The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet for the 2023 Budget Hearing. An executive session will follow the public hearing.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
William “Bill” Loren Del Bolden, age 73, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, September 9, 2022, at his home. He was born August 29, 1949, in Ft. Scott, the son of Loren Theodore Bolden and Dolores Sherwood Roy Bolden.
Bill was drafted by the Army on June 11, 1969. He served in Vietnam for one year.
He worked for Extrusions in Ft. Scott early in his career. He then worked for Dayco, Carlisle, and Timken Manufacturing for over 30 years until retirement.
Bill then followed his love for fishing by opening Hilltop Bait Shop. While operating the bait shop, Bill would read book after book. He was also an avid gardener. He enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs as well as arrow hunting, especially with the grandkids. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was always the loudest voice in the stands at the kids’ sporting events.
Survivors include his wife Casey of the home; 3 sons, Anthony Michael Bolden, Ft. Scott; Justin Bolden and wife Kayla, Denver, CO; and Tyson Bolden, Ft. Scott and 10 grandchildren, Bailey, Tyson, Ryan, Neveah, Tyffani, Michael, Emily, Gage, Gunnar, and Sophie; a sister, Laura Deen, Uniontown, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Paul Tyler, Daniel Bolden, and Larry Bolden; 3 sisters, Donna Fisher, Dorothy Radford, and Bonnie Heaton; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
A disc golf tournament is scheduled at Gunn Park on Sept. 17.
For those not familiar with the sport, disc golf is played much like golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee® to aim at a basket on a pole, according the website https://www.pdga.com/introduction. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and the object of the game is to complete each hole with, fewest throws.
Local disc golfer Danny Craig is organizing the Gunn Park tourney, which is a Professional Disc Golf Association event.
“This is a professional tournament, the professionals will be playing for money,” he said. “Last year there were 75 players that showed up, from states that surround Kansas. I’m not sure of the economic impact, but they buy gas and meals (in Fort Scott) and maybe even stay in the hotels.”
“Disc golf was started in Fort Scott in 1999,” he said. “The Fort Scott Kiwanis provided nine baskets.” It now has 18 holes.
Craig enjoys the game because it is good exercise, he said. “And watching others play. I started playing when I moved next door to a disc golf course and fell in love with the game.”
“There is something about throwing that perfect shot,” he said. “It doesn’t happen every time, but when it does, it’s magic.”
The cost for this tournament for professional disc golfers is $63, in the amateur division, $58; the intermediate and entertainment division, $53 and the junior division, which is 18 years old and younger, $53.
“There is a payout for the winners in the professional division, it’s $600 added cash above the entry fee,” Craig said. “Amateurs get prizes. Entry fees goes towards the players packets.”
There will be a trailer with disc golf supplies, he said. “The amateurs can choose from this.”
Rain or shine the event will happen, he said. “Lightening delays the event one hour, if is continues, the event discontinues.”
The first round starts at 9 a.m., the other at 1 p.m.
“Hole number one is by the small rock shelter house, near the lower pond,” Craig said. “It tees off here.”
Gunn Park is a very picturesque course, with gently rolling hills and trees.
“It is one of Kansas’s hidden treasures,” Craig said.
To sign up for playing in the upcoming tournament: https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/60967
“I want to thank our sponsors Hammer Insurance, 5 Corners Gas Station and the City of Fort Scott,” Craig said.
About The Game
“A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the hole,” according to the website. “The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the putt lands in the basket and the hole is completed.”
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet for the 2023 Budget Hearing.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by a musician-friends trio, Ralph Carlson, Stephan Moses, and Carolyn Tucker. The program will feature vocal and instrumental music of southern gospel, country, blues, songs of Elvis, and Latin-American light-classical tunes. Carlson provides harmony and keeps the rhythm on Martin acoustic guitar, Moses sings and plays Gretsch electric lead guitar, and Tucker provides vocals and fills in the gaps on keys.
“All three of us began studying music as youngsters. When you combine our years of playing experience, it’s 191! Through the years, we have all played individually in church, our communities, and diverse venues,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We appreciate the opportunity to play for the loyal folks who attend this seasonal Friday event. Bring a neighbor and join your friends for a fun evening.”
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The event is free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
The new boosters are formulated to better protect against COVID-19 variants
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering updated COVID-19 booster, Pfizer-BioNT
The BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant are currently causing most cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and are predicted to circulate this fall and winter.
The updated boosters are available at most CHC/SEK locations at no out-of-pocket cost to the recipients. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, or by appointment at most CHC/SEK locations.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
The bivalent vaccines, which are also referred to as “updated boosters,” contain two messenger RNA (mRNA) components of SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the original strains of SARS-CoV-2 and the other one in common between the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
“COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, continue to save lives and prevent the most serious outcomes (hospitalization and death) of COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP Chief Clinical Officer at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
“As we head into the fall and winter season with the potential for greater virus spread in schools and at work, now is the time for everyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccination to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”
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Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker
On a hot morning in August, I stepped onto the front porch and noticed all the dead fallen leaves from my poplar tree. It was obvious the tree was in distress — more than any of the others in my yard. Although it’s a huge mature tree, perhaps its root system doesn’t go down as deep as the maple and oak trees do. It was such a disturbing sight that I spontaneously prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me dry up spiritually like this tree.” For two summers I have faithfully watered the Jane Magnolia tree that Aaron and I planted in memory of my husband. This baby tree has a weak root system, so without consistent watering it would succumb to the draught. Because of the tree’s significance, I purposely nurture and care for it so it can thrive and become strong.
With all the incoming missiles of the evil one and the bombarding distractions of the world, it takes determined effort to abide in Christ. Believers simply won’t thrive spiritually without living in Him. Here’s what Jesus had to say about it: “I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing“ (John 15:1,4,5 AMP). I don’t want to be doing my own thing and be fruitless to boot!
In recent years, binging has become rampant in the lives of both believers and unbelievers. The definition of binge is excessive unrestrained activity; uncontrolled indulgence. Binge-watching (to watch many or all episodes of a TV series in rapid succession) has become an acceptable thing. But Jesus wants us to shut every door that offers the enemy access, so we need to be well balanced in all that we do. “And He [Jesus] said to them, ’Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Mark 14:38 GNT). I’ll just go out on a limb and say the flesh is stupid too. Our born-again spirit is willing and desires vital union with God, but our flesh is brainless, lazy, and hell-bent on godless and fruitless desires.
It’s high-time for Christians to train our flesh and let it know that it’s not in charge! The apostle Paul wrote, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV). God gives His people a new heart and a new spirit to live according to His will (God‘s Word). We have what He says we have, so let’s stop whining and acting like we’re not strong enough to take authority over our stupid flesh. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, “For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us….(2 Corinthians 5:14 AMP). There’s enabling power in the love of Christ and the blood of the Lamb. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NKJV).
It’s easy to be overcome by life’s trials and temptations when our spiritual root system is dry as a bone. When (not if) the bottom falls out of your world, all those hours of binge-watching won’t do you a lick of good. The only way to stand up under the heat and not wilt is to be consistently and intimately connected to the Vine so you can thrive in all kinds of adverse situations. You can be as close to God as you want to be — it’s your call.
The Key: Live every day with Jesus’ soaker hose wrapped around your spirit.
The population decline in every Southeast Kansas (“SEK”) county is a disturbing trend and represents our biggest threat. As a result, there is a shortage of labor in the region, which is a serious hurdle when recruiting employers.
What can we do to attract new labor to SEK? We have to play both offense and defense at the same time, solving problems while working on the plus side. Here are some observations.
The biggest problem rural America has is the mass exodus of our young people to cities for education, better jobs, and entertainment. Study after study shows that our young people are far more experiential than we are, preferring the memories of an exotic vacation over the down payment on a home or the security of a vehicle without a monthly payment. Does it makes sense to go to herculean efforts to attract new people when the natives are not staying? Perhaps we should spend some of our resources on how to slow this dynamic.
Bourbon County REDI hosted the first ever county-wide strategic planning meeting this month, and the group was virtually unanimous as to the biggest barrier to attracting new labor: housing. A close second is our high taxes, which is part of the cause of our housing issues. Every government in the county is aware of this and many are focused on solutions. For example, the City of Fort Scott recently formed a Land Bank to give consideration to vacant properties and those that are in need of attention, and formulate creative solutions. It is a beginning, and other efforts like this are percolating. It will take all of us, every government, every civic organization and every citizen working together to make progress.
Third, we have to make our communities more attractive to outsiders. This includes previously mentioned issues such as entertainment amenities, cleaning up blighted properties, holding the line or lowering property tax rates and encouraging collaborative efforts. Additionally, we must pay attention to our infrastructure, which paints a rather daunting picture of our community to outsiders. Out-of-town realtors representing prospective buyers are aware of our sewer issues and warn their clients, which has a chilling effect on holding time and prices. Also, I consider the social media environment in a community as “soft” infrastructure; certainly ours could be kinder.
Lastly, we have to think outside the box to opportunities such as immigration. I am not talking about an uncontrolled mass migration of people; rather, a thoughtful, measured approach such as what has been executed with the three Afghan families in our community. They have been solid, productive citizens. We are, after all, a nation of immigrants.
These issues represent mega trends that we cannot completely overcome, but perhaps we can differentiate ourselves from other small communities by being the best we can be. Many of us are committed to working on solutions for this community in which we have chosen to make our permanent homes. I encourage you to get involved as well.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 13, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Teresa Davenport – Care To Share Blue’s Festival (2006 Maple Rd)
• Bill Martin – Vehicles
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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 discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
The Regular Council Meeting on August 9, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:04), Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.
Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George and Randy Rathbun (Uniontown Ruritan), Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Jason Thompson and Josh Bales (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Carey Spoon, SEK Regional Planning Commission, and Amanda Lancaster, Diehl Banwart Bolton, CPA, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Open Bids for street mill & asphalt project – Bettis Asphalt & Construction Base Bid $127,287.85, Alternate $70,950.15, total $198,238.00. Killough Construction Base Bid less mill/pack on Seventh St/Sherman St $60,813.24. Due to one bid not having a complete base bid and not comparable to the other bid received and the other bid was over our budgeted amount for the project, all bids were rejected. The Council will consider asking for line item bids in the future as they also consider other funding options. Clerk Johnson will send letter to Killough Construction.
Open RFPs for Trash Service – The City is required to follow the procedure laid out in KSA 12-2036. The procedure was explained by Clerk Johnson. No RFPs were opened. Green Environmental Services was given their unopened proposal and Clerk Johnson will return the other with a letter of explanation. Clerk Johnson will send out a supplemental newsletter with this information.
2022 Financial Audit presentation – Due to a misunderstanding regarding the Gas Utility Loan and collection of gas surcharge to repay loan, the Gas Utility Fund expenditures were over budget.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept 2022 Financial Audit as presented
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked the Council is they wanted lever handles in and out or a push bar or the inside. Lever handles were selected. Doors will open out and have programmable locks. Ruritan would like for it to be open to the public during the day. He is meeting with electrician tomorrow. There will be a fan in the attic area and can lights.
Randy Rathbun gave a presentation for the proposed addition of a “fire truck” in the playground in honor of Dale Jackson. Council was receptive of the addition.
SEK Regional Planning Commission, Carey Spoon – State of Kansas had a summit last month regarding the Hub they have set up to administer the funds from BIL. Most federal funding is wanting regional projects and an action plan would have to be submitted before any funding for the implementation could be applied for. She gave a handout to each person at the table with information explaining Safe Streets 4 All. CDBG is not accepting applications for street projects this year. They are not very familiar with KDOT funding sources but will try to help us as much as possible. They are having a meeting August 23, 11-1 (in person or zoom) on BIL funding.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton gave an update on the progress of their rehab. Scheduled to pour sidewalk next week. Codes Officer Coyan will meet with her again. Inside should be completed by end of August and all work should be completed by end of October. She also reminded the Council of the Bourbon County REDI vision meeting on August 23, 6PM, at River Room above Luther’s BBQ in Fort Scott.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the July 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $371,765.26, Receipts $28,432.97, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $27,542.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $369,629.63. Bank Statement Balance $372,396.19, including Checking Account Interest of $1.43, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,766.56, Reconciled Balance $369,629.63. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,100.97, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,593.23, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,381.43, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $446,705.26. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $208.02, and Utility CDs $168.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $376.42. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of July $2,135.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $45.886.13. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $64,623.57 (61.3%), Expenditures $63,375.25 (48.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,413.55 (57.2%), Expenditures $22,756.67 (55.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $87,681.63 (62.8%), Expenditures $84,919.58 (34.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $100,488.77 (78.2%), Expenditures $88,140.99 (53.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%). The August 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $40,671.74 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reminded Council he has two weeks vacation time that has to be taken before October 29, then gets three weeks. He is to take one week at a time.
KCC Pipeline Safety Seminar is October 26-27 in Manhattan.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KCC Pipline Safety Seminar in Manhattan on October 26-27
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported the deadline for Smith Estate is September 1. City Attorney suggested preparing resolution for condemnation. It was suggested to have a structural engineer inspect the property prior to preparing the resolution.
Clerk Johnson informed the council that HBCAT needs budget numbers for the placemaking project. She will add a survey to the supplemental newsletter for community input of what exercise equipment to purchase and/or build pickleball court.
KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference is September 29-30 in Wichita.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference in Wichita on September 29-30
We received a letter from FEMA regarding the 30-day data submission notification for the draft flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for Bourbon County. The draft shows decreased potential for flooding and no special flood hazard areas in the city limits.
There have been requests for fall citywide cleanup.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to have a fall citywide cleanup August 22-26, 8AM-8PM with dumpsters removed when full.
Clerk Johnson will also add this and a reminder about school starting to the supplemental newsletter.
The November regularly scheduled council meeting is on election day.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to reschedule the November regular council meeting on November 15, 2022, 7PM
The HP color printer/copier has quit. RTS Electronics said parts are not available and would recommend replacing with a laser color printer instead of an inkjet, more cost effective.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, approved 4-0 to have Clerk Johnson get a new color printer/copier
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – He attended the KMGA Regional Meeting in Humboldt on July 14 (handouts in packets). BBCO REDI Vision Meeting, August 23, 6PM, River Room, Fort Scott. He also asked if the dog issue had been resolved. Clerk Johnson stated that she informed Animal Control Officer Binford and that the dogs that were chasing the kids were back at home and tied up in different areas than before, so dog owner is aware they were loose but she hasn’t been able to connect with him yet.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – received a complaint of a property owner being injured while mowing the easement ditch on his property on Seventh St. Council asked Rich to look at ditch and talk to property owner.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Two lights out in park, northeast corner and west side. Rich spoke to Evergy today and they said it could be 10 business days before they are repaired/replaced.
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act update – Council directed Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan to get bids for the ADA bathroom upgrade at City Hall. Also asked Johnson to amend the BBCO REDI grant application for this project instead of the public bathroom project.
2023 Budget, Gas Surcharge/Loan – Budget has been reworked to add gas surcharge revenue and loan payments. Johnson also revised the 2022 budget to include the gas surcharge revenue and loan payments. At this time, it does not appear that we will need to republish. She asked Council to review the reworked budget and let her know by the end of the week if something needs amended. She will send notice of hearings to Tribune next week.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:28PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:28PM.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to increase base pay for Animal Control Officer to $12/hr
Moved by Ervin, Second
