Agenda Packet for the Uniontown City Council for December 9

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for December 9 at 7 p.m.

ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

 ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Memorial Stone Design

 

Stone Replacement in the Park

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of November 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
  2. November Treasurers Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & December Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold

Municipal Court Update/Codes Update

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, 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 ____________.

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Unapproved Minutes of the November 11 Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on November 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 was Michael Ramsey, Joe George, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Moved by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Ordinance No. 207, Vacating Alley between Lots 4, 5, 12 and 13, Block 2, Well’s Addition of the City of Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Discussion of memorial stone design and installation.  Further thought and research will be discussed at a later date.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Joe George commented of two habitual dogs running at large.  Citation will be issued to the owner of the dogs at large.

 

Michael Ramsey asked about official election results.  At this time, no final election results have been released.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the October 2025 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $226,781.89, Receipts $34,948.70, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $38,944.50, Checking Account Closing Balance $219,762.09. Bank Statement Balance $225,361.81, including Checking Account Interest of $49.67, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $5,599.72, Reconciled Balance $219,762.09.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,501.14, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,159.28, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,414.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $326,837.40. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $578.48, and Utility CDs $1,920.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,449.11.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  October 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 October $7,019.80, Year-to-Date Net Loss $44,101.65.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $107,340.87 (79.7%), Expenditures $103,176.20 (67.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,485.11 (79.2%), Expenditures $35,208.17 (76.3%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $95,286.09 (76.9%), Expenditures $101,689.36 (63.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $154,613.74 (103.3%), Expenditures $204,046.64 (95.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,101.28 (111.6%), Expenditures $5,166.76 (71.2%).  The October 2025 payables to date in the amount of $26,571.99 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting
  • October Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & November Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported 301 2nd St. had been cleaned up and in compliance.  101 Washington has had no change since last meeting, a citation had previously been issued and awaiting court date.  401 Sherman not in compliance after phone call was made to property owner, citation will be issued to the individuals residing on the property and one will be mailed to property owner.

 

City Superintendent Bobby Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Arnold informed the council that the 3-50amp 240 volt outlets had been installed in the park.

 

 

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – Invited any volunteers to install Christmas lights in the park the weekend before Thanksgiving

Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant –  Close out paperwork has been submitted and accepted.  Treasurer Johnson has made substantial progress on the library.

 

FEMA Flooding–  Once an invoice from Marbery Concrete is received for the remainder of the project, it will be submitted for review.  Invoice is due before mid-January.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, 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 7:45PM.

No action from executive session.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn

New Community Foundation of SEK Operations/Donor Support Coordinator

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA GUY AS NEW OPERATIONS AND DONOR SUPPORT COORDINATOR

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Samantha Guy as the new Operations and Donor Support Coordinator!

Sam comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and the Girard Area Community Foundation, with a deep love of Southeast Kansas and a drive to be involved. She will support CFSEK’s operations and donor efforts, including assisting with communications and marketing, community engagement activities, donor relations, and providing program support.

“We are excited to have Samantha join our team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Her marketing experience, strong community connections, and genuine passion for Southeast Kansas will be of tremendous value for our organization. We’re confident she will make a meaningful impact for our team, our donors, and our partners.”

A native of Walnut and a graduate of Girard High School, Sam attended Pittsburg State University, receiving her undergraduate degree in strategic communication. She spent several years in journalism and advertising before joining the community foundation.

“I want my children and family to experience my community the way I did growing up,” Sam said, “and I am a believer that if you want big things to happen, you have to do big things!”

When Sam is not in the office, she can be found serving as President of the Girard Medical Center Foundation board, serving on the Walnut Events Committee, or volunteering for Walnut. She also previously served on the Girard Area Community Foundation board as a trustee before taking this position. If she has the time, she also enjoys reading and relaxing with her boyfriend, dog, and two cats.

When asked about her new position, Sam had this to say, “I’m excited to join the team and work with nonprofits to benefit our communities, and I am looking forward to the unique challenges that brings!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.5 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

Flags Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“The events that unfolded on December 7, 1941, were an immense tragedy that claimed the lives of many courageous service members,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a time to reflect on this solemn day, pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and honor the brave men and women who have fought to defend our country and continue to do so now.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit: https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

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FSHS Thespians Present a Children’s Production of A Christmas Carol

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium, 1005 S. Main, Fort Scott. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The production involves 45 children in 1st through 8th grades. The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed by 8th grader Xavier Jeffrey. Other featured roles include Charles Dickens played by 7th grader Dylan Williams, Spirit of Christmas Past played by 7th grader Elsie Fields, and Spirit of Christmas Present portrayed by 8th grade student Claire Bower.

 

A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Senior Levi Fairchild serves as Director, Assistant Director is senior Chris Newman, and Music Director is senior Junie Fisher.

 

All tickets are reserved seating and are $5. Tickets can be purchased at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited.

 

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Upcoming Virtual Job Fair December 10

Commerce Encourages Jobseekers and Employers to Take Advantage of Upcoming Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10.

“In Kansas, we pride ourselves on being the State of Unexpected — but one thing that you can most definitely expect to find is a good-paying job,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There is no reason to wait until the new year to start a new journey — a rewarding career is waiting for you right now, right here in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide 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 they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations 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 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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2026 Operation Round Up awardees selected; more than $50,000 to be distributed

 

Nonprofits throughout eastern Kansas that serve community members in need will soon receive a total of more than $50,000 in contributions from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members through Heartland’s Operation Round Up program.

“It’s always impressive to see what a difference our members can make by contributing just a little bit of change every month,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “We continue to be proud of our board and our members for helping the neediest in their communities through this program.”

Through Operation Round Up, participating Heartland members’ electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar each month. The additional amount is collected and pooled into a fund for distribution to charitable organizations that provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and other direct services for those in need.

Funds collected through the Operation Round Up program are administered by a panel of volunteer trustees selected by the Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors from throughout Heartland’s 12-county service area.

Applications were accepted in October and November and were reviewed by the Operation Round Up Board of Trustees at its annual meeting on December 1.

Grant recipients for 2026 are listed below in alphabetical order. Each will receive between $800 and $2,400 in January, with a total of $50,400 distributed.

  • Alliance of Churches for Christian Living – Chanute
  • Beacon Food Pantry – Fort Scott
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group – Fort Scott
  • Church of Christ Fontana – Heavenly Hotdogs Food Pantry – Fontana
  • Columbus Christian Center – Manna Depot – Columbus
  • Community Food Pantry – Girard
  • Concern, Inc. – Mound City
  • Elsmore United Methodist Church – Elsmore
  • Erie Area Community Christmas Basket Fund – Erie
  • Erie Federated Church – Erie
  • First Assembly of God Baxter Springs – Hope Chest – Baxter Springs
  • First Baptist Church – Cherokee
  • First Baptist Church of Pleasanton – Pleasanton
  • First Baptist Church of Riverton – Riverton
  • First Christian Church – God’s Pantry – Chanute
  • First Presbyterian Church of Iola – Iola
  • First United Methodist Church – Columbus
  • Friends of Library District #2 of Linn Co – La Cygne
  • Galesburg Christian Church – Orange Swan Free Store – Galesburg
  • Hope Chapel – Moran
  • Humanity House – Iola
  • Humboldt Ministerial Alliance – Humboldt Community Food Pantry – Humboldt
  • Mound City Christian Church – Christian Women’s Service – Mound City
  • Mound City United Methodist Church – Mound City
  • Parker United Methodist Church – Helping Hands & Hearts – Parker
  • Pitt Chapel Church of God – Pittsburg
  • Prescott United Methodist Church – Reach Out Food Pantry – Prescott
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Mound City
  • Second Chances – Blue Mound
  • Michael Catholic Church – A Meal In His Name – Girard
  • United Methodist Church – La Cygne Food Pantry – La Cygne
  • United Women in Faith – Pleasanton
  • Wings of Warriors – Gas
  • Yates Center United Methodist Church – Bowls of Plenty – Yates Center

Current Operation Round Up trustees include Tom Bradbury of Uniontown, Rev. Daniel Davis of Iola, Carol Houston of Prescott, Nancy Hurd of Columbus, Kelly Perry of Bronson, Sue Stainbrook of Fontana, Mark Taylor of Girard, and Sharon Young of Erie.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas manages Operation Round Up contributions and disburses funds on behalf of Heartland.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

Heartland REC is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative that traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company in Iola, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association in Mound City, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in Girard. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996 to form Heartland

Ad: What Fort Scott Community College Offers

Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open

 

Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.

Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.

Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.

Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage-type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke, with a special token provided by the shop.

“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.

The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.

No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.

“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.

Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.

“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be  a rental.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.

Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.

The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.
Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave”  is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.

Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.

“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out.  New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”

“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.

 

Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.
The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.
This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.

To see the prior story on the build:

https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main