Monthly Archives: June 2024
Press Release From FS City Manager
ATTENTION: Concerned Citizens of Bourbon County and Fort Scott. By state rules we had to post the following information, but many are reading it wrong (it is very hard to read). Michael Rogers is NOT constructing a feedlot on his property 2555 Locust Rd. Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. He is constructing erosion barriers on his property.
The City of Fort Scott is not responsible for any of the information written in the document and since it is outside of the 3-mile radius does not have Code Enforcement jurisdiction.
The City of Fort Scott is required to post this document per the State of Kansas request.
Sorry for any confusion this may have caused to residents close to 2555 Locust Rd. and to Michael Rogers.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
For information on Public Notice No. KS-AG-R-24-010. Visit our City Clerk page, https://www.fscity.org/206/City-Clerk
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Obituary of Maurine McCalment
Maurine McCalment, age 96, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, at her home in Oklahoma. She was born October 6, 1927, in Fredonia, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Stroud and Anna Kunkel Stroud. Maurine graduated from the Fredonia High School. Maurine first married Maurice O’Dell and together they had two sons, Jon and David. Maurice was tragically killed in a hit and run accident. Following his death, Maurine moved to Ft. Scott to attend the Mercy School of Nursing. This is where she met and married Richard McCalment on June 20, 1950. Together they had a son, Patrick. Maurine became a registered nurse and was licensed in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Colorado. While in New Mexico, Maurine and her husband, Richard, who was a lab tech, helped to organize a mobile lab which brought health care to rural areas of the state. She later returned to Ft. Scott and retired. Richard passed away on November 28, 2014. Maurine later relocated to Moore, Oklahoma to live near her son, Patrick.
Maurine is survived by her two sons, Jon O’Dell of Chanute, Kansas and Patrick McCalment of Moore, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Michael O’Dell, Achim Dorner and Petra Ring and numerous great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands, Maurine was preceded in death by a son, David O’Dell; three brothers and three sisters.
There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 19th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Sleeping Beauty on June 10, 11
This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.
Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.
The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.
The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.
George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”
Technical staff include: senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.
During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.
“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.
“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.
Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
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Candidates File for Primary Election: Change Coming For Bourbon County Government
The Bourbon County Primary Election Day will be on August 6.
“Early voting will begin on July 29, to give everybody a week to come in early to vote,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.
Five Bourbon County Government officials are seeking re-election this year.
And there is a shift in elected personnel.
Patty Love, the current Bourbon County Treasurer, has decided to retire and will not seek re-election this year, according to Hawkins.
“After much consideration, I have decided to run for Bourbon County Treasurer,” she said. “I spent five years working in the Treasurer’s Office and feel my knowledge and experience are needed in that office.”
Love, Hawkins, and Bourbon County Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker have worked closely on county issues over the past few years, Hawkins said.
“We are making great progress within the organization, as evident by the good audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by being Treasurer,” she said.
“Susan Walker, CFO, has played an integral part in my success as County Clerk and I feel she would be an excellent Clerk as she has 20 years of experience in human resources and municipal finance and government,” Hawkins said.
“Many do not know that Susan is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University,” Hawkins said. “Given how well our offices have worked in the past I feel this will make for a smooth transition. Our plans are to create policies and procedures to ensure financial controls are in place for future elected officials.”
“By working together and developing policies and procedures there will be checks and balances in place and the need for a Chief Financial Officer can be eliminated potentially saving the wages of the CFO or reallocating the wages to other needs,” Hawkins said.
The following are the other incumbents and their challengers, with a short explanation of the duties of the office.
Commissioners
All three of the commissioner seats are up for re-election.
The current three County Commissioners, Clifton Beth (District 3), Jim Harris ( District 2), and Brandon Whisenhunt (District 1) have thrown their hat in the ring to serve again.
Those running against them are Clinton Walker, David Beerbower, Steven Houston, and Leroy Kruger.
The county commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website. They set policies and procedures for running the courthouse and set the budgets for all Bourbon County departments.
County Attorney
Tiara McElroy is not running again for Bourbon County Attorney and James Crux has filed for that position.
The county attorney is the prosecuting attorney for the county.
Register of Deeds
Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge has filed for the position again and no one filed to run against her.
The register of deeds keeps and records all deeds to property located in the county, according to the county’s website. He/She maintains military discharge records and school records as well.
County Treasurer
Jennifer Hawkins and Michael Hoyt are running for county treasurer. Hawkins is the current Bourbon County Clerk.
According to the county’s website, the county treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes and is an agent for the Kansas Division of Vehicles for vehicle and title registrations.
County Clerk
Susan Walker, the current Bourbon County Finance Director, has filed for the Bourbon County Clerk position.
The county clerk is the county’s chief election officer who maintains voter registration and conducts all elections in the county, according to the county’s website. He/she sets the tax roll and keeps records for the county as Freedom of Information Officer.
Sheriff
Sheriff Bill Martin filed to run again and is being challenged by Nelson Blythe.
The county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county, according to the county’s website.
To view all the state and other county filings provided the county clerk:
2024 Primary Election Candidates – Copy
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store on June 6
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Obituary of Judith Beal
Judith Ann Beal, age 65, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, May 31, 2024, at home surrounded by family. She was born on May 28, 1959, in Castro Valley, CA, the daughter of Walter and Geraldine Murrel Hanks. Judith enjoyed arts and crafts, including coloring. She was a huge Dr. Pepper fan. Her true love was spending time with family, especially the grandkids. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints in Fort Scott.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Beal, Sr., West Plains, MO; 3 sons, Robert Beal, Jr. (Crystal), Columbus, KS, Robert Olan Beal, West Plains, MO, and Dalton Beal (Dorris), Somonauk, IL; 2 daughters, Brandy Garner (Jason), Fort Scott, KS, and Christal Beal (Danny Lagud), Mayview, MO; 2 brothers, Raymond Mosley, NY, and Walter Hanks (Wendy), OR; a sister, Kathy Breiding (lee), CA; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren with 3 on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, June 7th, at the West Liberty Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 AM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel before leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Judith Beal Memorial 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 online at cheneywitt.com.
Sleep Inn-Fort Scott Wins 2024 Platinum Award For Superior Service/Guest Satisfaction
The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott Wins Prestigious 2024 Platinum Award from Choice Hotels.
The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott has been recognized with Choice Hotels’ prestigious 2024 Platinum Award. The designation is awarded to the top 3% of hotels within the brand, representing a tremendous accomplishment. As one of the top tier properties operating under the Sleep Inn flag, the hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to superior service. Award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official property ranking reports. The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott was recognized as the Sleep Inn of the Year as the best Sleep Inn hotel in the U.S. in 2017 and in 2022 received the Ring of Honor Award as among the top 1% of all Sleep Inn brand hotels. Each other year since the hotel opened in 2014 the hotel has been awarded the Platinum Award recognizing their performance among the top 3% in the system. The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott will celebrate its 10th anniversary in October of 2024.
“We are so proud of our team here at the Sleep Inn as we are only able to achieve this award by their hard work and consistent delivery of sincere hospitality. Our staff drives our hospitality culture and guests frequently recognize our service and cleanliness as noticeably extraordinary. The commitment of our entire team to maintain this culture is what has allowed us to remain in the top 3% all 10 years since we opened in 2014” said Bill Michaud, Managing Partner.
Corrected Winners of the Good Ol’ Days Parade
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade. The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.
Category Winner
Float Tie between Fort Scott Nazarene Church and Community Christian Church
Foot Unit Clark Street Lights
Tractor N/A
Horses Fort Scott Livestock Market
Classic Car Grand Marshall – Lavetta Simmons, car owned by Cory Bryars
Golf Cart Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic
Antique Car Niece Products
The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade; If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades, you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 4
Obituary of Judith Beal
Judith Ann Beal, age 65, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, May 31, 2024, at home surrounded by family. She was born on May 28, 1959, in Castro Valley, CA, the daughter of Walter and Geraldine Murrel Hanks. Judith enjoyed arts and crafts, including coloring. She was a huge Dr. Pepper fan. Her true love was spending time with family, especially the grandkids. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints in Fort Scott.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Beal, Sr., West Plains, MO; 3 sons, Robert Beal, Jr. (Crystal), Columbus, KS, Robert Olan Beal, West Plains, MO, and Dalton Beal (Dorris), Somonauk, IL; 2 daughters, Brandy Garner (Jason), Fort Scott, KS, and Christal Beal (Danny Lagud), Mayview, MO; 2 brothers, Raymond Mosley, NY, and Walter Hanks (Wendy), OR; a sister, Kathy Breiding (lee), CA; 11 grandchildren; 10 grandchildren with 3 on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, June 7th, at the West Liberty Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 AM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel before leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Judith Beal Memorial 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 online at cheneywitt.com.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission For May 20
May 20, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Mike Wunderly, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Jason Silvers, Emily Franks, Michael Hoyt, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-13-2024, approval of payroll totaling $298,201.43, and approval of accounts payable totaling $408,894.66. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, and Patty Love, Treasurer, updated the Commissioners on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program errors they had found. Susan said the application states if the homeowner has delinquent property taxes, then they forfeit NRP from then on, however; this has not been enforced in the past. Susan asked if we move forward following how the application reads or do we change the application. Jim said he is ok with how it is as long as people understand up front that they will forfeit the program if their taxes are delinquent. Brandon said he thinks taxes should be delinquent one year before they forfeit their place in the program. Clifton asked if this would apply to personal property tax such as boat trailers, and Susan stated it only applies to delinquent real estate tax. Jim asked how taxes are determined to be delinquent and Patty explained the first half of the taxes are due December 20th each year, so if you have not paid by close of business then on December 21st your taxes are delinquent. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed there should be a grace period for the homeowners to pay their taxes without forfeiting the program. It was determined if the taxes are not paid by December 20th of the following year, then their taxes would be considered delinquent and they would forfeit NRP. Susan said there will need to be an addendum to the program so she will work with Matt Quick, Appraiser, who will have to contact other entities who participate in the program and they will present it at a future meeting. Susan said that she has continued checking NRP applications for accuracy and at this point has made it through 2020 applications and so far, there is approximately $13,000 owed to residents. Susan said it is a very time-consuming process, but she will keep working on checking the remainder of the applications.
Emily Franks, Auditor with Jarred, Gilmore, Phillips, PA, presented the fiscal year 2023 audit report. Emily went page by page to explain each section of the audit report to the Commissioners. Emily stated we were in compliance, however; she stressed the decrease in cash balances and said the general fund has decreased a few hundred thousand from 2022 to 2023 and stated the Commissioners need to keep an eye on this to keep expenses under control and keep this in mind going into the budget process of how to get more receipts into the General fund. Emily went over all of the different funds and said the overall ending unencumbered cash balance was decreased by about $700,000. It is recommended to have three to six months of operating expenses in cash balance. Emily stated the only things she wanted to discuss regarding Bourbon County was the need to complete a resolution outlining elected officials’ salaries and the need for detailed credit card receipts. Some credit card receipts do not show detailed explanations of what was purchased and Emily stated for transparency a copy of the itemized receipt should be obtained. Emily said there is a management letter enclosed in the packet that states there are no issues or violations and requested the Treasurer, Clerk, and CFO to sign and send back to their firm.
Sage Hall discussed his health concerns relating to solar panels and read multiple studies regarding what he discussed. Mr. Hall said he is all about freedom and constitutional rights and said he has a problem when his tax dollars are used as federal and state subsidies to produce energy sent elsewhere. Mr. Hall also discussed the potential decrease in property value he will be facing due to the solar panel farms next to his home.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the committee members listed on the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan needs to be updated. Eric recommends Jim Harris, Clifton Beth, Brandon Whisenhunt, himself, and Frank Young be listed as committee members of the Bourbon County 5-Year Solid Waste Plan. Jim asked if there would be any other changes to the plan, and Eric stated the only change is the committee listed on the plan. Clifton made a motion to update the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan committee members to those listed in Eric’s recommendation. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said the estimate of Bourbon County’s share to fix bridge #518 would be closer to $600,000 instead of the $300,000 that was originally estimated. Eric stated with the disaster damage we currently have he is not sure we would have the funds available to fix the bridge if we were to win the grant funds. Eric asked if the Commissioners wanted to postpone applying for the grant until next year. After discussion it was agreed to wait until we get past the disaster damage to apply for the bridge grant. Eric said they are almost done driving every road to locate storm damage and that he must have estimates turned into KDEM by Friday. Eric stated that each day they are finding more damage undermining the roads and bridges within the county. Brandon asked Eric to tell his crew they are doing a good job. Eric said that they have added gravel on Yale Road by the Stevenson Cemetery so that residents could enter the cemetery.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners would like to hold a meeting next Monday since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. The Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting next week since the courthouse would be closed. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to add a reimbursement request form that must be signed by all the Commissioners. The request form is for the state-ran Presidential Preference Primary Election that happened in March and Bourbon County is asking for a reimbursement of $11,320. Clifton made a motion to sign the reimbursement request form. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for a 5-minute executive for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under 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 to include the three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks who will attend via phone and will return at 6:23. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:23 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said he has traffic concerns regarding the solar panel projects and said it looks like stormwater permits will have to be obtained from the State and Jim agreed. Brandon discussed zoning and stated the Clerk cannot find a statute outlining the number of signatures needed on a petition and that she provided him a copy of the statutes that state the Commissioners can pass a resolution for zoning. Jim said he would be in favor of it going on the ballot if they receive a petition signed by residents. Clifton said a lot of the people he has spoken to do not want zoning and Brandon said he has heard from people both for and against zoning. Jim asked for more research to be done regarding the number of signatures needing for a zoning petition. Clifton said he talked to Destry Brown, Rory Chaplin, Jason Kegler, and Vance Eden about trade school opportunities and he said his wish is to be able to help fund that. Brandon said he is all for tech schools and Clifton said he would be ready to make a motion tonight. Brandon suggested working on the budget first and Jim said a lot of kids are wanting to go into trades.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-3-2024 Approved Date