Monthly Archives: November 2022

Obituary

Obituary of Daniel Bruner

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Daniel William Bruner, age 65, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Friday November 11, 2022, at his home in Bronson.  He was born September 29, 1957, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Irwin William Bruner and Lucille Evelyn Gillispie Bruner.

Dan graduated from the Marmaton Valley High School with the Class of 1975.

He married Trisha Farr on April 20, 2009.

He had been employed by Copy Products in Iola, Kansas for nearly forty years.  He had made many friends and acquaintances while traveling the area as a copy technician.

When not working, Dan could often be found on the golf course. He also enjoyed coaching and working youth athletic events.

 

Survivors include his wife, Trisha, of the home in Bronson; two sons, Brett Bruner of St. Joseph, Missouri and Chad Bruner of Lawrence, Kansas; two step-children, Katie Avery (Jordan) of Kansas City, Missouri and Michael Rogers (Jessica) of Springfield, Missouri.  Also surviving is a brother, David Bruner (Penny) of Ottawa, Kansas.

 

Following cremation, a celebration of life will be held at Monday, November 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Freeman Presbyterian Church Life Center at 402 N. Harrison St. in Freeman, Missouri

.  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.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Christmas in Gunn Park: December 10

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Gunn Park, on Fort Scott’s west side,  will be closed the morning of the December 10th in preparation for the annual Christmas in the Park. The event is sponsored by Buck Run Community Center and other donations from the community.

At 5 p.m. the park opens, with parking off site and a shuttle to be provided for park visitors.

At 6 p.m. Santa will arrive at the park to speak with the children who attend. The events will end at 8 p.m.

Included in the park events is a live nativity scene, live music by Bourbon County Revival, the visit with Santa and THE GRINCH, a cookie decorating site for the kids, chili, hot chocolate and popcorn.

The event is free to the public.

The Bourbon County Angels, a local helping organization, will be accepting children’s gifts to distribute to those in need of them.

The purpose of Christmas in the Park is to spread Christmas cheer to the residents of Bourbon County and surrounding areas, according to Josh Jones, one of the organizers.

The planning committee is comprised of: Josh Jones, Suzette Torres, Devin Tally, Craig Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Nov. 1

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November 1, 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County
Clerk present.
Matt Quick, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Patricia Ropp, and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the special meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Eric Bailey presented new culvert paperwork. Commissioners signed. Eric also presented monthly fuel report. Eric stated they are asphalting on 195th and will be there all week. Eric
stated the 6422 asphalt oil price came down to 690 per ton from 755. We had to buy 300 tons of sand to be able to finish. Eric stated Hall Bros came last week and started with the Onyx. We
started on 235th on Soldier coming south. Hope to be done by the end of the week. Eric stated they purchased the 96 International 4900 Utility Service Truck for a price of $21,500. Eric
stated they got 215th and Range taken care of last week where we put down the dust control we got that tore up, regraveled and recompacted. Culvert crew is out ditching in the southeast part
of the county. Eric stated that when they put out cones and barricades it is for public safety. I know it’s an inconvenience but when you go around you are putting yourself and the workers in
danger.


Clifton made a motion to approve accounts payable. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion for Chairman Harris to sign the natural gas lock-in from Blue Mark Energy. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin Meeks requested an executive session liability issues. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-43 l 9(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or
agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship related to contracts including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Rob Harrington for 7 minutes
returning at 9: 19 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin gave an update on the tax sale including discussion on the land bank. Justin stated $10,000 from the money the County pays for the tax sale will be used for a part-time position
with the land bank and this person would help with the tax sale. Jim reiterated that this would be no new money and this person would be considered staff for the land bank and the $10,000 from
Justin Meeks is taking his private practice he pays for sales tax, would take that person and put them in land bank position with a shared city between city and county. Clifton stated the last
city commission meeting he watched it appeared not sure how land bank is even funded. You can’t have shared service with something not here. Justin stated the money is going to that position. It is still county tax sale help. Clifton stated he would be ok with it for one year then would like to revisit. If they are buying up whole blocks I’m not in favor of that. Tax dollars to something that should be self-funded but never is. Justin stated this person would use a county
office to work on tax sale. Justin stated he appreciates Lora’s office and Patty’s office for their help with the tax sales.


Susan stated that longevity will move forward. She suggested doing this on November 18th•
One to four years would get $100 each and five years and up would be same as before. Susan presented information on Area Agency on Aging. She had a letter from Deb Needleman, and she can come talk to the commissioners if they would like. Susan stated there are five or six areas on appropriations that she has pulled statutes. There are three appropriations that are optional but still want Justin to review and make certain.

Susan stated that she sent to each of the
commissioners a presentation from Mary Pemberton on the transient guest tax. I talked with the Kansas Dept of Revenue and I sent that to yoμ as well and what we would need to do to proceed
with that. If the county wants to have a transient guest tax, they can join the city or have your own outside the city limits. Jim stated he thinks we need to pass it or quit talking about it.
Nelson stated he is against it. Jim asked him why. Nelson stated that it’s additional taxes that the establishments will have to raise their rates to cover it or eat the cost. Jim stated he travels a
lot. I pay it everywhere I go. Susan stated the maximum amount you can do in the county is 2% or you can do a charter ordinance and go above that. Clifton stated he is not in favor of 2% taxes
if we could do one for the whole county that might be something to consider. The city’s is 6% and generates around $150,000 per year. Those dollars can only be used to promote overnight
stays. You are marketing your community with those dollars. The city is already marketing things out in the county. Jim stated there is not enough revenue in the county to worry about it
right now. Jim also stated that he wants this to be as fair to everyone as possible. It was decided to pass for now and possibly revisit in the future.

Susan stated that they are still releasing
information on the Opioid Settlement Fund and she will stay educated on it and if something comes up that might fit I’ll present it to the commissioners. Susan requested an executive
session for job performance and duties. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75- 4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Terri Hulsey, and Jon Lowry for five minutes returning here at 9:51 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton
made a motion to return to normal session at 9:52 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton asked that we look at where we are banking. Clifton asked for permission for Susan to look at
what our options are. Jim stated that we should probably look at that every year. Susan stated it would be better to look at it every three years. It is a strain on the Treasurer and Clerk’s office to
move funds. Susan said she will work with Treasurer and Clerk’s office.


Shane Walker- CIO: Shane stated that he and Eric got a couple of antennas from Purple Wave from the state which saved us about $20,000. It will get us the one we needed at Tomahawk and
the other at the landfill and then we’ll have another 60 foot one for whatever. I think we may put it at the asphalt plant and get them back into our system. Shane asked for an executive session
for security. Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker for five minutes returning here at 10:02 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to adopt the Bourbon County Kansas Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy. It is our electronics, computers, IT all of the above. It will become part of the
handbook and will be effective today, if approved. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Public Comment: No Comment


Commission Comment: Clifton made a motion to add an executive session. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(l) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy for 15 minutes
returning at 10:25 a.m. including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to return to normal session
with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect
their privacy for ten minutes including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks returning here at 10:37 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to
normal session at 10:37 a.m. with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) job description and performance to discuss
personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for seven minutes returning at 10:45 a.m. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Commissioners discussed having another night meeting and agreed
upon December 20th at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse.
At 10:49 a.m., Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Nelson seconded. All approved.
ATTEST:
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

Bourbon County, Elections

Bourbon County Democrats Reorganize

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The Bourbon County Democrats met for reorganization of the party’s leadership for the next two years on Monday, November 14th.
The results of the meeting follow:
Chair, Carol MacArthur
Vice Chair, Austin Stapleton
Secretary, Carol George
Treasurer, Diana Morriss
The party will only hold committee meetings in December and January, but will resume general  meetings on the third Sunday of February., 2023.
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Notice of Gathering of the USD 234 Board Members On Nov. 16

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Submitted by Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234

 

Notice of Gathering     Wednesday, November 16, 2022

5:30 p.m.

Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session

Liberty Theater

 

There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session to be held at the Liberty Theater, 113 S Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.

 

Food, Government, Kansas

Farmers: Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Accepting Producers

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Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications from Producers

For Immediate Release:
November 15, 2022

Media please contact:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications from producers to participate in the Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. The Kansas LFPA Program will strengthen the state’s local food system by providing expanded wholesale market access to Kansas’ food producers and increasing access to locally sourced food in rural and urban counties impacted by food insecurity.

KDA was awarded a $2,500,000 cooperative agreement under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Funds will be used to purchase and distribute Kansas grown and processed foods to underserved communities and families across Kansas through the state’s existing distribution network of food banks.

Kansas producers are encouraged to apply to participate in the Kansas LFPA Program in order to sell their products to the food banks serving the state. Products eligible for sale under the program include produce, dairy, meat, eggs, honey, and processed foods. Products must be grown or processed local to Kansas to be eligible for sale under the program.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on February 15, 2023. For more information, please visit agriculture.ks.gov/LFPA or contact KDA grants coordinator Brittney Grother at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. Helping expand market access and making local food available to underserved communities helps to achieve this vision.

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Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications from Producers.pdf
Obituary

Obituary of Ellen Kruse

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Ellen Marie Kruse, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday evening, November 12, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. She was born on December 20, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the daughter of James Hewitt Miller and Willa Mae (Moore) Miller.

She married Fred Blair Kruse on June 4, 1971, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa and he preceded her in death on February 22, 2009.

 

Ellen is survived by her daughters, Tammy Baughn (James), of Moundville, Missouri, Tina Kerr, of Fort Scott, and Teresa Saunders (William), also of Fort Scott; three sisters, Linda Hartman, of Branson, Missouri, Alice Screws, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Victoria Webber of Donna, Texas; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents.

 

Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wreaths Across America and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum: Award of Excellence

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From left: Jane Campbell, president of the Gordon Parks Museum Board, Executive Director Kirk Sharp and Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston. The museum is housed on the FSCC campus.  From the museum’s Facebook page.

A recent honor was awarded those who worked on a local trail project that tells of Gordon Park’s life in Kansas.

From left: Jane Campbell, Carl Brenner, Aly Turvey, Kirk Sharp, Shane Walker, Kassie Fugate-Cate, Arnold Scholfield and Janice Fewins were part of the planning committee for the Learning Tree Sign Trail. Picture from the museum’s Facebook page. (2019)
In late October, 2022, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director Kirk Sharp, was notified that a recent project,“The Learning Tree” Film Scene Sign Trail had garnered the Award of Excellence from the Kansas Museum Association.
The award is presented annually by the Kansas Museum Association during the organization’s yearly conference, this year on November 7-9, to an institution whose project or achievements are worthy of special recognition.
“This is an amazing honor for us to receive such a prestigious award from the KMA,” said  Sharp said.  “This award is something that not only both of the communities of Fort Scott and Mound City can be proud of, but also the entire state of Kansas.”
No photo description available.
The film trail is a series of signs situated at the different filming locations for “The Learning Tree,” written and directed by Parks. The signs also include QR codes along with a virtual tour of the identified scene locations for the film.
To learn more about the trail:
The Learning Tree: Library of Congress

“In 1989 The Learning Tree (A Warner Bros. – Seven Arts Inc. Production) was one of the first 25 films selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant,” Sharp said.

 

The  recent project received funding from Humanities Kansas and the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
National Humanities Alliance Foundation
“The Learning Tree” film trail is also part of the National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, NEH for All (https://nehforall.org/projects/gordon-parks-fort-scott).
NEH for All spotlights more than 260 projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities through its website NEHforAll.org.
Established in 1965, the NEH recognizes the unique role the humanities play in fostering the wisdom, vision and knowledge required to participate in a thriving democracy.
To this day, the NEH supports excellence in humanities research, teaching and lifelong-learning opportunities that provide millions of Americans the knowledge of their history and culture. NEHforAll.org highlights that excellence. Visit the website at http://nehforall.org/.
Kirk Sharp, left, and Rachelle Meinecke, the chairperson of the Kansas Museum Association’s award committee, pose with the Award of Excellence bestowed recently upon the Gordon Parks Museum for it’s “The Learning Tree” Film Scene Sign Trail.

About the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott

Parks spent some of his childhood in Fort Scott and later went on to be an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician.

A museum to honor Gordon Parks is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott is to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives, according to the museum’s website.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Press Release from U234

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                      Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, November 14, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

 

  • Minutes from October 10, 2022, Board of Education meeting
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – October 20, 2022 – $1,572,916.54
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Parent/Teacher Conference Statistics
    • FSPC – 92%, Winfield Scott – 94%, Eugene Ware – 89%, FSMS – 56%, FSHS – 63%

 

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, introduced Anna Laubenstein, a senior at FSHS, who provided an update on the varsity Cinematography Challenge at the 4-State Academy of Scholastic Broadcasting Film Festival in Springfield, Missouri.  Anna, along with FSHS students Lily Brown, Elena Robison, and Zaida Gomez, all competed in the festival with 30 other schools. In total, eleven students from FSHS were able to attend.  The students shared information with the board on the competition and the Digital Media program at the high school that they are a part of.

 

Terry Sercer, CPA, with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPAs, P.A., presented the financial audit for 2021-22 year.  There were no violations.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown noted that the final Visioning Session hosted by Bourbon County REDI will be Wednesday, November 16th at 5:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theater.  Mr. Brown discussed the district’s preschool expansion project to take place at the old Mercy Hospital and how the current location on Judson will then be utilized for an elementary school specific for behaviors.  Mr. Brown updated the board on the delivery and installation of the air purifiers purchased with KDHE grant funds.  Superintendent Brown closed with discussing the “40 Developmental Assets” that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible and how these are things our community can take part in to support our students.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith thanked the board and community for their support of PLC time.  Mrs. Smith discussed conversations happening regarding attendance at PLC conferences or whether that training should be held in-house.  Mrs. Smith provided an update on the cases purchased to protect student technology devices and the Science adoption that will come to the board for approval in March.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, reported on the workers compensation renewal, federal funds, open enrollment for employee benefits, and staff retirements.

 

The board received an update on District Communications from Superintendent Brown.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • ESSER III Budget – information, including the budget can be found on the USD 234 website.
  • Contract with Benchmark Inc. for a full-time project management service for the roof replacement project in the amount of $178,000.
  • Resolution to join Kansas Municipal Investment Pool and investment of funds into the KMIP for 180-days, with an interest rate of 3.96%.
  • Acceptance of quote from City State Bank for a 90-day CD, with an interest rate of 3.13% with revaluation in 90 days.
  • RPS Benefits by Design, Inc Consulting Agreement for health insurance broker services.
  • Premium Rate Schedule for 2022-23.
  • District Benefit Committee Recommendation with no increase to health insurance premiums, increase in Wellness Stipend to $350.00, and change in accident/cancer policy options.
  • Personnel Report – following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and the superintendent evaluation process.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Amy Lybarger – Early retirement as Eugene Ware third grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Chris Sather – Early retirement as Winfield Scott physical education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Rachel Patton – Resignation as Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective Oct. 19, 2022
  • Kaylie Harper – Resignation as Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective Oct. 26, 2022
  • Elizabeth Rose – Resignation as FSHS paraprofessional, effective Nov. 11, 2022
  • Amaiya Terry – Resignation as FSHS paraprofessional, effective Nov. 11, 2022
  • Bethany Higgins – Eugene Ware teacher, leave of absence
  • Andi Heckman – FSPC teacher, leave of absence
  • Francis Torres – Winfield Scott paraprofessional, leave of absence

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Brad Wright – Central Office HVAC Maintenance
  • Kathryn Harrington – FSMS paraprofessional
  • Robert West – Eugene Ware/FSPC custodian
  • Belinda Pitts – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Billi Jo Shoemaker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Amanda Jamison – Winfield Scot 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • FSHS newspaper sponsor change from Brian Pommier to Bethany Anderson for the second semester
  • Langdon Giddens – Tech Department paid intern
  • Sara Schnichels – FSMS paraprofessional
  • John Metcalf – FSHS assistant wrestling coach
  • Colin Downey – FSHS assistant freshman boys basketball coach
Bourbon County, Food, Jobs

Lack Of Agriculture Workforce Is Inhibiting Growth

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A lack of a skilled agriculture workforce is a top inhibitor of growth and expansion for many Kansas agriculture entities. To help support growth in agriculture, the Kansas Department of Agriculture seeks to help the industry better understand workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state. To link the supply of human capital to the needs of Kansas agribusiness enterprises, KDA conducted the second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey in 2022. The survey was analyzed by the Agricultural Land Use Survey Center at Kansas State University.

The survey was emailed to over 25,000 businesses with 1,192 choosing to participate. Participating businesses employ 27,466 individuals in Kansas and 9,244 outside of Kansas. Respondents were asked to self-select the major category that applied to their business.

“We are committed to growing agriculture in Kansas, and that centers around a reliable and capable workforce,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We know recruiting and retaining skilled, talented workers to fill critical roles is a priority of the agriculture industry in our state.”

The survey findings will be used along with action items developed at the Kansas Summit on Agricultural Growth, which was held in August, to help direct KDA’s vision in serving the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas. Employers and state agencies need to work together to find or develop programs so that businesses may implement successful on-the-job training. By working with secondary schools and postsecondary educational institutions, the agriculture industry can develop beneficial partnerships that will help teach the skills and content needed by employers and will help the industry gain access to trained future employees.

To view the final report from the survey, go to agriculture.ks.gov/workforce. For more information, please contact Russell Plaschka, Director of KDA Ag Marketing Division, at 785-564-7466 or [email protected].

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Agriculture Workforce Survey Results Complete.pdf