Monthly Archives: April 2022

Obituary

Obituary of Mary “Sug” Beckford

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Mary Irene “Sug” Beckford, 90, formerly of Fulton, Kansas passed away Thursday morning, December 23, 2021, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas.  She was born February 13, 1931, in Devon, Kansas, the daughter of George Franklin and Mary Elizabeth (Townsend) Snyder. She married Charles L. Beckford on August 27, 1950, in Fulton, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on October 19, 2008.

 

Sug graduated from Fulton High School. She helped plan many alumni reunions. She worked for The Western Insurance as a supervisor in the Key Punch department for 21 and a half years. She retired when The Western closed in 1988.

 

She was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church, West Liberty UMW, and Olive Chapter 13 OES. She was Past Matron and Past District Aide OES, Past Worthy High Priestess Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and was a Reach to Recovery volunteer for 15 years. She served as Sunday School Treasurer for 25 years, was Past UMW President, member and secretary for the Osaga Historical Society, and a member of the Fulton Community Center Board. Sug also served as Mother Advisor of Fort Scott Assembly 39 Rainbow Girls. Mary never missed an opportunity to serve in any capacity.

 

Sug’s favorite pastimes were reading, fishing, and gardening. She was a KU Basketball fan and loved angel food cake. She was known for her banana bread and homemade strawberry ice cream. Her grandkids thought she made the best vegetable soup and chili ever. She loved all of her family, but had a special relationship with her great-granddaughters Willow, Maddie, and Evie, and was looking forward to meeting her great-grandson, Donovan.

 

Survivors include her children, Randy L. Beckford and wife Carmen, of Fulton, and Vickie S. Lord and husband Gerald, of Lawrence, Kansas; a brother, Alva Snyder, of Independence, Kansas; sister-in-law Joyce Sipe, Fort Scott; seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Charles, she was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, John E. Snyder, and George J. Snyder, two granddaughters, and one grandson.

 

Memorial services for Sug will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the West Liberty United Methodist Church, and she will be interred with her husband Charles in the Mapleton Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to West Liberty United Methodist Church the day of the service or mailed to: West Liberty Treasurer c/o Kathy Valentine, 2638 Tomahawk Road Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Area News, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Coming Soon For Patty LaRoche: Book Publication

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Patty and Dave LaRoche. Submitted.

Patty LaRoche is a former Fort Scott High School teacher and a regular contributor to FortScott.Biz and other media outlets.

For the past decade, she has been writing and re-writing a Christian book: A Little Faith Lift…Erasing the Lines of the Enemy.

The book is directed toward those who doubt their worth and encourages them to take risks and was initiated while working with teens as a school teacher.

The school of life has also prompted LaRoche to write.

Married to major league baseball pitcher Dave LaRoche in 1973, Patty spent most of her adult life in the world of professional baseball where wives are subject to much of the same public scrutiny and comparison as their husbands, she said.

“My 30+ moves in 48 years of marriage have given me van loads of humorous illustrations for this ‘Rejection-Collection,'” she said.

“Using humor and candor, no doubt from teaching high school for 20 years, I share not only my spiritual journey,” she said.  “One mapped by faithfulness—yet detoured by faithlessness, while also retelling many individual stories of those who have, and have not, refused to let their circumstances or others’ opinions have any power to destroy who they are in Christ.”

The humor in her book has a serious message and is written for all age groups, she noted.

“A Little Faith Lift is for everyone who doubts their worth, to help them move past the pain caused by others that has left them insecure or bitter, to teach them to accept the potential (that) humor has over rejection,” LaRoche noted. “My objective is to convince them to take risks and refuse to give anyone or anything the power to make them less than God desires, to know that He’s the C.E.O. of the ‘Beauty from Ashes’ business.”

“My intended audience is adult women, the majority of people I meet, who have memories of betrayal by teachers, coaches, family members, friends or bullies who used them as their personal punching bag,” LaRoche said. “They have a hard time understanding that hurt people hurt people, thanks to a spiritual enemy who passes out stogies any time he can manipulate their self-worth.”

“These individuals measure themselves against others who have the looks, talents, or personality traits they think they lack,” she said.  “Walking into a room full of strangers produces enough sweat to frizz their hair, and if asked to spearhead the church social, they hyperventilate.”

“I taught public speaking to high schoolers for 20 years, but when a group of senior girls asked if I would lead them in a Bible study, the message became clear:  if my students could recognize from Whom their value came—challenging in a public-school setting—and not from what others thought of them, their lives forever would be changed.  An organizing principle of A Little Faith Lift focuses on the teens in that study,” she stated.

“Nearly one in three teens meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by age 18, and 70% of them describe anxiety as a major problem for people their age, a number exacerbated by Covid,” LaRoche said.   “My counselor friends tell me that, because of the pandemic, they are overwhelmed by young adults who feel hopeless. But it’s not only our youth who are affected. Too many people go to the grave never feeling like they were valued or used the talents God gave them, all because they never bought into the truth of how precious they are to their Creator.”

When will the book be ready?

“Probably when my social media numbers impress a publisher,” she said.  “Right now, I have a very respected agent who will be pitching it to different Christian publishers.”

To support LaRoche in this new venture of book publication go to her Instagram posts patty_laroche, which is called PATTY’s PITCH

PATTY’s PITCH will appear on Instagram on Mondays and Fridays.

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Bo Co Conservation District on April 21

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee
Hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District
Thursday, April 21st, 8am
1515 S. Judson St.
Established in May, 1945, the Bourbon County Conservation District’s mission is to provide leadership and guidance for the use of our natural resources through working with land users, cooperating agencies and the general public by providing educational, technical and financial assistance. District Manager Mandy Shoemaker and the Conservation District Board of Directors are excited to host the Chamber Coffee and welcome everyone to attend.
Visit Bourbon County Conservation’s website HERE!
Like Bourbon County Conservation’s ‘s Facebook page HERE!
Obituary

Obituary of Ivan “Pokey” Harding Jr.

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Ivan LeRoy “Pokey” Harding, Jr., age 77, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, April 18, 2022, at his home.  He was born May 7, 1944, in Parsons, KS, the son of Ivan LeRoy and Orlean Sampsel Harding.

Pokey attended Walnut public schools and graduated from Joint Rural High School Stark, KS with the class of 1962.  He graduated from Pittsburg State University Auto Technology School.

Pokey served in the U. S. Navy and later the Reserves.

He married Shirley Simon on April 2, 1976.

Pokey worked for Quality Chevrolet in Wichita briefly before moving to Ft. Scott.  He then worked for Ft. Scott Motors, Shepherd Team Auto Plaza and finally 5-Corners Automotive.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Blue Lodge, American Legion, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

 

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Shirley of the home; a son, John Ivan Harding and wife Helen, Topeka, KS; a daughter, Jeri Keller and husband Jeff, Wichita, KS; two stepsons, Randy Houdashelt, Ft. Scott, and Jimmy Houdashelt, Parsons, KS; a sister, Carolyn Sinn, Ft. Scott; an uncle, Joe Harding and wife Phyllis, Stark, KS; two grandchildren, Ashley and Austin; two step grandchildren, Derek and Dillon; two step great-grandchildren, Aiden and Macie;  and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Monday, April 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends Monday from 10:30 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Kansas

KS Governor Signs 2022-23 Budget

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Budget, Makes Record Investment in Rainy Day Fund and Law Enforcement, Invests in Housing, Workforce, and Economic Development

~~Budget Closes Bank of KDOT, Fully Funds State Water Plan, Increases Funding for Higher Education and Home and Community Based Services~~

TOPEKA – Today Governor Laura Kelly signed the state’s budget, House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill 267, for Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023. This budget passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and allows the state to continue its path of economic growth through targeted investments in core services, higher education, and workforce development.

“This budget delivers on promises I made when I was first elected, including investing in our economic development tools, funding higher education, stopping the irresponsible practice of robbing from our highway fund, and much more,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas is stronger than it was four years ago, and as a result, we can confidently make critical investments in our state while at the same time eliminating the state food tax to help Kansans have more room in their own family budgets.”

Highlights from Governor Kelly’s budget:

  • The budget closes the Bank of KDOT and ends other extraordinary transfers from the State Highway Fund.
  • Restores full funding for the State Water Plan Fund for the first time since 2008.
  • Makes a historic $500 million deposit in the state’s budget stabilization fund. This is the largest investment in the budget stabilization fund in the state’s history, and it also leaves a balance that is more than five times higher than the state’s rainy day fund has ever been.
  • Restores Higher Education funding and makes significant one-time investments in need-based aid, deferred maintenance, and workforce development through community and tech college funding.
  • Increases the state’s funding for housing by $65 million over two years. This funding will be dedicated to the development and renovation of moderate-income housing and the creation of a state revolving loan program to support the state’s workforce needs and close the financing gap in rural communities.
  • Increases funding for the Office of Broadband Development, Kansas Tourism, small business research and development grants, work-based learning, registered apprenticeships, agricultural economic development, and the Job Creation Fund.
  • Provides $3 million in scholarships for aspiring teachers attending Kansas universities and who are committed to teaching in Kansas upon graduation.
  • Provides $35 million in matching funds over 5 years for workforce and economic development through the NIAR/WERX aircraft conversion program at Wichita State University.
  • Provides $85 million in funding for agriculture innovation, health sciences, and economic development through the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.
  • Provides $95 million in higher education workforce development grants with a private match requirement, including $10 million for community colleges, tech colleges, and Washburn University and $10 million for Private and Independent Colleges.
  • Provides $28.5 million in matching funding for Community College program and facility enhancements.
  • Includes significant salary enhancements for Kansas Highway Patrol officers and Kansas Bureau of Investigation officers and employees to ensure that the state remains competitive in its ability to recruit and retain the men and women that protect the state of Kansas.
  • Continues funding for state employees working in 24/7 facilities including those serving in the state’s hospitals for mental health and developmental disabilities, correctional facilities, and veterans’ homes.
  • Increases coverage for post-partum mothers from 60 days to 12 months after birth and funds the Maternal and Child Home Visiting Program.
  • Approves additional enhancements for Emergency Medical Services, adult dental services, cancer screening, pediatric primary care, and newborn screening.
  • Reimburses volunteer and part-time fire departments for PPE and fire bunker and wildland fire fighting gear.
  • Increases funding for our state’s Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office to improve and expand services for our veterans.
  • Increases funding for several home and community-based services, including care provided for mental health, specialized nursing, frail and elderly Kansans and those living in nursing homes, and Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Increases the assistive services cap, empowering individuals who need assistive technology.
  • Makes significant facility improvements for the School for the Deaf and the School for the Blind.
  • Focuses additional resources on behavioral crisis stabilization services for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, staffing at psychiatric residential treatment facilities, diversion from state hospitals through community crisis intervention centers, and suicide prevention.
  • Addresses the state’s competency evaluation and restoration backlog.
  • Continues funding for Families First Prevention grants and services and includes funding for recruitment and retention incentives for child placing agencies.
  • Makes one-time capital investments in the state’s infrastructure for mental health, corrections, law enforcement, and National Guard.
  • Restores full funding for the state’s evidence-based juvenile justice prevention and rehabilitation programs.
  • Increases funding for the state’s grants to local judicial districts for community corrections grants.
  • Funds new geriatric and substance use programs at Lansing and Winfield Correctional Facilities.
  • Provides funding for stab vests, facility improvements, equipment, body cameras, and additional security for law enforcement and those who work in the state’s secure facilities.
  • Increases funding for meat and poultry inspections, water programs, and for the Animal Facility Inspection Program in the Department of Agriculture.
  • Makes a one-time $80 million payment on the state’s water storage contracts with the Army Corps of Engineers—safeguarding this resource for future generations.

Below please find the message from the Governor regarding House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill 267:

“I want to thank the Legislature for their work and bi-partisan collaboration to pass House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill 267 – a budget that allows us to continue to improve core services while investing in our future and setting the stage for additional economic growth.

“This budget completes a promise I made to close the Bank of KDOT, it restores and renews the state’s commitment to higher education, it fully funds the state water plan, it provides historic funding for the most vulnerable and those who care for them, and it invests in our law enforcement and public safety officers.

“Enhancements for workforce and economic development will allow Kansas to continue our record-breaking success in attracting and retaining businesses. The historic investment in moderate income housing will ensure that we have quality housing to recruit and retain families throughout the state.

“Funding for state employee pay increases, updated equipment and resources, and facility upgrades will benefit the public and make a down payment toward appropriately rewarding Kansans who dedicate their lives to public service.

“Finally, this budget preserves the funding necessary to eliminate the state food sales tax on groceries, benefiting all Kansans, while making a $500 million deposit in the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund—by far the largest Rainy Day Fund investment in state history.

“With all that this budget does accomplish, it could do more to ensure that all communities in the state have the access to healthcare that Kansans deserve and that prospective new residents expect. Given how new business growth requires a healthy workforce, I will continue to urge the Legislature to make the commonsense decision to expand Medicaid and return Kansas’ federal tax dollars to our communities.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(b) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby return House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill 267 with my signature approving the bill, except for the items enumerated below.”

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System—Exclusive Opportunity for Legislators
Section 43(d) has been vetoed in its entirety.

Legislators must make an irrevocable decision when they begin public service to either join or decline enrollment in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). The policy in Section 43(d) would create an exclusive opportunity for legislators to reverse the irrevocable decision that they consciously made when they elected not to join KPERS. Other public employees including teachers, public safety officers, and nurses are not allowed this special election under law. Further, this provision likely would not be approved by the Internal Revenue Service if reviewed.

State Board of Regents—Special Line Item for Single Program
The portion of Section 109(a) that reads as follows has been line-item vetoed: Benedictine college engineering program: $200,000

Under the State Board of Regents budget, $200,000 is appropriated for a college engineering program at Benedictine College. This budget includes many enhancements for higher education, including significant increases in funding for grant programs for public and private postsecondary institutions. One of these appropriations is a $10,000,000 grant program in Section 29(f) that is reserved exclusively for the state’s private and independent colleges. Benedictine College should apply for public funding for the college engineering program through this specifically designated appropriation for similar programs.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends of the Fort Honor Volunteers

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Pictured are those who attended the picnic and received a certificate and flag pin:
Front row: Lincoln Lyman, Shay Lynn Clements, Frankie Ruggero, Zander Wells, Kelley Collins, Chairman; Back Row: Maggie Brenner, Carl Brenner, Nova Clarke, Lucretia Olsen, Reed Hartford, Pat Hartford, Marlene Braker, Tom Braker, Martha Scott. Submitted photo.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site honored the volunteers who helped plant the flags for their “Fly the Flag” Program during the years 2018,  2019, 2020, and 2021 with a Picnic In the Park Tuesday night.

 

Those attending received a certificate and a flag pin during the short program held after the dinner.

 

The Friends of Fort Scott annually take subscriptions to fly a full size flag during the five “flag holidays” – Memorial Day,  Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.    Volunteers set these flags in front of residential and businesses in the city limits of Fort Scott for these five holidays.

 

Pictured are those who attended the picnic and received a certificate and flag pin:

Bourbon County, Government

Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council from April 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022.  They will provide insurance certificate.  They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second  by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed

 

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St

 

Meeting resumed at 7:19.  Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St

 

Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment.  This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged.  Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding.  ARPA funds could also be used for this.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed.  103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner.  He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back.  301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris.  Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up.  It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste.  It will be scheduled at next meeting.  Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton

 

Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson.  Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget.  He will present to council if needed.  Council concurred it was not needed.

Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout.  Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic.  Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation.  She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.

Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose

 

KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year.  The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14.  Will put on the agenda again in June.  Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.

Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans.  Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month.  Asked if fish food has been received.  Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up.  He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal.  Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – table until next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment.  We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting.  Table further discussion until next month.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM

 

Meeting resumed at 9:00PM.  No action was taken

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:00PM

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 12

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April 12, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin, Meeks, Lora Holdridge, Bill
Martin, Roger Harris, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Cynthia Stine, Dale Bollinger, Randy Ruby,
Marti Tuchscherer, Patty LaRoche, Nancy Maze, Mark Bolton, Donald Coffman, Tim
Mckenney, Deb Mckenney, Linda Noll, Matt Noll, and Dale Arnold.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes, Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented 2 permits: The first permit was Craw-Kan for a utility permit for fiber
installation on Locust Rd and Limestone Rd. Clifton made a motion to approve the permit for
Craw-Kan as stated by Eric Bailey. Lynne seconded. All approved. The second permit was for
Don Garrett/Brad Bradley for a culvert permit for new installation at 35th & Yellowstone Rd.
Clifton made a motion to approve the permit at 35th and Yellowstone as stated by Eric Bailey.
Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric informed that there is decking loose on a bridge between Birch and Calvary and 120th and
130th. He said it is closed today for repair should be done today and back open. Eric said that
KDOT is in the area and are doing traffic counts in the county in case anyone sees them. He said
that the composting permit for landfill is still in process and has not been approved yet. There is
another review process that needs to be completed before it can be approved. Eric said that
before he gets a bunch of calls on Arrowhead there had been dust control done years ago and
they are tearing it up to fix potholes and turn it back to gravel they, are not paving that road. Eric
informed the commission that there are a few from his department as well as himself that are
going to be attending a training on Thursday in Chanute and has to do with signs as well as other
things. Eric is finalizing the punch list on the windmill project and working with Justin to get the
roads turned back over to county.
Hard surface roads were discussed as to what needed to be completed this year. Jim explained
that there is a sales tax for that purpose and each district get one third of it. Jim said that for his
district he would like to see 195th on the East side of Fort Scott Lake as well as 215th from Indian
to 39 Hwy. Lynne said he would like to see Maple between Uniontown and Bronson, Yale road
and Yellowstone that was tore up and left gravel repaved at Hidden Valley Lake. He also said
that if there was any money left, he would like to see 125th between 54 Hwy and Maple Road.
Eric presented some information on a company called Onyx that is a turnkey operation that
would replace chip and seal and extend the life of the road and hopefully that will help give more
time to resurface the road on a schedule to keep them maintained better. Clifton said that he
would like to see a plan that looked at what roads are the worst and heaviest traveled and have a
plan based on that and not worry about each district getting the exact same amount of money. He
said that all of the road mentioned need fixed and they need a plan to do it even if it isn’t divided
evenly. He said that the roads he would like to look at in his district would be Old 69 Hey
between Fort Scott and Fulton and Soldier Road east of Hammond. He said he didn’t get any money for his district last year because another district needed it more and that is how it should
be done and he would like to see a plan based like that. The commissioners asked Eric to bring a
plan for review but Jim and Lynne both agreed they would like to keep their portion in their own
district unless Clifton needs some since he gave up his last year. The commissioners, Eric Bailey,
and Dustin Hall discussed ways that they could possibly make the money go further and make
the roads last longer with the money that they have available.
Multiple community members were in attendance that expressed concerns for roads in their areas
of the county.
Lynne said he was approached by a patron in Uniontown about tires. I would like permission to
go talk with Ol’ Boy Tires. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to go visit with a local
business in Uniontown. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim asked Eric about putting up the signs previously discussed. Eric said with this being a short
week they would get them up next week.
Lora Holdridge requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Lora Holdridge and
Shane Walker for 10 minutes returning at 10:18am to this room. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:18am with no action. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Lynne made a motion to amend agenda moving County Counselor to the end of the session.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley presented an agreement from Tri-Valley for appropriations of $55,000.00 which is what
was budgeted. This agreement is a renewal from previous year. Clifton made a motion to
approve the agreement. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan received notice that we did not receive the base grant which was for the Spyder parking
lot. We’ll have to figure out other ways to do that. That’s the 1st federal grant that you didn’t
receive. She did some checking and no one in Bourbon County or the City received any grant
funding. Susan said she would make some phone calls and find out why. Susan requested an
executive session regarding nonelected personnel for 15 minutes. Clifton made a motion for an
executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, and
Dave Bruner for 15 minutes returning to this room at 10:37am. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:37am with no action. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Mr. Judy for public comment. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Mr. Judy asked if the handicapped ramps could be fixed. Lynne stated that we are in the process
of fixing those.

Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters
of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Justin
Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Shane Walker for 20 minutes returning to this room at 11:01am.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:01am
with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that we took quotes for mowing at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. They were due today
at 10am. Phillips Lawn Care had the lowest per occurrence quote at $500. With the unknowns
of the property we would do at on a month-to-month basis until we figure some things out.
Clifton made a motion to accept the quote from Phillips to mow on a per time as needed basis.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan stated that we are looking at possible funding we need
from ARPA funds for EMS. Dave Bruner left some information with me and each commissioner
received a copy. I would like a week to look through and see if it meets all the obligations and
then come back with a proposal on potential ARPA funding. We had a couple hundred thousand
left over from last year’s funds that could possibly help us with some urgent need items for EMS.
They are looking at needing to possibly replace one of the ambulances in the near future, but we
are two years out on a brand new. If we did a remount, it would be 13 months. If we book this
year, we have to pay the entire thing or we could go with a lease purchase which I would
recommend with the unknowns today. Rob Harrington mentioned that there might be a USDA
grant that we are going to look into that and bring information to you next week. Jim asked how
things were coming on the north sidewalk and parking. Susan stated that they looked at it last
week and they are getting ready to give us the engineering report and then we’ll put it out to bid.
Public Comment: Clint Walker talked about an $89 million dollar transmission line project. The
Kansas Corporation Commission has made the decision and no local government has any say in
it whether being a zoned or non-zoned county. Michael Hoyt restated his request that he made a
Uniontown that the commission provide in advance documents that would allow the public to
participate in the budgeting process. There is a public hearing portion of the budget process and
there’s not much we can do if we don’t have the information ahead of time. It is imperative that
this happens.
Susan asked the commissioners to give her authority to go talk to the city manager regarding
EMS.
Elected Official Comment: Who does the grants for the County? Is it internal or outside? Susan
stated it is internal. Bill stated that grants are starting to be available. He would like information
as to why grants are turned down and that information can be passed on to their grant writers for
future.
Commission Comment: Clifton made a motion for Susan to be able to talk to the city manager
concerning EMS. Lynne seconded. All approved. Jim stated that KDOT will be hosting a
region 4 commission road supervisor meeting in Chanute on April 21 at 9am. I am planning to
attend and hope the other two commissioners will consider attending. Eric is planning to attend.
Susan is going as well. Jim made a motion that all commissioners be allowed to attend the
meeting. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Anne dare asked about evening meetings. Garland will be contacted to schedule for April 26th.
May 17th is scheduled at the courthouse at 6pm.
County Counsel Comments: Justin requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for
an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade
secrets or corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3
commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 15
minutes returning to this room at 11:28am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session at 11:28am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Susan to visit with CEO of Via Christi Hospital concerning
contracts. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual
proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks
for 10 minutes returning to this room at 11:41am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made
a motion to return to normal session at 11:41am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
At 11:42pm, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
April 19, 2022, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories

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Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories

Exploring the African American Experience

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Students from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College will be researching the little known and under told stories of progressive African Americans and leaders from the Fort Scott area.

Students will create audio recordings or videos to share these stories in their ‘voices’ through social media and short films hosted by the National Park Service, Gordon Parks Museum, and their schools.

Exhibits will be developed from their work.

The public is invited to the kickoff for this project on Monday, April 25, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center theater on the Fort Scott Community College campus at 10 a.m.

There will be a presentation by Robin Hickman Winfield, the great niece of Gordon Parks, and Eli Reed, an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, author, and the 2021 Choice of Weapons Award Recipient.

This project will continue through the end of the fall semester with the final media products and presentations.