Monthly Archives: April 2023

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission April 13

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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
April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM


I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Public Works Director
b. 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
V. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
VI. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
VII. 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
VIII. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
IX. Bill Martin-Loan Bids for Patrol Vehicles
X. Public Comments
XI. Commission Comments
XII. 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.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor by Loreta Jent

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Dear Editor:

 

“Wine promises one thing – delivers another”, a quote from a recovering alcoholic.  “No matter what problem you’re trying to mask or fix…..alcohol will always ensure you end up with MORE of what you don’t want.”

 

Ethanol, the alcohol that is in all alcoholic beverages and which is burned in engines, is a toxic poison to the body.  The wine industry did a smart move, financially on their part, when it “married” the health industry several years ago.

 

April’s Alcohol Awareness Month is a good time to be reminded that by volume there is more ethyl  alcohol in wine than in beer.  To explain, each average serving of the following contain the same amount of alcohol,  ½ ounce:  1-2 oz Cocktail; 3-5 oz. Wine; 12 oz. Beer; 12 oz. Wine Cooler.  NO  ALCOHOLIC  DRINK  IS  SAFE!

 

According to researchers, such as Samuele Bacchiocchi and David R. Brumbelow, the word “wine” in the Bible is a generic word that has several meanings such as fresh grape juice, molasses, raisins, and fermented alcoholic wine.  The meaning of the word must be determined by the context of the scripture.

 

There is one verse that speaks clearly and is easy to understand from Proverbs 20:1:  “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is deceived by them is not wise.”

 

Sincerely,

 

Mrs. Loreta Jent, Education Director

National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 13

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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 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works Director
  2. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
  3. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
  • 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Fort Scott – Bourbon County JOB FAIR

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Fort Scott – Bourbon County
JOB FAIR
Hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
THIS THURSDAY
April 13th from 3-6pm.
Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton St.
ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!
KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!
Employers registered to have a booth include:
Bandera Stone
CHC/SEK – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
City of Pittsburg Police Department
Cobalt MedPlans
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Heartland Behavioral Health (Nevada)
Integrity Home Care + Hospice
Kansas Army National Guard
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Kansas Department of Transportation
Labconco
Manpower
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Peerless Products
Pittsburg State University
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Twister Trailer
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE FLYER
THAT INCLUDES LIST OF POSITIONS EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING FOR!
Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:
620-223-3566 or [email protected]
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Star Wars Fans, Celebrate May the Fourth at the Library

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Marlie Seaver behind a Darth Vader selfie prop
Submitted photo.

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Youth Librarian & Asst. Director at Fort Scott Public Library

Each year, across the globe, fans of the Star Wars franchise celebrate on May the Fourth, chosen as a spinoff of the phrase “May the Force be with you.” On May 4th, commonly known as Star Wars Day, Valetta Cannon (known to local kids as Miss Val) invites fans of all ages to come celebrate at the Fort Scott Public Library. The library will present film screenings, snacks, crafts, games, a selfie station, and other activities in the event room, from 10 am to 4 pm. Activities will be self-directed, although Miss Val will come and join participants when possible. Fans are invited to come in costume and to have library staff take their photos in front of the new backdrop. This event is free and open to the public.

Ainsley Wheeler holding a lightsaber craft. Submitted photo.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Celebrate Earth Day at the Library on Maker Monday

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Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director. Submitted photo.

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Youth Librarian & Asst. Director at Fort Scott Public Library

Join Miss Val at Fort Scott Public Library on April 17 at 4:15 pm for a reduce, reuse, and recycle-themed Maker Monday.

Attendees will choose from a wide variety of cardboard pieces and recyclables to create anything they can imagine.

Utilize the library’s maker cart and art supplies to make art, engineer a motion-powered machine, create something functional, or make a piece that no one has dreamt of before.

Enjoy snacks and bottled water to keep your creative juices flowing.

Everest Cannon at a table during our last cardboard maker event.

This will be the final Maker Monday of the school year. The program is free and open to the public.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Seeking to Upgrade Nursing Department

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The building at 8th and Horton Streets is currently housed by CHC.

Fort Scott Community College is currently discussing with Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas about acquiring the building at 8th and Horton Streets for the future nursing department of the school.

“As with any acquisition, the details must be worked through and it definitely does not happen quickly,” Adam Borth, FSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “I believe our goal at this time is to be moved and have the facility operational for the spring 2024 semester.”

“For the building purchase, our plan is to utilize a 10 year lease-purchase agreement with CHC, operating within the current budget,” Borth said.  “We have funds graciously donated to FSCC from the Snyder family for the nursing program. We will utilize those private donor funds to complete the remodel and upgrades. Our plan at this point is utilize the FSCC maintenance department to complete the majority of the remodel.”

Adam Borth. Submitted photo.

The current building located at  8th and Burke Streets “is a very solidly built facility, however, it is has many upgrades needed,” Borth said.

An example, he said is the heating/air conditioning system that needs a complete overhaul. “Bid estimates a couple years ago all came in near seven figures, if not over.”

FSCC’s accrediting body, “which ensures we are in compliance with nursing standards has also pointed out that a facility upgrade is needed,” he said.

“The new facility would also give FSCC nursing students the opportunity to receive education in a facility that is conducive to learning and provide an excellent experience we strive for and the students deserve,” he said.

The Current Program

“Our nursing program right now sets around 40-50 admitted students, with many more in pre-nursing (working to meet the requirements to receive admission to the program)” Borth said.

The COVID 19 Pandemic affected the program.

“Our enrollment decreased, as expected, after spring 2020,” he said. “The profession has seen a shift since then as well, with many getting out of the healthcare field. This has exacerbated the impact on the shortage of instructors for us and other nursing programs.”

“Because of the shortage of practicing nurses, the pay in the field far exceeds what institutions can offer for instructors,” Borth said. “It creates a difficult environment for recruiting qualified applicants, who also must possess a master’s degree within six years of being hired.”

There is a benefit for those that do choose higher education.

Those working in higher education, such as nursing instructors at the college level,  have a more “appealing…work-life balance,” he said.

 

 

 

Food, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Luncheon is April 26

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member FSCC…
FSCC Women’s Luncheon!
Ladies, please join us for lunch, door prizes,
and product displays!
11:00 am to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, April, 26, 2023
at FSCC’s Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Ticket price is $5.00 per person.
Please reserve your ticket by April 19th.
To RSVP, call 620.223.2700 or email communityrelationscommittee@fortscott.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Bourbon County, Government, Schools

U235 Board Minutes of April 10

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Uniontown High School.
Unapproved minutes.

UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
REGULAR MEETING April 10, 2023
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday,
April 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room, Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Mike Mason, Troy Goodridge,Tyler Martin,Josh Hartman,and Brian Stewart


Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tracy Smith, Tema Gilion, Rhonda Hoener, Jenny Covey, Scott Sutton, Tim Endicott, Heather Herring, Kaytlin Herring


President Jason Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
Hartman, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes of Strike VII: Executive Session –
Student; Add Action Item IV: Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR).
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2023 Regular meeting with the
correction of Eden reading the District Mission Statement.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion passed 7-0
A. Approve payment of bills in the amount of $395,699.35.
B. Approve the March 2023 Treasurer Report.
C. Approve Early Graduation requests.
D. Approve KSDE Legal Membership for 2023-2024. ($2750.00)
E. Approve KASB Membership for 2023-2024. ($9,552.24)
No patron addressed the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the board on Bond planning and the Construction Manager AtRisk.
Principal’s Smith and Gilion gave written and oral reports to the board.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve publication of the Notice of Intent for Construction Manager
atRisk Services (CMAR) and to have a SPECIAL meeting on April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for public input.
Motion passed 7-0

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 2
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual’s performance pursuant
to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:45 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the
base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Jacy Walker as UJHS Head Girls basketball
coach.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to accept the resignation of Linda Sprague as UHS/UJHS Cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to accept the retirement of Betty Dennis and to thank her for her many
years of service to the district.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Hannah Blevins as WBE 1st grade teacher for
2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve Lakyn Coyan as 1st grade teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.
Motion passed 7-0
Martin, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to approve Alex Chesney as WBE Music Teacher for 2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve Ian Ballinger as UHS Social Science teacher for the 2023-2024
school year.
Motion passed 7-0.

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 3
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to read the Final Action of Non Renewal.
Motion passed 5-2. (Hartman, Goodridge)
Mason read the Final Action of Nonrenewal for Jeff Feagins.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to adjourn.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
Special Board Meeting (Notice of Intent for Construction Manager AtRisk will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Next board meeting will be Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.