Bourbon County Sheriff Ron Gray tendered his resignation, effective August 9th, at today’s commissioners’ meeting. “I’m conflicted and heartbroken. It’s killing me because this is my dream,” Gray said. Gray said that his reason for leaving involved time with family, and that he had been offered “other opportunities” elsewhere. “Being away from your family has kind of a toll on you,” Gray said. Gray mentioned that he has only been able to see family on a limited basis in recent years.

“Who knows, someday I might come knocking on the door asking to come back. I didn’t sleep much last night. My heart’s with this county and this town,” Gray said, citing 23 years of service with the county. “Things change, plans change—my family needs me,” Gray said. Gray added that someone once told him he had to choose what is important to him in life, and Gray said that 15 years later, he is taking those words to heart.

Of the situation that he leaves behind, Gray said that he had not been vocal on certain issues because he knew taxpayers could not afford a mill levy increase, but that there have to be “other ways to deal with them.” “I have an excellent jail staff and second,” said Gray.

“Ron was the first Republican sheriff in 73 years in this County,” said Commissioner Harold Coleman. According to Kendell Mason, Gray was in the first year of his second term, and the process for electing a new sheriff will depend on party guidelines.

According to Kansas State Election Director Brad Bryant, the Bourbon County Republican party chairperson will call a party district convention, and the precinct man or woman will receive a notice from the county party chairperson. The precinct will then hold a convention within 21 days of the notice, and will select a candidate at that time. The governor will then issue an appointment letter following the candidate selection.

“You always hate to lose experienced people,” Commission Chairman Warren said. “It’s not a good time—talking about security of the courthouse and the jail. He’s one that we counted on. “Sherrif Gray will be missed. He’s been very conscientious,” added Commissioner Barbara Albright.

In other business:

• Sheriff Ron Gray brought forward his department’s proposed budget for the coming year. “You’ve done a great job in putting this together,” Warren said of Gray’s work on the budget. Gray said that the department is asking “only $400 more” than last year. This new figure includes the purchase of eight new vehicles for the Sheriff’s department, and also leaves room for the “high side” on payments. The amount allotted for the 2013 budget was $532,583, and the request for 2014 is $532,987. The budget includes new bullet-proof vests for officers. “[Vests] only have a 5-year life expectancy,” said Gray.
• County Clerk Kendell Mason presented the Clerk’s Office budget proposal, as well as the budget proposal for elections. “I cut $2,400 out of the clerk’s budget,” Mason said. “I may be a little close, but I think that’s doable.” Mason requested $84,600 for 2014. With regard to the Election budget, Mason said that she had reduced it by $11. However, Mason did say that “what’s happened this morning could change my budget for election. That may be one I have to adjust later on.”

A number of 4-H contestants competed in Junior, Intermediate and Senior showmanship with their pigs this afternoon. Contestants wowed the audience with their demonstration of confidence and control over their animals. Judges quizzed participants and gave constructive feedback to each class that entered the arena, and bystanders enjoyed a cool drink along with the afternoon’s entertainment.

At today’s Chamber Coffee, attendees found themselves surrounded with cut flower displays, contest-winning food and photographs, as well as colorful quilts crafted by area fair participants. The meeting, which was held in the Myers Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, centered around announcements of several upcoming events in the area.

Lindsey Madison, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Arts off the Junction” Art Crawl, which will be held Friday, July 16th from 5 PM until 8 PM. Madison explained that the Crawl will showcase local artist’s work, in addition to the talent of local Fort Scott entertainers. According to Madison, this first Art Crawl will be located mainly on the block containing City Hall and the Liberty Theatre. Booths will be set up along this block of Main Street to house merchandise, from which the public will be able to purchase locally created items. Madison said as of today, there was one booth opening left, and that interested parties should contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce. Madison also mentioned that those planning to display artwork or entertain attendees should register with the Chamber by 5 PM on Thursday, July 25th.

Madison encouraged area artists to participate, but emphasized that artwork does need to be authentic, original artwork. “It does need to be true art–not a craft,” Madison said. In addition, Madison said that for those selling artwork, the Chamber has a sales tax form to be filled out and sent to the State of Kansas.

Scheduled entertainment includes performances by local musician Ralph Carlson, and musical entertainment from the Cherry Jammers from 7-8 PM in the Heritage Park Pavilion.

Art Crawl Registration Form

In other news:

• David Shepherd of Shepherd Team Auto Plaza announced the company’s 61st year as a Bourbon County car dealer. Shepherd said that he still had discounted, hail-damaged vehicles available at savings of $50-$75-$100 per month on payments.
• Don Miller of the Historical Preservation Association (HPA) announced the need for a volunteer to help with the Homes for the Holidays Tour. Miller said the HPA needs to add two more historic homes to its tour this year to make the event possible, and the association also needs a volunteer to co-chair the event. Miller mentioned that the Homes for the Holidays Tour had been going on for 33 years, but that “we are in danger of not having one this year.” According to Miller, the tour brings hundreds of people to our city every year during the tour, which helps stimulate economic growth and revenue of city businesses. Lindsey Madison added that 1-2 bus tours have already scheduled their trip to attend the tour in December.
• Jerry Dorsey of Ward Kraft announced that the company has 2-3 open positions in production for press and machinery operators. Dorsey added that the company also has 2 open positions for customer service representatives. “It looks like we’ve got some pretty solid opportunities for WK holdings [to offer job openings],” Dorsey said.
• City Manager Dave Martin announced that an award, Newest Pool Built within Historical Reference, had been given just this past week to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. Martin said that the pool had generated some extra revenue, but that the extra money had to be used on pool-related projects. In addition, Martin said that the city had recently seen several new people move to town, and that the city wanted to keep people moving to the area in order to get the Bourbon County valuation “turned around.”
• Allen Warren announced that the fair had experienced growth in the goat projects being presented at the fair, and that the George family had donated a 40 ft addition to the goat and dairy barn on the fairgrounds. “In this day and age, who thought we would have added on 40 ft and filled it up,” Warren said.
  Warren also reminded attendees about Thursday evening’s entertainment at the Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Center, the Friday evening Garden Tractor Pull and the 4-H Livestock Sale Friday night at 7:00 PM. “Some of them vet pretty creative things,” Warren said of the garden tractor pullers, including dropping a 350 car engine into a garden tractor. Warren also encouraged the public to attend the Livestock Sale and support the efforts of the 4-Hers. “This is the climax of the year for these kids,” Warren said, highlighting the hard work the 4-Hers have done in raising and training their animals.

During the past week, the Bourbon County Road and Bridge Department has been working to lay new asphalt on Justice Lane just west of city limits. Discussions at recent county comissioners’ meetings have included discussion about scheduled road work, including this project.

Fair Schedule Courtesy of the 2013 Bourbon County Fair website

Wednesday July 17^th

8:00 AM Open Bucket Calves Judging

9:00 AM Dairy Cattle Judging

9:00 AM-11:00 AM Family and Consumer Sciences Judging Contest

10:00 AM 4-H and Open Class Dairy Goats Judging

10:00 AM-9:00 PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

1:30 PM Horticulture Judging Contest, 4-H Building

2:00 PM “Cook Once” Eat for a Month Program presented by Starlite FCE

6:30 PM Beef Cattle Judging

6:00 PM-7:00 PM Free Health Screenings, Yeager Building

Thursday July 18^th

8:00 AM Swine Judging

8:00 AM Chamber Coffee, Myers Building

10:00 AM-9:00 PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

2:00 PM 4-H Fashion Revue Practice

3:00 PM Round Robin Showmanship

5:30 PM 4-H Fashion Revue

7:30 PM Triple Showcase Music Entertainment, Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Friday July 19^th

9:00 AM Livestock Judging Contest

10:00AM-9:00PM History of the Bourbon County Fair, Myers Building

1:00 PM Barnyard Olympics

5:30 PM Buyer’s Appreciation Supper

7:00 PM Junior Livestock Sale

7:00 PM Garden Tractor Pull

Saturday July 20^th

8:00 AM-9:00 AM Check Out 4-H Exhibits and Clean Up to follow

8:00 AM-10:00 AM Check Out Open Class Exhibits

7:00 PM Missouri State Tractor Pullers Association

4-Hers and Open Class contestants provided a colorful spectacle for fairgoers this morning. Multicolored chickens, furry rabbits, squeaky-clean cattle, textiles, photographs and garden produce were just a few of the items evaluated by judges and admired by bystanders this morning. In addition, many hardworking volunteers kept the crowd fed and cool through their efforts.

The main events today at the Bourbon County Fair will involve judging of arts and crafts, various livestock and food entries. Throughout the day, a Fair History exhibit located in the Myers Building will be open to the public, and tonight at 6:30 PM, Thursday Night Live FCE will present the program “Believe it or Not” it can be recycled.

Today’s schedule courtesy of the 2013 Bourbon County Fair website contains the following events:

8:00 AM Judging of 4-H and Open Class Rabbits

8:30 AM Judging of 4-H Foods

8:45 AM Judging of 4-H Arts and Crafts

10:30 AM Judging of 4-H and Open Poultry

Noon Bake sale for Open Class foods

5:00 PM Judging of Sheep and Meat Goats

6:30 PM “Believe it or Not” it can be recycled presentation

12:00 AM-9:00 PM History of the Bourbon County Fair exhibit, Myers Building

Undersheriff Bill Martin, Bobby Reed of the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center (SEKRCC) and James Cianciaruso of JE Dunn Construction came before the county commissioners in order to propose planning for a new jail. “There’s been a trend that we’ve been seeing in our communities,” Cianciaruso said. “Increasing jail population, decreasing population and an aging facility.”

Cianciaruso presented his company’s practices in designing and managing the construction of new jail facilities, including the JE Dunn’s INTown Purchasing Program, in which the company hires local companies and workers as subcontractors. “We really want to get to know the communities that we’re in” Cianciaruso said. Cianciaruso added that any money invested in JE Dunn, especially public money, would be reinvested as much as possible back into the community in which the money originated. “We don’t just go back and forget about you,” said Cianciaruso, who added that the company’s goal is to work with local contractors instead of bringing in workers from Kansas City.

Cianciaruso cited as evidence the company’s work with Reno County Kansas, with which the company worked for 7 years to find a solution the community found satisfactory. “We worked with those communities for many years to help get studies done” said Cianciaruso, and added that the company worked with the county and community to determine how much money the county felt it could spend on a new facility. “That’s the essence of what you’re trying to achieve,” Cianciaruso said of striking a balance between a facility that serves the community properly, but that is not a “country club.”

Of the SEKRCC, Cianciaruso said that from what he had seen there were “some definite issues” with the current structure, and that there had been some “band-aids”  added to the structure to “mitigate incidents” between the population of the jail and the people in the surrounding community. “The reality is that people don’t want to think about the fact that they have to support a jail [rather than a school or other public facility], but a jail is an important part of the community,” Cianciaruso said, especially regarding the safety of the jail staff. Cianciaruso said that he did not want to be presumptuous and say that Bourbon County needed a new jail, but rather that he would like the chance to view the situation and help the county make a decision.

Commission Chairman Allen Warren said that his biggest issue regarding the project was that Sheriff Ron Gray was not present at the meeting and had not mentioned the project in prior meetings, to which Martin replied that the project had been delegated to him. “He hasn’t ever looked at me and said ‘stop what you’re doing,'” said Martin. Warren replied that since Sheriff Gray was the elected official, he should be directly involved in the project proposal.

Commissioner Harold Coleman asked about the life expectancy for a new jail if the county were to invest in one, and whether it would be worth the investment. Cianciaruso estimated the new jail would be sufficient for the county’s needs for 20 years, but could not give a definite number. Regarding the return on investment for the building of a new jail, Cianciaruso said that though “boots on the ground” are the most effective in reducing conflicts between inmates, a more technologically-advanced jail could help reduce staffing costs. Coleman pointed out that if a new jail were built now and the jail population doubles, the county would be back to square one again in a few decades. Cianciaruso agreed that this was a risk. “You only get one time to do it right, and you need the best information in front of you [in order to make a decision],” Cianciaruso said. Cianciaruso added that a new jail could be built in such a way to make future additions less costly.

JE Dunn Presentation Documents

Bobby Reed of the SEKRCC added to the discussion that new laws regarding violation of probation laws might cause a “jump” in the number of inmates at the jail, adding to the current problem of overcrowding. Reed explained that the new laws require a 5-day sanction for the first violation, and a 120-day sentence for a second violation.

In addition, Commissioners Warren and Coleman met with Carolyn Flynn, Permit Specialist at EnBridge. The company is working with Shafer, Kline and Warren in order to put in a new 36 inch pipeline for crude oil, which will run perpendicular to Yellowstone Rd. “The only road they’re going to cut is Yellowstone,” said Flynn. Holly Powers of Shafer, Kline and Warren explained that any pipeline 12 inches or larger requires an open trench to be cut. Powers said that bores have a tendency to collapse, and that the company is trying to avoid “failures down the road” by cutting a trench for the pipe rather than boring through the ground to place the pipe. Flynn added that an open cut would be less expensive than boring. Warren mentioned that the new pipeline would run parallel to an older pipeline that he estimated had been put in during the 1950s. Warren moved that the transmission pipelines permit be signed to allow EnBridge to put in the line, and Flynn wrote out a $1,600 check for the price of the permit. The work is estimated to take about 3 months.

In other business:

• Wally Maples, Caretaker at Elm Creek Lake, reported that he has replaced siding on the exterior of the caretaker’s house at Elm Creek, and presented several ideas for development of the facilities at the lake. Maples suggested the possibility of building a shower and bathroom facility at the site, to which Warren replied that they county would need to look at revenue generated by the lake during the season, then make a decision on what could or could not be done regarding improvements. Maples reported that during the week of July 4th, the lake generated $300 on rentals for just one cabin.
• Travis Clinesmith of Murphy Tractor attended the meeting in order to discuss the buyback of one of the county’s graders. The buyback would total approximately $110,000. The county will be replacing the machine, with which it has had several problems, prompting the county’s use of the buyback option.
• County Attorney Terri Johnson updated commissioners concerning possible ideas for alternative sentencing to help reduce jail population.
• Register of Deeds Lora Holderidge attended the meeting in order to explain to commissioners that the county’s booth at the fair is giving away information pamphlets on local government, but that the materials were given to the county at no cost to the county. Holderidge emphasized that the county had not spent any money on giveaways for the booth.

During this morning’s County Commissioners’ meeting, Dean and Gail Bailey presented the Bourbon County Fair Board’s request for 2014 funding from the county. “In the past it’s been $12,250. I’m sure we’d be happy to get the same thing again. We know how things are,” said Dean Bailey, who recognized the budgeting constraints the county faces for the next year. Commission Chairman Allen Warren replied, “We’ve got a tough job this year, no doubt about it.”

Gail Bailey reported that entries in the Open class at the fair have risen in recent years. “There will be more premiums to pay out, which is good,” Bailey said. Dean Bailey reported that entries from 4-H and FFA had also risen.

Warren added that the baking contest, which falls under the Open class, currently has 58 entries. “King Arthur Flour has donated a number of prizes . . . The company seems to be pretty excited about being involved in the Bourbon County Fair,” Warren said. Warren said that the flour company works with wheat farmers in Kansas to produce their product, 960 bags of which the Warrens will be transporting to the Merchant Building at the fairgrounds tomorrow. The 5 pound bags of Self-Rising flour are available for free to fairgoers. Warren said that it was “a good thing to see our fair growing with both the 4-H and Open class.”

Bailey also reported that Dale George had recently placed several round straw bales to be used in the bale decoration contest along the road adjacent to the barns and rodeo arena. “It will be interesting to see who comes up with what to decorate these round bales,” Bailey said. “The limit on that’s your imagination,” Commissioner Harold Coleman added.

Bailey also reported that the George family had paid for a 40 ft extension to the Goat and Dairy barn on the fairgrounds. According to Bailey, the extension was added in memory of Bill and Doris George, who were lifetime Fair Board members. Bailey said that all of the construction was done by the Fair Board, mostly by Mark Leatherman.

Dean Bailey did have some negative news to report concerning the aftereffects of the April hailstorm, however. “The hailstorm that came through really riddled us,” Bailey said. “We’re working through that and think we’ll come through that okay.” Bailey said the Fair Board found out that their buildings were were under-insured. One building that will likely be demolished soon is the old horse barn at the southeast corner of the fairgrounds. “The roof on it was damaged, and after looking at it, [the insurance company] didn’t think it was worth putting a new roof on.” Bailey said that the board is currently considering using money from building rentals in the off season and money from insurance to build a new horse barn.

When asked about the age of the old horse barn, Doris Ericson said that the building was present when she and her family moved to the area in 1962. Ericson estimated that the barn was built in the 1950s, and that the Fair Board had considered enclosing the structure and using it for storage. Ericson said that it had since been discovered that the wooden poles supporting the structure were rotting, and the building had been deemed beyond repair. The horses are now trailered in on Sunday evening for the 4-H Horse Show, then transported away afterwards, and the champions brought back later in the week for awards, according to Ericson.

At today’s Chamber Coffee located at the Lowell Milken Center in downtown Fort Scott, several announcements related to upcoming events were made.

FSCC President Dr. Clayton Tatro announced several new employees at the college, including Band Director Michael Dzbenski. Dzbenski replaces Betty Jo Laflen who retired at the end of the school year. FSCC has also hired Juliana Hughes as the college’s Director of Public Relations.

In other school-related news, FSCC will be hosting a visit by Governor Brownback at the FSCC Vinylplex Construction Trades Building in Pittsburg, KS. The visit to the area is a result of FSCC’s involvement in vocational education for high school students paid for by the state through Senate BIll 155. The bill, which was signed by Governor Brownback on May 25, 2012, has allowed FSCC to produce, according to Tatro, “one of the largest groups that took advantage” of the legislation and the benefit it provided to young people.

Fair Board Lifetime Member Allen Warren announced the opening of the Bourbon County Fair this weekend, Saturday July 13th. Warren said that the activities would begin with a dog show in the morning, and would be followed by the ATV Showdeo Saturday evening. Warren also mentioned that the 4-H horse show would be held the following evening.

Warren highlighted other entertainment to be showcased at the fair this year, including the tractor pullers from the Missouri State Tractor Pullers Association. Warren said that the association only puts on 5-6 pulls in Kansas, and that Fort Scott was fortunate to host them for the event. Warren said of the event, “They bring lots of tractors with them, they bring lots of smoke, lots of noise.” The tractor pullers will compete Saturday July 20 at 7:00 PM.

Jackie Warren, Open Class Superintendent, reminded fair goers about the King Aurthur Flour Baking Contest and free flour for attendees. Warren said, “Please come to the fair and take a bag of flour home.” The flour company has donated 960 sacks of self-rising flour as a gift to the community, which currently is being stored at the Warren home.

In other news:

• City Manager Dave Martin announced the departure of the city’s outgoing Economic Development Director Macy Cullison. Martin said, “Macy did a lot of great things behind the scenes [for Fort Scott’s economic development], and we’re going to miss her.” Martin also announced an ice cream social to be held sponsored by members of the area Farmer’s Market. The social will be held at Skubitz Plaza, the evening of Tuesday July 16th.
• Quentin Umphenour, a local student, was present at the Chamber Coffee to present his History Day project on Captain James M. Williams, head of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer regiment, who fought during the Civil War. Umphenour placed 3rd in the Junior Individual Performance category in the State History Day Competition, which made him the alternate candidate for the national competition held in Washington, D.C.
• Lindsey Madison, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced two upcoming events. The first is the Legislative Wrap-Up which will be held July 20th, 9:00 AM at the Common Ground Coffee Co. The second event is the Chamber Golf Tournament, which will be held July 26th. More information about the Golf Tournament is available from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
• Norm Conard , Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center, announced several developments at the center, including 6 new exhibits made possible by the recent building expansion. In addition, Conard urged attendees to read the Life in a Jar book, which is currently #6 on Amazon.com’s List of 6,000 Books on the Holocaust.

While driving south on 69 Highway, local residents may have often wondered about the vehicles being auctioned off in front of the Cash 2 Go store in Fort Scott. FortScott.biz interviewed Manager Krista Bradley and Customer Service Representative Tiffany Philip about the sale of vehicles and how it is conducted.

Philip explained that Cash 2 Go uses two different markings to designate vehicles for sale, and that only the vehicles with writing on their windows are currently available for sale and for auction. One type is “starting bid,” which Philip said are for auction. The auction for each vehicle is a silent auction, and bids must be placed in person in the store. If a person is outbid, they are notified by phone and asked if they would like to place a higher bid. Bradley said that auctions typically last about 2 weeks if bids on the vehicle reach a reasonable amount.

The other marking type, Philip said, is “for sale” in which the vehicle is sold “first come, first serve.” Bradley also mentioned that prospective buyers may bring a mechanic with them and examine the vehicle’s engine and other components before they buy, because vehicles are sold “as is.” Philips clarified that potential buyers may test drive vehicles, but only in the parking lot. “The vehicle cannot hit the highway,” Philip said.

Philips explained that the store also does not do loans or financing on the vehicles being sold, and that Cash 2 Go does not accept checks for payment of vehicles. “We can’t accept checks because checks can bounce,” said Philips. Bradley added that the store does accept cashier’s checks for the amount of the purchase. The last step in the process after purchase of the vehicle is for the customer to get the title notarized.

Last, Bradley mentioned that the time frame for selling repossessed vehicles depends on the response of the original owner of the vehicle. Philip said that the original owner has 15 days after Cash 2 Go notifies them of the repossession to make a payment. After that 15-day period, the store has a waiting period until the title for the vehicle comes back, and only then can the vehicle be put up for sale or for auction.

County Commissioners addressed several questions pertaining to the restructuring of the Road and Bridge department in Bourbon County, as well as the raise given to the Bourbon County Appraiser’s position. Jerrod Handly of the Bourbon County Review pointed out that the appraiser’s salary is nearly $10,000 above the next-highest paid employee in the county, the County Attorney. Commission Chairman Allen Warren countered that the current county appraiser does $14-15,000 worth of work that is contracted out in other counties, while her salary remains lower than theirs. “She’s saving us money,” said Warren. Commissioner Barbara Albright also mentioned that the county appraiser is a “highly skilled” position and deserved to be paid as such when compared with the salaries of appraisers in neighboring counties.

Handly then brought up the restructuring of the Road and Bridge department and the addition of the new position of “Director” in that department. Warren replied that because of the large amount of work demanded of the current County Public Works Foreman, he had been working on the Road and Bridge budget in order to help the department keep up. Warren said, “The county crew is getting an awful lot of work done,” but there were things that still needed to be done on the budget and planning that could not be done by a person who, as Warren put it, has been running “from one end of the county to the next” every day. Warren also mentioned that counties such as the neighboring Crawford County have a road foreman for every district, rather than just one for the entire county, in addition to a director. “We’re not making changes just for the fun of making changes,” Warren said.

Warren explained that having a Road and Bridge Director would make the department more efficient by allowing closer supervision of employees. When Handly asked the commissioners about the amount set for the salary of the director’s position, Warren answered, “We can’t put someone in there that has no experience and expect to save money.” Handly then asked if the current Public Works Foreman had not been doing his job, to which Warren countered, “There is more [work] than one person can do.” Warren said that if the employee had not been doing his job, they would have terminated the employee. Handly said, “You guys are spending money that we don’t have,” to which Commissioner Harold Coleman said Warren had kept “a close eye on every penny” that went through the county.

In other business:

• County Custodial Supervisor David Neville presented a proposal from Extrusions, Inc. for repair on windows in the courthouse in need of renovation. Warren suggested that Neville check with Peerless as well.
• According to Marty Pearson, Public Works Foreman, KCAMP estimated the damage to the County Barn to be $8,500. Pearson reported that the insurance company would prefer that the county install Heritage shingles, which Pearson pointed out would be more expensive than the 3 tab shingles that currently cover the building’s roof.