All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for April 9 Uniontown City Council Meeting and Minutes of Prior Meeting

Leave a comment

 

Unapproved minutes:

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

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Warehouse Insulation bid opening-

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. March Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & March Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Trash complaint – 301 1st St #1

Dogs running at large-call or Text Betsie

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Public Restroom-trenching

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software-started utility billing with Jayhawk software

Quickbooks Online-has been ordered by Sally

EMC-Loren Korte expressed he will come to May meeting if council needs him to attend

Rabies Clinic – had 15 city dogs and 5 total cats

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – update

 

FEMA Flooding– update

 

Public Restroom toilets-

 

Sidewalk-

 

Park electric –

 

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

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

New Farm and Ranch Supply Store Is Open In Bourbon County

1 Comment

A new ranch and farm supply store opened on April 1, two miles south on Hwy.69 at 2187 Hackberry Road.

Producers Cooperative Association, of Girard, is the owner of the store.

Inside the new PCA Store on Hackberry Road, just south of Fort Scott, off of Hwy. 69. Submitted photo.

“All of your farm and ranch retail supplies, along with livestock feed, vaccines, pet food, fencing supplies, livestock equipment, and more,” will be offered at the store,” said Manager Kaylee Johnson.

Submitted photos of the Producers Cooperative Association’s new store in Bourbon County.

“There was a soft store opening on April 1st with a Grand Opening to follow on May 8th,” she said.

Left to right: Brock Howser and Will Wunderly, two of the employees at the PCA Store in Bourbon County. Submitted photo.

 

The Location Supervisor is Will Wunderly, with three other employees.

In August 2024, the Producers Cooperative Association leadership began the process of expanding into Bourbon County, Wunderly said.

He said that the building was previously a tractor dealership.

Submitted photo of the PCA store.

Why a store in rural  Bourbon County?

“With our main office being located just to the south, in Girard Kansas, we chose to expand with our growth into Bourbon County,” Johnson said. ” We have multiple customers in Bourbon County and saw it as an opportunity to expand our services for our customers.”

For more information: 1-800-442-2809 (option 8 for Fort Scott) or

https://www.facebook.com/pcacoop

The PCA Store as seen from Hwy. 69, south of Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Rogers Body Shop Closed Its Doors: Couldn’t Find Workers

2 Comments

 

Rogers Body Shop owner, Larry Rogers.

Larry Rogers said he “always figured that they would be taking me from my shop to the undertakers”, and that he would continue the auto repair shop work he had done for 37 years until he died.

But he couldn’t find workers to do the jobs that needed to be done.

“With what we do, put vehicles back to pre-crash conditions, we have to have people that can follow directions and come to work,” Rogers said. “Getting people to show up was a problem, more for younger applicants.”

“It wasn’t something we planned on doing, it was the turn of events,” he said.

“There should be five workers in the building, it ended up just Ryan and I,” he said.

“We had hired and trained workers, but not for over one year.”

His son, Ryan, has worked with him for 17 years.

“He was going to take over, but decided he’d go to work for someone else and let them have the headaches (of not having enough workers).”

Rogers quit taking on more auto body repair work at the end of October 2024 and had enough work on the books until the end of January 2025.

“I’ve talked to plumbers, mechanics, electricians,  and they also couldn’t find anyone willing,” he said. “Things were tough before COVID-19. After COVID-19 we didn’t have many applicants. It used to be you’d have people stopping in to ask if we were hiring.”

“There used to be tech schools to train people on auto body repair…a lot of them have closed down.”

Nationwide

It is a nationwide problem, according to an article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Workforce participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. The United States is missing 1.7 million Americans from the workforce compared to February 2020, according to https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/understanding-americas-labor-shortage

According to the article

Employers are facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs. Right now, the latest data shows that there are 8 million job openings in the U.S. but only 6.8 million unemployed workers.

 If every unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have millions of open jobs. 

Some of the factors for this, according to the article are:

Early retirements and an aging workforce

Net international migration to the U.S. is at its lowest level in decades

Lack of access to child care.

Some opened their own businesses.

Increase in savings: higher-income and savings bolstered people’s economic stability.

Future for Rogers

“I’m not retired, said Rogers, who is 63. “I still own the Alignment Service, east of this building.”

Ryan went to work for a car dealership in Olathe in March, doing bodywork.

“I am basically trying to get ready for an auction, probably in June,” he said. “Trying to sort out and clean out the building. After 37 years in the business, there is a lot of stuff. The building will be for sale.”

“I don’t know what I’ll do after that,” he said.

Rogers bought the business from Frank Burchett in 1987 on East Wall Street. The building isn’t there now because of the new Highway 54 route. He built the current building at 120 W. 19th and opened his business in July 2003.

 

Uncategorized

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes Fundraiser “Egg My Yard”

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School Football Booster

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes

invite you to their fundraiser

“Egg My Yard”

Order pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard the night before Easter along with a note from the Easter Bunny!

24 EGGS $35

36 EGGS $50

48 EGGS $60

Deadline for orders: April 17th

Yards will be egged on April 20th after dark!

Click HERE to book your spot today

or use the QR code on the flyer.

Payment MUST be made before delivery.

Payment:

Cash

  • Misty Adams at Citizen’s Bank
  • Brian Williams at The Butcher Block

-OR-

VENMO @rebecca-williams-38

Proceeds will benefit the 2026 FSHS Football Team.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

Downtown Meet and Greet on April 1: Many Activities Are Happening

Leave a comment

Downtown business owners and other interested attendees met on April 1 at the Kitchen Collective + Collaborative’s event center called The Parlour by Eighteen65, to learn about happenings in the downtown area.

The door is pictured to The Parlour by Eighteen65 which is located north of the storefront of the Kitchen Collective and Collaborative, at 20 North Main.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet is facilitated by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce to share the happenings of the businesses located there.

Rachel French, co-owner and general manager of the Kitchen told the group there are cooking classes coming, including some for kids. She said there will also be pop-up restaurants coming to the venue, featuring several area restaurants.

“A pop-up restaurant is a provisional event designed to showcase … culinary talents at a temporary location. This includes everything from an exclusive one-night food event to a public rooftop food tent open for a few months,” according to

https://squareup.com/us/en/the-bottom-line/reaching-customers/pop-up-restaurant

The Parlor by Eighteen65 on South Main in downtown Fort Scott is an event venue.

French said, “Think of us when you need a ready-made breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”  In addition, the venue can be rented as a commercial kitchen, or an incubator kitchen, for $20 per hour for food businesses. The Kitchen is located at 12 S. Main and can be reached at 620.644.0064 or [email protected] or thekitchencc.com

Other news from the meet and greet:

As part of Fort Scott’s Community Concert Series, this Friday, April 4  there is a FREE concert at Memorial Hall featuring Ty Ellis and the Flatliners, with special guest Nathan Ast. Enjoy food from Care to Share Cancer Support Group/The Sharing Bucket, and drinks from Holmtown Pub.

Fort Scott High School’s Prom is this Saturday at the River Room above Brickstreet BBQ.

The downtown splash pad has new shade structures and a new grant-funded restroom.

Storefronts are being produced for the building under construction across from Lowell Milken Center on Main Street. The building is owned by Ward-Kraft, a local print industry.

The old J&W Sports Store at 20 N. Main has been remodeled and is rented by NextStar Energy for an office. The upstairs is being remodeled into an apartment that will be a vacation rental with a view of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

On April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, the Easter Bunny will be at the Bids and Dibs Consignment Store for parents to take photos with their children.

April 5 is the Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show at Fort Scott Community College’s Arnold Arena, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 9 is a Community Connection event that will provide presentations from local school districts and government entities from 11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center.

Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event is April 18-19. Find eggs in stores and around downtown after 10 a.m. on the 19th.

The Easter Bunny will be at Hedgehog.INK, downtown, on April 19 at 10 a.m.

April 24 is the Annual Chamber Dinner and Awards Celebration at the River Room Event Center.

May 1 is the yearly downtown cleanup, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, with Kate Freeman as the chairperson. Submit project ideas to [email protected] 

May 2-3 is the town-wide garage sale, list a sale on the map at the Chamber.

On May 13, Freeman Advantage Travel Group, Joplin, will be in town.

June 6-7 is the Good ‘Ol Days Festival in downtown Fort Scott. The parade is Friday at 6 p.m. and parade entries are being taken now by the Chamber.

June 25-27 is the Fort Scott High School All-School Reunion, Rhonda Dunn is the contact. The Chamber will be selling FSHS signs to honor alumni.

Advertising opportunities: downtown map, rack cards, and Veteran’s flag/plaque on Skutbitz Plaza.

Grants available to business owners: E-Community and Grow KS.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 231 E Wall St, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or

Phone: (620) 223-3566

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison, standing,  leads the conversation at the Downtown Meet and Greet on April 1.

 

Several attendees visit after the Downtown Meet and Greet.

 

Art, Church news

First Southern Baptist invites you to join their CRAFT FAIR on April 11-12th

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

First Southern Baptist Church

First Southern Baptist

invites you to join their

CRAFT FAIR!

April 11-12th

8am-5pm

1818 South Main St.

23 vendors PLUS the local church vendor tables!

Church sponsored meals:

Sausage rolls

$3/ea or $33 for 12

Homemade Chicken Noodle Dinner – $10

(includes mashed potatoes, homemade chicken noodles, green beans, homemade roll, and 2 cookies)

Pulled Pork Sandwich – $10

(includes baked beans and 2 cookies)

** DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL FOR DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS)

PREORDER SAUSAGE ROLLS AVAILABLE.

Friday 10:30am-5pm | Saturday 10:30am -5pm

CONTACT:

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda and Packet for the March 31 Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
March 31, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – Susan Walker
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 03.17.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 03.21.25 Payroll Totaling $302,476.86
b. Approval of 03.21.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $323,049.49
c. Approval of 03.28.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $84,814.71
d. Tax Roll Corrections
e. Signature of Contracts – Special Legal Counsel Professional Services Agreement
V. Old Business
a. MOU Gov Deals
b. Fence viewing discussion
c. Tax Sale
i. Michael Hoyt
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Destry Brown – Stepping Up for Youth
b. Zoning discussion
c. Department Update
i. Susan Walker – Budget Presentation & Overpass study
ii. Lora Holdridge – Hidden Valley Roads & Cemeteries & Land Locked Property
iii. Eric Bailey – 60th & Grand Approval of Construction Engineer
d. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Job Performance
e. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2)
f. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters
at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

Attachments:

Tax Roll Corrections

Special Legal Counsel

Pryl 03.21.25

MOU Gov Deals

AP 03.28.25

AP 03.21.25

Area News, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Native Lori Bolton Fleming In Line For KS Court of Appeals Judge

1 Comment
Lori Bolton Fleming. Taken from the kscourts.gov website.


Governor Laura Kelly announced on March 4 the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Henry Green on the Kansas Court of Appeals, according to a press release from the governor.

That is the second of four steps in the process of filling the vacancy.

The next step was for the Senate Judicial to pick her for that role and the final step is for approval from the Kansas Senate, sometime in the next few weeks, Fleming said in an interview.

Fleming is a Fort Scott High School graduate and also taught there for a year, she said.

She was inspired to attend law school by some of her students who were in the foster care system.

“They were involved in the juvenile justice system, and I hoped to advocate, be a good voice for kids,” she said.

Bolton Fleming lives in Pittsburg, Kansas, and is the Chief Judge for the 11th Judicial District, which includes Cherokee, Labette, and Crawford counties. 

“I am confident Judge Bolton Fleming will be an exceptional addition to the Kansas Court of Appeals,” Governor Laura Kelly said in the press release. “Her extensive legal career, commitment to public service, and strong reputation will make her an excellent Court of Appeals Judge.”  

Fleming’s Background

Governor Sam Brownback appointed Bolton Fleming as a district court judge in 2012. As a district court judge, she handles a wide variety of cases including felony criminal, child in need of care, Chapter 60 civil, and domestic cases. She has conducted jury trials for high-level criminal and civil cases as well as bench trials and has frequently been invited to sit with the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court to hear and assist in deciding cases. In total, she has rendered opinions in 38 cases as an assigned appellate judge.  

Bolton Fleming was appointed as chief judge by the Kansas Supreme Court in 2021. In this role, she oversees the operations of the 11th Judicial District, which covers five courthouses in southeast Kansas.  As chief judge, she is responsible for the creation of the 11th Judicial District’s first recovery court and serves as the administrator of the program.

“It is my honor to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals,” said Fleming. “I intend to work hard every day to be the best possible appellate judge for all Kansans.” 

She has spent her entire legal career in southeast Kansas and would be one of the few rural voices on the Kansas Court of Appeals. The majority of the justices come from Wichita, Topeka or Kansas City.

“I feel it’s important to have rural representation on the Court of Appeals,” she said.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Bolton Fleming served as an assistant county attorney in Crawford County before specializing in legal research and writing for Spigarelli Law Firm. She then practiced with Wilbert and Towner law firm, working on criminal, civil, juvenile, business, adoption, and probate cases.    

Bolton Fleming is active in her local community through many volunteer efforts, including partnering with Pittsburg State University to create a pre-law internship program to help address the rural attorney shortage. She has also served on several Kansas Supreme Court committees, including the Rural Justice Initiative, the Pretrial Justice Task Force, the Kansas Digital Evidence Advisory Group, the COVID Jury Trial Advisory Group, and the Cybersecurity Committee.  

Prior to joining the legal profession, Bolton Fleming served as an elementary music and English teacher at Fort Scott High School and Leavenworth Public Schools.  

Bolton Fleming graduated from the Washburn University School of Law in 2001, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Pittsburg State University in 1996.   

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the March 11 Uniontown City Council

Leave a comment

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

 

Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

FSMS Student Luci Miles Wins Folk Wrestling State Championship

1 Comment

 

Luci Miles. Submitted photo.

Folkstyle Wrestling is a combative sport where one wrestler tries to physically control the opponent against their will without injuring them, according tohttps://www.indeewrestling.com/folkstyle-wrestling-rules/

When two wrestlers wrestle each other, both wrestlers must weigh within one weight class of each other. You win a match by pinning your opponent, by scoring more match points than your opponent, or by disqualification if your opponent breaks certain rules. according to the website.

According to her dad, Mike Miles, Luci Miles, a 6th grader at Fort Scott Middle School, folk wrestles for Paola Panthers Wrestling Club, a kids’ youth wrestling club. She has been wrestling since she was five years old.
She was coached by Brett Martin, Darvin Willard, and Travis Allen.
Kids Folkstyle Wrestling season is from late October to March.  They compete on weekends throughout those months at various tournaments in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and  Oklahoma, according to https://usawrestlingevents.com/event/2500013602
The Kids State Wrestling competition is always a couple of weeks after Kansas High School State contests, with a tournament every year in Topeka.

“You have to qualify from your district and place top four to make it to the state tournament,” Miles said.  “Luci has won District 1 five times in a row.  She has been in the state finals for the past five years.  She has been runner-up for the past 4 years.  This year she finally broke through and won the under 90 lb. girls division.”

The 2025 Kansas Kids Folkstyle Wrestling State Championship Tournament was March 14-16 in Topeka.

The tournament features wrestlers in four age divisions, boys and girls: 8 and under (8U), 10 and under (10U), 12 and under (12U), and 14 and under (14U).  This tournament aims to provide a platform for showcasing boys and girls in age groups wrestling talents. As young wrestlers from around the country gather, they will compete with the top competition around the country with hopes to becoming National Champions, according to the website.

Luci Miles. Submitted photo.
Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

Casner Returns To Fort Scott with Fitness Nook at Buck Run

1 Comment

Regi Casner is back to teaching fitness classes in Fort Scott once again, after a hiatus during the pandemic.

Her classes are at the Buck Run Community Center and also in Mound City, where she lives.

“I am teaching at Buck Run on Mondays and Fridays. I teach a 10:15 a.m. stretch class and a 12:15 p.m. Align/Pilates class.

“The stretch class moves slow and the Align/Pilates class flows through yoga poses with some strength work and Pilates blended in,” she said.

 “The target audience age is  40-60s. I have a couple in the 30’s. I was hoping the noon class would be helpful for gals still working, and taking a lunch break.”

She will offer a free introductory class in April and early May.

About the Instructor

Casner “has taught fitness classes for a long time, completed a ton of training over the years, and wellness is my career and lifestyle,” she said.

“I first fell in love with group fitness when I took a step class in college(Pittsburg State University). It was love at the first step and downbeat.”

“The Fitness Nook was started because I believe small towns also deserve great fitness classes and the opportunity to sculpt, stretch and sweat together! “

“I love teaching group classes for many reasons. My top three are: 1. seeing people show up for themselves, and then realize than can do more than they think they can… and then doing it. And doing it again. It’s more than the mountain climber or plank. It is about showing up. 2. Sweating together is just downright awesome, especially when the music and company is good. 3. Helping people feel better in their bodies.”

“I’ve been married to Mat for almost 30 years, we have four grown adult children and one granddaughter (all of the above are my favorites). Besides the studio in Mound City, I work as the Wellness Coordinator at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, and teach fitness in Fort Scott.”


“My own personal fav workouts are: a strong yoga class, and a Pilates/Barre class-with some decent weight work included—and a great playlist. “

“I really do enjoy burpees, I don’t like mountain climbers (even though we almost always do mountain climbers). I love jumping jacks and backbends, I don’t enjoy twists, esp. twists in chair pose.”

If interested in classes, please send her a message

(913) 991-7860
[email protected]
fitnessnookmc.com



“And if you were interested until you read the words: burpees, mountain climbers, and/or jumping jacks, come to stretch class. Those words and actions are never mentioned there.”

Regi Casner, FitnessNook, from her Facebook page.