Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of August 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 4th, 2022                       Regular Meeting #16

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Lisa Lewis, Rob Harrington, Jackson Tough, Susan Bancroft, Patty LaRoche, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Destry Brown, Bill Downey, Jr., Ray Babb, James Brackett, Pete Allen, Amanda Goltra, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said he wished to make two comments.  The first comment is that he commended Kelley Zellner, City Manager, in providing him budget work session documents.  He will have comments at the budget hearing for the Commission.

 

His second comment was concerning the petition for the ladder fire truck to have this go to a public vote.  There were 525 signatures on the petition, and he considers this voter suppression as this did not go to a vote of the public.   This had nothing to do with financing of the fire truck.  He said that the grant money should have been used to pay off the pumper truck and not purchased the ladder truck.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration for the demolition of 722 S. Heylman Street (progress report) – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, passed out photos of the demolition. There has been no progress made on this structure.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to award the bid in the amount of $1,800.00 to Dave’s Demolition. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AWARD THE DEMOLITION BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY AT 722 S. HEYLMAN.

 

Appearances:

 

Patty LaRoche – Lake Advisory Board Report – Mrs. LaRoche said that the Lake Advisory Board met on July 9th, 2022 and made the following recommendations to the City Commission:

 

Approved to recommend to the City Commission a guideline for the future sales of City-owned property at the lake which includes the following policies and procedures:

 

  1. Smart Growth Coordination with the Lake Advisory Board to determine which lots are to be sold.
  2. Deed Restrictions such that:
  3. Any lots sold by the City of Fort Scott are to be used solely for single family residential use, whether year round or seasonal, as are related garages or outbuildings. All commercial, industrial, retail, and multi-family housing uses are prohibited.  The property may also not be subdivided in any way without the express approval of the City of Fort Scott City Commission.  These property and findings on purchaser and successors or assigns of the purchaser.
  4. Must be a stick frame home.
  5. Accurate survey of lots.
  6. Market analysis and timing recommendations.
  7. Sale Structure, which deals with how the lots would be sold (auction, listing, etc.).
  8. Listing, sale, and title document preparation.
  9. Document review by City Attorney.
  10. Document acceptance by the City Attorney and buying parties, including realtors, etc.
  11. Sale review by the City Commission.
  12. Sale Acceptance by the seller and buyer.

 

The Lake Advisory Board understands it is important to be aware that Lake Fort Scott is the emergency water supply for the City of Fort Scott.  We also understand that the City has a responsibility to its water source to do the things that pertain to monitoring and ensuring that the water source is clean, which is the bathymetric survey and the evaluation of water quality.  Given the importance of those issues to the citizens of Fort Scott, and to ensure an adequate and safe water supply in the case of drought, the Lake Advisory Board recommends the following to be funded in the next budget cycle.

 

Recommendation to the City Commission that the bathymetric survey the water course, wetlands, and lake evaluation and the water quality study should happen under the next budget cycle and be funded by any source other than the Lake fund.

 

It is also their recommendation that these studies be completed by surrounding universities as course work as they have been in the past.

 

Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Temporary Street Closure Request – J. Jones said that this is the Tacos and Tailgates event to be held on September 3rd, 2022 at Riverfront Park.  He asked that it be blocked off for a truck show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will use the River Loop road section.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

approved the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event.   

 

Rob Harrington – Visioning Session for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – 8/23/2022 – Mr. Harrington stated that in Proverbs 29, it states “where there is no vision, the people perish”.  He announced that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. is hosting a visioning session for all Bourbon County entities.  This will include cities in Bourbon County as well as all school districts, the college, and the County.  This will be held on April 23rd, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  There will be a meal served to all elected officials.  Discussion on moving the county forward will be held.  He invited all City Commissioners to attend this event to be held at the River Room.

 

Public Hearing – None

 

New Business:

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 6 E. 13th Street and Conditional Use permit to allow a small animal hospital – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change and Conditional Use Permit. The property has been purchased by Amanda Goltra, DMV, who will open and operate a small animal hospital.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve Ordinance No. 3614 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a small animal hospital at 6 E. 13th Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3614 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR THE PROPERTY AT 6 E. 13TH STREET.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 2204 S. Main – GO Car Wash – Approval of lot split – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 2204 S. Main Street as well as the lot split.

 

Fred Merrill, GO Car Wash representative stated that there is 7 acres they have purchased between Dollar Tree and Sekan Printing.   He said that they will use a shared entrance with Dollar Tree.  Mr. Merrill said that the car wash will use 1.2 acres of the property with remainder for expansion of 5.8 acres behind it.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the zoning change from C-2 to C-3 and also the Lot Split for the property at 2204 S. Main Street. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3615 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3616 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – LOT SPLIT AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH – CONSISTING OF ONE PARCEL OF 5.9 ACRES AND ONE PARCEL OF 1.2 ACRES.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 12th & Clark Streets – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 12th & Clark Streets. The prospective owner would like to build a mechanic shop at this location.

 

  1. Wells moved to approved Ordinance No. 3617 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 for the property at 12th & Clark Streets. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 12th & CLARK STREETS.

 

  1. Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager said that this Ordinance pertains to the vacancy in the office of City Commissioner.

 

Discussion was held to table this until the next meeting so they can review it more.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to table Ordinance No. 3618 until the August 16th, 2022 meeting. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 3618 UNTIL THE AUGUST 16TH, 2022 MEETING.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2022 – Convention and Tourism Resolution in accordance with Charter Ordinance No. 34 – City Manager said that this Resolution will work in conjunction with Charter Ordinance No.34 concerning the oversight of the Convention and Tourism Committee with Bourbon County R.E.D.I. providing that oversight.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2022. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 32-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT HEREBY ESTABLISHING BY THE POWER OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 34 THE OVERSIGHT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE PROGRAMS AND EXPENDITURES FOR PROMOTION OF CONVENTIONS AND TOURISM WHICH SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THIS RESOLUTION.

 

  1. Approval of Budget Hearing Date and Revenue Neutral Hearing Date – August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – City Manager asked about changing the budget hearing date due to the Visioning Session which will be held that same night.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve to hold the budget hearing and the revenue neutral hearing on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO HOLD BUDGET HEARING AND REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL.

 

Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers – City Manager stated that he is working with USD #234 on a Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer(s) position.

 

Josh Jones welcomed Destry Brown, Superintendent, to the Commission meeting.

 

  1. Dispatch Equipment Service & Operational Responsibility – City Manager shared with the Commission that he received a letter from the Bourbon County Commission regarding Dispatch equipment service and operational responsibility.

 

  1. Director Comments: None

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments: Jason Dickman gave an update on the following projects:

 

  1. CDBG Sewer Project – ongoing project
  2. Horton Street project – surveying will start next week
  3. 17th & Eddy – under construction
  4. KDOT Access Road – Permit was received – will bid out soon
  5. South Industrial Park Waterline – moving forward
  6. State Revolving Loan Fund – In the first steps in submitting this application to the State

 

  1. Wells asked about the steps to Memorial Hall.

 

Jason stated that the got the plans from the contractor in Pittsburg and will talk with him next week.

 

Discussion was held on costs for bathrooms at Lake Fort Scott and estimated costs.

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Wells – Matthew thanked all City staff and Evergy personnel who worked the large power outage from the lightning strike on Wednesday, August 3rd. He thanked all who were involved. He also thanked Buck Run Community Center staff who opened up a cooling facility so residents would have a place to go and get cool and sleep.

 

He also stated that the Fort Scott National Historic Site has issues with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team proposed location for the pavilion.  Rob Harrington is the City’s representative on this committee.

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim read from the City adopted Code of Procedures which states that the meeting agenda should usually go out on the Wednesday before the following Tuesday meeting. He said that he regretted that the meeting could not be held on August 2nd, 2022.

 

Tim also echoed Matthew’s comments to all who were involved with the power outage.

 

  1. Jones – Josh read from the Code of Ethics which was also adopted by the Commission that states the City Clerk may fix deadlines for the agenda so that it may be timely compiled and distributed.

 

Josh thanked Kelley for heading up the team with Evergy and the City on the outage and all working together.

 

  1. Walker – Shane thanked Kelley also for heading up the City staff on the outage.

 

Shane thanked Stephen Toal for his painting at the Water Plant on the way to Gunn Park.  He urged citizens to go and look.

 

  1. City Attorney Reports and Comments: Nothing to report.

 

Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

  1. Walker moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of attorney/client privilege exception in reference to possible litigation in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 7:29 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Manager. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded.  All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of FS City Commission from August 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 2nd, 2022                       Regular Meeting #15

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 2nd, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Steve Anthony, Pete Allen, Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Fred C. Merrill, Eric Goltra, Lori Brackett, Peter Brackett, Ray Babb, James Brackett, Mark McCoy, Bill Downey, Carl Brenner, Jason Dickman, Lisa Lewis, and Kevin Allen.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:  None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

  1. Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 6:19 p.m. This will include City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 6:19 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Wells moved to only approve Item B of the Consent Agenda for the Appropriation Ordinance No. 1317-A. K. Harrington seconded.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to approve Item B of the Consent Agenda totaling $178,384.50, which is the payroll section of the Appropriation Ordinance. This is due to the fact that the agenda packet came out on Monday in lieu of Friday. K. Harrington seconded.  T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED ITEM B OF THE CONSENT AGENDA TOTALING $178,384.50 WHICH IS THE PAYROLL SECTION OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE.

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Steve Anthony – Steve announced that the Special Olympics Golf Tournament held this last weekend raised $32,000.  It is scheduled for July 29th, 2022 next year.

 

  1. Harrington discussed rescheduling this meeting so they can have time to review the agenda packet. They will meet on Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

 

  1. Harrington moved to postpone the meeting until August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED TO POSTPONE THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING UNTIL AUGUST 4TH, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Opinion

More Government by Gregg Motley

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More Government

 

It is a commonly held belief amongst 21st Century Americans that people are basically good, but the facts on the ground deny that assumption.  No one would dispute that a child not only needs help with the activities of daily living, but also needs consistent guidance in order to successfully transition into productive adulthood.  Our various levels of government are necessary to maintain a civil society; otherwise, we would devolve into chaos.

 

Statistically, we have much more government involvement in our lives since I was born in the 1950’s.  Government spending is a much higher percentage of Gross National Product, and many huge government agencies at all levels have come into existence since my youth.  There were no “Great Society” programs, no Medicare, no Obama Care, and six Presidential Cabinet level positions have been created: Housing and Urban Development, Education, Transportation, Energy, Veteran Affairs and Homeland Security.  Federal tax rates on families in 1960 were 3% on the first $4,800.00 earned.  Now, Social Security and Medicare taxes alone are more than double that, even before any income taxes are collected.

 

Why has government exploded with growth?  Let me propose two main causes: first, the moral decline of Americans necessitating more government intervention in our lives. As noted by John Adams, “Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I believe recent trends are proving his point.

 

One does not have to dive too deeply into the statistics to document the moral decline of America, most notably crime rates, divorce, unwanted pregnancies, drug dependence, etc., have skyrocketed.  That is not to say we were without sin in the 1950’s, based on the evils of racism alone in the form of segregation, prohibitions on mixed race marriages, Jim Crow laws and the like.  But generally, Americans were more personally productive and tended to respect authority.

 

Secondly, our universities have popularized socialistic economic theories, such as that of John Maynard Keynes.  In the 1970’s when I was studying economics, the theories of John Adams and Milton Freidman ruled the day; we studied Keynes as a novelty.  In the 21st Century, governments at all levels have followed the Keynesian trend of greater reliance on government intervention.

 

In response to this rise of social disorder, it seems that modern economic theories have attempted to create societal solutions to the consequences of our moral malaise, so far without success.  In fact, the jurisdictions where modern theories have been applied to the highest degree have experienced rising crime and higher rates of individual pain as measured by previously mentioned trends.  The “Great Society” programs were launched nearly 60 years ago, and after billions of dollars of spending, the percentage of Americans living below the poverty line has remained virtually unchanged.

 

If we have learned anything from the dramatic growth of government during my lifetime, it should be that more government is not the answer to our problems; not Federal, not state, not local.  Until the people of this nation begin to realize the importance of the basic fundamentals of two parent households, steady loving discipline of our children, and ample investment of parents’ time and money in the education of our next generation, we will continue to struggle economically and socially, both in metropolitan areas, and rural communities like Bourbon County.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for August 16

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 16, 2022
1st Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Drew Talbot – Via Christi Presentation
• Transient Guest Tax
• Bill Martin – Ammo Presentation / Fuel Cost Update
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Bourbon County RNR
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for August 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 16, 2022
6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:

 

  1. Jones  T. Van Hoecke      S. Walker      M. Wells          K. Harrington
  2.      Flag Salute/Invocation:
  • Proclamations/Recognitions:  Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.

Plan Review – GO Car Wash                                       $  288.00

City Engineer (April)                                                   $4,120.00

City Engineer (July)                                                   $4,120.00

Phase II Design -Wastewater                                     $15,417.50

South Industrial Park Waterline Project                    $ 5,116.55

Sanitary Sewer Project                                              $13,330.00

Cooper Street Inspection                                            $5,202.00

TOTAL        $47,594.05

 

  1. Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering

 

  1. July financials

 

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618

 

  • Appearances: Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022

 

Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation

 

  • Public Hearing: None

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project
  2. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance
  3. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code
  4. Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers

 

  1.    Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Director Reports:

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
  2.   City Attorney Reports and Comments:
  3. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XII.          Adjournment:

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 18

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July 18, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Patty LaRoche, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Bob Reed, Kevin Davidson, Matt Quick, Clint Walker, Nelson Blythe, Donald Coffman, Rachel and Clint Walker were present forsome or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes for last weeks’ meeting. Jimseconded. All approved.


Eric Bailey stated he had no permits to report on. Eric gave a reminder that the LRSPmeeting with KDOT is tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm in the Commission Room. Open to
the public if they wish to attend. Eric states regarding to asphalt, they lacked about 125 yards being done at Hiatville today. They blew a hydraulic fitting on cities’ laydown machine. We should be back up and going tomorrow and hopefully get
finished. We will be moving to 55th & Yale. I called on our paver and they haven’t got it in yet. Bellydump is still hauling rock. We are scheduled for a blast at Blake Quarry this Wednesday probably somewhere around 50 to 60 ton.

Having issues with acouple of dump trucks. Roadside mowing is going on now, we have four mowersgoing. Have the sidearm going as well. 165th & Tomahawk had a grader operator do
about 1 mile of ditching. Did a good job. Culvert crew is trying to get some crossroad tubes in as well. Waiting on 30 inch tubes for 115th. North of Hackberry we have three tubes needing replaced. They’ve rotted out on the bottom. Clifton asked if
Eric had heard anything from KDOT on the bridge on 215th. Eric stated no. He said he got a rough estimate from an engineer for bridge replacement and it was around 2 to 2 1/2 million. Eric stated they are looking at some grants.


Clifton requested an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including two commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Tiana McElroy and Shane Walker for 15
minutes returning here at 6:23pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to remove Matt Quick regarding Hours of Operation from the printed agenda. Jim seconded. All approved.


Jim stated that a commissioner needed to be appointed to the Bourbon County REDI following Lynne’s resignation and I would like to recommend Commissioner Beth.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the Revenue Neutral Rate regarding the County. After discussion of keeping our levy flat which would exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and this stands as a notice to the county clerk for this budget year. The Clerk has to send
letters to every tax payer so we have to certify by the 20th of September. The Revenue Neutral Rate hearing will be first and then we’ll talk about the budget hearing. We will present why we are exceeding the RNR and then we will vote on the
budget following. The commissioners stated that they would like the hearing andvote to be on separate dates. Clifton suggested a night meeting so more of the publiccould attend. Clifton made a motion for Ashley to publicize the intent to exceed
Revenue Neutral Rate and the hearing will be held August 30th @ 6pm at 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS in the Commission Room. Jim seconded. All approved.


Clifton asked Bobby Reed for an update on the jail. Bobby stated that since July 6th we’ve had two applicants. We called to schedule an interview with one them. No answer. I saw this individual out in the public and asked him about it. He said he decided to do something else. Bobby told him there had been an increase in wages to
$14.50/hr. The individual stated that wasn’t enough. The other applicant was not
contacted due to her background. We are having open interviews this Thursday from
4pm to 8pm out at the jail. We’re going to hit it again on Facebook. As of tomorrow,
I will be down to 6 correctional officers. Both lieutenants are working shift work and
the captain will be going to a shift as well. I will be utilizing off-duty deputies and
myself when applicable for transports. Linn County should be opening their new
facility soon and hoping to get our inmates closer which will cut down on drive time,
maintenance and fuel. Current inmate count as of this morning was 25. We do still have some inhouse because we can’t find homes for them at the moment.


Clifton asked Sheriff Martin regarding money for vehicles. The highway patrol vehicles that the city bought would they be an option for us. Bill responded that their cars are maintained but they drive their vehicles hard. The city only drives about 5 square miles. Some of the equipment that is in the vehicles cannot be transferred to
other vehicles. Bill said the price for a car fully equipped is $50 to $55,000.00. Bill stated they are going to order two cars this year. Our fleet is getting old and worn out. Jim stated that Bill budget request would result in a 5 mil increase and the tax
payers cannot bear that at this time.

Jim stated that Bill’s concerns regarding putting
a fuel tank on the property due to flood plain. Jim stated that is not true. The flood plain is not on the county property. Jim also stated that Bill could save 82 cents per gallon as of today if Judy’s Fuel brought that to you. Eighty-two cents per gallon
times 15 vehicles daily. That’s $100,000 per year. Bill said that he had concerns with the tank tipping over and running down the creek. Jim stated that there would have
to be a fence to suit the fire marshall. Bill said if that’s what you want to do then do it today. Jim further stated that Bill had asked for more deputies. In 2021 you had 2,253 traffic stops; 928 were within the city limits. If you stay out of the city limits
would you need two more deputies? Bill stated he was glad Jim brought that up because we are now going into criminal investigations. With that being said we will
have to go into executive session to explain those reasons. I’ve also brought Deputy Davidson who will need to be part of the executive session to explain why we do what we do in regards to that. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-
4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks, County Attorney Tiana McElroy, Bill Martin, Deputy

Davidson for 10 minutes returning at 6:53pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton stated that what Bill is asking for is a 5 mil increase. You have been in here with your guys stating they don’t get paid enough. But what you’ve
asked for isn’t shown in the budget. We don’t control the budget. You control what you do with your budget. You can ask for whatever you want and the law states we have to allow you reasonable amounts. It also states that we basically have to give
you what you ask for. What you are asking for doesn’t address the issue which is pay.


Bill stated the pay needs to have a base pay and then differential for what you do special. If you’re K9 you get x amount of dollar per month. Same thing with fire arms coach and same thing with field training officer. If you take classes and have 40
hours of drug interdiction courses and develop that time limit then you get x amount of dollars. It helps people strive to better themselves to help the community better.
Bill discussed scheduling issues. Jim asked why other sheriff departments have zero overtime and you have bookoo hours of overtime. Bill stated it is staffing. You can’t
eliminate overtime in law enforcement. Reports have to be done before they go home. Jim asked if Bill thought the crime rate has gone up that much since he has
been sheriff to keep growing the budget 127%. Bill stated that crime has gone up and in regards to the 127% increase since 2010. Bill stated he didn’t become sheriff until
2013. Susan stated the year it went up was 2013. Bill stated that shows proactivity.


Bill asked what kind of Sheriff’s department do you want? Do you want a proactive one or reactive? Jim asked Bill to look at the folks in the room and tell them do you want us to raise taxes by 5 mils to hire you two more deputies. Bill said that he would only be hiring 2 deputies to absorb my budget. Jim stated with a $500,000
increase on your budget request. If I’m going to provide professional safety, when someone picks up the phone and they need help and not wait for an hour or two to respond, yes I will. I worked in an environment not too long ago when a call would
come in and it would be an hour or so before I will have a deputy to respond. I’m not going down that road again. With the type of calls that law enforcement is faced with today I don’t expect a deputy to walk up to the door on a domestic call, not knowing what is going on in there, he knocks on the door and a gunshot comes
through that door. They need backup. Jim asked if these positions were created or replacing someone. These were created for that grant. Jim stated the grant is going to expire and we have to pick up their salaries. Bill stated we discussed this before
with Susan, that one of the positions that is not currently filled right now is making up
the October to December, if everything goes right there maybe a little extra that we
can spend but we can use that money to assist them with more time to do additional
work to solve more crime. I’m working with the state with that right now and
showing there could possibly be additional monies left over and that’s one thing you
don’t want to do is turn money back in. They want you to spend all of it. Jim stated
regarding the SRO position, I believe those positions are needed in our school system.
I’m going to echo what you told me six months ago that we have no money for SRO for
234 and 235 so I’m recommending the cities and the schools work together to provide that position. I believe the schools and the cities have the money. Bill stated that fuel and ammo is the biggest expense. Vehicle maintenance is also increased. Clifton
asked Bill who does their oil changes. Bill stated that the decision is left up to the deputy. We do business with local businesses and in turn they support us on certain
things. Jim stated as a commissioner I will not raise the mil levy if we have to go up a couple mils to provide you with a couple of deputies then we will cut other departments if we have to. Clifton stated that Bill’s department is doing a good job.


Bill gave statistics on drug detectives since June. Bill stated in June alone 8.5 pounds of meth was seized in Bourbon County; 1.7 ounces of marijuana; 13 drug dosage use
of pills; 31 paraphernalia; over $169 dollars in cash. We have seized 6 vehicles and about 14 arrests that were drug related. Jim asked Bill if he was given 2 more deputies what do you see change next year that you might need more positions. Billsaid nothing. These positions will focus on drugs but if there is a shift change,
someone calls in sick, vacation, they will step into those positions. Jim asked if they are doing that now. Bill said no that the grant basically focus on that. Once the grant expires you probably will see a significant decrease in overtime. The grant will
expire June 2023. Clifton and Jim stated they do not support funding SRO. It should be covered by city and school. Clifton asked if there is a bond schedule in Bourbon County. Bill stated no; bond is set by the judge.


Justin Meeks requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for
possible litigation including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks for 10 minutes returning at 8:21pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to
return to normal session at 8:21 with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.


Clifton spoke about the CHC land exchange. The land that CHC owns which is 7.2 acres which includes the helipad and the west parking lot. CHC has approximately
$125,000 in the property and they would like it back in a certain way. They have proposed that we forgo their rent until December and they will transfer the land back
to the county. It will not increase the budget and it isn’t tax payer dollars. Jim seconded. All approved. Just Meeks asked if he needed to draw up the papers.
Clifton asked him to reach out to CHC’s attorney and see what their process is.
Susan stated monthly financials (June) we are in balance. We need the chairman to sign the 2nd quarter financial report for publication. This is a group effort as Ashley looks it over, Patty looks it over and then the chairman. Everyone of those groups is
required to do a report to the Tribune. We’ve consolidated it into one to save on publication costs. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the Bourbon County Quarterly Report. Jim seconded. All approved. Susan continued
that statutorily Patty is required to ensure that we have enough securities pledged for the county with all of our banking institutions. She and I have been working together
on that and we have put together a spreadsheet which shows the cash balance at the end of the month in each institution. When I was checking on the banks there were four accounts at the sheriffs’ department that we were unaware of so we’ve added
those to this list and if you will look at City State Bank, I’ve actually reached out to John Hill, there is definitely some violations going on there. It would be not only our violation but a banking violation. I asked John if FDIC was covering those accounts at the sheriffs’ office separately under a different FDIC. I don’t think you can do that.

He is going to get with me tomorrow and I will report back to you and how we will fixthat problem. We will start including this in our  monthly financial report. Susan stated we talked about last week during our budget session what it would cost for mil
increases. I did a rundown of impact on a residential and commercial landowner.

The total requested increase from all of the departments is about 9 mils. If a person owns a $100,000 home it would increase their taxes by $100 every year. For a $200,000 home it would be $200. On the commercial side that’s where it gets very
expensive as they are taxed at a higher rate. That’s about $1,100. increase. Susan stated she would post the information on the website.
Shane Walker stated that the MOU regarding the agreement for the city for the landfill land. Nothing has changed we just couldn’t get the contract from the city
attorney. You guys have already approved it just needs to be signed. Clifton asked if Eric was aware. Eric Bailey was recalled to the meeting for discussion. Eric stated
there are no contaminants he is aware of but has not seen final contract. Eric reviewed and asked if it was for C & D only discount. Jim stated yes that we wouldn’t
want to give a break on solid waste. Eric stated that we are down to the penny on that. Jim stated their discussion was for C & D only. The discount is 50%. Eric asked
how we would monitor if the C & D is coming from which property in Bourbon County.
Eric stated he has everything in black and white. Eric wants a document that states where the C & D material came from. Susan stated that all condemnations are bid out. Diane can give you the bid awards. Eric said that he is willing to give it a try
and if it doesn’t work out we’ll come back to you. Eric’s concern is someone will take advantage of the county. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement for the landfill C & D pricing with the City of Fort Scott Shared Services
trading some C & D for condemned housing for 13+/- acres that is next to our current landfill. Jim seconded. All approved.
Public Comment: Nelson Blythe – Linn County has 6 SRO’s that cover shifts, 3 detectives that cover shifts and 2 bailiff’s that cover shifts for a total of 11 deputies.

They hardly ever have overtime. Also, meth seizures and all the arrests and search warrants that are done whether county or city can be done without deputies initiating traffic stops in the city. Search warrants and meth seizures almost always come from
traffic stops. Crime rate appears to have increased due to being proactive. SRO – is very important and should be in Fort Scott and Uniontown. All cops have the same basic training but they have entirely different experience than the sheriff deputies.
Deputies are not constantly responding to dogs at large. The call volume is lower at the sheriffs’ office. Deputies are more adept at investigating and doing proactive stuff like getting drugs than Fort Scott PD. The PD goes from call to call to call and
they are not developing the same skills and that’s why they ask for assistance sometimes. I don’t believe the jail will ever be a huge money maker but I think it was a good idea because it is saving money. Prior to the jail inmates were housed out of
town. The amount of people in jail isn’t going to go down unless you have deputies that like to park their cars and sit which we don’t want. The bond schedule being removed I believe hasn’t affected law enforcement too terribly. We pretty much to don’t arrest people for weed anymore. Most drug arrests are meth related. Anne
asked about seizure money and I don’t work there anymore but there are state and federal laws as to how that money can be spent. You can’t use it to buy vehicles. It can’t be used to pay salaries.
Clint Walker asked where county job openings are posted. I don’t see them in a newspaper. Jim stated that Public Works and Treasurers run ads in the paper. Patty stated that they also put information out on Facebook and the county website.

Michael Hoyt asked about early voting. Ashley stated early voting will start onWednesday, July 20th 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday; 8:30am to 12:00noon on Monday, August 1st.
Commission Comment: Jim asked Eric to look into price to put a fuel station at sheriffs’ department.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn at 8:51pm. Jim seconded. All approved
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
August 12th Weekly Newsletter
Wind down your summer in Fort Scott…
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm
8/12 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring the Church of Christ with acappella hymns and gospel songs, 7-8pm, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main. Bring a lawn chair due to limited seating.
8/12 ~ Game Night at the Museum of Creativity, 8-11pm, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Farmers’ Market, 8am to noon at Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Woodland Hills 1-Person Scramble, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/13 ~ The Lavender Patch open 9am to 1pm, 2376 Locust Rd., click here for their website.
8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info., there will be live music and an auction at Sharky’s in the evening, come out & enjoy!
8/13 ~ Cruise In for a for a Saturday night with fellow antique & classic car enthusiasts, former Price Chopper parking lot, click here for info.
8/16 ~ Back to School Bash at Better in Bourbon Boutique, Downtown Fort Scott, 4-7pm, click here for info.
8/17 ~ FSCC Business Expo, 8:30am-11:30am, see flyer below ~ businesses are requested to register for a booth to welcome students & promote your business!
8/17 ~ Farewell reception for Joy Miller of the Southwind Extension District, come & go 1-3pm, 210 S. National Ave. Room 13
8/17 ~ Congressman Jake LaTurner open office hours at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., 3-4pm
8/18 ~ DEADLINE to complete survey for the Chamber Blue Health Insurance offering to be effective 1/1/23. Click here for survey.
8/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave., 8am
8/18 ~ Bread Basics Class, Southwind Extension District, 6pm, click here for more info.
8/18 ~ Ladies Craft Night at the Museum of Creativity, 6-8pm, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Sewing Class at Museum of Creativity, 10am-noon, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Retirement Celebration for Ann Stark, come & go at Atkins Insurance Agency, 2-4pm, click here for more info.
8/19 ~ Paint Party at Dry Wood Creek Cafe, 6-9pm, “The Hayfield” scene, click here for info.
8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.
9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale
9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park, click here for flyer.
9/17-9/18 ~ 4×4 Mud Run, click here for flyer.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
Chamber Blue Deadline August 18th
Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!
BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL HISTORY TOUR
THIS TOUR LOCATION: NATIONAL CEMETERY
CLICK GRAPHIC BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT!
FSCC Business Expo is great opportunity to welcome students and promote your business!
Farewell Receptions Next Week
Joy Miller of Southwind Extension District
Ann Stark of Atkins Insurance Agency
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!
…

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Obituary

Obituary of Dean Brown

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Dean Brown, age 91, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas.  He was born October 7, 1930, in Uniontown, Kansas, the son of Durward “Duke” Brown and Pearl Ballah Brown.  Dean graduated from the Fulton High School.

He married Fern R. Wardrip on July 2, 1949, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Throughout his life, Dean worked at various jobs.  He had been employed at both the Prescott and Mound City Elevators and for a time owned and operated his own service station in Fulton.  Dean loved the land and being outdoors and especially enjoyed helping his brother, Donnie, with his farming operation.  Dean enjoyed antique cars and often drove his Model A Ford in area parades.  He was also active with the Fulton Community Center.

 

Survivors include his four children, Shirley Webber (Gary) of Paola, Kansas, Ed Brown of the home in Fulton, Sharon Oakes (Jim) of Clarksville, Tennessee and Lynn Brown (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; nine grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Donnie Brown (Georgia) also of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, on September 15, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gale and Gary Brown and two sisters, Delma Wood and Juanita Brown.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 16th at the Mapleton Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Prescott Food Pantry and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers at Winfield Scott: Suzan Durnell and Vangie Korinke

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234. The first day of classes is August 18.

Suzan Durnell. Submitted photo.

Suzan Durnell, 53, is a new elementary instructional coach who works with teachers and students at both Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware Elementary Schools in Fort Scott.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from College of the Ozarks, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University, and a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Information Services from University of Central Missouri.

Durnell taught fifth and sixth grades in Galena, MO, second grade in Aurora, MO, then third, second,  and K-5th library skills (including reading and technology). In her 30 years of teaching she worked as a trainer for the Missouri Reading Initiative providing professional development and instructional coaching.

“I was raised in Vandalia, Missouri, graduated from Greenfield, Missouri, and have raised my own family in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. I claim each of these places as a hometown!”

Her husband, Mike will be teaching high school math at Fort Scott High School. They have been married for 31 years and recently moved to Nevada. They have two grown daughters. Jenna and her husband Quade live in Nixa, Missouri, where she works as a CPA, and Quade works as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Springfield, Missouri. Tessa and her husband, Kip, live in Hays, Kansas, where she works as an autism specialist and Kip teaches and coaches at Hays High School.

“My passion is education,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work in a field I love for all these years. I’m excited to extend my career in Fort Scott.”

“My father (a teacher, coach, principal, then superintendent) inspired my love of school,” she said. “My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Forgy, made teaching something I aspired to do.”

“The best part of teaching is the joy,” she said. “It might be joy in teaching a fun topic, joy in watching a student grasp a concept, joy in creating a community of learners, joy in play, or joy in working with talented colleagues. There’s always something that reminds me how very important the field of education is every day.”

“For me, it is a challenge to remain knowledgeable about how kids learn best. We’re learning more and more about the developing brain and how best to approach teaching. To make that even more challenging, kids’ brains are changing as they’re exposed to more technology than ever before. I feel responsible to stay on top of the most recent developments, and that’s hard to do.”

Vangie Korinke. Submitted photo.
Vangie Korinke, 40, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott.
She earned her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Master of Arts in Teaching.
She has been a substitute teacher, and paraprofessional.  This will be her first year as a classroom teacher.
Her hometown was Pleasanton, Kansas until she was 14 and Bethany, Oklahoma following that.
She has been married to husband Matt for 17 years, and they have three kids Dawson (15), Brody(13), and Lila (9).

Outside of teaching she loves baking, shopping, coffee with friends, walking, and family time.  And she said her family enjoys being involved in their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

“Teaching is actually my second career to pursue,” she said.  “I was an adoption specialist after receiving my bachelors in sociology in 2004.  As a mom of school ages kids, I saw firsthand what a difference teachers can make in children’s lives.  My kids had some great teachers who really inspired me to want to be that difference for other students.  I’ve always admired my sister-in-law, Cristin Stark who has been an elementary teacher for years.  I started sharing this new dream with her and she was a huge support during my journey to get here.”

“Several  people have inspired me along my journey of becoming a teacher, she said.  “But there are two people in particular who influenced me the most.  My dad always saw the good in everyone and insisted there was always hope.  I have seen seen so many students struggle in different ways.  My dad inspired me to want to help others believe in themselves and this is true with students as well. The second person who strongly influenced me was my son’s second grade teacher, Kirstie (Cox) Dwyer.  She has a gift and made my son believe he could, and so he did. It completely changed his path academically.”
The best part of teaching for her is encouraging students and cheering them on until they too believe in themselves. “And obviously it is amazing to be a part of helping them make gains and witnessing their growth,” she said. One of the challenges of teaching is finding ways to reach students with different learning styles and needs.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Top Tips for Safe Home Canning

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Canning season is in full swing, which makes it the perfect time to review tips for safe home canning! According to the CDC, home canned vegetables are the top cause of botulism outbreaks. Botulism can be fatal, so it is essential to follow these tips from the K-State Research and Extension Rapid Response Center to ensure the safety of all who consume your home canned food! If you fail to follow these tips, you will be playing a dangerous game of food safety roulette.

 

First, it is of the utmost importance to use reliable, tested recipes from sources such as K-State Research and Extension, the National Center for Home Food Preservation, and the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning. Using recipes from untested sources (such as internet websites, social media, and even old recipes from family members) can lead to a high risk of foodborne illness. Safe home canning starts with a reliable recipe which has been tested for safety.

 

Next, be sure to use the proper processing equipment. Only use a pressure canner for low-acid foods like vegetables, vegetable mixtures, red meats, wild game meats, poultry, seafood, and fish. High-acid foods (like fruits, sweet spreads, pickled products, tomatoes, salsa, and some tomato products) can be canned in a water bath canner.

 

When it comes to tomatoes, note that they are on the borderline between a low-acid and a high-acid food. Therefore, they must be acidified before being processed through either boiling water or pressure canning. To see specific acidification recommendations, visit bit.ly/AcidifyTomatoes.

 

You should also adjust for altitude. Failing to do this can cause your food to be underprocessed, which creates a risk of botulism. Recipes from reliable resources are often written for those processing at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Be aware of the altitude where you are processing food and what adjustments need to be made.

 

Other tips include ensuring you have adequate headspace in jars; not canning in an oven, dishwasher, or electric pressure cooker; following the proper processing time from tested recipes; only using common self-sealing lids once; and never modifying tested recipes to add any other ingredient.

 

Following these tips may just save your life! For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commissioners Meet For Budget Session August 16

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the 2023 budget.  This work session is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

 

The City Commission regularly scheduled meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room following the work session.

 

The work session and Commission Meeting will both be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

 

Bourbon County Local News