Monthly Archives: March 2025
Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP application period end soon
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of. First, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Monday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.
In addition, Monday is the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP. Applications for the federally funded program must be received by the Kansas Department of Children and Families by 5 p.m. on Monday. Information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/
When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Monday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/
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City of Fort Scott Commission Meeting, March 18, 2025
City commissioners vote on signing political letters and demolition dangerous properties among other business in March 18 meeting.
Consideration of letter of interest for planning commission vacancy from Danny Brown. He had also applied for zoning appeals board, but was not selected. He then reapplied for this position and was approved unanimously by the City of Fort Scott Commission.
Public hearings for a number of properties deemed unsafe or dangerous and in need of either demolition or repair:
First property: 301 N. Jefferson
City Codes officer Leroy Kruger said the owner had communicated to him that she doesn’t want any part of the house. She wants it torn down. The commission voted to direct the removal of the building.
Second property: 501 S. Osbun.
Kruger said that when he last spoke to owner, she couldn’t meet deadline to tear it down. She wants to build a new house on the property, but wants the city to tear it down. The commission voted to go out for bids for demolition. Wells voted against the decision.
Third property: 314 S. Scott.
Kruger hasn’t made contact with owner. He said the property has been used as a flop house and had bonfires on it in the past. It is “a real mess” and behind on taxes. City commissioners voted to tear it down.
Commission approved the closing of S. Judson and W. Oak streets for prom on April 5 from 5:45-8pm.
Consideration of bids for easement machine for use in flushing sanitary sewer mains
Bill Limpky spoke to the commission about the machine. It works with the sewer vacuum truck, enabling the moving of hose for flushing through 36 inch openings, giving normal flushing abilities to areas that cannot be reached by the regular truck. Three companies sent in bids from $71,100 to $93,874. Limpky asked for approval to purchase low bid item: Pipe Hunter from Key Equipment. It comes with it’s own trailer and a 2 year warranty on the engine and one year on all other components of the machine. The city has a long-standing good history with Key Equipment. The city had budgeted $100,000 for this item. The purchase was approved.
Consideration of ground lease bids
City Manager Brad Matkin said there were two bids and recommended giving it to the one for $14,250 per year for 85 acres of land on the west side of field A. Commission approved the bid.
Consideration of greens mower purchase
Mary White presented the bid information to the commission, saying they had 3 bids and wanted to go with the $25,000 bid from Kansas Golf for a 2021 Eclipse 322 with 980 hours on it. Last year the city decided not to purchase a new greens mower, decided to go with 2 used mowers. One of which was purchased and is running well. Other mowers don’t start well or scalp the greens. The purchase of this mower, “would give us two operating greens mowers that are reliable with one backup,” White said.
Dancer wanted clarification on John Deere’s bid. Commissioner Dyllon Olson said the lower number of hours on the Eclipse machine: 980 vs. the 1,091 on the John Deere, make it a better buy in his opinion. He also expressed concern that the mower would be not be available.
Motion was approved to purchase Eclipse unless clarification of John Deere bid comes back at $21,000, in which case the commission will look at the bids again.
323 W. Wall status
Commissioner Matthew Wells has contacted owner. She is willing to donate house to land bank. Kruger said that the granddaughter plans to speak to mother and grandmother, saying they should let it go. Wells said he was attempting to not tear it down per two contractors who have expressed interest in saving it, but they were not at the meeting.
Mayor Timothy J. Van Hoecke is concerned about safety with recent fires and the safety of kids in the area. He said they can stop the demolition process if the contractors come forward.
The commission voted to demolish it, Wells against.
121 S. Margrave.
Commissioner Wells told the commission that the home was owned by Susan Anderson, currently living in Minnesota. She contacted one of Commissioner Well’s companies last fall. She has since transferred ownership to that company, which is working to finalize a plan to rehab it.
Dancer moved to table for one month to give Wells’ company time to finalize a loan for doing the rehab work.
Mid-America Baseball League Agreement for LaRoche Baseball Complex
City Manager Brad Matkin said that Fort Scott getting a team in the Mid-American Baseball League in 2026. The league wants a five year free lease of the LaRoche Baseball Complex, and will give the city 50 cents per ticket and help with some additional upkeep of the stadium plus payment of the groundskeeper. The league will do the concessions and clean up after games.
Matkin expects the upkeep costs to stay the same as they have been because they have been treating the complex as though it’s being played on every day because it’s a shrine to baseball.
He had an economic impact study done which showed that if an average of 50 people attend the 32 home games each season, Fort. Scott would see an economic impact of $89,000 for that 2.5 month season.
Commissioner Katheryn Salsbury asked if the league would be responsible to repair significant damage to facility. Matkin said they would and will have insurance to cover any possible injury claims at the complex.
Wells made the motion to sign lease agreement. It was unanimously approved.
Van Hoecke congratulated Matkin for bringing it to Fort Scott.
Monetary partnership agreement with Mid-American Baseball League
Matkin asked for $50,000 as the city’s portion of the monetary partnership with the league, $30,000 from Economic Development and $20,000 from Tourism. In return, the league will have year round storefront downtown as well as the 50 cents per ticket and $89,000 economic impact during baseball season.
The Joplin Outlaws are coming to play at the facility July 11, 12, and 13th. There will be fireworks on Friday, a concert Saturday, and a family-fun-day Sunday.
The commission approved the agreement.
Consideration for the city to write a letter to congress or to send a congressional representative to protect SNAP/No Kid Hungry1:02
Commissioner Wells spoke to the commission about the letter he wishes to sign. “I believe we are to the be voice of the people,” he said. “This is not an attack on any person… Now is our time to stand up for what we believe in, regardless of what others may say.”
The letter he wishes to sign is from the Mayorhood Alliance Against Childhood Hunger. Wells said that there is a current proposal which will cut all funds currently used to feed all the of the kids in Bourbon County and Fort Scott. It hasn’t happened yet, but is part of the budget resolution for later this year. Budget resolution rules to not cut SNAP or Medicaid were voted down. Now there’s nothing to bind congress to not cut funds.
Van Hoecke said current research shows no cut to SNAP funds at this time, but some states are trying to streamline the food choices available with SNAP funds.
Olson said he knows lots of kids that benefit from this, including his own. “I cannot in good conscience let commissioner Wells stand alone.”
While it hasn’t happened yet, Wells said, “Our opportunity now is to tell them what our priorities are as a community. One of my priorities is to feed the children of this community.”
Salsbury referenced the USDA cutting $1billion in funding for school lunches recently as evidence that further cuts may be coming. Van Hoecke pointed out that the cut she mentioned was resetting expenditures to pre-covid 19 levels.
“I find cutting funding for children’s food at a place where they are legal obligated to be [school] unconscionable,” said Salsbury. She went on to say that National Parks and School Lunch funding amount to only a third the size of the budget given to a private entity “doing some things in space.”
While willing to sign the letter as an individual, she is concerned that signing the letter as a government entity will paint a target on the city. “I fear for what would happen to our city if we just happened to get in the searchlight of the wrong person,” she said.
Van Hoecke pointed out that the City Commission is supposed to be a non-partisan body. He advised waiting to see what happens. “I don’t like to say the sky is falling before something happens.”
Dancer spoke up and said, “I would encourage every member of this community … to please, address it with your legislature, state and federal, reach out to the governor, sign a petition, in your own, individual capacity, because feeding hungry children should be a priority.”
Olson said that if the government can feed criminals for free, we can feed children for free. “Whether it happens or doesn’t happen, I wish to put my name and title with Commissioner Wells on this.”
The motion was made that the letter presented for commissioners to read and sign with his or her title, if they want to.
Dancer and Van Hoecke voted No, while Olson, Wells, and Salisbury votes Yes. The motion carried.
Second letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program
Wells said there are currently more than 140,000 refugees who have already cleared all of the hurdles and were prepared for entrance into this country but are now held up by the executive order to suspend the US Refugee Admissions Program.
Van Hoecke said this falls outside the scope of city business and suggested getting a petition together.
Wells claimed that citizens have come to him saying otherwise. “When lives are on the line, I don’t feel like I need to wait to form a petition.”
Van Hoecke pointed out that the executive order has a 90 day window for reevaluation.
Wells said that the attorney general says he has the right to sign these, but a commissioner asked him to bring any future letters before the commission, so he is abiding by that commissioner’s wishes.
“I think it’s an extremely partisan issue,” said Van Hoecke.
Matkin weighed in with, “I’m not even sure why you’re having this debate. Because it’s his (Well’s) right if he writes it [his signature].” A year ago he did something similar and was criticized, which is why he’s bringing it before the commission now.
Salsbury said that Wells’s signing of the letter is free speech, and as a city commissioner, “you don’t forfeit your rights, but I do think there’s a special duty of care.”
“I currently serve as an army reserve lieutenant colonel. I have the same rights as you, but in that capacity, I would not, in addressing city government, state, or federal, identify myself in that capacity for the impact of whoever reads it because I would consider that inappropriate,” said Dancer. Van Hoecke agreed with him.1:29
Wells said that citizens of Fort Scott had reached out to him and asked him to advocate for them, not believing that they can speak up without endangering their lives, which is why he wants to include his title in the signing of the letter. He is doing it as a city commissioner, not just a private citizen.
Olson said petition readers look for elected officials. “This isn’t really city business, but everything happening out there affects our city.”
Wells made the motion to approved to sign onto a group letter with elected representative from other cities to immediately restart the Refugee Resettlement Program with his title.1:33
Van Hoecke, Dancer, and Salsbury voted No. Olson and Wells voted yes. Motion failed to carry.
Letter to Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran and Representative Schmidt to save national historic site of Fort Scott from budget cuts
Wells asked for the whole city commission to sign a letter he has written, “to save our national historic site from the damaging impacts of the mass firings and other changes that have been made.” He said that the site is currently operating at less than 50% of normal staffing levels which has lead to closures of many services and programs at the park and affects economy of the region.
In addition, Wells pointed out that the fort does not have enough staffing available to fire cannon or black powder weapons or bake bread. He said the staff didn’t not provide the information, as they are not allowed to discuss it. Wells found it through his own research.
The April 12 Civil War Days events are also affected, which brought in 3000 visitors last year.
Van Hoecke said, “this is more in our lane.” He said this is part of the consequences of elections. Reductions in force are part of business. “Hopefully this is something that’s corrected,” he said. He also pointed out that this program is under a 90 day review.
“I believe our fort is very important…we want to keep the fort maintained,” said Van Hoecke.
There is currently no way to privately pay for any of it through donations, as all donations are disbursed evenly among all national parks.
Wells encouraged citizens to let elected representatives know that they are unhappy with these changes which are affecting Fort Scott and the local economy. “Unless we tell them, they are not going to know.”
The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration to approve installation of family stations in public areas submitted by SEK multi-counsel health department
Becky Johnson, health department administrator and health officer for bourbon county, spoke to the commission about the Breastfeeding Coalition within Alan, Anderson, Bourbon, and Whitson Counties, and their desire to install a Family Station at a park in Fort Scott. She was asking the commission for permission to build the station, but not the funding for it.
This would be a seating area with shade, a privacy screen for breastfeeding and other caregiving needs, a changing table for infants and toddlers, and a trash receptacle for cleanliness. It would be a concrete pad with the bench and awning made from metal or composite, and include signage to indicate it’s purpose. She said they are considering the splash pad or other park in town such as Gunn Park or Fischer Park.
The estimated cost is $11,440, subject to adjustments based on partnership and funding. The coalition is interested in collaborating with local schools and businesses to fabricate the components. It will then be assembled by volunteers and local businesses will assist with installation.
“We are actively pursuing funding and community partnership to make this happen, as well as grants,” said Johnson.
The commission gave approval given with location yet to be finalized.
Johnson also mentioned that the coalition has funding for the four counties to purchase a lactation tent to use at community events that they attend for outreach. It includes tent, chairs, generator, cooling fans, and a changing station.
Wastewater evaluation and design contract for Davis lift station project
Jason Dickman explained the changes: The Davis lift station is a very large underground structure on peers going down to bedrock. The peers were discovered recently. They had considered having those as part of the new wet well that is going to house the pump for the storm water overflows, but overestimated the cost and found that quotes from contractors put it into the $200,000 range. They have since decided to have a geotechnical engineer do a boring at the location of the wet well and design the peers with a report recommending what to do. Preliminary thinking is that it could cost $100,000. The intent with these findings is to save $100,000 from the original plan, which may have been over-designed.
“If we get this design and that goes in the plans, we’re very close to putting it out for bid,” said Dickman.
Commission approved the new plan.
Snider Electric Service contract
City Manager Brad Matkin explained the service provided by Snider Electric: “They control our thermostats and our heat and air units.” They have 24/7 access and on-site support and semi-annual system database backups. Renewal of the city’s agreement with Snider is $12,894 per year. If city doesn’t continue the services, they will have to control their thermostats themselves. Matkin doesn’t believe the city saves the amount of the service fee on energy costs.
Matkin plans to research the installation of wifi thermostats in city buildings.
The commission voted to discontinue the service contract.
City Manager reports and comments
They are starting to look for bids for bathroom upgrades at Memorial Hall. Parks tax can be used for community buildings.
Currently planning to take the marquee sign off of Buck Run and move it to Memorial Hall on the west side, attached to the building.
Dickman said Horton Street grinding is complete. Fog sealing requires a lowered speed limit until cured. Final completion should be April 13.
Wells asked Matkin about a light for the crossing at Horton and 6th and asked that the work session on storage containers be rescheduled.
He also mentioned that they need a final answer from the Bourbon County Commission on the Transportation Energy Efficiency Program study pertaining to making 240th and Jayhawk a possible truck route, which would open the city up to a bunch of grants on signage and the county to have funds to fix 240th and put in the roundabout on Jayhawk.
The commission decided to review the ordinance forming the land bank board, as the Bourbon County Commission has asked for a seat on it. The Bourbon County Commission contributed to the formation of the land bank and has historically had a seat on the board. Also land from the county can end up in the bank. The County Commission’s seat on the land bank board was taken off via ordinance last year. Now considering adding a commissioner back in.
Van Hoecke said he is excited about getting a baseball team and recommended others turn in a team name suggestions for a chance for free season tickets.
He invited the community to the Friday fish fry from 5-7 pm in the gym at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic church off of Eddie Street. Cost is a donation for fish fries for everyone through Lent. The meal includes pollock and catfish and the dessert table. The fry will be every Friday through April 18.
He also mentioned the need to reinstall signage for no bikes on sidewalks downtown.
KS Dairy Producers Reminded to Obtain 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage by March 31
Manhattan, Kansas March 25, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 29 and the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025.
“We encourage producers to join the 67 dairy operations in Kansas that have already signed up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Executive Director Joshua Ridder “At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a cost-effective tool to manage risk and provide security for your operations.”
The American Relief Act, 2025 extended provisions of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) authorizing DMC for coverage year 2025.
DMC provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.
DMC offers different levels of coverage minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran.
DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses. These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay.
For more information on DMC, visit the or contact your local USDA Service Center.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
Note: Bourbon County is represented by Kansas Senator Tim Shallenberger and Representative Rich James. They have not responded to requests for a weekly newsletter. In the interest of providing legislative information, Senator Tyson provides a weekly newsletter. U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt has recently started providing information at the federal level.
March 21, 2025
It was a difficult week in the legislature. Over 80 bills were worked on the Senate floor. It was intense and made for a long week. There were too many bills to discuss in this update. All the legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.
Property Taxes are a concern for most Kansans. The Senate Tax Committee held hearings on the House position of limiting taxable valuation increases in House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5011 and repealing part of the Truth in Taxation, Revenue Neutral notices, in House Bill (HB) 2396. The Committee didn’t support the House averaging over several years to limit tax values and instead supported the 3% tax value limit passed in Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, 28 to 12 on February 5th. So, the Committee voted to put the same language in 1603 into 5011. The Senate then passed 5011 on a bipartisan vote of 30 to 10. I voted Yes.
The Tax Committee also rejected repealing Revenue Neutral notices, but did move forward on a protest petition that would block local governments from increasing their property tax revenues (i.e. taxes). The Senate lowered the threshold to 3% or an inflation index, whichever is lower, plus new construction and voted on bonds. If the local government unit increases property taxes greater than that amount, voters could block the increase by signing a protest petition. Some of the logistics still need to be worked out, but it is being considered. One thing that most of us can agree on is that the current system is taxing people out of their homes and needs attention.
Slowing State Government Growth by passing SB 259, automatic income tax reductions would be set in place based on taxes collected the previous year. For years Kansas taxpayers have been paying more, growing the beast that is big government. SB 259 would trigger a personal income tax cut for the next year when taxes collected are greater than inflation until the personal income tax bracket is 4.5%. Once 4.5% is reached, the trigger would be used to decrease corporate and privilege taxes until comparable reductions are reached. The bill passed 30 to 10. I voted Yes.
Illegals Voting in Kansas elections would be exposed if HB 2020 becomes law. It would require the Department of Revenue to notify the Secretary of State of any noncitizens drivers licenses issued. The Secretary would then be required to investigate any names on the noncitizen list with voter registrations and direct county clerks to remove the registered voter from the voter rolls. The bill passed 32 to 8. I voted Yes.
Special Elections that often increase taxes will only be held in April, August, or November if HB 2022 becomes law with the Senate changes. A recent election in Sedgewick County cost taxpayers $136,000. If it would have been on the August or November ballot, there wouldn’t have been an extra expense. I voted yes. It passed 24 to 16.
Artificial Intelligence generated visual sexual images of children will be a sex crime if HB 2183 becomes law. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Prayers for those who have lost loved ones. It was a difficult week in the Kansas Senate, as a few senators lost loved ones. It is one of the hardest things we face in life. For all who have lost a loved one, their life was a gift from God and may their memory continue to bless you.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon in Linn County
The week of March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-52 in Linn County. The 14-mile project area includes two highway sections: from K-31 northeast to the U.S. 69 south junction, and from the U.S. 69 north junction east to the Kansas-Missouri state line.
Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car with guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during weekday daylight hours; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by June.
KDOT awarded Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., of Topeka, the $3.2 million construction contract. Persons with questions may contact Ian Stringham, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
KDOT urges drivers to slow down and obey the posted signs in all work zones. For information on this project and other construction activity on state highways in Kansas, visit www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.
ArtEfffect Submission Guide
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Uniontown City Council Will Meet April 9 at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 8, 2025 has been rescheduled for April 9, 2025 at 5:30PM, due to anticipated lack of quorum
AT UNIONTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER
206 SHERMAN ST
Construction Careers Highlighted at Kansas Virtual Job Fair
KANSASWORKS Highlighting Construction Careers at Upcoming Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today encouraged jobseekers and employers interested in construction careers to take advantage of an upcoming virtual job fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the sector-specific fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.
“As we continue on our strong trajectory of economic growth, there has been a corresponding increase in new building construction across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Many employers are eager to hire hardworking Kansans ready to fill the many open construction roles – and at the same time help build a new and better Kansas.”
The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers.
The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, 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.
About the KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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Unapproved Minutes of the March 11 Uniontown City Council
The Regular Council Meeting on March 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, the PSU Nursing Students Anthony Arulzu, Shannon Kalgreen, Mia Perez, Cora Simpson, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing–not in attendance, Mitchell Trenching submitted a bid for replacing lines from main through building.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept Mitchell Trenching bid of $900.
SEED Grant bid opening–one bid was received by Terry Nading for all SEED projects total material and labor $14,440.
Terry Nading provided 2 sizes for the bullet proof glass window: 58 ¾” x 29 7/8” for $1,600 or 36” x 29 7/8” for $800 and labor $1,260.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Terry Nading bid proposal for all but the window at this time.
FEMA Flooding bid opening–2 bids were received for all 4 components by Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on theses bids at this time as Council is waiting until after the FEMA meeting on 3/18/25.
2 Sidewalk bid opening-2 concrete bids were received. Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on the 2 concrete bids at this time as Council is waiting on response from business owner.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for February was $306,769.02, Receipts $37,051.18, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $59,968.41, Checking Account Closing Balance $280,827.79. Bank Statement Balance $289,529.93, including Checking Account Interest of $58.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,702.14, Reconciled Balance $280,827.79. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,042.59, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $2,2822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,871.48, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $386,564.12. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $119.73, and Utility CDs $581.65 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $701.38. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of February $25,941.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $16,964.05. Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $50,641.45
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second byKelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of February 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for February 2025 and the Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Tractor-tractor repair completed, Brad Stewart delivered and picked up tractor with his trailer and fuel, please compensate him for
wear and tear on equipment and fuel costs for $500
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain) to approve payment.
Mosquito Workshop-superintendent requested workshop attendance.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve Mosquito workshop attendance.
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online update-started the Jayhawk software requirements and have not started Quickbooks online.
Telephone/Blue Tooth Ear Headset/Monitor-asked Council for 2 new monitors, new updated telephones, and blue tooth headset
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve requested equipment.
Reminders for upcoming events for the City of Uniontown:
Rabies Clinic will be on 3/29/25 @ 1:30pm to 3pm with Dr. Lora Holeman
City Office will be closed on March 19, 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2025
CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan
KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan
Dogs at large-Dog catcher has been unable to catch the dogs at large in the City. Council advise to send 2 citations for repeat offenders, and a certified letter to the other offender.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –none
Councilman Kelly – none
Councilwoman Pemberton – are we are still needing and accepting book donations? Treasurer Johnson said yes.
Councilwoman Pritchett –letter needed to tenant and landlord regarding trash on front porch and now in back yard
Councilman Stewart– none
Mayor Jurgensen –none
OLD BUSINESS
Warehouse Building Electric update-have electricity installed and have rollup doors programed
Council stated to get a bids for the foam installation for the warehouse building.
Motion by Pritchett, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to get bids for the foam installation of the Warehouse.
Park electric –electrician is waiting for boring to be completed
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00 PM.
Johnson called in at 8:45, out at 9:00.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:15 PM.
Esslinger called in at 9:03, out at 9:20.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:30 PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:30. No action from executive session.
City Clerk asked the council if need to send a debtor to collections with CBK, Inc. Council agreed to send.
Council member stated need to change the next month meeting from April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to move date and time of next month meeting to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
ADJOURN Time 9:45 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Kelly, Approved 5-0
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 25
Obituary of Janice Patterson
Janice Patterson, age 100, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died peacefully at the Medicalodge on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Jan was born February 13, 1925, in Mapleton, Kansas, to Willis Francis Patterson and Mabel Evelyn Cooper Patterson. Her family lived on a farm south of Mapleton.
She attended school in Mapleton for her early years and graduated as Valedictorian from Fulton High School in 1943. In the fall of that year, Jan enrolled as a freshman at Ft. Scott Junior College. The 1944 school yearbook pictured her as a Student Council Member and part of the annual staff. The next year, she went to Kansas City to work for Pratt and Whitney, a defense contractor during World War II
By 1950, she was working for Skelley Oil in Kansas City. By the early 1970’s, she was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma where her career ended with Chevron Oil. In the early 1980’s, she retired and returned to Ft. Scott. She was very active in the First Christian Church where she eventually became a deacon. Jan also played bridge, attended FCE meetings and belonged to different social groups.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Mabel Patterson as well as her brothers, Elgin Patterson, John Patterson, Byron Patterson and sister-in-law, Erma Essicks Patterson, a sister, Doris Underwood and brother-in-law, Jake Underwood, and a niece, Ruth Ann Underwood Burleson.
Jan is survived by two nieces, Susan Underwood Karleskint of Uniontown, Kansas and Mary Underwood Gregory and husband, Brad, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In addition, there are six great nieces and nephews and seven great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the First United 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.