|
|||
|
Monthly Archives: February 2025
Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit is in March
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Emmerson Cattle Co. Bull Sale Is This Weekend
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Obituary of Hubert Thomas
Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kansas where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas. Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas.
Hubert was a man of many trades, but most of all he loved providing and caring for his entire family. He grew up on a farm east of Fort Scott where he attended the Diamond School and built life-lasting friendships. He later graduated from Fort Scott High School.
Like many young men, Hubert ran from the farm and started his young adult life working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he only added to his friend list. Hubert met the love of his life sometime around 1958 while on another date in Hepler, Kansas. He married JoAnn in April 1963 and loved her until the day that he passed. Being one who was always leaning forward, he didn’t wait for a draft and voluntarily joined the Army during a period of severe unrest in Vietnam. Fortunately, Hubert was able to serve out his two years as a medic in Germany with his beautiful wife by his side. Their first child was born six months after they returned to the US. It was then, Hubert decided, life on the road was not fit for “his” family.
For the remainder of his life, Hubert would build his legacy. He learned how to run a dozer, purchased it, and turned it into a General Construction business by the early 1980’s. Thomas Construction is still alive today and has made its mark all over Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. After his father passed in 1970, Hubert was drawn back to the farm. What began as 300 acres of inherited “leased” land and an “M” Farmall tractor became the four square miles of property his next three generations of Thomases, Wrights and Snyders enjoy today. Today his legacy can be witnessed through the love these three families share and continue to cultivate.
As the years went on, Hubert found his true passion was the one he ran from as a young man. He leaned into the cattle business, as a “Cattleman”. He could often be found with a big smile on his face sitting at the livestock auctions, working cattle, and watching grandkids show cattle in shows in multiple states. In fact, he was just at a show with grandkids three weeks ago in Texas. There was always a freezer full of beef for anyone in his family to grab a steak from.
Hubert is survived by his wife JoAnn Thomas, his sister Sue Gray, his three children Gregory Owen Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, his seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas Owen (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder and Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Owen Thomas. Hubert was preceded in death by his parents Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas, his future daughter-in law, Nong Brown, and his grandsons Nathanial Wright and Hunter Thomas.
Hubert Owen Thomas lived big and loved even bigger! He will be missed by all he touched!
Funeral services for Hubert are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home
. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Feb. 24, 2025 Bourbon County Commission Meeting
County Commissioners want to learn more before approving the 2024 inventory list and tax roll corrections.
After approval of payroll and accounts payable, commissioners voted to table the approval of the 2024 county inventory list. Commissioner Leroy Kruger said he wanted to understand it more fully before approving it. Commissioner David Beerbower mentioned he also had reservations
Regarding tax roll corrections, Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt asked for an explanation.
Assistant County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins explained that the corrections are adjustments made to a person’s tax bill when they sell or in another way loose their property.
Kruger made a motion to table for time to look at it and the commission approved the motion.
Equitable Sharing Agreement report from Sheriff’s department
Sheriff Bill Martin answered the commissions questions about the agreement. He said that when his department conducts criminal investigations in conjunction with federal government agencies, it sometimes result in funds being confiscated, a portion of which come to the sheriff’s department. There are no such funds this year, but an annual report, approved by the commission, is still required.
Old Business
Work sessions and schedule change
Whisenhunt brought up his previous suggestion that the commission hold work sessions every other week following a short county commission meeting at the regular Monday time beginning March 10, 2025. They would hold regular meetings on the weeks in between.
Kruger was in favor as it would provide for the commission “to get caught up on where we want to be with all the things we want to accomplish.”
Hospital equipment disposal
Kruger met last Friday with Freeman and Nevada Regional Medical. “I got eyes on everything that’s going to be in the auction,” he said.
He has located an auctioneer to conduct the auction. Brian Allen, county employee, will do it free of charge. They are in the process of selecting the auction date, most likely a Friday or Saturday after Kruger has advertised it to area hospitals. Plans are to hold the auction in the hospital parking lot. Proceeds from sale need to go to a charity. Kruger advised commissioners to be thinking of what charity they would like it to go to.
Beerbower asked if other county equipment that needs to be disposed of will be included in the auction. Kruger said he thought adding those items would draw out the process, so they will be doing those at another time.
Public comments for items not on the agenda
Clint Walker spoke about a public forum held by officials from the state representative Rick James and state senator Time Shallenburger last Friday. Walker was embarrassed by the fact that no county representatives attended.
Whisenhunt responded, “You’re right. One of us should have been there.” He was unable to make it due to late notice and the need to work. Kruger also said he didn’t receive notice in time to attend.
Land Bank
Michael Hoyt spoke to the commission about the land bank, informing them that Mr. Tucker is now the chairman of the land bank and Heather Madison is the treasurer.
He said they are currently working on researching what it will take to clean up the tax sale process.
Whisenhunt asked what the land bank does with the land.
“It seems like all we do is mow it,” joke Hoyt. He then explained that the land bank offers it for sale to whomever wants to bid on it, usually with a quit claim deed. Sometimes they have warranty deeds that allows them to be sold for building on.
Kruger answered, “In short, they manage and maintain the sheriff’s sales properties until there’s a home found for them.”
“If we can get it cleaned up and figure out how we can go and get a quick claim deed converted to a warranty deed, then we’re golden,” said Hoyt.
March 17 will be the new date for the presentation from Christopher McElgunn, a lawyer who specializes in this area, to the land bank and those interested in learning more.
City commissioners are working to get the ordinance under which the land bank operates modified to allow Commissioner Beerbower to sit on the board as well.
New Business
Department Updates
Public Works Director Eric Bailey told the commission that the county is moving forward with bridge replacement at 60th and Grand, which requires the moving of an electric line. The line is owned by Heartland Electric, who has submitted a price of $19,000 to move 4 or 5 poles and the line. This utility moving is the county’s responsibility as part of the state grant they received for moving the bridge.
“So for about a, give or take, around $900,000 project, we’re going to be into it for about $100,000,” depending on how the bids come in Bailey said.
Money for the utility line moving is already budgeted, and requires commission approval. The public works department worked with Heartland Electric to get the price as low as they did.
The bridge moving project started end of August of 2023.
Beerbower told Bailey he did good job during last snow storm.
Bailey said of his crew, “They did an outstanding job.”
Zoning
Beerbower said that part of his campaign was that he would work on this, so he wanted to open the discussion.
Whisenhunt added that on either March 19 or 26, Eric with Advanced Power wants to have a meeting with the public.
The commission decided that Commissioner Kruger is to head up the zoning and special use permit research team, including any county personnel who can contribute. He has been asked for reports at county commission work sessions.
Fort Scott Area Chamber Membership Renewal
The commission has been members for more than 15 years, said Chamber President and CEO Lindsay Madison, when she spoke to the commission.
She said the chamber’s mission is to support commerce, build community, and promote spirit in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.
Commission approved the renewal at a cost of $340 for all three commissioners for the year.
Commissioner Comments
Beerbower suggested adding a slot for elected officials to the regular meeting agenda to open up that line of communication within the county.
Beerbower also mentioned the Facebook talk of animal control and the lack of it for the county he had seen. Based on research from a 2017 cost analysis from Pierce County it costs $2 million to run a county animal control with 12 employees and more if the county has a shelter.
“At this point, I’m not against it and I’m not for it either, because it’s costly,” he said.
Whisenhunt mentioned that they could check with the city of Fort Scott to see the cost of its animal control department.
“Please take what I’m about to say as learning for all of us and not as a slight towards any of us,” said Kruger. “We need to step up our game on communication.” He went on to say the commissioners should communicate with the county clerk about their official obligations so they don’t miss or double up on meetings outside of the regular business meeting.
Kruger also asked if any progress had been made about the current juvenile detention costs to the county.
Currently, “The juvenile would have to have committed a very serious crime,” said Sheriff Bill Martin, if he or she would be sent to the facility that the county pays for. He said that he is looking into a juvenile detention center in Johnson County for a pay-as-you-go system, rather than the current flat-rate-regardless-of-use system.
Sheriff Martin is in conversations with the director of juvenile justice for this area and plans to come to the commissioners with more information.
Solar Attorney
“We need to hire our solar attorney,” said Whisenhunt. “He will take care of the deal that went to court today and he will take care of all the solar negotiations for us.”
Beerbower made motion to hire him, mentioning the money that had been set aside for that purpose. The commission approved the motion.
At the end of the meeting a concerned citizen spoke up on issue of zoning, asking, “are we going to set up deliverables, milestones, on this?” Kruger replied it is too early in the process, and that they need more information before answering.
Citizen said he is worried their progress will stall. He then asked what tools the county would use to initiate these zonings.
Kruger replied, “I don’t want to infringe at all. I want to protect everybody,” and said the commission will present their conclusion to the public before voting.
Kruger also said the commission would be looking at several drafts before finding the right answer, and that would be a great time for the public to come in and have their say.
Beerbower is confident that Bob Johnson, the county attorney, will be a good resource to help, as he’s done it for several other counties.
The citizen thanked the commission for their transparency.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 25
Bridge repair on U.S. 69 begins soon
Monday, March 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to start a repair project at the Marias des Cygnes River bridge on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69. The bridge is approximately one mile south of the K-52/U.S. 69 north junction.
Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane at the work zone. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by the end of May.
KDOT awarded Bettis Asphalt & Construction of Topeka the $477,049 construction contract. Persons with questions may contact Ian Stringham, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.
Legislative Update from KS Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 21, 2025
In a rush to pass bills before turnaround (the halfway point in session) over 60 bills were worked in two days on the Senate floor. It was a grueling pace. All bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov. Below is a sample of the bills that passed the Senate and were sent to the House.
A U.S. Senate, Insurance Commissioner, or State Treasurer vacancy replacement would be filled by an appointed committee of legislators providing three names to the Governor. The Governor would then select one from the three names, unless the legislature is in session. When the legislature is in session, a resolution with three names would have to pass both chambers and then the Governor would select a replacement from the three names on the resolution. Two years ago, I introduced legislation that would have held a replacement convention, much like we do with other positions, but it couldn’t get traction. Timing is everything. Now that Senator Marshall could be considered for a Presidential appointment, it has become urgent to pass replacement legislation instead of just letting the Governor name a person. SB 105 would respect the voters’ decision by requiring nominees to be a member of the same party for at least six years, as the vacated seat. It would also block any of the legislative nominating committee members from being a nominee. SB 105 passed 31 to 9.
Healthy Choices are the intent of SB 79 by excluding candy and soft drinks from eligible foods on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps. Some argued that it was mean and restrictive. It doesn’t stop other welfare money from being used on these items, only SNAP. It passed 29 to 11. I voted Yes.
Bail Bonds for Illegal Immigrants would get special treatment if an illegal defendant were deported outside the U.S. in SB 105. The court would have to return 95% of the bond issued for an illegal immigrant who was then sent back to another country. The Sheriffs association expressed concern that someone could put up a bond knowing the person was a major flight risk. The bill passed on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted No because illegal immigrants shouldn’t be bonded out.
Given Name Act would prohibit students from changing their name without a parent or guardian permission and would prohibit students from using pronouns. It is an attempt to stop the woke nonsense in K-12 schools. SB 79 passed 26 to 14. I voted Yes.
Search Warrants could only be issued by law enforcement if SB 138 becomes law. Currently, anyone can issue a search warrant. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Low Income Scholarship Program would be expanded to allow children in foster care, children of active-duty military, or children of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel to qualify for a scholarship to attend alternative K-12 schools. Currently, any Kansas student whose family income is less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for the scholarship program. SB 87 also increased the program cap from $10 to $15 million for the tax credit portion. It passed 24 to 16. I voted Yes.
Student Loans would have an established uniform interest rate, repayment schedules, and establish authority of the State Board of Regents to administer the student financial aid programs in SB 50. It makes more sense than using taxpayer money to pay off student loans for people. It passed 39 to 1. I voted Yes.
Help Not Harm Act was passed into law after overriding the Governor’s veto by 2/3 the legislature voting Yes. Senate Bill (SB) 63 would stop chemical and surgical sex changes on anyone younger than 18 years of age. The vote to pass the bill was 32 to 8, but one Senator who voted for the bill did not vote for the override. It passed the Senate on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted Yes on both measures.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Obituary of Thomas Karleskint
Thomas “Tom” Frederick Karleskint (age 81), resident of Fort Scott, KS., left this earthly body and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 21st, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 14th, 1943, in Fort Scott, KS, the youngest of 13 siblings (Rita, Esther, Helen, Leo James, Marjorie, Joan, William, Rosalie, Alice, Carol, Patricia, Ruth, Tom) to Frederick and Caroline Karleskint. Tom married Nancy Ann Brooker on July 24th, 1965, and together they had four children – Michael, Richard, Randy, Matthew. They also had thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Tom was a local farmer and rancher in the Fort Scott area for many years. In addition to his love for farming/ranching, he enjoyed hunting, eating fish that someone else caught, shooting, arrowhead hunting, and had a passion for antique guns and western memorabilia. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Tom had a deep love for God and His word. He always had a video camera in his hand, recording his grandkids any chance he could. Tom was faithful about picking up the phone, at any given time, to check on and catch up with any and everyone.
If you were acquainted with Tom, you know that everyone was special to him no matter the length of time you had known him. He was an amazing, Godly example, who lived out what he believed in and loved to tell anyone he could about Jesus. Tom served in the Army National Guard as an Engineer from 1964-1971, and had as many stories from that experience also.
He is proceeded in death by his son, Matthew Karleskint (1997) and his two great-granddaughters, Kimber and Kennedy (2024). Survivors include his wife, Nancy Karleskint, his three sons Mike Karleskint (Thosha) of Fort Scott, KS., Richard Karleskint (Sheryl) of Park City, KS., Randy Karleskint (Michelle) of Skiatook, OK.; daughter-in-law Shawna Karleskint-Cooper (wife of Matthew Karleskint), Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren: Aaron, Amber, Jeremy, Josh, Jonathan, Kari, Jordan, Savannah, Kristin, Ashley, Andrew, Luke, Shayne; and eleven great-grandchildren: Gus, Gaige, Jayston, Jayva, Case, Jalen, Jadyn, Joelle, Matthew, Kyndal, Milo.
Rev. Rod Hillhouse and Rev. Shane Swint will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 1st, at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS. Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Hearing Held In Lawsuit Regarding Hill’s Petition to Withdraw
In today’s hearing of BB-2024-CV-000075, Jennifer Hill was allowed to withdraw from her role on the case defending the Bourbon County Commission which consists of Beerbower, Kruger, and Wisenhunt.
Patrick Hughes representing the Plaintiffs (which include all three county commissioners) objected to the reason for her withdrawal stating that there is no conflict of interest according to rule 1.7. He stated there were no objections to her withdrawing other than an objection to the reasoning that there was a conflict of interest.
Judge Richard Fisher asked if there were any objections to the withdrawal and none one objected so he allowed her to withdraw without making any mention of whether their was a conflict or not.
Seth Curtis Wright, defense for Tennyson Creek Solar I & II, pointed out that any conflict in Jennifer Hill representing the Beerbower, Kruger, & Wisenhunt as commissioners would also apply to Mr. Hughes representing all three of them as individuals. Further, he pointed out, that anyone replacing Jennifer Hill will have the same conflict of interest since all three of the commissioners are defendants in a suit filed with the three of them as plaintiffs.
He said he wasn’t presenting that today but would file a motion. Hill said that the county commissioners were working to secure the services of a lawyer, but there were some things that needed to resolve before it could be done. It wasn’t clear what lawyer was being referenced.
The case will be revisited once the conflict of interest motions are filed and the county commissioners obtain someone to represent them in their capacity as commissioners.
Early Childhood Spring Fling April 3
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Tuesday, April 1st so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal
Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why at Papa Don’s Pizza Wednesday, February 26th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|