Monthly Archives: June 2022

Opinion

That’s All She Wrote by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

“The farmer had to tow his tractor out of the field because it died and that’s all she wrote.” We’ve heard this colloquialism many times. Our life can be compared to the pooped-out tractor — one minute it’s running and the next it’s not. Our days on earth are numbered and we don’t know the day nor hour of our last breath. When the heart stops beating, “that’s all she wrote” because life is all over, completely finished, done for.

 

I’ve heard, “Never put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.”  I’ve also heard, “Never do today what you can put off ‘til tomorrow.“ The problem with procrastination is there’s  no assurance we’ll even have a tomorrow. Bill and Gloria Gaither composed the  contemplative song, “We Have This Moment.” Some of the lyrics are: “Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today.” All we have is right now — that’s it! We need to make sure we live our moments carefully and wisely. “People have to die once. After that, God will judge them” (Hebrews 9:27 NIRV).

 

When eternity knocks on your door, whatever you’re doing at that moment will be the last thing you ever do on this earth. So if you put off something that you fully intend to do, it will be too late to git ’er done when you’re dead. Believers should never practice procrastination as a usual way of life. “So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin” (James 4:17 TPT).

 

There’s no guarantee of another day or opportunity to make things right with someone we have a grievance against. Today is the day to offer the apology, forgive the offender, pay the debt, say the compliment, own the blame, show love, extend mercy, etc. Don’t withhold blessing someone when it’s in your power to do so. Procrastination is often associated with depression, guilt, and regret. You certainly don’t need that baggage weighing you down, so make the decision not to procrastinate so you can live regret-free.

 

In 2004, Tim McGraw released the song “Live Like You Were Dying.“ Penned by Nashville songwriters Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols, it was a tribute to McGraw’s father who had recently died. The song skyrocketed to #1 for seven weeks and caused people to take a long hard look at how they were living their lives. The storyline involves Tim asking his father what it’s like to live knowing he doesn’t have much time left. “And he said, ‘Some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin’. …I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’.” These lyrics are powerfully  biblical. “Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13 NCV).

 

This column is not about dying, it’s about living to the hilt. It’s about not procrastinating in doing what you know to do. It’s about living and dying without any regrets. It’s not about living life perfectly, but rather living life with a perfect heart of love. By the way, the 1970 movie quote, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” is a bunch of baloney. If one of your kids beats his sister over the head with a leg of lamb, you make him say, “I’m sorry.“ It’s simply the right thing to do. We must learn to say, “I’m sorry” and “I love you” because it’s a life-changing moment that will set you free.     

 

The Key: Today is the day to love deeper, speak sweeter, and forgive unconditionally.

Opinion

Community Action by Gregg Motley

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

 

Economic development is more than promoting traditional business activity.  It includes developing community partners that can take action as a coalition that the individual partners would not be able to accomplish by themselves.  The economic viability of a jurisdiction is enhanced by these efforts which build a spirit of unity and cooperation that can be leveraged well into the future.  These joint actions build trust, which is the real essence of any economic transaction.

 

Case in point is the recent community effort to welcome three Afghan families containing 19 members into our community.  The parents are real heroes, having supported the United States Special Forces as translators and logistics specialists over the last two decades.  They had to flee their homeland last year as the Taliban swept into Kabul when US forces were leaving, hunting for men and women who had supported our military, often executing them on the spot.  These men and women risked their lives every day for our country and paid the price by suffering numerous war injuries and ultimately losing their homes and all their possessions.  A local foundation sponsored their relocation to Fort Scott.

 

Beginning with our school district and spreading to local businesses, charities and individuals, our community has gone out of their way to make them feel welcomed.  People have raised money and donated household goods to furnish three rental homes purchased by a local foundation.  Clothing, food items, gift cards and numerous acts of service, such as rides to stores and doctor’s appointments have all served to make their transition easier.  A local business has agreed to hire all of them who want to work.  These families have nothing but great things to say about our country and our community.  They have expressed to me their sincere gratitude over the generosity of our people, most of whom they have never met.

 

The most recent act of community spirit took place when one of the Afghans got his Kansas driver’s license.  Local churches stepped up, including one which closed several years ago, and raised 100% of the money to purchase a minivan to help provide transportation for the group and relieve the many Bourbon County citizens that had volunteered to drive them to needed destinations.  A local car dealer generously agreed to sell the vehicle at substantial discount.  Local insurance companies worked to get them the best rates.  Currently, another vehicle purchase is in motion made possible through the donation of a Kansas City area charity, a local foundation, and the same local car dealer.

 

These outstanding efforts were coordinated and executed by men and women in their roles with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and Bourbon County REDI.  These organizations were formed to create the kind of coalitions that have been put together over the past several months to support these new members of our community.  If you see our Afghan neighbors around town, go out of your way to join this coalition and welcome them to our home.  They would enjoy meeting you.

K-State Extension

Newly Hatched Bagworms Are Munching Away

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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

I did a little scouting two nights ago looking for newly hatched bagworms on cedar trees. Sure enough, they are out! You have to really look in order to see them because they are still small – about a ¼ inch in size.

 

Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! The window of opportunity for optimum control is approaching.

 

Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.

 

Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.

 

The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.

 

There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms.  Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color.  Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.

 

Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. About the third week of June is the ideal time to make insecticidal control.

 

Insecticides commonly used to control bagworms include spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are sold under a variety of trade names. Check the product label for active ingredients.

 

For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 7

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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: June 7, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Dustin Hall – Road & Bridge Report
• Bill Martin – K9 Retirement Contract
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Lynne Oharah – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the
public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o EMS Manager/Service Director for Bourbon County EMS
o Executive Session – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission for June 7

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

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JUNE 7, 2022
6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1. Roll Call:

 

  1. Harrington T. Van Hoecke S. Walker      M. Wells     J. Jones
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by:

 

  1. Recognitions/Proclamations: State Farm Insurance 100th Anniversary Proclamation

 

  1. Election of President of the City Commission

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 17th, 2022 and special meeting of June 1st, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1313-A totaling $583,514.00.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – April Invoice – $2,155.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – River Intake Project – $7,124.16

 

  1. Request to Pay #2 – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Manhole 148 Project – $94,116.15

 

  1. Consideration to Pay – Brightly Software – $7,677.09

 

  • Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

  • Old Business:

 

Consideration of Impound Yard for Codes vehicles

 

  1. Appearances: Dallas Smith – Wedding reception venue request

 

Rachel Carpenter – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team – Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – 3rd Street Park upgrades – Downtown Arch placemaking

 

Lake Advisory Board Representative

 

  1. Public Hearing:  6:00 p.m. – Notice of Hearing of deannexation of the property more commonly known as 2142 Jayhawk Road

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. Acceptance of K.D.O.T. Grant – Horton Street – $949,000.00 – Resurfacing, new sidewalks, crosswalks, and ADA ramps on Horton Street between 6th Street and 18th Street
  2. Consideration of Change Order #1 – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Manhole 148 Project – Increase of $1,283.50 – due to final quantity reconciliations on project
  3. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Bourbon County for EMS and Dispatch
  4. Consideration of Bids for Demolition:
    1. 731 S. Heylman
    2. 312 S. Heylman
    3. 1409 S. Ransom

XII.      Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Engineering Firm Report:

 

  1. On-Call Sanitary Sewer Manhole Inspection Training Proposal

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
  2.   City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

  1.  Adjournment:

 

 

Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Minutes of June 1

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     CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Minutes are unapproved.

Minutes of June 1st, 2022                                            Special Meeting #10

 

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 1st, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, and Matthew Wells were present with President of the Commission Josh Jones presiding.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Chuck Begulia, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, Kathryn Harrington, Rob Harrington, John Coon, Jackson Tough, Lisa Lewis, Dean Striler (via Zoom), Kevin Allen, Bret Holder, Sara Holder, Bobbi Kemna, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

  1. Consideration of CMB Temporary License – Memorial Hall – June 4th, 2022 – Good Ol’ Days Blane Howard Concert – City Clerk said that this is this temporary license approves the permit for Brian Williams to sell 6.0 cereal malt beverages at Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 4th, 2022. This event has already been approved.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the Temporary CMB license at Memorial Hall for Brian Williams on Saturday, June 4th, 2022. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE TEMPORARY CMB LICENSE AT MEMORIAL HALL FOR BRIAN WILLIAMS FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2022.

 

  1. Consideration of Change in Alcohol and CMB ordinance – Mayor Jones said that this ordinance changes the sale and consumption of cereal malt beverages and alcoholic liquor in specific areas of the public parks or other places in the City during community wide celebrations or other public events. Such sale shall be by responsible persons working for charitable and nonprofit organizations with the proceeds going to said organizations for which a license will be issued by the City and shall be allowed for limited period of time.

 

Discussion was held regarding that an individual who will be starting up a pizza business wanted to give away free samples of alcohol.

 

Bret Holder said that he will be opening the Pizza Republic at 10 S. Main Street.  They have moved here and expect to open in September this fall.

 

Discussion was held regarding samples and if they could be given out.

 

Mr. Holder said that he has been in contact with A.B.C. and our enforcement agent, Terry Holder and is working with them.  There could be an issue with the time frame also for A.B.C.

 

City Clerk said that if the ordinance is approved, that it will not be in the legal ads of the official City newspaper until Saturday, so no samples could be given out on Friday, June 3rd.

 

  1. Walker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3611. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3611 AMENDING SECTIONS 5.14.010, 5.14.020, 5.14.040, 5.14.050, 5.14.060, 5.14.070, 5.14.080, 5.14.090 (CEREAL MALT BEVERAGES – BEER GARDENS) OF CHAPTER 5.14 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

 

  1. Consideration of City Commission Letters of Interest:

 

Mayor Jones announced that letters of interest were received from the following:  Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Nicolas Philpott, Dean Striler, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, and Kathryn Harrington.

 

Brad Matkin, Human Resource Director, asked the candidates that were present prepared questions regarding the City Commission.  Those that were present and replied included:  Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Dean Striler, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, and Kathryn Harrington.

 

  1. Wells moved to appoint Kathryn Harrington to fill the unexpired term of Kevin Allen which will expire in December of 2023. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT KATHRYN HARRINGTON TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF KEVIN ALLEN WHICH WILL EXPIRE IN DECEMBER OF 2023.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:28 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of May 17

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.

 

         Minutes of May 17th, 2022                         Regular Meeting #10

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 17th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Allen presiding.

 

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Jason Dickman, Brad Matkin, Harold Martin, Nancy Cragg, Carey Spoon, Craig Campbell, Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Bill Lemke, Lisa Lewis, Pete Allen, Jackson Tough, David Jones, Rob Harrington, Rhonda Dunn, Robert Coon, Lindsay Madison, Lori Potter Farmer, Greg Schick, and Thomas Russell.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

Mayor Kevin Allen started the meeting and informed the Commission and the public that he was giving his resignation due to his residence being outside of City of Fort Scott City limits as stated in the State Constitution. Kevin cited his accomplishments with the City Commission. He stated, “It has been a great pleasure to serve the citizens of Fort Scott as your Commissioner for the past two years and as your Mayor for the past five months. I thank you for the opportunity.” In conclusion he stated, ‘I contribute to this town every day. I was born in this little town, and I will die in this town. You want to know if I live in Fort Scott? No, but I feel like I am Fort Scott. So, I guess in conclusion, as Billy the Kid said to the Regulators, It’s time for me to mount up and ride.”

 

Josh Jones, Matthew Wells, Shane Walker, and Tim Van Hoecke applauded Kevin Allen for his work on the Commission as well as their friendship and mutual respect.

 

City Attorney stated that a motion to formally accept the Mayor’s resignation is a point of business which will start the process to fill the seat on the Commission. He stated that Josh Jones is still President of the Commission and will continue the meeting in that capacity.

 

No motion was made by the Commission.

 

  1. Jones asked how to proceed without a motion.

 

City Attorney stated that the Commission has 10 days to accept the resignation, but they can move forward since he has verbally given his resignation.

 

Pete Allen spoke to Kevin Allen’s confirmation of the 3 Bourbon County panelists that previously qualified him as a citizen of Fort Scott. He stated that it was voted 3-0. Pete also stated that process led to him to becoming a Commissioner and that Kevin’s residency situation had not changed. Kevin Allen is still a resident of Fort Scott.

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:

  

  1. Jones moved to add the Parade Permit for Good Ol’ Days to the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADD PARADE PERMIT FOR GOOD OL’ DAYS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 3rd, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1312-A totaling $737,590.28.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Dave’s Demolition – 619 S. Ransom – $800.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform – CIPP Lining Project – $137,687.11 and approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion

 

  1. Approval of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $2,500 – Administration for Urgent Need Grant

 

  1. Approval of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $2,000 – Administration for Mayco Ace Grant (Pay Request #5)

 

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Engineering – $5,500.00 – Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway Project (Bidding)

 

  1. Cereal Malt Beverage License – Beer Garden – Good Ol’ Days

 

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Mayhugh Cemetery – Old Fort Genealogical Society – Signage

 

  1. February financials (will be on table)

 

  1. March financials (will be on table)

 

  1. April financials (will be on table)

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

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)

 

Harold Martin – Mr. Martin addressed the City Commission as a representative of the Lake Advisory Board to report their board activities of the May 14, 2022, meeting and to bring forward recommendations and take back any action items required of the Board from the Commission. He stated that the Board has adopted a protocol for developing, documenting, and bringing forward recommendations and questions from their board to the City Commission. He stated that they are now meeting the second Saturday morning of every month.  He also requested that the Lake Advisory Board have a place on each City Commission agenda as well as all other advisory boards of the City.  He stated that the Board recommended to the City Commission that they invest in appropriate anchors for the buoys at Lake Fort Scott and employ the recommended maintenance protocol to ensure anchor retention year after year.

 

  1. Jones stated that being placed on the agenda can happen any time. He suggested to call before any meeting and be put on the agenda and the Commission will be happy to address their questions and concerns. He said he would be happy to discuss the sale of Lake property also with a group of four individuals.

 

  1. Jones moved that he would like time to discuss this request as well as the sale of additional Lake properties further with member a of the Lake Advisory Board, Shane Wood and another Commissioner. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOW MORE TIME TO MEET WITH AND DISCUSS THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS WITH ONE OF THEIR BOARD MEMBERS, AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to accept the resignation of Mayor Kevin Allen in order to move forward. He thanked him for all he has done for the City and wished him the best. This will assist in moving the Commission forward.

 

  1. Jones redirected back to Harold Martin and asked if Harold had anything further to discuss.

 

Harold also stated that the City Commission engage legal counsel to determine if Lake Fort Scott falls under the authority of the State of Kansas Boating Regulations.

 

  1. Jones stated that this recommendation does not require a motion, but it will be referred to Bob Farmer. Josh then stated they would get a clarification in writing back to the Advisory Board.

 

  1. Jones returned to the motion made by T. Van Hoecke.

 

  1. Wells asked if they needed to accept the resignation to move on.

 

Bob Farmer stated to do so is just a course of business, but it is not necessary.

 

Robert Coon spoke to the Commission regarding Mayor Kevin Allen’s resignation. He noted the silence of the Commission and highlighted Mayor Allen’s work over the years.

 

  1. Van Hoecke’s motion died for lack of a second.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3609 – Repeal of Tourism Advisory Board – City Manager, Kelley Zellner, asked Rob Harrington to speak regarding the disbanding the Tourism Advisory Board.

 

Rob Harrington stated that he came before the Commission on January 4, 2022, to talk about the vision that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. had for tourism. At the time, the decision was made not to move tourism to the County due to Jackson Tough possibly losing his employment benefits he currently had with the City. Rob Harrington and Kelley Zellner asked the City Commission to decide what they would like to do with the Tourism Advisory Board.

 

Rob discussed the Kansas State Statutes in contrast to the City Ordinance regarding the formation of the Tourism Advisory Board. He stated that appointing Bourbon County R.E.D.I. as the Tourism Advisory Board would be against the Statute. Rob asked the City Commission to disband the current Tourism Advisory Board and allow Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to oversee tourism.

 

City Attorney, Bob Farmer, stated the proposal is legal.

 

City Manager clarified that the State gives the City the ability to establish Charter Ordinances and those Charter Ordinances supersede the legislative guidelines. He stated that Charter Ordinance No. 25 supersedes the entire legislature and asked if they would possibly consider putting in language to utilize Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to oversee this board.

 

Bob Farmer will review the Charter Ordinance and present it to the City Commission at a later meeting.

 

Appearances:

 

Rhonda Dunn, Lori Potter Farmer, Craig Campbell – Fort Scott High School All School Reunion – Street Closures, Noise Ordinance and Assorted Requests –

 

Rhonda Dunn, Co-Chairman of the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion, spoke about the upcoming event: The reunion festivities begin Friday, June 24th, 2022, with registration at Fort Scott High School. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by private events for the different classes, a party at Memorial Hall, food trucks downtown, and a band at Liberty Theater.

 

Rhonda stated that Saturday, June 25th, the private class activities will be all over town, Gunn Park and Lake Fort Scott. The committee would like to close Main Street due to entertainment downtown. There will be bands at Skubitz Plaza and Liberty Theater.

 

Craig Campbell, Chairperson for the Parade event, spoke specifically about the parade. He stated that staging will begin at 4th and Judson and the parade route will end at Fort Scott High School.

 

Rhonda asked the Commission to waive the Noise Ordinance so that it does not have to be a policing issue. Bands will play from 8:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m. She also asked for street closures of Main St, from Skubitz Plaza to 3rd Street beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th, 2022.  She asked for alcohol to be waived at Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. She stated that the vendors will obtain their own permits and licenses.   She asked for the Codes Department to use extra enforcement prior to the weekend to help the town look its best. She asked for the use of golf carts on Friday, June 24th, 2022, and Saturday, June 25th, 2022.  She asked for the use of Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, and requested that it be cleaned, and the restrooms stocked with supplies.  She stated they will use available power source sites downtown for the food trucks.  She asked that the school reunion banners be hung downtown also.

 

  1. Jones made a motion to approve the above requests for the All-School Fort Scott High School Reunion. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 AT 4:00 P.M. FOR 10TH ST AND MAIN STREET TO NATIONAL AVENUE TO WALL STREET FROM NATIONAL AVENUE TO MAIN STREET AND FROM WALL STREET TO FORT SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL.  APPROVED PARADE PERMIT FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 FROM 4TH AND NATIONAL AVENUE TO 10TH AND MAIN STREET FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M.  APPROVED TO WAIVE THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 AND TO ALLOW ALCOHOL TO BE WAIVED FOR MEMORIAL HALL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO INSTALL DOWNTOWN BANNERS, BORROW ONE GOLF CART, IF AVAILABLE, STARTING AT 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022, BORROW FIVE GOLF CARTS IF AVAILABLE STARTING AT 3:00 P.M., SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH, 2022, APPROVED THE CLEANING AND STOCKING OF MEMORIAL HALL AND CODES ENFORCEMENT AND CITY MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN AROUND DOWNTOWN, ALL SCHOOLS AND ENTRANCES TO THE CITY AND GUNN PARK.

 

Rhonda Dunn thanked all involved in making this event happen and extended an invitation to the City Commissioners to enjoy the festivities whether they graduated from Fort Scott High School or not.

 

Bailey Lyons – Signage Request:   Bailey Lyons and Rachel French, Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee, appeared before the City Commission regarding a Stop Work Order her group received for attempting to repair the brick pillars at 1st and National during the Downtown Clean Up.

 

City Manager Kelley Zellner stated that he issued the Stop Work Order due to the fact that it was City property and should have been brought to the City Commission and approved and run through the chain of command.

 

Rachel French asked the City Commission for permission to finish the project on the brick work on the pillars and to hang the sign which they had a copy of in their packet.

 

  1. Wells moved to allow this group to finish repairing the brick pillars and install the sign on 1st and National and work with City staff on this project. J. Jones seconded.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to include the removal of the rusty pipes by City staff if necessary. J. Jones seconded his amended motion. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED WORK TO BE COMPLETED ON THE BRICK PILLARS AT 1ST AND NATIONAL, INCLUDING THE REMOVAL OF RUSTED PIPES BY CITY CREWS IF NECESSARY, AND TO INSTALL THE SIGNAGE AT THAT LOCATION.

 

Greg Schick – City Codes Department – Public Trust:    Mr. Schick addressed the City Commission and began by stating that he appreciated the approachability of the current City Commission. His concerns were regarding the Codes Department and the length of time it takes to resolve violations. Mr. Schick gave four personal stories to illustrate his point. He stated that he has called the Codes Department regarding their policies, ordinances and has even spoke to the City Manager on occasion. He feels that resolution of code violations has been lacking in recent years and the pride in one’s neighborhood is not what it used to be in Fort Scott. He presented four suggestions to the City Commission: 1) The City needs a Code Administrator; 2) A standard operating procedure needs to be put in place; 3) Provide consistency by not “grandfathering and ignoring violations; and 4) There is a need for judicial support to make sure that the work is getting done.

 

  1. Wells stated that the City and the Codes Department are working on changes to make a difference and agreed that there needs to be clear and concise standard operating procedures. He stated that he appreciated Mr. Schick coming before the Commission and encouraged him to continue to be a voice in the community.

 

Public Hearings:

 

  1. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:20 P.M.

 

6:00 p.m.  – Performance Public Hearing – Mayco Ace Hardware Project – Approval for the Mayor to sign all close-out required documents

 

Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Grant Administrator, Carey Spoon, addressed the City Commission for the purpose of evaluating Grant No. 20-CR-004.  This grant was to replace the roof, upgrade the façade, replace the windows, replace the south entrance door, remove the north end door and replace with a double sliding door, construct an ADA accessible entrance on the north end consisting of an accessible ramp and sidewalk with column adjustments as necessary, construct two accessible restrooms in the north end of the building, install emergency lighting and smoke alarms throughout the main and lower level of the entire building, replace 6000 SF of ceiling tile damaged by roof leakage in the north end, and install two emergency fire disconnects in alley behind the building. The completed project replaced the roof, upgraded the façade, replaced the windows, replaced the south entrance door, removed the north end door and replaced with a double sliding door, constructed two accessible restrooms in the north end of the building, installed emergency lighting and smoke alarms throughout the main and lower level of the entire building, installed two emergency fire disconnects in alley behind the building, and relocated a gas line within the building.  She asked for approval for the Mayor or acting Mayor to sign all the pertinent close-out documentation.

 

  1. Wells made a motion for approval for the Mayor/Acting Mayor to sign all the pertinent close-out documentation. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye

 

APPROVED FOR THE MAYOR/ACTING MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PERTINENT CLOSE-OUT REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR THE MAYCO ACE PROJECT – GRANT NO. 20-CR-004.

 

  1. Jones made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:25 P.M.

 

New Business:

 

  1. Approval of Change Order #1 – Insituform – CIPP Sanitary Sewer Lining – $17,812.80 (decrease) – City Manager informed the Commission that this change order decreases the project by $17,812.80. This will decrease the original contract price from $162,746.60 to $144,933.80. for this project.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve Change Order #1. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 – INSITUFORM – CIPP SANITARY SEWER LINING WHICH REFLECTS A DECREASE IN PRICE. ORIGINAL CONTRACT PRICE WAS $162,746.60 AND WILL NOW BE $144,933.80.

 

  1. Approval of Change Order #2 – Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc (Hammon’s) – Increase in Contract Dates – City Manager informed the Commission that this Change Order #2 changes the dates in the project from 180 days to 210 days. This is due to the saturated wall not ready to accept the final coating.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Change Order #2 for Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc. (Hammon’s) to add days from 180 days to 210 days. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER FOR MID-CONTINENTAL RESTORATION CO., INC. (HAMMON’S) TO CHANGE THE DATES IN THE PROJECT FROM 180 DAYS TO 210 DAYS.

 

  1. Approval of Change Order #2 – Mid Continental Restoration Co., Inc. – (Sharky’s) – Increase in Contract Dates – City Manager informed the Commission that this Change Order #2 changes the dates in the project from 180 days to 210 days. This is due to the weather delays from weather waiting for the roofing contractor.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the Change Order #2 for Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc (Shasky’s) to add days due to weather waiting for roofing contractor. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR MID-CONTINENTAL RESTORATION CO., INC (SHARKY’S) TO ADD DAYS DUE WEATHER and WAITING FOR ROOFING CONTRACTOR.

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3610 – Change of Hours for sale of cereal malt beverages – Josh Jones said that he asked for this to be amended due to the change in Sunday sales and the hours.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve Ordinance No. 3610 changing the hours for sales of alcohol on Sundays. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3610 REGULATING THE SALE OF CEREAL MALT BEVERAGES IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND REVISING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3564 RELATING TO HOURS IT CAN BE SOLD ON SUNDAYS.

 

  1. Consideration of Front Door Cybergate Grant submittal – Public Library – City Manager said that the Fort Scott Public Library is applying for a grant with Wal-Mart Community Grant and needs a letter stating the City’s tax status. He asked for approval to send the letter to the Library.

 

  1. Wells moved to authorize the drafting of a letter on the City of Fort Scott letterhead stating the City’s status so they can apply for a Wal-Mart Community Grant for the Fort Scott Public Library. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AUTHORIZE THE DRAFTING OF A LETTER ON THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT LETTERHEAD INCLUDING THE FEDERAL 9 DIGIT EIN NUMBER, STATING THAT FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY IS AFFILIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY, COVERED UNDER THEIR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS AND SIGNED BY A LEADING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL; THEREFORE, ALLOWING THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY TO APPLY FOR A WAL-MART COMMUNITY GRANT.

 

  1. Consideration of Airport Hay Bid – City Manager said that there were two bids received:    Ricky Kellenberger for $12,159.00 and Thomas Construction Inc. for the amount of $7,814.00. Approval for the high bid is recommended.

 

  1. Wells moved to accept the bid submitted by Dr. Ricky Kellenberger for $12,159.00 for the Fort Scott Municipal Airport Hay bid. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE BID SUBMITTED BY DR. RICKY KELLENBERGER FOR THE AMOUNT OF $12,159.00 FOR THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT HAY GROUND LEASE.

 

  1. Consideration of approval of K.D.O.T. Electric Gate Grant #AV-2023-13 – Airport – City Manager stated that the Airport received a grant in the amount of $21,215.00. This will be going out for bid soon. The total estimated cost is $25,000.00 with the City match in the amount of $3,750.00.  This would be an R.F.P. and the bids would come back before the Commission.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the K.D.O.T. Electric Gate grant in the amount of $21,215.00 for the Airport. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED K.D.O.T. ELECTRIC GATE GRANT #AV-2023-13 IN THE GRANT AMOUNT OF $21,215.00 WITH THE CITY MATCH BEING $3,750.00.

 

  1. Consideration of Financial Services Agreement with Susan Bancroft – City Manager states this is the financial agreement with Susan Bancroft to train staff and work with the budget to get it ready for 2023. Susan is also taking staff through City’s accounting program.

 

  1. Jones asked how many hours were expected.

 

City Manager stated one to two hours per week.

 

  1. Wells asked if there are any time limits on this agreement.

 

City Manager stated that typically an hour or two per week. He said would like to keep this arrangement through the end of the year and reevaluate before the year is over. If it does not work financially, we will work as a Commission to move in a different direction.

T Van Hoecke stated that previously the Commission talked about 90 days and see how the financial situation is progressing. He is still in favor considering a Financial Director.

 

  1. Jones moved to accept the Financial Services Agreement with Susan Bancroft. If the time amounts to over 10 hours, he asked that this agreement be brought back before them for consideration. M. Wells seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUSAN BANCROFT.  IF THE TIME AMOUNTS TO MORE THAN 10 HOURS, IT WILL BE BROUGHT BACK BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION.

 

  1. Wells moved that after 90 days, the Commission will readdress this arrangement. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE COMMISSION WILL READDRESS THE FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH SUSAN BANCROFT AFTER 90 DAYS.

 

  1. Consideration of payment of Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – $3,480.00 – April port-a-potties – City Manager said that this is the monthly payment for Skitch’s Inc. for port-a-potties for April. Everything is in order on the invoice.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve to pay the invoice for Skitch’s Inc. in the amount of $3,480.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION, INC. – $3,4800.00 FOR PORT-A-POTTY SERVICES FOR APRIL 2022.

 

  1. Request to purchase – Vacuum excavation trailer – Water Distribution & other departments – $82,028.69 – City Manager informed the Commission that Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor is present to address this request. He stated that if approved, $50,000.00 would be taken from the equipment reserve fund and the remaining $32,028.69 would be taken from the sewer fund.

 

Bill Lemke discussed the purchase of the Vermeer 2022 Hydro Excavation Trailer that the Water Distribution Department would like to purchase.  It would be shared also with other departments.   He explained the need and benefits. City Manager stated that two other pieces of equipment were considered, but this is the best option.  The purchase amount of $82,028.69 is the Source Well, government pricing amount.  This has a two-year warranty on it also.

 

Discussion was held between the vactor truck and this trailer.

 

  1. Wells made a motion to purchase the Vermeer vactor trailer in the amount of $82,028.69. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE VERMEER VACUUM EXCAVATION TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,028.69 FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

 

  1. Discussion on sale of lake properties and recent survey – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, stated that the field work is complete on the survey of the Lake properties and the pins are set. There are encroachment issues.

 

City Manager said that Bob Farmer, City Attorney, and a representative from the Commission will have to meet with the property owner to resolve the encroachment issue.

 

Jason said that the surveyed documents are being filed with the County.

 

Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

 

  1. City Manager Comments: City Manager reported that Land Bank mowing and Code Violation mowing will be paid for by the City as they are not generating any revenue at this time. He would like to work with Bob Farmer to put together an Ordinance to pay for this mowing, and then be compensated for by running the monies in and out of a general government fund.

 

City Manager also stated that there is a need for space to hold Codes impounded vehicles. He recently met with Clayton and Frank Miller who have a property at Coates and Ivy Streets. They are willing to enter into an agreement that they would pick up the vehicles to be impounded, store them on their property and after the court process and titles are processed, the Millers would receive the vehicles as payment. City Manager stated that this would save thousands of dollars for the City. He also said that any other tow truck company willing enter into the same agreement would be considered as well. The State of Kansas considers this a controlled salvage yard. Kansas State Statues were provided to determine how to organize and establish a salvage yard. He stated that this is one of the ways he hopes to start cleaning up the community.

 

  1. Jones asked that it be placed on the next agenda.

 

City Manager agreed and asked that the Commission consider the information in packet he provided.

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments:
  2. Cooper Street Inspection and Testing Agreement – Jason Dickman informed the Commission that before them is the Cooper Street Inspection and Testing Agreement in the amount of $32,692.00. The scope of work is to provide construction inspections on an as needed basis to support City staff during construction of Cooper Street from East 20th St to East National Ave. He stated that rock samples were taken as well as density tests and the compaction is good on the North side. Concrete work can begin. Density testing will continue the South side. The agreement includes Jason Dickman being on site for one hour a day to oversee the project.

 

  1. Wells asked if the whistles were replaced.

 

City Manager confirmed that they were and could be inspected at Public Works if he is interested.

 

  1. Walker made a motion to accept the Cooper Street Inspection and Testing Agreement in the amount of $32,692.00. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE COOPER STREET INSPECTION AND TESTING AGREEMENT WITH EARLES ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,692.00.

 

  1. Wells asked Jason Dickman about the steps of Memorial Hall.

 

Jason stated that he talked to the contractor, and he would like to look at the most recent plans from 2020. He will get the plans and meet with the contractor. The contractor is delayed due to his schedule and weather.

Urgent Need Grant: Jason Dickman explained that in early November of 2021, he was asked to put together the overall project cost for the Hammon’s and Sharky’s buildings. The construction inspection fee was included, but the engineering agreement was never executed.

 

  1. Jones made a motion to approve the Hammon’s and Sharky’s Construction Inspection Agreement in the amount of $97,200.00. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE HAMMON’S AND SHARKY’S CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,200.00 FOR THE URGENT NEED PROJECT.

 

Manhole 148 Relocation Update: Jason updated the Commission that the tests are completed, and everything passed. Jerry Morgan asked the contractor about the asphalt tile removal from the adjacent lot. The bid originally included removal of the debris, but the City removed that from bid to save costs. Jason stated that to have them come back out to do the removal, it would cost approximately $11,000.00.

 

City Manager told Jason that the City will do the removal work.

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim asked the City Manager about the K.D.H.E. report received from Rob Harrington regarding remediation inside Memorial Hall.

City Manager stated he has applied for the grant.

 

Tim stated he wanted people to remember the upcoming Good Ol’ Days and support the event.

 

Tim also stated that he still had serious concerns about the division of people in town. He stated that people are arguing and not moving forward. He believed Mayor Allen did the right thing by resigning because the Commissioners are held to a higher standard and that the citizens look up to the Commission for leadership. He wanted to make sure that everyone sees the Commission as being fair to all.

 

  1. Jones – No comment.

 

  1. Wells – Matthew was asked about the progress of sealing up Memorial Hall.

 

City Manager stated that he would be doing a walk-through with Chase Halsey and get their expert advice and get things put into motion. He stated that he will write up a report and see what grant monies the City can obtain for this project.

 

Matthew suggested scheduling a Commission work session to assist the Codes Department. He wants to address the issues at hand, how the Commission can help, and make some decisions to move forward. He asked the Commissioners to give it some consideration.

 

Josh asked Matthew to compile a punch list of what he wants to address in the work session.

 

Matthew asked about the upcoming Chamber of Commerce Dinner and the award that is to be given at the event.

 

Diane Clay stated that the issue had been resolved.

 

Josh suggested changing the language of the existing Ordinance to reflect that the Commission will request Letters of Interest when seeking a new City Commissioner. Discussion ensued between the Commissioners and the City Attorney Bob Farmer.

 

Matthew thanked Kevin Allen publicly for everything he has done for this community. He stated that all of Fort Scott should realize the time and effort that he has put into making this community a better place.

 

  1. Walker – Shane asked about the water issue on 2nd and Judson. Shane asked if Kelley could meet with Jason Dickman on this. Shane wanted to know if he knew the source of the water.

 

City Manager said he believed it is coming from the underground steam lines that were found.  He will get with Earles Engineering on this.

 

Shane stated that N.I.C.A. race decided not to use Gunn Park for their upcoming race. They plan to return next year.

 

  1. City Attorney Comments – No comment.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:20 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Lisa Lewis

Deputy City Clerk

Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter June 3

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
June 3rd Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
41st Annual
GOOD OL’ DAYS FESTIVAL
June 3 & 4, 2022
Remembering 41-derful Years of Family, Friends, and Fun
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
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!
6/2-6/5 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament, click here for the schedule.
6/3-6/4 ~ Good Ol’ Days Festival, click here or see the schedule below for all the details!
6/3 ~ Good Ol’ Days Parade, Starting at 6th & Main St., 6pm, click here for the line-up as a reference for those who entered the parade. Thank you to all who entered!
6/3-6/4 ~ Model Train Show at the Museum of Creativity, click here for info.
6/4 ~ Farmers’ Market, 8am to noon, will be setup on Wall Street, between Main & Scott Streets.
6/4 ~ Kansas Junior Limousin Breeders Field Day, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, starts 10am
6/4 ~ Car & Bike Show hosted by Old 54 Cycles, Riverfront Park, starts at 11am!
6/4 ~ Quilt Auction, Museum of Creativity, 1-3pm, click here.
6/4 ~ EKTEC Rodeo, Uniontown, click here for details.
6/7 ~ Becoming a Destination Business and Community Workshop by Jon Schallert, River Room Event Center, 8am-1:45pm, Register here.
6/7 ~ Farmers’ Market, 4-6pm, Skubitz Plaza in front fo the Fort
6/8 ~ City Commission Meeting, City Hall, 6pm
6/8 ~ Between the Lines Baseball Tournament
6/8 ~ Eastern Regional Retreat for NetWork Kansas E-Communities, Empress Event Center, 10am-3pm
6/8 ~ Women’s Golf League, Woodland Hills Golf Course, contact Diane Striler if interested, tee off any time after 4pm.
6/9-6/12 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament, click here for schedule.
6/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Greyhound Legacy Center, 11 N. Main St., 8am
6/10-6/11 ~ Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series, Bourbon County Fairgrounds
6/10-6/11 ~ St. Mary’s Mega Garage Sale, Kennedy Gym, Friday 6:30am-6pm, Saturday 7-11am
6/12 ~ Fort Scott Nazarene Service at LaRoche Baseball Complex, 8-9am
6/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lavender Patch Farm, 8am
SAVE THE DATE:
6/17 ~ BCAC Patio Concert – Sold Out, Liberty Theatre, 8pm, Wednesdays at the Hermans featuring FS native Summer Buerge!
6/18 ~ 5th Annual Lavender Fest! Click here for details, 9am to 3pm.
6/19 ~ Community Christian Church, Father’s Day Worship Service at LaRoche Complex
6/24-6/26 ~ FSHS All School Reunion, click here for info.
_____________
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.
Good Ol’ Train Show & Quilt Auction
Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Schedule
Good Ol’ Days Car & Bike Show
John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
Jon Schallert presents a Destination Workshop in Fort Scott!
Click here to register online.
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
…
Obituary

Obituary of Ralph Button

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Ralph Bernard “PeeWee” Button, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, June 2, 2022, at his home.  He was born March 5, 1939, in Ft. Scott, the son of Merle Button and Mable Dunham Button.

PeeWee grew up running the streets and playing along the river in Bell Town where he also helped with the family business, Button’s Auto Salvage.

He married Rosemary Mann on February 11, 1956.  Together, they had two children Steve and Debbie.  Ralph co-owned Button’s Auto Salvage and later opened his own business, PeeWee’s Auto Salvage on south 69 Hwy in Ft. Scott.  In addition to working at the salvage yard, PeeWee was also a firefighter.  He began working for the Ft. Scott Fire Department in 1973 and retired as Captain in 1994.

His wife, Rose, passed away on June 12, 1996.  He later married Charlotte Martin in February of 2000.  Following his retirement from the fire department, he went to work for a time at Wal-Mart.

PeeWee will be remembered for his friendly and cheerful personality.

He had a hard time sitting still and enjoyed tinkering on different projects, going fishing and metal detecting.

 

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte, of the home; a son, Steve Button and a daughter Debbie Button, both of Ft. Scott, five grandchildren, Shannon Miner (Bob) and Kyle Holmes all of Ft. Scott, Tommy Button of Texas, Misty Gorman (Devin) of Pittsburg, Kansas; a step-son, Brian Harper (Linda) of Ft. Scott; three step-grandchildren, Jackie McCool (Clayton) of Joplin, Missouri, Jacob Harper of Humansville, Missouri and Jace Harper of Houston, Missouri and several great and step-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are three sisters, Mary Button and Merlene Button, both of Ft. Scott and Judy Snow of Mound City, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, Rose, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents three brothers, Ronald, Donny and Bobby Button and five sisters, Shirley Armstrong, Patty Smith, Tammy Merriman, Patsy Button and Bonnie Phillips.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Changes for U234 in 2022-23

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Dalaina Smith, who has served as the Fort Scott High School Director of Academics will become USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, as of July 1.

Dalaina Smith begins duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.

Although she will maintain many of her previous duties, she is “excited to move into an administrative role and get more involved with staff and students in the classroom,” she said.

She highlighted some of the changes in the district as of this date.

New Teaching Model

“This past academic year, the district embraced the Professional Learning Community model and began training teachers and administrators,” Smith said.  “A group of twenty, including staff and a board member, had the opportunity to attend the PLC Summit in Phoenix, Arizona in February and returned excited for the direction the district is moving.”

At this summit there were keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to help infuse the PLC at Work process into every aspect of the district, according to information from Smith.

The group returned to their school system ready to work in collaborative teams to achieve results for the students, according to the information from Smith.

“In May, the district was able to bring in Regina Owen from Solution Tree, to speak to the certified staff about the PLC framework and the district’s continued commitment to giving all students the best,” she said.

Solution Tree is a Professional Development Company, for more info: https://www.solutiontree.com/about/overview

“The Professional Learning Community model focuses on four questions,” she said. “1. What do we want students to know? (Essential Standards); 2. How do we know that they know it? (Common Assessments); 3. What do we do when they don’t know it? (Remediation) and 4. What do we do when they already know it? (Extension).”

“Through this framework, the district is committing to giving teachers time to ensure that there are clear expectations, data driven decisions, and appropriate interventions for all students,” Smith said.

COVID-19 Effects Student Achievement

“Since  the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have seen an increase in student achievement gaps,” Smith said. “Although Spring 2020 affected all students, we see the greatest impact in our elementary students who missed out on fundamental skills. Continuing into the 2020-21 academic year, numerous students had their learning interrupted when they were out ill or for quarantine. For many they were able to participate remotely while absent, however, for others they were unable to continue their learning during the time they were offsite.”

“Additionally, we must consider the social emotional effects we’ve seen in the students,” Smith said. “I don’t know that we still truly know the impact. From feelings of isolation and loneliness to students who struggled to learn to identify emotions and facial expressions through masking, it’s hard to say that many were untouched. Thankfully students are resilient and our teachers are rock stars! Together they’re working to overcome the gaps that Covid created, however, it is a process.”

“Through the use of PLCs, the district will provide a structured environment for teachers to make the necessary changes to approaching student learning.  USD 234 is excited for the impact to come,” she said.

Early Release on Wednesdays

For parents these PLC days will mean students will be released early nearly every Wednesday through the USD 234 2022-23 school calendar.

“During Early Release, teachers will be meeting in grade levels or departments (depending on their building) to work collaboratively as professionals,” Smith said. “It’s during this time that they will determine their essential standards, build and refine common assessments, review student data, and plan for interventions.”

“Preschool will operate in a different manner, to ensure they are in compliance with their required minutes,” she said. “More details related to preschool will come following the approval of a new preschool principal.”

“This time will allow teachers to participate in their PLCs and ensure the grade levels and departments can give their best to all students,” Smith said.  “The district recognizes that not all families have the ability to pick up their students early on Wednesdays and will have age appropriate opportunities for students to stay in a fun, safe, and educational environment until the regular dismissal time.

“At this time, students K-8 will have supervised activities/areas in place during the early release (Wednesday until 3:15),” she said. “Additionally, the elementary schools will both offer a daily After School Program that will run until 5:15 p.m. More information about each of these opportunities will be shared as the district administrative team solidifies the necessary details.”

 

New Faces at USD 234

“Each school year brings new faces as some retire and others explore new opportunities, and this year is no different,” Smith said.

 

“Mr. Destry Brown will be joining Fort Scott from Clinton, MO and serving as the USD 234 Superintendent,” she said.  “Brown brings numerous years of experience, as he returns home to Fort Scott.  Although he doesn’t officially start until July 1st, he has already begun working with staff in a variety of capacities to ensure a smooth transition and clear direction for USD 234.  Not only will Brown be seen within the district, but also within the community as he works to encourage the relationship between the school and local organizations.”

 

“Mrs. Shelly Charter will be serving as the Winfield Scott Principal.  Charter comes from Independence, where she has taught gifted, third grade, and Title for over 20 years,” Smith said.  “In addition to her years of experience in education, she also has served in a variety of leadership roles and is excited to begin her work with her staff and students.”

 

“Mrs. Krystle Griem will be coming to Winfield Scott from Junction City, KS,” Smith said.  “Griem will be serving as the Assistant Principal, where her licensure as a Registered Behavioral Technician and summer work at children’s camp will serve as valuable experiences.  In addition, Griem has taught English Language Arts at the middle and high school level.  Griem and Charter have already been collaborating on ideas for next school year.”

 

“Dr. Zach Johnson will be joining the Tiger Team at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said.  “Johnson has been the assistant principal and athletic director for Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High School for the past four years.  Previously, Johnson was a physical education teacher.  Johnson brings experience with the PLC process, as well as a student-centered approach to education.  Johnson began his first day of summer joining the current administration to learn more about becoming a Tiger!”

 

“The district is still in the process of hiring a preschool principal and will be sharing information once a candidate is board approved,” she said.

Familiar Admin Faces

“Although there are many new faces, there will also be familiar ones returning next year Mina Query (Eugene Ware Principal), Brandon Boyd (Eugene Ware Assistant Principal), Matt Harris (Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Principal), Scott Kimble (FSHS Principal), Alex Specht (FSHS Assistant Principal), and Jeff DeLaTorre (FSHS Athletic/Activities Director),” Smith said. “USD 234 is excited for another great year.”

Opinion

The Tree Lady by Patty LaRoche

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With $500 pesos ($25) tucked inside my pocket, I started the two-mile walk to Looney Bean, a famous coffee shop here in Mazatlán, to buy carrot muffins for friends who were arriving that day.  The walk is a pleasant one since a new bike trail has been built in the large median separating the four lanes of traffic.

About half way there, I noticed a young woman on the other side of the road, picking up sticks and dead grass and placing it all in plastic bags.  A few yards away from me in the median, a child’s bike rested against a tree, and since someone recently asked me if I had seen a tree bed in the branches of one of the large trees, I assumed this might be the spot.  Nearing the tree, I looked up and saw a makeshift, camouflage tent nestled in the leaves and balanced on a branch. I took the picture that you see here.

God was preparing an experience I never expected.  Then again, He usually does.

I arrived at Looney Bean and found their sweets’ display case empty.  When I asked the waiter for carrot muffins, he politely said that they wouldn’t be ready “for hours” but he had no idea how many hours. Not typical for this popular tourist spot.

Walking back on the path, I neared “the tree” and spotted that same woman I had seen earlier.  This time, she stood under the tent, staring up at it.  I grabbed my phone and videoed her, and without her seeing me, she raised her arm and pointed straight up.  She remained frozen in that position while I continued moving closer.  I stopped the video as I passed her.

Continuing to look back and noticing her in that same stance, I walked about 20 yards before feeling a definite God-tug to return to the lady at the tree.  Reversing my steps and staying on the bike trail, I stood adjacent to where she stared upward.

“Senora,” I said.  She didn’t move.  I repeated “Senora” louder, and she turned to look at me.  She was delicate, maybe 30 years old, with kind eyes.  In Spanish, I asked her name (which, of course, I immediately forgot). Then I said, “Estás bonita” (“You are beautiful.”)  Her smile was gentle and sincere.

Reaching into my pocket, I handed her the carrot-muffin pesos and said, “Dios le bendiga” (“God bless you”).  She seemed surprised to be given the money.  “Gracias,” she answered genuinely, and I walked home.

I cannot get her out of my mind. What led this woman to this life?  Did she choose this tree because our area of Mazatlán is safe? Or because she is near the beach where she can bathe?  Or simply because the tree is always lush with leaves, unlike many of the others surrounding it at this time of year?

Later that day I drove back to Looney Bean and saw my new amiga sitting on a board under her tree, eating.  I smiled, realizing that God somehow had made sure I didn’t put my money where my mouth was but instead gave someone else the chance to do the same.