Monthly Archives: September 2024

Bourbon County, Youth

Boy Scouts Meet Tonight at 6 p.m.

Leave a comment
Submitted photo.

The Boy Scouts are out and about selling popcorn!

The money from sales goes to help with the dues of the children.

If there is money left over from paying their dues,  it goes to purchasing their awards and camps. If you are interested in supporting the troop they will be having their weekly meeting at First United Methodist Church at 3rd and National tonight at 6 p.m.

“We will have some popcorn with us for sale. If you have a child interested in joining scouts feel free to stop by and check it out,” said Mandi Widder, who submitted the item.

Opinion

Christian Fruitcakes by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Christian Fruitcakes

 

Generally speaking, most people have strong opinions about fruitcake. In the late 1970s, the company I worked for sent fruitcakes to their clients at Christmastime. At the end of the season there were a few left, so I would be given one. I still remember the perfect deliciousness of it — I was in fruitcake heaven! Sadly, a few years later, this particular brand was no longer available. I sampled a lot of dry and awful fruitcakes before I finally found one that came close to Colonial‘s Rainbow Fruitcake. When I visit with friends during the holidays that say they don’t like fruitcake, I always respond, “That’s because you’ve never eaten a good one. I love good fruitcake, but I hate bad fruitcake.”

 

When King David had the Ark of God brought to Jerusalem, it was a splendid  celebration. David and all the people were praising the Lord with all types of musical instruments, and the king was leaping and dancing before the Lord with all his might.  David blessed the Israelites and, “He distributed to all the people, the entire multitude of Israel, both men and women, one bread cake, one date cake, and one raisin cake to each one. Then all the people left, each to his house” (2 Samuel 6:18-19 MEV). This was the first fruitcake party recorded in the Old Testament. Because this special occasion was celebrated with fruitcakes, maybe that’s why we celebrate the birth of Jesus with fruitcakes. (Thankfully, we do a bunch of other things at Christmas besides eat fruitcake.)

 

I think Christians and fruitcakes are similar in the fact that some are good and some are bad. Not all fruitcakes are alike. The good fruitcakes get a bad rap because of the bad ones. And not all Christians are alike. Many represent Christ well and some…not so much. Jesus said, “If you know Me, you will know my Father also” (John 14:7 NRSA). Jesus represented His Father excellently. How well do we represent Jesus as we go about our daily lives at home, church, work, and play? Are we doing a good job or a bad job? Believers need to search their heart regularly to see if there’s any bad stuff that needs to be eradicated. We don’t want to be a bad representative of Jesus because that will delude and discourage others from coming to Christ. And it makes us look like a nut.

 

Being dry is one of the main issues that gives fruitcakes and Christians a bad rating. A dry Christian is often due to a lack of faithful church attendance and neglect of personal Bible study and prayer. A dry fruitcake is simply not worth the effort to chew it. Jesus said, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!“ (Revelation 3:15-16 NLT).

 

A Christ follower’s highest priority should be to live a Christ-like life. Onlookers need to see our actions backing up what we say we believe. The people we rub shoulders with need to see evidence of our faith and the fruit of the Spirit working in our lives. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are essential and never go out of style. If we come up short on any of these ingredients, we can go to our merciful God to ask for help. He’s a good God who’s never in short supply. When we’re running low on essentials, God’s mercies to us are new every morning.

 

The Key: It’s OK to be nutty as a fruitcake as long as it’s a good one.  It’s those bad ones you have to watch out for.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on September 23

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

Accounts Payable 9-20-2024

Payroll 9-20-2024

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

September 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Deana Betts-Core Community Update
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

Accounts Payable 9-20-2024 Payroll 9-20-2024

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Elbrader

Leave a comment

he died on Wednesday Afternoon, Sept. 18. Natasha Thompson and Randi Clements both live in Fort Scott.

Robert James Elbrader, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 18, 2024, at his home. He was born April 21, 1940, in Bourbon County, Kansas, the son of Robert N. Elbrader and Naomi (Brown) Elbrader. He married Julie Thompson on August 14, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

 

Robert earned his Machinist Certification from Pittsburg State University, and worked as a machinist at Peerless for many years. He briefly served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1959.

 

In addition to his wife Julie, Robert is also survived by his children, Jessica Shapiro and Matt Bower, Iola, Kansas; Ambrosia Shapiro and James Greene, Oakland, California; Tara Peters and Jason, Puyallup, Washington; Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott,  Richard Thompson and Artie, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Marty Thompson and Dena, Fort Scott; brother Roneil Elbrader and Jeff Neely, Webb City, Missouri; sisters Rowena Otipoby, Neosho, Missouri; Randi Clements, Fort Scott and Regina Swisher, Eerie, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to services, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery by the US Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on August 26

Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 26, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, 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 4:01 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
RNR HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25
Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as presented.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Bartelsmeyer and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25
budget as presented.
REGULAR MEETING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda as amended.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A proposed automated external defibrillator policy was presented for review. It will be presented for approval at
the regular September board meeting. The goal is to have 15 AEDs across all campuses and train employees how to
use them appropriately as part of the emergency action plan. FSCC currently has three AEDs. One AED costs
approximately $2,000, and grants are being sought to fund the purchases. This policy is the beginning of a long
term plan to adequately equip all areas of FSCC.
B. A proposed travel policy was presented for review. It will be presented for approval at the regular September
board meeting. Bailey asked about specifically addressing wrecks and traffic tickets as well as variations for
situations when employees don’t use a school vehicle.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 47: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Athletic Travel and Athletic Recruiting Policies as presented. In meal reimbursement
statements where it says, “must leave” or “must return” to “leaving” or returning”.6
B. Resolution 2024 – 48: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
rescind the approval the Substance Abuse Policy as presented.
C. Resolution 2024 – 49: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote
to approve the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan.
D. Resolution 2024 – 50: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the Emergency Action Plan as presented.
E. Resolution 2024 – 51: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to update the laundry service fee from $25 per semester to $100 per semester, effective
with the Spring, 2025 semester.
F. Resolution 2024 – 52: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve requiring a student’s balance from prior semester(s) to be paid in full before being allowed
to enroll in the current semester, effective with the Spring, 2025 semester.
G. Resolution 2024 – 53: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve changing merchant card services to Square for the Bookstore and Cosmetology
departments.
H. Resolution 2024 – 54: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to the purchase of two 28’ Wabash Dry Van trailers, a dolly, one 53′ Vangard Dry Van
and one 45’ Neville Drop Deck trailer from Vander Haag’s for $133,425.
I. Resolution 2024 – 55: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve insurance brokerage services through NW Mutual with Don Doherty.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Athletics, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:43pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda for September 23

Leave a comment

September 23, 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,
September 23, 2024. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 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.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 26, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on August 29, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 35
A. Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance (Cash Reserves) Policy, 35
B. Sex Offender Notification and Policy, 37
C. Financial Responsibility Agreement, 42
D. Burke Street Property, 45
E. Campus Housing Recommendations for 2025-26, 45
ACTION ITEMS, 46
A. Resolution 2024 – 57: Consideration of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy, 46
B. Resolution 2024 – 58: Consideration of Travel Policy, 53
C. Resolution 2024 – 59: Approval of Tentative Agreement with FSCAPE, 57
D. Resolution 2024 – 60: Approval of Purchase Order and Invoice Difference, 58
E. Resolution 2024 – 61: Consideration of EdSights Proposal, 59
F. Resolution 2024 – 62: Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute for
Development of Educational Advancement (IDEA), 65
REPORTS, 66
A. Administration1

EXECUTIVE SESSION, 78
ADJOURNMENT, 79
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• 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
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 26, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on August 29, 2024
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Michael White, John Deere Technology Instructor, effective October 1, 2024
b) Cheyenne Kern, STARS Administrative Assistant, effective October 1, 2024
2) Transfers
a) Christopher Goddard, from Music Instructor to Director of Music, effective
October 1, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved

Bourbon County, Elections

New Leadership Elected For the Bourbon County Republicans on September 19

1 Comment
Kaety Bowers speaking at the Bourbon County Republican meeting on September 19 She was elected chairwoman of the local party. Submitted photo.
Tim Emmerson speaking at the Bourbon County Republican meeting on September 19. He was elected vice-chairman of the local party. Submitted photo.

Kaety Bowers,  Mapleton, and Tim  Emerson, Devon, were elected chair and vice-chairman, respectively,  of the Bourbon County Republican Party at the annual leadership reorganization meeting at  Fort Scott Livestock Market last evening. Gayle Sackett was elected secretary and Donna Banwart, treasurer, both from Fort Scott.

They will represent the county at state Republican meetings and local monthly meetings, Emerson said.

Candidates are nominated and voted on at an annual reorganization meeting.

At the September 19 meeting, the whole slate of officers was elected in one nomination.  “There was no one opposing us,” said Emerson.

Bourbon County Townships, from the Bourbon County KS website.

The results of the election are reported to the state, he said.

According to the rules and regulations, Emerson said that the party leadership and precinct leadership must have a male and female representative.

Each precinct person represents their local township in Bourbon County.

At regular monthly Republican meetings, those running for office in upcoming elections may speak to the group.

“Usually, our meetings are quarterly, except in election years or when the group sees the need to meet,” outgoing secretary Deb Martin said. “We have Republican officeholders speak about their offices and current legislation action updates and other current political campaigns.”

On September 19, David Beerbower, county commissioner candidate; Tim Shallenberger, Kansas State Senator candidate and Rick James, Kansas Representative candidate in the November 2024 elections spoke to the group.

At monthly meetings there is also discussion on ways to help Republican candidates get elected, Emerson said.

“You go door to door to explain what the candidates stand for, that’s very helpful to candidates. Signs are put out for national and state candidates at people’s homes with good (visible, highly trafficked areas) he said.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend

Leave a comment

TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE

THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH-21ST, 2024

IN FORT SCOTT!
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF LISTING & MAP

Click HERE for link to Google map of the sales!

50 SALES REGISTERED!

Hardcopies of the maps may be found at the Chamber, 5 Corners, all Pete’s locations, Casey’s, Don’s Spirits & Wines, and Bids & Dibs!
THANK YOU TO ALL SALES WHO REGISTERED

WITH THE CHAMBER & TO ALL OF OUR BUSINESS

ADVERTISERS FOR MAKING THIS SALE POSSIBLE!N
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US