All posts by Loretta George

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER

COREY LARSON GYMNASIUM

735 SCOTT AVENUE

SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: Pastor (to be announced)

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 18^th, 2020 and special meeting of August 20^th, 2020.

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1270-A totaling $1,554,358.29.

Request to Pay #2 – Home Center Construction, Inc. – $29,232.00 – Water Treatment Plant Fire Damage

Request to Pay #3 – Home Center Construction, Inc. – $30,225.50 – Water Treatment Plant Fire Damage

Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 19 S. National – Structures by Margo

Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 124 E. Wall – H-Bar Suites – Hole in the Wall Liquor

Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – River Intake Project – $6,394.38

July financials

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

APPEARANCE:

Anne Rawlins – Sewer Incident

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VII. CONSIDERATION:

Report from City Attorney on Union Lofts project

Sale/Destruction of firearms

Furniture at First Source building

Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – July port-a-potties – $3,335.50

VIII. COMMENTS:

Director Updates:

Commission:

City Attorney:

City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE RECESS IS THE DISCUSSION OF:

The statutory justification for the recess is:

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – consultation with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3) – to discuss employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the public body or agency;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) – to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6) – for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

The Executive Session will be for _________ minutes long and the open meeting will resume at ___________ am/pm.

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Sharkey’s Gets A Facelift

August 28, 2020 Loretta George 1 Comment

Dave Lipe submitted these photos of the Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. On the left is the before, on the right is the after of the facelift given the restaurant.

David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.

The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.

“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said. “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”

“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”

The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said. “But possibly some outside seating.”

“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said. “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”

Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777

The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday, close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.

Area News, Fort Scott

Local Woman Considers Rally for Awareness of Trafficking And Pornography

August 27, 2020 Loretta George 2 Comments

Tonya Cliffman is a woman on a mission: human trafficking awareness.

She has organized an Awareness Rally of Human Trafficking and Child Pornography in Nevada, MO on September 19.

Cliffman is also considering a rally on the issue in Fort Scott this fall, if there is local interest.

Cliffman’s purpose is to bring the topic of human trafficking into everyday conversation, she said.

“Whether it’s in the car as they drive by the rally, or in the living room after reading an article about the event. To start conversations between families, neighbors and friends.”

“Parents need to have open communication with their children, be involved with their children’s online activities and know what resources are available to them,” Cliffman said. “Parents need to be empowered and comfortable having these conversations and knowing the vulnerabilities of the children. For example, the techniques that a ‘groomer’ would use to build trust online with their child in a chat room.”

“I have five great-nieces, and three great-nephews,” said Cliffman, who is also a mother of a teenage daughter. “According to the Center for Disease Control, the statistics are one in four girls. So I’m sitting there looking at my nieces, and I thought ‘I am not willing to sacrifice a single one of them to trafficking or sexual abuse.’ When you really look at the odds, and see one of them could be affected, it was really overwhelming. I’m not satisfied with that.”

” I know of instances where there’s ‘sextortion,’” Cliffman said, referring to a minor exchanging sexually explicit pictures with an adult. “I know that some of our teenagers are out there having conversations with men. Because if you have a sad story, they’ll send you money. I think it’s a dangerous road to go down.”

People can get involved in the rally by joining the event and educating themselves with the organizations that have resources available in prevention of these abuses, she said.

People can learn to use the resources available from established organizations whose sole purpose and function is fighting these rising abuses.

Human trafficking is not something that happens in far off places.

There was a recent human trafficking incarceration in Bourbon County, in July 2020, according to Captain Alvin Metcalf with the sheriff’s office.

“He was arrested in Kansas City and transported here,” Metcalf said.

“This was an investigation done by the Dept. of Homeland Security,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said. His office had no involvement in the investigation, he said.

“My cell is 417-321-2550 and my email is [email protected] or they can send a message through the Awareness Rally Event page,” Cliffman said.

http://Event link on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/310128863441718

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Protect-the-Children-585461948802797

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Public Servant Profile: Correction Officer Cavin

August 26, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Ashley Cavin, 30, is a correction officer for the Bourbon County Jail.

She has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Fort Scott Community College.

Cavin has worked at the jail for almost two years.

What are your duties?

“I protect the inmates, make sure they get their meals, make sure the facility is clean, book them in and release them, transports etc.”

Her family includes her mother, father, a brother and a sister-in-law “with two wonderful babies from them. A niece and nephew,” she said.

Community involvement, interests or hobbies:

“I ride along with the deputies to gain more experience. I would love to be a deputy one day. I am really looking forward to helping everyone and making sure they are safe and get the help they need. I love gaming, playing sports. I love watching sports, I love listening to music, I love hanging out with my family when I am free with not working. I have three beautiful dogs I love to take them on walks. I love spending time with my girlfriend. “

Why did you pursue your career?

“Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to do something with law enforcement. I hope one day I’ll be able to be a deputy and protect my town to my fullest potential!”

Business, Fort Scott, Uncategorized

LaRoche Building Update: Outside Nearing Completion

August 25, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

The LaRoche Building at Wall and National Avenue, June 22, 2020. The upstairs will be apartments and the downstairs, businesses.

Several downtown Fort Scott buildings are in process of being transformed.

The LaRoche Building that faces National Avenue in September 2018 just before renovation of the downtown buildings..

Work began on two historic side-by-side downtown buildings at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.,owned by Jennifer LaRoche on Nov. 5, 2018.

The outside work is now nearly complete and the interior spaces are on the list for completion.

The National Avenue side of the LaRoche Building, August 2020..

The buildings on Wall Street at National Avenue have been the work of several local contractors and businesses, which were able to work through the COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions.

The LaRoche Building space housing the Common Ground Coffee Co. at 10 East Wall Street was completed just before the COVID 19 Pandemic started in the U.S. in March 2020.

Then Kenny Felt Photography moved its office to the space just west of the coffee shop at 12 E. Wall Street.

Now the building that faces both Wall and National is being worked on.

“By the middle of September, I will have the building weather tight,” Jennifer LaRoche said. “And then we will start on the inside. I do not know how long that could take to complete. I don’t have an end date.”

“In the Tribune Building…….The upstairs will be apartments. Anywhere from two to four,” she said. “I have not decided yet.

On the ground level, it can occupy four businesses. I do not know what businesses will want to occupy the space.”

Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 Reopening Guide

August 25, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

From the USD 235 Facebook page

Government, Kansas

Special Equipment Approved For Hunting Coyotes at Night in Kansas

August 25, 2020 Loretta George 4 Comments

PRATT – In a 5-2 vote, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners passed a regulation change that will allow hunters to use artificial light and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in 2021. Once the regulation is implemented, interested hunters must purchase a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50, to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment, when hunting coyotes at night, with the following restrictions:

Use of this equipment will be permitted from Jan. 1 to March 31 only;
Use of this equipment will require a hunter to possess a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50;
Use of this equipment will be permitted for hunting coyotes only;
Use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited;
Use of this equipment will not be permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.

“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts, and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters, and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”

The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes (see ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations for details).

To watch a recording of KDWPT’s Aug. 20 Commission meeting, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission.

For more on hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting.

Fort Scott, Government

City Press Release Regarding the Union Block Building

August 24, 2020 Loretta George 1 Comment

NEWS RELEASE from the City of Fort Scott

August 24, 2020: Regarding the Union Block building the City reviewed its records and has determined the following:

1) The Commission appropriately proclaimed the use of the City’s economic development funds in support of economic development projects as a public purpose.

2) The City Commission recognized the Union Block Building as a project deserving of the City’s economic development programs and services, and authorized expenditures.

3) All expenditures toward the Union Block Building were authorized and paid by funds allocated by the Commission for the public purposes for which they were authorized.

4) All payments on the Union Block Building were properly paid and accounted for in the normal course of business. Requests for payment were supported by invoices or other documents certifying that the funds were for the Union Block Building project and for purposes approved by the Commission.

5) No funds under any Commission-approved program were intended or required to be repaid by the developer, owner, or contractor(s) of the Union Block Building.

The City encourages and supports economic development in the City, including the preservation and redevelopment of its many historic properties.

Inquiries on the City’s economic development programs should be directed to the City’s Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt ([email protected]).

Follow up on the Union Block Building can be addressed to the City Attorney ([email protected] )

Taken from the City of Fort Scott Facebook page

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Health Department on COVID-19: Update

August 24, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 24, 2020

On August 25, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator sent the following clarification on this information.

“According to KDHE, the antigen test (the rapid Sofia test is being used in our area) is a presumptive laboratory test. So, if COVID-19 is ‘detected’ on an antigen test, we list it as presumptive on our weekly county update.”

“The PCR test is a confirmatory test, which meets laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result of the PCR test is ‘detected’ it is listed as positive.”

“We needed to list them differently because at one point KDHE was not counting the presumptive tests on the county totals, although we had to do the same work on them as we would have done for a positive PCR test and the individual would still be considered a COVID-19 case. KDHE is now listing the COVID-19 cases that were tested with an antigen test as a probable case. But a probable case, to KDHE can also be one with no testing done at all. So, we’ve stuck with using the word presumptive, because again, the antigen test is a presumptive laboratory test.”

“For the most part, around our area, the PCR test is the one that has been used the most, because it’s been around the longest and has been more available. Recently SEK Urgent Care and Ashley Clinic have started performing the rapid Sofia antigen test, and so we’ve seen a number of COVID-19 cases (presumptive) come from those clinics.”

“We are still going to continue to list the out of state/county, because as we’ve gone along, we’ve gotten several more cases, and again with this, we still have to do the same work on these cases, as we would one of our own residents and the individual is still in our county.”

Thanks.

Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Administrator

Allen County

Current Active Cases	4
Presumptive Cases	3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County	3
Total Hospitalizations	2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases	26 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing	30 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths	0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases	2
Total Hospitalizations	0
Current Recovered Cases	30
Total Positives Since Testing	32
Deaths	0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases	5
Presumptive Cases	14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon	11
Total Hospitalizations	8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases	92 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing	86 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths	2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases	1
Total Hospitalizations	1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases	11
Total Positives Since Testing	12
Deaths	0

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Public Servant Profile: Corrections Officer Mowen

August 24, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Jessica Mowen, 44, is a Bourbon County Corrections Officer with the Sheriff’s Department.

Her education has included a Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Med Assistant and a phlebotomist.

“I attended the jail academy at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson KS also,” she said.

Mowen has one year’s experience with the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.

” I take care of the inmates while incarcerated, book in inmates and release inmates,” she said.

Her family includes four grown kids, two grandkids.

Community involvement, interests or hobbies:

“M hobbies are my parent’s farm, enjoying time with my family, riding horses, riding four-wheelers, hunting, pretty much anything outdoors. I also drive tractors in the Good Ole Days and Pioneer Harvester parades every year,” she said.

Why did you pursue your career?

“I’ve always loved helping people in any way I can,” she said. “Medical was my choice but to be honest I feel law enforcement chose me. I enjoy my job and I hope I can make a career with the Sheriff’s Department. My hope is that I can make a difference in the community one inmate at a time. I want to show them that I do care, don’t judge, I do want to help even if it’s just a conversation or an ounce of hope, they can change their lives, do better and be a productive citizen. Some people just need someone to believe in them. I want people to know WE Law Enforcement Officers are not all bad. ALOT of us do have hearts.”

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Home Preservation Requires Food Safety Steps

August 24, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Kathy McEwan, K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Safety and security of foods preserved in the home depend on the cook. It is vital that proper techniques and processes are used to ensure that home-preserved foods remain safe.

The failure to follow a tested recipe or to store food in a safe place can jeopardize food safety, yet recognizing when home preserved foods are past their prime or no longer safe-to-eat is sometimes a challenge, said Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State University Research and Extension food scientist.

Tell-tale signs that suggest food is suspect and should be discarded include:

* Vacuum seal on the lid has been compromised; lid may pop, bulge, or show signs of rust;

* Jar is chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged;

* Evidence of loss of food quality, such as the presence of mold, loss or change of color, texture, or off odor.

* Evidence of insect or rodent infestation; and

* Date made is unknown.

Do not taste or use food from any jar that has become unsealed or shows any signs of spoilage, Blakeslee said.

To keep home canned foods safe, she recommends:

1) Choose a tested recipe from a reliable source;

2) Use canning equipment that is in tiptop shape. Check the pressure canner gauge annually or more frequently, if a malfunction is suspected. Replace damaged jars and containers. Use new lids;

3) Follow recipe directions exactly;

3) Label and date all home-preserved foods;

4) Store home canned foods in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid attics, garages, or shelving near a water heater or other appliances that generate heat;

5) Use home preserved foods within one year; and

6) Check food storage area regularly to inspect for potential problems, such as a water leak or insect damage.

It is recommended that pressure canner/cooker gauges be tested for accuracy. This can be done quickly and easily in any of the Southwind Extension offices at no cost. Call any of the Southwind offices to schedule a time to have testing done.

More information about food preservation is available at K-State Research and Extension Southwind offices, and on our website at www.southwind.ksu.edu.

An additional resource is the National Center for Home Food Preservation, located at the University of Georgia and online at: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp.

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

August 21, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

REMINDER!!!

Applications accepted through August 31st for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant cycle for 2020!

This year, FSACF will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth. Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.

Applications can be obtained by sending an email: [email protected].

Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31^st.

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8/21 & 8/22 –SMALLVILLE ATHLETICS – FORT GAMES 2020! Competition starts Friday, 8/22 at 5 pm & all Day Saturday 8/23 – Annual Fitness Competition includes:2 Day M/M F/F Partner Competition Divisions Include: Rx, Intermediate, Master’s 35+ & Scaled – Be held at 1905 S. Judson St.

8/22 – Mo’s Swap Meet– Every Saturday from

8am – 4pm (3rd & Margrave St)

8/22- Fort Scott Farmers’ Market on Skubitz

Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.

8/22- Auction of the Living Estate of Nadine Rose by Anderson Auction Service,Starts at 10 am until 2 pm. 19 Golfview Drive Fort Scott, KS

8/23- Auction of the Larry Ginter Estate by Anderson Auction Service,Starts at 1 pm – 1708 Buckeye Rd., Fort Scott, KS (Pawnee Station)

8/21 & 8/22 – Fort Scott Livestock Sale starts as 10am – Sale Barn

8/21thru8/27 –Fort Scott Cinema: The Outpost, Inception & Unhinged…. Coming Soon: New Mutants & Tenant

8/21 – Boiler Room Brewhaus – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!

8/23 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brings back Trivia

night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry

per team, 5-7 pm

SAVE THE DATE!

8/25 ~ 8/27 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, Employers to register Free!

8/29 ~ Cruise Night in Fort Scott starting at 7pm, plus Perry’s Pork Rinds Pop Up Shopfrom 6-8pm

8/30 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Paint Party! Paint & Sip “Witches Crazy, 6 pm -9 pm – Sell out quick!

9/5 – BOURBON COUNTY TOUR – 8:30am-12pm, Ghost Towns & Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County, carpool tour leaving from the Old Fort Genealogical Library, register today here. Limited to 40 participants.

9/5 -SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT! Sat. starting at 1:30 pm until 5 pm at the Woodland Golf Course to Sign up!

Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce

620-223-3566

[email protected]

fortscott.com