Yearly Archives: 2024

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for April 9

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

APRIL 9, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on April 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Mary Pemberton. Also in attendance for all
or part of the meeting were Heather Jackson, Danny Taylor, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene
Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST

Heather Jackson turned in an Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.After discussion: Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to approve the Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.

Danny Taylor asked if he could put up new No Parking, Loading/Unloading Zone signs at each drive of his storage units.
After discussion, the city will provide the signs of his choice. He also asked about the size of rock to dress up his drives.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$268,423.36, Receipts $61,625.33, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $52,175.70, Checking Account Closing
Balance $274,846.99. Bank Statement Balance $281,085.53, including Checking Account Interest of $60.89, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,238.54, Reconciled Balance $274,846.99. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$37,243.06, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,027.01, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $372,381.91. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $173.43, and Utility CDs
$436.08 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $609.51. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from
Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest
$1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of March $6,423.63, Year-to-Date Net Income
$39,367.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $26,687.77 (21.6%), Expenditures $31,016.80 (19.1%); Sewer
Fund YTD Revenue $8,651.07 (23.4%), Expenditures $8,728.22 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $59,321.33 (40.5%),
Expenditures $32,371.80 (18.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $75,848.78 (46.2%), Expenditures $52,497.08 (25.9%);
and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,077.58 (28.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2024 payables to date in the
amount of $44,672.83 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering
have not been received at noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
 Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting, and March
25, 2024 Special Council Meeting
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich presented a quote from USDI to replace 4 gas system valves that are getting hard to turn.
Council requested he get two more quotes before taking action.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan discussed various projects being completed around town. He asked for the Junk
Vehicle ordinance as he will be visiting some locations. He submitted a letter to Clerk Johnson to be put in the newsletter
and on the webpage.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that Bourbon County Commission has scheduled a special election for May 14, our
next meeting date. Polls are open 7AM to 7PM. She asked if our meeting needed moved or if we would ask county to
find another venue.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to change our meeting time on May 14, 2024 to 7:30PM

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 to enter in to 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 8:25PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:25PM.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview non-elected personnel applicants on April 17, 2024 at 5:45PM.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – asked if the bench near where the horseshoe pitch area can be moved. It is set in concrete.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Pond Project – final paperwork has been submitted to Don George, KDWPT. Project finished under budget.
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – discussed the painting of the lines for the court and bench placement.
Warehouse project – Another contractor was contacted for a quote to fill in the scales. He does not have time for the project. No response from attorney on process to sell the Weed Barn to offset cost of refurbishing the warehouse as discussed last month.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Rogers and Sons to fill in the scales at the warehouse.

NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Jurgensen stated that Bettis Asphalt will be putting a temporary asphalt plant in Bourbon County this summer and
has a job on 54 Highway and in Bronson. They will be in town to repair any areas that were asphalted last year. He
suggested that the council review the streets and designate which areas of need for this year. Clerk Johnson will email
them with approximate amount available for street resurfacing.

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Business

Ascension Via Christi Cyber Security Event On May 8

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Submitted by: Scott Evans
Senior Director
External Communications

Ascension Via Christi, Wichtia

On Wednesday, May 8, Ascension Via Christi detected unusual activity on select technology network systems,due to a cyber security event.

“At this time we continue to investigate the situation. We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts. Access to some systems have been interrupted as this process continues.

“Our care teams are trained for these kinds of disruptions and have initiated procedures to ensure patient care delivery continues to be safe and as minimally impacted as possible. There has been a disruption to clinical operations, and we continue to assess the impact and duration of the disruption.

“We have engaged Mandiant, a third party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and we have notified the appropriate authorities.  Together, we are working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. Should we determine that any sensitive information was affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines.

“We are reaching out to our business partners to ensure they are aware of the situation so they can take  appropriate steps to safeguard their systems.  We encourage all business partners to coordinate with the Ascension Technology partners to address any specific questions.

“This is an ongoing situation and we will provide updates as we learn more.  For the most recent information please visit: https://about.ascension.org/news/2024/05/network-interruption-update”

 
Business, Fort Scott

New Pet Service Opens By Newcomers From California

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Devin and Jalaine Davis. Submitted photo.

Devin and Jalaine Davis moved to Fort Scott from Rancho Murieta, California at the end of April 2024.

“I’m from the Midwest and missed my roots and we wanted to be more central to being able to drive to family,” she said. “We have a military friend from Fort Scott which is what keyed us in to consider this our new home and we love it so far.”
Jalaine is a Navy veteran and her husband is a Marine veteran
She started her pet care service business in California and continues it at their new home. She does pet-sitting, dog walking, and drop-in services available for all pet owner’s needs.

“I started my business in California because I love animals and was tired of being inside all day behind a desk and felt I could serve a better purpose by serving my local community through pet services needs and the business flourished in no time. I left 150 clients to move here and am looking forward to helping others in Fort Scott now.”
“I will be transferring my LLC to Kansas very soon,” she said. “A unique thing about my services is that this is an official, licensed business, unlike other local dog walkers and I provide other services, such as putting out your trash bins while you are away, and returning them the following day, picking up your mail, watering plants, etc.  I take my business seriously and do everything I can to accommodate you and your pet(s)! Another unique thing about my dog walking services is that it’s one on one with your pet(s).”
“I DO NOT mix other people’s dog(s) into the walk with yours; allowing your pet to get full attention from me,” she said. “I’m also a runner, so if your pet needs to run instead of walk, I can do it!  Send me a text or call to schedule a meet and greet at (916) 753-4733.”
She also takes care of livestock and farm animals.
Her references are available upon request.
Instagram: @jalainespetservices
Her electronic business card at: https://dot.cards/jalainespetservices

 

Jalaine has a  Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management degree.

Submitted graphic.
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council on May 14

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The Uniontown City Council will have a special meeting on May 14 at 6:15, prior to the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

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

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

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Fort Scott Preschool Center, 409 S. Judson,  has a waitlist of approximately 25 three-year-old students this year.

The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.

“We began this school year with 93 students,” said Nick Johnson, the preschool’s principal.  “Between students moving into the district and students transitioning from Infant-Toddler services, we are finishing the year with 120 students.”

To solve that problem the USD234 School District has begun the process of renovating a building at 9th and Horton Streets for a preschool center. The building was originally owned by Mercy Hospital.

902 S. Horton, from a 2022 photo.

“The new building will allow our program to expand to five classrooms and all those classrooms will be under one roof,” he said.  “Having five classrooms will allow us to increase our enrollment and decrease class sizes.  The new building will also provide more space for related services.  In our current situation speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health services, and English Speakers of Other Languages services all share very limited space.  Having staff in the same location will allow for increased collaboration and more consistency between classrooms.”

“Currently, everything being done is behind-the-scenes planning by the architects and engineers.,” Johnson said.

“Architects and engineers are currently working on plans for the new building,” he said.  “The school board held a hearing at the April board meeting to begin the process of hiring a construction manager at-risk.  The next step will be to hire a construction manager at risk.  We are planning for construction to begin this summer.”

“Construction should be completed during the 2024-25 school year,” he said.  “We are planning to be in the new building for the 2025-26 school year.”

Nick Johnson. Submitted photo.

Criteria to attend Fort Scott Preschool Center is based on age,” he said. ” The student must be three or four years old on September 1st.”

Students fall into one of three categories: 1) students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 2) students who are at risk of entering kindergarten socially, emotionally, or academically unprepared for success, and 3) peer models.

“All four of our classrooms are blended preschool classrooms, meaning they contain a combination of students from each of these three categories,” he said.

Preschool is offered free of charge to all families.

“Our preschool program receives special education and preschool-aged at-risk funding administered by Kansas Department of Education,” he said.  “We also receive funding from the Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant and the Early Childhood Block Grant.  These four funding sources cover most of our preschool expenditures and keep the program free for families.”

The mission of Fort Scott Preschool Center is to create a school environment that partners families, the school, and the community to build a foundation for lifelong learning.

There are five preschool teachers – four classroom teachers each licensed to teach early childhood special education and one part-time intervention teacher.

“We have eight classroom paraeducators,” he said. ” Our classrooms are adequately staffed as we finish the school year, but we will need to hire one or two additional paras next fall as some of our current paras transition into other roles.”

 

 

Government, Kansas

Grants To Restore Barns For Agritourism Announced

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Kansas Tourism Announces New Grant to Assist Restoration of Historic Barns for Agritourism Businesses

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program is open for applications. This is the first grant program of its kind for Kansas Tourism. The grant has been created to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues.

“Transforming barns through the BARN program will preserve historical structures and repurpose them into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, all while bringing new life and economic opportunities into Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing these iconic buildings, we are honoring our state’s agricultural roots and planting seeds for future businesses to grow and prosper.”

The BARN grant program is designed to spur economic growth and help create memorable visitor experiences by preserving a significant aspect of Kansas’ architectural history. These grants are specifically designed to rescue iconic barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses.

“The type of project we are looking for are those that have the potential to bring new visitors to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Agritourism is an effective way to celebrate our state’s agricultural tradition while providing unforgettable travel experiences to our visitors.”

A total of $100,000 will be provided this year, with a maximum of $25,000 available per project. Applications are open until July 31 and awards will be made in September. BARN guidelines and applications are available here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Perform Comedy Improv Show This Sunday

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform their annual Spring Improv Comedy Show at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 12 at the FSHS Auditorium.

The show features improvised comedic scenes acted out on the spot using suggestions from the audience. Admission for the show is a free will donation at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Improv Troupe, named Scripted, is directed by FSHS teacher Mark Bergmann and sponsored by Thespian Director Angie Bin. Junior Cooper George serves as this year’s Improv Troupe Captain.

 

Government, Kansas

Recognizing Companies/Individuals For Positive Community Impact

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Nominations Now Open for 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on their communities and the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 3, at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The To The Stars awardees exemplify the spirit and determination necessary to succeed in business and make a lasting impact. We all know companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond, and I encourage everyone to nominate them for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

  • AgriBusiness– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
  • Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“As our state’s economy keeps growing, it’s only appropriate that we celebrate and thank the Kansas businesses that continue to support their communities and drive our state’s unprecedented economic success,” Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “We look forward to recognizing another year of outstanding businesses and hard-working Kansans, and we hope to see you in Great Bend.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Obituary

Obituary of Fredina Gonzales

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Fredina Ray Gonzales, age 67, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born November 17 of 1956, in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, the daughter of Clay C. Canon and Carolyn K. Kepley Canon.

She met the love of her life and true soulmate David Gonzales in Las Cruces, NM and married in 1974. They had a wonderful life journey together, relocating to Fort Scott, KS and expanding their family
with three children; Chasidy, Mikhail, and Danica.
Fredina devoted her life to loving and caring for her family and was steadfast in her faith in God. She opened her arms and heart to all around her, welcoming them into her home, feeding everyone her
home-cooked meals, with her special ingredient of “ made with love”.
While working for the public schools, she was a beacon of warmth and compassion. With a heart as vast as the sky, she was dedicated in her career of transporting children with disabilities, guiding them with patience, nurture, and understanding.

Fredina’s love knew no limits, she extended her kindness to the
elderly at Medical Lodge, becoming a cherished friend to those in their twilight years. She spent hours listening to their stories, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and offering comfort with her gentle presence.

In Fredina, the world found a rare gem—a soul who saw the value in every individual, regardless of age or ability. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, leaving behind a trail of love and
compassion that continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Fredina was a big sister to her family in New Mexico, offering unwavering love, understanding, and guidance along the way, both in
triumphs and trials of their lives. Her presence brought comfort in times of uncertainty and joy in moments of celebration. Her infectious laughter and boundless optimism brightened even the darkest of days.

She was a source of strength and inspiration, a beacon of hope and resilience. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by her grace. She
will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.
Survivors include her three children, Chasidy Sharp (Michael) of Louisburg, Kansas, Mikhail Gonzales (Danielle) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Danica Gonzales of Olathe, Kansas; twelve grandchildren, Marissa, Max, Miya, Immanuel, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Marcus, Jeremiah, Hallie, Alexis, Alianis, and Anastasia; a sister, Valerie Martinez and her children; Jason Martinez, Diane Canon, Raymond Martinez of Ft. Scott and a brother, Eddie Gallegos of New Mexico and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-laws; Elizabeth Bernal, Rachel Bernal-Flores, Christina (Reuben) Archuleta, Arthur (MaryAnn) Bernal, Donald (Dolores) Gonzales and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Fredina was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Ava, and her husband, David Gonzales.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, May 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date at the Dayton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.