Monthly Archives: June 2023

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Amended Agenda for June 5 at Uniontown Community Building

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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 Uniontown Community Center

June 5, 2023, 5:30 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/16/2023 and 5/22/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll totaling $208,575.01
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $319,552.12
    4. Approval of Miscellaneous Disbursement Checks totaling $24,738.25
  1. Becky Johnson-Health Department Budget
  2. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  3. Shane Walker, COO-Problem with Current Software CIC/Possible Solution
  • Sheriff Bill Martin
  1. Finalization of Loan Documents for Patrol Vehicles
  2. Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification
  • Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
    1. Resolution 12-23
    2. Hall Fence Viewing
  1. Jim Harris- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  2. Public Comments
  3. Commission Comments
  • 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, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Rural Workforce Summit June 22

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County Redi…
Rural Workforce Summit
The Rural Workforce Summit will feature seven nationally recognized industry leaders in workforce development, who will share their insights and expertise. This diverse group of speakers will offer valuable knowledge and practical strategies that can benefit individuals and businesses alike.
We have arranged a block of discounted hotel rooms at the Sleep Inn exclusively for summit attendees. If you have any out of town employees or executives who may choose to stay overnight before the event, they will gain unprecedented access to a networking event with all of the speakers. This exclusive opportunity allows for one-on-one conversations with each of the speakers, fostering valuable connections and insights.
To ensure your participation, please RSVP by June 19th by using the QR code on the attached flyer or the Eventbrite link in this email. We kindly request a nominal admission fee of $20, which includes lunch and a continental breakfast provided during the event.
Date: June 22, 2023 Time: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Art, Business

Uniontown Receives Kansas Grant For a Mural

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The Bandera Stone company building is on the north side of Uniontown’s square.

The City of Uniontown received a $2,250  grant from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to have a mural painted in the town.

The grant for the mural was initiated by Mary Pemberton, who with her husband owns Bandera Stone, a dimension stone business in town.

Recently, they renovated a brick building on the north side of Uniontown’s square, at 103 Third Street.

“I have been considering a mural since we started renovations on the building,” she said. “I always notice murals when I travel and I think this location by the park is a perfect place to bring a little art to Uniontown.”

Mary Pemberton stands in front of the east side of the Bandera Stone building, where the mural will be painted.

The Bandera Stone building has a large exposed eastern side, which can be viewed from the city park, across the street.

Pemberton read about the grant opportunity from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity and at first she wasn’t interested.

“But the promotion they do for the winners would get Uniontown some attention, not only locally but state-wide, so I decided to apply,” Pemberton said.

Danyell Miles, Fort Scott,  is the artist selected by Pemberton to design and paint the mural.

Pemberton said they are finalizing all the details on the design but that it includes Bourbon County and Kansas iconic images with a special feature that pays homage to local authors.

“I have always been an avid reader so wanted to do something to incorporate books into the mural,” she said.  “You’ll have to wait until the mural is finished and come see it in person to find this special feature.  The mural is designed with a lot of elements that require you to spend a few minutes and look closely to really understand the significance of the details.  The mural is also designed with selfie (photo) lovers in mind and will have one 3D element for photo opportunities. Danyell deserves all the credit for taking my unorganized ideas and putting them together to design a very unique and interesting mural.”

“Painting should start in late June,” Pemberton said. “We expect to have it completed in time for a grand reveal during the final Music in the Park event at Uniontown city park on August 11th.”

To prepare for the mural, the Pemberton’s had the brick wall tucked pointed and cleaned, plus put lighting along that side of the building.

The Grant

“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population,” according to a press release from Kansas Governor Kelly’s office. “The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”

 

Uniontown, in the western part of Bourbon County, has a population of approximately 300 people.

Fort Scott also received  a grant for a mural through this program.

That story will be featured in an upcoming feature on fortscott.biz.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: The Hemphill Family Band

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Submitted photo of the Hemphill Family.

The Friday Night Concerts return this week with the Hemphill Family Band. They, along with friends, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Heritage Park Pavilion located at 1st and Main streets.

Members of the band are Jack Hemphill on keyboard and vocals, Sandy on fiddle and keyboard, and Brad on guitar and vocals. Friends who will perform are Floyd Feezell, who will sing, and Tammy Helm, who will play saxophone.

The Hemphills have performed at the pavilion many times in the past. They play classic country, including a little Hank and Lefty, and a lot of Merle Haggard. They will also play a variety of other songs during the concert.

Come out and spend the evening at the Pavilion. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair. In case of bad weather, the concert will moved to Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

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Tacos and Drinks at Woodland Hills June 7, by The Par Tee Girls Golf League

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Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The community is invited to join a food truck gathering at Woodland Hills Golf Course this Wednesday, June  7 from 5-9 p.m.

In addition, Sharky’s Pub will be selling mixed drinks, said Diane Striler, coordinator of the event. For more info, Striler can be reached at 248.568.7790.

Ghetto Tacos food truck, submitted photo.
Area News

KCC Approves Settlement To Recover Storm Costs

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KCC approves settlement agreement allowing Liberty-Empire to recover winter storm costs over time

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a settlement agreement outlining how The Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty Utilities (Liberty-Empire) will recover $10.8 million in extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri. The utility, like others regulated by the KCC, was ordered to do everything possible to continue providing service to its customers, defer the charges, and then develop a plan to allow customers to pay the unusually high costs over time to minimize the financial impact.

The settlement, negotiated by KCC Staff, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) and the company allows Liberty-Empire customers to pay for the extraordinary costs –associated with the Winter Event over a 13-year period from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2036. On average, residential customer bills will increase by $5.73 per month during this period. This is a reduction from Liberty-Empire’s originally requested plan which would have resulted in an increase in the average residential bill of $7.32 per month.

The Commission emphasized it was in the public interest for Liberty-Empire to incur the extraordinary costs to ensure the integrity of the electric system and provide continuous service to its customers.

Today’s order states that any proceeds received by Liberty-Empire from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers.

In issuing today’s order, the Commission found the agreement was supported by substantial competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest.  The Commission’s order in this docket is the last of the Uri-related utility dockets to be filed and acted on.

Today’s order is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners on this order, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

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Art, Bourbon County, Kansas

Fort Scott and Uniontown Receive Funds for New Murals

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Governor Kelly Announces 14 Rural Communities Receiving Funding for New Murals

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.

“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”

Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.

“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”

The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:

The Arts Center, Inc.; Anthony and Attica; $7,500
City of Cedar Vale; $1,500
City of Cheney; $3,603
Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation; $5,250
Northwest Kansas Technical College; Goodland; $4,250
5.4.7 Arts Center; Greensburg; $7,368
Graham County; Hill City; $7,500
Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.; Leoti; $4,500
Vesper Community Club, Inc.; Vesper Township; $7,500
City of Lyons; $7,500
The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation; Blue Rapids Community Action Team Fund, Blue Rapids; $2,350
City of Smith Center; $7,500
City of Uniontown; $2,250
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Winfield; $7,500

“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,” said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon. “We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”

Opinion

Backward Nicknames By Carolyn Hayward Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

My Mom had planned to name my older brother, “Robert Randall,” and then call him “Bobby.”  Well, the delivery room in 1947 was a lot different from today‘s hospital. The birthing process was what we now call, “knock ’em out and drag ‘em out.”  Shortly after the baby was born, the nurse asked Mom for his name so she could complete the necessary forms. Mom was so discombobulated that she replied, “Randall Robert” which was exactly backwards. When she read the birth certificate information later in her room, she realized the name wasn’t right. However, she didn’t want to be a bother, so she just let it go. Therefore, she had to switch her preference and call her newborn “Randy.” This is one of the most bizarre family stories I’ve ever heard! My brother lived his entire life being called the wrong name because our mother was such a sweet and peace-loving lady.

 

The name parents choose for their child is important because names have meanings. God made sure that the Son of God would have the most-appropriate name, so He gave these specific instructions to Mary through the angel Gabriel: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31,32 NLT).

 

When Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married, while still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Joseph considered breaking the engagement, an angel appeared to him in a dream and said: “…Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus (meaning The Lord saves)…“ (Matthew 1:20,21 NLT). Both Mary and Joseph were separately told by angels that this child was to be given the name of Jesus. There was to be no confusion, mistakes, guessing, or doubts that the Messiah’s name was to be Jesus.

 

Salvation through Christ alone is one of the main themes of the New Testament. “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NLT). Jesus is the only way to God, salvation, and eternal life. In the book of Acts, the apostles were busy loving and helping people by using the name of Jesus to pray for them.

 

There are many other titles in the Bible that are given to Jesus. Here are just a few KJV references: Advocate (1 John 2:1), Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2), Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), First and Last (Revelation 1:17), Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), Light of the World (John 8:12), Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Truth (John 1:14).

 

Jesus’ name is so powerful, He instructs believers to pray to the Father in His name. “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!” (John 14:13,14 NLT).  Jesus gave believers the “Power of Attorney” to use His name for every situation we will ever face.

 

The Key: Don’t answer any questions while coming out from under anesthesia.