Presentation Explores the Impact of Kansas’s Native Son Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Fort Scott, Kansas – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas will host “Learning from
Gordon Parks,” a presentation and discussion by Ann Dean on Thursday, October 5 at
12:00p.m. at The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at
620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

This presentation and discussion are part of the 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration that will take place in Fort Scott, Kansas on October 5 -7, 2023. This is also a Lunch and Learn Event.

The presentation by Ann Dean is free to attend, but the lunches are only available by pre-purchase for $10 each by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

African American author, photographer, and filmmaker Gordon Parks was well known for his documentation of American life and culture.

Born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912, he is one of the
most esteemed image makers of all time. In this presentation, photographer Ann Dean discusses the impact and inspiration found in Parks’s books: The Learning Tree, A Choice of
Weapons, and Half Past Autumn.

These books help illustrate Parks’s mother’s teachings centered in love, dignity, and hard work, and provide a starting point to talk about his struggles, choices, and triumphs – all great life lessons for those searching to find their way in this complicated world.

Ann Dean is an artist and freelance photographer who teaches photography classes at the Lawrence Art Center.

“Learning from Gordon Parks” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community
discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More
Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information about “Learning from Gordon Parks” in Fort Scott, Kansas contact the
Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org.

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the
people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our
pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to
spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we
inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and
serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Visiting with Kansas Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy
This week I enjoyed getting to visit with Kansas cadets at the United States Air Force Academy. One of my most meaningful responsibilities as a U.S. Senator is nominating young Kansans to attend our nation’s service academies, and to support them in accomplishing their desires to serve their country. These men and women are some of Kansas’ best and brightest. Having Kansans at our service academies is just one of the many ways our state is playing a pivotal role in fortifying our nation’s current and future defense.

I want to thank Cadet Malachi Feil from Wichita, Cadet Robert Wright from Wichita, Cadet Lauren Steinlage from Olathe, Cadet Andrew Emerson from Topeka, Cadet Nelson Loosli from Dodge City, Cadet Chase Dwonrnicki from Wichita, Cadet Michaela Birkholz, Cadet Tyler Simms from Olathe, Cadet Zachary Bollinger from Hesston, and Cadet Mason Vasta from Overland Park for joining me at lunch.

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Update on Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
On Thursday, I spoke with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director, Martha Williams, to discuss concerns about her agency’s Request to Secure Water with the Kansas Depart of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources related to senior water rights of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Kansas. I reiterated concerns from Kansans on the potential uncertainty and unpredictability for farmers and ranchers, which could devastate rural Kansas communities and the agricultural economy. I re-emphasized and asked Director Williams to meet with and continue working with local stakeholders and state leaders to find a solution that works for everyone.

Open House at Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center
On Friday morning, I spoke at the ribbon cutting for the expansion of Colmery-O’Neil VA Emergency Department, This is the completion of Phase Two of the expansion, providing six additional beds for a total of eleven beds available for patient care. The enhancements to the facility include single occupancy rooms for enhanced privacy as well as two additional trauma bays and two behavioral health rooms, providing a secure environment for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis. An additional service is the participation in the VA National Telestroke Program (NTSP) which serves veterans with acute stroke symptoms at VA emergency departments, urgent care centers and hospitals in order is provide acute stroke expertise to front-line staff via videoconference with a telestroke neurologist.

Thank you to Director Rudy Klopfer, Emergency Department Chief Dr. Stephanie Davis and everyone in the Eastern Kansas VA Health System, as well as Bill Turner, Director of the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs, for your commitment to serving our veterans.

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Captain Richard Federico, Nominee for 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
While in Topeka, I met with Captain Richard Federico to discuss his nomination to serve on the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to ask him more about his career and how he views the role of a judge. I look forward to hearing his testimony at his confirmation hearing.

Attending Kansas Agriculture Summit Reception
On Wednesday, I attended the 2023 Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth reception in Manhattan. I enjoyed speaking with Kansans on the upcoming farm bill, hunger and water issues and new growth opportunities for the agricultural industry. It’s important that I hear from producers and industry professionals to support our Kansas farmers and ranchers.
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K-State’s School of Veterinary Medicine
On Saturday, I was pleased to speak with Kansas State President Richard Linton and Senior Vice President Marshall Stewart in Manhattan. During our meeting, we discussed the current successes and future of K-State’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The Vet School is highly regarded within the animal science industry, and has remained at the forefront of our state’s efforts to increase competitiveness in the agriculture industry.

I thank President Linton and Vice President Stewart for their dedication to bringing additional research, educational and economic opportunities to the state of Kansas and look forward to working with them on expansions and improvements to the Vet School.

Ohlde Seed Day
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak with Kansas farmers at Ohlde Seed Field Day in Palmer. I provided an update on the 2023 Farm Bill and the priorities that must be included, such as crop insurance, farm conservation programs and risk management products. Ohlde Seed Farms has been producing seed in Palmer for 75 years and supplied resources for farmers across the nation. I was able to learn about the latest and best agricultural technology alongside Kansans who are working hard to keep our state a top agriculture producer.

It is vital to our state and nation that we support our Kansas farmers and ranchers who are producing the high-quality food and fiber that clothe and feed the world.

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Meeting with Compass Minerals
I met with CEO Kevin Crutchfield on Friday in Overland Park at the Compass Minerals office. The organization provides various minerals that are necessary for agriculture and transportation. In the 30 years since its founding, Compass Minerals has created thousands of U.S. jobs and is the largest producer of salt in North America. Thank you to Kevin for welcoming me to the office headquarters.

Speaking with Lieutenant General Beagle 
This weekend, I spoke with Lieutenant General Milford Beagle Jr., the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. Fort Leavenworth is renowned for its high-caliber training programs, spearheaded by the Combined Arms Center (CAC) and the Command and General Staff College. Both the CAC and the Command and General Staff College are pivotal within the Army. The CAC shapes Army doctrine, defining how our troops train and engage in combat. The Command and General Staff College serves as a crucible for future leaders, extending its training not only to Army officers but also to personnel from sister services and partner nations. These institutions play a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of our military thereby having a direct impact on our national security. Fort Leavenworth has indispensable contributions in the training of our military force and I am committed to ensuring our military education and training centers have the essential resources needed for achieving excellence.

Thank you to Lieutenant General Beagle for his commitment and leadership at Fort Leavenworth and his service to our Nation. I look forward to witnessing the continued excellence emanating from the Combined Arms Center, Command and General Staff College, and all of our other great organizations found at Fort Leavenworth.

KIOGA Chairmen’s Reception in Wichita
On Sunday evening, I attended the Kansas Oil and Gas Association Chairmen’s Reception in Wichita. I appreciated speaking with Kansans about advocating for independent oil and gas producers. It is important to promote Kansas gas and oil industries on the local, state and federal levels to encourage American energy development. KIOGA identifies public policies and deciphers regulations that are fundamental to their member’s success and crucial for the betterment of Kansas.

Traveling across Kansas
I love being in Kansas. This time of year, a cool place can be hard to find.

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Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.

Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789
Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

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Bo Co Commission Budget Session is August 24

 

 

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.

 

 

 

A budget work session will be held at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

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.

 

Bo Co Commission Minutes of August 14

August 14, 2023                                                                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Jason Silvers, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/7/23, approval of payroll totaling $214,430.95, and approval of accounts payable totaling $394,953.25. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.

 

There were no public comments.

 

Susan Walker requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 5:41. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, explained changes to the drug and alcohol testing program. Justin stated he followed up on last week’s discussion and reached out to Kansas Association of Counties, KWORCC, and KCAMP to find best practices on the process of drug and alcohol testing. Justin said he found out from KAC that elected officials don’t have to follow the policy and felt we needed to update our policy to follow the state and DOT guidelines for CDL drivers versus non-CDL drivers. Our handbook covers non-elected personnel’s personnel and should be followed by Road & Bridge and the Appraiser’s office and those employed by a non-elected official. Clifton questioned why we would have a handbook if they don’t have to follow it. Jim clarified that any county employee who has an accident must be tested. Jim asked if we update our handbook would elected officials have to tell us what pages they opt in and out of? Justin stated there are EOC and federal guidelines that would have to be followed by elected officials. Jim questioned if the commission set vacation for elected official’s employees. Justin stated if the elected officials choose not to follow our handbook and policies, they can hire their own payroll and HR personnel and stated the commissioners handle the budgets. Jim asked for Justin’s recommendation. Justin said to get best practices and update the handbook. Clifton asked for clarification on if elected officials choose to not follow the handbook, they have to hire their own payroll and HR department. Justin stated the ultimate winner and loser is the taxpayer and he hopes the department heads, Commissioners, and elected officials will work to save the taxpayer’s money. Nelson asked why we would care if they don’t follow our handbook policy. Justin replied there are consequence for not following the handbook if there are any federal violations. Nelson replied that’s on the elected official. Jim asked what the liability is if an elected official doesn’t follow our handbook and something goes wrong. Justin said we have the same insurance so hypothetically rates could go up or the company could choose to drop coverage. Clifton said his opinion on drug and alcohol testing is we should test CDL employees. Clifton made a motion to random test those with CDL’s that work for Bourbon County. Justin said the motion should include post-accident testing. Clifton made a motion to random test employees with CDL’s and all employees post-accident. Jim asked about pre-employment testing for those with CDL’s. Justin said you could make that policy for Public Works. Jim stated Clifton’s motion died for lack of a second. Jim made a motion to change the drug and alcohol testing policy to test random CDL employees, pre-employment testing if they have a CDL, and post-accident testing for all employees. Nelson seconded the motion and asked for discussion. Nelson stated it seems hasty to make a decision now and said now everybody will know if they don’t have a CDL they won’t have to get tested and wanted to check with other counties.  Jim said we still have to have a drug and alcohol testing policy for our insurance. Justin stated under Jim’s motion nobody under elected officials would be tested even if they wanted to follow policy. Justin said that testing CDL is a DOT guideline and that insurance wants all post-accident tested. Clifton questioned if the insurance wanted random testing. Justin said the insurance states random testing as a should and post-accident and CDL testing for DOT as shall. Nelson asked what the recourse would be if an employee is suspected of being under the influence. Justin said we can ask for a random test if we believe an employee is under the influence. The motion passed will all Commissioners approval. Justin asked if a director could handle an issue with an employee with the new policy and it was decided to go into executive session to discuss non-elected employees.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an executive session before the department updates section. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:12. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:12 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated they are working on asphalting on Kansas Road and hope to have it open by Friday. The crew will be asphalting Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to the railroad tracks on Sunday, August 27 to avoid the traffic with schools and businesses. Eric said they plan to start on chip and seal at 215th and Zinc Road and head south. Last week Eric and a few members of the asphalt crew went to Joplin’s Special Road Department and they showed them how they do chip and seal and demonstrated the machine and distributor. Eric said they have three mowers out and are waiting for a gear box to come in from Canada to fix the fourth mower. Eric reported the area Nelson called him about has been mowed. Eric said if anybody has an area with an issue to please call or text him with an actual location not an anonymous picture online. Nelson had previously asked for dollar amounts for mowing intersections and Eric explained they used FEMA rates for the tractor and mower and labor and benefits rates for the employee operating to get to a total of $90.91 per hour to mow. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to mow 150 yards in each direction at the intersection so that would be a total cost of $30,182 to mow the 664 intersections in Bourbon County. Nelson asked for the amount of savings from mowing all the road to just mowing intersections. Eric said the total to mow all roads would be $58,409.68 so the savings to just mow intersections would be $28,227.68. Nelson stated he thought it would be a bigger difference.

 

The Request for Qualifications for an overpass south of town was discussed. Jim explained that the RFQ is the first step before a grant could be applied for. Eric stated $40,000 is the max that the feasibility study could be per the RFQ. Nelson questioned what the company would do to complete the study. Eric stated they will log traffic counts, determine how to tie into roads, intersections, and businesses, and look at placement among other things. Jim said this will be a broad-spectrum study. Eric said he looks for community forums to happen as part of the study as well. Clifton questioned if an underpass was discussed as an option. Jim said it is a good idea that would save millions and suggested asking Schwab Eaton about it, but questioned what you would do with the trains while the underpass was built. Jim made a motion to let Eric Bailey work with Schwab Eaton to do a feasibility study for an overpass or underpass south of Fort Scott and for the study to not exceed $40,000. Clifton said he wouldn’t second because he wanted further discussion. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Clifton said he feels we need to do it and that it has a lot to with more than just safety and economic development and questioned if there was grant money out there for the study. Clifton stated it is budget time and we’re trying to make cuts and he doesn’t like to see this come from a mill levy fund. Jim said the study could be paid for from the sales tax fund. Nelson questioned if they could find someone to do the study for less than $40,000. Clifton stated a dollar amount should not have been put on the RFQ because in his opinion a company will charge as much as they can and feels if they can use money from economic development to do so just not from a mill levy fund. Jim suggested tabling the discussion and it was agreed to table the discussion.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a renewal for a cereal malt beverage for KC Mart at 2191   Soldier Road for approval and the Chairman’s signature. Clifton made a motion to approve the permit and allow Chairman Harris to sign permit #208. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, Patty Love, and Jennifer Hawkins met last week to go over a form the auditors had sent asking about the county’s financial policies and procedures. Susan said there were a few items that needed addressed and changed as an organization moving forward. There have already been some changes that have taken place since Jennifer took office, and after the meeting others will be implemented in both the Clerk’s office and Treasurer’s office. Susan said the policies and procedures should be made as an organization and will help when people move out of office to serve as a guideline for new personnel coming in. Riley County’s financial policy was obtained so we are not starting from scratch creating a new policy and changes will be made to fit our organization. They asked for the Commissioners blessing to work together to create a financial policy. Nelson asked if it was to put a policy together and then have the Commissioners review and approve and Susan confirmed that is their intention. Jim said that was a great idea. One item the auditor’s asked for was a list of those authorized on our certificate on incumbency and those listed were: Clifton Beth, James Harris, Patty Love, Nelson Blythe, and Jennifer Hawkins. If anybody else was to do anything outside of agreements or handling of money they would have to be listed on the certificate. Susan said she feels there are other accounts and individuals that need to be added to the certificate. Susan said she can have Justin review the certificate. Another item that was brought up was the printing of names on the accounts payable checks and it was suggested to always have a live signature on the check whether that be the Chairman’s or the Clerk’s. Jim said the Treasurer and Clerk should be the live signatures.

 

Patty Love and Susan Walker discussed the CD’s the county currently has in local banks. The Commissioners have previously suggest moving CD’s to other institutions that offer the best interest rate. Patty said she had talked to Susan about putting $1,000,000 in a short-term, such as 90-day, CD and asked for bids. Patty handed out the bids received from local institutions. Patty said we have two $100,000 CD’s that are at a low interest rate and she is going to cash them in with the three-month penalty because the new interest rate will be worth it. Clifton said there was money that was soon to be rolled over about six months ago and asked at what rate were they rolled over. Nelson asked how much we currently have in CD’s now and Patty said we have $1,640,000. Nelson asked how much we have available to put into short term CD’s. Susan said it is hard to figure out cash-flow over the next three months and that they will have to figure all officials spending their full amount. After discussion it was determined to put $1,000,000 into short term CD’s not to exceed three months.

 

A short break was taken and normal session resumed at 6:46.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:57. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:57 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 7:08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 7:08 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jim said he went to the poverty session last Saturday at the middle school and that it was a very good program and he is interested and exited to see how the program helps folks in Bourbon County. Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

                                                         

Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

8/21/2023          , Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary of Jerry Eugene Oharah

Jerry Eugene Oharah died on August 17, 2023, at his home in Overland Park, where he resided with his wife and son Gene for the past year.

He was born on December 11, 1940.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Laverne Oharah.  He grew up on a farm in Irish Valley, near Uniontown Kansas with his parents and three siblings; Jack Oharah (Elaine), Lynne Oharah (Marla), and Charlotte O’Hara.

Jerry married Betty Lou Graham on March 19, 1960.  Together they had four children; Gene Oharah, Dean Oharah (Daylene), Elizabeth Dawn Armstrong (Jay), and Angela Johnson (Mark).  He has eight grandchildren: Angie Zumbrunnen, Paris Zumbrunnen, Tanner Oharah (Greer), Riley Oharah (Julica), Cassandra Armstrong, Zachary Johnson (Kyley), Kaden Johnson, and Ashley Miller (Chad).  He has six great-grandchildren: Zion Oharah, Avonlea Oharah, Ledger Joe Johnson, Jake Cottingham, Aiden Cottingham, and Max Michel.

 

Jerry graduated from Uniontown High School in 1959.  His career began with AT&T putting up microwave towers.  He and his growing family traveled twenty-three western states, moving every two weeks, from 1962-1967.

Jerry and his family then moved to Ottawa, Kansas where he worked for Southwestern Bell for eight years.  He and his family then moved to Goodland, Kansas where Jerry continued to work for Southwestern Bell.  He put in thirty-eight years with the telephone companies.  He also worked as a motorcycle mechanic and was a talented mechanic and machinist.

Jerry and Betty enjoyed riding motorcycles, and together they rode almost every pass in Colorado, rode in several other states, and Old Mexico.

They moved from Goodland to the family farm in Irish Valley in their later years.  With the help of their children, they restored the original home and turned it into a one room cabin (eventually adding on).  The family spent a lot of time together at the cabin and Jerry always had a project.

Jerry was a hard worker, generous, creative and a great friend to many.  Family was very important to him.

 

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 26th, at the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery

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

Memorials are suggested to the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church 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.

 

Cohn’s Cafe to Open in Repurposed Historic Temple Building on September 1

Tracy and Kathy Dancer purchased the Scottish Rite Temple at the Bourbon County Tax Sale in January 2022.

The former Scottish Rite Temple at 110 S. Main is being repurposed by Tracy and Kathy Dancer.
Tracy and Kathy Dancer in the entrance to 110 S. Main, now called Mercantile and Market and Cohn’s Cafe.

Since the purchase of the historic building in downtown Fort Scott, the Dancers  opened a Mercantile and Market at 110 S. Main in February 2023 and in the next few weeks will be opening a cafe in an adjoining room.

“The shop is called Mercantile and Market and Cohn’s Cafe,” Kathy said. “It was run from 1926 to 1948 by Sidney Cohn and his wife as a cafe, in the exact space.” The cafe is adjacent, south, to the mercantile.

For many years, the space was used for fundraisers for Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.

This week, they will have a reservation only preview, no walk-in patrons, from August 22-26.

The grand opening to the rest of the public is September 1.

Kathy Dancer in the Cohn’s Cafe, at 110 S. Main.

The preview this week is to train new staff.

“This will be to train new staff on the menu,” she said. “To give our staff a chance to adjust things before we open. This is practice so when we do our grand opening, we will be prepared.”

There are 10 employees, not counting Tracy and Kathy.

The business phone number is 620-418-6209.
Hours are 8 a.m to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with cafe table service.
From 2-6 p.m. (during the mercantile hours)one can order take-away food and drinks.
On Sunday the cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Customers will be able to call or text for reservations,” Kathy said.  “We will also accept call-in orders for grab-and-go from the cooler.
Customers will be able to pick up these orders until 5:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.”

 

The cafe will use locally sourced ingredients to make fresh breakfast and lunch dishes: quiche, crepes, bakery items, salad, soup, sandwiches, and other featured meals, plus drinks.

The meats, eggs, and veggies are lined up from local suppliers and the menu will be adjusted based on seasonal availability, she said.

The current Cohn’s Cafe menu.

On the horizon for the cafe are syrups made from local orchards and additionally a tea service.

Kathy will be starting a tea pot collection to begin a tea service in the cafe. Here are some of her antique tea pots on display in the cafe.

“It will be a pot of tea that comes with scones, biscuits, and tea sandwiches,” she said. “We will be starting a tea pot collection for our tea service.”

People will pay for the meal in the mercantile section, much like a Cracker Barrel Restaurant.

Following a conversation with a downtown resident, the cafe will be selling milk, eggs and bread from a cooler she purchased.

This cooler was purchased to sell milk, eggs and bread, at the request of a downtown resident.

Bo Co Commission Amended Agenda for August 21

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 21, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/14/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Resolution 14-23 Appointing an Emergency Manager
  • Appointment of Drywood Township Treasurer
  • Bourbon County Conservation District
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

The budget work session has been moved to after the regularly scheduled commission meeting ends.

 

 

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.