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Monthly Archives: August 2019
Revised Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 27
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 27th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
9:45-10:55-Jody Hoener-Executive Session-Economic Development-10 min.
10:00-10:30-Bill Martin
10:30-11:00-Rachel Pruitt-Property Tax Relief
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30-2:00-Will Wallis-EMPG Grant Paperwork
Update on Diaster 4449-KS
Signature in Millcreek Watershed District #98 EAP
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
$ Rewarded to Drivers Who Buckle Up
Safe Kids Kansas, State Farm and KDOT partner up for safety message
Thousands of vehicles will be traveling the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will head out on one last camping trip or getaway as the school year begins. Safe Kids Kansas, (sponsored in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment), State Farm and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most valuable assets, their families.
This year, August 25 through September 8, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” is being held in 51 cities across Kansas. Dollar bills are being distributed by local volunteers to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicle. Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.
“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in an automobile crash in our lifetime. In 2017, 461 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways and 56 percent of them were unbuckled,” said Cherie Sage, State Director for Safe Kids Kansas. “The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child restraints every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”
According to the 2017 KDOT Seat Belt Survey, 88 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts. This compares to the national average is 90 percent. Kansas ranked 43rd in belt use in 2017, among 50 states and the District of Columbia.
An average of 102 people die each day in motor vehicle crashes nationally; that’s an average of one death every 14 minutes. “Seat belts are the single most effective device you can use to save your life during a vehicle crash,” said Sage. “They also reduce your chances of having a serious injury by as much as 50 percent. It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hand and buckle up.”
For more information about safety belt or child safety seat use, call 785-296-1223 or visit www.safekidskansas.org, www.safekids.org and www.facebook.com/safekidskansas.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 13
August 13, 2019 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the Clerk present.
Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.
Jim Harris was previously asked to get bids on a new dump truck with a trade in of a 2013 Freightliner; Summit quoted $101,082 for a 2020 International, Westfalls & O’dell Truck Sales quoted $126,631 for a 2020 Mack Granite GR64F9, Tri State Truck Center quoted $119,951 for a 2020 Mack Granite GR64F9. No decision was made on purchasing a truck.
Jeff Fischer suggested doing a 4” overlay at the intersections versus doing the concrete (the overlay will be less expensive than concrete) at the Industrial Park. All of the Commissioners decided the overlay would be the best option.
Jim Harris said they would be working on Indian Road today.
Lynne asked Jim to view the road at 125th west of 95th on Range Road.
Nancy Van Etten gave Jim Harris a road report regarding the road on the east side of Fort Scott Lake; she discussed the safety and condition of the road. She said the road conditions deteriorate the further south you go on the road. She discussed the lack of the speed limit signs and the culvert conditions on the lake road. Jeff Fischer said he felt a lot of the issues on the lake road are due to drainage issues. Nancy asked that Jim view Indian Road and give his recommendations on the issues there.
Harold Martin suggested that the fire department could blow out the blocked culverts with high pressure water. Mr. Martin and the Commissioners discussed road maintenance and getting the most for the money, both in the City and the County. He discussed the high tax rates in Bourbon County and the people leaving the area.
Lynne discussed a KDOT grant program to rebuild bridges; Jim said he would review the program.
Jim said due to the wet weather we have had, they are not able to make asphalt chips and are running out of chips. They plan to do a blast at the Blake Quarry.
Jeff discussed using the Paser Road Condition manual when deciding what roads to pave. Jeff said they are trying to get ahead of the deferred maintenance on the roadways. Lynne said the paving program might not exist in the future without the 1 cent sales tax, which will be voted on in 2020.
Larry Howard and Jeremiah Hill met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; Larry questioned when the 1 ½ mile portion of 245th would get done, Jeff Fischer said this was still in the plans, Jim said they plan to do this after the road at the Industrial Park is completed.
Justin Meeks discussed the cost to maintain paved roads verses gravel roads, he discussed the safety of a deteriorated hard surface road verses a gravel road that could be in a better condition; he suggested that in the future the Commissioners may have to decide what roads to keep as a paved road verses gravel.
Robert Childers met with the Commissioners. He questioned if Ironwood off of 240th is on the schedule for asphalt; Jim said this is not on the schedule. Mr. Childers requested a grader and gravel on this portion of the road. Jim said this is a County road and said he would take care of the road. Mr. Childers reported a crushed culvert in the area; Jim said he would review the culvert. Mr. Childers questioned the 30mph speed limit signs on 240th; the Commissioners said they recommended this speed to slow the traffic down in this area.
Brian Comstock had planned on meeting with the Commissioners (but was unable to meet with them) regarding a fence viewing on Condensory Road between him and the Railroad. Justin said he would review the fence laws regarding railroads.
Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott met with the Commissioners; he presented a signed contract between the City and the County for asphalt. Robert discussed the Lake Association meeting that was recently held; he said that public safety on the Lake was a concern. The City plans to enforce water rules, ordered new buoys and signs, Lake patrol will spend more time patrolling the water. He said he would ask Bill Martin to patrol the area more. There is a Lake advisory group forming, Robert asked that one Commissioner set on the board; Lynne made a motion that Jeff Fischer be on this board, Nick seconded and all were in favor. Robert said that some of the Lake residents would like spot zoning at the Lake and asked for shared services for spot zoning and coding; Lynne said there are no codes in the County and said the County couldn’t afford to enforce zoning. Harold Martin suggested that the Lake residents are looking for assistance in protecting the Lake. It was said that initially Lake was to be for single family dwellings. Robert reported that the County had sprayed chemicals in the Lake waterway; he said this can’t happen.
Nick made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Randy Cason with Ascension Via Christi). No action was taken.
Nick made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Randy Cason with Ascension Via Christi). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Kendell Mason). After the session, Nick made a motion to give Kendell permission to hire a part time employee to fill a vacancy, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Lora Holdridge asked if the Commissioners planned to have a budget meeting including the department heads; the Commissioners said they are still working on the 2020 budget, but are getting closer to finalizing the budget.
At 12:00, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.
Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was present at the meeting.
Nancy Van Etten, Geoffrey Clark, Dean and Diane Striler, Tom Graham, Harold Martin, Gary Palmer, Byron and Nancy Maze, Robert Uhler, Billy Webster, Pete Allen, Deb McCoy, Dian Morriss, Jason Gorman and Kevin Allen – Lake Fort Scott residents met with the Commissioners; Nancy Van Etten discussed a recent Lake meeting. She said at that meeting the following issues were discussed; the safety and the condition of the road at 195th Street from Indian Road to the end of where the City of Fort Scott maintains, the speed limit signs, safety and condition of the roads and drainage issues at 195th from the beginning of the County maintenance to the boat ramp at the south end of 195th, they also felt the need for additional sheriff’s presence on the Lake Roads. There was discussion over the lack of building codes and the enforcement of covenants and deed restrictions at the Lake. They requested cooperation between the County and City to study the history of the Lake covenants and what could be done to provide structure and guidance for future Lake growth. A majority of the people attending the Lake meeting were opposed to the proposed condo development at 706 195th Street and Nancy read letters from landowners that were against the condo development. Gary Palmer asked where the jurisdiction lies in regards to the City and County at the Lake; Jeff said the City owns some lots and owns the water and the waterfront and the County owns certain sections of the road there. Some of the Lake residents wanted spot zoning at the Lake; Jeff said the cost of enforcing zoning could be overwhelming expense to the County. Geoffrey Clark said currently someone could build what they wanted at the Lake, but the local residents want to keep the Lake as it is which is single residences and asked that the County think about zoning there. Tom Graham presented a document from 1962 showing that the City’s intention was to have private cabins. Byron Maze said in 2008 Mel Cummins was told by the County that he couldn’t subdivide his property into lots to build 4/5 homes. Nancy Maze said she understood that the County has to consider tax money, but said the County needed to consider the tax money that is already collected from the single family landowners there. Nancy Van Etten said they wanted guidance from the County. It was said that there are deed restrictions on the deeds for the Lake properties. Tom Graham thanked the County for the paving that had been done in the area.
Sunflower Development Group representative Chris Vukas met with the Commissioners and Jody Hoener to discuss the NMTC (New Market Tax Credit) program. He said it is a partnership working to bring the Federal tax credit program locally. The goal of the program is to create jobs, provide business expansion and to add equity to projects. This is an underutilized tax credit program in Kansas. He went over various projects that have used the NMTC program. He discussed projects that could utilize the program and discussed funding for projects. They are looking for projects to put in applications to prove that Kansas is in need of the program. Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Chris Vukas, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks). No action was taken. Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Chris Vukas, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
At 4:05, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all were in favor.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
08/20/2019, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for August 27
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 27th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Bill Martin
10:30-11:00-Rachel Pruitt-Property Tax Relief
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Obituaryof Robert R. Stout
Robert Ray Stout, age 79, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, August 23, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.
He was born July 17, 1940, in Ash Grove, MO, the son of Elmer Ray and Charlene Geneva Rasnic Stout.
He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1958. He married Karen Sue Phillips on July 14, 1965.
Bob served in the Navy for 20 years before retiring. He then worked for Ray Shepherd Motors for over 30 years. He also worked security for Value Merchandisers for 20 years.
He was a dedicated, hard-working employee. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed reading western novels on the front porch, riding motorcycles and watching pro wrestling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his son and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Karen of the home; a son, Steve Stout, Frontenac, KS; five grandchildren, Alexia Lang, Victoria Fortenberry, Kendra Stout, Joran Stout, and Garrison Stout; nigreat-grandchildrenren, Hunter, Aiden, Madison, Felicity, Zachary, Cheyenne, Kaitleigh, Addy, Nora, and one more on the way; and two nephews, Oliver and Thomas Stout.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Jack Stout; and his parents.
There was cremation.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, September 3rd, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM Tuesday until leaving for the cemetery at Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Bob Stout Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Donald L. Fritter
Donald Lloyd Fritter, age 84, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, at the James River Nursing and Rehab Center in Springfield.
He was born October 29, 1934, in Eve, Missouri, the son of Lewis William Fritter and Stella Lucille Gardner Fritter.
He married Jan Faulconer Hillier on November 7, 1975.
In addition to farming, Don had also worked several years for the railroad. He enjoyed gardening and traveling. He was a member of the South Street Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Jan, of the home in Springfield; a son, Rodney Lee Fritter, of Harrison, Arkansas and a step-daughter, Michelle Mott, of Jeffersonville, Indiana and two grandchildren, Brandon Lee Fritter and Cheldon Mott. Also surviving are two brothers, Harold Fritter, of Richards, Missouri and Kenneth Fritter of Springfield, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Janet Given will conduct funeral services at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel
. Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
FS Area Foundation Seeking Not-For-Profit Projects
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Aug. 26
114th Old Settler Picnic Weekend Aug. 30 through Sept. 2
The 114th Old Settler Picnic is the annual Uniontown festival in the park, located in western Bourbon County.
The city sees a large increase in population during the festivities, whose highlight for many is the parade.
The baby parade is at 9 a.m. at the gazebo in the town’s central park, the children’s parade starts with registration at 9:50 a.m. and the main parade is at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2
In addition, there are family activities in the days leading up to the picnic day.
- Vendors will arrive at the shaded city park around 7 a.m. and a food truck will be available to purchase breakfast. There are electrical sites available for $25, $15 for no electricity and there is no charge for non-profit organizations. No weapons allowed to be sold. No alchohol allowed at any event of the whole weekend.
To register for a spot in the park, call Hope Workman, 224-8196
- New this year is a baby parade, instead of a baby contest, which begins at 9 a.m. at the gazebo in the park.
“Instead of a contest, parents and grandparents can introduce the new babies to the public,” Becky Shinn, one of the organizers, said.
Teresa Martin is the contact for both the baby parade and the children’s parade and can be reached at 224-8388.
- Also at 9 a.m., the parade entries will begin the line-up at the parking lot west of the football field. Ashley Travis (contact: 224-6671) and the Uniontown High School Cheerleaders will help with this task.
- A new event, the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, will be organized and lined-up at 9:30 a.m. at the Uniontown High School parking lot adjacent to and on the west side of the school.
“Since Dale passed away, Sara Roufs (a committee member) wanted to honor his memory,” Shinn said. “And visited with the daughters, and they agreed to it.” To show off your car contact Roufs at 756-4513.
- The children’s parade will begin organizing at 9:50 a.m. on the cement slab at the northeast corner of the town square.
At 10:15 a.m. the children’s parade begins with the scouts leading in the flag salute. Cindy Goebel is the scoutmaster.
- At 10:30 a.m. the parade will start with the National Anthem sung by Dave Wehry.
Horses, always a feature in the parade, will organize at the arena west of Uniontown on Hwy. 3 and be the last entries in the parade.
The theme of the parade this year is “Learning From The Best at UHS.” Grand marshals will be Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn, two long-time educators at the school. Briggs Auto, Fort Scott, will supply the grand marshal vehicle.
There will be prizes for best church float, themed float, school float, All Terrain Vehicle (MUST BE CLEANED AND DECORATED), antique car and tractor.
- Food will be for sale from the following: chicken dinner from the Methodist Church, smoked pork dinner from the UHS FFA, soft drinks from the school cheerleaders, pie sale from the Baptist Church and ice cream from the Marmaton Community Church, The Knight family’s Sunshine Shack food truck with tacos and hamburgers, Laura Ripper’s Lazy RJ Concessions with corn dogs and chicken fried steak and Hiram Raby/Austin Honaker’s Red Beard BBQ with nachos and burnt ends, snow cones from the Girard Volleyball team.
- Following the parade will be games for all ages.
Throughout the event, there will be a cash drawing, and tickets can be purchased for a $1 from Ruritan Members under the canopy on the east side of the park.
“You have to be present to win for the $25 drawing,” Shinn said. “But not for the last drawing for $100, $75 and $50.”
Old Settler’s has other fun activities during the weekend leading up to Labor Day:
- Friday event at 7 p.m. there will be a team roping competition at the rodeo arena west of town off Hwy 3. Wayne Hall is the contact at 363-4206.
- Saturday at 9 a.m. there is a kids fishing derby at the city pond at Uniontown High School (contact Marty Dewitt at 224-7438. A slow-pitch tournament scheduled will not happen due to not enough teams signing up. In the evening, a co-ed ranch rodeo at the arena.
- Sunday morning there will be coffee and donuts at 10 a.m. followed by a community church service at the city park. Please bring lawn chairs. New this year: Sunday at 5 p.m. there will be a family game evening at the city park featuring corn hole and other games. At 6 p.m. will be the Old Settlers Youth Rodeo, with registration from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Click below for the poster of the day’s events:
New Inclusion Teacher at West Bourbon Elementary: Lori Ferguson
Lori Ferguson, 44, will be the new K-6 Inclusion/Resource instructor at West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown.
She has 21 years experience in education, 20 in special education, and one year in physical education.
Ferguson graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University and in 2005 with a masters in education from Washburn University.
She grew up in Hesston and currently lives in Girard, KS.
Ferguson and her husband (Todd) have five children: Brett-19, Jordanne-18, Justin-14, Emily-12, Aric-4.
In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with family, cooking, yard work and puzzles, she said.
How did you become an educator?
I love a challenge and competition, so teaching and coaching was a natural choice.
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
Looking back…. my high school volleyball coach’s compassion and competitive personality really influenced my career path.
What is the best part of teaching for you?
The best part of teaching is celebrating the “little things” with the kids. In addition, an added bonus is continually growing as a person and educator.
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
One of the greatest challenges with teaching is not having all the answers, immediately.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Aug. 23-25
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