Obituary of Arlan Kent Boyd

Arlan Kent Boyd, 75, of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2024. Kent was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, to John Curtis Boyd and Norma Paulene (Huckaby) Boyd on October 25, 1948. Eighteen years their junior, he joined his older brothers, Curtis Eugene Boyd and Donald Lee Boyd.

Kent attended Redfield Country School, Fort Scott Public Schools, Fort Scott Community College, and Allen County Community College. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years. Kent continued his military service for an additional 25 years, proudly serving in the Kansas National Guard.

On September 25, 1970, Kent married the love of his life, Amy (Spencer) Boyd, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, KS. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Angela Dawn Boyd Zerinsky Simon and Kristin Marie Boyd Bishop. Kent loved being a girl dad, but was thrilled beyond measure to welcome David Zerinsky, Jason Simon and William Bishop as sons. Kent bought each of them a pair of Key overalls to “welcome” them to the family. Teaching his sons, and later his grandchildren, to Bass fish became a priority for Kent.

Kent spent most of his life working in all aspects of construction; from the smallest of jobs for a neighbor to running multimillion dollar projects for a large company. Kent was always the go-to person for any job because he could do most anything and was trusted to do it well. Kent was an avid outdoorsman. If he didn’t have a tool in his hand, it was a fishing pole or rifle. As a passionate bass fisherman, he humorously told his daughters they were not allowed to get married or have children during a bass tournament weekend. Kent held several titles and had many nicknames over the years. Among all his monikers, “Poppy” was his favorite, lovingly bestowed upon him by his cherished grandchildren: AnnaMarie (Annie) Zerinsky Simon, Kendrick Ames Michael Simon, Winston Thomas Bishop, and Linden James Bishop.

Kent was an active member of the Mirza Shrine Temple in Pittsburg, KS, and the Masonic Devon Lodge #92 Valley of Fort Scott Scottish Rite. Kent took pride in his time as a member of the Elks Lodge, delivering meal boxes every Christmas and helping with the kids fishing tournament. Children have always delighted him and always brought a smile to his regionally famous blue eyes. He was known affectionately as “Mr. Kent” to hundreds of local children as he made regular appearances at New Generation Child Care and Preschool over the course of 32 years to fix whatever might have needed fixin’.

He attended the First United Methodist Church and was known for his love of people. Kent enjoyed socializing with friends and family at every opportunity. You could find him at the donut shop every weekday morning, the Sale Barn cafe on Saturday, and “choir practice” in Hammond on Sunday.

Kent will be remembered for his kind heart, ornery grin, and quick wit. He always ended every conversation with, “Love you, be good.” His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Kent’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of “His Girls”- Amy, Angela,and Kristin that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades 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.

 

 

Political signs not allowed on highway right of way

 

TOPEKA – It’s a sign of the season – political campaigning and the posting of campaign signs. The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds the public that all political campaign signs or billboards are prohibited from being placed on state highway right of way.

By law, all right of way on state highways is exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs placed by KDOT are allowed on the 9,500-mile state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes.

When KDOT maintenance crews find political signs on state highway right of way, the signs will be removed immediately and without notice. All such signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT Subarea office. Political campaign signs not retrieved from the Subarea offices will be disposed of after the election.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people placing or erecting signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

A state law passed in 2015 related to placement of campaign signs on city- or county-owned right of way does not apply to state highway right of way. Persons placing signs on city street or county road right of way should consult the local jurisdiction on any rules.

Kansas Launches National Campaign to Attract and Retain Talent

 

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, alongside leaders from across the state, today unveiled Love, Kansas, a dynamic talent attraction campaign aimed at boosting Kansas’ population by inviting past residents to choose the Sunflower State as their future home. This national marketing initiative will highlight Kansas as an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family, with a special emphasis on “boomerangs” – individuals with previous ties to the state.

The campaign was launched at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, where Lieutenant Governor Toland shared his personal journey back to Kansas that was inspired by a heartfelt phone call from a family friend about a job opportunity in his hometown of Iola.

“It’s simple: We need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state.  And with the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back – we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”

Love, Kansas will focus on the state’s abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, excellent education system and affordable communities.  The campaign will be driven at the local level but will strategically target key markets across the U.S., with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms. Influencer and journalist engagement, as well as targeted in-person events both within and outside of Kansas, will play a crucial role in reaching potential boomerangs.

During the launch event, it was announced that the first 50 communities to partner with Love, Kansas will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to assist in their efforts in attracting new residents to their community. Nineteen pilot communities and seven universities already have joined the initiative and are planning events that are aligned with the campaign’s theme. A primary goal is for communities across the state to do direct outreach to past residents they have a personal connection with, inviting them to return home.

“The collaboration already on display between so many partners underscores the enthusiasm for this campaign,” Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “There are so many amazing things happening in Kansas right now; Love, Kansas gives us the chance to let people throughout the country know about them.”

The Love, Kansas campaign is being spearheaded by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

For more information about the campaign, view this video (here) or visit the Love, Kansas website here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Obituary of Kent Boyd

Kent Boyd, age 75, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Masonic rites and military honors will be provided at the cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades 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.

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 24

June 24, 2024                                                              Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Clint Walker, Nathan Fawson, Bonnie Smith, Kyle Parks, Sheena Parks, Jean Tucker, Rachel Walker, CJ Robison, Leroy Kruger, Bo Casper, Bill Fiscus, Deb Martin, Katie Casper, Mary Pemberton, Tiana McElroy, Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Mike Wunderly, Jason Silvers, Marty Dewitt, Jan Seested, Deb McCoy, Josh Jones, Sparky Schroder, Pete Owenby, and Kathy Brennon were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 6-17-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Kyle Parks introduced himself and stated he and his wife have lived in Bourbon County for the last 40 years and this is where he chose to raise his family and he would like to see them stay here. Mr. Parks said he taught agriculture education and FFA for 38 years and his moto was “what is best for kids” and thinks that the moto “what is best for Bourbon County” needs to be used. Mr. Parks said he has strong feelings on solar and can see both sides of it and  feels Bourbon County is a pretty county and that the US can’t keep losing ag ground. Mr. Parks said that money shouldn’t be the top priority and that being good neighbors and friends should be better. Mr. Parks also said he doesn’t see the ground going back into ag production after solar panels and urged people to think of the future generations and not just now. Mr. Parks thinks we should work together where it is not intruding on people’s view or property.

 

 

Sage Hall said there are multiple ways to create energy for electricity such as geothermal, methane from landfills, boilers, sound waves, and burning waste that do not include taking ag land. Mr. Hall read an article outlining a solar development where the landowner thought he would be able to graze sheep under the panels but the original company he signed with sold his contract to a developer who brought in rock and eliminated the ability to graze sheep. Mr. Hall said that the contract was sold to a foreign company who was merely fined for violating the contact but there are several instances of liens being placed against the property when the companies fail to pay contractors and that this owner had to hire an attorney. Mr. Hall said that liens being placed against the property is common and happened in Allen County with their windmill projects. Mr. Hall said he is worried for his kids’ safety at the current setback of 25 feet.

 

 

CJ Robison said she and her husband Charles are elected precinct delegates for Marmaton Township who attended a Republican party meeting last Thursday where those present conducted a vote of no confidence against Commissioners Beth and Harris. CJ stated this vote was due to the complete violation of the Code of Conduct for elected and appointed officials of Bourbon County per Resolution 22-20, Code of Conduct, Bourbon County, Kansas dated June 30, 2020. CJ said the vote passed 29-0 with 8 individuals abstaining. CJ said if there are any questions, please attend the next meeting which will be held on July 18 at the fairgrounds.

 

 

Nathan Fawson, CEO of SEK Mental Health Center and Ashley Clinic, presented the 2025 budget request along with Joe Springer and board members Jeff Fischer and Marty Dewitt. Mr. Fawson said the SEK Mental Health Center was founded in the early 1960s and receives funding from the county to give care to those who cannot afford to pay. Services provided by SEKMHC include 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient psychiatry, therapy, chemical abuse counseling and education, case management, parent support, psychosocial skill development groups, and supported employment and housing. Service enhancements include Telehealth treatment options e.g., Zoom and/or telephonic across all services to improve treatment access. Mr. Fawson said in the last few years their clinic achieved CCBHC certification and was one of the first six out of 26 clinics in the state to achieve this. Mr. Fawson said they have partnered with the Ashley Clinic out of Neosho County and now offer an integrated health focus for the whole body not just mental health. Recently the SEKMHC in Bourbon County relocated to the hospital building where the CHC clinic was located and their therapy services are now offered there. Mr. Fawson stated he was encouraged by Freeman’s news and working with KRI with their services. THE SEKMHC is requesting $95,963 in support for 2025 and those dollars will serve those who do not have the ability to pay.

 

 

Bill Fiscus, CEO of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, requested the same amount of $55,000 for their 2025 budget. Mr. Fiscus staid that Tri-Valley is committed to the ideal that people have a right to be active within their community and their mission is to offer a wide range of service choices and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to achieve the quality of community life they seek. Mr. Fiscus said Tri-Valley provides day habilitation and residential habilitation as well as case management services. In Bourbon County there are 35 individuals served in day habilitation, 25 in residential habilitation, 45 in case management, 10 on a waiting list, and they have 43 employees. Mr. Fiscus said the longest wait list in Bourbon County is nine years and that state legislature passed funding to help 500 individuals in the state on waiting

lists but that the total number of people on the waiting list is 5300.

 

 

Kathy Brennon, Executive Director, and Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, of the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging outlined some of the services their agency offers to residents in Bourbon County. Kathy stated they receive state and federal funding in addition to the funds from the county and that last year $125,000 was spent in Bourbon County which helped provide 65 people receive 60+ Nutrition Services, 33 people received Older American Act or Senior Care Act Services, 105 people receive assistance with Medicare under SHICK (Seniors Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas), and 80 people received Farmer Market vouchers. Kathy said she appreciates the money for meal preparation being sent directly to them now and that 16,634 meals were provided in Bourbon County last year. Kathy stated they are limited in what they can do but they try to help keep residents in their homes longer. Kathy said they are requesting the same amount of $24,150 as last year.

 

 

Jarred Pollock, Chairman of the Bourbon County Conservation District, presented their budget request of $40,000 for 2025. Mr. Pollock said they receive funds from the state based upon how much they receive from the county and they provide a hub for FSA, NRCS, and Parks and Wildlife who go through Mandy Shoemaker who is their District Manager. Mr. Pollock stated that all 105 counties in Kansas have a conservation district. Mr. Pollock said there are 74 contracts for EQIP with NRCS and 3000 acres enrolled with FSA. Mr. Pollock said they work hard to bring tax money back to Bourbon County with a total payment to landowners of $436,470.29 in 2023 which based upon their $40,000 budget every dollar of the budget has a return investment going back into Bourbon County of 11 to 1. Mr. Pollock said they provide education and outreach and that Mandy holds a Conservation Day in Gunn Park where 200 fourth grade students attend to learn about conservation.

 

 

Vance Eden, Superintendent of US 235, stated he applied for a grant earlier this year and approached the Commissioners to see about the County contributing money for a match. Mr. Eden said they have the opportunity to receive money from that agency and do not want to turn away the grant, however; they will not be able to make it work with just district funds so he is asking for a decision so he can move forward with their project. Jim said he has been told the money received is a contribution not PILOT funds. Jim said he would commit to using $50,000 for four years and Brandon asked if that would get USD 235 their ag building with the grant funds. Vance said it would be up to their board but would be a stretch. Jim made a motion to provide USD 235 $50,000 of energy money in 2025 for four years for a total of $200,000 if the money comes in like we think its supposed to. Clifton asked if it is from Hinton Creek? It was clarified that yes; it would be the Hinton Creek NextEra project funds. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, met with the Commissioners regarding a truck that was totaled. Eric said they heard from insurance last week and will receive $129,658.33 as a settlement. Brandon made a motion to get rid of the totaled truck and take the money insurance is offering. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they were contacted today about a 2017 Mack with 162,576 miles and the company is asking $125,995. A two-year extended warranty was offered for $11,000 that would cover the engine, transmission, and DEF system. Dustin said they would like to be approved for $140,000 in case there are other little things added and would use the insurance money and some from the equipment fund. Brandon made a motion to purchase the truck with the insurance money and the extra from the equipment fund. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said the bridge at 160th and Fern will have 60 yards of concrete poured tomorrow for the base, they stated on Eagle Road today, and they are still working on storm clean up as quickly as they can.

 

 

Susan Walker, CFO, said they talked last fall of the State Employee Health Plan which will have a rate increase in July of $87,000. Susan said the county can pick up the increase or pass it on to employees. Clifton said if it is budgeted the to pay it and that is his motion. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Susan asked for a 5-minute executive session for nonelected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and Susan Walker and will return at 6:22. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:22 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Susan asked for another 5-minute executive session for proprietary discussion. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include the three Commissioners and Susan Walker and will return at 6:29. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:29 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a fireworks permit for Cathy Ramirez Fireworks at 840 N. Main Street in Mapleton. Jim asked why the county is approving permits and Jennifer said it is due to a resolution that was passed in 1991. It was questioned if the city of Mapleton should approve the permit and determined they would not be holding a meeting until after the fireworks stand would be opened. Brandon made a motion to sign the fireworks permit for Cathy Ramirez. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jim requested amending the agenda for an executive session to open the solar panel committee letters under non-elected personnel justification and it was discussed with the County Counselor to determine if that was the correct justification. Brandon made a motion to amend the agenda to hold an executive session. Clifton seconded the motion. Brandon made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship which will include the three Commissioners and County Counselor Meeks and return at 6:44. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action but rescinded that motion and made a motion to resume normal session with action at 6:44. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jim stated they reviewed the letters and he was going to have Brandon talk since the solar projects are in District 1. Brandon said out of the nine letters received they chose seven individuals who are: Samuel Tran, Sparky Schroeder, Jean Tucker, Else Moss, Bo Casper, Jon Eden, and Vance Eden. Brandon stated there is a combination of individuals who are for, against, and neutral regarding solar. Jim said going forward the committee should setup a meeting date, assign a chairman and co-chairman and have meetings. Kyle Parks asked what the purpose of the committee is. Jim said it is to review information and work on setbacks and report to the Commission. Mr. Parks then asked if there was no precedence for a vote and if solar here is a done deal? Jim said the signed contracts are a done deal and we have no zoning to say they can’t come here. It was questioned what the setbacks are in the other contracts that have been signed. Jim said they don’t have signed contracts except with Hinton Creek because the solar companies don’t have to meet with them. Bo Casper asked if they were going to have high fences around the solar projects. Brandon said some solar farms have high fences and some just have barbwire fences and he is unsure of what will be in Bourbon County. Jim asked how many millions of acres were the federal government paying people not to farm and said it was 23,000,000 acres of private land for CRP. Kyle Parks said the land in CRP is subpar land and Tim Emerson stated there is a difference between CRP and solar. Michael Hoyt asked if the solar panel committee will fall under KOMA and Justin stated yes. Mary Pemberton asked if the committee is only working on setbacks or zoning as well. Jim said to have setbacks you have to have some form of zoning and referred to a special use permit. Clifton said it would cost 2-3 mills to have zoning. Jean Tucker asked if all the solar panel committee members were present tonight and asked if the committee would meet tonight to decide when to meet. Brandon said not all committee members were present and he would call them all and be the middleman for the committee. Clifton suggested to Brandon to set a date then step back.

 

 

Clifton said we don’t have a magic wand and can’t break the law and take rights away after the fact and stated that is inverse condemnation. Clifton said solar companies are here and contracts are signed. Clifton said there are natural gas wells on properties to heat homes and he thinks we should tax it but we can’t go back after the fact and tax them now.  Clifton said taking away rights is Communism. Clifton said he wasn’t at the Republican Party meeting and not one representative from the Party called him and he thinks that is disrespectful. Jim said he is disappointed that 29 people voted against him but there are 14,000 people in Bourbon County. Sage Hall said he wished the solar was discussed and feels the public should have been notified because now they will be right next to his house and that everything was done under secrecy. Katie Casper agreed and stated the Hinton Creek project contracts were signed and nobody knew about it until that night. Jim said everybody coming back week after week and beating us up has to discontinue because we’re trying to conduct county business. Sage Hall said he doesn’t know who else to talk to. Jim said if it is personal private matter to go to his personal lawyer.  Jim said he would like to see a poll of how many people want zoning and then it could be put on the ballot and let people vote. Katie Casper said when they submitted a petition to the County Counselor for approval, they were told that you cannot put a zoning question on the ballot it must be by resolution. Jim said if we’re convinced, we can put it on the ballot. Clifton said the zoning couldn’t just target solar. Sage Hall asked if agriculture would be zoned and Jim said no, they would list it out in a book approved by a committee then the zoning committee would approve permits. Pete Owenby asked if the solar panel committee comes back with a recommendation of 1200 meters as a setback would you follow it? Jim said he would take their information and consider it. Pete said it feels like you intentionally violated our rights by signing without talking to us as property owners. Jim said we can ask for PILOT money from the companies but they don’t have to come to us. Jim stated he hopes the committee gets together soon and said Brandon will be involved. Larry Martin asked if any Commissioners have benefitted by signing these contracts? All three Commissioners said no. Katie Casper asked if they would get a written rebuttal from the attorney as requested and Jim said Justin is working on it.

 

 

Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

7-1-2024                                 Approved Date

 

 

Ryan Burgin Arrested for Alleged Rape, Kidnapping, Indecent Liberties With a Juvenile on June 30

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of a rape, kidnapping, aggravated indecent liberties of a juvenile, and intimidation of a  13-year-old female witness/victim on June 29.

On June 30 Ryan Burgin, 26, Fort Scott, the suspect, was located at a residence in the 1000 block of 195th Street.

Deputies attempted to contact the suspect when an arrest warrant was issued. Burgen refused to leave the resident, and a negotiator with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Following 30 minutes of discussion with Burgin, he exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.

Burgin will go before a judge for due process and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The sheriff’s office personnel thanks  the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team, the Fort Scott Police Department and the Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services.

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission on July 1

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

July 1, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/24/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $291,826.40
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $553,347.94
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Its The Beard by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

It’s the Beard

 

My son came home on his day off to do some chores for me. I had a “to-do list” for him and I could tell he enjoyed marking off the tasks as he completed them. I’d suspected that my 29-year-old dishwasher might possibly have a tiny leak, so Aaron removed the front panels to get a good look at everything. There was no apparent leak, but we found icky gooey things and major calcium buildup. In the words of my mom, “I can’t tell it bad enough.” Both of us were appalled and decided that just because the appliance still worked didn’t mean it wasn’t time for a new one! Although the dishwasher still functioned and the exterior looked great, the hidden workings of it were disgusting and  unacceptable. It reminds me of Phyllis Diller’s standup comedy when she said her oven was so dirty she could only bake one cupcake at a time.

 

Jesus had a few things to say about washing the dishes. He was emphasizing that true righteousness and authenticity come from within, not in outward appearances. He was not pleased with how the teachers of religious law and Pharisees were conducting their lives. “How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You clean the outside of the cup and dish. But on the inside you are full of greed. You only want to satisfy yourselves” (Matthew 23:25 NIRV). This scripture is a serious call for all believers to continually examine our hearts and motives rather than focusing only on our  actions. Genuine inner purity and integrity is more important than outer actions.

 

My family and some friends recently attended a Christian comedian show together. A few of us in the combined group didn’t know each other, so there were some introductions before the show started. My friend, Tami, looked at my son and adamantly said, “He looks like you!“ I said, “Yeah, it’s the beard.“

 

It’s been said that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Outward appearances are not a reliable indication of the true character of someone. I find it interesting that the way an individual looks can be revealing or misleading. Generally speaking, we’re all too quick to judge by first impressions. The following is a personal incident dating back to 1979 when I worked in Springfield. I hadn’t been friends with Marilyn, a coworker, very long when she came clean regarding her first impression of me. She said, “When I first saw you, I didn’t like you. I thought you were stuck-up…just by the way you walked. But when you opened your mouth, I knew you weren’t.” I thought her misconception of me, a simple country girl at heart, was fascinating. Apparently, my confident stride on the outside was mistaken for being stuck-up. But the friendly way I talked came from the inside and, thankfully, she changed her opinion after she heard my hillbilly lingo.

 

Jesus continues his weighty lesson on washing the dishes: “You are blind and deaf to your evil. Shouldn’t the one who cleans the outside also be concerned with cleaning the inside? You need to have more than clean dishes; you need clean hearts!” (Matthew 23:26 TPT). The inside heart is more important than outside appearances. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).

 

The Key: Keep your heart in pristine condition for it determines whether your dishes are clean or dirty.

Broadway Street from 5th to 6th Closed

ATTENTION: Broadway from 5th to 6th street will be closed until further notice due to a sinkhole developing, due to the storm drain collapsing, in this area of the road. Please use an alternate route when traveling in this area. City crews will be closing this section of Broadway off shortly. All residents in this block will have access to their houses, please use 6th street when entering your residence.
I will continue to update citizens on our findings.
Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience in advance,
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott

Bourbon County Local News