Monthly Archives: March 2025
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes From March 5
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2025
- Welcome: Thirteen members representing twelve agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Ana Salas- Safe House Advocate in Pittsburg. Safe House is hosting a Bags to Riches fundraiser on March 29 at the Crimson & Gold Ballroom at PSU.
- Jannelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant
- Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center – This week is Dr. Seuss and Read Across America week.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program- Michelle works with families prenatal-6 years old. She is a resource for the parents. Michelle has a caseload of 30 families right now and will need more families once kids graduate to preschool later this summer.
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority- The Housing Authority has an income-based application. There is a short waiting list for all units, but this constantly changes. If you have families in need of housing, send them to Patty. Individuals with felonies are not necessarily disqualified for receiving housing, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison- Greenbush is doing some realigning. Dee Dee is working with CHC Inspire Health on a stuffy clinic project. Dee Dee also helps with the Greenbush autism team. If you need any kind of educational resources, let Dee Dee know.
- Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Department – Tammy collaborates with multiple counties. The breastfeeding program in the area counties has been successful. Programs include teen pregnancy, tobacco cessation, and much more. A Zoom prenatal class starts Monday at Bourbon County Health Department.
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers Bourbon County
- Lora Wilson – CHC/SEK – Community Health Workers
- Robin Paulie- Healthy Heart Ambassador with CHC/SEK – Robin leads the Food is Medicine programs.
- Dustin Emmett- SE KANSASWORKS – Emporia job fair coming up in April because of the Tyson plant closing. Still need employers to attend. Employers around the Emporia area are preferred, but will take any employers as some job seekers will have to relocate.
- Nick Johnson – USD 234 – Fort Scott Preschool Center is hosting their annual Spring Fling family night on April 3. Area organizations are invited to set up a table, host an activity, and connect with families. Preschool Round-Up will be April 11. Any child who will be 3 or 4 years old on August 31, 2025 is invited to attend.
- Program: Sarah Poteat, Regional Manager, CarePortal
CarePortal has been active in Bourbon County since 2017. They work in most counties in Southeast Kansas. CarePortal is a care-sharing technology that drives action for vulnerable children and families. Designated agencies can enter requests for families in need. Churches who want to help families enroll in CarePortal, then requests are sent out to church members who may be able to meet the need. Child welfare agencies are struggling more now than ever before, this has led to fewer requests being entered. Schools can also be enrolled to request for vulnerable families. CarePortal can help coordinate for any tangible need. Requests must be child-centered, children in the home must benefit. Churches interested in outreach ministry are encouraged to get in touch with CarePortal. They would like to add two or three more churches in Bourbon County. Historically, the Bourbon County requests have been met at a rate near 90%, higher than many nearby counties. For more information and testimonials, visit the Care Portal SE Kansas website or Facebook page. Call or email Sarah if you know of churches interested in signing up or if you would like more information about CarePortal.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be April 2, 2025.
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Radiant Massage with Natalie is now open! This new addition to downtown Fort Scott is located inside Structure by Margo at 19 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS (the bison mural building). Radiant Massage offers a serene escape for those seeking relief from pain, muscle tension, or stress. Every session pampers clients with complimentary hot towels, custom aromatherapy, an extra-large, deeply padded massage table, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, hypoallergenic oils, and refreshing spa water such as cucumber lemon.
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Her family’s connection to the area spans generations. Her grandparents, Charles and Willa Cable, dedicated their lives to serving the community—Willa as a nurse caring for the elderly and Charles at the Kansas Department for Children and Families in Fort Scott. Her parents, Bob and Lori Cable, who attended school in Uniontown and Fort Scott, returned to Bourbon County in 2017 and are actively involved in local organizations. Her mother, Lori, chairs the Institute for Evaluation and Research’s Institutional Review Board for ethics in research, while her father, Bob, manages their farm, Soul and Soil Acres, providing fresh eggs and produce.
Having lived in Fort Scott while attending college, Natalie built her own connection to the town and is thrilled to be back, continuing her family’s tradition of positively contributing to the community. Through Radiant Massage with Natalie, she brings her passion for wellness and love for Fort Scott together, offering compassionate, high-quality care.
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Sessions are available Tuesday (11 AM – 6 PM), Wednesday (2 PM – 6 PM), Friday (11 AM – 6 PM), and Saturday (11 AM – 3 PM). Walk-ins are welcome, but booking in advance is recommended. For appointments or gift card purchases, visit www.radiantwithnatalie.com or text/call 469-264-6074. Experience the difference at Radiant Massage with Natalie—where relaxation meets rejuvenation!
Prostitutes by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Recently, I have felt God calling me to minister to the prostitutes in the Las Vegas area. My granddaughter, Montana, had inspired me when she lived in Alabama and weekly took food to the dancers at a local strip club.
The other night in my Zoom Bible study call, one of the men spoke about his trip with his wife to this area and how it broke his heart. Young children would approach him and hand him their mother’s card, a prostitute looking for work. “Can it get more evil?” he asked.
God had been putting together the pieces for a few weeks. I had met two African-American women and am teaching them Pickleball. We have gone to lunch, and I have invited them to my house. We are becoming friends.. Both grew up homeless but met Jesus in the craziest of ways, and now their lives are forever changed. That was God’s first puzzle piece.
The second piece was when my son Adam was part of a sex-trafficking sting in Kansas City last month where 20 gals were recovered. On that sting, he met with an African-American gal who had been sent to K.C. from Vegas. For hours, he offered her hope and a way out of the trafficked lifestyle. She chose to return to it, but they are in contact. When she is ready, he hopes to have me meet with her.
And that’s when I knew that my friendship with my Pickleball friends wasn’t about the sport at all. At one of our luncheons, I asked them if they would meet with this Vegas prostitute, should Adam arrange a meeting. The way I figured it, two black, formerly homeless women who found their hope in Jesus could relate to this prostitute far easier than an old white woman who has never struggled like the three of them. They agreed to help.
And that leads to the third puzzle piece. This week, I met with Mike, a friend/co-worker with Adam and an individual who for over 20 years has worked to help the prostitutes/runaways/trafficked victims in the Las Vegas area. He shared how God had grown their charity and some of the miraculous recoveries they have had. He needs people who are able to speak about their needs, something I would love to do.
A group of teens from local churches raised money for an RV which is parked near the casinos. When the prostitutes are caught soliciting, they are led outside where they are offered food and support. Tattoo artists are on site to cover the tattoos marked on the girls by their pimps (a sign of ownership), a procedure that for some takes several hours but that gives the volunteers time to love on the girls and offer them a way out of their lifestyle. Sometimes the team parks a trailer by a motel frequented by prostitutes and offers them sandwiches and bottled water when they leave their rooms. Definitely something I could do.
Currently, this recovery team is training dogs to be part of their trauma unit. (Not my gift.) These labrador retrievers can sense when someone is hurting and cuddle up to them. Mike said that several girls have had their lives turned around when they felt loved by these animals.
The one thing I know is that God wastes no puzzle pieces, so I can’t wait to see how He fits me into this ministry.
What’s Happening In Fort Scott March 6
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110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.
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DEADLINE FOR 2025 FLAG SUBSCRIPTIONS NEARS
The deadline to sign up for the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Fly the Flag Project is quickly approaching. Applications for new and renewed subscriptions along with payment are due by March 31st in order to participate.
The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes, hassle free, on five different flag holidays. For $40 annually, the Friends will post a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.
Application forms can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text by dialing 417-684-2484. Renewals notices have been mailed/emailed to all 2024 subscribers.
All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include: Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Veterans Challenge coins, and many others. Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!
The Fly the Flag Project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 6
March 3 Bourbon County Commission meeting
The Bourbon County Commission covered a number of topics in their meeting on March 3, 2024.
Hospital equipment disposal
In order not to hold up the work on the hospital, the equipment needs to be moved out as soon as possible.
Commissioner Leroy Kruger said he is still working on a date for the auction and that the hospital wants the stuff out sooner than the county can get it out. He asked the commission for permission to rent some portable storage boxes to put on hospital property to store the item in until the auction. He also said there will be a few incidental expenses to facilitate the auction that the county needs to purchase, as well as employees to help move the items when they sell.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt said that in light of the short timeline, storage should be purchased at Kruger’s discretion, as well as other costs for the auction. The commission then voted and approved the needed funds to be taken from the commission budget.
At the end of the meeting, Kruger asked that those willing to volunteer to help with the auction contact him.
Kruger corrected his comments from the last commission meeting, “We do not donate the proceeds of this sale. They go back to the county general fund.”
Area on Aging board member from commission will be Whisenhunt.
New business
Marian township treasurer recommendation of Larry Jergenson was approved by board.
Housing development
John George spoke to the commission representing Dr. John Dirling who owns property along old Highway 69 south of Popler that he wants to develop by building houses on it. It has water, gas, electric, and direct access to old 69 highway.
He would sell it as 13 three-acre lots running from north to south along old 69, each of which will require a culvert from the county to access the property. George came to the county to check their regulations.
Dirling is looking at the next generation and the need for housing of this type in the county.
Commissioner David Beerbower said that the individual buyers will need to contact Bourbon County public works regarding culverts.
Fence viewing request
Peggy Jackson, came to the commission wanting to know which end of the fence is hers and which is her neighbors. His cows have been out on her property and they cannot come to an agreement about who’s responsible for the fence.
Whisenhunt said that by state statute it’s a 50/50 split if there are agricultural products on both sides. It has to be a 5-strand barbed wire fence.
Kruger said if it comes into damages, that becomes a civil issue that must go to court.
County attorney Bob Johnson said if it’s on private property, the county doesn’t have ability to interfere.
Department Updates
County Clerk
County Clerk Susan Walker brought up some questions involved in finalizing financials for 2024.
She mentioned that the county has to abide by a budget law and a cash basis law. She said that several individual funds are lacking in the 3-6 months of expenses cushion they should have at this time. “We need to save as much money as we possibly can.”
The general fund is in better shape than Walker had feared it might be because several departments didn’t spend all their funds and gave it back to the county.
She also said that the commission had been required to transfer from the appraiser fund and the Sheriff’s fund because they did not have the budget authority to spend the cash that they had. So they ended up moving about $53,000 of expenses from the sheriff’s fund into the general fund.
NRP caused troubles for the appraiser.
Walker said the other funds look okay, but the election funds are lacking because of the big election held in 2024.
She also said the landfill has a $53000 deficit. State statutes require more, but the county can work towards that.
Re. transfer of $31,130 if it’s not made, it stays in the sheriff’s budget, but he’ll require a budget amendment to be able to use it.
After the discussion, Whisenhunt made motion to move $31,130 from the Sheriff’s budget back to the general fund. as it will not affect the Sheriff’s Department budget this year and the funds can be used to cover a portion of the $53,000 that the county paid out of the general fund for the Sheriff’s department. The motion carried.
Register of Deeds
Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, spoke to the commission about a number of road and deed issues.
The first was a request to the rest of 105th from 95th all the way up to Maple. It was an intended road many years ago, but it not a road now. Land owners affected are for closing it. There is currently no signage that says road closed. “You wouldn’t even know it’s a road unless you are intentionally going down there,” said Holdridge.
Statutory rules for closing section line roads involving giving notice to land owners, said county attorney Bob Johnson.
Whisenhunt said once the work of giving notice and publication is done, the commissioners will close the road.
Holdridge also brought up the road situation at 95th and Unique. A land owner on Unique is asking county to maintain entire road up to his house.
Public Works Director Eric Bailey said that on July 6, 2021 the commission asked him to look into the situation. On July 13, 2021, per the 1989 map, the commission was told that there is 1,056 feet of Unique opened up to the west off of 95th. That section receives county maintenance.
Bailey says his policy is to not work on unplatted roads, but in the past, others may have operated by a different policy.
Whisenhunt explained that the school bus used to drive up to the individual’s house and turn around, but now that his kids are out of school and no longer ride the bus, the county no longer maintains that section, which is not actually road, but driveway. Whisenhunt’s current position is to continue to maintain the 1,056 feet, but do no more at this time.
Holdridge also asked the commission to work to get the deed situation with Legacy for Lot 4 straightened out. She said that the county and EMS in particular were led to believe Lot 4 would be given to them, and she has contacted the former county attorney and Legacy, but nothing has been done yet.
“For somebody who owes over $20,000 in back taxes, I think that they need to get that deed to us ASAP,” she said.
Holdridge went on to ask the county commissioners why the county isn’t going after the rest of the lots on the property that was given to Legacy.
“They are not paying their taxes. They sold the property that they got for free. We can’t even get them to give us a deed,” she said. “I just want the deed to get fixed so EMS can have their building. That’s the main thing.”
Johnson said he would look into it. “It would be dependent upon what the agreement is and if there’s a reservation on the deed,” he said.
The commission scheduled a work session for 5:30 on Monday March 10 after they care for payables and payroll. They also cancelled the work session on March 12. Work sessions are open to the public.
Commissioner Comments
Kruger
The public meeting with the solar company scheduled for March 19 is a public meeting, not a commission meeting. Commissioners will not be in attendance. “With everything that’s going on and things that we’re working on, we’re not going to associate ourselves with them at this point in time.”
Whisenhunt said it’s the purpose of the company to meet with the public. Kruger wants it to be clear that the meeting taking place at the courthouse does not mean the commission is endorsing this company.
Whisenhunt
Free dump day should be done, one city at a time throughout the county.
Executive Sessions
Bob Johnson: executive session per KSA 75-4319 B2 for a consultation with the attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney/client relationship for 30 minutes.
Brad Matkin: executive Session for 10 minutes per KSA 75- 4319 B4 to discuss data relating to financial affairs, trade secrets or corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprieterships.
Resumed session with no action at this time.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council on March 6
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Obituary of Wendell O. Arnold
Wendell Oliver Arnold, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. He was born July 1, 1935, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Oscar C.R. Arnold and Effie Lynne Walker Arnold. Wendell graduated from the Ottawa High School. He went on to attend Ottawa University and then graduated from Emporia State University. Wendell lived in Lawrence, Kansas, where he worked in various capacities for area restaurants and nightclubs. Wendell later moved to Ft. Scott to be near his sister. While in Ft. Scott, he made his home at the Cavalry Crossing Apartments before moving to the Medicalodge in August of 2024. Wendell never met a stranger and was kind and generous to all.
Survivors include his sister, Rosalyn Good, of Ft. Scott and his brother, Lytle Arnold, a resident of the Medicalodge in Frontenac, Kansas. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Florence May White and a brother, Joseph Arnold.
Rev. James Brackett will conduct graveside services at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 11th at the Walnut Creek Cemetery in Wellsville, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the St. John’s Global Methodist Church 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.
Uniontown Will Get New Preschool Building, Fire Alarm System, and ADA Front Entrance
Voters yesterday approved an improvement plan for USD 235.
In 2021, Uniontown’s school district board of education had an engineering study in which they identified needs to be addressed, Superintendent Vance Eden said.
In November 2023 there was a bond issue put before the patrons of the district. That bond proposal failed, but the board felt that they still needed to address the issues pointed out in the 2021 study.
“The board came up with the money in the capital outlay fund to improve the agriculture department at the high school,” Eden said. “That took the majority of what they had in capital outlay.”
“The board didn’t have the cash to take on the other needs,” he said.
Yesterday, March 4, another bond issue was presented to the patrons for approval, that has a $1,250,000 price tag with no annual tax rate increases for property owners.
It passed, with 67 percent of “yes” votes
“I’m glad the community had some consensus,” Eden said.
The next step in the process is that the finance team works with the Kansas Department of Education, with engineering and architectural work being approved, he said. Then contractors are sought for the construction and bids are let.
There are three components to the project: a new preschool building, a new fire alarm system at the high school, and a new front door area at West Bourbon Elementary School that is ADA and security compliant.
The fire system and front door areas should be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, Eden said.
The build of the preschool will take from 6-12 months and will likely start in the fall 2025.
The preschool program will continue in temporary accommodations until the new building is completed, he said.
The Preschool Building
The current modular preschool building, which is nearing the end of its usable life, will be replaced with an on-site built facility that will house the preschool and two offices.
Kansas law requires the district to provide special education services for children ages 3 and 4. Slots not filled by special education students are funded by Kansas law for at-risk children.
“After that, we fill with other students, most commonly referred to as model students,” he said.
Up to twenty students for the morning session and twenty more in the afternoon can be served in the district.
Also housed in the new building will be the speech therapist and the school psychologist, “who spend the majority of their time in that classroom,” he said.
The High School New Fire Alarm System
The new high school fire alarm system will replace the outdated one that operates by manual pull stations, which does not notify the fire department should a fire occur while no one is in the building. The new fire alarm system will have heat and smoke detectors and notify the fire department immediately.
The New Entrance Doors At the Elementary School
The current doors do not always close and latch, in spite of frequent repairs, and are a security risk. In addition, they are not in compliance with Standards for Accessible Designs.
