What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 5th Weekly Newsletter

Photo taken of our NEW Downtown Fort Scott Arch, photographed by Stephen Toal

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Downtown Veteran Banners for Order thru May 3rd, the vinyl pole banners will be a full-color, double-sided, and 30″X60″ in size, three-year commitment, click here for more information and to sign up!

State Farm Enterprise-wide Peanut Butter Drive, Kale Nelson State Farm and his team members will be accepting donations of Peanut Butter from now through April 19th, drop off unopened jars of Peanut Butter from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday at 1805 S. National Ave.

4/5 ~ DAR Commemorative Ceremony Recognizing Local Vietnam Veterans, Memorial Hall, 5-7pm, click here for more information!

4/5-6 ~ Adam LaRoche Baseball Tournament, LaRoche Complex, click here for bracket.

4/5 ~ Artist Opening and Reception featuring Mary Martin and Tom Altenburg at The Artificers, enjoy refreshments/artist talk/new art/and a whole lot of fun, 6pm, art gallery open ’til 9pm.

4/6 ~ Micro RC Rock Crawl, Gunn Park, 10am, click here for details.

4/6 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show by KOMB 103.9FM and 98.3 FM, Arnold Arena on the campus of FSCC, 9am-4pm, click here for more info. Stop by the Chamber booth! Click here for a list of all vendors registered to-date!

4/6 ~ Paint & Pizza @ Papa Don’s, 11am, click here.

4/7 ~ Sunshine Boutique Lemon Arrangement Class, Papa Don’s, 12pm, click here.

4/8 ~ FSHS Softball Home vs. Chanute, 4:30pm

4/8 ~ FSHS Baseball Home vs. Chanute, 4:30pm

4/11 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Public Library, 8am

4/11 ~ FSHS Softball Home vs. Columbus, 4:30pm

4/11 ~ Bloom & Gratitude Customer Appreciation Celebration, Better & Bourbon Boutique, 4-7pm.

4/11 ~ Town Hall Meeting presented by Citizens for the ER, purpose is to promote 1/4 cent retail ER tax, Fort Scott Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, bring questions and concerns, 6:30pm, click here for more information.

4/12 ~ Preschool Round-Up at Fort Scott Preschool Center, call Tammy at 620.223.8965 to schedule an appointment, enrollment decisions will be made by May 31st.

4/12 ~ Community Green Zone Advocacy Training hosted by Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 8:30am-2:30pm, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Southwind District Walk Kansas Connection Event at Riverfront Park, free to the public but you MUST register for this event at WalkKansas.org, click here for more information.

4/13 ~ St. Mary’s Gala ~ Dinner and Auction at Liberty Theatre, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Harley Race World League Wrestling at Memorial Hall, FREE to the public, 7-10pm, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Holmtown Pub Acoustic Open for Ty Ellis and The Flatliners, 7pm, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Estate auction of Bob & Sally Eckles, 1pm, 209 S. Holbrook, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Woodland Hills Competitive Jr. Golf Try Out, come earlier to give kids a chance to warm up, try-outs begin at 4pm, click here for more information.

4/15 ~ FSHS Softball Home vs. St. Mary’s Colgan, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ FSHS Baseball Home vs. Webb City, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ Food Fellow Workshop, HBCAT, 6pm, click here for info.

4/16 ~ CORE Friend Training hosted by CORE Community, attend this zoom training session, click here for more information and to sign up!

4/17 ~ Panel Unveiling for Holocaust Survivor and Unsung Hero Pavel Weiner at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, click here for more info.

4/17 ~ FSCC Community Conversation with Dr. Kegler, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 5:30-6:30pm

4/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, 8am

4/18 ~ Grand Opening of Kansas Renewal Institute, 12:30-1:30pm, click here for info.

4/18 ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration – let’s pull up our bootstraps n’ round up as a community to celebrate achievements & saddle up for opportunities ahead, social & silent auction at 5:30pm with dinner/awards/live auction to follow at 6:30pm, click here to register and see the various ways you may participate!

4/19 ~ REDI on the Green Golf Tournament hosted by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, INC., 100% of all proceeds goes to support local scholarships, check in 9am with tee off at 10am, click here to register and for more info.

4/19 ~ Succulent Cupcake Class hosted by Dipped by Ashtyn at Common Ground Coffee Co., all supplied provided, $15 to reserve your spot with the other $15 at the time of class, click here for more information and to register!

4/20-21 ~ Civil War Encampment at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, experience artillery/cavalry/infantry troops, click here for more info.

4/20 ~ SEK Childcare Provider Conference, HBCAT, 9am-4pm, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Mommy & Me Pictures & Florals, Sunshine Boutique in partnership w/photographer at Gunn Park, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Paint & Sip by Care to Share, Papa Don’s, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Vintage Thunderbirds of KC Car Club visiting Fort Scott for a Day Trip, approximately 20 vintage cars will be parked under the Gathering Square Pavilion, stop by and check out the rides, 11am-3pm

4/20 ~ Sold out: Murder Mystery Dinner, Cohn’s Cafe, but they have now added one on 4/21, click here for info.!

4/20 ~ Civil War Camp Dance, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for flyer.

4/22 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Downtown Arch, 3pm, all are welcome!

4/22 ~ Downtown Spring Clean Event on Earth Day, 4-6pm, all welcome to help with planned projects, hosted by the Chamber, call or text Bailey Lyons 620-224-7795 to volunteer, dinner served to volunteers following the event! Free t-shirt to the first 150!

4/22 ~ CORE Community Graduation, the entire community is invited to attend to help CORE celebrate this monumental achievement, 6:30-7:30pm, click here for more information!

4/25 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products, 8am

4/26 ~ Tiger Color Run, USD-234 Winfield Scott & Eugene Ware, Riverfront Park, 5:30pm

SAVE THE DATE!

4/27 ~ NICA Bike Race in Gunn Park, click here to visit their website and to get more information!

4/27 ~ 3rd Annual MarshaFest featuring Disco Dick at Memorial Hall, profits from this event will support local in Marsha’s name, tickets are on sale at Marsha’s Deli, 6 W. 18th St.

5/4 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Gathering Square Pavilion & home to Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 7:45am, then the market opens for the season at 8am to noon, all are welcome! Bourbon County Garden Club Plant Sale, Live Music, face painting & more!

5/3-4 ~ Town-wide Garage Sale, now taking signups online, by phone, or in person at the Chamber! $12 to list your sale, $35 to purchase a business ad on the map! Click here for info.

5/3-4 ~ Annual Swap Meet sponsored by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, gates open at 8am, food available and something for everyone, free admission.

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show hosted by KOMB-FM All Hit 103.9 & KMDO-AM 1600

Community Green Zone Advocacy Training at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center!

Agenda For the USD 234 Board of Education for April 8

 

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

April 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Public Hearing for CMAR (Information/Discussion)      

3.1       Public Hearing (Action Item)

3.2       Hear from Patrons

3.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1. 03/04/24 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58

            5.5       Activity Funds Accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk

5.8       LEA Assurances

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Employee Recognition

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

 

8.0       New Business

8.1       Audit Report (Information)

8.2       KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract (Action Item)

              8.3       Five Year Professional Development Plan Presentation (Information)

8.4       Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC

for the 2024-25 School Year (Action Item)

8.5       IReady ELA Resource – Grade 2-5 Quote (Action)

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business –Negotiations

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)

              10.2     Exit Executive Session – _______(Time)

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters #1 (Action Item)

11.2     Personnel Matters #2 (Action Item)

 

11.3     Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

11.4     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.5     Enter Executive Session – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel 2024-25

______(Time)

11.6     Exit Executive Session – ______(Time)

11.7     Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel

2024-25 (Action Item)

11.8     Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel

2024-25 Personnel Report #3 (Action Item)

11.9     Superintendent Evaluation Enter Executive Session – ______(Time)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Special Meeting of the FSCC Board of Trustees on April 12

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.  After calling the meeting to order, the Board will adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 8

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Attachments:

Payroll 4-8-2024 Accounts

Payable 4-8-2024

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

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

 

April 8, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/1/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $296,979.09
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $558,052.08
  1. Public Comments
  2. SEK-CAP Request for Funding
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. NRP
    2. CFO Response
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. KDHE Public Notice
    2. Election Information
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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.

 

Farm Service Agency Offers Retroactive Four County Wildfire Recovery Assistance for Winter Grazing Losses  

 

 

Producers must apply for 2021 winter grazing losses by June 7, 2024

MANHATTAN, Kan., April 5, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding emergency wildfire recovery assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for producers who were impacted by the Four County Fire that started on Dec. 15, 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is retroactively implementing a 365-day grazing period for perennial forage that was intended for grazing during calendar year 2021 in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne and contiguous counties.

Producers who raised grass and other forages that were left standing for winter grazing can soon apply for ELAP assistance. The 60-day special enrollment period opens April 8 and closes June 7, 2024, for 2021 winter grazing losses on native grass and perennial forage, caused by wildfires.

“To offer critical compensation to producers who suffered lost forage and grazing, FSA has modified the grazing period for 2021 wildfire losses to make these winter grazing losses — that were originally considered outside of the normal grazing period — eligible for ELAP assistance,” said Dennis McKinney, FSA State Executive Director in Kansas.

Eligibility

This expanded program policy only applies to losses on native grass or other perennial forage intended for grazing that would now qualify under the 365-day grazing period. Only losses caused by wildfire between Oct. 16 and Dec. 31, 2021, are eligible. Producers must have had a risk in the eligible grazing land and the eligible livestock at the time the loss condition occurred.

More Information

For more information on ELAP assistance or to apply, contact your local USDA Service Center.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on April 9

The Uniontown City Council will meet on April 9 at 7 p.m. in city hall for a regular meeting.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

2024 Financials – March

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Heather Jackson

Tena Smith

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 and March 25, 2024 Special Council Meetings
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

County has scheduled a special election on May 12, our council meeting date – change date of meeting or have county change location?

 

Motion by ____________, Second by ______­­­_______, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Project –

 

Pickleball court project –

 

Warehouse refurbishing –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes for March 25

The Special Council Meeting on March 25, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin (5:31), Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:05PM

 

Johnson in at 5:41, out at 5:42.  Open meeting resumed at 6:05.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to authorize Mayor Jurgensen to hire a City Clerk at $15/hour with benefits as specified in employee policy manual

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 6:08PM

Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes of March 19

The Special Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:15PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Ashley Endicott, Brooke Gilfert, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:45PM

 

Mary Pemberton out at 5:30.  Ashley Endicott in at 5:30, out at 5:57.  Mary Pemberton in at 5:57.  Brooke Gilfert in at 6:00, out at 6:19.  Open meeting resumed at 6:45.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:15PM

 

Sally Johnson in at 7:10, out at 7:15. Open meeting resumed at 7:15.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:05PM

 

Johnson in at 7:45, out at 7:56.  Open meeting resumed at 8:05.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on March 25, 2024, 5:30PM for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss offer for position of non-elected personnel

 

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:06PM

Uniontown City Council Minutes of March 12

 

The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend.  Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission.  He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets.  After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented.  The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.

 

Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2024 Special Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM

 

Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35.  Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working.  He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back.  He will work spring through fall.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened.  April 1 was decided on.

Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St.  Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.

Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale.  Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed.  Someone did initial the wet concrete.  Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled.  It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also.  A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated.  Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock.  A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson.  Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.

It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse.  Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM

Reducing Food Waste on Earth Day (And Every Day!)

Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it is timely to be thinking about what you can do to make a difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that wasted food is responsible for more than half of landfill methane emissions. Clearly, reducing food waste can make a difference for the environment. However, did you know that reducing food waste can also save you money? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average U.S. household can save about $370 per person each year by reducing food waste.

 

So, how can you reduce your food waste to help both the environment and your wallet? Check out these tips from K-State Research and Extension:

  • Shop your refrigerator first. Check to see what you already have before you create your weekly meal plan.
  • Don’t forget about leftovers! Label your leftovers with the date to ensure you will eat them or freeze them within 3-4 days. All leftovers should be reheated to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer for food safety.
  • Make a shopping list and stick to it. This will help curb that pesky impulse shopping that can cause you to purchase items you won’t be able to use in time.
  • Store your food properly. Food stored improperly will spoil more quickly and need to be thrown away. One key tip is to place an appliance thermometer in both your refrigerator and in your freezer. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below.

 

However, it is also important to keep in mind the following rule: When in doubt, throw it out! If you are not sure whether a food item is spoiled or still safe to eat, it is best to discard it.

 

For more information on the tips listed above as well as others, visit bit.ly/ksrefoodwaste. In addition, consider attending one of the free educational programs I will be offering on Earth Day (April 22nd) to learn about food waste, meal planning, reducing a recipe, strategic grocery shopping, proper food storage, extending the life of food, and checking food product dates. Join me at the Woodson County Ambulance Building in Yates Center (114 N. Main St.) from 12:05 PM to 12:50 PM or at the Southwind Extension District Office in Iola (1006 N. State St.) from 5:15 PM to 6 PM. Contact me with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Citizens For The ER Will Hold Town Hall Meetings in Fort Scott and Uniontown This Month

 

The Vote Here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National in an earlier election.  A sales tax question will be on the ballot on May 14, 2024. for voters to decide the issue.

A citizen group working independently of the county commission plans a few community town hall meetings to inform people of the upcoming sales tax question on the May 14 ballot.

The group, Citizens For The ER, is presenting two town hall meetings regarding the one-quarter cent Bourbon County sales tax dedicated to re-opening the local emergency room.

The meeting aims to address questions and concerns about the sales tax.
 
 
Meetings are scheduled for:
 
Fort Scott on Thursday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott Community College Ellis Center.
 
Uniontown on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room.
“This is an opportunity to learn how your vote will impact the well-being of our county,” said Charles Gentry, a member of the group.

 

“Our purpose is to support obtaining an emergency room (in the county) by getting the ¼ cent retail sales tax passed,” said Randy Nichols, another member.  “The members are myself, Jamie Armstrong, Craig Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry, Mark McCoy, and Doug Ropp.”

McCoy will be the moderator of the meetings.

“We are taking on the issue because we all feel strongly the need to have an ER for both community health and economic well-being,” Nichols said.