Fort Scott School District USD234 staff have been working on standards and best ways to teach them as they have met on Wednesdays this school year.
“Our early release days have provided our teachers to work to identify the essential standards that every student needs to be successful at the next level or the next course,” Superintendent Destry Brown said. “Our teachers have mostly finished this process and are now at the refinement stage. We will be working next year on identifying the resources that we will use to teach those standards and identifying the best practice in teaching those standards.”
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
The district is changing the days the teachers gather to collaborate in response to staff and parents input.
Next year the days will be once per month.
“We decided to change to once per month in response to parent and staff input,” Brown said. “Staff believed they could have more concentrated and focused time to do the things we need to do next year while parents felt it would be easier for them to plan for a full day rather that an early release every week.”
“The time spent this year has been very successful and we are well ahead of where we were,” he said. “Teachers have seen the value in the time to collaborate and work together on curriculum, assessment and instruction.”
USD234 Preschool Update
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
The preschool is going to remain at 409 S. Judson for the time being.
“We have six sections of preschool currently with enough for two more sections on the waiting list,” Brown said. “Our plan going forward will be to do some remodeling of the current space and reconfigure the space to better meet our needs.”
“We will also look at purchasing a mobile unit to place on the grounds at the preschool site,” Brown said. “This would allow us to bring all of our preschool students and classes to one location as well as expand our preschool to include more students.”
There are currently three teachers at the preschool.
“I believe that if we open more sections to the public, we will probably be able to expand to five teachers,” he said. “One thing we are considering is having a section for all-day students to help with some childcare needs in the community.”
The community needs quality childcare.
“Our community has a great need for childcare; especially for working families,” Brown said. “For our community to grow economically and to attract and expand business in Fort Scott, we need to be the kind of community that provides ways to make it possible for parents to work and trust that their children are being cared for safely.”
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Jason Silvers, Rob Harrington, Jared Keylon, Alysia Johnston, and Teri Hulsey were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 4/6/23 and 4/11/23. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.
Susan Bancroft requested a 7-minute executive session for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under 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 to include Susan Bancroft, all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 9:08. Nelson seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:08 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the meeting he attended Monday at Fort Scott Community College. FSCC is applying for a grant to repair the dam on their pond and are requesting rip/rap for the dam. Eric stated they have a lot of rip/rap with clay at the quarries that he recommends using. Alysia Johnston, Fort Scott Community College President, and Jared Keylon, Directors of Facilities and Operations, spoke about the pond project. Ms. Johnston stated this is a partnership with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the grant is due in two weeks. The exact date of the construction of the pond is unknown, but there is a lot of erosion on the front and back of the dam. The college will dredge the pond and then add a liner and rock. The dredge material will be added to the back of the dam, topsoil will be added, and native grasses will be planted to help with erosion. In-kind donations are needed for the project, and they are collaborating with the city and asking them to do the dredge machine work. There is a three-phase project for the grant and they are looking at trails to connect FSCC and Gunn Park. Maps were provided showing the options. The first option is the abandoned railroad bed, the second option is 208th Street, and the third option is enhancing community opportunity with their trails and fishing opportunities, and they hope to add a driving range in the wooded area behind the baseball field. Jared Keylon stated approximately 250 loads of rock, or roughly 5,000 cubic yards, is being requested from Bourbon County for the pond project. The college will be purchasing and installing the liner themselves to try to keep costs down. Mr. Keylon said the college is looking into purchasing or renting a truck to haul the rock, will be asking the city to help dredge, and is asking for everybody to do a small piece to make the community a better place.
Hay bids for the three county owned properties were opened at 9:15. One bid for Elm Creek was received and that was from Joseph Tirri for $3,100.00. Two bids were received for the old landfill site on Native Road: one from Pat Murphy for $301.00 and one from Steven Sinn for $200.00. One bid was received for the tower site on 255th Street from Steven Sinn for $25.00. Clifton made a motion to accept Joseph Tirri’s bid for $3100 for Elm Creek, Pat Murphy’s bid for $301 for the old landfill on Native Road, and Steven Sinn’s bid of $25 for the tower on 255th Street. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said his grandsons grew up fishing at the college lake and it is a great project that he supports.
Jared Keylon said the first thing to do on the project will be to get the fish out, but they have no time frame for that. Mr. Keylon said they are hoping to get topsoil off the rodeo pasture during the summertime and plan to put approximately 6 inches of topsoil on the back of the dam. Nelson asked for clarification on what Bourbon County’s involvement in this project would be besides donating rock. Eric said it would just be loading the college’s truck. Clifton said to have an outside truck come into our quarry is a problem in his opinion. Jim asked if there could be a problem with MSHA, which is the Mine Safety Health Administration. Clifton said the county would need to inspect the college’s trucks. Eric said as long as the college’s driver stays inside the truck, and the truck passes county inspection and DOT regulations they can come in the quarry. Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said this is donation from government to government so he sees no legal issue with this as we are not competing with private industry. Justin said the rock is almost a burden for the county and feels it is a win-win situation. Jim asked Eric to inspect Fort Scott Community College’s truck. Eric said by removing the rip/rap it will get it out of the way to do the next blast. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to get shot rock out of Blake Quarry for the Fort Scott Community College Lake project. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Eric discussed the 5-year solid waste plan for the landfill. Jim asked if there were any changes, and Eric stated it was just board members which change when the Commissioners change. Jim said this is something we have to update every five years for KDHE. Clifton made a motion to approve the 5-year solid waste plan. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Belly dump trailer bids were opened at 9:25. Only one bid was received and that was from Armor Lite Trailers in Sikeston, Missouri. The bid was for a bottom dump trailer with the following specifications: 40 foot, 23.5 cubic yards, 10-foot bang boards, 25,000 lb. axle for $37,500.00. Jim said the county has been doing business with this company for years and he recommends approving the bid. Jim stated the insurance proceeds from the wrecked belly dump trailer and auction proceeds from selling old equipment will be used to purchase the trailer. The goal is to have two belly dump trailers hauling gravel during the summer while the five dump trucks are tied up hauling asphalt. Jim said the trailer will haul 1.5 the amount a dump truck will. Jim made a motion to accept the bid from Armor Lite Trailers. Clifton looked up similar trailers online for comparison since only one bid was received and a new trailer was $10,000 more than what the bid was. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric updated the Commissioners on other business stating he signed up as the county’s representative for KDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Plan which is to improve walking and biking on public roads. Eric will be attending the meeting on April 24 in Chanute. Eric said there is a grant opportunity for a concrete pad and barriers for the soybean compost pad at the landfill. There is a delay on the milling of Soldier Road as the construction company’s milling machine is down.
At 9:30 Bill Michaud introduced Deborah Factor, who joined via Zoom, who will be giving a presentation on CORE Community. Bill said his wife attended a seminar in Emporia three to four years ago and saw a presentation by Deb, who has an organization called Youth Core Ministries. Bill stated he has been working for the past two years to try to bring this program to our community. The primary focus of this program is to help our citizen’s address poverty. Deb stated she started in 1998 in Greensburg, KS doing ministry and the program was originally founded for youth outside the faith community. During the process she had kids she worked with for years walk into adulthood and follow in the cycle of poverty. Deb 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. In 2015 after modeling a program that had been successful elsewhere, she launched the poverty program. Deb said small towns have a unique position because people care about the community. In 2017 Deb and Rebecca, who graduated from a similar program, launched four sites in Kansas and now they have 13 programs in Kansas and one in Illionois. Deb stated they are talking to seven communities now who are interested in the program, and there are two additional communities who are in the fundraising phase of the programs now. The program is weekly, meeting 48-50 weeks per year and will meet with the individuals for two to five years. The program tries to educate the community on what poverty really is. Deb stated they have graduated 420 people and have impacted over 500 children. Deb said they identify barriers and help people push through them. Of the graduates, 70 % have increased their income. Deb said they are keeping track of those that are out of poverty for ten years to gather data to see if they are maintaining the upward trajectory. Bill Michaud said some programs are based upon volunteers who burn out easily and went over the different approach CORE Community has. The first step is fundraising then a community coordinator would be hired and reside in our county with CORE Community being their employer, and an advisory board would also be formed. Typically, there are two to three positions which is a community coordinator with one to two people taking care of fundraising and organizing the meals, childcare, and other tasks. Bill said this is a fundraising based organization and would not be showing up each year to ask the county for money to sustain the program. Clifton said this is something that is near and dear to his heart and that Rebecca is living proof of programs such as this. Clifton said he worked in home health and hospice in southeast Kansas and saw first-hand the poverty our residents are facing, saying that most people don’t realize there are people in Bourbon County living with dirt floors. Clifton said he would like to see the school district, college and city come together to make this program happen. Clifton made a motion to fund $50,000 to get the program off the ground. Jim seconded the motion stating poverty is close to all of us. Alysia Johnston stated the services the CORE Community program offers are critical wrap-around services to help students complete their education, certificate, or CDL. Ms. Johnston said they see the barriers every day and that this directly aligns with their mission. Bill Michaud said that he has spoken to some at the city and school board and there are some who are engaged. Nelson questioned where the money is coming from, specifically what fund. Susan Bancroft, CFO, was asked into the meeting to answer Nelson’s question. Susan stated the money is coming from PILOT funds. Nelson thanked Deb Factor for the good presentation, but stated he had no idea it was this much money and that he has no other information about the program. Nelson said we can’t give raises because there is no money, 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. Jim said a majority of employees received raises. The PILOT fund is money we receive from the windmill for economic development and that this program will help with that. Jim stated that elected officials can give raises if they have it in their budget. Clifton said people need to lead by example and he stands by his motion. Anne Dare asked what the next step would be after approving the funds. Clifton said a board would be developed; an employee would be hired by CORE Community who would hold them accountable. Anne asked Bill Michaud how many churches have been asked for involvement and he stated about five in Fort Scott. Clifton said he stands by his motion. Jim asked for a vote, and Jim and Clifton were in favor and Nelson was opposed. The motion carried 2-1.
A 5-minute break was taken, and normal session was resumed at 10:10.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented bids for the purchase of three vehicles. Bill stated they budgeted this year for four vehicles but couldn’t order them due to the time frame was missed. The Commissioners recently approved the purchase of two vehicles, which Sheriff Martin has purchased, but two other vehicles have been totaled since then. The request is to purchase from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles who are currently holding the vehicles for Bourbon County. Jim said he is in support of getting the vehicles but questioned if there was a way to apply the insurance money to this or to use the inmate fund money instead of financing the complete amount. Bill said they need to use the inmate fund money for jail vehicles. Clifton asked how many cars the Sheriff’s department has. Bill said they have 14 vehicles: 9 road deputies, one SRO, one process server, and two for administration. Jim said he would like to apply the insurance money to the purchase of the vehicles. Clifton asked how long it would be before the vehicles would be in service. Bill said they are holding them so if approved today it would just take a phone call to get the equipment taken out and installed in the new vehicles. Bill said the old vehicles will be sold on a government auction site and the proceeds from that he intends on applying to the loan for the purchase of the new vehicles. Susan asked if more than two banks were contacted for bids. Bill said yes, he did. Susan said initially they were trying to go for a shorter-term loan instead of the 5-year note that the bids reflected. Susan said all the money would be taken out of the sales tax fund and that they are trying to get in a system of replacing a vehicle every few years. Clifton said the interest rates on the bids seemed good. Nelson made a motion to finance the patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office. Bill suggested accepting the lower interest rate and using the insurance money and any auction proceeds to pay on the loan. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton suggested to look at a 3-year loan over a 5-year and to go with the lower insurance rate. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to submit a 3–5-year plan to Susan and that he has approval to go get the best one. Clifton said go get your cars before someone else does.
Clifton made amotion to amend the agenda to allow Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, to speak and to move that before public comments. Teri stated she arrived at work this morning to notification that they were approved for the Kraft grant through the Kansas Board of EMS. Teri said she submitted one for a Lifepak 15, which is the monitors they use, and a Hamilton ventilator. We were awarded $20,000 on the Lifepak 15, Teri said the local match would be $10,674.18 after a $6500 credit is applied for equipment Teri is trading in. We were awarded $12,375 for the Hamilton ventilator and the local match would be $4,125. Jim stated that was very impressive. Clifton made a motion to approve the Kraft grants that Teri has worked on and received with a local match of approximately $15,000. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton commended EMS for being fully staffed and for all that they are doing. Jim thanked Teri and said he appreciates all that EMS does.
Clint Walker stated he challenges religious organizations in Bourbon County to look at local people’s needs before they travel out of county or state. Ed Harrison asked when the county will be starting on Elm Creek. Jim stated the shelter houses are in need of help, and that at one point a volunteer group spoke at a meeting but have not been back. Jim asked Eric Bailey to make a maintenance plan on the shelters. Jim asked what the plan for the dam repair was, because it can be very expensive. Eric stated they have found another area of concern. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to talk about Elm Creek. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they tried to open the valve but couldn’t. He feels we need an engineer’s opinion before we drain the lake and then can’t afford to fix the dam. Eric said in his opinion the grant money we received is not going to be enough to cover the repairs but said that is where an expert needs to come in and give an opinion. Jim said we need to reach out to other organizations relating to water to see if there are more grant opportunities to fix the dam. Eric said Don George wants to be in the conversation when Elm Creek is discussed. Clifton said his concern is if we open the dam we won’t have the money, know how, or equipment to properly fix it. Clifton agrees the shelters definitely need to be fixed. Eric said the caretaker has been clearing brush to allow better access to the water and that the area was burned last week. Eric agrees we need to put money into roofs, painting, and electrical on the shelter and even suggested looking into repairing the grill areas. Jim suggested contacting the SEKRPC to see if there are other grants to help fix dams for watershed or water storage. Eric said the equipment needed to fix the dam is going to be above what the county has. Jim said the dam is historic so we can’t just fill it with bentonite. Mr. Harrison asked if we might be able to obtain money since it is a historical dam. Nelson questioned if we own the dam even, if it is historical, who is stopping us from fixing it however we want. Eric said where the valve is concerned, we need a professional opinion. Nelson asked what we can fix now on the shelters. Eric said we need to start with the roofs. Tuckpointing needs to be done and you can usually find people in the winter who may be laid off construction crews to do that. Clifton asked Mr. Harrison to gather the group of volunteers to come back to the meeting or to contact one of the commissioners or Eric. Mr. Harrison state he would talk to them. The hookups for electric while camping were discussed, and Mr. Harrison said they really need to have pads laid to level trailers. Jim said that can be part of our plan for repairs. Jim said the minor repairs of paint and roofing we can do, and volunteers would be great, but the dam repair is going to take a lot of money and grants, but he thinks there are water grant opportunities out there. Jim said he agrees with Clifton and asks the volunteers to come and get on the agenda and that Don George could be invited too. Eric said he would like an engineer to look at the area of concern before Elm Creek is discussed at another meeting. Nelson asked how much an engineer would cost. Clifton said he would ask having contractors look at the dam because they would look at it for free. Mr. Harrison thanked the Commissioners and Eric for what they do and said the lake looks good and the caretaker has done a good job.
Clifton said that he and Nelson can agree to disagree and will still leave as friends. Jim said they are here working to benefit Bourbon County. Jim stated as much controversy as there was regarding the windfarms, what better place to spend the windmill money than on Bourbon County kids.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:43. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:14
“Sally, my flight has been delayed. I’m not getting in at 9:00. I’m getting in at midnight, so I’m going to get a hotel room and you can pick me up in the morning.” My friend would have none of it. “I don’t care when you get in. I’m coming to get you. That way, we have more time together.” My arguments for a hotel went nowhere.
Getting in to the KC airport at 9:00 was bad enough, but a few weeks previous, when I asked Sally if she would be able to pick me up, let me spend the night at her house in Kansas City and drive me to Fort Scott the next day, she responded, “I thought you’d never ask.” That’s what she said. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Who has friends like that?
I know that Sally drives back and forth between KC and Fort Scott a couple of times a week, but I had no idea if this was one of her scheduled days. Good friends like her make it one, even if it isn’t. What I didn’t realize was that she and Gary, her husband, were making a trip to KC from Fort Scott just to pick me up. And now, three hours later than intended.
The fact that she made the trip is one thing. The fact that she did not make me feel guilty about it is another. This was sacrificial, and I knew it.
When I deplaned at midnight, Sally was waiting for me by baggage claim, arms extended and thanking me for letting her come and get me. Say WHAT? And the next day, when she and Gary drove me to Fort Scott, she asked that every time I fly into the KC airport, I give her first chance to pick me up. No matter what time.
Someone once said, “Tell me with whom you hang, and I will tell you who you are.” I am blessed with wonderful friends I don’t deserve. They know me well but like me anyway. We are transparent with each other. We laugh and cry together…sometimes at the same time. We empathize with each other’s disappointments and celebrate successes.
Sally makes me realize how important it is to be there for my friends when they need me (or even when they don’t). As I am writing this article, I am reminded that I need to be a Sally kind of friend to Jesus…one who spends more time “hanging” with him, one who always makes him a priority, one whom I greet with arms extended, one who is ready to do his bidding day or night, sacrificially, without grumbling or making excuses.
Look at the scripture at the top of this article: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. My words are cheap without obedience to Jesus. If I am nudged to pray for someone in the middle of the night, I immediately should jump out of bed and get on my knees and be grateful for the opportunity; Jesus should know that I am trustworthy and will do as he asks. If I have a chance to share him with others, I cannot hesitate or decide the timing isn’t quite right or hope someone else steps in to give his/her testimony. I should never remind my Savior of what I have done for him or brag about those actions to other people.
Sally might think that the only thing she has done for me is provide transportation and a room. In reality, she unknowingly has demonstrated how much I need to learn about being a great friend, a sacrificial friend…to others, but especially to Jesus.
The Regular Council Meeting on April 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:05PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George (KDWPT), Norman Bockover, Mary Pemberton, Betsie Binford, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
From left: Councilwoman Danae Esslinger, City Clerk Sally Johnson, Councilwoman Amber Kelly, Mayor Larry Jurgensen, KWP representative Don George, and councilmen Josh Hartman, Jess Ervin, and Brad Stewart. Submitted photo.
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism presented the grant reimbursement check to Council for the completion of the Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project and encouraged the council to apply for phase II. He complimented Clerk’s paperwork for the grant. He would like application for phase II completed by the May meeting. Mayor Jurgensen will touch base with county regarding rock and hauling.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to submit an application for 2023 CFAP Grant for Phase II of Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project
CITIZENS REQUEST
Norman Bockover asked about citywide trash service. The Council rescinded Ordinance 199 at the April 6, 2023 Special Meeting and will no longer be pursuing this.
Betsie Binford, Old Settlers’ Committee, requested permission for a street dance as part of this year’s celebration. Council said NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED and asked Clerk Johnson to check with our insurance agent on whether our liability insurance would cover or if the Committee will need an event policy.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Old Settlers’ Committee to sponsor a street dance for this year’s celebration with no alcohol allowed
Mary Pemberton presented a copy of the proposed mural for the Rural Murals and Public Art Grant.
Mayor Jurgensen informed that the Dale Jackson Memorial Fire Truck for the park should be installed soon.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $349,967.37, Receipts $52,804.09, Transfers Out $4,666.00, Expenditures $52,703.68, Checking Account Closing Balance $345,40178. Bank Statement Balance $367,965.70, including Checking Account Interest of $78.70, Outstanding Deposits $64.32, Outstanding Checks $22,628.24, Reconciled Balance $345,401.78. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,967.27. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $227.98, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $392.49. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; for Total Transfers of $4,666.00. Net Loss for the month of March $4,565.59, Year-to-Date Net Income $1,849.81. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $58,162.08 (37.1%), Expenditures $39,937.71 (17.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $9,124.88 (24.8%), Expenditures $8,077.26 (19.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $29,938.79 (24.5%), Expenditures $28,626.06 (17.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $56,480.34 (37.7%), Expenditures $51,280.83 (27.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $20,298.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and April 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting
City Superintendent Rich asked what is to be done about the rock post that has fallen in the southeast corner of the park. After discussion of methods to repair, it was decided to put rock in the shop until a method is decided upon.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent. He did submit a letter and it was included in the April newsletter. Citywide cleanup is scheduled for May 1-4. Clerk Johnson reported that someone came in this morning to report that one of the dogs at 108 Second St had her granddaughter trapped in the post office growling at her. Johnson called the dog owner and asked him to please keep his dogs on his property or under his control at all times. He said he is planning to put a kennel in the backyard, but no timeline given.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of resignation was received from Ginger Ervin for her custodian/water sampler position.
The Municipal Services 2023 Budget Workshop dates were discussed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend one of the webinar and Charlene Bolinger to attend the May 25 in person session at Iola, cost of workshop $75/person
She had previously sent CDBG grant information to council. After discussion, it was decided there is not enough time to get a preliminary engineering report or application submitted by May 1.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – A thank you note for the dish planter was received from Sally Johnson on the death of her father.
He would like to extend the culvert at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin to accommodate trash trucks and school bus. He has a culvert but would like for the city to provide the rock.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin
He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson has a zoom meeting with Jody and Rachel, HBCAT, on April 18. Mayor Jurgensen still trying to find time to convene committee.
American Rescue Plan Act update –The remaining $21,153.82 was discussed. It can be used for streets, repairs to the warehouse, a skid steer, or any type of governmental service. Clerk Johnson requested a new quote for materials to reskin and replace/add roll up doors for the warehouse. It was decided to use it for the warehouse. Clerk Johnson attended a webinar last week on submitting this year’s project and expenditure report which is due by April 30.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – documentation was mailed to KMGA on March 28.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Council directed Clerk Johnson to send out invitation for bids exactly like last year.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:41PM
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to continue discussion of individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:52PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:52.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Mayor to seek custodial/water sampler person and increase pay rate to $12/hour
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:53PM
The Special Council Meeting on April 6, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319-(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract, the open meeting to resume at 7:15 PM
Attorney Vaughn was called in at 7:03.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract with Attorney Vaughn still in attendance, the open meeting to resume at 7:30 PM
Jason Thompson and Josh Beck, Green Environmental Services, were called into meeting at 7:21. Open meeting resumed at 7:30.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to rescind Ordinance No. 199 an ordinance establishing trash and physical waste service within the city limits of Uniontown, Kansas; exceptions, and no longer pursue citywide trash service
The public hearing scheduled for May 9 will not be held.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:33PM
Donna Lea Jacquinot Warehime, age 91, a resident of Stroud, Oklahoma died Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Stroud Health Care Center. Donna was born August 25, 1931 to Pete and Alta Herron Jacquinot in Greenbush, Kansas.
Donna met and married Dorwin R. Hall in 1951 at Fort Scott, Kansas. To this union six children were born. Dorwin preceded her in death in 1979. She later married Donald Greenfeather, he preceded her in death in 1992. She then married Ivan Warehime in 1997, he preceded her in death in 2001.
Donna was a wonderful loving wife, mother, sister, granny, nanny, and friend to countless loved ones. During her lifetime Donna sold real estate, owned a very successful business and raised six amazing children, Gary, Debbie, Randy, Robin, Troy, and Roger.
Donna loved to dance and have a goodtime, she never met a stranger and loved with all that she was. She lived in many places and had a wanderers heart. At one point she bought and remodeled many houses in Columbus, Kansas. Donna loved to take trips, especially to Las Vegas. She loved her slot machines and went to play whenever she had the chance. Donna was well loved and will be terribly missed in this world, by all that loved her. She has left an enormous void. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Stroud Health Care Center for their love and devotion, and Traditions Hospice for their loving care at the end.
Donna is survived by her children, daughters, Debbie Nash (Dale) Waxahachie, Texas, Robin Cox (Kevin) Collinsville, Oklahoma, sons Randy Hall (Kathleen) Grove, Oklahoma, and Roger Hall (Becky) Bristow, Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren, 3 grand fur babies, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by three husbands, Dorwin Hall, Don Greenfeather, and Ivan Warehime; two sons, Gary and Troy Hall; her parents; two sisters, Margina Harris and Pat Hawkins, and a brother, Peter “Bud” Jacquinot.
Cremation was performed. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Centerville Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.
A casual visitation and dinner will proceed following the graveside service at the Carriage House in Fort Scott, Ks located at 301 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right, and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.
Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.
“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”
The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.
Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.
The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.
Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.
The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.
Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.
Bourbon County Public Works, in conjunction with Killough Construction, will begin milling Soldier Road from 69 Highway to 245th Street and 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road beginning Thursday, 4/20/2023. Please expect traffic delays as the road will be down to one lane.
For students who want a career in construction trades such as welding, masonry, carpentry or heating and air conditioning, which are high demand and high paying jobs, there is a short cut to do that.
Junior or senior year students in Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School have the opportunity to get a head start on these jobs, said Kris Mengarelli, Fort Scott Community College’s Director of the Career and Technology Center, CTEC.
“CTE courses prepare students with the technical, academic, and employment skills needed for life after high school,” from CTEC’s Facebook page. “The courses hone critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—all valuable tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
“Starting in the fall of 2023, we are….offering carpentry basics, OSHA 10 (certification training) and introduction to craft skills for high school and college,” he said. “This is typically for juniors and seniors. It’s a two-year program to get a certificate.”
“The teacher will be Michael Casner, a Fort Scott High School teacher,” he said. “He’ll be teaching dual credit classes for those three classes at the high school. Uniontown will be able to send students over to attend those classes as well. The schools will coordinate what works best.”
The target student is any interested in the trades for a career.
The State of Kansas is offering an Excel in CTE Initiative, for high school juniors and seniors for free college tuition on approved technical courses offered at Kansas technical schools and community colleges.
“The state looks at where there is a lacking workforce,” he said.
“There are some small fees that fall back on the student, but not significant,” Mengarelli said.
Following the classes for dual high school and college credit, students will have a nationally recognized certificate,” he said. “Students who want to go into construction, this makes them employable just out of high school.”
CTEC is located in Crawford County.
Destry Brown, Fort Scott’s Superintendent of USD 234 was a “key player in getting CTEC started in Crawford County,” Mengarelli said.
Brown was formerly a superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, in Crawford County and is currently superintendent of schools for Fort Scott.
