All posts by Loretta George

Business, Church news

Fort Scott Author Tanya Glessner’s Newest Book: Unyielding Faith

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott,  is a Christian author who loves sharing her experience of overcoming addiction, abuse, incarceration, and loss through God’s grace.
Her newest book, Unyielding Faith: Drive Out The Enemy With Divine Power was just released on Amazon.com.
Other books by Glessner, in order of release date:
The Light You Bring September 2023, Stand Up Eight January 2024,
Prayer Journal May 2024,  and New Mercies Every Morning July 2024.
Of the newest book:
The words we speak reflect our hearts and wield immense power—to build up or tear down. They have a far-reaching impact that can alter the course of many lives. Therefore, we must intentionally align our words with God’s word, training ourselves to use language that brings victory and life. according to a press release from Glessner.

In Unyielding Faith: Drive Out the Enemy with Divine Power there are prayers, proclamations, scriptures, and more that will help  break every curse that has come against you and those you care about such as:

*Prayer For Blessings And Breakthroughs
*Prayer For Family
*Prayer Against Satanic Forces
*Prayer To Release Guilt
*Prayer Against Fear
*Prayer For Guidance
*Proclamations
*And more…

God’s divine presence lives within His followers. Exercise the authority He has granted to overcome obstacles, reclaim control of our lives, and declare words of life that drive out the enemy.

It’s currently available on Amazon:


Other books:

Obituary

Ruth Jackson Obituary

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Ruth Isabel (Evans) Jackson, 93, our beautiful mother went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, October 30, 2024, at 12:50 p.m. at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Our plan was getting her back to her home on hospice. Instead, the Gates of Heaven opened up and the Angels began to sing as our mother reached her destiny, her eternal home, her loving father, God, awaiting her. The heavens lit up and the angels rejoiced!

 

Ruth was born May 2, 1931, in a small farm home that was built by her parents. She married Roy Clifford Jackson June 12, 1949. Ruth was married to Roy for seventy beautiful years, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2019. Roy passed in October of 2019.

 

Ruth and Roy were blessed with six children, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her children, Pamela Sue Russell, Fort Scott, Connie Annette Jackson, also of Fort Scott, Gwendolyn Kay Norbury (Danny), Hume, Missouri, R. Mark Jackson (Lynette), Fort Scott, Brenda Leigh Denby, also of Fort Scott, and Jan Elaine Kierl, Mound City, Kansas.

 

We know that she was rejoined with her loving family that preceded her, our father Roy Clifford Jackson, her father and mother, Faye Irene (Bybee) Evans, Francis Raymond Evans, Sr.; a sister, Lois (Evans) Haynes Owings; and two brothers, Robert Evans and Junior Evans, and other loved ones she deeply missed.

 

Ruth remained on their farm north of Fort Scott. She loved living there and loved to fish with her kids and grandkids. She was a lifetime member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, and often stated that “I was in my mother’s womb when I started going to church.” Her father helped to build the Nazarene church with his family members.

 

Ruth was a full-time homemaker, raising six kids and taking care of her husband. She also worked at Bruce Marble and Granite Works as an engraver, The Western Insurance Company, Mercy Hospital, and managed Hillside Guest Home, and then Home Health. She eventually retired to the family farm. Ruth enjoyed raising her children and seeing her grandchildren. They all gave her great joy!

 

Ruth was a devoted Christian, Christ-follower, and went to church every Sunday, taking her mother and family. She loved watching and listening to Jimmy Swaggart and many other Christian ministries in her later years.

 

Ruth was an artist. She loved writing poetry, and she loved painting and using clay to make her arts and crafts. She was very talented and artistic. She also loved cooking meals for her family. The whole family will have wonderful memories of huge family gatherings, especially the great 4th of July picnics and barbeques. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always filled with lots of love and warmth. Ruth will always be remembered for her love for God, and her time spent with family, those were so very special to all of us.

 

As a child, Ruth went to school at the old Independence School House northeast of Fort Scott, where she walked to school every day in her clothes that her mother made out of “feed sacks,” in ice, sleet, and snow. Every Christmas Ruth and her sister received a doll and one pair of shoes for school to last a full year. Often shoes were plugged with material as they became worn out after a years wear. Lunch was a cold piece of fat on bread from the hog her dad raised.

 

Ruth helped her father and mother on the farm. She helped her father with the horses and heavy work in the hay fields during the hot summer months until harvest. She also helped raise her little brother Junior as her mother was always cooking and caring for the family. They also enjoyed trips to Redfield to see her grandparents.

 

Ruth was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She wanted all of her family to know our creator, God. Well done, good and faithful servant of God! We will deeply miss our God-loving mother.

 

Trevor Jacobs will officiate funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will welcome friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.

Ruth will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following services.

There will be a luncheon at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Ruth Jackson Memorial and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.  Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Family Movie Night at Memorial Hall on November 9

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Submitted graphic.

The Fort Scott Sons of American Legion, a part of the local American Legion has planned a family movie night for Saturday, November 9 at Memorial Hall that will feature the family-friendly movie, Free Birds.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, and/or pillows, it will be like an outdoor movie, but inside Memorial Hall, 1  East Third.

 

Free Birds is a 2013 science fiction comedy Thanksgiving movie, in which Jake and Reggie travel back in time to the year 1621, just before the first Thanksgiving. The plan: Prevent all turkeys from ever becoming holiday dinners, according to rottentomatoes.com.

From the movie’s trailer.

“When I was a kid, a fun thing to do was going to the movies with my brother,” said L.W. Beerbower, a member of the Sons of Veterans. “We wanted to do something that brings the family together and doesn’t break the budget.”

The group had a mock run with their families recently and “my kids are still talking about it,” he said.

Admission is $1 per person and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Concessions will be available.

“Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin has let us use the popcorn maker from the LaRoche Stadium Complex,” he said. “Candy and pop will be available to purchase.”

The group has its own projector and inflatable movie screen, and are in the process of planning for a movie next month as well, he said.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for Oct. 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of October 15, 2024                                                             Regular Meeting

 

A Work Session was held on October 15, 2024 at 5:00PM directly followed by the regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Both meetings are available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

The meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Officer Colby Davidson/FSPD, Norm Nation/Codes Enforcement, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Michael Hoyt, Ann Rawlins, Don Banwart/President of OFGS, and Joseph Lotterer, Jose Montanez (via telephone)

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:05)

  1. Dancer requested the removal of Kathy Dancer from Appearances. She will appear at a later date.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to add Approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for 12 N. Main Street – as it has been approved by SHPPO and satisfied the Commission’s request at the September 17, 2024, meeting –  to Unfinished Business – Item C.   D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Agenda as amended with the removal of Kathy Dancer and Item C added to Unfinished Business – 12 N. Main – Certificate of Appropriateness.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 3:56)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1370-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 25, 2024 – October 8, 2024 – $ 734,821.86

– Approval of Minutes for October 1, 2024.

– September Financials

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

 

 

Public Comments (Time stamp 4:34) – No comments

 

Appearances (Time stamp 4:36) – No appearances

 

(Time stamp 4:50)

Unfinished Business

Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per October 1, 2024, extension approved until October 15, 2024 –B. Matkin provided an update: have not received the requested Structural Engineer’s report, work is complete on the face of the building, contractor has moved out of the area, and (B. Matkin) spoke with the owner today and informed him that a structural engineer needs to look at it before it can be reopened.

 

Discussion was had about the work completed and the existing concerns of the building.

 

(Time stamp 6:43) J. Dickman provided his observations and his recommendation.

 

(Time stamp 8:23) Further discussion was had regarding the next step to verify that the building and Wall Street are safe to open.

 

(Time stamp 12:43) Jose Montanez addressed the Commission by telephone.

 

Clarification was made by the Commission and the work completed must be certified by a structural engineer.

 

(Time stamp 18:52) Discussion began regarding the City providing an independent structural engineering report.

 

(Time stamp 19:59) B. Matkin left the meeting and immediately returned (Time stamp 20:11).

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will contact an independent structural engineer to complete the inspection of the building.

 

ACTION:  J. Montanez will reach out to the original structural engineer (Thomas Rewert) to see if he will certify the completed work.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke directed J. Dickman and B. Matkin to hire a structural engineer to inspect the building.

 

(Time stamp 28:11) T. VanHoecke left the meeting and returned to the meeting (Time stamp 29:48).

 

  1. Dancer stated that the Commission agrees that the owner has not complied with the requests and that the condition of the building is not safe.

 

It was clarified that the City will get a 3rd party structural engineer to certify that entire building is not a public hazard. J. Montanez will seek certification from Thomas Rewert however the City will move forward with their inspection as a matter of due diligence for public safety.

 

(Time stamp 39:10) – Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – Tabled from October 1, 2024.

 

  1. Matkin stated that he spoke with Jill Jaworski/Superintendent of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and they have no issues with the extension of the Common Consumption Area to include the pavilion and Skubitz Plaza.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the renewal of the downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit.

 

  1. Wells stated that the superintendent also stated that people are allowed to walk from Skubitz Plaza on to the Fort grounds (and back) with alcohol according to the National Park agreement with the current superintendent. They ask that people are respectful and obey all laws when doing so.

 

  1. Wells stated that the superintendent had also asked that sometime in the future, the Commission consider permanently closing the drive-through area in Skubitz Plaza to create an additional seating area and making all of Skubitz Plaza a pedestrian only area.

 

  1. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 42:11) Consideration to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main – Construction of An Exterior Metal Awning – Previously approved by the Design Review Board but denied by the City Commission on September 17, 2024. The Commission requested that the owner seek approval from SHPPO or use an approved material.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the owner came back with approval from SHPPO with the stipulation that it must be a matte finish and must not be the raised seams which satisfied the requirements of the Commission.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request from Be the Light Boutique that was previously approved by the Design Review Board for 12 N. Main.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

New Business

 

Public Hearing:

(Time stamp 43:18)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3771 – Floodplain Management Ordinance – Pursuant to 44 CFR Sect. 60.3(d) – Regulatory Floodway Identified, K.S.A. 12-766 and K.A.R. 5-44-1 through 5-44-7 .  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the ordinance is a renewal done every (5) years for FEMA in order to participate should we experience flood issues.

 

  1. Olson requested that on page 2 of the ordinance, that Linn County we changed to Bourbon County.

 

There was no public comment.

 

(Time stamp 46:18)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Ordinance No. 3771 with the exception of changing Linn County to Bourbon County (page 2) to be considered approved once the correction is made.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 47:27)

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 28-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1721 E. Wall.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of record were contacted and stated it was inherited from their father. They do not want to repair it and ask that the structure be removed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 49:20)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1721 E. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 28-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 50:03)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 29-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 W. Wall. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the project began December 11, 2023. The homeowner requested an opportunity to gather finances to restore the structure but was unsuccessful and tried to sell the property. The Codes department worked with the homeowner to give her time to find the means to save the home however the bids she received to restore the home were more than the value. He stated that the homeowner contacted Codes approximately (1) month ago and stated that she had exhausted her resources and had no problem with the structure being removed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 51:55)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Discussion was had regarding the condition of the home and salvaging architecture.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the removal of the structure at 323 W. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 29-2024. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury and M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Further discussion was had regarding the purpose of the City identifying and rectifying dangerous and unsafe structures.

 

(Time stamp 1:01:48)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 30-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1619 E. Pine.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of the property has not done maintenance on the property for years, has been sent multiple letters from Codes Enforcement but is now deceased. The son has removed what he wishes to keep from the structure and stated that the City can do as they please. The condition of the structure was discussed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:03:31)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to close the public hearing.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1619 E. Pine as directed by Resolution No. 30-2024.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:04:17)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 31-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1105 E. Scott.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that all communication with the owners had been lost however the outside of the property was cleaned up last year but the issues with the structure were not addressed. Letters were sent and phone calls were made but there has been no response. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:05:59)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Discussion was had regarding saving properties from demolition, the purpose of the Land Bank, and options for salvaging this property.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:10:30)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 31-2024 regarding the structure at 1105 E. Scott until November 19, 2024, giving Codes the opportunity to reach out to the owner or heir of the owner to ask if they would be willing to donate the property “as is” to the Land Bank at which point he would need to be willing to fill out the required documents in order to obtain a clear title. It would then be presented to the Land Bank for approval or rejection. If rejected, the structure may need to be removed.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:11:53)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:12:32)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 32-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 S. Lowman.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:13:01)

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. There is a son who had lived in the structure but has since left and his whereabouts are unknown. The tax status is unknown. There are children in the immediate area and safety is an immediate concern.

 

Discussion was had on the condition of the structure and prior history of it coming before the Commission. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:14:19)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:14:25)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 402 S. Lowman as directed by Resolution No. 32-2024.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:15:01)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Couch.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Joseph Lotterer (resident of 418 S. Couch) addressed the Commission and stated that he had been staying at 418 S. Couch for the past year. When he moved in, the front porch was an attached structure that was falling in but it has been removed. He stated that he is still making repairs to the house. His friend Amanda is the owner of the house and it belonged to her mother. Amanda does not live in the home. J. Lotterer stated that he has her on the phone if they wanted to speak to her. The Commission declined.

 

  1. Nation stated that he does not have details because Leroy Kruger has been the one on this case. L. Kruger was not able to be present. N. Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. J. Lotterer stated that Amanda is the next of kin, the daughter of the owner. He stated that he has removed the front porch roof, he is fixing the deck and is putting new siding and plywood up on the back side with more repairs to come. He stated that he only remembers receiving a letter to stating that he needed to get the yard cleaned up. Amanda moved out and left everything there but he was trying to get everything of his into the home so he was putting her stuff out into the yard. He does not have a vehicle so it is hard to get things cleaned up and hauled off but it’s a work in progress. He stated that it looks a lot better than it did but he does not remember getting a letter. He lives there with his friend. He stated the picture the Commission is looking at is an old picture and he has done a lot of work to it since then, a lot of clean up. He does not have a timeline for completion because he does not know what must be done. He saw the notice for the public hearing on the agenda.

 

  1. Olson stated that the name on the letter was different than the owner of record on the county parcel record.

 

  1. VanHoecke explained to J. Lotterer that he would like to table the consideration to a future meeting to clarify facts with the Codes Department regarding the letter that went out and other communications so the Commission can make a fair decision on the matter. J. Lotterer was asked to return to that meeting.

 

(Time stamp 1:21:50)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe Structure at 418 S. Couch until November 19, 2024. M. Wells seconded the motion.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke requested that J. Lotterer leave his contact information for the Codes Department before he leaves the meeting.  J. Lotterer agreed.

 

All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Action Items:

 

Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Greenlight for Veterans – that in observance of Operation Green Light, the City of Fort Scott, Kansas encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024.  M. Hoyt addressed the Commission regarding his request to approve the Resolution. He stated that the draft came from the Kansas Association of Counties. They asked that the City or the County take a picture and they will include them in their publication.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Green Light for Veterans.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Wells left the meeting (Time stamp 1:25:41)

 

Consideration to Approve Healthcare MOU – B. Farmer stated that the County and the City have been working together to establish an ER along with Freeman Hospital.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:26:49)

 

He continued that the Commission was provided a copy of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Freeman and the County. The County will sign the document, but they want the City to approve it to form. He summarized a meeting that took place with Freeman Hospital that he, the City Manager, and the Mayor attended. This document is the first step along with a Funding Agreement. B. Farmer requested that the City Commission approve the document in form.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the terms and the amount are the same as what they had approved to give Amberwell.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the MOU for Healthcare to Freeman Hospital. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer explained the details of the Funding Agreement and stated that Freeman Hospital (Paula Baker) agreed to give an accounting of how the $600,000.00 is spent.

 

  1. Olson confirmed with B. Farmer that in the agreement, Freeman Hospital agreed to reimburse the money over the course of payments if they do not open.

 

  1. Farmer gave further details on what has been happening with the process of opening the ER.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Funding Agreement for Freeman Health Center with the terms that were provided in the agreement for accountability of the money, money coming back if they do not open in order to get them the lump sum of money that will bring the ER in Fort Scott.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells abstained.

 

VOTE PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Approve Federal-Aid Fund Exchange Master Agreement – B. Farmer stated that this was an agreement to receive federal money for projects. He stated that he has reviewed it and encourages the Commission to approve.

 

MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the master agreement.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission – Recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024, to fill the vacant seat of the (7) member Commission.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of MOU Between City of Fort Scott and Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) for Usage of the Eastern Side, Lower Level of Memorial Hall

 

Discussion was had about the terms of the agreement.

 

  1. Lewis left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:40:21 and returned at 1:40:33).

 

  1. Rawlins distributed a map of the proposed plans and discussion continued with questions answered by D. Banwart and A. Rawlins. They confirmed that they have insurance for their contents as well as liability insurance for their space. D. Banwart described their plans for the OFGS which include a museum and the proposed agreement between the Katy Railroad Society, OFGS, and the railroad museum of Dennison, TX. Discussion was had about the status of the meeting space of the American Legion with the proposed improvements and the preservation and possession of historic City documents and maps that are stored at Memorial Hall.

 

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to table the discussion until the Commission can go through a few of the items in the MOU, correct the issues they might have, talk with the American Legion, and then present another MOU.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of a Change Order on Project No. 6 U-2455-01 Horton St. & 6th St. Project – Replace/Repair Inlet and Manholes – J. Dickman informed the Commission about the scope of the repairs and replacement for a total of $22,384.36 and the addition of (4) working days on the project.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the change order as presented. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

City Manager Comments:

– Bourbon County Commission announced a Burn Ban that includes the City of Fort Scott

– Water supply is good and Cedar Creek is open, Rock Creek is not open. If we do not receive rain, it may need to be opened

– Cape Seal Project Update – concerns about quality of work

 

City Engineer Comments: 

– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update

– Structural Engineer has been contacted regarding 118 E. Wall

 

  1. Olson Comments:

– Requested moving the next meeting to November 6th

 

  1. VanHoecke Comments:

– Suggested volunteering for holidays

– Shop and support local businesses

 

  1. Wells Comments:

– Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan revisited

– Consideration to permanently close the road in Skubitz Plaza and Main Street as walking district only

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will look into the status of the Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan.

 

 

 

 

  1. Salsbury Comments:

– Halloween Parade Permit – not needed due to no street closure

– Expansion of the School Speed Limit Zone on National to 8th Street

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will start looking for grants for additional lights. Flags are already in place

 

  1. Dancer Comments:

– No comments

 

City Attorney Comments:

– Traffic flow changes at the Fort

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Managers office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:28PM).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:28:10)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion on the streets pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, the City Manager, and the City Engineer will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:38PM.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:39:01)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion of the City’s IT Infrastructure pursuant to the matters relating to security measures exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). Open discussion would jeopardize such security measures. Executive session is needed to protect the infrastructure and the public. The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:55PM.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:56:18)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:56:30)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

OCTOBER 15, 2024 MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

FSNHS Candlelight Tour Theme 2024: Challenges and New Experiences

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The Fort Scott National Historic Site Post Hospital. Submitted photo.

Today, November 1, is the first day that tickets for the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 43rd Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale.

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors-including participants of the tour- bring the fort to life each year during the candlelight tour. During the tour, one will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.

The event is on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, 2024. Tours on December 6 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. On Saturday, December 7, the tours will start at 5 p.m. with the final tour leaving at 9 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

This year, participants will become frontier soldiers.

The theme is Challenges and New Experiences in Fort Scott. “Each new challenge on the frontier built confidence and led to a new view of one’s life,” Brenner said. “We learn through training and challenge. Each challenge faced at Fort Scott bettered the soldiers, preparing them for the future, and eventually, the next journey in their life.”

“We will be mustering visitors into Company A for the 1st dragoons, giving them the persona of an actual soldier,” Brenner said. “They will be part of the discussion around Fort Scott, preparing for the South Pass expedition, where they were to ride 2,200 miles in 99 days. They will celebrate the holidays with new carols from the 1840s, and then muster out, date-stamping their paper to take home as a souvenir. We are working to have the Grand Hall cleaned up and open, as in years past, for snacks, music, dancing, and to warm up after the tour.”

Dozens of volunteers come together to bring this event to life, including those who enjoy acting.

“We are lucky to have a group of very dedicated volunteers who help with multiple different events and projects at the park,” he said. “We are also working with Angie Bin, the Fort Scott High School’s speech and drama teacher, and some of her students. If you are interested or know someone who is, we can still use your help.”

Please call the park at 620-223-0310 or email us at [email protected] to find out more and become involved.

Carl Brenner.

 

Tickets

Tickets are available by first calling the fort at 620-223-0310 to make your reservation, then log onto https://store.wnpa.org/products/fort-scott-national-hist-site-candlelight-tour, or search for store.wnpa.org and shop for Fort Scott NHS, to make your payment.

FSNHS is unable to take credit card numbers over the phone as in years past, said Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS(www.nps.gov/fosc).

Tickets can also be purchased at the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. just east of Historic Downtown Fort Scott. They are $8 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that one gets tickets early to ensure a choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out, according to an FSNHS press release.

 

History of the Candlelight Tour

“The Candlelight Tour began as a part of the Holiday Open House program where Fort Scott residents would decorate their homes and open them up to the public for the holidays,” Brenner said. “Fort Scott National Historic Site joined these festivities by decorating Capt. Swords Quarters in Officer’s Quarters #1. When that program ended, we continued with the yearly decorations. It began to grow to include staff and volunteers telling stories about Fort Scott’s history. This continued to grow into the Candlelight Tour. Within the last five years, we have adjusted the program to be more immersive with audience participation. We want visitors to be a part of the vignette instead of looking through a window as did Ebenezer Scrooge. We also encourage visitors to dress up for the tours, preferably in period clothing, for an even more immersive experience.”

 

About The Fort

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Teacher Turned Pediatrician: Mary Jo Flint

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Dr. Mary Jo Flint.

 

Dr. Mary Jo Flint started on August 26 as a pediatrician at the Community Health Center Of  Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

Flint earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks and taught kindergarten and Head Start classes.

“I was a teacher and enjoyed kids,” she said. “I enjoy watching them grow and working with families….helping them.”

Her decision to go on to medical school at the University of North Dakota was an extension of her wanting to help kids, she said. She graduated from med school in 1991 and completed her residency at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. She is board-certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For the last three years, she has worked in Tennessee in rural medicine.

With a daughter in Kansas City and a new grandchild, she wanted to be closer to them.

What attracted her to Fort Scott was the mission of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, she said.

According to the CHC website, they transform healthcare by addressing and removing barriers faced in finding quality healthcare, and are driven to provide compassionate care for everyone who comes,  regardless of circumstances.

The medical services Flint provides are well checks-preventative appointments with children from birth to 18 years old and their parents- sick visits, developmental screenings, vaccines, x-rays, ultrasound, and mental health screenings.

“I use Evidence–based medicine (EBM),” she said, which is the scientific method to organize and apply current data to improve healthcare decisions. “I am constantly learning. If I find that something isn’t working, I don’t keep on doing it, I try something else.”

CHC has a walk-in clinic on site, 2322 S. Main, that is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the doctor’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact Dr. Flint at 620.223.8040 for an appointment for your child.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023

About CHC

Providing Compassionate Care

In 1903 Mother Mary Bernard Sheridan, a Sister of Saint Joseph, brought healthcare to the poorest in our region, building a hospital on donated land and providing care for all. She told her staff to “Do all the good that you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways that you can, for just as long as you can,” according to the CHC website.

Humble Beginnings

CHC/SEK opened its doors in 1997 on the second floor of a 90-year-old elementary school building as a community outreach of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, the hospital Mother Sheridan founded in 1903. Their purpose was to ensure that all children were “ready to learn” by providing physicals and immunizations, no matter their parents’ ability to pay. It was a mission of love in an area of critical need – a community that continues to have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in Kansas.

They quickly realized these children’s parents and grandparents needed care too and expanded services and facilities to provide quality, affordable healthcare to patients of all ages. By 2003, they had become an independent organization with 11 employees that cared for 3,300 patients.

Healthier Communities

Today, more than 1000 employees care for more than 70,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services across eastern Kansas and northeast Oklahoma – still regardless of the ability to pay.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Holiday Open House Is Next Week

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The 21st Annual  Fort Scott Holiday Open House Shopping Event in the historic downtown district and around town is next week.

The main kick-off event is Thursday, November 7 from 5-8 p.m. Some stores will remain open to 9 p.m.
The evening includes festive refreshments, drawings and deals on products, according to a Chamber of Commerce press release.
 On Thursday evening the Kansas Museum Conference will end a meeting at 8:30 p.m. at the River Room and most of the stores will remain open to accommodate conference attendees, said Lindsay Madison, Chamber Executive Director.
There will be approximately 130 conference attendees in Fort Scott for that conference.
 Most stores will continue to have Open House on Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9.
Drawings, discounts, and treats await, while shoppers find unique apparel, gifts and holiday décor.

The asterisk beside the participating store names below indicates they are staying open until 9 p.m.


110 South Main Mercantile*
Angie Dawn’s Boutique*
Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market*
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry*
Be the Light Boutique*
Bids & Dibs*
Hedgehog.Ink!*
Iron Star Antiques & Such*
Laree + Co*
Mayco Ace Hardware*
Museum of Creativity*
Sekan’s Occasion Shop*
Sunshine Boutique*
The Artificers*
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative*
US Cellular*
Varia Quality Resale

History of the Event

The first holiday open house was in 2003 at the Iron Star Antiques and Such, 3 North Main.

Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden in 2017.

Barb Trimbur and Cindy Bowman were vendors in the Iron Star and they decided to host an open house after Trimbur had made an offer to purchase the store from Yvonne Beck and Beck accepted the offer. The deal was finalized in 2004.

“The purpose of the first holiday open house was to introduce myself as the new owner,” Trimbur said. “We were decorating the store and thought, wouldn’t it be nice to have a party to kick off the season.”

Trimbur said about 10 years ago other downtown stores decided to have an open house as well.

Madison said the last quarter of the year, the holiday season, is the busiest time of the year for businesses.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for October 31

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 31, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/21/2024
  1. Mary Pemberton-Donation Agreements
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  3. Approval of Longevity Pay-$55,900.00
  4. Election Update
  5. Countywide Food Drive
  6. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County

Fire Engulfs Farm Combine on Oct. 28: Community Steps In

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Bill Keith, looks on as his combine is engulfed in fire on Oct. 28, during strong winds in the region. Submitted photo.

The unusually warm weather—almost 90 degrees—and the strong winds have created dangerous conditions for fires once they have started.

Stacy Racy stated on her Facebook page last night that her dad, Bill Keith , had a piece of farm equipment engulfed in fire.

Her dad was combining wheat on his farm near Hammond, about 12 miles north of Fort Scott on Monday evening, October 28.

“You can’t see right behind you on a combine,” Racy said. “The combine died and he stood on the platform on it and saw that it was on fire.”

“Tonight, my dad’s combine caught fire. Once again, Jerry Nafzger, my dad’s guardian angel here on earth, came to his rescue,” she said on her Facebook page. “My dad didn’t know the combine was on fire until it died in the field. Jerry had seen the fire and called the fire department as he headed to the field.”

“Two young men Kyler Tweedy and Clint Barker from the Muddy Waters Farms elevator (in Hammond) arrived and plowed around the north side of the combine since the wind was blowing fiercely,” she said. “They plowed around… to keep the fire from jumping.”

Racy thanked the Bourbon County Fire District #3 for aiding in putting out the fire. This rural fire department had just come from a grass fire in the area.

“Thank you to Bourbon County Fire District 3. This rural fire district covers the Devon, Uniontown, Hiattville, Fulton, Bronson, and Redfield areas in the county,” she said

“Most of these young men and women are volunteers and all worked together to get the fire under control quickly,” she said.

Racy noted that the fire crew had to wait on a train at Soldier Road in traveling to the site of the fire.

Racy posted the above photo on her Facebook page and said:

“I have several pictures ( she took of the combine fire) but this one spoke volumes as a 80-year-old man watches his combine go up in smoke,” she said. “We can replace the combine, it’s just materialistic, but once again Jesus protected him and sent people to help him. Jerry (Nafger)even came back later to pray with him!”

“Numerous neighbors came to check on him,” Racy said.” Living in this community is such a blessing.”

The combine is a total loss, she said.

This morning she received a text from a young farmer neighbor, Charles Johnson, who volunteered to come combine the rest of the wheat, she said.

“When people need help, people step up,” she said. “We have such good people as neighbors.”

This is the proclamation against all outside fires in Bourbon County, until lifted.

“Due to the extreme heat and little rain, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high.  Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire.  Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments.  Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.

 

The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

 

It is hereby proclaimed, directed, and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:

 

  1. All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.

 

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]

 

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.

 

Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 15th day of October 2024.”

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Fundraiser for the New Ice Skating Rink is at Sharky’s on November 4

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The plan for the new ice skating rink is to open during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival,  Friday, December 7th at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue, according to Diane Striler, project coordinator.

“The high school carpentry class led by Jason Johnson, is starting to build the shed that will house the skates,” said Striler.

“Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National will be hosting on Nov. 4th to help us raise funds for the rink,” she said. Ten percent of the net sales that day will be donated to help fund the ice skating rink.

“I have also included links for people who would like to help us with a donation. We are getting closer, but still need a little over $20,000.00.” The total goal of the rink that will last approximately 15 years is $50,000 which includes the skates, rink, sharpeners, and building that will house the skates and take the $5 fee for skating.

See the flyer below to scan and donate to the ice skating rink.

The rink is a new addition to the Christmas on The Bricks festival that began last year in Historic Downtown Fort Scott.

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Questions to Decide on the Nov. 5 Ballot and Electioneering: What You Need to Know

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Two questions will be decided by Bourbon County voters at the end of November 5th’s election, along with choosing the leaders at all government levels. At a recent Bourbon County Commission meeting Clerk Jennifer Hawkins laid out the Kansas Law prohibiting electioneering, following is the excerpt from the minutes.

 

Electioneering Not Allowed

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, discussed the upcoming General Election and went over what electioneering is.

“Jennifer stated that KSA 25-2430 outlines electioneering and defines it as

“knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election, within any polling place, on election day or advance voting site, during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting, or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof.”

“Jennifer explained this means that there cannot be any t-shirts, hats, flags on vehicles, magnets on vehicles, pins, or other wearable advertisement containing a candidate’s name or slogan.

“Jennifer said that the statue exempts “bumper stickers that are affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.”

“Jennifer said that any political yard signs near a polling place cannot be within 250 feet of an entrance.”

Questions On The Ballot

County Question

“Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d) & (e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?

Yes or No

Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt said that the question is on the ballot because of a petition that was passed around the county to increase the number of commissioners.

The number of petition signers was not going to meet the deadline but was coming close to the required number, and the petitioner, Michael Hoyt, requested that the commission put it on the ballot for the voters to decide.  In a 2 to 1 vote, Clifton Beth and Whisenhunt voted yes and Jim Harris voted no.

“I am hoping it will cause more discussion of issues,” Whisenhunt said. “There will be more discussion with five people talking about an issue instead of three.”

 

 

USD 234 Question

“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?

Yes or No

 

 

 

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

Destry Brown, Superintendent of USD 234 provided the following ballot question explanation.

“The USD # 234 Board of Education is asking patrons to consider a change to how Board of Education members are selected. Currently, each member is chosen from a specific area within the district boundaries, and all voters within the district vote on every position.

“This was done years ago when consolidation was done and the
district wanted to have representation from the different school communities: Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, and rural schools like Fulton.

“Today, all students in the district attend all our schools. No attendance center boundaries exist any longer.

“In recent years, we have had to fill positions on the Board of Education due to death, movement of members out of the district, changes in job responsibilities, and retirement.

The district has found it difficult to find people to run for the Board of Education based on these specific areas that were designated years ago. Consequently, we only have six board members right now.

“We are asking the community to consider changing all our Board of Education members to at-large seats.

“This will allow people in any area of the district to run for the Board of Education.

“Some concerns have been voiced that all the board members could be elected from one neighborhood. Theoretically, that could be possible. However, it has not occurred in the districts that use the at-large format. In fact, the makeup of those boards often are more diverse.

“What would that look like? Next year, the district will have four positions open.

“Anyone interested in becoming a board member can file for a position. Suppose six people decide to run for the board. Then, the ballot next November will list all six people, and voters will select four candidates they would like to have on the Board
of Education.

“The four with the most votes, then become board members no matter where they live within the district boundaries.”