislative Oversight

The purpose of this amendment is
to provide the legislature with

oversight of state executive branch

agencies and officials by providing

the legislature authority to establish

procedures to revoke or suspend

rules and regulations.


A yes  vote
for this proposition would
allow the legislature to establish

procedures to revoke or suspend

rules and regulations that are

adopted by state executive branch

agencies and officials that have the

force and effect of law.


A no vote
against this proposition
would allow state executive branch

agencies and officials to continue

adopting rules and regulations

that have the force and effect

of law without any opportunity

for the legislature to directly

revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.

Legislative oversight of administrative rules and
regulations.


Whenever the legislature by law has

authorized any officer or agency

within the executive branch of

government to adopt rules and

regulations that have the force and

effect of law, the legislature may

provide by law for the revocation

or suspension of any such rule and

regulation, or any portion thereof,

upon a vote of a majority of the

members then elected or appointed

and qualified in each house.

From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,

“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”

Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 25

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: October 25, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Jerry Witt FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member

Ashley Shelton Gas Price Lock In

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Transient Guest Tax

Susan Bancroft KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Financial Report

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bank Reconciliation Ending September 30, 2022.22.10.21

Quarterly Report 22.10.21