Monthly Archives: August 2022

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Cancels Aug. 2 Meeting Due to Elections

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: August 2, 2022
1st District- Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
There will be NO meeting on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022 due to Election Day.
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

FS City Commission Meets for Budget Session on Aug. 2

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the 2023 budget. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

The regular City Commission meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. following the work session.

The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Obituary

Obituary of Ronald Love

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Ronald Eugene Love, age 53, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 6, 1968, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Robert Sherman Love and Patricia Ann Johnson Love. Ron graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He married Jelene Bower on June 30, 2001, in Ft. Scott. In earlier years, Ron had worked for his family’s business, Love’s Trash Service. He later worked for Superior Wheels in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ron was a devoted husband and father. He will be remembered for his patient attitude toward his children. He enjoyed racing and for a time owned his own racecar. He was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

Survivors include his wife, Jill, of the home; and his four children, Alyson Love of Ft. Scott, Quentin Love of Nevada, Missouri and Gavin Love and Evan Love both of the home; his mother, Pat Love of Ft. Scott, a brother, Bob Love (Patty) of Ft. Scott, a niece, Maggie Love and a nephew, Rob Love (Jennifer). Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Amelia Bower of Deerfield, three brothers-in-law, Rick Jones of Ft. Scott and Tony Bower and Jason Bower (Thabena) all of Deerfield and several nieces and nephews on the Bower side of the family as well as a good friend, Paul Scrivener (Bridget) of Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Love, Sr., father-in-law, John Bower and his brother-in-law, Doug Bower.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 9 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart 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.

Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown Schools Enroll Aug. 3-4

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The two school districts in Bourbon County are preparing to start classes this month.
In USD235, Uniontown, parents have an opportunity to enroll their students on Aug. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon and Aug. 4 from noon to 7 p.m. The student’s first day is August 25. This district is welcoming two new principals, a new superintendent, and six new teachers.
Fort Scott’s school district has student enrollment today, August 1, with the first day of school on August 18.
See last Friday’s fortscott.biz feature to learn more about USD 234 enrollment:  Fort Scott’s USD 234 Enrolls Next Monday
Vance Eden. Submitted photo.
U235 is varying the times to best accommodate families’ schedules, Vance Eden, superintendent, said.
“Students aren’t required to attend the event, but a parent/guardian would need to come for all enrolling students unless other arrangements have been made,” he said.
Parents will go to their children’s respective schools to enroll their students.
“While students will be able to find out who their teachers are, teachers will not be working that day,” he said.
The district has one position that they were unable to fill, “but we have made the needed adjustments to respond to the shortage,” Eden said.
As far as COVID-19 plans: “The district will continue to receive guidance from the county health officer as appropriate,” Eden said. “With it now being treated as endemic, we do not anticipate any significant impact on the student experience.  We will continue to use appropriate cleaning and disinfecting practices to minimize the sharing of illness.”
Teachers will report on August 22, with students’ first day on August 25.
To view interviews with the administrators:
New teacher profiles will be featured in coming publications
“We are excited to get the school year going,” Eden said.  “Students won’t see any major changes to their experience on the first days.  That said, we will be reflecting on and making adjustments throughout the year to best meet student needs.”
Government, Kansas

To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses 2022 Nominations Now Open

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2022 To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses Awards. The annual awards program recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities.

“Kansas businesses and businesspeople are the lifeblood of our state. They are what make our state strong, prosperous and successful – and such a great place to live and work,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The successes of the Kansas business community need to be shared, so I encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this important recognition.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

  • AgriBusiness (New award for 2022!) – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services and agri-tourism.
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners (New award for 2022!) – companies that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas.
  • Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business.
  • Cool Things Made in Kansas (New award for 2022!) – companies that make, produce or sell uniquely Kansas items.
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations.
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution.
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools (New award for 2022!) – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire veterans, those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities.
  • Retail/Service – outstanding achievement by businesses selling goods, products and/or services.
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30.
  • Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.

The Department of Commerce will host regional luncheons to honor the 2022 Merit and Regional Award winners in September. Regional Award winners will be eligible to receive the statewide award in their respective category and will be invited to attend the Statewide Awards Banquet in October. During the statewide banquet, the Department of Commerce will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, along with honoring the 2022 Exporter of the Year.

“We want to recognize the many businesses and businesspeople throughout our state that are working hard to build their companies and at the same time contributing to their community as valuable resources,” said Craig VanWey, In-State Business Development Manager. “These awards allow us to shine a light on the terrific success stories taking place in all parts of the state.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through August 5.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
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Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Meeting Agenda for August 2

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

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 2, 2022
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

J. Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker M. Wells K. Harrington

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be announced)

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

  1. Public Comment:

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

  1. Old Business:

  1. Consideration for the demolition of 722 S. Heylman Street (progress report)

V. Appearances: Patty LaRoche – Lake Advisory Board Report

Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Temporary Street Closure Request

Rob Harrington – Visioning Session for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – 8/23/2022

  1. Public Hearing – None

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 6 E. 13th Street and Conditional Use permit to allow a small animal hospital

  2. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 2204 S. Main – GO Car Wash – Approval of lot split

  3. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 10th & Clark Streets

  4. Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618

  5. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2022 – Convention and Tourism Resolution in accordance with Charter Ordinance No. 34

  6. Approval of Budget Hearing Date and Revenue Neutral Hearing Date – August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

XIII. Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers

2. Dispatch Equipment Service & Operational Responsibility

  1. Director Comments:

  1. Engineering Firm Comments:

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

E. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

X. Adjournment:

Kansas

Temperatures soar in Kansas: Don’t leave children in cars

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Temperatures are forecasted to climb back into the 90s across Kansas again this week, and the Kansas Department of Transportation, emergency responders and health advisors remind parents and caregivers to never leave a child in a car.

Heat risks for children can occur even when outside temperatures are much lower. On a sunny day, the inside of a car can heat up 40 degrees in one hour, with 80% of that heat rise happening in the first 30 minutes. If the outside temperature is 80, a vehicle can heat to 99 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 114 degrees in 30 minutes.

Even a brief entrapment in a vehicle can expose a child to heat stroke once their body temperature reaches 104. A child may not be able to remove themselves from a car seat or escape a locked car.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, like all other emergency responders, are looking out for the safety of Kansas motorists and occupants. “Do not forget or leave children in a vehicle, even with windows cracked, for any amount of time,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Children are more at risk for heatstroke complications and death because their bodies absorb heat more quickly and have trouble cooling off. A child’s body temperature climbs three to five times faster than an adult. Sweating won’t cool down an infant or young child in the same way it does an adult.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than half (53%) of all vehicle-related heatstroke deaths in children are caused by a child accidentally being left in the car, and 26% are from a child getting into a hot car unsupervised.

If you are a bystander and see a child in a hot vehicle:

  • Make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 911 immediately.
  • If the child appears to be okay, attempt to locate the parents. If someone is with you, one person should actively search for the parent while the other waits at the car.
Opinion

Facts You Might Not Have Known by Gregg Motley

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Over the course of my 47 years of adulthood, it seems that more and more people and institutions make important decisions based on feelings and assumptions. Evidence can be found in the nature of our news media; it appears that they are constructed to pray on the emotions and gullibility of Americans. Knowing this, my response is to dig harder and deeper for data and facts upon which I can hang my hat to make responsible decisions as a family man, businessman, and community volunteer. It makes no sense for me to make important decisions without knowing what it is real.

Accordingly, here are some facts about Kansas, Southeast Kansas, and Bourbon County you may not have known:

Politics: In 2018, which is the last state data available, Kansas had 1.84 million registered voters, with 25% registered Democrats, 1% Libertarians, 44% Republicans, and 30% unaffiliated. Bourbon County breaks out like this: out of 11,992 registered voters, 23% Democrat, 1% Libertarian, 43% Republican and 33% are unaffiliated. Both major parties lose a few percentage points to the independent minded Bourbon County voter.

Of the 105 Kansas counties, only two are majority Democrat: Wyandotte and Douglas. With a high number of unaffiliated voters, one can see why it is the perception of the candidate, not the political party, which often determines the holders of statewide office.

Sales Tax: I have frequently heard people bark at the high sales tax rate, particularly in Fort Scott, not without some justification. In the two approved Community Improvement Districts, one can pay up to a 10.4% tax rate. That pales in comparison to sales tax of 11% or above in various other Kansas jurisdictions, including Hiawatha, Ottawa, Junction City, Overland Park, Cunningham, McPherson, Leavenworth, Chanute, Salina, Goodland, Hugoton, Liberal, Topeka, and Kansas City.

Children: The statewide infant mortality rate (number of babies per thousand births who die within one year) from 2015 to 2019 was 5.9, compared to 5.6 in Bourbon County. Many Kansas counties had a zero death rate, including Woodson County in Southeast Kansas. The highest rate was experienced by Comanche County with an astounding 24.7 death rate. The highest in Southeast Kansas was Allen County at 8.4. Our wealthiest county, Johnson, had a rate of 4.0.

Few logistics make a bigger difference in the education of our children than pupil/teacher ratio. In Bourbon County, our schools lowered that ratio from 13.4 in 2020 to 12.9 in 2021. We compare favorably to the statewide average of 14.7 and every county around us except Linn, which recorded a ratio of 12.3. Mighty Johnson County reported a ratio of 16.2, one of the highest in the state.

In my search for who we are in Bourbon County and what is real, I have found that we compare favorably in most statistical categories. There is no reason for us to carry around an inferiority complex or feel insecure around outsiders. We can relax and welcome visitors and promote our county every chance we get. After all, you and your neighbors are the best assets we possess.