Monthly Archives: August 2024

Obituary

Obituary of Norma Kramer

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Norma Joyce Kramer, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Nevada Regional Medical Center.She was born November 4, 1937 to William Henry Madison and Blanche Louise (Tucker) Madison in Fort Scott. She attended country schools and St. Mary’s Catholic school in Fort Scott. On September 30, 1954, she married Bill Kramer. He preceded her in death in 2017.

She enjoyed listening to music, staying active, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them in their many sporting events and activities. She was a lifelong member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors are her sons, Michael Kramer and wife, Patricia, of Fort Scott and Larry Kramer, and wife Grace, of Fort Scott; her daughter, Dolores Pruitt and husband, Jim, of Fort Scott; her grandchildren, BJ Pruitt (Kayla), Brett Kramer (Erica), Jake Kramer, Cody Kramer, Cole Pruitt (Samantha), Megan Crosier (Clint), Patricia Sheehy (Morgan), and Michael Kramer; her ten great grandchildren and one expected in October; her siblings Nora Karleskint, Warren Madison, Cathy Thomas, Frank Madison, and Claude Madison.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother William Madison, and sister Carol LeFever.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26th at the Kennedy Gym with Father Yancey Burgess officiating.

Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott.

A rosary will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel with a visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Care to Share. Donations may be sent to the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS  66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Bourbon County

Letter to the Editor: Citizens Group Thanks Those Who Signed Petition To Increase Number of County Commissioners

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Our Bi-partisan Citizens Group which worked on a petition to place the question of increasing our Commissioner Districts from three to five, would like to thank all of the participants who voiced their concerns and signed the petition.

621 signatures were required to get this placed on the November 2024 ballot. We collected over 500 signatures as of August 20, 2024.

Michael Hoyt, a member of our group attended the August 20th, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting to encourage them to sign a resolution that will allow the citizens “to vote on expanding the commissioner districts in Bourbon County to give more opportunity for constituents to have more representation and better collaboration.”

The Resolution was voted on and signed, so that the question will be placed on the ballot on November 5th, 2024 eliminating the need to complete the petition.

If the voters approve the increase in the number of county commissioners the following will occur:

1) The Commission will notify the Kansas Secretary of State who will then provide an outline of the five (5) Commissioner districts in Bourbon County, Kansas, that are as equal and compact as possible in population and area.

2)      An election will occur in April 2025 to elect two (2) additional Commissioners to terms as specified by the statute to stagger the terms.

It takes a spark to initiate an idea, then come together, work together, and succeed together in moving our community forward.  Thank you for your support.

Thank you county commissioners for doing the right thing in giving the people in our community a voice in this matter.  Just VOTE!

We were an informal group that worked together to put the petition together and gather signatures.

Sincerely,

Bi-Partisan Citizens Group

Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy and Janice Allen

Art, Business

The Artificers in September

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The Artificers in September!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

September Classes

*Note* No Glaze Day This Month!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!

Be on the lookout for different Party Options,

COMING SOON!!

Sign Up For Beginners or Intermediate Supplementary Art Classes!

If your kids are a part of private schools or are homeschooled,

the Gallery is providing classes for kids to add

an art curriculum to their education!!
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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting on August 26

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To view the entire 175 page packet:
August 26, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
August 26, 2024. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
4:00 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
4:00 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING, 4
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Approval of 2024-25 Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Adoption of 2024-25 Budget
CALL TO ORDER, 10
A. Comments from the Chair
B. Comments from the Public
CONSENT AGENDA, 11
A. Approval of Agenda, 11
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 15, 2024, and Special
Board Meetings conducted on August 8, 2024, 12
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 16
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 11
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 52
A. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy, 53
B. Travel Policy, 59
ACTION ITEMS, 62
A. Resolution 2024 – 47: Consideration of Athletic Travel and Athletic Recruiting Travel Policies, 62
B. Resolution 2024 – 48: Consideration of Substance Abuse Policy, 69
C. Resolution 2024 – 49: Approval of Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan, 75
D. Resolution 2024 – 50: Consideration of Emergency Action Plan, 771
E. Resolution 2024 – 51: Consideration of Laundry Service Fee, 155
F. Resolution 2024 – 52: Consideration of Student Balance Threshold, 156
G. Resolution 2024 – 53: Consideration of Bookstore and Cosmetology Credit Card Merchant
Services, 157
H. Resolution 2024 – 54: Consideration of CDL Grant Trailer Purchases, 158
I. Resolution 2024 – 55: Consideration of Insurance Broker Services Provider, 169
REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE, 170
A. Administrative Updates
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 174
ADJOURNMENT, 175
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• September 2, 2024 Campus Closed – Labor Day
• September 23, 2024 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• October 3 – 5, 2024 Gordon Parks Celebration
• October 18, 2024 Math Relays
• October 21, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 25 – 29, 2024 Campus Closed – Thanksgiving Break
• December 16, 2024 Board Meeting
• December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Campus Closed – Winter Break
• January 20, 2025 Campus Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21, 2025 Spring Semester Begins
• January 27, 2025 (Changed from January 20 due Board Meeting
to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 17, 2025 Board Meeting
• March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting
to spring break)
• March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break
• March 28, 2025 Aggie Day
• April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday
• April 21, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 19, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day
• June 16, 2025 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim President

REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Approval of 2024-25 Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 27.726
mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on July 11, 2024 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE:
Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate
of 29.950 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain
in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the 2024-25 Revenue Neutral Rate
resolution as stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp4

BUDGET HEARING
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Adoption of 2024-25 Budget
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the 2024-25 budget as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp5

6

7

8

9

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC10

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on July 15

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
July 15, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis (via Zoom until 5:40 pm),
and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
FOUNDATION UPDATE: Foundation Director Lindsay Hill provided an update of activities and progress in the Foundation.

Mark Lewis, Kellye Barrows, and Katie Casper are serving as new board members, and Brian Comstock is serving as their new chair. Lindsay thanked Carolyn Sinn for all her help during the transition. She said she has been having tax credit conversations and planning for an alumni event over Labor Day weekend.

A platform for the foundation is currently being sought, as the current website limits donations. J1 will allow a donor
platform on the back end, but something on the front side is needed to collect donations.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to move Consent agenda items E
and F to be Item A under Action Items, and all other action items move one letter down.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
DISCUSSION ITEMS: A proposed travel policy was presented. The board is encouraged to review and make recommendations for revisions prior to it being put in as an action item for the August meeting. Would like for this to funnel into a travel policy for the institution as a whole.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Personnel Actions and Board Officer Items as moved from Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Sue Henry as the MEP Administrative Liaison.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Cable Wareham as the Assistant Rodeo Coach.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a 4-2 vote to approve Matt Glover as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach. McKinnis and Ropp voted in opposition.
A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Rory Chaplin’s transition from Interim CTEC Director to Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Santos Manrique’s transition from HEP Recruiter/Mentor and Dean of Crawford County Campuses to HEP Recruiter/Mentor.12

A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Melissa Scott as the FSCC Board of Trustees Treasurer.
B. Resolution 2024 – 38: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the list of annual consortium memberships and dues for the 2024-25 year.
C. Resolution 2024 – 39: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to rescind the approval elevator repair that was issued in June.
D. Resolution 2024 – 40: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to accept Option 1 from Berkley Life & Health for athletic insurance and catastrophic insurance from Mutual of Omaha, ensuring cheer is included in the men’s sports.
E. Resolution 2024 – 41: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the current coverage level for the flood insurance renewal.
F. Resolution 2024 – 42: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revisions to Construction Trade Certificate and Associate in Applied Science Degree and the Criminal Justice Certificate as presented.
G. Resolution 2024 – 43: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated organizational chart.

REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Athletics, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
There was group discussion about how to evaluate employee and student satisfaction more frequently than once a
year.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustee they adjourned.

Bourbon County, Elections

Safeguards In Voting In Kansas, August 6 Official Primary Election Results Provided by Bourbon County Clerk

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Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

Jennifer Hawkins, the Bourbon County Clerk said there was a 22% turnout rate for the primary election on August 6.

Hawkins said her office follows clear guidelines that the State of Kansas provides for removing people who have died from the voter registration list.

This was in response to Michael Hoyt’s quote “He said this is a state-wide problem of the registered voters roll not being “cleaned up” when people die. He said there is no clear way to get deceased people off the roll,” in a prior story.

To view that story:

https://fortscott.biz/news/hoyt-will-ask-bourbon-county-commission-to-sign-resolution-for-a-five-person-commission-vote-today

 

“The State of Kansas has clear guidelines, which are listed below, that list how we can remove a deceased individual’s name from the voter registration list,” said Hawkins. “The Clerk’s Office follows the guidelines and diligently checks obituaries and monitors the weekly reports sent out by the state of those who have passed away for Bourbon County residents. Individuals who pass away in a state other than Kansas, however; will not show up on the report issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.”

Here are the state guidelines:

“Except as otherwise provided by law, when a voter dies or is disqualified for voting, the registration of the voter shall be void, and the county election officer shall remove such voter’s name from the registration books and the party affiliation lists.

“Whenever

(1) an obituary notice appears in a newspaper having general circulation in the county reports the death of a registered voter, or

(2) a registered voter requests in writing that such voter’s name be removed from registration, or

(3) a court of competent jurisdiction orders removal of the name of a registered voter from registration lists, or

(4) the name of a registered voter appears on a list of deceased residents compiled by the secretary of health and environment as provided in K.S.A. 65-2422, and amendments thereto, or appears on a copy of a death certificate provided by the secretary of health and environment, or appears in information provided by the social security administration, the county election officer shall remove from the registration books and the party affiliation lists in such officer’s office the name of any person shown by such list or death certificate to be deceased.”

 

 

Hawkins provided the following 20 pages of official results of the August 6 election. with write-ins.

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Sept. 4. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Experience A Tea Club Tasting Today with MMM Flavor Shop

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Submitted graphic.

Mmm Flavor Shop owner Emelia Whiteaker is hosting the business’s first Tea Club Tea Party today, Wednesday, August 21st at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 North Main in Fort Scott.

“This is the inaugural meeting of the Tea Club,” Whiteaker said. “I started selling herbs and spices in 2021 when a major health diagnosis was made in the family.”

“The Tea Club is a way to bring interested individuals together to learn, socialize, and experience what is out there beyond the box stores, supplement companies, and mass-produced products.”

 

Submitted graphic.

“This month’s Tea Club Tea Party theme is Iced Teas,” she said. “There will be four loose-leaf teas made as iced tea to sample for free. Everyone is invited to come try tea, ask questions, or just socialize with friends.”

“The health benefits of eating truly natural nutrients in herbs and spices are well documented,” she said. “I added a variety of loose-leaf teas for the same reason. Most of the teas we have offer a wide variety of health benefits along with a delicious taste.”

“This summer we added specialty kinds of rice that have an increase in nutrients due to where they are grown.”

“I have spent hours talking to our suppliers on the phone to make sure the products available are high quality and full of nutrients that the body recognizes and absorbs better. Our suppliers can tell me the exact farm and farmer that each item comes from.”

“I am always researching and taking continuing education courses on nutrition,” she said. “This allows me to continue to work to bring tasty, nutritious ingredients to our rural area.”

She said the business sells its products at vendor’s shows and direct ordering through them.

Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091059316445

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

A Little Levity

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Dr. Max Self playing racquetball at Buck Run Community Center on August 20. Submitted photo.

Local physician Dr. Max Self’s staff dared him to play racquetball in his work clothes on August 20 at Buck Run Community Center.

One of his racquetball partners, Kevin Moyer, submitted this photo that proves that he did it.