All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Wine Stroll/Art Walk: A Perfect Evening For Outside Activities

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A mild evening provided a backdrop for the Mercy Wine Stroll/Bourbon County Arts Council Art Walk Friday evening on Main Street. Also downtown was the Friday night free concert series, the Lowell Milken Center Poland Reunion and a concert by Blane Howard at the Liberty Theater. Temperatures were in the low 80s, with a pleasant breeze

The Gary Thompson Trio performed Friday evening as part of the art walk and wine stroll.
Carsen Felt leads the community orchestra Friday evening during the wine stroll/art walk in downtown Fort Scott.
A local jewelry artist displays her creations.
Fossil Springs Winery, Paola.
Bobbie Kemna, local pottery artist chats with Dave McCord at her booth Friday evening.
Local artist, Jacey Bowen, displays her art at the art stroll.
Bre Martin, a member of the Bourbon County Arts Council, watches Carter Campeau, Ballwin, Mo. color a paage set up for budding artists. The BCAC provides children activities at the art walks they organize.
Vendors line Main Street from 1st to 2nd streets Friday night

The following overview of alcohol vendors who were part of the evening was provided by Mercy Hospital:

.2018 Hit the Bricks Winery, Brewery and Microdistillery Profiles
Aubrey Vineyards (2), 7932 Santa Fe, Overland Park – Karine Hellwig
Aubrey Vineyards™ is a native Kansan family owned and operated winery & vineyard.  From south Overland Park, diligent work is helping to revive the wine industry that once flourished here in the 19th century.  The small batches of premium, hand-crafted wine capture this native, pioneering spirit.  Aubrey Vineyards now invites local wine drinkers to meet modern Midwestern winemaking at its best.  The tasting room and store is open daily (Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5) and is located in downtown Overland Park, inside the Vinyl Renaissance & Audio record store.  (913) 579-5004.
The Boiler Room Brewhaus (9), 2 S. National Ave., Fort Scott – Barbara Ritter
Fort Scott has a rich history of brewing great beer and has been for many years. At the Boiler Room Brewhaus, we believe that it’s about more than great craft beer, it’s about providing an atmosphere where people can grow closer and strengthen our community. Your local brewery is located in the historic Downtowner Motor Lodge on the corner of Wall St. and National Ave. The building was built in the 1950’s and looks brand new. We have several beers that rotate through the tap room, most are named after our farm animals or tractors. We would love for you to visit our microbrewery and become a part of our community. The Boiler Room Brewhaus is owned and operated by the Ritter’s who live on a little farm in Garland, Kansas.
Flustered Blonde Vineyard and Winery (5), 17064 Ness Road, Parsons – Kim Bogner
Flustered Blonde Vineyard and Winery is an established farm winery owned and operated by Kim & Tim Bogner, located in Parsons Kansas, a small rural southeast Kansas community. Our premium wines are blended to capture the distinctive flavors of the grapes to produce a pleasurable wine tasting experience. The tasting room is open to the public Saturdays from noon – 6 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment. For a private appointment, call (620) 605-8485 or (620) 820-1704.
Fossil Springs Winery (1), 20171 W. 327th St., Paola – Mark and Christina Allison
Fossil Springs is located atop giant limestone, on a farm in Miami County, Kansas. Through the years, underground springs have carved their paths into these stones, exposing fossils that were deposited centuries ago. One of the things the owners Mark and Christina Allison do on their farm is raising elderberries for their wine. The Elderberry wine is made with 100 percent elderberries, no other fruit is added. The wine is uniquely rich in flavor, aroma, and color.
Haven Pointe Winery (6), 961 E 1600 Rd, Baldwin City – Tom Holland
Located in southeast Douglas County, Haven Pointe Winery reflects the spirit of the Kaw River Valley – rustic, natural and bold. Our mission is to provide a truly unique experience that brings together great wine, good folks, and hands-on viticultural and enological knowledge. Haven Pointe Winery produces both red and white French-American hybrid varietal wines. Our estate-grown varietals include Chambourcin and Traminette. We also make fruit wine as well as a variety of meads. Each of our wines features Kansas-grown grapes, fruits and/or honey.
Ornery Brother Distilling and Milo Vodka (8), Kinsley – Tim Kyle
Ornery Brother Distilling was born out of Tim Kyle’s passion to develop a unique product from white sorghum grain. Over the past two years, he has done just that! The business model is simple: There is one guy and this solid grassroots Kansas product: Milo Vodka! Distilled, bottled, boxed, and out of his door to yours with pride & humility! He believes in using and reusing what is available and simplifying production, with integrity given to the “process”. It is Gluten Free & no sugar added!
Smoky Hill Vineyard and Winery (3), 2771 Centennial Road, Salina – Ken Mayfield
We capture originality for that one-of-a-kind, unique blend crafted to please every palette. We have 5 award winning wines in our collection: Sweet Lady, River Valley Red, Pink Catawba, Christmas Wine and Red Raspberry.  We’ve been producing world-class wines indicative of our region of central Kansas since 1991. (785) 825-8466.
TJ’s Brew Microdistillery (7), 17064 Ness Road, Parsons – Tim Bogner
TJ’s Brew is a handcrafted spirit fashioned by a Southeast Kansas farmer. You can trace TJ’s brewing ancestry back through the moonshine swappers in the prohibition, all the way to his great-great-grandfather who sailed from Germany to America with grapevines in hand. Today TJ aims to make his mark on the industry with a collection of fine spirits. The tasting room is open to the public Saturdays from noon – 6 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment. For a private appointment, call (620) 605-8485 or (620) 820-1704.
Wine Drizzle (13), Higginsville, MO – Brandy Wisdom, Sales Consultant
Wine Drizzle is a unique wine topping for a variety of food from pancakes and crepes to cream cheese, sponge or vanilla cake, ice cream, oatmeal or your finger. They can be used as flavorful toppings, glazes, and dips too. There are both sweet and savory varieties!  All of getting Drizzled’s Custom Wine Drizzles are true wine reduction sauces which means they are non-alcoholic due to the cooking process so anyone can enjoy them straight out of the bottle.

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 31

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 31st, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-Clint Anderson

10:30-11:30-Justin Meeks-Executive Session- Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with representatives of the body or agency

11:30-11:40-2nd floor of the Courthouse future use

11:40-12:00-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

2:00-3:00-Sheriff and Corrections 2019 Budget

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

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Unpaid Interns Sought At FortScott.Biz

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FortScott.Biz is searching for students interested in journalism to do online reporting internships. The focus of the reporting will be school related. The positions are unpaid and for a semester.

Students in Bourbon County who have that interest, a computer from which to work from home, love to take photos and have a digital camera, may apply.

Hours are students choice.

Please send a resume to news@ fortscott.biz by August 27.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Pickleball: Ping Pong on a Tennis Court

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The outside pickleball courts are located up the stairs, just north of the water tower at 9th and Burke streets.

It is a cross between tennis and ping pong and was invented in Seattle in 1965.

It’s pickleball.

Played with a short wooden paddle and a whiffle ball, in Fort Scott there are two places to enjoy the sport.

One is indoors at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, and the other is an outside court at 9th and Burke street, near the water tower. Paddles and balls are available at Buck Run.

The outdoor courts are a first-come, first served basis.

“We are lucky we have two places to play,” Janice Allen, a local player said.

Pickleball is taught as part of the physical education curriculum at Fort Scott Middle School, “And all kinds of kids show up at the water tower to play,” Allen said.

Teams can be found playing at the outside court at 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and also at 6 p.m.

At Buck Run, 9 a.m. Monday through Friday people play and also Saturday morning at 8 a.m., she said.

There are four courts at the water tower site.

“You can go and watch,” Allen said. “We have a good time.”

Submitted photo

“I’m 77 years old,” Allen said. “It’s an excellent exercise and social game. And I’ve lost 25 pounds since I started playing a year-and-a-half ago.” The outside court opened in 2017.

Submitted photo.

The pickleball court is two-thirds the size of a tennis court, scoring is like for ping pong, serving is underhanded and a person can only score while serving. There are four courts at the water tower location.

Submitted photo. Pickleball can be played outside at night as well because of lights at the court.

“You don’t have to go with people,” Allen said. “We’ll rotate you in and out of the game. Someone will help you get started.”

“You need to wear shoes with tread, cross-training shoes, not running or walking shoes,” she said.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Life In A Jar July 28 Downtown Fort Scott

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The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is hosting the award-winning Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project author Jack Mayer on Saturday, July 28 in the Liberty Theatre at 10 AM for a presentation followed by a performance of Life in a Jar at 2 PM.

These events happen in conjunction with the 2018 Poland Reunion and are free to the public.

The Liberty Theater Patio was the scene of a reunion for the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Friday evening.
Bourbon County, Business

Farmer’s Market Tomato Festival July 28 At Skubitz Plaza

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Taste the glossy red fruit tomorrow at the farmers market to see which is your favorite!

Tomatoes for sale at Fort Scott Farmers Market.

The annual Fort Scott Farmers Market Tomato Festival is Saturday, July 28 at Skubitz Plaza, starting at 8 a.m.

The public is welcome to bring in their tomatoes for the contest as well, Stacey Atkins, president of the FSFM said.

“People can sample tomatoes and vote for their favorite,” Atkins said. “It’s always fun to sample the produce.”

Vendor Stacey Atkins chats with a customer July 21 at her booth. Atkins sells eggs, baked goods, and lemonade.
Chet and Linda Bower sell produce from their farm.
Linda Murrow changes the billboard of what she sells as she runs out of produce. Murrow sells produce, baked goods, and lemonade.
Mary Yoder sells baked goods, homemade jellies,  relishes and cherry tomatoes.
Roman Shetler sells produce, honey, maple syrup, relish and produce.
Ronnie Brown sells nuts, jellies, fruit, produce and baked goods.
Micki Kraft sells homemade sewn products.
Chet Bower shows some of his carrots he grew on his farm.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Civil Rights Investigation

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Fisher Park, located at Main and 7th streets.

An anonymous complaint against USD 234 was filed on June 14, 2016, with the U.S. Department of Education, according to the government education website:  https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/investigations/open-investigations/tix.html?queries%5Bstate%5D=KS.

“There has been a Title IX complaint against the school district,” USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong, said.  “There is an investigation currently and the school district is unable to comment more specifically at this time.”

The investigation pending is regarding Title IX Athletics, according to the website.

The Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education works to ensure equal access to education and resolve complaints of discrimination, according to its’ website https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

In June 2018,  City  Attorney Bob Farmer was asked by the Fort Scott City Commission to send USD 234  a letter to be sent with the school district’s paperwork on the case to the Office of Civil Rights, according to the city commission minutes of June 19, 2018.

In the letter Farmer sent, the city stated it had no plans to build a clubhouse or dressing room at Fisher Park because there is no funding at this time to do so, according to the minutes.

The city owns Fisher Park and allows the USD 234 to use the facilities there for the FSHS girls softball program, Hessong said.

“The OCR wanted a letter from the city stating that the city has no intention of building at Fisher Park,” City Manager Dave Martin said.

“We have been unable to find out who filed the complaint,” Martin said. “The state will not tell the person who turned them in.”

Hewitt Field at Fisher Park. The FSHS girls softball program uses the facilities in the spring.
Don Hewitt Field at Fisher Park. The ballpark is three blocks north of Fort Scott High School.
The concession building at Fisher Park.
Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main.
Bourbon County, Government

New Gas Line For Uniontown

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The city of Uniontown’s Council received a grant to replace the natural gas pipeline in the town.

The Uniontown City Council has been active in recent years to improve the town’s infrastructure.

A project to widen and deepen the town’s ditches to keep water going where it should, a water line replacement project and this year a natural gas line replacement project has been initiated by the council. Uniontown’s population is 272.

The city of Uniontown was awarded $201,000 in 2017 with Community Development Block Grant funds to replace a natural gas transmission line, according to kansascommerce.gov/CivicAlerts.

The city will contribute $201,000 in matching funds for this project.

NPL Foreman Pat Wier, Parker, left, tells USIC employee Mason Adams, Sugar Valley, right, where the pipeline project is, on Tuesday morning. USIC locates electric meters for entities.

The Uniontown project started June 12.

“We are trying to get it done by September 1,” NPL(Northern Pipe Line) Foreman Pat Wier, said. “So far, we are up to date, but we have a lot of work to be done.”

The two-man crew is replacing PVC pipe with PE pipe. The crew is comprised of Wier and Edmundo Rodriguez, Lenexa.

“PE is a federal requirement,” Wier said. “PVC is not recognized anymore. We are laying new pipe in portions of the city where the PVC is.”

The crew worked late into the night on Thursday to get resident Bill Griffith hooked back on to gas after a day spent laying pipe on the town’s southeast side.

“Once started, we couldn’t quit,” Wier said. “There are a few late nights.”

The usual hours for the crew is 7 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Wier said.

Edmundo Rodriguez, left, an NPL employee, chats with Mason Adams, USIC employee during work on the pipeline just south of Nita Campbell’s property Tuesday morning.

Next for the crew is replacing 3,700 feet of two-inch steel pipe south of town.

“That is exposed,” Wier said. “We’ll be replacing and putting pipe underground for safety.”

Recently, a brush mower in this area ran over the steel riser and “caused a pretty good (gas)leak,” Wier said. “That’s why we are doing all this.”

During the FortScott.Biz interview a Kansas Corporation Commission Inspector, Jon Bolinder, turned up at the work site.

Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Pipeline Safety Inspector Jon Bolinder of Topeka stopped by the Uniontown gas line project Tuesday morning.

Bolinder is with the Office of Pipeline Safety for the KCC, he said.

Bolinder said all projects submit a construction notice to KCC. He was on his way to the Coffeyville area and made a stop in Uniontown to view the project.

“We come out and make sure they are following code when installing,” Bolinder said. He also said it helps him “in my head, when I am doing the paperwork on the project.”

The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program allows the Kansas Department of Commerce to distribute federal funds to Kansas cities and counties looking to improve their community.

To receive CDBG funds, a project must meet at least one of the following federally mandated criteria, according to the website:

  • The project benefits low- and moderate-income individuals.
  • The project removes or prevents slum or blight condition.
  • The project eliminates an urgent need created by a disaster when local funds are unavailable.

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Barnwood Make and Takes

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Participants who created a barn wood craft at Presbyterian Village Tuesday evening: clockwise from left, Sara Black, , Tabitha Stults, Josie Stults, Skye Metcalf, Cindy Lashley, Minnie Lou Allen, Glenda Stevicks, instructor Jennifer Cox. Not pictured is Rachel Kellum and Tamra Elsisle .

Presbyterian Village  hosted a barn wood sign art class at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village on Tuesday, July 24.

Instructor, Jennifer Cox,  demonstrated how to create charming barn wood style signs, using reclaimed weathered wood.

Barn wood craft instructor Jennifer Cox, standing, assists Tamra Belisle with her craft.

Participants were able to take home their creations at the end of the class.

Following the lead of instructor Jennifer Cox, art students used stencils to paint on reclaimed barnwood.

Jennifer Cox is owner of Funky Junktiques and can be reached at  620-215-4646.

Fort Scott

Family Day At The Fort: Planned By Local Youth

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Fort Scott National Historic Site Youth Conservation Corp Member Reaghan Dowell tells about the garden at the fort. Sara Stepanic, right, a student trainee park ranger, listens.

Two groups of local youth donned the 1840s  summer military uniform of soldiers and told stories of life at The Fort Scott National Historic Site on Saturday.

July 21 was Family Day at FSNHS, a new event planned by area youth to gain experience with the National Park Service this summer.

“We picked cooking, gardening and dummy guns for topics,” for Family Day, Reaghn Dowell, YCC member said.

To lead the activities, the youth wore the summer uniforms that soldiers wore in the 1840s.

“The uniforms are canvass,” Sara Stepanic, said. “They are pretty heavy and not cool.” Stepanic is a student trainee ranger this summer at FSNHS.

In the morning, three different stations were available for public engagement:  a cooking demonstration, where visitors were instructed in food preparation and cooking methods;  a historic garden display, where one could work in the garden and help with the harvest; and firearms drills in the use of 1840s firearms using wooden “dummy guns”.

Afternoon activities included arts and crafts for the family at one station and historic, interactive games and activities for adults and kids at a second station.

Family Day activities were presented by two groups of youth who are working at FSNHS, the Youth Conservation Corps and the Youth Engagement Team. Both groups consist of high school age students who are gaining experience with the National Park Service this summer.

The Youth Conservation Corps is comprised of Kaden Primm, Anthea Montojo, Reaghn Dowell, and Jessden Kiwan, all from Fort Scott. Sara Stepanic, Wisconsin, a college-age student trainee park ranger was the leader of the YCC group at FSNHS.

The Youth Engagement team members are Jacey Bowen, Uniontown and Emily Davenport, Fort Scott.

Jacey Bowen, Fort Scott National Historic Site Youth Engagement member, left, and YCC Member Jessden Kiwan, right, teach how firearms were used int he 1840s.
Jase Garrison, Claremore, OK, gets a firearms lesson from Park Ranger Ryan O’Connell, while his extended family looks on.
FSNHS Youth Engagement Member Emily Davenport, left, YCC Member Kaden Primm, center; and YCC Member Anthea Motojo helped prep food for the beef stew that was being demonstrated as part of Family Day.
Park Guide Paul Goodman makes beef stew as part of Family Day at FSNHS.
Park Ranger Robert Thomas leads the Muller Family from Denver, CO in the Junior Ranger Program Pledge.

The Muller Family from Denver, Colorado worked on the National Park Service Junior Park Ranger Program while at the Fort on Saturday. Following the program outline, they were led in a National Park Service Junior Ranger oath by Ranger Robert Thomas in the visitors center.

The children get a book, badge, sticker and five trading cards when they sign up for the program.

Fort Scott National Historic Site
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

Snew White, A Fractured Fairy Tale, Performed by Area Youth

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The dwarfs in their home in Wychwood. From left: Michaela Morrell, Kaiden Clary, Ana Rupprecht, Joanna Wuthrich, Khris Patel, Brayden Wilkerson

Area youth performed a ‘fractured fairy tale’ of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, entitled Snew White on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at Fort Scott High School.

The play was a culmination of a Tiger Drama Performance Camp over the last two weeks, with FSHS Thespians assisting Drama Teacher Angela Bin in the production.

Twenty-four youth from six local schools pulled together an entertaining performance. In addition, during the camp, the students explored other types of arts and crafts, and created scenery props for the play.

The directors of Snew White were Brooklyn Lyons and Karina Kantilal.  Set designer, Levi Bin; scenic artist, Mary Gladbach; choreographer, Mackenzie Peoples;  sound designer, Addy Labbe; sound tech, Dominic Cannon; lighting designer, Alyx Brooks; lighting assistant Lexi Bailey; costume designer, Emmalee Bin; acting coaches, Sage Hill, Gabriel Graham, Kathelra Murray, Mesa Jones, and Jakob Slinkard.

The cast was Brayden Wilkerson, Kaiden Clary, Michaela Morrell, Kyla Korinek, Ana Rupprecht, Joanna Wuthrich, Khris Patel, Reagen Wells, Kodi Casper, Kinsley Davis, Lexi Hill, Avery Marsh, Katy Primm, Jada Malveaux, Keri Crisler, Remy Witt, Kaitlyn Leavell, Abby Wuthrich, Bryn Crisler, Caroline Barnes, Xavier Jeffrey, Cora Studyvin and Ben Davenport.

The evil queen, portrayed by Kinsley Davis,  works on a plan to rid Wychwood of Snew White. UPS girl, middle,  is Keri Crisle.
The magic mirror,  portrayed by Remy Witt, chats with the evil queen.
The governor of Wychwood, Kaitlyn Leavell, and her assistants, Dean, portrayed by Caroline Barnes, and her assistant, portrayed by Xavier Jeffrey and Deluca, Abby Wuthrich and her assistant, portrayed by Bryn Crisler,  deal with the politics of having an evil queen.
Sigmond Freud, portrayed by Kodi Casper, counsels Rose Red portrayed by Regen Wells.
Gerry, the insurance agent portrayed by Ben Davenport, chats with Snew White, portrayed by Cora Studyvin.

The magic mirror talks to Snew White.
The queen gets advice. From left: Katy Primm, Jada Malveaux, Kinsley Davis, Lexi Hill, Avery Marsh

The cast sings Heigh Ho Hip Hop Mix.
The cast bows following the last scene.
Grandmother Cheryl Adamson looks on while Tuesday Glessner hands her cousin Avery Marsh flowers, following her performance.
Cast members line up following the performance to greet the audience.From left: Kodi Casper, Bryn Crisler, Kaiden Clary.
A wardrobe malfunction in the audience-greet-line  brings Joanna Wuthrich to  tears.
Family members pose with actresses for a photo. From left: Lexi Hill, Mikki Hill, Regen Wells, Katy Primm, Shawn Hill.

 

Fort Scott High School Drama Teacher Angie Bin smiles for a photo with a cast member. From left: Shannon Hawpe,  Bin, Xavier Jeffrey.
Family and friends linger following the performance of Snew White at Fort Scott High School Friday evening.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

The Process of Cleaning Water

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Jason McReynolds releases water from a hydrant on 2nd Street Wednesday, which is part of the process of cleaning the water system. The flushing gets the chlorine into the system faster and farther, Scott Flater said.

The Marmaton River is the source of drinking water for almost all of Bourbon County, except for the most extreme western portion, which has a private reservoir.

Scott Flater is the superintendent of the City of Fort Scott Water Production Department, who is tasked with providing clean, safe water from the Marmaton River to all of Fort Scott and Consolidated Rural Water District # 2 residents.

“We make water for the city,” Flater said. “But our number one customer is Rural Water #2.”

Over two million gallons of water a day is processed and sent out to the city and the county, he said.

“Everything comes through this building,” Flater said. “We have a river intake on 5th and Short Streets.”

The rural water district then sells and distributes the water from Fort Scott to the small towns in Bourbon County.

The city’s water production employees are in the middle of a cleanout process.  It’s called burn out/flushing, and it’s an annual event.

“The water is safe during the rest of the year or during this burnout (cleaning out), it’s safe,” Flater said. “We are sending it out to our family and our community. It’s the highest quality.”

The cleaning out of the system is a maintenance practice for the distribution system, Flater said.

They started July 16, and if all goes as planned the water cleaning process should be completed by the end of next week, Flater said.

“The burnout won’t reach outside of Fort Scott until today (July 20),” Flater said.

Flater commended a small town in Bourbon County for being far-thinking in their water supply.

Flater said Uniontown, in the western part of the county, has been “pro-active to rebuild their water infrastructure” in the last few years. “They’ve done a great job.”

This computer screen is set up in the office of the water treatment plant at Ninth and Burke streets and shows the outline of the water cleaning process, so the plant operators can see what is going on in the plant.
Scott Flater shows the water samples that are tested: from left is water directly from the river, the middle is water that has been mixed with chemicals and the right is the water that has been fully processed and is ready to drink. This is so plant operators can do “right now” testing on the water, he said.
Brandon Russell, one of four plant operators, does comparative water testing in the water treatment plant Thursday.
The turquoise and blue pipe in the center of the photo is located in the lower level of the city’s water plant. The 24-inch pipe is where all the Marmaton River water is piped into the plant. It is then processed in a mixer with chemicals. The water is then transported to a settling basin. Following this step, chlorine is added to the water. It is then run through a filter and goes into a clear well from where the water proceeds to water towers then to the water distribution system.