Monthly Archives: August 2023

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Meeting Today at 5:30 p.m.

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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 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Budget Discussion
  1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

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.

 

Art, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Arts and Culture Grant by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas

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Fort Scott, Kan. Aug.24, 2023 – An Arts and Culture grant through the Community Foundation of
Southeast Kansas helped support the 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration. The annual celebration
will be held October 5 -7, 2023 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. This is our 20th year of the Annual Gordon Parks
Celebration and we are excited to celebrate the upcoming three days full of wonderful events
with everyone. The celebration is a great way to honor Gordon Parks legacy.” said Kirk Sharp,
Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “
The celebration is in honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and
filmmaker. The celebration will feature several events to include presentations, special events, tours,
music performance, barbeque and a celebration tribute dinner for the presentation of The Choice of
Weapons Award established in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the celebration. The schedule of
events is available at the Gordon Parks Museum or online at gordonparkscenter.org and on our
facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fsccGPmuseum/. This event is for everyone and open to
the public.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors
who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people
throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. Call the Foundation at 620-231-8897 with questions about
the Community Foundation. www.southeastkansas.org.
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Contact Name: Kirk Sharp FOR IMMEDIATE
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 RELEASE
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org

Obituary

Obituary of Delbert Ray Fluty

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Delbert Ray Fluty, age 90, passed away on August 19, 2023, following a short hospital stay. Delbert was born to Marshall (Ray) and Edith Fluty on December 8th, 1932, in Butler, MO. Delbert spent his younger years in Fort Scott, KS, where he played football in high school and Junior College, met the love of his life, and was inducted into the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict. Delbert was a very proud and patriotic veteran of the Army’s Tenth Mountain Division. When thanked for his military service, he would always respond with, “It was an honor and a privilege.”

While fulfilling his Army responsibilities, Delbert married Marilyn Darlene Jones on October 27th, 1953. The love they shared during their nearly seventy years of marriage was held in awe by so many who knew them. They were truly living examples of the vows they promised to honor. Following marriage, Delbert attended Pittsburg State University, where he completed his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Automotive Technology. Delbert taught in El Dorado, KS, for four years. In 1962, his young family moved to Overland Park, KS, to open the new Shawnee Mission West High School. There he taught Automotive Technology and Small Engine Repair until his retirement in 1995.

Delbert accepted Jesus Christ into his heart on Easter Sunday, 1962, following services at Fort Scott’s Grace Baptist Tabernacle. His life was forever changed. Soon after, he and his family began attending Overland Park Baptist. There he spent countless nights and weekends helping to build the church from its first groundbreaking. Delbert also humbly served as a deacon for many terms, as the Missions treasurer for fifty years, and he assisted his wife in her fifty years of teaching the ages Four and Five Sunday School Class.

Delbert was devoted to his family, and a sterling example to his sons, Steven and Phillip.  Delbert never told his sons how to be good and honorable men. Instead, he showed them how a good and honorable man lives his life. Delbert is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his sons, Steven and Phillip, his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Leah Jones, and his nephew, Matt Jones.

Delbert was preceded in death by his father, Ray Fluty, his mother, Edith Fluty, his sister Eilene Fluty, and a very large contingent of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Larry Jones and Pastor Tracy Roby will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 29th, at the Overland Park Baptist Church, 11648 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.

Burial will follow at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 30th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the Overland Park Baptist Missions Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of C. Charley Johnston Jr.

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C. Charley Johnston, Jr., age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on August 22, 2023, at the Kansas University Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born February 25, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Charley and Rose Hines Johnston. He married Ann McCurley on April 9, 1961, in Fort Scott.  Charley was a 1959 graduate of Fort Scott High School.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in business education from Pittsburg State University.  After teaching business classes at Hiawatha High School, Hiawatha, KS, he returned to Fort Scott and worked several years as a business instructor and administrator at Fort Scott Community College.

Following this employment, he worked 15 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, retiring in 2005.  Charley was a proud veteran.  He served two years in the U. S. Army, followed by 40 years with the Kansas National Guard, retiring as Command Sergeant Major.

Charley was a loving husband, father, and grandpa.  He cherished his family and his grandchildren.  His grandchildren were his greatest joy.  He was an avid fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and K-State football.  He also enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends.

Charley is survived by his wife Ann; his sister, Rita Emmerson, Fort Scott; his sons, Vince Johnston (Leigh), Pittsburg, KS, and Brian Johnston (Deborah), Springfield, MO; his grandchildren, Jessica Dreiling (Grant), Kyle Johnston, Chase Johnston, Nicole Johnston; his great grandson, Kip Dreiling; sisters-in-law, Bernie Simmons, and Kathy McCurley;  and  brother-in-law, Doug Ropp (Patty); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law Lucille Langdon and Elaine Ropp; his brothers-in-law, Joe Langdon, Ronnie Simmons, Jim Emmerson, Doug McCurley, and Cedric McCurley; and his niece, Cindy Emmerson.

Following cremation, a private burial will take place at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family requests memorials to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Seeks Volunteers For Advisory Boards

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The City of Fort Scott is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the following advisory boards:

 

1 position for the Land Bank Board of Trustees

2 positions for the Streets Advisory Board

1 position for the Parks Advisory Board

The functions of the Fort Scott Advisory Board Committees are to provide suggestions to the City Manager and City Commission regarding the specific areas as indicated: Land Bank, Streets and Parks within the City of Fort Scott.

All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.

If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration first to the advisory board and then to the City Commission.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Performing Arts: Finalist For Excellence Award

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Congratulations to the Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Program on being named a Finalist for the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award for the 2022-23 school year!

A total of 18 Kansas High Schools will receive recognition by the Kansas State High School Activities Association for outstanding performing arts programs. Schools were selected from a committee formed from the following associations: Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA), and the Kansas Thespians (Theater).  Schools selected were chosen for scoring exceptionally high in Debate, Speech, Music, and Theater during the 2022-23 school year.
DeSoto High School was selected as the Award winner.  Fort Scott High School was named a finalist along with Lansing, Lawrence-Free State, Pittsburg, Shawnee Mission South, and Sterling.  Schools commended include Emporia, Maize, McPherson, Blue Valley West, Paola, Pretty Prairie, Rock Creek, Bishop Miege, Sylvan-Lucas, Washburn Rural, and Wichita Collegiate.
Special congratulations to our FSHS Performing Arts coaches and sponsors:
Band  –  Justin Robinson
Choir  –  Whitley Chesney
Orchestra  –  Carson Felt
Debate/Forensics  –  Tyler Slinkard
Theater/Drama  –  Angie Bin
Fort Scott High School was named a finalist for this award one previous time, following the 2018-19 school. We were also on the commended list for the 2020-21 school year.
Congratulations again to our sponsors and all of our students involved in these programs!  Outstanding job!

— Submitted by

Jeff DeLaTorre
Athletic/Activities Director
Fort Scott High School
Government, Kansas

Distributing Kansas Grown and Processed Foods to Underserved Communities

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John Root of Root’s River Valley Produce in Silver Lake unloads his produce at Harvesters in Topeka as part of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

Kansas Receives Additional Funding for Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Kansas Department of Agriculture officials joined staff from Harvesters – The Community Food Network in Topeka on Wednesday morning to welcome deliveries of fresh produce purchased under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

KDA has been awarded an additional $2,500,000 to further the state’s work under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program. The additional funds will be used to purchase and distribute Kansas grown and processed foods to underserved communities and families across Kansas for an additional year.

“We have been proud of the success of the LFPA Program and are pleased to be able to extend it for another growing season,” said Kansas Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kelsey Olson, who was present at Harvesters during the food deliveries on Wednesday. “Kansas-grown food is reaching communities across the state, which benefits not only those communities but also the farmers and producers.”

The purpose of the LFPA Program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. In July 2022, KDA initially received $2,500,000 and partnered with Harvesters along with the Kansas Food Bank and Second Harvest Community Food Bank to purchase locally grown and processed produce, dairy, meat, and honey and distribute it to those in urban and rural communities facing food insecurity.

“LFPA has been a wonderful opportunity for our food banks to work with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and to partner with local producers around the state,” said Stephen Davis, President & CEO of Harvesters – The Community Food Network. “And our neighbors in need are really grateful for this fresh, nutritious Kansas-grown food to help feed their families.”

So far in 2023, the food banks have purchased local food from over 20 Kansas producers and have distributed nearly 800,000 pounds of Kansas-grown produce throughout the state in the first growing season of the program. According to Brian Walker, President & CEO of the Kansas Food Bank, local food purchased through the LFPA Program has already been distributed to 75 of the 85 counties the Kansas Food Bank serves. “These are mostly rural counties where fresh produce is limited so it’s been great for our communities.”

“We are grateful for the USDA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture for their support of this program that will help improve food security in Kansas on many levels,” said Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

For more information, please visit agriculture.ks.gov/LFPA or contact KDA grants coordinator Brittney Grother at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. To achieve this vision, the agency advocates for sectors at all levels and provides industry outreach.

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Transportation Service Is An Option For All Bourbon County Starting August 28

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 No. National Avenue.

In recent months, a coalition headquartered in Fort Scott has been working to address transportation needs for all Bourbon County, including rural residents.

A service to meet these needs will start August 28 and is called BB-Go Transportation.

“BB-Go Transportation is an affordable option, $1 donation is suggested, but not required,” Rachel Carpenter,  the lead in the Local Health Equity Team (LHEAT), said. That entity is under the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team umbrella, whose office is at 104 N. National Avenue.

Rachel Carpenter is the lead for the Local Health Equity Action Team. Submitted photo.

“There is no restrictions on riders,” Scott Christiansen, Transportation Director at Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, said. “This is tax payer funded so there are no age or income restrictions.”

“The donations offsets what KDOT reimburses us for the service,” Christiansen said.

BB-GO Transportation will service anyone in Bourbon County on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the operation hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The LHEAT partnered with Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc. to expand their transportation program to Bourbon County.

A photo of a SEK-CAP bus taken from the SEK-CAP website.

To schedule a ride, call 620-724-6350. 

The rides are are a first come, first served basis.

To have the best selection of times, schedule 1 to 7 days  in advance.

Same-day rides given are based on availability.

BB-GO Transportation will be wheelchair accessible.

Drivers will be certified with the Kansas Department of Transportation and will meet all training and safety requirements.

The funding is through federal, state and local funds.

“The Federal Transit Administration and Kansas Department of Transportation 5311 Grant supplies 70% of the operating costs, and 30% comes from local matching funds from the Local Healthy Equity Action Team (LHEAT) grant through Kansas University Medical Center’s Communities Organizing to Promote Equity program,  Peerless Products, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, and Community Christian Church,” she said.

Jody Hoener is the Southeast Kansas Regional Community Lead for LHEAT.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s  coalition Local Health Equity Action Team  has been developing both upstream and downstream approaches to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said.

This service adds options for those without a car.

“Currently, there is only one option for public transportation in the county that services the City of Fort Scott,” Carpenter said.

The cost of this transportation service can hinder people from social activities, medical appointments, jobs, dining and education, she said.

 

 

Bourbon County

Writers Encouraging Writers: Seminar Oct. 21

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Writers Seminar – Writers Encouraging Writers
Saturday, October 21, 2023 8:45-12:30
HBCAT Offices – 104 N National Fort Scott, KS*

Sponsored by: Wednesday Writers Group** and Hedgehog.INK! Gently Used Books and So Much More…

Fill out the form below and return to Hedgehog.INK! 16 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. ([email protected]) 620-670-2752.

Checks may be made
payable to Hedgehog.INK! or pay [email protected]/events.
Name: __________________________________ Phone #:___________________
Address: ________________________________ Email: _____________________

High School or College Student: _____ Yes _____ No
(There is no registration fee for students but they do need to fill out a registration form to attend the seminar).

*HBCAT offices are located at 104 N. National, Fort Scott, KS.
north of Brickstreet Barbeque. A parking lot is available
across the street to the east by the splashpad.

**Wednesday Writers meet every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00 at
Hedgehog.INK! bookstore. “Our goal is to provide a community
of support for active and potential writers with knowledge,
support and encouragement.”

Registration Form

Early Bird Registration: $40 / After October 13 – $45 / Students are Free

Multi – Author Fair
A Multi-author book signing event will be held
from 1:30-3:00 at Hedgehog.INK!
Gently Used Books and So
Much More, located at 16
S. Main Fort Scott, KS.

There is no fee
for the Book
Signing event.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County In KS Drought Emergency

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Governor Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Response Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor

 

Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #23-04.

“Kansans have been resilient in the face of drought this past year,” said Governor Kelly. “Even with some regions receiving significant rainfall, I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to be mindful of ways we can conserve water and minimize fire hazards.”

The drought declaration placed 55 counties into an emergency status, 18 counties in a warning status and 32 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. While most of western Kansas have seen relief from drought in the last two months, central and southeast Kansas have continued to be dry, with nearly 30 percent of Kansas currently in extreme or exceptional drought.

“We are still seeing the effects of the drought conditions from the past year. With drought conditions persisting throughout parts of the state, we are continuing to see stressed surface and ground water supplies, negative effects on crop production and elevated wildfire risk,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”

Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some federal reservoirs.

Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, Executive Order #23-04:

 

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning or Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning or emergency level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

County Drought Stage Declarations:

Drought Emergency: Allen, Anderson, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Greenwood, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kiowa, Lane, Lincoln, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Sedgwick, Smith, Stafford, Sumner, Trego, Wilson, Woodson.

 

Drought Warning: Cherokee, Clay, Decatur, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Linn, Miami, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, Shawnee, Sheridan, Wabaunsee, Washington.

 

Drought Watch: Atchison, Barber, Brown, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Doniphan, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Harper, Haskell, Jackson, Jefferson, Kearny, Leavenworth, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Morton, Nemaha, Rawlins, Scott, Seward, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Wallace, Wichita, Wyandotte.

 

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Government

KDOT accepting applications for Innovative Technology Program

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2023 round of the agency’s Innovative Technology Program.

The Innovative Technology Program provides financial assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations for innovative transportation-related projects that promote safety, improve access or mobility and implement new transportation technology.

“Innovative technology” is broadly defined as any technology that does not currently exist in the local community of the project. This allows local communities to determine what projects to submit based on their specific needs.

All transportation system projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, aviation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), bicycle/pedestrian, public transit, software and technology infrastructure. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $2 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project.

A few past approved program projects include: A pedestrian warning system with radar speed signs in the city of Little River; traffic signal upgrades allowing for vehicle-to-infrastructure communication on Greenwich Road in the city of Wichita; and a performance measurement system for the Mid-America Regional Council, in coordination with Operation Green Light.

A project concept must be submitted and approved by KDOT before an application is provided to the applicant. The deadline to submit project concepts for consideration this program year is Nov. 17 and the application deadline is Nov. 30. A facts sheet is available on the program at https://www.ksdot.gov/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/divInnovTech/Innovative_Technology_FactSheet.pdf. The project concept submission form is available at https://forms.microsoft.com/g/FThTTFKQ5s. Both documents are also on KDOT’s homepage.

Please contact Matt Stormer, [email protected], with any questions.