Monthly Archives: February 2021

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Feb. 17

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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

Please note meeting is on Wednesday and begins at 3pm.

Date: February 17, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Shane Walker – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Susan Bancroft – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • 2020 Audit
  • Bill Martin – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Bob Reed – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

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

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

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

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

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

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

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Community Development Grants: Bourbon County $244K

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $14 Million in Grants for Rural Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 32 rural Kansas communities will receive a share of $13,864,149 in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, these federal grants are being awarded for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facility improvements.

“The Community Development Block Grant program is a powerful tool for improving communities, revitalizing vital infrastructure, and maximizing economic opportunity,” Governor Kelly said. “Over the past several months, the pandemic has heightened the challenges our rural communities face when it comes to community development – making assistance like this more important than ever. My administration is dedicated to doing all we can to continue addressing rural Kansans’ most pressing needs.”

“Providing assistance to address quality-of-life issues is a necessary and noble part of economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “By funding community projects like these, the CDBG program is helping to improve the overall business and residential appeal of these small towns. These investments will improve living conditions for Kansas residents, create new economic opportunities for rural communities and bolster the overall prosperity of our entire state.”

Counties, applicant cities and award amounts are as follows:

CDBG

The CDBG program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:

  • The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons
  • The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
  • The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

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.

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Government, Kansas

Ice Safety Tips

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KDWPT Provides Ice Safety Tips 

 

PRATT – Frozen lakes can be tempting spots for late-winter goose hunters, anglers with an itch to ice fish, and park-goers looking to get some fresh air, but no matter how thick the ice layer, frozen waters should always be approached with caution.

 

While no ice is 100 percent safe, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) shares these tips to ensure that outdoors enthusiasts return safely home after recreating near or on frozen waters.

 

The clearer, the better 

The appearance of the ice can give potential clues to its integrity. New, clear ice is the strongest. White ice may only be about half as strong. Warm, sunny days can melt the surface and “honeycomb” the ice, which will weaken it, as well. Also be aware that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and even roosting geese can affect the strength and safety of ice. Never take ice strength and thickness for granted.

 

Measure for thickness 

Wait for at least 4 inches of clear, hard ice before walking on any ice-covered waterbody, and 5-7 inches of ice is necessary to support a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It usually takes several days of calm weather with single-digit temperatures to make “safe” ice. Continually measure the ice thickness when moving farther from shore. And when in doubt, back away and remain on land.

 

Don’t go it alone 

KDWPT recommends never recreating alone, especially during winter; invite a family member or friend. Should an incident occur, chances of survival may be increased with more people present.

 

If hunting or fishing, pack safety gear 

Carry ice picks, and have a length of rope and a throwable floatation device for every member of your party. It’s also a good idea to wear ice cleats, as they make walking on smooth ice easier and much safer.

 

If fishing, keep ice holes small 

When ice fishing, it’s best to use an auger to cut holes – this is a quick and efficient method for drilling into the ice. In Kansas, holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter; though, this is a good practice for private waters, as well.

 

Vehicle use 

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered ATVs, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing and only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry established by posted notice.

 

Falling into frigid water can be a deadly mistake as hypothermia can overcome a person within minutes. Follow these basic rules outlined above to ensure your wintertime outings remain safe and enjoyable.

 

For more ice safety tips, like and follow KDWPT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kdwpt, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Union Lofts: Rent In February Get 2 Months Free

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February Rent Promo
Announced by the new Union Lofts
Downtown Fort Scott!
2 months FREE rent if leased signed in February!
Union Lofts feature both market rate
& income based apartments.
The units currently available are income based.
Market rate units are full at this time.
See link below for income guidelines.
[Spacious Kitchen]
[Community Lobby Seating]
AMENITIES
  • BBQ Grill
  • Beautiful Courtyard
  • Fitness Center
  • Community Area
  • Laundry Area
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a viewing, call or email Rachel Wheeler…
Rachel Wheeler
Property Manager
a. 8 E. 1st Street, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
p. 620-223-1718  f. 620-223-1482
Bourbon County, Government

Tax Sale On The Horizon For Bourbon County

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Patty Love, Bourbon County Treasurer. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County staff are in the process of carrying out a tax sale on property owners who have not paid their taxes.

In Bourbon County, a property qualifies for the tax sale after taxes are three years delinquent, said Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love.  “The taxes become delinquent in October of the following year. For example, the 2020 taxes will not be delinquent until October 1, 2021.”
“The tax sale is the only recourse we have to force people to pay their taxes,” Love said.
“We have mailed out warning letters letting people with 2016 and prior delinquent taxes know that we are working on a tax sale for 2021,” she said.   “Those letters were mailed in October, November and December.  We have now sent the list to the title company and they are doing the title searches.”
  The property title company then returns these to the county attorney and will be filed with the court.
“To keep their property off of the tax sale, the property owner can pay 2016 and prior taxes at this time and they will be removed from the tax sale,” Love said.  “Once the attorney has filed them with the court, the only way they can be taken off of the tax sale is if the property owner pays all taxes 2020 and prior taxes plus a $200. court filing fee.”
Once all  the properties are filed, a notification will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper and also to the website bourboncountyks.org.
“The property owner has up until 10 a.m. the day of the tax sale to redeem their property by paying all taxes and $200,” Love said.
“In order to bid on the property at the tax sale, you have to have all of your property taxes current, and sign a paper stating that you are not related to the owner of the property you are bidding on and that you are not buying the property for the delinquent owner,” she said.
The tax sale takes place in the lobby of the  Bourbon County Courthouse. with the property being sold to the highest bidder, she said.
“We will determine a date after all properties are filed with the cour,” Love said.
Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.

“We started to receive abstracts from the title company about two weeks ago,” said Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks.  “We are getting a couple a day. We should have the sale in the late spring and if needed, another one in October or November of this year.”

The county personnel are on the the title company’s timeline,” Meeks said.

“They have been very busy, which is a good thing for everyone because that means houses are selling,” Meeks said.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Local Chocolate Crawl Saturday in Fort Scott

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Saturday
February 13th!
Fort Scott Participating Retailers will be offering Chocolate tastings while you shop! Special offers, discounts, & drawings!
This Saturday, February 13th
Shop Local with Love in Fort Scott to find…
the perfect gift for your Valentine, friend, neighbor,
OR pampering for yourself!
This Saturday, February 13th!
Burrrrr… we know it will be chilly out, but what an even more important time to support your Local stores!
Let’s show them some LOVE!
ROSES ARE RED…
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
THE CHAMBER LOVES LOCAL
WE KNOW YOU DO, TOO!
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue

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Addy Labbe as Cinderella, Carlee Studyvin as the Evil Stepmother, Zaria Byrd and Tina Ramirez as the Evil Stepsisters. Submitted photos.

 

 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on Feb. 20 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

 

Montana LaRoche as Maleficent and Ali McClain as Sleeping Beauty. Submitted photos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks a

nd social distancing are required.

All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.

Doors will open 15 minutes early.

 

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected]

or 620-719-9622.

Photos are from last year’s Royal Tea Party.

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Fundraiser For Marsha Lancaster is Feb. 19

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Marsha Lancaster. Submitted photo.

Local business owner, Marsha Lancaster, has been in the hospital for over a month, according to her sister Debbie Baxley.

“She went into the hospital at Pittsburg for two to three days, then they took her to Arkansas,” Baxley said.

“Her kidneys were shutting down and they couldn’t find a hospital to take her with COVID (the pandemic virus plaguing the nation and the world),” she said. “They found one in Arkansas and we said just take her to wherever she can get help.”

They have tested Lancaster three times for COVID-19 and each was negative, her sister said.

Lancaster is currently on dialysis every other day and oxygen.

“Her kidneys’ aren’t functioning yet, the doctor said they could kick in any day,” she said. “They have been trying to get her off of oxygen. That’s been going well.”

“We can see her on our cellphone and she looks good when we talk to her,” Baxley said.

 

Cards can be sent to Marsha at

Regional Springdale NW Medical Center,

609 W. Maple Avenue, 6th floor, attn: Marsha Lancaster

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

 

Her business is running with the help of others.

 

The Marsha’s Deli crew on Feb. 10, 2021. From left:  Beverly Lind, Debbie Baxley (sitting) behind Deb is Carla Hamrick, Tom Lancaster, Lisa Bradley,  Shelly Rowe. .Submitted photo.

Her well-known restaurant, Marsha’s Deli, is continuing with the help of staff and family. The restaurant is located at 6 W. 18th in Fort Scott.

Baxley and her daughter, Shelly Rowe, along with Carla Hemrick, and Lisa Bradley “are taking care of the business for her,” Baxley said.

Monday and Tuesday the restaurant was closed due to the ice roads and arctic weather conditions.

 

A fundraiser has been started for Lancaster.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been started for Lancaster.

“We thought being self-employed, there was no way she wouldn’t need help,” Linda Findley who is spearheading the fundraiser said.

The fundraiser is  Friday,  Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elk’s Building at 111 W. 19th. People are asked to drive to the east door of the building and orders will be taken by helpers. Then the meals will be brought out to the buyer.

It’s a chicken and noodles dinner with mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread for $10 cash or check only.

Pre-ordering is encouraged. Call 620-215-2036 or 816-797-4884.

Findley said she is anticipating serving 500 meals, with over 200 already ordered.

“Numerous people have sent big donations,” Findley said. “Marrone’s of Pittsburg and G & W Foods of Fort Scott has helped with food.”

Helping the day of the fundraiser will be Nancy Maze, Brenda Collinge, Debbie Myers, JoLynne Mitchell, and Adina Findley, Findley said.