Monthly Archives: June 2024
Service Notice of Theodore Rohde
SERVICE NOTICE
Theodore A. Rohde (Ted), age 94, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024. Services will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday June 28, 2024, with visitation at 10:00am and committal service at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KU Athletic Football Department or a charity of your choice 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.
Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to The Gordon Parks Museum
The Gordon Parks Museum received $1,000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help with the museum’s technology and interactive display expansion for the purchase of a large 65-inch monitor display and mobile cart.
This purchase will help us to expand the museum, through the use of this monitor to provide slide shows of Gordon’s photographs, interviews, related films and videos along with other artist works that are inspired by Gordon’s remarkable career to fight against racism, poverty and discrimination.
The monitor will also be used as an additional monitor display for viewing, during presentations and events. This monitor can also provide promotional signage for future events and information for the museum.
“We are thrilled to be an award recipient of the Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant,” said Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director, Kirk Sharp.” We are excited to have this display installed, so to better enhance the visitor’s experience in our museum and for events.”
The goal to have the monitor and mobile cart installed and available for visitor’s use is August 1, 2024.
For more information about The Gordon Parks Museum visit gordonparkscenter.org
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Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories. We achieve our goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors.
Obituary of Robert Hoffman
Robert Joseph Hoffman, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home in Ft. Scott. Bob was born April 18, 1947, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Bernard Hoffman and Phyllis Eckhardt Hoffman. Bob married Ann E. Stephan Gillmore on August 31, 1985, in Ft. Scott.
Survivors include his wife, Ann Gillmore-Hoffman of Ft. Scott; three children, Joanna Janger of Phoenix, Arizona, John Gillmore (Susan) of Ft. Scott and Kathy Gillmore-Dancer (Tracy) also of Ft. Scott, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Patricia Ann Hoffman of Glenview, Illinois.
Bob was preceded in death by a grandson.
Following cremation, private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Shirley Yeager Animal Friends and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024
The following is part of a series on candidates for the August 2024 Primary Election.
This is the first in the series profiling Bourbon County Commission candidates.
Leroy Kruger,51, Fort Scott. and is a graduate of Fort Scott High School GED. He is running for the District 3 position.
“I have a background in finance and law enforcement and currently work for the city of Fort Scott in the code and zoning enforcement,” Kruger said.
In his spare time, “I coach my grandsons in baseball basketball, and football,” he said.
“The primary role of a commissioner is to be the voice of those whom I represent,” he said.
He sees as pressing issues: a five-man commission, shared services, and cutting the cost to recoup the carryover from year to year.
“They (the current commissioners) lowered the mil without cutting the budget,” he said. “So less money coming in with the same going out. To make up for this mistake they paid the overage with a carryover slush fund and have depleted it to the point that next year there won’t be any money to cover the cost without raising taxes or cutting a lot of jobs.”
Steve Houston, 44, lives outside of Fort Scott on a farm that has been in his family since 1957. He is running for the District 3 position.
He is a 1998 graduate of Nevada High School, attended one year at Fort Scott Community College, and completed welding school at Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, MO in 2001.
“I have no political experience,” he said. “My father was Third District County Commissioner for 12 years so I have a basic understanding of what is required and expected.”
“I’m not currently involved with any community activities because I am busy trying to raise my children,” he said. “The oldest is 11 and the youngest is 4-year-old twins. They keep my wife and I busy during any time we are away from work. I have a full-time job as a truck driver and equipment operator for Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation, I am currently a substitute bus driver for USD 234 and hoping for a full-time position when school resumes. I’m no different than any other family man in Bourbon County. I work hard, I try my best to provide for my family, and I want to ensure a future for my kids in Bourbon County long after I’m dead and gone.”
“I believe the primary role of ANY elected official should be to represent, address, and voice the desires and concerns of the people that elected that official,” he said.
“As far as pressing issues, I don’t think any issue facing the county can be singled out. It depends on what group of people you are addressing as to what the pressing issue will be. Not every resident will view issues in the same order of importance. We are facing multiple issues and all are equally important.”
David Beerbower, 60, Fort Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is running for the District 2 position.
He has 16 experience years with the Fort Scott Police Department, 32 years military service with the United States Marine Corps and Kansas Army National Guard, serving one tour in Iraq. He has also worked 22 years for Evergy.
He is a husband and father of seven daughters and 19 grandchildren.
He is a top contributor to the Facebook site; Concerned Citizens of Bourbon Co. Citizens for Property Rights.
Beerbower says the primary roles of county commissioners are leadership, teamwork, and stewardship.
“A county commissioner is one of the top decision-makers for the county,” he said. “You need to be a motivator and provide the support that gives your people the best opportunity for success…, look for alternative ideas and solutions to continuously improve operations. Because you are one of three or five, being a team player is vital to the overall success of county operations. Finding common ground and looking at the big picture is essential for the success of projects and development. The most important role of a county commissioner is being a good steward of our citizen’s tax dollars… managing this money and finding efficient ways to reduce costs is one means of reducing this burden.”
Reestablishing trust between commissioners and citizens is the most pressing issue, he said.
“Elected representatives need to be straightforward in their decisions, humble in their dealings with their citizens and they need to take ownership of action. Service to others should always be the mindset. My campaign slogan is Can Do!…a positive attitude having the mindset that you can achieve anything. Being proactive, taking on all challenges, and facing difficulties with the attitude that it can be solved. All the issues this county faces; taxes, economic development, and infrastructure takes involvement from everyone. If you don’t have the trust that you are working for them, then your answer will always be ‘There’s nothing we can do, or our hands are tied'”.
Chamber Coffee at Varia Resale Clothing on June 20
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Bo Co Commission Minutes of June 10
June 10, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Vance Eden, Mike Wunderly, Bonnie Smith, Patty Ropp, Jill Franklin, Kim Sparks, Katie Casper, Mary Pemberton, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Roxy Gregg, Marla Sutterby, Kevin Sutterby, Pete Owenby, Jason Silvers, Josh Jones, Marty Dewitt, Deb Martin, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Carol Didier, Cameron Didier, Carol Adamson, Steven Douglas Adamson, Ashley Adamson, Carl Linnenbringer, Dana McKenney, Gertrude Harper, and Brent M. Smith were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Jim stated there was a full agenda and reminded those signed up for public comments there would be a five-minute limit.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 6-3-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Jessie Walker stated he was here last month with Lynne Oharah regarding 95th and Unique Road and asked how the county could maintain the entire section of a road for years and then decide to only maintain part of it. Jim said when he was Public Works Director, he was notified that it was not a public road and that is why they stopped maintaining it. Mr. Walker said that someone came out and placed a white flag approximately ¾ of the way down the road and Eric said that was his department as the whole road is not open only a section and the rest is a lane as was explained to him by the Register of Deeds. Mr. Walker asked why the county has maintained it before and now will not and requested minutes from previous meetings where the road was discussed. It was explained to go to the Clerk’s Office and complete a KORA request form and he could obtain any minutes he would like. Jim said he would visit with the Lora, Eric, and Legal Counsel but that he can’t go against what they say.
Vance Eden said he is here tonight as a resident who is in support of solar panels. Vance stated he has done research regarding the development of solar and that he is not a tax appraiser nor accountant but believes that about 1 mill per megawatt would be on the tax roll after the 10-year abatement. Mr. Eden said he is not representing the school, however; there is not much industry in that half of the county and this could be a stimulus across the entire county and could reduce taxes which could entice companies to come into Bourbon County. Vance stated if taxes were not lowered then the additional revenue could be used to provide more services. Mr. Eden said he could understand why neighbors could be opposed to the solar panels but he is looking at the school and tax benefits. Brandon said he is not against solar panels but feels it is our job to protect people. Brandon stated he has done some research and for solar panels to produce the same megawatts as the Burlington power plant, which is on 9600 acres, there would need to be 15,000 acres of solar panels. Brandon said if it is negotiated right, it could be a lot of money for the residents but they need to be located in the right place. Jim said he has heard that there would be 45,000 acres of solar panels in Bourbon County and stated that number is not right. Katie Casper asked if she could get a question answered and was instructed to go in the hallway and ask Vance any questions she may have.
Pete Owenby asked when the money kicks in for the windmills. Jim said there is a 10-year abatement on them. Brandon spoke of the depreciation rate of the windmills which he said was at 7 years while solar depreciates at 20% and Clifton stated the windmills last longer than solar. Pete said he did a KORA request for the attorney rebuttal that was discussed at a prior meeting and was told it was attorney client privilege. Pete asked if they spoke to the attorney as a Commissioner or citizen and if the county paid for the attorney which Jim said the county did not. Pete asked for a contact at KDHE and explained the person he spoke to would not comment on solar panels and Jim said he would give him the numbers that he has for KDHE. Pete discussed a code of conduct resolution that was passed in 2020.
Becky Johnson, Administrator and Health Officer of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, presented an annual report to the Commissioners that outlined some of their accomplishments for the last year. Becky discussed some of their accomplishments such as holding tetanus shot clinic during the flood, hosting a community baby shower, having a nurse who is a CPR instructor and safe sleep instructor. Becky said they were able to attend more training including the Four Corners Emergency Management Conference as well as a billing and WIC symposium. Becky said they are continuing to add programs to help the citizens of Bourbon County and requested $95,750 in funding for 2025, which is the same amount as last year. Becky expressed how grateful they are for the continued support. Clifton said we are very fortunate to have Becky in our community and said she was asked to go to Topeka to speak.
Roxy Gregg, with the Pike Lake Group, presented 68 landowner petitions signed by homeowners who are against the Pike Lake Project. Roxy said she knows the bill has been said to be dead in the water but explained it could be brought back in 2025. Roxy asked the Commissioners if they were for or against the project. Brandon said he is against the project and explained he did not think it would be good for Bourbon County where they are proposing it. Jim stated he does not support imminent domain; however, he is for an alternate water supply but in a different area of the county. Clifton said he was against the project from day one. It was questioned if the Commissioners would sign a resolution like they did in Cowley County and Clifton explained the resolution in Cowley County says no development by private individuals and that if this project were to happen it would not be private individuals doing the development. Jim thanked the group for all their hard work.
Kevin Davidson, Undersheriff, stated the Sheriff’s department is retiring a K9 and explained they received it free from Labette County and were able to use the dog for a while. An agreement was presented for signature that outlines the retirement of the dog who will go to Deputy Penland. Brandon made a motion to retire the dog who will go to Deputy Penland. Clifton seconded the motion with discussion and added to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. All approved the motion.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, stated she received a public notice from KDHE for the issuance of a new permit for Mike Rogers. Jim said he was told the permit was no longer needed. Jennifer presented an audit agreement with Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA for the fiscal year 2024 audit. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the audit scope for the fiscal year 2024 audit. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer reminded residents that the final day to turn in an interest letter to be considered for the solar panel committee is June 12th. Jennifer presented Resolution 07-24 which outlines the salaries for elected officials and explained we are signing it now at the request of the auditors. Clifton made a motion to approve Resolution 07-24. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to add fireworks permits for two companies. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow discussion of fireworks permits. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented two permits for Jake’s Fireworks one for the corner of Wall and Goodlander Streets and another for 2221 S. Main Street. Clifton made a motion for Jim to sign the two permits for Jake’s Fireworks. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. A permit for Hale’s Fireworks at 2523 S. Main Street. Clifton made a motion for Jim to sign the permit for Hale’s Fireworks. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim discussed Neighborhood Revitalization Program errors and stated many distributions were long or short which results in approximately $33,000 that needs to be refunded to participants of the program. There are two choices for funding the refunds which would be to use the Appraiser’s 2024 fund or to go after the Appraiser’s bond. Jim thanked Jennifer, Susan, and Patty for putting safeguards in place to ensure that an error such as this does not happen moving forward. Jim said as just one Commissioner he does not want to go against the bond and suggested to use the Appraiser’s fund. Brandon said if we owe the money to the residents, we need to pay them and he agrees on not activating the bond and Clifton agreed. Brandon made a motion to use the Appraiser’s fund to issue refunds for the NRP errors. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon asked for a timeline for the ER so residents can be informed. Jim said Clifton will be discussing that during his comments section. Brandon said during his very first executive session Baker Tilly was discussed and he was unaware that you could discuss what was mentioned in executive session. Brandon explained that someone who was not in the executive session posted things online that was only mentioned during the executive session. Brandon asked how the individual got the information. Jim said he didn’t know. Brandon said he has made calls to KDHE and is waiting on a call back and that he has a call scheduled Wednesday with a solar company.
Clifton stated there would be a healthcare announcement made on Thursday at 10:00 at the hospital building. Clifton made a motion that all three Commissioners could be present and no Bourbon County business will be conducted. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said he might have been rude earlier but he doesn’t think people should intrude on other people’s personal lives.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-17-2024 Approved Date
NRMC Community Events
NRMC Community Events
July, 2024
Thank you for sharing these events with our community!
Farmers Market
Enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, local honey and more! Vendors set up in the grass lot just north of the Primary Care Clinic each Tuesday afternoon.
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Tuesdays
Birth and Beyond: Saturday Class
A class which covers childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care for women in their last trimester.
Includes a tour of the NRMC OB when available. Meets in the NRMC Mezzanine Conference Room. $15 registration fee. Fee may be waived if cost is prohibitive.
8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. • Saturday, July 13th – NRMC Mezzanine REGISTER ONLINE HERE You may also register by calling 417-448-3710
Community Blood Drive at NRMC
Join us for our community-wide blood drive in the Mezzanine Conference Room. Blood collected through our hospital drives remains in our local area to assist patients in need. To register for a specific appointment time, just visit nrmchealth.com and click on the donate blood button. Walk-ins are also welcome!
12:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Thursday, July 25th – Hospital Mezzanine
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report June 19
The Artificers Newsletter for July
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Arson Suspected on New Playground at Third Street Park
On June 15th at approximately 6:30 pm Officers with the Fort Scott Police Department observed smoke coming from the area of the playground located near 3rd and Wilson. Officers observed a piece of playground equipment fully engulfed in flames and requested the Fort Scott Fire Department respond to the scene. This incident is being investigated as an arson. There are no suspects currently. The playground equipment is valued at $1000.
Submitted by
Chief Jason Pickert
Fort Scott Police Department
Mom and Son Team Up to Create a Family Church Camp
Camren Lamb, 10, and his mom, Melanie Lamb are teaming up to facilitate a family church camp next month.
They had been planning the camp together but didn’t have a sight secured yet.
“Then Ralph Carlson offered his private land, pond, and cabin for the church camp and said, ‘I can’t think of a better use for it,'” Melanie said.
Last year Camren raised money for purchasing a Vacation Bible School kit to create a church camp for families. He did this by selling his art and playing his guitar for tips at his booth at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market which hosted the Children’s Business Fair.
The Lambs purchased an Answers in Genesis Vacation Bible School kit with money from his sales and tips.
For four days and three nights, July 15-18, Camren and Melanie will lead groups in Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, Scripture memorization, snacks, and a Bible verse treasure hunt.
In addition, there will be kayaking, canoeing, water balloon fun, campfire, and devotions.
“Some of his friends will help,” Melanie said. “He is looking forward to leading the groups.”
Camren said, “It’s good to be with friends in nature.”
There are a few openings left for families, Melanie said.
Melanie said each family must bring their tent, food, and necessities.
The campsite and activities are provided.
The cabin at the Carlson property has water and there is an outhouse.
For more information contact Melanie at 620.215.3449.
