All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 29

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June 29, 2021                                               Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Harley & Beverly Fuhrman, Rob Harrington, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Anne Dare and Susan Bancroft.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous 2 meetings, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

The Commissioners held a road opening hearing for Harley & Beverly Fuhrman for an area at 45th & Unique; Jim reported that the road had been closed in 1896.  Mrs. Fuhrman said that one owner in the area only has access to their property by this closed road and said the road used to be graded 20-30 years ago.  She said that utility companies need access to the road and felt there was a need to open the road.  Eric Bailey said he had driven the road and said it could be maintained, but said it is currently a low maintenance road, he said they would have to haul in rock to the road.  Lynne said they would need to have the area surveyed and, it was stated that if the Commissioners opened the road they would have to try and acquire fences and the right of way in the area.  The Commissioners are going to consider this again on July 6, 2021.

 

Eric Bailey presented a permit for R&B Towing; he said they moved a house in April and said there was no damage.

 

Jim made a motion to allow public works to install a culvert at 1255 Maple at no cost for the Rural Fire District, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said the rain had halted the asphalting; he said they did 7-7 ½ lane miles of a leveling coat last week.

 

Eric said the road had failed in an area of 75-95th & Yale; Jim said it was time to reclaim the road and do it right.

 

Eric said they did dust control in the areas of 60th & Birch and 115th & Cavalry.  They also milled an area at 35th & Soldier.

 

Eric said the recent rain has washed out several roads; he is documenting the repair expenses in case it’s needed later for possibly later.

 

Jim said he would like to see Eric get aggressive in ditching, even if he has to hire part time help.

 

Eric said they did side mowing in an area of 75th & Soldier Road for a cattle trailer to get down the road.  They removed dirt off of the shoulders at an area of 2485 & Locust Road and put a new culvert in at that address as well.  They replaced an existing culvert at 855 245th. They are getting ready to blast at the Blake Quarry.  Eric said the belt broke on the crusher.  The permits were renewed for the Landfill.  Ag Engineering will be at the Landfill this week to survey for the berms there.  The Bureau of Waste Management will view the Landfill to see if there is an area for soybean disposal; Jim said the berms used to be there, but thought they were pushed away with the C&D removal.

 

Eric reported that he had 2 employees with health issues needing access to donated vacation time; Jim made a motion to allow Eric to move forward with the donated pool time for the 2 employees and that the department heads meet for this issue, Clifton 2nd and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to allow all of the Commissioners to attend a Road & Bridge retirement luncheon for Jimmy Wiggans and Harry Sayers on Thursday at 11:30, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Windmill update: Eric said the weather has delayed their work, but said they are cleaning ditches.

 

Eric Bailey, Susan Bancroft and Dustin Hall presented the 2022 Road & Bridge budget requests; the requests were as follows: Bridge and Culvert $204,000, Noxious Weed $168,000, Road & Bridge $2,188,826, Road & Bridge Sales Tax $1,172,725, Special Bridge $196,000, Special Road Machinery $542,221 and Landfill $200,000.  Susan said she was concerned with the Landfill fund; she said it isn’t generating enough revenue to cover the cost of operating the Landfill.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move the discussion of the internet access to the County Counselors scheduled time, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge presented her 2022 budget; she requested a total of $93,208.24.  She budgeted to start training her intern to work part-time at 20 hours a week.

 

Angel Wilson presented the County Attorney’s budget; she requested a total of $336,666.

 

Bobby Reed presented the Bourbon County Fair Board 2022 budget; he requested $10,000.

 

Judge Ward and Rhonda Cole presented the 2022 budget for District Court; they requested a total of $315,010.00.

 

Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington met with the Commissioners to discuss the NRP tax rebate program; Justin requested that the Commissioners hand the reins over to the Bourbon County Ready to do the promoting part of this program, he said the administrative process will still be the same.  Clifton made a motion to allow Bourbon County Ready to work with NRP for marketing and promoting the program, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

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

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 7-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships concerning a hospital tenant, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:12, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Rob Herrington).  Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to allow Rob and Clifton to negotiate a contract with a tenant at Mercy, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks (regarding the donation of Mercy Hospital) said he had talked to the title Company and the commitment was emailed this morning; Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the donation agreement and closing documents and accept the donation, Jim seconded – Clifton added as long as the legal matters are in order, Michael Hoyt questioned the helipad, Justin said Mercy has a control of the helipad for 5 years, all approved the motion.

 

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 regarding job duties, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:37, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Kendell Mason, Susan Bancroft and a non-elected personnel).   At 10:37, Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4310(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures, dealing with law enforcement and infrastructure, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:49, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Susan Bancroft).  At 10:49, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to allow $200,000 of the ARPA funding to be spent on broadband and public safety, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to give Rob Harrington permission to apply for grants for broadband activity, Jim seconded, Clifton said that according to KS. Gov there is extra money available for broadcast, all approved the motion.  Jim made a motion to give Shane Walker the authority to spend the funds, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she said OMNI had contacted her regarding the $300,000 for the EMS outstanding collections.

 

Susan suggested having a budget work session; the 2022 budget work session will be held on July 13th at 1:00 pm.

 

Susan said that the Health Department had requested to receive some of the ARPA funding.

 

Public Comment:  Anne Dare (regarding the budget process) said she trusted the Commissioners will look at each department and said with less pay and benefits the budget looks a little better; Clifton said the less we have the less services there will be.

 

Clifton made a motion that the Commissioners be able to attend a conference in KC regarding information on sports fields, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Commissioner Comment: Lynne said he appreciated Josh Jones being on the radio with him to discuss shared services and co-locating; he said this is not consolidation, he said consolidation takes a vote by the people.  He said by doing shared services they are trying to save taxpayer money.

 

County Treasurer Patty Love presented the 2022 budget request; she requested a total of $166,296.50, she said 3 years ago her department staff was decreased by one person, but said she is understaffed, her budget request asked for an additional person and raises for her staff.  She said the majority of her staff is paid from the motor vehicle fund.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have an executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton made a motion to have 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 duties and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:17, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton made a motion to resume the regular meeting with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:17, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, 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

July 6, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fair, Food, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Rodeo! At Bourbon County Fair Starts Today

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It’s that time of year, spending time with family, friends, and neighbors at the Bourbon County Fair.
The fair showcases talents, and provides entertainment, and offers local products to buy. Local entertainers will be featured at the final event on Saturday night.
This year’s Bourbon County Fair starts this tonight at the fairgrounds located on south Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.
“The rodeo starts Friday, July 9th (at 8 p.m.) and events continue clear till Saturday, July 17th,” Diane Brillhart, treasurer of the fair board, said.
Adult tickets to the rodeo are $12, kids six-years-old and up $7 and kids under 6 are free.

“New this year is ‘Christmas at the Fair,'” she said. “Retail booths will be set up in the Merchant’s Building Monday through Friday from 4-9 p.m.  We have a great assortment of items.”

Hands-on activities will be happening in the 4-H Building, sponsored by Southwind K-State Extension, the Museum of Creativity, and the Bourbon County Conservation District.
A Decluttering Program by Starlite FCE, led by Glenda Miller, Karen Peery, and Terri Williams, will be presented Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the Myers Building.
Food trucks will be onsite opening at 10:30  a.m. each day.  Breakfast will be available in the 4-H Building 7-9:30 a.m.
“We are having the Fair Finale on Saturday, July 17th,” Brillhart said. “D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival along with The Barnstormers will be providing a great night of entertainment.”
  Gates open at 6 p.m. and music will start at about 7 p.m.  Tickets are $5.
In addition, there will be food trucks and refreshments available, she said.
Continuing this year is the draft horse pull on Tuesday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and the 4-H Dance and Cornhole Tournament, Thursday, July 15.
“Ben Cole, the voice of the Bourbon County Fair, will be announcing our Market Livestock Shows,” Brillhart said.
A goat show at the Bourbon County Fair in 2017.

Bourbon County Fair Board Officers are President Dale Griffiths; Vice-President Mark Crystal ; Secretary Lynda Foster; Assistant Secretary Sue Reinecke;  Treasurer Diane Brillhart;  Assistant Treasurer Mark Brillhart; Grandstand Superintendent Stewart Gulager and  Assistant Grandstand Superintendent Bobby Reed.

Bourbon County, Business

Local 19-Year-Old Starts Fashion Business

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From left: Addy Labbe, owner; Lindsay Majors, model; Amy Labbe, her mother; Kinlee Batchelor, model; and Karleigh Arndt, model. Photos are by Kelsey Stanley, Addy Labbe and Amy Labbe.
Addy Labbe, 19, is following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her own business, Stylz By Addy.
“I provide great quality, stylish clothing that is super affordable as well as handmade jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more!” she said. “I started my business from my mother’s studio and with her and all her workers’ help. I mostly do Facebook Lives to sell my clothing so that I can show people how everything fits, looks, and feels.”
“I started this business because I have traveled the U.S. selling jewelry with my mother all my life,’ Labbe said.
Her mother is Amy Labbe, owner of Art By Amy, Uniontown, known for her creative jewelry designs.
“I have always loved fashion and traveling with her helped me figure out that I wanted to find a way to grow on that love and bring different fashions to Kansas,” she said.  “We sell my mother’s jewelry at wholesale markets so I figured why not spend my downtime at the Dallas market bringing some of these amazing styles back to Kansas.”
From left: Lindsay Majors, model; Addy Labbe, owner, and model;  Kinlee Batchelor, model; Madi Toth, model, and customer service; Rhian Gorman, model;  and Massiel Ordoñez, model. Submitted photo.
She has been inspired by two women.
“My mother, Art by Amy,” she said.  “She started her business on her own, grew it for the last 20 years, and is still going strong today. She is the hardest working person I know. Every new person she meets she treats with the same kindness as she would treat her dearest loved ones.”
“The other biggest influence in my new business is a woman named Melanie Hutchins, who I consider another amazing mentor,” Labbe said.  “She owns a very successful boutique in Ohio. She has helped me grow and gain confidence in myself and has been a huge support in my business.”
Products can be seen on Stylz By Addy on Facebook and Instagram @stylzbyaddy or email: [email protected]
or phone:620-756-4125.
Addy Labbe, owner of Stylz By Addy. Submitted photo.
Addy Labbe is a Fort Scott High School graduate and still debating a university degree, she said.  “But I know I love what I’m doing right now!”
Bourbon County, Schools

Jim Lambert Returns As Principal of Uniontown Junior/Senior High

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Jim Lambert. Submitted photo.
Jim Lambert, 75, is the new U.S.D. 235 Prinicipal for the junior high and senior high. He starts August 1.
He replaces Mike Reith, who resigned.
Lambert has been in public education for 54 years, 12 years as a teacher, 36 as an administrator, and six as a substitute teacher.
He worked 16 years in Bourbon County as an administrator, six in USD 234 from 1979-85 and  10 in USD 235 from1985-95; as the high school principal/superintendent.
Lambert earned a  bachelor of science in history from McPherson College and  MEd in Education Administration from Wichita State University.
His hometown is Inman, KS.

He is married to Phyllis and has four children and eight grandchildren.

Outside of his career, he likes to read on a variety of topics, travel trailer camp, yard work, church activities, and is a “military history nut,” he said.

He became an educator because of a lifelong need to learn “stuff” and a love of history, he said.

Several people inspired him in his career.
“Two college professors focused me on what an understanding of history does for society; two colleagues in my early years in teaching
taught me how to work effectively with teenagers,” he said. “Fred Campbell, Dale Hammons, and Dick Hedges, in their leadership roles in USD 234, taught me how to balance all the demands on an administrator and strive for fairness in all decisions.”
The best part of being an educator?
“That’s easy!” he said. “Working with students and teachers on a daily basis. There is an energy in grades 7-12 that causes me to enjoy every day regardless of what has happened. Students want to know their administrators care for them as people and I try to bring that to every interaction.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Helping students understand how focusing on school activities and work will make them successful as adults,” he said. “Young people don’t always understand that learning to show respect, working hard, following rules for the good of everyone, and being a contributing part of a team will take them a long way as students and adults.”
Church news, Fort Scott

Christopher Eshelman is the New First United Methodist Pastor

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Christopher and Robin Eshelman. Submitted photo.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman, 53, is the new pastor at First United Methodist  Church in Fort Scott as of July 1.

“People can call me Pastor Christopher, some have been known to shorten that to Pastopher,” he said.

He has been a pastor for 14 years, and prior to that worked in small businesses in Wichita.

“I attended Wichita State (University), earning a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in political science in 1991,” he said. “My Master of Divintiy was earned in 2011 from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. My wife Robin and I met at WSU and she has degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, recently accepting a job with USD 257 in Iola.”

Wichita is his hometown.

“My parents were Lutheran and Catholic,” he said.  “I was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita – but after my parents’ divorce, mom took my brother and I to St. Albans, a ‘high rite’ Episcopalian congregation,” he said.

He then did catechism in the Roman Catholic Church as a child, “but found I had too many disagreements and questions to continue,” he said.

His wife Robin had ” basically dragged” him to a University United Methodist Church Disciple Bible Study.

Midway through the study, the leader retired and Eshelman accepted the leader position.

Not long after that, he was offered a staff position at a Methodist church that he had wandered away from.

He was now in charge of creating the classes that he used to refuse to go to, he said.

“After a lifetime of wandering, I found a home in Wesleyan theology with its emphasis on therapeutic grace – and then was sent forth to share what I’d found with others,” he said.

“As I continued to grow in faith and understanding, the path to seminary, ordination, and serving as a pastor became more and more clear,” he said. “In the United Methodist Church, we believe pastors are both called by God and sent by congregations – and that has certainly been my experience. God’s grace has transformed my life and it is my honor to share that with others.”

Rev. Gayla Rapp was a key influence in his life.

“She accepted my (sometimes imprudent) questions and often responded by handing me a book, then we’d discuss it after I’d read it,” he said. “She helped me deepen my spiritual and religious journey – without imposing answers.”

Other mentors include Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Rev. Barry Dundas, Rev. Cindy Watson, Revs. Howard West and Terry Murray and many, many others, he said.

“We Christians hold that Jesus is fully human and fully God…and is transcendent,” he said. “We hold that we are to become like Christ. Exactly when would we be done growing?…  We always have something new to learn.”

“I love connecting people more deeply with scripture, rituals, and spiritual practices,” he said.  “A personal motto is ‘Find your path… share your journey.’ It is so fun to see a light go on in someone’s eyes as they make a connection, deepen a relationship or even develop a new question that draws them further along their own path!”

This past year with the COVID Pandemic has been by far the most difficult in his career, he said.

“Trying to make decisions to keep people safe, while continuing community has been extremely taxing,” he said.

“Beyond that, people are sometimes all too human – but I often say ‘Jesus hasn’t given up on me, so I’m not allowed to give up on anyone else.'”

He is an avid reader and listens to a wide variety of music,  especially rock and jazz;  is a huge soccer fan, following teams in several leagues and countries; enjoys writing icons (in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and also enjoys walking labyrinths as a spiritual practice.

“I’m eager to set one up here in Fort Scott and share that ancient tradition with more people,” he said.

In the past, he has served as the president of the Pretty Prairie Community Association and looks forward to getting to know Fort Scott and finding places he and his wife can contribute to building up the community.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Times of church services:
Worship- 10:30 a.m. each Sunday,  Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.

The church hosts “Feeding Families in His Name” each Wednesday evening. “It is open to everyone and you are invited!” he said.

For more information phone (316) 833-4974 or email[email protected]

Art, Bourbon County

Art Is Therapy For Toal

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Stephen Toal stands in front of a mural he recently created at Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.

Stephen Toal has been clean and sober for three years now from alcohol addiction.

Toal has been busy creating artistic murals in parks in Fort Scott.

This spring he painted a mural under the big rock shelter house at Gunn Park, painting over graffiti.

This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.

Murals by Stephen Toal that are on the Hwy. 69 overpass in Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.

“Art is a big part of my recovery,” he said. “I think by doing these it helps me and also the community and will hopefully start bringing in more people at the park.”

Art helps him to focus, “When I am doing art, I am in my own zone,” he said.

Toal started focusing on art when he needed to change his life.

He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.

“When I went to rehab, a counselor asked me what I like to do,” he said. “I liked to draw. I got into art. I feel that is what I am meant to be.”

“I do photography as well,” Toal said. “I do five to six different art mediums.”

“I really enjoy the outdoor painting,” he said. “I think by painting the murals it’s bringing the community together and showing others the power of art.”

“There will be more (art)to come,” Toal said. ” I am starting on the inside of the tunnel (at Riverfront Park). The tunnel mural is going to be about Fort Scott and Kansas mixed in. I’m currently still doing some research on old businesses here and people that influenced Fort Scott. I am working on the design. And will possibly collaborate with other local artists.”

He does the community art projects for free.

“I don’t like getting into the money side,” he said. “And I have a lot of paint.”

Toalbucket was a nickname a  friend gave Toal when younger.  When he needed a logo he improvised and designed a bucket. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Government

Tiana McElroy Selected as New Bourbon County Attorney

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Tiana McElroy. Submitted photo taken last evening by a committee person at the event.

Tiana McElroy, 46,  was selected on July 1 to be the new Bourbon County Attorney, replacing Jacqui Spradling, who resigned.

McElroy has practiced law since August 2004, primarily criminal law, she said.

“I started as the Assistant Bourbon County Attorney in January 2018 and left Bourbon County for Cherokee County at the beginning of this year, (to be its) assistant county attorney,” she said.

McElroy attended Washburn University from 2001 to 2004 earning a Bachelor of Arts in History then a Juris Doctorate.

Her hometown is Leavenworth.

She became an attorney to “make a difference,” she said. “I feel like I’m making a difference, no matter how small.”

Her goal in the new position?

“To make the office more transparent,” she said. “I want the public to trust in the office again.”

“I’ll be full-time,” McElroy said. “I don’t have expectations that it will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I will be there as needed, but the position is classified as part-time.” She will be in her office five days a week.

She said the position is classified part-time, but she will go before the Bourbon County Commission and request they make the position full-time.

There is a backlog of cases to be tried, according to Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks. “Some of it because of COVID,” he said.

McElroy is the mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 16.

“I do not plan on moving to Fort Scott at this time so my children can finish school in Columbus,” she said.  “I am certainly open to moving to Bourbon County once they have graduated from high school.”

The Process of Selecting A New County Attorney

A meeting was held July 1 of the Bourbon County Republicans to select a new county attorney. There were seven candidates who introduced themselves, Chairman Mark McCoy said.

In addition to McElroy,  Meeks, Linus Thuston (the Neosho County Attorney), Jeffrey Williams (a private practice attorney), David Graham ( a practicing attorney), James Brun (recently Linn County Attorney) and Steven Ellis (the mayor of Spring Hill and a practicing attorney) applied for the position.

The party leaders asked questions of each candidate, he said.

The general public was allowed a brief time to speak for or against a candidate then left the meeting, The chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer, along with committee people of the party, remained to deliberate, McCoy said.

“The party, I believe, did a complete and thorough job and I am very, very comfortable with the outcome,” of McElroy being selected, he said.

McElroy will begin her duties as soon as the governor approves the selection, McCoy said.

“Today, I will send a certified, notarized letter to the governor’s office,” he said.

McElroy should be in her new position in a few weeks. The county attorney’s office is on the second floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 25

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June 25, 2021                                               Friday 10:00 am

 

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

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Josh Jones, Greg Motley, Rob Harrington, Charles Gentry, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Anne Dare, and two employees from Mercy Hospital.

 

The Commissioners held the special meeting to discuss the donation of the Mercy Hospital building to Bourbon County.  Clifton is having someone look at the roof to see what needs repaired.  The building would be donated to the County along with $600,000 (the money would be donated for the needed repairs), the building would be donated As is.  There are controls & deed restrictions on what the property can be used for a period of 5 years; the following are not permitted… abortion clinic, counseling service which recommends sterilization or abortions, prescribing or dispensing medicines or chemicals for such, a political action group advocating abortions, signs promoting abortions or an adult bookstore, x-rated movie theater, topless bar, or similar establishment.  Justin said if the County gave away the land, the restrictions would have to be followed by the new owners as well. Justin said there is a newer buried gas tank there which is used for the generators.    CHC has some of the land at this location, Justin said the helicopter pad is part of CHC’s portion.  Justin said there are currently tenants there and their leases would have to be honored.  Justin said some title work has been started through Security 1st Title Company; Clifton made a motion to allow the local title company to move forward with the title commitment and that the title company do the closing, Jim seconded and all approved.  Rob Harrington presented the Commissioners with Cooperative agreement and asked that the Commissioners use $1 million of the ARPA funds (Bourbon County will be getting $2.8 million total in ARPA funds) towards a feasibility study. He said this cooperative agreement would be between Bourbon County and Noble Health Corporation to do a feasibility study regarding if it’s feasible to bring a hospital back to the community.  The Cooperative agreement would move forward with the feasibility study; the study would provide a market study, financial and demographic analysis and health data to show if this area can support a hospital.  Rob said if the feasibility study comes back positive then the developer would begin working on opening a new healthcare facility in Bourbon County.  Rob said the $1 million would be given to Noble Health Corporation to hire a 3rd party company to do a feasibility study.  Clifton said the study will cost close to $1.5 million total, which Noble Health will be paying a portion of.  Susan Bancroft said the major planned use for APRA funds is healthcare.  Rob said the feasibility study could later be used to go after grants for the facility.  Lynne said the closing of Mercy Hospital had a negative impact on the community and said he thought there was a good possibility of bringing back a hospital.  Rob said the study should take 3-4 months to complete.  Clifton said they have asked the City to participate in this as well and said if nothing else it will put to bed on whether we can have a hospital here or not.  Justin said they could have until next Tuesday to finalize this and said this is a different style of medical care.  Clifton said cooperate healthcare will not work in Fort Scott.  Noble Health has purchased and is operating 2 hospitals in Missouri; they are bringing back healthcare to rural areas.  Clifton said that Noble Health is not agreeing to bring a hospital here, but are agreeing to partner with Bourbon County to see what will work here, he said it will not be a full-blown hospital.  Clifton said if this works and Noble comes here, they are excited to work with Ascension, CHC and any other local providers.  Rob said this has been a great collaborative effort between Bourbon County, the City and Economic Development.  Justin said that Security 1st can get the commitment of policy next week.  The Commissioners plan to discuss the Mercy donation agreement again on June 29th.  Jim said he hoped this works for our healthcare.  Clifton said this is a community effort and said the community needs to support Ascension, CHC and Noble Health.  Clifton said that Ascension and CHC did a good job during COVID but said it could’ve been better with hospital beds in our area.  Clifton said they were not using property tax money to do this; he said they were using Federal money, he said if they don’t use this money, they would have to use a different way or give the money back.  Justin said the current service contracts would have to be assumed by the Commission and said the current tenants would need to have the same environment they are used to.  Clifton questioned if the County would have to use the current providers; they do not, but must provide the same service.  Justin said he thought that landscaping, mowing and waste management could be done internally.  Jim suggested, if necessary, when the current contracts expire that they look for different providers.  Justin said a current resident for the Mercy building hasn’t finalized their lease agreement with Mercy yet; Mercy is working on the lease.  Clifton said it wasn’t his intention to own the building for a long period of time; Justin said that could happen.  The ambulance service has been subsidized by Bourbon County for many years.

 

Jim 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 performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:11, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Josh Jones).  At 11:12, Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session with no action, 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 related to job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:28, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin and Josh Jones).  At 11:28, Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Jim made a motion that the County do a joint agreement with the City of Fort Scott regarding hiring an HR director as a shared service, the position will answer to the County Commission, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:29, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, 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
June 29, 2021, Approved Date

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Burke Street Parade at Noon on July 4

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Burke Street Parade participants Margaret and Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Normanin a previous parade. Submitted photo.

The 39th Annual Burke Street Parade is Sunday, July 4 at noon.

The parade starts at 10th and Burke Street and Frank Halsey will be leading the traffic control, according to a press release.

Steven Anthony in the Burke Street Parade. Submitted photo.

After the parade, refreshments will be at Michelle and Lewis Dunkeson, 1005 Burke Street.

“Everyone is welcome,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the organizers, said. “Please donate cookies to the Dunkesons, preferably on July 3.”

The Halsey family hosted the cookies in 2018.

“Please, no big vehicles and watch for the children, who are all over the place,” she said.

Burke Street Parade. Susan Foster and grandson. Submitted photo.

“Dress in patriotic attire or just sit anywhere on the street to watch and cheer the parade.”

Patriotic songs will be led by Abby Albright, Jill Gorman and Susan Foster, a tradition at the parade.

If any questions call  Humphrey 223.0388  or 620. 224. 7388 or Theresa Bahr 215. 2889 or  Barbara Albright, 224.7762 “who is the official distributor of information,” Humphrey said..

“Severe storms or lightning cancels the parade…but we have conquered the rain,” Humphrey said.

To learn more about the parade:

Burke Street July 4th Americana: Parade and Food

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Tri-Valley Horticulture Specialist: Austin Bolinger

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Austin Bolinger. Submitted photo.

Austin Bolinger, 22, is the new horticulture specialist at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, replacing Barb McCord, who retired May 14.

Bolinger is a  2017 Fort Scott High School graduate.

“I started working in the floral industry five years ago, and while working in that industry I began collecting plants and learning as much as I could about them,” Bolinger said. “I also worked alongside Barbara McCord for six months. During this time she taught me so much valuable information about what it means to be a horticulturist.”

McCord was the person who developed the horticulture therapy program at Tri-Valley and mentored Bolinger prior to her departure.

“I chose to pursue this career because it was something that interested me,  seemed like a good cause,” he said. “I was trying to figure out which direction my life was headed when I saw that Barbara was retiring. I knew that I wanted a career that also gave back to the community, and would be something that I enjoyed. I feel like I found that here at Tri-Valley.”

“The best part of my job is definitely those who I work with,” Bolinger said. “Being able to work with the clients in the horticulture program gives me such joy to share my passion for plants with others who enjoy it as much as I do.”

” With the Bourbon County Fair coming up, the clients will be entering an array of items that they have been working on,” Bolinger said. “We are also experimenting with adding some new houseplants into the greenhouse, which is very exciting. We feel like everyone should have some nature in their home!”

“I was born and raised in Fort Scott,” Bolinger said.  “I live with my partner, Estevan, and our two dogs, Amira and Reese.”

He is a member of the Fort Scott Garden Club.

About Tri-Valley

Tri-Valley Developmental Services helps people with conditions that include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other physical and mental impairments, according to its’ website http://www.tvds.org/getting-started.

These conditions can result in severe chronic limitations such as:

  • Self-care

  • Learning and adapting

  • Living independently

  • Understanding and using language

  • Mobility

  • Economic self-sufficiency

  • Self-direction in setting and accomplishing goals

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Ashley Wilcox and Margaret Marino

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This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.
Ashley Wilcox, 26, is the new Technology Teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has taught for four years in a 4th-grade classroom.
Education:
Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Educational Technology
Hometown:
Leavenworth, KS
Family:
“Two  cats that I treat like my kids.”
Hobbies/community involvement:
“Reading, Drawing, soccer. I hope to join the local soccer scene to join in more community involvement!”
Why did you become an educator?
“The light in their eyes when they realize they can do anything they set their minds to is my why.”
Did someone inspire you?
“My fourth grade teacher, in Lansing, Mrs. Munsterman.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“My favorite thing about working with kids is when they say they can’t do something and then they wind up doing that exact task.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Being in a new school and district will be challenging but the results will be incredible. There will always be challenges but overcoming starts by getting at the kid’s level and listening. From there both the kids and I can do GREAT things!”

 Margaret Marino, 38, is a  new 2nd-grade special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

 

She has five years of experience as a paraprofessional and two years teaching in the Leavenworth School District.

 

She received her education, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, from Fort Hays State University. Her hometown is Pittsburg.

 

Family:

“I have been married to my husband for 14 years. My parents recently moved back to Fort Scott and I am excited to move close to them.  I am one of seven children.  I have siblings in Branson, Overland Park, Shawnee, and Topeka.  I have 15 nieces and nephews that keep me on my toes and make holidays memorable.”

 

Hobbies/community involvement:

“I love to read!  There is nothing better than reading a good book with a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day.  I like to quilt and crochet.  Creating something beautiful is a wonderful feeling.  I am excited to start gardening.  My new home has beautiful plants and I am excited to learn something new.”

Bourbon County, Business

Car Wash Opening in Uniontown Changes to July 14

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Ruritan members facilitated a ribbon-cutting for Patty Olmstead’s business in Uniontown in May. From left, Mark Warren, Kevin Gleason, Joe George, Owner Patty Olmstead, Raymond George, Henry Homan, and Mike Mason.

A new business has opened in Uniontown on the square.

3rd Street Car Wash was slated to have its’ grand opening on June 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. but weather conditions and some parts availability have delayed the opening to July 14.

Owner Patty Olmstead has renovated the car wash that has been out of business for years, and in addition, purchased the storage units next to the car wash.

 

One can get their car washed and for those with pets, there will be a pet washing station, with a table and shampoo, on the horizon for the business, Olmstead said.

Patty Olmstead works on the money machine at the carwash she owns. With her is her pet, Thomas the goat.

The car wash starts at $2.25 with a car vacuum available for $1.

Olmstead said the east wall of the car wash, easily seen by the community, she is allowing the Uniontown High School Eagles to use for publicizing their accomplishments.

The east side of the carwash is available for Uniontown High School for publicizing student accomplishments.

Olmstead had been looking for a business to purchase, she said.

“I’ve been investigating some businesses for some time, looking for a second income,” Olmstead said. “I’ve found what I’ve been looking for, for years. The timing was just right.”

Contact Olmstead at 620.215.1371. or contact her at [email protected].