All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Farm Update: On Track For Completion This Year

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Submitted photo by Apex Clean Energy. A crane stands next to a Jayhawk Wind turbine.

The Jayhawk Wind energy project workers are currently constructing the wind turbines in Bourbon and Crawford counties, with a completion date expected in late 2021.

Submitted photo. A crane next to a wind turbine in Bourbon County.

The following questions were answered by Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager, Apex Clean Energy, Inc., Charlottesville, VA

Where are the currently completed wind turbines located?

We have erected six turbines so far. Four are in the southwest corner of the project, in Crawford County, and two in the northwest corner, in Bourbon County.

The first wind turbine in Bourbon County, located at 20th and Eagle Road in the southwest corner of the county.

What is the timeline of the project currently?

As previously expected, we are on track to complete the construction of Jayhawk Wind by December of 2021.

How many turbines will there be? What are their dimensions?

There will be 70 turbines built once construction is completed. That represents no change from the project design as permitted. These turbines are 584 feet from the base to the tip of the blade at its highest point.

A Jayhawk Wind Turbine in Bourbon County from the distance.

How many employees are there?

There are more than 250 employees working on the various elements of construction for Jayhawk Wind.

What are the contractors’ names and where are they from?

IEA is the Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor for Jayhawk Wind, and they have many sub-contractors working with them. We don’t disclose those contractors for their proprietary reasons.

Sunset over the wind turbine at 20th and Eagle Road in Bourbon County.

Hwy. 3 from Hwy. 39 to Hwy. 47 is in pretty bad shape because of all the tear-up laying new lines, when can the public see this remedied?

While the work being done on Highways 3 and 39 is in our project area, it is not because of our construction work. The maintenance work is being done by KDOT and is happening now because of recent funding from the state.

 

 

The following is from Priscilla Peterson, Kansas Department of Transportation Public Affairs Manager, Southeast District:

KDOT replaced the crossroad pipes under K-3, and have patched the areas afterward.

Crossroad pipes are drainage structures that carry water from one side of the road to the other side.

“We replace the deteriorating pipes as needed,” she said. “If a pipe collapses, the roadway can no longer carry traffic or drain properly.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 – No Increase in Mill Rate for 2021-22

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The USD 234 Board of Education recently adopted resolutions aimed to not increase a tax burden on local residents.
Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said during a recent presentation to the board that two resolutions were needed to move forward with funding for the school district.
Resolution 21-07 was to adopt LOB Percentage.
“This resolution has no impact on the property tax,” Shelton said.  “This resolution is required as we are adopting the state average in our Local Option Budget.  This allows us to budget up to 31% of our general fund in our LOB fund, maximizing the state aid we receive.”
The second was Resolution 21-08 which regards exceeding a revenue-neutral rate.
“The 2021-22 budget was built by keeping the mill rate flat for USD 234,” Shelton said.  “The school district is not revenue neutral for property tax purposes because the assessed valuation increased and therefore the total amount of property tax collected is more than the prior year.”
“What is important for our community to understand is that the 20 mills assessed for the USD 2324 General Fund is set by statute and those funds are sent directly to the State of Kansas,” she said.  “Then that 20 mills is put with other sources of Kansas revenue and then distributed back out to school districts in the form of enrollment-based funding.”
“The 20 mills that are assessed for our general fund are set by statute,” she said. “As the assessed valuation increased, the only way for the school district to remain revenue neutral would have been to decrease the mill rates in the other funds. We have four funds that we levy taxes in – General, LOB, Capital Outlay, and the Bond.”
“Because the assessed valuations increased district-wide, even though our mill rate isn’t changing, the amount of taxes being assessed are more,” Shelton said. “The assessed valuations are set by the county, not the school district.”
  “For 2021-22, for each $1 raised locally in the general fund, the district receives $8.67 in state aid,” Shelton said.  “Because that 20 mills is set by statute, we would have had to reduce the mills in other funds to be revenue-neutral. This would have impacted our ability to fund our student’s educational needs, capital outlay needs, and our bond payment schedule.”
“The budget is built and driven by the board’s mission and areas of focus – which all center around kids,” she said.
Shelton said the  district’s 2021-22 budget is made up of:
State Revenue – 76%
Federal Revenue – 12%
Property Tax – 12%
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 24

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August 24, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a 2022 budget session, all three Commissioners and the County Clerk were present.

 

Susan Bancroft was also present.

 

Due to COVID precautions, the meeting was closed to the public, but broadcast on YouTube.

 

Susan presented the Commissioners with a revised 2022 budget; she said the cost for all the department’s budgets + a 3% increase for non-elected personnel and benefits – costs the County $5+ million.  She said this figure also includes filling two vacant positions.  She was able to get the 2022 budget down to 62.5 mills, the RNR rate is 62.13; she said this was accomplished by using $250,000 of the Windmill money and by using ARPA funds (the County received $1.4 million in ARPA funds in 2021 and will receive the same in 2022, this money must be allocated by 2025).  She discussed the public safety budget and said she was budgeting to put them on a schedule to replace two vehicles each year.  She budgeted for all increases requested.  Susan said she would present final numbers to the Commissioners on August 25th.  She budgeted approximately $350,000 for contingency expenses.  The RNR hearing will be September 7th and the budget hearing will be September 14th. Some departments requested increases to their budget; Jim questioned what they had budgeted the increases for; Susan reviewed the budgeted increases with the Commissioners.  She discussed the turnover in the correctional center; she said this was due to pay and said they needed to look at restructuring this.  Lynne discussed the holidays taken off, he said most of these holidays are the same as most businesses take off; Susan said the paid holidays off help offset the lower wages.  The Commissioners thanked Susan for her work on the budget.

 

At 9:41, Clifton made a motion to close the budget work session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 25

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August 25, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from last Tuesday’s meeting and the budget work session meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the following culvert permits: one at 1851 Solder and one at 2122 Jayhawk, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Eric presented the following completed culvert applications: one for 130th and Arrowhead and one for 2286 Poplar.

 

Regarding the asphalt machine: Eric said they are waiting to get the distributor back as well as a rubber boot.

 

Jim asked Eric to look at Jayhawk Road to the tracks on 230th.

 

Eric said that 235th is going to have to have chip and seal work done.  Lynne said his priority is 125th and 120th.

 

Jim said he had asked Van Keppel what caused the road damage on 230th; they said this was a result of the work of the Blow Knox paver.

 

Eric said they will be crushing at the Beth Quarry next week and will be working 4-10 hour days and 1-8 hour day.

 

Eric said last week they installed 11 culverts; one of which was at 265th & Victory and said that bridge there is now open.  He said they used the mini excavator as well as the backhoe to do this.  Eric questioned if they wanted to go out for bid for the mini-excavator, Lynne said the mini could speed up the culvert installations.  Jim said he didn’t support the mini excavator and said the one they had been using isn’t what he would call a mini, he said it is a big excavator.  Jim said he would support a used mini.  Clifton questioned what it would hurt to go out for bid, Jim said it is a lot of work to go out for bid if they aren’t sure if they are going to buy a machine.  After a lot of discussion, they tabled this conversation until next week.  Lynne said he would like to come watch the mini work.

 

Eric said they dug on Eagle Road in Garland; he said there is some sub base failure there.

 

They replaced the tube at 267th & Eagle.

 

The Commissioners previously approved Eric bidding on a truck on Purple Wave, but Eric reported that the mileage was actually 684,000.  Jim made a motion to skip this equipment because of the mileage, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Windmill update: Eric said the 1st windmill went up yesterday in Bourbon County – located at 20th & Birch.

 

Bourbon County Health Insurance Contract; this  is a 3 year contract, Jim said by signing this and with Susan’s help this would give them some time and he hoped next spring they could study a self funded plan.  The Commissioners didn’t like that this was a 3 year commitment.  Jim made a motion to sign the SEHP contract effective 1/1/2022 to remain in the State pool and move forward with signing the contract, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda for a 10-minute executive session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and possibly Justin Meeks by phone).  At 9:40, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to appoint Clifton Beth to the SEKAAA board, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

David Everett (by telephone) with the butterfly weed club of SEK said they plan to restore the habitat for the Monarch butterflies. He said possibly next spring they would be planting milkweed around the County for the habitat.  Susan said the City of Fort Scott has a parks committee and said they would like to do something like this at the 2nd street park.  David said that anyone interested in helping with this project can call him at (620)644-8217.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow elected officials comment, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lora asked when the departments would know whether their budget requests were accepted, and asked when we would get the 2020 audit.  Susan said she is waiting on a call regarding the audit, Susan said she budgeted what she had requested.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow a 20-minute executive session for security, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for 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 Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:22, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Brian Allen, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker).  At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to resume their normal session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for another 10 minute executive session regarding personnel matters, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job function and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:33, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Ashley Shelton).  At 10:33 Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Susan to speak ahead of the County Counselor while they were waiting on him to call, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan said the RNR hearing will be September 7th at 9:00 am, with a proposed tax rate of 62.500 mills.

 

Jim made a motion to permanently move the County Commission meetings to Tuesdays, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to move the Commission comment ahead of the County Counselor, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim said the Rural Water District #2 (who has meters in Bourbon, Allen and Neosho County) is losing water each month and want to go to different meters.  For the Bourbon County office, this project will cost $18,251.05; Jim said they asked if the ARPA funds could be used for this project; Susan said the ARPA funds could be used for this project.  Susan will request the financial statements from the Water District.  This will be discussed again next week

 

Clifton made a motion to have the next Commission meeting on August 31 instead of September 1st, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job description, job performance and HR issues, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:59, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and Justin (by phone).  At 10:59 Clifton made a motion to resume with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:06, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin (by phone).  Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Oharah, Susan and County Counselor Justin Meeks to investigate a possible employee malfeasance matter and if they see fit to move forward with an outside firm to do that investigation, and to investigate an HR issue, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:07, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 31, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Suddenlink: Upgrade To Provide Faster Internet Service Announced

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Suddenlink, a local internet provider, got an update last week, looking to provide faster service.

 

“Suddenlink’s new 400 Mbps broadband service (announced on August 24) is more than eight times faster than the previous highest speed tier available,” Ashley Morales, Specialist Communication at Altice USA said.

 

“The new 400 Mbps speed tier paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6, delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices,” she said.

 

“Additionally, broadband-only customers can complete their entertainment experience with Suddenlink Stream, the new streaming experience provides a best-in-class and user-friendly solution for broadband-only customers to have access to a wide variety of video content, including thousands of apps and streaming services on Google Play and over 50 free live streaming channels,” Morales said.

 

“Suddenlink Stream is typically $5, however, right now we’re offering the service free to 400 Mbps customers,” she said.

 

“This upgrade does not impact landline phone calls, however, it does support video calls or calls made over WiFi,” Morales said.

 

The following is a press release from Suddenlink provider Altice.

“Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS), the provider of Suddenlink broadband, television, and phone service,  announced (last week) that as a result of major investments in its advanced broadband infrastructure, the company has launched faster speeds for Suddenlink residential customers in Fort Scott, Kansas. The company’s new 400 Mbps speed tier complements Suddenlink’s broadband offerings, which now include 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps service among other options, providing customers with choice and flexibility in selecting which broadband speed is right for them.

 

“Over the last few months, we have made major investments in our Suddenlink network and advanced broadband infrastructure to ensure we’re providing our local communities with fast and reliable high-speed broadband,” said Hakim Boubazine, Altice USA’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Telecommunications. “In today’s connected world, more households and businesses are relying on their broadband connection to keep them connected to work, school, customers, friends, and family, and our Suddenlink broadband service makes it all possible.”

 

The new speed tier is more than eight times faster than the highest speed previously offered by Suddenlink to customers in Fort Scott, Kansas and is paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6 which delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before. Smart WiFi 6 is primed to support customers’ increasing broadband usage, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices.

 

Altice USA offers a wide range of broadband speeds to meet all needs and budgets, including Altice Advantage Internet, a low-cost 30 Mbps service available to eligible customers for $14.99 per month, and going up to multi-gigabit services for enterprise customers. In addition, the company’s mobile service, Optimum Mobile, currently offers customers data, talk and text on a nationwide network with 5G coverage starting at just $14 per line per month. Visit Suddenlink.com to learn more.

 

About Altice USA

Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to more than 5 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum and Suddenlink brands. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Morales

Specialist, Communications

Altice USA
Bourbon County, Food

Volunteers Are the Mainstay of The Beacon

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Wib Mowen and Joe Lee stand in front of the new sign at The Beacon. Submitted photo.

The Beacon, a local helping agency, depends on volunteers.

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

Volunteer donations of services and talents are what it takes to make the Beacon a more attractive and inviting place for clients and the community, according to Carol MacArthur, chairwoman of the Beacon board.

“Joe Lee is a local artist who has worked inside and outside the Beacon volunteering his talent,” MacArthur said.  “He does the signs and has painted a beautiful lighthouse mural inside the building.”

Lee recently created a new sign for the front of the building to replace one in need of repair.

Other  Beacon volunteers include Wib Mowen who volunteers carpentry skills and helps with many other tasks, including helping Lee with his sign.

Hi wife, Patty Mowen is the assistant director of the Beacon.

This summer,  Bro’s Cleaning Services, Fort Scott, power washed the whole building for free, MacArthur said. “The siding absolutely looks new.”

“Philips Lawn Care has mowed the last three years–again for free–to keep up the yard,” MacArthur said.

“Then we have Dave Gillen’s wife, Debbie,” she said. “Dave is the director. Debbie is the main coordinator for the signups for Adopt a Child.”

The Beacon is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible for services.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact info:

525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott; phone 620.223.6869.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Old Settler’s Picnic Is On for Sept. 3-6

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The Boy Scout Pack and Troup 114 and Girl Scout Troup 71650 lead the children’s parade in the Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic festivities in this 2019 photo.
Uniontown’s Old Settlers Weekend is on for Sept. 3-6 after a hiatus of one year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There will be three rodeos, a kids fishing derby, a community church service, and a family game night preceding the day of the annual picnic on Labor Day.
Olson Ranch Wally and Jennifer Olson,
Travis and Kellie Duncan pose following a win at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo. Submitted photo.
On Labor Day, vendors will line the town’s square, including food vendors to feed the crowd that usually shows up for the parade at 10 a.m.
The event has been going on in the small town of about 300 people for 115 years.
“The theme for this year is Hats Off For Hometown Pride,” said Shayla Knight, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee, which meets year-round to plan the event
“We have rolled the theme over from last year,” Knight said.
“We are excited to be having Old Settlers Picnic this year.”
“All of our traditional events will be taking place, she said. “Saturday morning is the kid’s fishing derby.”
“Sunday at 10 a.m. is church in the park with Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church hosting our community. As always donuts and coffee will be available. Sunday evening at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a family game night in the park. Two years ago we started this and for the first time, it went very well. There is something for everyone on family game night! Cornhole, bubble gum contest, watermelon contest.”

There will be concessions available through the UHS Cheerleaders and other organizations and vendors.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Monday are our traditional events featuring the baby contest, kid parade, parade, drawings, and kids games,” she said.
Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn were honored as Grand Marshalls in the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Also this year will be the 2nd annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show,” Knight said. “Two years ago there was a great turnout and this year we are hoping for even more. Cars are welcome to participate in the parade if they choose to or just in the car show. Sara Roufs has been solely committed to the car show since day one and has exceeded all expectations. We as a committee appreciate the wonderful addition to the Old Settlers Picnic.”
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“In addition, we will have bounce houses available for the kids,” she said. “We are still currently looking for volunteers to help man them. All volunteers must be 18 or older. We have a sign-up link on our Facebook page if anyone is willing to volunteer for an hour.”
“Overall we are happy to be able to hold this event this year and look forward to the fun weekend,” Knight said.
Contacts for the events are the fishing derby-Shayla Knight at 224-8493 or Kyle Knight at 224-8436; the rodeos-Wayne Hall 363-4206; vendor and craft registration and the baby contest-Hope Workman at 224-8196; the parade line-up- Becky Shinn at 223-9532, family night games and the children’s parade lineup-Rhonda Dewitt at 215-1939; kids games-Candice Clayton at 224-8945.
Flyers are available at Union Station, Uniontown City Hall, Uniontown Post Office, and HB Salon.
Those helping with the event are Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Wayne Hall, First Missionary Baptist Church, Marty DeWitt, the City of Uniontown, Bobby Rich, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Butterfly Habitat Is Shrinking: Enthusiasts Meet This Evening

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Bridal Veil Park on West Second Street, Fort Scott.
A small group of people is putting together a non-profit 501 (c) (3) called “The Butterfly Weed Club of Southeast Kansas.”
“Our purpose is to restore habitat for the Monarch Butterfly in an effort to slow or reverse its decline,” David Everett, an organizer, said.
Monarch Butterfly populations have been decreasing, according to authorities: https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch
Everett appeared before the Bourbon County Commission to announce the existence of the group and its’ purpose.
“Susan Bancroft, the finance director for city and county, spoke up and told me there were interested people on the parks commission,” Everett said.
The group is having a meeting this evening
at 7 p.m. at 501 E. Third Street in Fort Scott to view a butterfly garden by the railroad tracks, he said.
Resident Alison Leach has one butterfly habitat restoration project at Gunn Park, he said.

“We want to help with that,” Everett said. “But the area of intense interest to me is the riverfront area at Bridal Veil Park (off of West Second Street).  I’ve been evaluating that area in hopes of meeting criteria for Kansas University’s Monarch Watch program.”

Everett has begun documenting existing pollinators and existing butterfly populations, he said.
“I’ve been a gardener for decades and have experienced two Monarch migrations,” he said. Recently I have decided that I can do more than my small-scale efforts, so far, in support of restoring Monarch Habitat. I’ve long been dedicated in my heart to various public service activities.”
“In the early 80’s I saw the Monarch migration twice while living on our family farm,” Everett said.  “I first saw them coming and mistook them for a dark storm cloud over the horizon, but when they arrived it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen–just thousands of butterflies in every direction for hundreds of yards.  During one of these migrations, the Monarchs decided it was time to take a rest and they landed everywhere–carpeting the fields, the trees and bushes, and even landing on me.  It’s my hope that everyone can have the opportunity for such an experience, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.   It had a very deep spiritual impact on me that I think everyone should have.”
Butterfly populations have been declining, he said.
“The primary cause of the decline is that various species of milkweed are the sole host plant for the Monarch caterpillar,” he said. It eats nothing else. Because milkweed is poisonous to vertebrates, farmers eradicated it without understanding or perhaps caring what they were doing to the Monarchs.”
 “This left marginal areas as largely the only possible place for milkweed to grow,” Everett said.  “This was still enough habitat for quite some time, but today county and state  governments mow and spray roadsides too, and that has left very little habitat for the Monarch, which is becoming quite precious.”
“Our purpose is to restore such habitat, to educate the public, government, and businesses on the matter, and hopefully we will eventually be able to maintain a seed bank as a community resource for appropriate native milkweed and other pollinators,” he said.

Obituary

Obituary of Shannon Herrington

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Shannon Elizabeth Herrington, 30, of Girard, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born February 27, 1991, in Garnett, Kansas, the daughter of Paul Oscar Herrington, Jr. and Bonnie Lynn (Bolton) Herrington.

Shannon is survived by her children, Dustin Fry, Haedyn Skaggs, and Savannah Skaggs, all of the home; her parents, Paul and Bonnie Herrington of Bonner Springs, Kansas; a brother, Paul Herrington, III and Amanda Amer, of Fort Scott; two nephews, Christian Herrington, and Kholson Herrington, and a niece, Kaydence Herrington.

The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life Visitation 6:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, September 1, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Clerk Resigns

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Kendell Mason. Submitted photo.

Kendell Mason, the Bourbon County Clerk, resigned this week.

“I sent my notice of resignation to the governor and to the Republican party on August 23rd,” Mason said. “September 13th will be my last day with Bourbon County.”

Mason was appointed as Bourbon County Clerk in October of 2012 and then elected in November of 2012, 2016 and 2020, she said.

“There are many reasons I have decided to leave, but it is time for me to do something different,” Mason said.  “I am going to work for the Southeast Kansas Health Department, located in Fort Scott,  and I am very excited to have this opportunity.”

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years,” she said. “I have an excellent staff of two full-time employees and one-part time employee.  I appreciate their loyalty and commitment and couldn’t have done this job without their help.”

“Doretta Neville is my deputy and will be filling in until a replacement has been appointed by the Republican party and then approved by the governor,” Mason said.

Mason explained some of the duties of the position:

“Some of the main duties are all aspects of elections, setting the property tax levies on all property in Bourbon County, calculating budgets for approximately 30 taxing entities, doing Homestead Taxes for Kansas residents, and completing state abstracts.   The list of duties for this job is endless and requires constant multitasking and keeping up with the laws and statutes that govern this position.  This job takes years of experience to learn.”

The process to select a new clerk is underway.

The Republican party will meet on September 9.  at 6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main for the purpose of selecting a new county clerk, Mark McCoy, the Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman, said.

Interested parties should send their resumes to Mark McCoy at  2138 Jayhawk Rd., Ft. Scott, KS, 66701 no later than Sept 6, he said.

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Government

New Executive Order on Public Lands Raises Questions by Some Locals

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Interested parties met to hear Angel Cushing’s take on President Joe Biden’s initiative known as 30 by 30 on August 25 at the Fort Scott Livestock building. Submitted photo.

An informational meeting was held on August 25 at the Fort Scott Livestock building, to share one farmer’s side of a  federal new executive order.

Bourbon County residents Anne Dare, Sparky Schroeder and Deb Martin heard Lyon’s County Resident Angel Cushing speak about a new federal program at a meeting in Pleasanton last month and thought people in Bourbon County and the surrounding areas would be interested in learning more, Deb Martin said in an email.
“I posted a really good article on it on our Ft. Scott Livestock Facebook Page,” she said. “Go there and read page 20-21 of that Calf News Magazine and also the Protect the Harvest and Trent Loos Facebook pages.”
“This was an information meeting only,” Martin said. “We just want people to know so they can do their own research. We are thankful Angel could come and share what she has learned with us.”
“Sparky said he counted cars, 125 people attended the program,” Martin said.
To view the presentation by Cushing:
To view the executive order which directs the U.S. Interior Department to outline steps to achieve President Joe Biden’s commitment to conserve at least 30% each of the nations lands and waters by the year 2030, as recommended by scientists, in order to safeguard health, food supplies, biodiversity, and the prosperity of every community:
Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum

2021 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest Starts

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A panel in the Gordon Parks Museum, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

The 2021 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest

Fort Scott, KS. -The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. This event is inspired by Gordon Parks, who started his career in fashion photography and chose a camera to fight against racism, discrimination, and poverty.

 

The theme of the contest, “Fashion and Diversity”, is for any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 7 – 9, 2021. All photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 10 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the latest.

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.