Monthly Archives: December 2023
The Inaugural Christmas on the Bricks: An Enjoyable Weekend
Diane Striler said she is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has received from the community about the Christmas on the Bricks Festival this past weekend.
Striler was the Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman who facilitated the first annual event.
First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone
“While planning this event, my goal was to have a variety of activities available throughout the weekend so everyone could find something they would enjoy doing,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how things would fall into place, but was just hoping that people would show up and have a good time.”
“The best part for me is hearing that businesses profited, the community had fun, people traveled to attend the event, our downtown looks beautiful and people are already talking about next year,” she said.
There were some challenges to creating the event.
“Any time you plan something like this, you will run into some challenges,” she said.
Even though the weather was cold and damp, “People still showed up,” she said. “As for other challenges, I did a lot of praying and things just seemed to fall into place.”
” Lindsay Madison…was my main sidekick in this and I couldn’t have done this without her,” Striler said.
“We are compiling a list of people we want to thank, and we don’t want to miss anyone who supported us,” she said. “We’ll be publishing the list once we have that complete.”
The committee is planning a wrap-up meeting at the Chamber office this Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
“We welcome feedback from those involved,” she said. “We’ll use this info to tweak next year’s event to make it even better!”
Next year Christmas on the Bricks will be Dec 6- 8th, staying consistent with the first weekend in December.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 5
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Compassionate Ministries on December 7
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
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Remembering Harold Stones
I was saddened by the news of Harold Stones passing on Thursday. Harold was an exceptional Kansan. He was a representative for bankers across Kansas and a true public servant, who never shied away from hard work and was dedicated to making Kansas a great state. He was always present – offering a helping hand, showing leadership, working to solve problems – and always treating others with care and compassion. I enjoyed talking with Harold and was encouraged by his constant optimism. Robba and I are praying for his loved ones, and he will be dearly missed.
You can read more about Harold here.
Recognizing Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor to honor retiring Mayor Peggy Dunn. Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn has been serving as mayor since 1997 and contributed greatly to the Leawood community. Through her leadership, new shopping centers, religious buildings, fire stations, parks and recreational centers have been developed and bring beauty and life to the area. I congratulate Peggy on her retirement and wish her the best in the future.
You can watch my floor remarks for Mayor Peggy Dunn here.
Recognizing Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm
Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm is the longest-serving Mayor in Lenexa’s history. During his time as mayor, Lenexa grew exponentially both residentially and economically with nearly 20,000 new residents and the development of a new downtown district known as City Place. Congratulations to Mike on his retirement, and I look forward to seeing what this next chapter holds for him.
You can watch my floor remarks for Mayor Mike Boehm here.
Celebrating 4 Years of Space Force
This week, I attended the 4th Anniversary celebration of the U.S. Space Force and engaged in discussions with the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and General Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations. I had the opportunity to talk with Air Force Secretary Kendall about the strategic significance of the B-21 Raider. Contributions to a major weapon system such as the B-21 underscores Kansas’ vital contributions to national defense initiatives. I also talked with General Saltzman about the establishment of the Space National Guard. I highlighted my support for the Space National Guard Establishment Act, which proposes the formation of a Space National Guard in the seven states and one territory who already have Air National Guardsmen currently performing space missions.
As a Space Force Caucus Co-Chair, I will continue advocating for the Space Force and all our military services, ensuring they are adequately resourced to meet the national security objectives of the United States.
Visits Across Kansas
Osage City High School
On Friday, I had the opportunity to tour Osage City High School. I was encouraged by the staff’s dedication to their students and the opportunities students have to pursue their many and varied interests. Thank you to Superintendent Ted Hessong and the staff and students for giving me a tour.
Council Grove Chamber of Commerce
Later on Friday, I visited the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce. I was able to meet with members and leaders of the community and discuss the Farm Bill, securing the Southern Border, and funding to Ukraine and Israel. Thank you to the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce for hosting me at their Trade and Tourism Association Annual Meeting.
Commanding General’s Holiday Reception
On Friday evening, I attended the First Infantry Division Commanding General’s Holiday Reception at Fort Riley. This event was attended by numerous community leaders who work tirelessly to support Fort Riley, its soldiers and their families. This reception was also a reminder that even in the absence of U.S. involvement in war, servicemembers and their families continue to sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
Please be thinking of the soldiers and families of the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, which is currently deployed to Europe and will be separated from their loved ones during this Christmas season. Thank you to Major General Meyer for hosting myself and the Fort Riley community for this special event.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for November 27
November 27, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, Mary Pemberton, and Jason Silvers 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.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 11/13/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker talked about the process of the canvass committee after an election and spoke of the process of how provisional ballots are counted. Mr. Walker spoke about a program he heard about on the radio that is for rural communities. Mary Pemberton spoke about the ER situation and questioned stationing an ambulance in the western part of the county and suggested expanding the ambulance service.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, says Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street is now complete and the road is open. Eric stated they have had to rent a rubber tire roller for their chip and seal program and he has located a rubber tire roller for sale for $19,900. Eric stated that he could purchase for 36 months with 0% interest which would work with his budget. Eric said last year they rented a roller for a total of $6873.55. Eric said he has looked at used rubber tire rollers on Purple Wave but they have all sold for over $20,000. The rubber tire roller is a 2018, has 1578 hours, and is being sold by Berry Tractor. Jim stated it is very good price a no-brainer since our payment would be approximately what we have spent renting a roller. Eric stated he needs approval since it would be purchased with a contract. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to enter into a contract for 0% interest for 36 months for a Bomag 9Wl roller for $19,900. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Shepard Quarry for a blast. Eric presented a contract for the first engineering phase with Schwab Eaton for bridge 5.0-S.9 for the grant received from KDOT. Eric stated they would have to pay a total of $74,000 in match for the project of $916,000. Clifton made a motion to enter into a contract for engineering services for project # 5.0-S.9. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the motor graders have been delivered and the company will be here tomorrow to do some training on them. Eric asked permission to sell unit #9 and unit #36 on Purple Wave as those are the machines that are being replaced. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric #9 and #36 from the road grader fleet on Purple Wave to be sold. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they have plows and spreaders installed and the salt storage building is full in anticipation of winter weather. Jim asked if they still plan on applying brine and Eric said yes, but the conditions have to be right and if rain is in the forecast first they cannot. Eric informed Nelson that he spoke with the gentleman that Nelson requested him to at the previous meeting.
Amber Page, Deputy Clerk, stated Jennifer was ill and could not be here tonight. The Kansas Association of Counties meeting is next week, December 5-7, in Wichita and Amber questioned if the Commissioners still plan on having a meeting Monday evening. Jim stated he would like to have a meeting that night to have a budget amendment discussion. It was discussed and decided a meeting will be held next week as regularly scheduled.
During Commission comments Jim asked Susan and Justin into the meeting and said it was just one Commissioner speaking and that he would then get input from the other two. Jim stated that in the past Justin has worked on the handbook and then Susan worked on the handbook and that it seems like there has not been cooperation with elected officials on input for whatever reason and he said, as only one Commissioner speaking, that it is time to finish the employee handbook to meet what we need for the employees the Commissioners are in charge of or everybody, whatever the law says. Jim said this protects employees and us if we have any problems. Nelson said he would like to make it as simple as possible so that any employee can read and understand in 20 minutes. All three Commissioners agreed to finish the employee handbook. Jim said the City of Fort Scott has invited the County to a luncheon on December 8th. Susan said the county holiday dinner is on December 8th.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:53. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
12-4-2023 Approved Date
Sign-Up For A 2024 Chamber of Commerce Coffee Event
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Uniontown Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 27
The Special Council Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM
Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM. Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM. Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting
Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0,
Deadline for Community Christmas Lighting Contest is Tomorrow, Dec. 5
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FSCC announces ABE/GED orientation schedule
FSCC announces ABE/GED orientation schedule
For those intending to enroll in Fort Scott Community College’s ABE/GED (Adult Basic Education/General Education Development) program next semester, orientation is required, noted Aubrey Duft, program coordinator, who also released the tentative orientation schedule.
GED classes, Duft said, are geared toward preparation for the GED test, which includes math, science, social studies and reasoning through language arts.
“In order for students to start with me, they will need to complete an orientation,” Duft said. “During orientation, we fill out the required paperwork, take a pre-assessment in reading and math, discuss a general overview of classes and the GED test, and discuss short- and long-term goals.”
Students ages 16 or older meet the requirements, but, for those younger than 18, a compulsory exemption form is required.
A material fee of $35 is due the week of orientation. GED-testing fees are paid separately at the time of registration for the exam. Students need to know their Social Security numbers and present a photo ID (if they have one).
Class times are from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday with platforms available for distant learning.
“I can work around schedules if needed,” Duft said.
Following are the tentative dates for spring 2024 orientation sessions: Jan. 9-11, Jan. 23-25, Feb. 6-8, Feb. 20-22, March 5-7, March 19-21, April 2-4, April 16-18, April 30-May 2, May 14-16 and May 28-30.
The ABE program is not limited to GED classes, Duft said.
“If a student already has a high school diploma or credential, but needs to improve basic skills in reading and math, I can help with that,” she said. “In January, I also began teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) students, so I have ESL classes available as well.”
For more information, contact Duft at (620) 223-2700, ext. 4400, or email her at [email protected]. Her office is located in the FSCC library in Bailey Hall.
FSNHS Candlelight Tour: A History Immersion
The 42nd Annual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, December 1 and 2 was entitled Glowing Heartbeats of History.
The vignettes of local history focused on the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of the soldiers and local townspeople.
The temperatures in the 40s and damp weather did not stop people from attending the tour this year.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminated the site with a peaceful ambiance and reenactors helped bring 1860s history alive at the fort.
During the tour, participants were immersed in ways people have historically been provided the opportunity to be well, despite their circumstances, according to a press release from the fort.
The Fort Scott High School Drama Club wrote the scene at the hospital tent for the tour, the other vignettes were written by the FSNHS staff, Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management said.
About the Fort
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.
The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or to become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
CASA, Advocating for Children In the Courts, Needs Your Support
Bourbon County CASA, founded in Bourbon County in May 1990, provides trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the Court system. Our mission is to advocate for children involved in the Bourbon County Court system, to secure a safe, nurturing environment for them, to increase community awareness and responsiveness to the needs of those children, and to provide objective information to the Court.
We currently have 20 volunteers and are assigned to 24 children here in Bourbon County.
Volunteers work tirelessly on behalf of their assigned child, relentlessly advocating for them, and providing the Court with the child’s perspective, wants, and wishes. They accomplish this by meeting with their assigned child regularly, contacting all involved parties in a child’s life, and advocating for their child through a written report to the Court making recommendations on what they believe to be in the child’s best interest.
Our program is always in need of additional volunteers and financial support to continue our mission. We are responsible for 60% of our budget to be raised locally through community support.
This year’s fundraiser “Change a Child’s Story” is held Friday, December 8 at the home of Mitch and Colleen Quick. Reservations can be made through today, via email to [email protected].