Bourbon County Commission Agenda For May 24

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701


Date: May 24, 2022

1st DistrictLynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton


MEETING HELD AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING IN GARLAND AT 6:00PM


Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

TriValley Budget Request Bill Fiscus

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

The three commissioners may be attending the funeral of Allen Warren, previous County Commissioner, on
Tuesday, May 24th at 10am.

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Additional funding request:

 

Chamber Celebration/Awards Dinner: RSVP May 23

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 REMINDER TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!

JOIN US FOR THE

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration!

See below for reservation info. and various ways you may participate!

Deadline to RSVP: Monday, May 23rd, 12pm

Thursday, May 26th

River Room Event Center

3 W. Oak Street

RSVP by 5.23.2022

Social & Silent Auction

5:30pm

Dinner, Awards, & Live Auction

6:30pm

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CLICK TO RSVP

Ways you can participate in the Chamber’s

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration:

* Make your dinner reservation and/or confirm sponsorship by noon, May 23rd.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to decorate a table for fun advertising & promotion.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to donate a silent or live auction item for advertising & promotion.

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for all of your support!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

What’s Happening in Fort Scott May 20th

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
May 20th Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
5/20 ~ No Friday Night Concert this week due to musicians setting up & playing at the Shead Farm Homestead Festival on Saturday!
5/21 ~ Step Into Summer Sidewalk Sale, Downtown and Around, see above for participating stores!
5/21 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, Skubitz Plaza, 8am-12pm
      5/21 ~ Public Forum: Stronger Together hosted by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, share ideas to improve 3rd St Park, 9-11am, all are welcome, breakfast burritos catered by Sharky’s!
5/21 ~ Shead Farm Homestead Festival, 2468 Calvary Rd, Garland, KS, 10am-5pm, click here.
5/21 ~ Kids Fishing Derby hosted to benefit Bourbon County Angels, click here for FB event.
5/23-5/24 ~ CHC/SEK Free Sports Physical – High School & Middle School Athletes, FSHS Auxiliary Gym, 9am-3pm, click here.
5/23 ~ City Land Bank Meeting, City Hall, 4pm
5/24 ~ Gross Insurance Educational Dinner, Lucci’s Cafe, 6pm, click here.
5/24 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, Skubitz Plaza, 4-6pm
5/26th ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FSHS Alumni, FSHS Commons Area, 8am
5/26th ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, River Room, 5:30pm, Deadline to RSVP is Monday, May 23rd at Noon,
click here for details!
      5/26-5/27 ~ Kansas 6A Baseball
Tournament, LaRoche Complex
5/26 ~ Ladies Craft Night Kick-Off, Museum of Creativity, 6pm, click here.
5/27 ~ Friday Night Concerts in the Park, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st and Main, 7pm
5/27-5/30 ~ KanRocks Memorial Weekend, click here.
5/27-5/30 ~ Symbols of Sacrifice Flags displayed on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, volunteers welcome to help put out flags on Friday, 5/27.
5/28 ~ Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, Skubitz Plaza, 8am-12pm
5/28 ~ Angel Gifts Fundraiser, Bass Tournament, BBQ & Bourbon County Revival Band, Union Station, Uniontown, click here for FB event.
5/28 ~ Roller Skating, Buck Run Community Center, 7-9pm
5/30 ~ Memorial Day Program, US National Cemetery No. 1, 10:30am.
5/30 ~ Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament
5/31 ~ Parents Meeting Youth Football League, Buck Run Community Center, 6:30pm, click here for FB event.
6/2-6/5 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
6/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Good Ol’ Days, 8am, Skubitz Plaza
SAVE THE DATE:
6/3-6/4 ~ Kansas Junior Limousin Breeders Field Day, Bourbon County Fair Grounds
6/3-6/4 ~ Good Ol’ Days Festival, click here for all the details.
6/3 ~ Good Ol’ Days Parade, Starting at 6th & Main St., 6pm, Deadline to register for the parade is May 31st, click here.
6/3-6/4 ~ Model Train Show at the Museum of Creativity, click here for info.
6/4 ~ Car & Bike Show hosted by Old 54 Cycles, Riverfront Park!
6/4 ~ Quilt Auction, Museum of Creativity, 1-3pm, click here.
6/7 ~ Becoming a Destination Business and Community Workshop by Jon Schallert
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The Good Ol’ Days Festival is coming June 3rd-4th. Get your Chicken Dinner tickets at the Chamber ~ only $8 for a 3 piece meal from Chicken Mary’s!
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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere 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.
Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
Thursday, May 26th ~ make reservations today!
Ladies Craft Night Summer Kick-Off
Gross Insurance Educational Dinner
Shead Farm Homestead Festival
Jon Schallert presents a Destination Workshop in Fort Scott!
Early bird registration by May 31st $50, $75 after May 31st!
Click here to register online.
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

Third Street Park Improvements on the Horizon

Third Street Park is just east of Hwy. 69 past the railroad overpass on the south side of the street. This is a view from Wilson Street looking up the hill.
This Saturday residents of the east side of Fort Scott are invited to give input on what they would like to improve at the park on east Third Street.
The park is a  city block that is sided by Third Street on the north, Hill Street on the east, Fourth Street on the south and Wilson Street on the west. It is a tree shaded area, one half of which is on a hill, one half is a ball diamond.
“This is the second public forum for the East Side Creative Placemaking project called Stronger Together: Building Up Our Communities,” Rachel Carpenter, Program Director  for Healthy Bourbon County Action Team said. “At our last public forum we were able to pick out common themes that will build up our community. Some of the themes were access to food, more events on the east side and park improvements.”
The event is to focus on park improvements.
“We received the Patterson Family Foundation Grant of $560,000 and there is $70,000 for this project,” Carpenter said. ” We want east side residents to be engaged in the decision making.”
The timeline for construction to be done at Third Street Park is October 2023, she said..
The basketball court is  in the foreground and some of the play equipment and pavilion is seen in the background.
“At this public forum we will engage the east side residents and ask what improvements they would like to see at Third Street Park,” she said. “Some examples would be upgrading playground equipment or fixing up the basketball court.”
The southwest corner of the park can be seen at Wilson and 4th Street.
“It is really up to them what on what we should prioritize,” Carpenter said.
The southeast corner of the park is seen at Hill and Fourth Street.
The event will be  tomorrow Saturday May 21 from 9 to 11 a.m.  at Third Street Park.
“We will be serving breakfast burritos and giving away a cooler and $40 gas vouchers to 5 Corners Convenience Store!,” she said.
From in the middle of the park, looking down on the ball diamond at Third Street Park.

A Little Extra Prodding by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

Proverbs 2:2-5: … making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; … if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.                                                                                                                                                                                         

At my granddaughter-in-law’s baby shower, Sonya joined us at our table.  We introduced ourselves and asked how she knew the mother-to-be. She was an open book, energetic and delightful.

As part of our conversation, she mentioned living with her daughter, son-in-law and three grandkids which somehow morphed into an in-depth discussion about her Ecuador mission trips with her husband.

She had no idea when she was going back because her spouse died of COVID last year, and it wouldn’t “be the same without him.”  We sat there, stunned.

I asked questions about her husband’s death and heard details that brought tears to our eyes.  Once he went into the hospital, she never saw him alive again.

Later on, Sonya and I had time alone.  I asked more questions but heard something I never expected.

Her husband worked for the post office but never believed in the tax system, so for 12 years he refused to pay what he owed the government.  He spent what he made, had no life insurance, no I.R.A. or bank account, no hidden surplus of cash.

Sonya had worked in day-care but never made enough to pay the bills. Soon after her husband’s funeral, she learned that she would have to sell her house to avoid foreclosure.

Her daughter and son-in-law bought her home and allowed her to live with them.  She had her car, her clothes and nothing else.

Sonya had been told that if she worked, the government would be the first recipient of what she made.  Was it worth it?  She would end up with very little cash.

I sat, shocked at what I was hearing, praying for the opportunity to tell her that she needed to pay back her debt. Lord, help me, I said silently, but all I said aloud was, “And you weren’t angry?”

“I was livid.  I had nightmares about him.”  Sonya continued by saying that the month before this baby shower, she went to lunch with a Christian friend with whom she shared her anger by saying, “I don’t want to pay for someone else’s debt.  It’s just not fair.”  Taking her hand, the friend replied, “You mean, what Jesus did for you?”

Wow!  It never crossed my mind to express my thoughts the way Sonya’s friend did.  The words pierced Sonya’s soul, and she knew it was a message she needed.  No matter what it took, if it was right for Jesus, it was right for her.

At the end of our conversation, Sonya and I hugged, and I left her with words of encouragement.  I told her to approach the women’s ministry leader at her church and ask to address a women’s group to share her testimonial.  She definitely had the personality, and there were so many life lessons that every woman needed to heed:

1.  Understand your family finances, and never allow your spouse to  convince you to be involved in illegal activity.

2.  Educate yourself so that you are self-sufficient, should the need arise.

3.  Pray for a Christian friend who gives godly counsel.

4.  Love Jesus enough to follow his lead, even when it costs you something.

Sonya was excited about the possibility of using her tragedy to help someone else.  Her transparency allowed for this to happen…even if it did take a little extra prodding to get her there.  My prayer was answered…just not the way I expected.

 

Obituary of Reuben Allen Warren

Reuben Allen Warren, age 78, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Country Place Senior Living in Ft. Scott.

He was born June 2, 1943, in Ft. Scott, the son of Reuben and Alice Holt Warren.

Allen graduated from Bronson High School in 1961 and Iola Community College in 1963.  He worked for the Western Insurance Company for 23 years as a programmer then transferred to Lincoln National in Fort Wayne, IN.  While there he designed a centralized Printing and Distribution center saving the company over one million dollars per year.  Allen was recruited to Columbia, SC for Unum Insurance, retiring in 2005 as Assistant Vice President of Printing Operations.

 

After retirement, Allen and Jackie returned home to Ft. Scott.  He became involved with the community serving on the Bourbon County Fair board, chairman of the board of trustees at the First United Methodist Church, organizing a Wednesday morning work crew at the church, President of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, member of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and member of the Chamber of Commerce.  He also served as trustee on the Ft. Scott Community College and was a founding member of the Southeast Kansas Regional Education Service Center (Greenbush).  Furthermore, Allen served 4 years as Bourbon County Commissioner and worked on the Riverfront Project.

 

Survivors include his wife Jackie of the home; three daughters, Rebecca McDonald and husband Jason, Lugoff, SC, Margaret Yarberry and husband Frank, Colorado Springs, CO, and Lucinda Huckabay, Sedalia, CO; three sons, R. Wayne Warren and wife Shelly, Coffeyville, KS, Mike Warren, Lee’s Summit, MO, and Jack Gilmer and wife Mindee, Kansas City, MO; a sister, Rosemary Cromer and husband Joe, Overland Park, KS; 11 grandchildren, Miles Warren, Kristina Warren, EmmaBeth McDonald, Lexy Huckabay, Zane Huckabay, Ethan Huckabay, Kobe Huckabay, Myles Gilmer, Jen Gilmer, Courtney Gonzales, and Nate Yarberry; and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 24th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home with Masonic services conducted at 6:45.

Memorials are suggested to Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 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.

KS Driver’s Can Now Update Address Change Online

Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Expansion of Online Renewal System to Include Address Change

TOPEKA – Kansas driver’s license holders can now quickly and conveniently update their address on their current credentials. Kansas licensees can update their address by downloading the iKan app from the Apple App or Google Play store or visiting ikan.ks.gov.

“The addition of address change to the iKan app will benefit all Kansas driver’s license holders,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “This expansion of service creates efficiency while shortening wait times for Kansans who must visit one of our driver’s license stations by allowing Kansans to update their address of record from anywhere.”

“We are excited to provide the option for Kansas drivers to update their address through the iKan service,”  David Harper, Division of Vehicles Director said. “This is the latest development in our commitment to expand service options for our customers.”

To update an address using iKan, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s official renewal app, customers must submit proof of a valid address with a copy of their current license. Once their address is updated, the licensee will receive an updated credential in the mail.

Wildlife and Parks Launches New Licensing System

KDWP Launches New Licensing System:

Go Outdoors Kansas

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is proud to announce the launch of Go Outdoors Kansas – KDWP’s all-new licensing and boat registration system designed to provide outdoor recreationalist with an improved customer service experience. More than 500 license and boat vendor locations are now processing transactions through the online system.

Outdoor-goers can access the new system at GoOutdoorsKansas.com and download the mobile app for IOS and Android devices. Some customers may need to first delete the HuntFishKS mobile app, as it is no longer operational; customer information will not be deleted when removing the mobile app.

KDWP’s new mobile app – Go Outdoors KS – allows users to quickly view all purchased licenses on-the-go, regulations and sunrise/sunset times in the field, and report harvests immediately after hunting. Customers may also conveniently register and renew water vessels through the new system.

In addition to traditional and electronic licenses, hunters, anglers and boaters will also have the option to purchase collectible, durable hard cards. The front side of KDWP’s all-new hard cards feature handcrafted artwork by Kansas artist Dustin Teasley, while the back side lists a customer’s current license information. Find out more at GoOutdoorsKansas.com or ksoutdoors.com today.

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Kevin Allen Resigns As Fort Scott City Commissioner

Kevin “Skitch” Allen. Taken from Facebook.

Kevin K. Allen resigned his position as Fort Scott City Commissioner on April 17,  at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting.

Allen stated the reason he is resigning:  he is in the process of moving into his home at 507 Brown Street on the city’s east side, which is just outside the city limits.

Kevin Allen has served on the commission for two years and as mayor for five months, he said.

The current commissioners are Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker and Matthew Wells.

He gave his opinion on the commission’s accomplishments in the last two years:

The city meetings are now recorded on YouTube for transparency and accountability to the citizens.

There are no time limits now when a citizen wants to speak to the commission at the meeting.

The streets department is now 10 employees, up from four, and has a budget of $1 million, up from $200,000.

The county and city governments are sharing services, which saves the taxpayers money.

Sunday liquor sales were approved, to gain tax revenue.

Several stop signs were removed, that were not needed.

Unused properties in Fort Scott and Lake Fort Scott were sold, and money put towards amenities at the lake.

A Land Bank was created.

A local city attorney was hired, replacing a Kansas City area one, saving the city $150,000 a year.

The city government now buys local services and insurance.

The commission has “focused more on infrastructure” and is “fixing up parks.”

“It’s been a great pleasure to serve as commissioner,” Allen said. “It’s time for me to mount up and ride.”

The commissioners expressed appreciation for Allen’s service.

In an interview on April 18 with Josh Jones, who is the president of the commission,  said he assumes the commission will interview the candidates for the vacant position and if there are an abundance of letters of interest, they will narrow it down, then interview.

The following is a press release from the City of Fort Scott:

“Persons interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner Kevin Allen are asked to submit a letter of interest to:  City Clerk, Diane Clay at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas  66701 or by email at [email protected].  Letters of interest must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022. Only individuals who reside in the City limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply.   Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the next scheduled City Commission meeting and the term will expire in December of 2023.

        Any additional information or questions may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550.”

A later phone call from Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer stated the state law that requires residency within the city limits can be found in the Kansas Government Handbook, page 27, regarding qualifications.

 

Infant Formula Shortage Recommendations

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Actions to Assist Kansans Affected by Infant Formula Shortage

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced actions her administration has taken to ease the burden on Kansas families affected by the nationwide infant formula shortage. Since February, the Kelly Administration has been working with state agencies and federal partners to address the issue.

“I have directed all state agencies to do everything in their power to help Kansans access vital infant formula,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From increasing flexibility to helping eliminate barriers at check-out, my Administration is doing what is within our power to ease the impact of the national infant formula shortage on Kansas Families.”

Governor Kelly has instructed agencies to work with their federal counterparts to expedite relief. To that end, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has taken a leading role in working with the White House, the National Governors Association, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Association, and private industry to help coordinate efforts and eliminate red tape.

KDHE has implemented a series of waivers to provide the maximum flexibility in making more infant formula products – including Ready to Feed (RTF) formulas – available to Kansans and has approved additional formula products for use by Kansas WIC families. The agency is also working with the Kansas Department for Children and Families on increased communication efforts to inform the public of possible alternatives.

The Kelly Administration, including KDHE, recommends the following to families struggling to find the formula they need to feed their child:

  • Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they can provide any resources to access formula or for suggestions on an alternative formula to meet their infant’s health needs.
  • Switch to another brand or type of formula that is available if recommended by the infant’s physician.
  • Contact their local WIC agency to see if the infant is eligible for WIC benefits.

“KDHE is committed to ensuring infants in Kansas have access to formula,” Secretary Janet Stanek said. “Since February, we have been working to do what is possible, within our authority, to provide relief for Kansans. We urge all impacted families to follow these recommendations and stay up-to-date with information to care for their family’s needs.”

Families are strongly encouraged not to unnecessarily stockpile formula in such a way that would cause further strain on the supply chain.

KDHE strongly discourages the use of toddler formula to feed infants or watering down formula or trying to make infant formula at home.

The Kelly Administration will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they become available. For more information about WIC eligibility, visit the KDHE WIC website. Find the approved substitution formula list for WIC families here.

Bourbon County Local News