Monthly Archives: April 2023

Opinion

Rats in the Barn By Carolyn Tucker

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I really enjoy living in the country — it just suits me to a T and makes me thankful and happy. I’m not at all bothered by the off-key singing of coyotes, and I love the playful squirrels, bunnies, chirping birds, and fat groundhogs. However, there are some varmints I could do without. My son Aaron and I were in the barn one evening and he discovered a rat hiding behind some plywood. Varmints don’t have a chance around my pistol-packin’ son — one shot and the rat was a goner. After he killed it, I went into the house to do something. A few minutes later I noticed Aaron standing outside in front of the kitchen bay window grinning and holding the rat by its tail. I’ve heard that a cat will kill a mouse and then bring it to its master for praise and approval.

 

Like a snake in the grass or a rat in the barn, the devil is a lurking mangy varmint. He continually prowls around looking for “too-busy Christians” so he can wreak havoc in their lives. Neglecting to schedule God time into our daily schedule is like leaving the barn door open for all the varmints to take up residence. Spending personal time with our heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word is when we are in the secret place. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty“ (Psalm 91:1 NKJV).  God has given believers every weapon and tool we need to not only survive but thrive. He is our provider, shelter and security. Calmness in the storm can be ours if we choose to really live in the secret place of Almighty God.

 

When we give God a goodly piece of our time, He gives us peace for our mind. Jesus needed alone time with His Father and so do we. While the world may have gone off the deep end, Christ followers can keep our hearts open to the abiding presence of God.  On our own strength, we’re no match for the devil. But when we live under the shadow of Almighty God, we have access to His power, grace, and stability. When the chips are down, we don’t have to fold because we have the power to stand our ground. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

 

Don’t believe the devil’s lies when he whispers that you’re a “zero.” Jesus says that you can be a “ten” through Him. The apostle Paul wrote the following letter to the Church in Ephesus: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:16,17,19 NLT). These crucial truths are still in effect for all believers today.

 

The Key:  Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by neglecting your secret place with God.

K-State Extension

Setting Boundaries to Ease Stress

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

May is mental health month and there are some great events coming up to assist self-care.  While it may not be an obvious part of your self-care action plan, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we are doing in setting boundaries with relationships, work, and even social media.

Not always an easy task, think of setting boundaries as a way to practice self-care, gain self-respect, and to honor your closest relationships.  Here are some simple ways to get started.

  • Recognize your feelings/wants/needs and write them down.Take some time to identify your feelings as they come and what causes your reaction.  What specifically causes you stress or frustration?

You might try a boundary circle exercise in which you write down inside a circle the things you need to be supported and what you want in relationships.  Place items that distract from this on the outside.

  • Recognize what boundaries need to be set. Once the above is identified, you can work to resolve any issues by setting a boundary.  Set your limits and stick to them.  For example, if answering work items in the evening is interfering with family time, let your co-workers know you will be responding to items between 8am-6pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Make boundaries clearly known.Kindly, honestly, and directly let others know your boundaries so they may be respected and understood.  Assertive language can help by not allowing room for debate and not blaming who you are communicating with. Use “I” statements, active listening, and eye contact for a more positive interaction.
  • Practice and take care of you. Fear and guilt are natural feelings and barriers to boundaries.  Learning to say ‘no’ at times will be challenging. Practice with a safe friend.  Remember that working on your boundaries can lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle and is not a selfish attitude.

Today’s article was adapted from Michigan State University Extension’s Tips for Setting Boundaries, and University of Arkansas Research and Extension’s Boundary Setting Worksheet.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

K-State Extension

Freeze Injury to Corn and Soybeans

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Chad Guthrie
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]

As soil temperatures have heated up throughout April, producers in the Southwind District have been hard at work planting corn and early soybeans. This past week, we experienced unusually cold, and even freezing temperatures, leaving producers wondering how this could affect any planted corn and beans.

Corn

Cold temperatures can result in injury to the germinating seed as it is absorbing moisture – a problem called imbibitional chilling injury. Germinating seeds can be damaged when soil temperatures remain at or below 50 degrees F after planting.

Soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth during the first 24-72 hours after planting are critical. It is during this window that the kernels imbibe water and begin the germination process. Kernels naturally swell when hydrating – taking in water. If the cell tissues of the kernel are too cold, they become less elastic and may rupture during the swelling process, resulting in “leaky” cells. Injury symptoms may include swollen kernels that fail to germinate or aborted growth of the radicle and/or coleoptile after germination has begun.

Chilling injury can also occur following germination as the seedlings enter the emergence process. Chilling injury to seedlings can result in:

  • Reduced plant metabolism and vigor, potentially causing stunting or death of the seminal roots
  • Deformed elongation (“corkscrewing”) of the mesocotyl
  • Leaf burn
  • Delayed or complete failure of emergence, often leafing out underground

Chilled seedlings may also be more sensitive to herbicides and seedling blights.

Soybeans

For this crop, a similar impact could be expected but depending on the planting time and overall plant growth. The most susceptible stage is as the plants are emerging (recently planted). The most typical sign of the impact of freezing temperatures on soybeans can be visualized in the stem and mainly with the yellowing of the cotyledons. If soybeans were advanced in growth, with unifoliate, then the overall impact of a freeze on the cotyledons will be very minor, with most likely no yield loss. If there is a large impact on cotyledons (without having unifoliate leaves unfolded), then there is a lower chance for those soybeans plants to survive.

For some of the fields scouted in the last days, most of the damage is cosmetic and even when some yellowing was present in cotyledons, this effect is minor and most likely will not produce any impact on yields.

Producers should consider all these factors when deciding on the planting time. Before making any decisions, fields should be scouted 4-7 days after the cold occurred as the extent of the damage and potential for new growth will be evident during this time.

If you suspect your crop may be showing symptoms of freeze injuries, it is important to contact your insurance agent prior to making any management decisions. For more information on freeze damaged crops, contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind Extension District office.

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 1

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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832


Bourbon County, Kansas


Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner


Bourbon County Commission Agenda
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
May 1, 2023, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/24/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
V. Don George-Elm Creek Grant Extension
VI. Real Property Relief Application-Magee
VII. Jim Harris-Discussion of Feasibility Study for Overpass
VIII. Public Comments
IX. Commission Comments
X. Meeting Adjourn


Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale May 5-6

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2023 Annual Town – Wide Garage Sale!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Spring Town-wide Garage Sale is, May 5th and 6th as well as the Pioneer Harvest Swap Meet at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. To have your sale listed on the map, registrations need to be turned in by May 2nd.
Starting Thursday, May 4th, copies of the official garage sale map may be found at the Chamber office as well as local stores 5 Corners, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all Pete’s locations. The map may also be found on the Chamber website fortscott.com or on Facebook on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce page.
Contact the Chamber for more information at
620-223-3566.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the April 18 Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission

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These minutes are unapproved, until the meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of April 18, 2023                                                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke (via Microsoft Teams), K. Harrington, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Police Chief Jason Pickert, Scott Flater/Director of Water Utilities, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Rob Harrington/REDI, Jesse Hazen, Rachel Carpenter/Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), Jody Hoener/HBCAT, Bill Michaud, Mark McCoy/REDI, Peyton Coyne/REDI, Jared Keylon/FSCC Director of Facilities and Operations

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

  1. Jones moved to approve the agenda as submitted for April 18, 2023. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS SUBMITTED FOR APRIL 18, 2023.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1334-A totaling $664,633.78
  3. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $18,851.35
  4. Invoice 16438 – System Designs Phase Addenda Phase II – $3,400.00 Phase III –

$4,187.50

  1. Invoice 16440 – Bidding $450.00
  2. Invoice 16441 – Cooper Street Inspection Shane Redfern – $291.00 Amanda Simpson –

$145.50 Miles – $74.75

  1. Invoice 16442 – South Horton Street and West 6th Street Preliminary Design 82% –

$1,380.00

  1. Invoice 16443 – City Engineer – Monthly Fee – $4,243.60
  2. Invoice 16444 – US-54 CCLIP – Phase I – Survey 30% – $3,600.00
  3. Invoice 16445 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project I Jason Dickman – $885.00 Shane

Redfern – $194.00

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Consideration of Body Cam Purchase for Police Department – Police Chief J. Pickert
  2. Pickert presented a proposal to purchase an update for body cameras for the Police Department. Three (3) quotes were presented to the Commission from Axon Enterprises, Kustom Signal and Motorola Solutions. Chief Pickert recommended the approval of an agreement with Motorola Solutions.

 

Discussion was had about the funding for this update. This will not be a one-time purchase. There will be an annual fee for services. M. Wells requested that the money from the seizure of the land sale be added to one of the funds to help pay for the recurring annual services. B. Hart agreed.

 

  1. Jones moved to accept Chief J. Pickert’s recommendation to purchase the body cameras from Motorola Solutions for an initial purchase amount of $38,733.34 and the amount of $25,452.00 for years (2) through (5) for body worn cameras, dash cameras and evidence software needs as stated in the submitted proposal. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHIEF J. PICKERT’S RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE THE BODY CAMERAS FROM MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOR AN INITIAL PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $38,733.34 AND THE AMOUNT OF $25,452.00 FOR YEARS (2) THROUGH (5) FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS, DASH CAMERAS AND EVIDENCE SOFTWARE NEEDS AS STATED IN THE SUBMITTED PROPOSAL.

 

  1. Consideration of bid for Fort Scott Pavilion – J. Dickman:
  2. Dickman stated that (3) renderings of color options were submitted as requested for consideration by the Commission. He said that Sprouls Construction agreed to a proposal from the Pavilion Committee to purchase the project materials and hold them for a reasonable amount of time for the construction if the bid is approved.

 

  1. Wells stated the cost of steel is due to increase 8% to 10% by the end of the week and another increase is predicted in (30) to (40) days. He also said that the Fort Scott Pavilion Committee asked him to bring the consideration to the Commission to approve the purchase of the materials while fundraising continues for the remainder of the funds needed for construction.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked M. Wells if anyone had verified that the T-Mobile Grant was still viable. R. Harrington stated that he had reached out to the grant contact but had not received a response.

 

Discussion was had about the funding and acceptable timing of completion for the Pavilion.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Fort Scott Pavilion bid for the 70’ x 150’ metal structure for the amount of $191,357.00 from Sprouls Construction. Sprouls agreed to purchase the materials at the current price of $119,412.00 with funds to be bridged from the General Fund. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION BID FOR THE 70’ X 150’ METAL STRUCTURE FOR THE AMOUNT OF $191,357.00 FROM SPROULS CONSTRUCTION. SPROULS AGREED TO PURCHASE THE MATERIALS AT THE CURRENT PRICE OF $119,412.00 WITH FUNDS TO BE BRIDGED FROM THE GENERAL FUND.

 

Further discussion was had on the full site map and presenting the Pavilion Committee’s color choice to the Design Review Board for consideration.

 

  1. Consideration of WWTP Reuse Water Booster Pump System – B. Matkin:
  2. Flater submitted a request to replace the existing reuse water booster system at WWTP. Three (3) proposals were submitted: Haynes Equipment using Grundfos pumps for $27,800.00, Letts Van Kirk using Wilo pumps for an estimated $26,500.00, and Fluid Equipment using Xylem/Goulds pumps for $41,684.99. S. Flater recommended the Hayes Equipment/Grundfos system proposal.

 

  1. Jones asked why this request did not go out for bids. He stated that the purchasing policy stated that anything over $10,000.00 must go out for bid and not just (3) quotes submitted.

 

  1. Dickman stated that was considered, but this was considered an equipment replacement.

 

Further discussion was had on the City’s Purchasing Policy.

 

  1. Harrington moved to accept the proposal from Haynes Equipment for the Grundfos pumps for the amount of $27,800.00 for the reuse water booster pump system for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FROM HAYNES EQUIPMENT FOR THE GRUNDFOS PUMPS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $27,800.00 FOR THE REUSE WATER BOOSTER PUMP SYSTEM FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

 

APPEARANCES: 

1 & 2.  Jesse Hazen – Request for Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Riverfront Car & Bike Show – June 3, 2023 – 9:00AM – 5:00PM and Request for Temporary Street Closure – N. National Ave. between Linker St. and Maple St. – June 3, 2023 – 8:00AM – 3:00PM:  M. Wells had concerns about the road closure being the truck route used for the Sale Barn at the requested time. An alternate plan was agreed upon.

 

  1. Jones moved to temporarily close Riverfront Park on June 3, 2023, from 9:00AM – 5:00PM and North Riverfront Road and South Riverfront Road for June 3, 2023, from 8:00AM-3:00PM. K. Harrington seconded.

 

Jesse Hazen will keep B. Matkin posted on his needs for City assistance.

 

All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE DOWN RIVERFRONT PARK ON JUNE 3, 2023, FROM 9:00AM – 5:00PM AND NORTH RIVERFRONT ROAD AND SOUTH RIVERFRONT ROAD FOR JUNE 3, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-3:00PM.

 

  1. FSCC Project:   Jared Keylon presented a (3) Phase Project for the Pond Restoration that Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is undertaking in the near future. They are asking for the City’s cooperation for Phase I with in-kind donation with the use of heavy equipment and an operator.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the City’s in-kind donation of the use of appropriate equipment, an operator and the possibility of fuel if needed, at the discretion of the City Manager, at a time to be determined later. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CITY’S IN-KIND DONATION OF THE USE OF APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT, AN OPERATOR AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL IF NEEDED, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CITY MANAGER, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED LATER.

 

  1. Rachel Carpenter – HBCAT’s 3rd Street Park Project: R. Carpenter, Director of the Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT addressed the Commission to present their proposal for their program Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods and Creating Placemaking Projects. She presented this proposal to the Parks Advisory Board on April 6th, 2023, and they approved to recommend her proposal to the City Commission. She stated that they are requesting $10,000.00 for routine maintenance at 3rd Street Park which includes: replacement of the pavilion’s concrete floor, plumbing for the bathroom, security cameras and surfacing of the playground.

 

  1. Woellhof moved to contribute $10,000.00 from the Park Fund to the HBCAT 3rd Street Park Project to be used for routine maintenance as outlined in their proposal to the Commission and recommended by the Parks Advisory Board. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CONTRIBUTE $10,000.00 FROM THE PARK FUND TO THE HBCAT 3RD STREET PARK PROJECT TO BE USED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AS OUTLINED IN THEIR PROPOSAL TO THE COMMISSION AND RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD.

 

PUBLIC HEARING: None

 

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 2-2023 – Designating the Official Depositories for the Public Funds of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas: B. Hart stated that every year the City must create a resolution to designate the official depositories for the public funds. Usually, it is done at the beginning of the year, but the City had gone out for bids for banking services which delayed the adoption of this resolution. The Commission accepted the bid from Landmark Bank.
  2. Jones moved to approve Resolution No. 2-2023 that designates the City State Bank, UMB Bank, Landmark National Bank, The Liberty Savings Association, and the Union State Bank, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, and the Kansas Municipal Investment Pool of Topeka, Kansas as the official depositories of the public funds. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2-2023 THAT DESIGNATES THE CITY STATE BANK, UMB BANK, LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK, THE LIBERTY SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND THE UNION STATE BANK, ALL OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, AND THE KANSAS MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT POOL OF TOPEKA, KANSAS AS THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS.

 

  1. Approval of EPEC Aquionics UV Units, Power, and Control Panels: – S. Flater addressed the Commission to present the replacement of the Aquionics UV Disinfection System from the EPEC quote number 04122301 dated April 12, 2023, for the amount of $360,698.00 for the WWTP.

 

Discussion was had on the current system’s condition and urgency of replacement.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept EPEC’s proposal for the Aquionics UV Units for the price of $360,698.00. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT EPEC’S PROPOSAL FOR THE AQUIONICS UV UNITS FOR THE PRICE OF $360,698.00.

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park Bathroom and Shower House Bids: B. Matkin

One (1) bid was received from Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Inc. for $295,689.00. The breakdown is as follows:  bathroom only $115,075.00, shower house only $157,014.00 and removal of existing structures $23,600.00.  J. Dickman spoke to the difference between the engineer’s estimate and the bid price.

 

Discussion was had on options to bring the cost more in line with the estimate.

 

  1. Jones moved to reject the bid from Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Inc. based on the price. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REJECT THE BID FROM HOFER & HOFER & ASSOCIATES, INC. BASED ON THE PRICE.

 

  1. Consideration of Investing $2 million of City funds into Certificates of Deposits (CDs): B. Hart stated that the approval of the banking contract last month will allow for idle fund cash interest of approximately (3%) to be invested. He stated that Devin Tally would push out a term sheet to the banks and bid out a CD in the amount of $(2) million over a (6) month period and get interest rates back for comparison and then for consideration by the Commission. B. Hart suggested that the bid be held until after the Federal Reserve meeting on May 3rd to see if the interest rate changes.

 

  1. Jones motioned to begin the process to go out for bids for Certificates of Deposit in the amount of $(2) million. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $(2) MILLION.

 

  1. Core Community Discussion: Bill Michaud presented the program to the City Commission and explained its benefits to the community. Jody Hoener answered questions regarding the need in the community.

 

Discussion was had regarding a donation from the City to the Core Community.

 

  1. Jones moved to allocate $15,000.00 to the Core Community program within (30) days in advance of its start time. T. VanHoecke seconded. E. Woellhof, K. Harrington, J. Jones, and T. VanHoecke voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $15,000.00 TO THE CORE COMMUNITY PROGRAM WITHIN (30) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF ITS START TIME.

 

  1. REDI Discussion: R. Harrington/Director of REDI, Peyton Coyne/Secretary and Treasurer of REDI and M. McCoy/Chairman-President of REDI responded to a request from J. Jones to update the Commission on REDI in the past (6) months.

 

Discussion was had about what can be brought out publicly and what REDI has been accomplished the current staff and contract of REDI, and grants that have been written by REDI. Comments were also shared regarding the future of REDI and further discussion.

 

  1. McCoy requested that REDI be put on the agenda for the second Commission meeting of the month if requested.

 

  1. Discussion of Upcoming Vacancy for City Commissioner J. Jones: J. Jones would like for the Commission to consider drafting an ordinance for a special circumstance to allow a (4th) candidate on this year’s election ballot, for the upcoming vacancy, that would be filled by the process of Ordinance No. 3618.

 

Discussion was had about the special circumstance in timing of the vacancy and the existing ordinance.

 

  1. Jones moved to have an ordinance drafted for the citizens to elect (4) Commissioners on the ballot instead of (3) and that elected person would fill the vacancy terminating in December of 2025.

 

Further discussion was had regarding options for filling the vacancy.

 

  1. Wells seconded. J. Jones and M. Wells voted aye. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof and K. Harrington voted nay.

 

MOTION FAILED

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Memorial Hall steps update – sealant being applied
  2. Cooper Street update – phase II (up to 20th St.) to open by Friday.
  3. KDHE Grant received for picnic tables for the Aquatic Center
  4. NICA Race this weekend in Gunn Park
  5. Comedy show success, Civil War Encampment, Artificers event and Pizza Republic event kept the downtown busy this weekend.
  6. Letter to all businesses regarding enforcement of (2) hour parking

 

Engineering:  J. Dickman

  1. Memorial Hall steps progress looking good
  2. WWTP Phase I Aeration is operating
  3. Horton and 6th St. project – meeting with Evergy on May 1st regarding relocations

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Many thanks to City crews and Mid-Continental for Cooper St. and Memorial Hall steps
  3. Congratulations to J. Jones and the committee for the comedy show success
  4. Beginning of street striping with striping machine
  5. Codes Enforcement meeting – process is under review
  6. Gov. Kelly signed a bill exempting streaming services from franchise taxes
  7. Visit from EPA – report forthcoming from City Manager
  8. Enterprise Rental Cars and leasing fleet vehicles – meeting on April 25th at 11:30AM

 

  1. Woellhof:
  2. Strategic Planning Work Session – Scheduled for Monday, May 8th at 6:00PM and May 15th at 6:00PM for Advisory Boards Work Session.
  3. Final decision about running for Commissioner on May 2nd Commission meeting

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Busy downtown past weekend great to see, but events need to be publicized more.
  3. May 16th is the last day of school

 

  1. Jones:
  2. Staff shortage for Aquatic Center – approximately (13) positions open
  3. Consideration of using Lake fund money to fast-track Memorial Hall repairs

 

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Thank you to all the amazing and talented volunteers at the Fort Scott Encampment –

very excited to see event participation returning to pre-COVID involvement.

  1. Structure on Margrave – still in the right of way. B. Matkin stated the issue is being

addressed through the Codes Department.

  1. Unsafe Structure on Osbun – cannot be demolished yet because it is a crime scene that

is still under investigation.

  1. Municipal Grant Writing educational opportunity – any other Commissioner’s

interested in attending in Lawrence, KS.  Registration deadline is May 5th.

  1. Thankful for all those who are working for the best outcome for the City.

 

City Attorney Comments:

  1. Commended former City Commissioner Pete Allen for his Letter to the Editor regarding Earles Engineering

.

Executive Session: None

 

Adjournment:

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn at 8:46PM. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:46P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber After Hours Gathering and Ribbon Cutting at Riggs Chiropractic

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Chamber After-hours & Ribbon Cutting
at Riggs Chiropractic!
Join us for a Chamber After-hours & Ribbon Cutting Event to celebrate the opening of Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott location,304 E. 23rd St.!
Thursday, May 4, 2023
5:15 to 6:30pm with the remarks & ribbon cutting at 5:30pm
Festive refreshments & libations will be served along with door prize drawings!
$2 admission for the Chamber 50/50 drawing!
Obituary

Obituary of Robert Daylong

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Robert Earl “Bob” Daylong, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, April 28, 2023, at his home.

He was born May 19, 1928, on the family farm north of Moran, Kansas, the son of Sile R. Daylong and Violet L. Hayes Daylong.  At the age of two, the family moved to the Dry Ridge Community where Bob attended the Dry Ridge School.  The family later moved to Bronson, and Bob continued his education there until he enlisted with the United States Army Air Force.

He proudly served his country from 1945 to 1953 where he was stationed in both Germany and Korea.  Following his military service, Bob married Ruth Joan Cochran on November 14, 1954, in Denver, Colorado.

Bob and Joan settled into their home in Ft. Scott.  Bob worked as a mechanic for Ray Shepherd Motors for twelve years.  He later took a position as a heavy equipment operator for P & M Coal Company which later became Chevron.  He worked there for twenty years and retired in 1991.  Bob took great pride in what he did.

Bob enjoyed working in his yard and tinkering in his shop.  He often did mechanic work for his friends and neighbors.  He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Consistory and the Mirza Shrine of Pittsburg as well as the V.F.W. and the United Mine Workers.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Joan, of the home in Ft. Scott, his daughter, Kathy Drenick (Mike) of Pittsburg, Kansas and two granddaughters, Amy Maksimovich (Alex) of Wildwood, Missouri and Kelsey DeGraff (Lucas) of Carl Junction, Missouri and two great-grandchildren, Ayla and Arlo Maksimovich.  Also surviving are a sister, Marie Saville of Lenexa, Kansas, two brothers-in-law, Jerry Cochran (Shelly) and Dale Cochran and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James Daylong and an infant sister, Hazel Daylong.

 

Pastor Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Mirza Transportation Fund or St. Jude’s Hospital 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, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

April 28th Weekly Newsletter
frilly-purple-flowers.jpg

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

April Specials at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Buy 2 Get 1 Free on any Poetry, Classics,

and Performing Arts.

4/28-30 ~ 46th Annual Karate Tournament in Pittsburg Kansas, 150-200 competitors from the Midwest and Canada competing, tournament begins at 9:30am and is open to the public, no admission fee, click here for more info.

4/28 ~ Pop Up Poppy Class at The Artificers, stop in any time between 6-9pm, $20/person

4/29 ~ FSCC Spring Kids Fair, 9am-noon, click here for more info.

4/29 ~ Fort Scott Mud Run, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington, Two pits, a 24′ mud bog and a 12′ fun pit, plus a kids mud pool, concessions, and more. Click here for more info.

4/29 ~ Heidrick’s True Value 37th Annual Garden Party, get a hot dog & pop for $.25, cooked & served by Care to Share, celebrate Spring with big savings on vegetables, flowers, roses, soils, mulches and rock!

4/29 ~ Public Auction Benefitting Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2102 S. Horton Street, 10am, click here for more info.

4/29 ~ FSCC First Annual Twilight Open, Woodland Hills Golf Coure, 4 person scramble, $400 per team of 4 OR $100 per person, Entry includes 18 holes of golf, cart, meal, gift, and glow-in-the-dark ball, click here for more info.

5/3~ FSCC Kids College, grades k-5th, 2:30pm-4:30pm, click here for more info and to sign up.

5/4 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza, 10. North Main, 8am.

5/4 ~ Riggs Chiropractic Chamber After-Hours Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, 5:15-6:30pm, remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30pm,

see flyer below.

5/5 ~ BINGO by the American Legion, Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, BINGO starts 7pm

5/5 ~ Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale, register your sale with the Chamber for only $12 to be included on the official listing and map, ad sales also available on the map for businesses & organizations, click here for more info.

5/5 ~ Backroom Art Gallery First Friday at

Hare & Crow, 118 S. Main, 1-9pm, click here for more info.

5/5 ~ ADM Blood Drive, Front Office Admin Building-Conference Room, 17700 South Highway T Deerfield, Mo 64741, 11am-4pm, click here for more info.

5/5 ~ First Friday at The Artificers, 5-9pm

5/5 ~ Taco Tico Cinco de Mayo, Elks Lodge, dine or carry out, DJ for dancing, 5pm,

click here for more info.

5/6 ~ Opening day for the Farmer’s Market, Tuesday’s 4-6pm, Saturday’s 8am-12pm, Skubitz Plaza

5/6 ~ Annual Country Store at Christian Heights School, 9am-3pm garage sale, 4-6pm dinner, auction starts at 6pm.

5/6 ~ Breakfast on the Bricks at the Farmers Market, Bourbon County Democrats will be serving breakfast, 8am-noon,

click here for more info.

5/6 ~ 1 Day Intro to Pistol & Fundamentals Course, Fort Scott Munitions, 523 E. Wall St., 9:30am-4:30pm, click here for more info.

5/5-6 ~ Pioneer Harvest Swap Meet, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, gates open at 8am, camping available w/electric $20, $10 fee for a Swap Meet booth, click here for more info.

5/6 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 2:30-3:30pm, click here for more info.

5/6 ~ FSHS Prom, walk-in starts at 6:30 with prom starting at 8pm.

5/7 ~ May Floral Class at Sunshine Boutique, everything you need plus wine and refreshments, 12-2pm, contact sunshine boutique for more info!

SAVE THE DATE!

5/20 ~ Shead Homestead Festival, 10am-5pm, click here for flyer.

5/20 ~ Patio Concert at Liberty by Bourbon County Arts Council “Wednesdays at the Hermans”

5/23 ~ Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair hosted by Southeast Kansas Mental Health at Fort Scott Middle School, 5-8pm, SEKMHC is NOW requesting Vendors for this event, register here for a FREE booth.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here 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

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
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.

Don’t Be A Fool, shop at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

April Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale in Fort Scott!

Chamber After-hours & Ribbon Cutting at

Riggs Chiropractic!

Shead Farm Festival, FUN for the WHOLE family!

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is NOW requesting vendors for their Self-Care Fair!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Meeting Agenda for May 2

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 NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR              

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION


CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

May 2, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:
  2.      Jones     T. VanHoecke     E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  3.      Flag Salute:

III.     Invocation:   T. VanHoecke

  1. Proclamations/Recognitions:
  2.   P.E.O. Chapter CA 100 Year Centennial Celebration
  3.   May is Mental Health Month
  4. Approval of Agenda:
  5. Consent Agenda:
  6. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 18, 2023
  7. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1335-A totaling $716,237.41
  8. Request to Pay Billiard Hammer Hartman Insurance (EMC Insurance) –

     City Liability Insurance Renewal $333,818.00

  1. Request to Pay the Kansas State Treasurer – Bond Payment – General

     Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2022-1 – $58,318.75

  1. Nuss & Farmer – outside of contract work – $1,452.50

 

VII.       Public Comment:

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

VIII.      Old Business: 

 

  1.    Consideration of Schneider Electric Contract – B. Matkin
  2. Consideration of Lagoon Aeration Proposal – Phase II – J. Dickman
  3. Consideration of CD bank bids – B. Hart

 

  1. Appearances:
  2.   Cory Bryars – Temporary Street Closure Request – Care To Share Street Dance – Friday, September 29, 2023 – 6:30PM to 11:00PM – National Ave. between Wall and Oak (Wall and Oak to remain open).

 

  1.    Public Hearing: NONE

 

 

 

 

  1. New Business:
  2. Youth Activities Team (Y.A.T.) 1311 S. National going to auction – J. Jones
  3. Consideration to go out for bids for 2023 Hay Rights

 

XII.    Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:
  • Wastewater plant update
  • Downtown parking update
  • Aquatic Center update

 

  1. Engineering Comments:
  2. Commissioners Comments:
  3. VanHoecke –
  4. Woellhof –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Jones –
  7. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

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

XIV.        Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Core Community Program to Start in Bourbon County

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Submitted graphics.
Fort Scottian Jennifer Michaud attended a seminar several years ago where Deborah Factor spoke about the Core Community program, her husband Bill said.
The mission for Core Comunity is to engage the community to lift families out of poverty,  according to https://youthcoreministries.org/what-we-do/core-community/
Submitted graphics.
Factor started with a youth mentorship program and then added the Core Communities program, to help families as well,
Bill Michaud,  said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.
“I have been in contact with and getting to know Deb for…several years,” Bill said. “I recognized that poverty is an issue that is well documented and often discussed in southeast Kansas but I’m not aware of any programs that work so directly to hit the issue head-on. I believe that this is a program that has great potential to help change peoples lives so I brought it up a few times during different community-focused conversations in which I was involved over a several year period.”
Submitted graphics.
A small group of people came to see the potential that Bill Michaud saw, so there were a couple of follow-up informational meetings.
“In February Jennifer and I, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsay McNeil, Lisa Robertson and Destry Brown traveled to Greensburg, Kansas to attend one of Deb’s regular Monday class sessions and were able to see the program in action and hear more stories of lives impacted first-hand,” Michaud said.
  “In March we asked Deb to come to Fort Scott to present to a larger group of church representatives, social service organizations and anyone else we thought might have an initial interest in learning about the program,” Bill Michaud said.  “(Bourbon County Commissioner) Clifton Beth was in attendance at that presentation and at the conclusion, asked Deb to set a time to do an abbreviated presentation to the county commission.”
Submitted graphics.
In April, Bill Michaud and Deb Factor(on a Zoom call) presented to the commission on the Core Community Ministry.

Factor stated she started in 1998 in Greensburg,  doing ministry for youth, according to the commission minutes. During the process she had kids she worked with for years walk into adulthood and follow in the cycle of poverty.

Factor said that her goal was to help the kids grow into healthy, thriving adults who can give back in their community and not be under the constant burden and struggle of poverty, according to the commission minutes.

Submitted graphics.

In 2015, after modeling a program that had been successful elsewhere, she launched the poverty program, Core Community.

They have 13 programs in Kansas and one in Illinois currently.

The program consists of weekly meetings, 48-50 weeks per year, and will continue to meet with the individuals for two to five years. The program tries to educate the community on what poverty really is, according to the county commission minutes.

Factor told the commission the program identifies barriers and helps people push through them, with 70 %  increasing their income.

Core Community is tracking  those that are out of poverty for ten years to gather data to see if they are maintaining the upward trajectory.

The first step in bringing the program to the community is fundraising. Then a community coordinator would be hired and reside in the county with CORE Community being their employer, and an advisory board formed.

Michaud said this is a fundraising-based organization and would not  ask the county for money to sustain the program.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said he worked in home health and hospice in southeast Kansas and saw first-hand the poverty that residents are facing and would like to see the school district, college and city government come together to make this program happen, according to the commission minutes.

Michaud stated about five churches in Fort Scott have been asked to become involved.

The Bourbon County Commission in a vote of 2-1 voted to give Core Community program $50,000 to get it started in this community.

Nelson Blythe voted against it, stating that “he doesn’t believe charity is the role of government, and there is nothing stopping others in the community from writing a check.” Nelson stated “This is taxpayer’s money that should go toward making the courthouse run and roads better”, according to the commission minutes.

The county’s Chief Financial Officer Susan Bancroft,  stated the money would come from PILOT funds received  from the windmill money to the county for economic development, according to the commission minutes.

There is a requirement to have approximately the first years budget raised before launching the program, Michaud said in an interview.  This could take up to 18 months.
“Before we launch our program in Bourbon County we are going to work to identify what sustainable funding sources we think we will be able to count on to fund the program in future years,” Michaud said in an interview.
The City of Fort Scott and the Bourbon County Commission have approved money to help with start up costs.
The city has approved $15,000 and will be meeting with the Core Community representatives on May 18, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“The City and County funding that has been approved are remarkable gifts that will allow us to get this program launched and accelerate the time frame for this program to begin helping people, but this program is not one that we anticipate will require future city / county funding,” Michaud said.   “We have developed an advisory board that consists of representatives of several church and social service organizations so that we have input from a very broad base of representatives.   This…board will also guide the organization once we launch the program.”
Michaud can be reached at [email protected].
Opinion

Pushing the Wrong Buttons by Patty LaRoche

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For five hours, I tried to get someone to solve my problem.  I prayed for patience and understanding and no irritability.  For about the first four hours, that worked.  In the fifth hour, patience and understanding and no irritability left the room.

I admitted it was my mistake.  I had googled a hotel where I needed to book two nights.  I typed the name and address in my search bar.  That hotel appeared on my screen.  I picked the size bed and read about the amenities.  The rooms cost more than I had ever spent on a hotel accommodation, but I had to stay where the other speakers were staying.  As soon as I pushed the “Pay now” button, I realized that I had chosen the wrong month. Immediately, I tried to change the date. Nope.  Changes and cancellations were not allowed.  Not good.

Several phone calls and emails later, I realized that I had not dealt directly with the hotel.  Some “third party” had intercepted my google request and had made my reservation.  So wrong!  I called my credit card to ask for my reservation to be cancelled.  Since it was “pending,” there was nothing they could do. Except for that human voice, it wasn’t until the fifth hour of talking to robots that I finally connected to another human, Raul.  When I asked him to simply change March to April, he said that my request was impossible. He was adamant.  I said that my request was possible.  I was adamant.  Round and round we went.

In the hours leading up to that conversation, I concocted Plan A and, if necessary, Plan B.  Fortunately, A worked.  “Raul,” I said, “I will get off this call and cancel my credit card.  You will not get paid.  Or you can change my dates and get your money.”  Apparently I had pushed the right button because within 45 minutes my room had been cancelled (not changed but cancelled).  Five days later, my money was reimbursed. By then the room price had increased dramatically, but at least I would be there when I needed to be and not a month earlier.

Dave said that Plan B was not a Christian thing to do. I consider it ingenious. I was going to tell Raul that if this was not resolved, I would call a shelter near the hotel and donate my two March nights to a worker (or maybe a homeless person).  Surely that would set things in motion. And, except for the motive being revenge, it would be a very charitable contribution.

Revenge, although I justified it in this case, is never right.  Romans 12:19 tells us to leave vengeance to the Lord and not to take matters into our own hands.  But what about when we clearly are in the right? Okay, sort of in the right. Like I was.

Nope.  Not even then. That’s because when we act to pay someone back, several things happen: our relationship with others is damaged; we do not allow God to bring blessings into our life; our Christian witness to others stinks; and it proves how selfish we really are.  In other words, we are spiritually damaged when we operate out of revenge.

Proverbs 10:12 speaks to my situation: Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. In my case, patience and understanding and no irritability were traits wasted on robots who kept telling me which buttons to push (and in the process, pushed most of mine).  By the time I reached Raul, he heard a frustrated person determined to win this five-hour long battle.  The only person that day who needed to hear a kind, gracious Christian speak…well, didn’t.

And we all know which needed to benefit more…and it certainly wasn’t the robots.