Monthly Archives: October 2021

Opinion

The Hidden Enemy of Rural America by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

The growth of government regulations has proceeded at a vigorous pace over the last several decades, and is accelerating.

From 1970 to 2017, the number of words in the Code of Federal Regulations nearly tripled from 35 million to over 103 million, according to a 2019 article published on Forbes.com, authored by Adam A. Millsap.

His study showed that a 10% increase in regulation increases consumer prices by 1%.

This excess hurts all of us, but the burden falls disproportionately on the poor and rural Americans.

Estimates are that the national poverty rate is 2.5% higher because of government regulations.

For example, a 2013 article on Meatonomics.com, written by David Simon, noted that a Big Mac cost a consumer $4.56 that year.

The price includes the costs that McDonald’s incurs to comply with laws enforced by the EPA, OSHA, EEOC, USDA, IRS, and FDA, just to name a few.

The author points out that the price tag to produce the sandwich costs the consumer even more in the form of additional taxes required to pay for government expenses such as animal cruelty enforcement, environmental clean-up of farms, meat and dairy subsidies, and health care costs borne by the government due to unhealthy eating.

The final tab for you and me? $12.00 per Big Mac, including the cost of the sandwich and the taxes you have paid for the privilege.

Another example, my bank employer is a Kansas public company with over $1 billion in assets managed. We are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act passed in 2002 in response to the Enron scandal which requires the generation of a substantial number of internal reports. The law is extremely complex and the penalties for non-compliance are substantial; so much so, we are required to undergo an independent audit just to make sure we are in compliance with this one law. The internal cost to comply is hard to discern, but we do know that we spend $220,000 annually on the external audit alone.

The result of this additional cost of regulation requires a business to grow revenue or watch profits go away. In banking, the number of charters has gone down 73% since 1970, and the shrinkage has occurred disproportionately in rural counties. Why is Western Insurance gone? The primary culprit is the cost of increased regulation that required consolidation in the industry.

Some amount of regulation is necessary for public safety, but we have created a huge bureaucracy whose incentive is to advocate for more laws to enforce in order to perpetuate their own existence.

Politicians love the chance to make their mark on what they perceive as the public good.

Case in point is the proposed law to require banks to provide confidential financial information to the IRS on their customers on a regular basis. Can we trust the government to do the right thing with this information and protect its confidentiality?

For the sake of the poor and rural America, we have to hold our politicians accountable to defeating this hidden enemy of rural America by decreasing regulations.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fall Is Perfect Time to Improve Garden Soil

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Nothing is more important to success in the garden good soil. Time spent fertilizing, watering and tending to plants is necessary, but this time is almost a waste if the soil you’re working with is not in good condition. Fall is an excellent time to step back and analyze how well your garden performed during the summer, and to make improvements to the soil.

Soil is formed when rock is broken down by climate and vegetation over a period of time. Soil is nothing more than weathered rock fragments and decaying remains of plants and animals.

Most soils have three distinct layers – surface, subsoil and bottom. The surface layer is a coarse layer containing more organic matter than the other soil layers and the layer that people pay the greatest attention to. This layer is the most fertile and has the greatest concentration of plant roots. Plants obtain much of their nutrients and water from the surface soil.

The subsoil layer is finer and firmer than the surface soil and serves as support for the surface layer. The subsoil layer is a storage space for water and nutrients for plants, a temperature regulator of the soil and supplies air for the roots of plants. The bottom layer is decomposed rock. It is not hard like rock, but may show the form or structure of the original rocks.

Soil texture refers to the proportional amount of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Texture and soil structure affect the moisture holding capacity of soil, permeability, capacity to hold and furnish nutrients, tillage operations and erosion.

Our soils in the southeastern part of Kansas have a high clay content to it. The clay in the soil is what makes the soil stick to your shoes when the soil is wet. Many refer to our soil as “gumbo.”

One way to address a heavy clay soil and to improve the soil texture is to add organic matter. Organic matter includes such items as manure, leaves, and grass clippings that have been composted. Earthworms, insects, bacteria and fungi use the organic matter as food, breaking it down into humus. Through this process, materials are made available for use by growing plants. In a heavy clay soil, the organic matter allows water to move more freely and loosens the tight clay, which makes the soil easier to work.

Organic material can be direct applied to gardens and flowerbeds this time of year and allowed to compost directly in the soil. Add two to four inches of organic material and till into the soil. If the soil is dry, apply water to begin the decomposition process. After about two weeks you can repeat the process with another application of organic material. The organic material will decompose over the winter and soil will be ready for spring planting.

Sand is sometimes suggested as an amendment material for clay soils. However, there is a good reason to be cautious about using sand. For sand to be effective at breaking up a clay soil, sand grains must touch one another so there is pore space between grains that can hold air and water. If the grains don’t touch, the clay fills in the void between sand particles leaving no room for pores. This is the same principle used to make concrete and the result is somewhat the same. In other words – do not use sand!

Before doing any amendments to the soil, I recommend doing a soil test. Soil testing can be done through the Extension office for $13. For more information on how to take a soil sample, please give me a call.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Government

No Meeting On Oct. 19 for Bourbon County Commission

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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: October 19, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

   

THERE WILL BE NO COMMISSION MEETING AS COMMISSIONERS WILL BE ATTENDING

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES CONFERENCE

 

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustee Minutes of Sept. 20

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 20, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
KACCT Update: Kirk Hart gave a summary from the recent KACCT Quarterly Meeting that took place on August 27 and
28.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
APPROVAL OF RNR: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
budgeted mill levy of 29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceeds the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.
APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the 2022-23 budget as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP
Symmetry Settlement Agreement for a reimbursement of $16,348.70.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP contract with WoodRiver Energy for natural gas transport.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quotes from Ash Hollow Fabrication & Fence for the revision to the alleyway and chute on the south end of Arnold Arena for$13,913.00
D. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to continue following the
COVID protocol that has been in place since August 11, 2021.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Gordon Parks Museum, Public Relations, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
Board member Jim Fewins commended the facilities crew who have worked on Garrison Apartments saying they have done a tremendous job!
Board member Robert Nelson reminded attendees of the upcoming Gordon Parks Celebration in October. He said the committee has worked very hard preparing the celebration. “They’re doing a great job!”
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:59
p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
6

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for FSCC Trustees Meeting Oct. 18

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October 18, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, October 18, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Perkins Recognition, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 20, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Consideration of Baseball and Softball Turf Financing Bids, 60
B. Consideration of Weight Room Equipment Bids, 67
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 74
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 89
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
1
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. PERKINS RECOGNITION
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on
September 20, 2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions
a) Conor Chadwell, Head Athletic Trainer, effective September 23, 2021
b) Tonya Umphenour, Cosmetology Instructor, effective October 4, 2021
c) Veronica Snow, CAMP Academic Student Support Coordinator, effective October 18, 2021
d) Deborah Stedman, Resident Hall Housekeeper, effective October 18, 2021

2) Separations
a) Courtney Goucher, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 20, 2021

3) Transfer
a) Santos Manrique, HEP Instructional Coordinator, effective October 1, 2021 (retaining associate dean responsibilities)

To view the entire trustee packet:

10.18.21 Consent Agenda(1)

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Meeting Minutes of Oct. 5

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of October 5, 2021 Regular Meeting #19

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Tim Van Hoecke, Brad Matkin, Jesse Pohlmann, Rachel Thompson, Jackson Tough, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Rob Harrington, Sarah Pulliam, Donna Pulliam, Paul Rooks, Jim Kemmerer, Allen Schellack, Mike Hixon, Lori Hixon, James Birket, Janice Allen, and Max Fanning.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that the waiver of assessment be added for 11 N. Holbrook to the first spot under New Business.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 21st, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1297-A totaling $273,975.30.

C. Request to Pay #3 – Mayco Ace CDBG Project – $32,830.00.

Discussion was held from Kevin Allen and Pete Allen on several expenses on the Expense Report. City Manager will get answers to them.

 

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

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 – Re-read Kansas Statute 12-825 and applicable portion for the City of Fort Scott in regards to waterworks, fuel, power and lighting. He said that the revenue derived from the sale and the consumption of water should not be paid out or disbursed except for the purpose of operating, renewing, or extending the plant or distribution system for which the revenue was derived. The payment of interest on outstanding bond issues issued for construction or payment of salaries of employees. It has nothing to do with the transfer of monies. He said our budget has been submitted to the State.

He said that he has received a $1,500 grant to start a G.E.D. program at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center. They have to be a resident in the jail at least 60 days and be released into Bourbon County. He informed the County of this grant this morning also.

Lori Hixon – Ms. Hixon said that she lives at 612 S. Wilson and has operated a daycare at that location for over 23 years. She has an issue with teenagers speeding down the alley. She talked to the parents of the teenagers who informed her she needed to watch her children she oversees better.

Travis said that there are no speed limits in alleys other than what is reasonable and prudent.

City Attorney said that we don’t need an ordinance, but the Commission can designate an area for whatever speed limit they desire.

K. Allen made a motion to designate all alleyways in the City of Fort Scott to have a speed limit of 10 mph. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DESIGNATE ALL ALLEYWAYs IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO HAVE A SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. had no update at this time.

Public Hearings: None

Old Business:

    1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588

Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589

Pete said that he had an issue with the repeal of these ordinances as we have nothing else in place currently to take its place.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc., said that they are updating the specifications for fill for the City, but they are not completed yet.

Discussion was held to hold off on the repeal of these ordinances until the new plans are approved and in place.

K. Allen moved to table this issue until the October 19th, 2021 meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE THREE ORDINANCES TO BE REPEALED UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING.

APPEARANCES: Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure – Ms. Pulliam appeared before the Commission and asked for an extension to renovate her house. She doesn’t want it torn down. She has received a proposal to have work completed on it. It is for about $25,000.

Josh mentioned that this structure is on the upcoming tax sale.

Lyle Brittain, Codes Technician, said that the City has $7,500 in mowing assessments since 2017.

Ms. Pulliam said that she has been working lots of hours and saved money to pay the taxes and she asked for the mowing assessments to be waived. She said she had a contractor hired to mow but found out he hasn’t been mowing.

Jim Kemmerer, neighbor, informed the Commission that she has not done a great job of taking care of her property. He urged the Commission to move ahead with the demolition of the property.

City Attorney stated that is why the public hearings on these structures are so important.

Mr. Brittain said that since 2017, there have been several letters issued for property maintenance at this structure. There was a total of 14 letters since 2017, cited in Municipal Court 5 times, and a total of mowing assessments of $7,500.

Mayor Jones told her to bring in proof of funding from her bank to the October 19th, 2021 meeting. By then, the City will have received the bids for demolition.

Finance Director Update: Not present.

New Business:

  1. Discussion of 11 N. Holbrook and waiving of Mowing Assessments – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he was contacted by Diane Striler, realtor, who has a buyer for this property. He spoke to Justin Meeks, County Counselor, and the County has agreed to waive the back taxes on this property. The City has about $300.00 in mowing assessments that need waived.

L. Watts moved to approve to waive the mowing assessments for the property at 11 N. Holbrook Street. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY AT 11 N. HOLBROOK STREET.

  1. Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that this item needs tabled so the City Attorney can review this contract.

K. Allen moved to table the Airport Engineering agreement until the October 19th, 2021 meeting so the City Attorney can review the agreement. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE AIRPORT ENGINEERING AGREEMENT UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING SO THE CITY ATTORNEY CAN REVIEW THE AGREEMENT.

  1. Consideration of Engineering Quote – Cooper Avenue Reconstruction Addendum No. 1 – 20th to 23rd Street – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that this was the engineering proposal for Cooper Street.

Discussion was held regarding design and inspection engineering.

K. Allen moved to table this issue until a later date. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE ENGINEERING QUOTE FOR THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION ADDENDUM #1 FROM 20TH TO 23RD STREET.

Jason Dickman also informed the Commission that the Cooper Street bids need rejected. The 60 days bid period is almost up.

L. Watts moved to reject the Cooper Avenue Reconstruction bids. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REJECT THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION BIDS.

  1. Consideration of Bids – Union Lofts Alley Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that there were two bids received for this project. The low bid is from Rogers & Sons Concrete of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $128,770.00. The other bid was from Heck & Wicker, Inc. of Parsons, Kansas in the amount of $177,478.50. He recommended approval for the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 and for the City Manager to sign the Notice to Proceed.

R. Nichols moved to approve the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project.

Kevin Allen left the room at 7:19 p.m.

  1. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – August – $2,970.00

L. Watts moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation in the amount of $2,970.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the invoice for skitch’s hauling & exvacation in the amount of $2,970.00 for port-a-potty services for august.

Kevin Allen returned to the room at 7:21 p.m.

  1. Consideration of recommendation from Golf Course Advisory Board to appoint Bradford Demo to replace Ben Cole on the Board, and Mark Lewis to replace Jeffrey Sweetser on the Board.


R. Nichols moved to approve to appoint Bradford Demo and Mark Lewis to the Golf Course Advisory Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT BRADFORD DEMO AND MARK LEWIS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD.

  1. Approval of Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3590 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance Number 3590, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3590 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – Human Resource Director Shared Service – City Attorney asked that this agreement be tabled at this time as he talked with Justin Meeks, County Attorney, and changes are needed. The County will not adopt this agreement until December.

K. Allen moved to table the Memorandum of Understanding for the Human Resource Director Shared Service at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR SHARED SERVICE AT THIS TIME.

  1. Consideration of Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that that agreement is through December of 2021 and in the amount of $20,000 to be paid in equal monthly installments on the 15th day of each month beginning in September 15th, 2021 through December 31st, 2021. A new agreement will be presented later for 2022. This agreement will provide grant applications, grant administration, and other economic development activities as needed by the City.

K. Allen moved to approve the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract with the City of Fort Scott through December 31, 2021. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 TO BE PAID IN EQUAL MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS ON THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH.

  1. Discussion of Land Bank changes – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that changes need to be made to the Land Bank ordinance. The current ordinance names the City Commission as the Board members as well as Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, and Greg Motley. He knows other cities that have realtors, bankers, and contractors on their board.

He asked for approval to schedule a meeting with the Land Bank board and discuss this change with them. The Commission approved to hold a meeting with the Board.

  1. Discussion of creation of loitering ordinance – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he is looking at a loitering or vagrancy ordinance for the City. There are people now sleeping on the park benches and in the downtown park and we have no ordinance to prevent this. He would like the City Commission to adopt this.

Chief Shelton said that there is no State Statute for loitering. He mentioned that it will be difficult to enforce.

Discussion was held to have an ordinance to present at the next meeting for them to review.

  1. Discussion of purchase of potential rock crusher and other miscellaneous equipment – Kevin Allen said that he asked that this be placed on the agenda for discussion. The County is looking to purchase a bigger rock crusher. He would like to see a meeting scheduled with the County Commission and discuss this item in the near future.

Interim City Manager will get a meeting scheduled.

  1. Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement -Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, asked the Commission to table this topic at this time.

K. Allen moved to table the Ty Cullor field agreement at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE TY CULLOR FIELD AGREEMENT AT THIS TIME.

Reports and Comments:

Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he will be implementing a new daily reporting process to the Directors at the staff meeting tomorrow. If they work out in the field, they will fill in their activities for the day and he can see where resources were used. He mentioned that Commissioner Pete Allen asked him for asphalt numbers for the National project. There have been 614 tons of asphalt used for this project, Mark said that he, Jesse, and Jason Dickman will walk the project on Thursday. Mark said that the Gordon Parks Celebration is this coming weekend and the City has a table. He also mentioned the lake lots for sale. They did have a redraw for lots. The south lots are not staked yet.

Discussion was held to see if AG Engineering has been paid yet. That could not be determined as the Finance Director was not there.

Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin said he had several items to bring up:

  • Asked about the traffic counters on 3rd & National Avenue

Mark gave him figures from the traffic counters. The westbound lane had 5,795 which is an average of 725 per day. The eastbound lane had 1,943 which is an average of 243 per day. The northbound lane had 16,218, which is an average of 2,027 per day. The southbound lane had 18,431 which is an average of 2,304 per day.

Randy Nichols reminded the Commission of the pedestrian traffic at that location. There is Feeding Families in His Name every Wednesday night, and with the City Hall move to the Courthouse, there could be more pedestrian traffic. He said it would be a mistake to remove the stop signs going east and west.

Lindsey Watts agreed and said that with the attendance of church and the location of the Courthouse, she would not approve to remove the stop signs.

  • Kevin asked about the Lake Fort Scott valve and if it was being exercised. He asked if the 2nd valve has been installed?

Mark said that the valve has not been exercised. We are waiting on the City’s engineering firm on the design of the 2nd valve.

  • Kevin asked if water testing was being done at the lake.

Mark said no.

Josh recommended getting with Don George to conduct this testing.

Kevin would like to see it tested from May through September.

  • Street Patching Trailer – He said that he would like to see a trailer set up with all of their tools with a port-a-pot on the front of the trailer so they can do their jobs all day and then put the trailer in at night.

  • Parks – He said that Parks and the Golf Course also need a small trailer to assist them.

  • Inmate Program – Kevin said that he would like to have a report at the next meeting on this program.

  • Vaping Issue – He would like to see what resources are available to the schools for this issue.

  • Possible sale of airport land – He said there is a new concept of pilots building hangars with living quarters in them and then they go to fly-ins all over. He said that he has heard that pilots love to fly over the lake.

  • Dump fees – He said that he discovered the City owns 13.8 acres at the County landfill. The City could create a C & D landfill and wondered if they would trade out land for services.

Mark said that this would be a good work session topic with the County.

  • Rural Water District – He would like to see Mark meet with the Rural Water District Board and water leaks. He thinks if there is a leak in the County that the City should give them credit.

Mark said that he and Susan will look over the contract with Rural Water.

  • First Source Building – He asked if the building was being marketed and on a website somewhere.

Mark said that it has been assigned to a realtor.

  • He thanked whoever sprayed weeds on the east side of Lake Fort Scott.

  • Asked about the road by El Charro – 25th Street.

City Clerk said she believes we are waiting on easements to be signed.

  • Street lights – He said that there are a lot of street lights out. He wanted to bring it to the public’s attention that the poles have a number on them and they can be called into Evergy and reported.

P. Allen – Pete read sections of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and stressed how important this plan was. We need to be proactive with this plan and not reactive.

R. Nichols – Randy said that he agrees with Pete about the Comprehensive Plan and moving forward.

Randy thanked T-Mobile for coming to town today and presenting the City with a $50,000 grant for improvements to Skubitz Plaza. He thanked Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, and Larry Gazaway who wrote the grant for this project.

J. Jones – Josh asked about the School Resource Officer position and if it had been announced yet.

Travis said we should know any day.

Neighborhood Revitalization Program – Josh said that this will be coming before the City for approval as the current program has expired.

City Attorney Report and Comments: None

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:55 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Manager.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Adjournment:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:56 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda For Oct. 19

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

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 19th, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Pastor from Community Christian Church

  1. Approval of Agenda:

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions: Molly Berry Foster Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 110th Anniversary

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 5th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1298-A totaling $1,736,577.53.

  1. Request to Pay #1 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $12,379.50 – Water Clarifier Repainting #1 Project

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – $8,970.75 – River Intake Project

  1. Street Closing Request – Community Christian Church – October 31st, 2021 – Annual Falloween Event

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – City Engineer – $4,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Building Inspection – 3,582.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – WWTP Engineering – $7,296.80

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – 17th & Eddy Street Drainage Engineering – $11,520.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Public Works Director -$595.00

  1. September 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 to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588

Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589

  1. Appearances:

Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure

Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I.

Frank Adamson, Grant Requests

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation

  2. Consideration to apply for K.D.O.T. grant application – Electric Gate

  3. Consideration of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Street Intersections with K.D.O.T. – K.D.O.T. Project 69-6 KA 5563-01 – Approval of Resolution Relating to Benefits Obtainable under the Federal and State Aid Program – Approval of Agreement for Traffic Signal Project between the City of Fort Scott and K.D.O.T

  4. Consideration of Fort Scott Dam Improvements Bid -River Intake Project

  5. Consideration of C.I.P.P. Sanitary Lining Bid

  6. Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Hammon’s Building

  7. Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Sharky’s Building.

  8. Discussion of creation of Loitering Ordinance

  9. Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement

  10. Consideration to accept T-Mobile grant – $50,000

  11. Consideration to accept Timkin grant for Fire Department – $10,500

  12. Consideration of payment of Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. Invoices

  • Port-a-Potties – September $2,640.00

  • Port-a-Potties – September – Airport Fly-In – $250.00

  • Port-a-Potties – September – Marmaton Massacre – $325.00

  1. Consideration of Bids – Demolition of Structures

  • 611 S. Ransom – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 323 S Hill – Structure

  • 1517 S Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 316 S. Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 114 S. Barbee – Structure

  • 14 S Margrave – Structure

  • 510 S Heylman – Structure

  1. Health in All Policies Pledge

XI. Reports and Comments:

  1. Interim City Manager Reports and Comments

* City/County Luncheon – October 26th, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.

* Discussion of 512 S. Judson – Historical Register

* Consideration of Land Bank Meeting – Wednesday, October 20th – 4 pm

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

  • Executive Session for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)

XIII. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

New FS Parks Director: Doug Guns

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Doug Guns, Fort Scott Parks Director. Submitted photo.

Douglas Guns, 44, has worked for the City of Fort Scott for over three years and was promoted to Fort Scott Parks Director in June 2021.

“The scope of my duties is to oversee the maintenance and operations of Woodland Hills Golf Course, Laroche Baseball Complex, Gunn Park, Buck Run (includes all little league ball fields in town), Lake Fort Scott, Rock Creek Lake, and The Aquatic Center,” Guns said.

Fort Scott is the third municipality that he has worked for, doing both parks and golf course oversight, he said.

He has worked in the golf industry for over 20 years, Guns said.

“I worked a small golf course as a seasonal employee for the summer in between semesters in college,’ he said. “I learned all aspects of golf operations and changed majors that fall to plant and soil science to pursue a career in the golf industry.”

Guns received his education in plant and soil sciences at West Virginia University Parkersburg, and Penn State University.

His hometown is  Elkton, Maryland and he is married with five kids.

In his spare time, he likes to play golf and spend time with his family.

The best part of the job for Guns is being outside and working with the public, he said.

“Providing the public with a great experience for their recreational endeavors that they are happy with, can be rewarding,” Guns said.

That is also the challenge of the job, he said.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Medicare Enrollment Starts Today

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Medicare Open Enrollment Is Underway;
Free Counseling Available from KDADS SHICK Program

TOPEKA – More than 553,000 Kansas residents receive health coverage through Medicare, and the time to review their benefits is here. The open enrollment period for Medicare coverage in 2022 began October 15, 2021 and runs through December 7, 2021.

“Older adults can use this 7-week period to sign up for Medicare for the first time, and current Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to several aspects of their coverage as well,” said Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard. “If you’re already enrolled, this is an opportunity to review your options for coverage and make adjustments if necessary, so it better meets your needs.”

By shopping available plans and comparing costs, beneficiaries may be able to find a Medicare health or drug plan with better coverage or a lower premium in 2022. The Medicare Plan Finder allows users to compare pricing between Original Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies.

During open enrollment, those currently enrolled may:

  • Switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another
  • If you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply

If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria:

  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B
  • You must live in the plan’s service area

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you don’t want to make changes to your coverage for 2022, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2022. If your plan is being discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a non-renewal notice from your carrier prior to open enrollment. If you don’t, it means you can keep your plan without doing anything during open enrollment.

Be aware that benefits and premiums could be changing for 2022. So even if you’re confident you want to keep your current coverage for the coming year, it’s important to understand any changes that may apply and check to make sure your current plan is still the best available option. The available plans and what they cover change from one year to the next, so even if the plan you have now was the best option when you shopped last year, it’s important to verify that again before you lock yourself in for another year.

Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31. During this time, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your health plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage or go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Changes to be aware of for 2022 include:

  • Medicare Advantage plans are available in 2022: 88 compared to 79 plans in 2021.
  • 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium changed from $9.53 in 2021 to $7.79 in 2022. This represents a -18.19 percent change in average premium.
  • 29 Medicare prescription drug plans are available with premiums varying from $6.60 to $101.40.
  • 100 percent of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2021.
  • Eight stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans and 29 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage will offer lower out-of-pocket insulin costs through the Part D Senior Savings Model.
  • Through the CMS Innovation Center’s Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, 16 plans will offer Medicare Advantage enrollees eliminated Part D cost-sharing; rewards and incentives programs related to healthy behaviors; and customized, innovative benefits that address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and social isolation, for certain underserved and/or chronically ill enrollees.

State-by-State Fact Sheets are available at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/92921-state-state-fact-sheets-2022-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-landscape-final.pdf (Kansas’ Fact Sheet pgs. 49-51).

For more information on these changes and other Medicare-related issues, please contact KDADS’ Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK), a free program that offers Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK has counselors throughout the state that can assist people, so they stay informed on changing conditions in health care insurance. Call 800-860-5260 for this free counseling service.

SHICK counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long-Term Care and other health insurance subjects that concern older Kansans. The counselors do not work for any insurance company, their goal is to educate and assist the public to make informed decisions on what’s best for each individual situation.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter Oct. 15

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
October 15th Weekly Newsletter
A great time of year to visit
beautiful
Gunn Park!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Departs from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm
$6 adults & $4 for 12 yrs. & under
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK – FREE!
10/15 ~ DRIVE-THROUGH SOUP LUNCHEON BY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,301 S. National Ave., 11:30am to 1pm, soups available will be potato, chicken noodle, and chili with cake for dessert.
10/15 ~ SOLD OUT: SNAPPY ART ~ KID/TEEN HALLOWEEN ART PARTY,1-4pm at 702 S. National Ave., $25.
10/15 ~FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT FEATURING BOURBON COUNTY REVIVAL, HERITAGE PARK PAVILION 7-8 PM. Clickherefor info.
10/15 ~LIVE MUSIC AT THE BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS – DAVID LOVING. 7pm, clickherefor info.
10/15 & 16 ~CLARK STREET HAUNTED HOUSE:See flyer below for dates/times
10/15 thru 10/21 ~ FORT CINEMA:
The Addams Family, No Time to Die, Halloween Kills. Check out what is coming to the theater, clickhere.
10/15 ~ FRIDAY EVENING OF FUN AT THE MUSEUM OF CREATIVITY – Open play session and crafts 3:30-7:30 pm, Game Night 8:30-11:30pm, only $1 admission! Visit and Like their Facebook pagefor more info.
10/15 & 10/16 ~FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCK SALE. Click herefor info.
10/16 ~ OPEN PICKLEBALL ~8-10am, Buck Run Community Center, open to anyone wanting to play! Click here for the FB group to stay updated.
10/16 ~ FARMERS’ MARKET ~8am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
10/16 ~ KANSAS ROCKS RECREATION PARK CREEPY CRAWL,visit www.ksrockspark.com for more info.
10/16 ~ FSCC FREE KID’S FAIR,9am to noon, see flyer below for more details.
10/16 ~ OPEN HOUSE AT THE FORT SCOTT FIRE DEPT.,10:30am to 2pm, see flyer below and click here for more details.
10/16 ~ HALLOWEEN HANGOUT AT THE MUSEUM OF CREATIVITY & COOKIE CRAWL,1-5pm, see flyer below for details!
10/16 & 17 ~ HOLLISTER SHOOTING RANGE OPEN.,1st & 3rd weekends of each month, Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday noon-5pm.
10/16 ~ 2ND ANNUAL BJ CATTLE RANCH BATTLE & HALLOWEEN BULL RIDING,click here for info. and see flyer below.
10/17 ~ BOURBON COUNTY DEMOCRATS MEETING,2pm, FSCC Heritage Room, click here for info.
10/20 ~ ELECTION CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY THE CHAMBER,Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St., doors open 5:30pm, forum begins 6pm. Send questions for candidates to [email protected].
10/20 ~ BIKE NIGHT AT HOLMTOWN PUB.Click herefor more information.
10/21 ~ CHAMBER COFFEE HOSTED BY SLEEP INN & SUITES HOTEL.Celebrating 7 years in our community.
10/21 ~ BOURBON COUNTY REPUBLICAN MEETING,Empress Event Center, 6-8pm.
10/23 ~ FSCC ALUMNI RODEO,Arnold Arena, Fort Scott Community College, 7:30pm.
COMING SOON:
10/29 ~ BRIGGS AUTO TRUCK-OR-TREAT,see flyer below!
10/30 ~ HALLOWEEN PARADE HOSTED BY THE CHAMBER,trick-or-treat parade, Downtown Fort Scott, parade starts at 11am w/free hot dogs, chips & drink to kids in costume following!
11/4 ~ MISTLETOE MARKET AT THE RIVER ROOM,click here for info.
11/11-11/13 ~ DOWNTOWN & AROUND HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SHOPPING EVENT,kicks off from 5-8pm Thursday evening with special refreshments throughout the stores & stores offering a portion of sales to Wreaths Across America or a token of appreciation for our Veterans! Shopping Open House continues on Friday & Saturday.
11/22 ~ FSMS VIP EXTRAVAGANZA,5-8pm, Fort Scott Middle School, click here for info.
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here 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.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
…

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Opinion

Life Is Not For Wimps by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

My friend, Carol, scanning her items in an Indiana Walmart, noticed a curious behavior from the couple buying groceries next to her.

Since the store’s attendant was texting and not paying attention to the customers, the man and woman used this as an opportunity to scam the Supercenter. The woman twisted each item so that the code faced away from the electronic reader. She pretended to swipe but made sure the machine was given no opportunity to read and record her “purchases.”

Her partner-in-crime husband had perfected the “Beep” sound made when a purchased item was logged onto the screen and mimicked it with faultless pitch and timing.

Carol stood amazed at how these thieves operated and didn’t seem bothered that we all pay higher prices because of shoplifters like them.

We could only guess what would happen if the employee at the exit asked for their receipt.

My reaction would not have been my friend’s. Either I would tell the pilfering pair that I was going to rat them out if they didn’t pay for the groceries, or I would quietly alert the texting employee to what I had witnessed

. Carol did neither, fearing the thieves would realize that she was the stool pigeon and shoot her in the parking lot. (I have some over-reactive friends.)

More alarming, my friend said she actually was pretty impressed with the talent of the couple. Say WHAT?

It’s never easy to chastise someone, but doing nothing accomplishes…well, nothing.

I appreciate the story in the Old Testament following King David’s arranged murder of his lover’s husband.

The clever prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to chastise David. He said, “There were two men in a certain city. One was rich, and the other was poor.  The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cows, but the poor man had only one little female lamb that he had bought. He raised her, and she grew up in his home with his children. She would eat his food and drink from his cup. She rested in his arms and was like a daughter.  “Now, a visitor came to the rich man. The rich man thought it would be a pity to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler. So, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared her for the traveler.”

David became livid, claiming that the rich man deserved to die and must pay back four times the price of the lamb. Nathan then exclaims that David is that man and life would not go well for him because of his sin.

The prophet modeled Proverbs 17:27: A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Most of the time, I work towards that goal. Sometimes, not so much. I don’t mean to be heartless, but I’ve had it with robbers who believe they are entitled to improve their lives by taking from others.

We’ve all watched phone videos of crooks walking—or riding their bikes— out of stores with their stolen goods in hand. My husband fears that this will happen when I am nearby, and he will be forced to defend me as I show neither restraint nor even-temperedness when I tackle…and scream…and grab the thieves’ wares.

And no, this does not make me over-reactive like Carol.

It doesn’t.

Sometimes we need to be brave because, let’s face it, our entire life is lived on a witness stand. God invites us to give compelling testimony to what we have seen and heard about our faith. 

Wimping out is not an option. Carol needs to know that.

Maybe Walmart is a good place to start practicing.

Bourbon County Local News