Monthly Archives: February 2025
Obituary of Gayle Diane Farris
Gayle Diane Farris, a beacon of love and courage, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 63. Born on November 30, 1961, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gayle’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.
Gayle’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Eldon and Donna Hall, both of whom, along with her siblings Margie Singmaster, Larry Hall, and Glen Hall, predeceased her. Her life was enriched by her loving family, including her late husband, James Farris. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Rachelle Knotts (Morgan), Niki Wielgus (Paul), and Ashley Thornton. Her legacy continued to flourish through her eight grandchildren, Mikaela, Rylee, Liam, Jordan, Abbigail, Ethan, Jaxton and Emma, and one great-grandchild, who were the light of her life.
A woman of exceptional intellect and determination, Gayle graduated summa cum laude from Pitt State with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She achieved this remarkable feat while raising her three daughters, a testament to her strength and dedication. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to helping others, and she carried this passion into every aspect of her life.
Gayle’s resilience was evident in her personal battles as well. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, she faced the disease with characteristic tenacity. Even as her health declined significantly 12 years ago, she remained a fighter. Her indomitable spirit shone through once more when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer six weeks before her passing. Through it all, Gayle’s humor, love, and courage never wavered.
An avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, Gayle’s enthusiasm for football was infectious. She could often be found cheering on her beloved team, a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the laughter of her family.
Her role as “Mimi” was one she embraced wholeheartedly, pouring love and attention into her grandchildren and great-grandchild. The moments spent with them were among the most precious of her life.
Gayle’s interests extended beyond the football field and family gatherings. She was a woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring a good cup of coffee and loving on her grandchildren. Her presence was a source of comfort and happiness to all who knew her.
Those who were fortunate enough to know Gayle will remember her as a funny, loving, and courageous soul. Her laughter was contagious, her heart generous, and her bravery an inspiration. Gayle’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family, and the countless lives she touched through her work and personal endeavors.
Following cremation, services for Gayle are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas
. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Uniontown City Council Meeting Unapproved Minutes of Feb. 11
The Regular Council Meeting on February 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:03PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Terry Ayers, Joe George, Jared Lord, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Warehouse Electric bid opening –one bid was received by Kelly Electric for $8,000.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0-1 (Kelly abstain) to accept Kelly Electric bid proposal.
402 Sherman bid opening –five bids were received: Don Pemberton with DP Rentals $13,000, Tom Decker for $500, Jared Lord for $5.000, Terry Ayers $13,003, and Nathan Russell with Russell Properties for $15,051. Council decided to accept Nathan Russell with Russell Properties LLC bid proposal to buy the 402 Sherman St or commonly known as the Weed Barn.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0 to accept Russell Properties bid for 402 Sherman property.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –not in attendance
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, HiAP –not in attendance
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the December 2024 and January 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for January was $263,863.74, Receipts $74,521.06, Transfers Out $3,086.04, Expenditures $28,529.77, Checking Account Closing Balance $306,769.02. Bank Statement Balance $308,001.30, including Checking Account Interest of $61.62, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,232.28, Reconciled Balance $306,769.02. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,843.39, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,656.09, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,655.20, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $411.923.70. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $61.62, and Utility CDs $0.00 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $61.62. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00; from Gas Utility to GA Mtr Dep Int (2024) $41.36; from Water Utility to WA Mtr Dep Int (2024) $20.68 for Total Transfers of $3,086.04. Net Income for the month of January $42,905.25, Year-to-Date Net Income $42,905.25. Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $43,492.34. which does not include KMGA and Johnson Vaughn, PA.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of January 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for December 2024 and January 2025 & the Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich – none
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Jayhawk software & QuickBooks online –presented costs and requested to purchase Jayhawk software and update to QuickBooks
online and the QuickBooks payroll which both software is compatible to work together in order to do utility billing and financial reports. Our lawyer is sending gWorks a letter in order to try to recoup our expenses for that software company, as yet no response from them.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0 to acquire both QuickBooks and Jayhawk software programs.
Council has decided to keep AllPaid and not to use the Jayhawk NexPay utility bill payment.
Trash complaint – 301 2nd St #1, the tenant is not taking responsibility of cleaning up this trash. Council directed Clerk to send a letter to tenant to take care trash on front porch in 10 days.
Rabies Clinic – Contacted Dr. Lora Holeman regarding the Rabies Clinic tentatively on March 29
CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan
KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 for Clerk to attend both conferences in Manhattan.
KDOT information was presented regarding CCLIP grants available if the Council wants to look into it.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilman Kelly – none
Councilwoman Pemberton –Reported that the Pickle Ball Court fence is half way completed, and will finish when warmer weather.
Councilwoman Pritchett – Ask if there were any other residents that reported late bills this last month? Clerk Esslinger replied only one other resident and this would be due to the US Postal Service as utility billings was mailed on the correct mailing date.
Councilman Stewart– none
Mayor Jurgensen – Mayor asked if we could get the sidewalk replaced from edge of city building property north to 3rd St. The city has had 2 insurance claims regarding the sidewalk. If property owner between city owned properties is willing to follow city policy, then yes. City policy for sidewalk replacement is City pays half of concrete and owner pays balance.
Mayor also asked, due to fence installation, to install a sidewalk between the Pickle court and the Public Restrooms for access.
Mayor request to get the FEMA and mitigation invitation for bids started so can get these completed as soon as possible, have them due by noon March 11. Larry Montgomery with KDEM will be here at the end of February and we can discuss what is need to complete this FEMA project. Council directed to proceed with invitation for bids.
Mayor asked if Council was considering to replace the lines or toilets at the public restroom. If line replacement option is selected, a larger meter (2”) will be required. He would like to have complete before they are needed to be used for future community events. Council asked for more information regarding cost for both options. City Superintendent will order a 2’ meter for stock if not used for this project.
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – need to do invitation for bid and start ordering other items. Stewart asked for a copy of the window specs for a possible donation.
Council agreed to allow moving camera monitor to south wall of office.
Park electric – Mayor stated that CrawKan will donate the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this until CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:45PM.
Legislative Update Coffee is this Saturday, February 22nd, 9-10am in Fort Scott!
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 21 Newsletter
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Obituary of Danny Hall
Danny Lee Hall, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born November 3, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the son of Forrest Elvin “Slim” Hall and Betty Jean Wratchford Hall.
Danny was disabled since birth, and his life revolved around time spent at home with his mom and dad. To occupy his time, Danny enjoyed listening to and recording country music as well as playing video games. On nice days, he enjoyed walking around the Horton Street neighborhood.
He was a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Following his mother’s death in 2023, Danny moved to the Ft. Scott Medicalodge. The staff and other residents became his second family. He enjoyed all the activities, especially Bingo.
Survivors include an uncle, Cletis Hall, of Ft. Scott and two aunts, Wilma Wilson, also of Ft. Scott and Marilyn Hall of Dadeville, Missouri as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Betty Hall.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 24th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund 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.
Obituary of Patricia Scott
Patricia Margaret “Trish” Scott, age 63, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born January 12, 1962, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of John Andrew Cleary and Catherine Horne Cleary. Trish worked for Tri-Vally for several years prior to her disability. In her younger years, she enjoyed deep sea fishing. She would regularly welcome neighborhood kids for meals. Trish liked animals especially dogs. She loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include her companion of 21 years, Robert Jones; her children, Frank Scott (Caitlyn) Fort Scott, Kym Drum (Shawn) Elmira, NY, and Kenny Patrick, Leavenworth, KS; a brother, John Cleary (Despina); grandchildren A.J. Drum, Kaisley Scott, and two more on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Susan Fischer and Catherine Yuster; and her parents.
There was cremation.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, February 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Trish Scott Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Bronson Among Kansas Water Office Project Award Winners
Governor Kelly Announces Over $26M for
Water Projects and Technical Assistance
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office announced Thursday the award winners for the second round of the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 Grant Programs, which provide over $26 million in funding for water projects and technical assistance to communities across Kansas.
“Water is vital to the livelihood of our communities and Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is a crucial step in addressing pressing water issues to safeguard our water supply for generations to come.”
In 2023, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 increased the amount of state funding for the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) and created two new water related grant funds: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund. In the first year, 34 municipalities and special districts related to water were rewarded $18 million.
“The expansion of the State Water Plan to include support for municipalities and water districts continues to be a critical component towards ensuring communities across the state have access to a reliable supply of clean water,” said Senator Kenny Titus, Kansas Senate District 18.
The grant program received over 300 applications in its first year, and an additional $10 million was provided in 2024 through the Legislature to address the high demand for funding.
“We are grateful for the Legislature and Governor Kelly for approving this additional funding,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “We received a large number of applications again this year. This funding is necessary to Kansas communities.”
Over 270 communities applied for the 2024 funding period, requesting a total of $237 million. Thirty-nine technical assistance grants and 24 water projects grants were awarded to 70 communities and special districts related to water.
“Our small agricultural towns are the lifeblood of our state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, Kansas Senate District 40. “And this funding will help these communities have the clean and affordable water access they need to thrive.”
A total of $26,287,103 was awarded.
“I am so pleased to see the list of rural communities and rural water districts across Kansas that have been awarded grants to mitigate their specific water issues,” said Representative Lisa Moser, Kansas House District 106. “Water is the lifeblood of our state. Without it, nothing else matters.”
See the full list of funded projects at kwo.ks.gov.
Technical Assistance Grant Fund:
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Barber County RWD No 1 |
$324,116 |
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Finney County Sewer District 1 |
$165,000 |
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Wallace County RWD No 1 |
$452,000 |
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Ellis |
$83,400 |
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Bunker Hill |
$176,200 |
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Leon |
$250,000 |
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West Mineral |
$33,000 |
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Onaga |
$192,490 |
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Franklin County RWD No 1 |
$18,500 |
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Cloud County RWD No 1 |
$132,600 |
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Kismet |
$146,500 |
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Jewell County RWD No 1 |
$237,500 |
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Norcatur |
$134,700 |
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Hartford |
$68,000 |
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Anthony |
$50,000 |
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Sylvia |
$304,900 |
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Toronto |
$250,400 |
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Ozawkie |
$45,000 |
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Harper |
$83,800 |
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Lecompton |
$125,000 |
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Towanda |
$390,900 |
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Finney County RWD No 1 |
$307,500 |
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Cawker City |
$241,650 |
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Liberty |
$25,000 |
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Randall |
$38,300 |
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Parsons |
$92,000 |
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Potwin |
$52,180 |
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Montgomery County RWD No 9 |
$55,000 |
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LeRoy |
$102,000 |
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Reno County RWD No 1 |
$94,600 |
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Chase |
$366,100 |
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Lakewood Hills Sewer Improvement District |
$909,000 |
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Wilson County RWD No 4 |
$39,700 |
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Sylvan Grove |
$148,400 |
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Goessel |
$50,000 |
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Ellis County RWD No 1C |
$219,600 |
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Alma |
$575,600 |
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Bronson |
$307,075 |
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Washington County RWD No 2 |
$64,000 |
Water Projects Grant Fund
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Marion County Improvement District 2 |
$458,880 |
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Troy |
$824,520 |
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NWKP&DC/Palco |
$500,000 |
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Moscow |
$635,300 |
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Marion County RWD No. 4 |
$1,414,760 |
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Barton County RWD No. 2 |
$980,000 |
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Blue Mound |
$517,000 |
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Bartlett |
$416,310 |
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Collyer |
$13,745 |
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Goff |
$94,850 |
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West Mineral |
$664,000 |
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Harveyville |
$1,272,556 |
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La Harpe |
$750,000 |
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Leondardville |
$289,140 |
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Girard |
$1,289,800 |
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Quinter |
$350,000 |
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Humboldt |
$3,000,000 |
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Geary County RWD No. 4 |
$192,516 |
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Cuba |
$334,000 |
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Hamilton |
$467,000 |
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Huron |
$520,805 |
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Pretty Prairie |
$33,651 |
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Moundridge |
$542,000 |
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Kanopolis |
$1,196,141 |
Loan Assistance:
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Liebenthal |
$24,103 |
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St. John |
$531,772 |
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Gorham |
$59,506 |
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Kensington |
$184,084 |
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NWKP&DC/Hill City |
$1,104,952 |
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Gove |
$132,110 |
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Plainville |
$141,891 |
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Significant Changes to CDBG Community Facilities Programs
Commerce Unveils Groundbreaking Overhaul of Community Development Block Grant Program
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today significant changes to its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Community Facilities program to allow a rolling application process, lower local match requirements and an expanded scope of eligible projects.
“This is a game-changer for Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “For decades, we’ve seen too many worthy projects stalled due to rigid deadlines and high local match requirements. By streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens, we’re ensuring that cities and counties — large and small — can bring transformative projects to life.”
The revamped CDBG – Community Facilities program opens the door for projects ranging from emergency sirens and ADA upgrades to new libraries and major park developments. Notably, the transition from an annual competition to a rolling application process means that cities and counties can apply for funding year-round, receiving decisions in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months for a single funding cycle. Additionally, the local match requirement has been reduced from its normal 25% to a 10% match for small projects and 20% for large projects.
“This continues the significant shift in the way the Kansas Department of Commerce is approaching community development” Commerce Assistant Secretary Matthew Godinez said. “In 2024, we rebranded the Community Development Division as the Quality Places Division to better reflect our mission of fostering vibrant, connected and resilient communities. We’re removing bureaucratic roadblocks and getting critical dollars where they’re needed faster. This is about leveling the playing field so that smaller or lower-income communities have a real shot at funding transformational projects.”
Key program enhancements include:
- Rolling Application Process: Applications will be accepted year-round starting May 1, with monthly reviews and grant agreements executed within five business days of approval.
- Reduced Match Requirements:
- Small projects ($50,000 to $210,000) require only a 10% local match.
- Examples include:
- Accessibility and ADA Improvements
- Parks and Recreational Facilities
- Community Centers and Public Infrastructure
- Public Safety and Emergency Service
- Examples include:
- Large projects ($210,001 to $1.5 million) require only a 20% local match.
- Examples include:
- Public Infrastructure and Facility Development
- Public Safety and Emergency Services
- Libraries and Educational Facilities
- Examples include:
- Small projects ($50,000 to $210,000) require only a 10% local match.
- Pre-Application for Readiness Screening: Cities and counties can submit a short pre-application starting April 1, 2025, to gauge project eligibility and receive feedback within five business days. The full application stage opens on May 1, 2025.
- Flexible Project Categories: Communities can apply for any eligible CDBG-funded project, from public safety improvements to large-scale community facility developments.
By expanding access and accelerating the funding process, the Kansas Department of Commerce is ushering in a new era of community investment across the state.
“This is about empowering Kansas communities,” Toland said. “No longer will cities and counties be forced to wait for a single shot at funding each year. We’re making the process flexible, fair, transparent and focused on results.”
For more information about the CDBG program, 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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Plaintiffs Claim No Conflict of Interest In Lawsuit Against County
The three individual county commissioners and six other individuals who are suing the county commissioners and four solar companies claim that there is no conflict of interest for Lawyer Jennifer Hill to represent the county commissioners as an entity.
On January 30th, Jennifer Hill filed a motion to withdraw from the lawsuit. She was defending the county commission, which now consists of David Beerbower, Leroy Kruger, and Brandon Whisenhunt. Since those three individuals are all plaintiffs in the lawsuit suing the county commissioners, Hill said that trying to represent them would violate KRPC 1.7, which says that a lawyer can’t represent one client if doing so would be directly adverse to another client. An example might be: It would be impossible for Hill to have any private communication with the county commissioners without that communication being known by at least three of the plaintiffs since they are the same people. If disclosing to the plaintiffs conversations that were intended for the defendants could be adverse to the defense, then there would be a conflict.
The plaintiffs (Beerbower, Kruger, Whisenhunt, and the other individuals who are suing the county commissioners) have responded through their lawyer, saying that while the idea of a conflict has some “facial appeal” there is actually no conflict involved.
The motion to withdraw alleges, in effect, that the plaintiffs who are now members of the Board of County Commissioners are the same party as the defendant Board of County Commissioners Ms. Hill represents and, therefore, her continued representation of the Board of County Commissioners would also be a representation of the board members who are plaintiffs. An attorney has a conflict under Rule 1.7(a)(1) when “the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client.” That analysis may have some facial appeal, but it is incorrect.
Comment 2 to Rule 1.7 teaches that assessing whether there is a conflict begins with clearly identifying the clients or clients. The Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County is Ms. Hill’s client. It is a corporate entity and by statute is the properly named defendant in actions against a county. See K.S.A. 19-105. Its legal identity does not change depending on who its current members are. Ms. Hill represented the same entity now that she represented at the beginning of the case.
The objection goes on to state that, since the board members have no individual authority as a commission when it comes to county business, the board has a legal identity separate from that of the individuals. Since Beerbower, Kruger, and Whisenhunt are suing the county commissioners in their capacity as individuals, they claim that action is separate from any action they could bring acting together as the county commission. They claim that since Hill is representing the commissioners but not the individual members of the board, there is no conflict with her continuing to provide legal counsel to the board. There is no mention of how Hill could communicate with Beerbower, Kruger, and Whisenhunt in their role as commissioners without the communication being known by Beerbower, Kruger, and Whisenhunt in their role as plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit.
It might not immediately be apparent why the plaintiffs would care why the defense counsel withdraws, but presumably, if the plaintiffs agree that there is a conflict of interest, that conflict may apply to the defense side of the lawsuit as well since the conflict would come from having the same individuals (though acting in different capacities) both pursuing the lawsuit and defending against it. Further, if there is a conflict for Hill, then any lawyer would have the same conflict. If there is a conflict, the conflict derives from the fact that Beerbower, Kruger, & Wisenhunt are on both sides of the lawsuit regardless of whether they are acting as an individual on one side and the commission on the other. Any attempt to replace a lawyer would not affect a conflict based on an overlap of individuals between the plaintiffs and defendants. If there is a conflict with that as the root, it could only be resolved if the three commissioners were somehow no longer a party to one side of the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs go on to state that they are fine with Ms. Hill withdrawing from the case and posit that she might want to leave because she was hired by an insurance company that has now decided there is no coverage to represent the commissioners in the lawsuit. If Hill is allowed to withdraw, they ask that the proceedings wait until Beerbower, Kruger, & Wisenhunt, in their role as commissioners, retain a lawyer who can help defend against the lawsuit from Beerbower, Kruger, Wisenhunt, et al. in their roles as individuals.
BB-2024-CV-000075 – Plaintiffs Partial Objection to Jennifer Hills Motion for Leave to Withdraw.
BB-2024-CV-000075 – Original Lawsuit filed against the commission
Parent Empowerment Circle Feb. 23
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