All posts by Loretta George

The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.

Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26^th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7^th at noon.

People may vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.

To view the sample ballot:

Sample 22GKSBOU

“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”

In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.

Taken from the ballot:

County Sheriff Question

This amendment would preserve the
right of citizens of each county
that elected a county sheriff to continue
electing the county sheriff. The
amendment would also provide
that a county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office
pursuant to either a recall election
or a writ of quo warranto initiated
by the attorney general.

A writ of quo warranto is a common law remedy which is used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public or corporate office, according to https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/quo_warranto

A yes vote for this proposition would
preserve the right of citizens of
each county, to
continue electing the county sheriff
via popular vote. The amendment
would also direct that a county
sheriff only may be involuntarily
removed from office pursuant to
either a recall election or a writ
of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.

A no vote against this proposition
would not make any changes to
the constitution and would retain
current law concerning the election
of a sheriff and the procedures for
involuntary removal of a sheriff from
office.

The amendment states:

County and township
officers. (a) Except as provided
in subsection (b), each county
shall elect a sheriff for a term of
four years by a majority of the
qualified electors of the county
voting thereon at the time of voting
designated for such office pursuant
to law in effect on January 11, 2022,
and every four years thereafter.
(b) The provisions of subsection
(a) shall not apply to a county
that abolished the office of sheriff
prior to January 11, 2022. Such
county may restore the office of
sheriff as provided by law and such
restoration shall be irrevocable.
A county that restores the office
of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a
majority of the qualified electors
of the county voting thereon for a
term of four years. Such sheriff shall
have such qualifications and duties
as provided by law. The time of
voting for the office of sheriff may
be provided for by the legislature
pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of
this constitution.
(c) The filling of vacancies and the
qualifications and duties of the
office of sheriff shall be as provided
by law.
(d) The legislature shall provide for
such other county and township
officers as may be necessary.
§ 5. Removal of officers. (a) Except
as provided in subsection (b), all
county and township officers may
be removed from office, in such
manner and for such cause, as shall
be prescribed by law.
(b) A county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office by
recall election pursuant to section 3
of article 4 of this constitution or a
writ of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.

From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,

“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”

The Question of Legislative Oversight

The purpose of this amendment is
to provide the legislature with
oversight of state executive branch
agencies and officials by providing
the legislature authority to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations.

A yes vote for this proposition would
allow the legislature to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations that are
adopted by state executive branch
agencies and officials that have the
force and effect of law.

A no vote against this proposition
would allow state executive branch
agencies and officials to continue
adopting rules and regulations
that have the force and effect
of law without any opportunity
for the legislature to directly
revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.

Legislative oversight of administrative rules and
regulations.

Whenever the legislature by law has
authorized any officer or agency
within the executive branch of
government to adopt rules and
regulations that have the force and
effect of law, the legislature may
provide by law for the revocation
or suspension of any such rule and
regulation, or any portion thereof,
upon a vote of a majority of the
members then elected or appointed
and qualified in each house.

From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,

“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”

Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 25

October 22, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Transient Guest Tax
• Susan Bancroft – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bank Reconciliation Ending September 30, 2022.22.10.21

Quarterly Report 22.10.21

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Housing

Thirty-five Properties Sold At The County Tax Sale, 36 Go To Land Bank

October 21, 2022 Loretta George 2 Comments

The second property tax sale this year added over $86,000 to Bourbon County treasurer’s funds, with the unsold properties deeded over to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

The Bourbon County treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes. The tax districts that receive this are the City of Fort Scott, the Bourbon County government, and the county’s two school districts- USD 234 and USD 235.

“There were 35 properties that sold at the October 13, 2022 tax sale for a total of $86,514.09,” said Patty Love, Bourbon County Treasurer. “The 36 properties that did not receive a bid are all properties inside Fort Scott that have City special assessments on them. These properties are being deeded over to the Fort Scott Land Bank. The money collected from the tax sale will be distributed to the various tax districts just like the regular tax collections.”

“Once the property has been sold and Register of Deeds issues the new deed they become like any other property of the tax roll and the new owners will be responsible for the 2022 taxes,” Love said.

To see info on the prior 2022 tax sale:

Bourbon County Tax Sale Nets $129K

The function of the Fort Scott Land Bank Board is as an independent agency with the City of Fort Scott that acquires, holds, manages, transforms, and conveys surplus city properties and other abandoned, tax foreclosed, or otherwise underutilized or distressed properties in order to convey these properties for productive use, according to a prior city press release.

Currently serving on the Land Bank Advisory Board are Craig Campbell (Chairperson), Gregg Motley, Bailey Lyons, Tim VanHoecke, Robert Coon, Patrick Wood and Jim Harris.

To learn more about Fort Scott Land Bank:

Land Bank by Gregg Motley

Fort Scott, Government

Water Levels Lowered Next Week at Lake Fort Scott During Drought

October 20, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Lake Fort Scott is located southwest of Fort Scott on Indian Road.

Drought conditions continue in parts of the nation, including Bourbon County, with no helpful rainfall here since June.

In response to the drought condition, the City of Fort Scott Water Production anticipates releasing water from Lake Fort Scott beginning next week, according to a press release from the City of Fort Scott. This will help to supplement the water already being released from both Cedar Creek and Rock Creek lakes to the Marmaton River.

“The water from Lake Fort Scott goes to Rock Creek, then to the Marmaton River, then to the water treatment plant,” Brad Matkin, assistant city manager said. “The river needs to maintain 10 foot of depth. We have taken water out of Cedar Creek. We are trying to spread it so we don’t put the three reservoirs at levels to damage something.”

The Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant treats an average of 2.6 million gallons of drinking water a day, for not only city residents, but also most of Bourbon County, according to https://www.fscity.org/199/Water-Treatment-Plant.

There is precipitation forecast on Oct. 24 and 25, but just a chance showers, according to the National Weather Service.

It is impossible to know when precipitation will relieve current drought conditions, or how much water will be required from the three available reservoirs, “but several days of rain are needed,” Matkin said.

“There is not an exact date when we are going to start lowering the water in Lake Fort Scott, possibly Oct. 25, we just wanted to give notice,” Matkin said.

Lake Fort Scott residents are encouraged to secure docks as needed in anticipation of possible lowering of lake levels.

“The water release will lower lake levels,” Matkin said. “If lake residents have a floating dock, they need to tie them up.”

It’s important that the City of Fort Scott keeps the Marmaton River at adequate levels so treatment systems can continue to deliver drinking water, according to the press release.

The city is fortunate to have theses water sources and infrastructure available, according to the press release.

The city staff ask for patience and understanding of this process, according to the press release.

“At this time, the water lowering of Lake Fort Scott will not affect city residents,” Matkin said.

Fort Scott supplies water for the majority of Bourbon County, as well as parts of Crawford, Allen, and Vernon Counties, according to the press release.

Fort Scott

Third Street Park: Getting New Life

October 19, 2022 Loretta George 2 Comments

Third Street Park on Fort Scott’s east side is seeing some improvements thanks to a few local organizations.

Kiwanian Ralph Reed prepares to put another sheet of siding in place on the bathrooms. Submitted photo.

The project was taken on by Fort Scott Kiwanis and started a few weeks ago, President John Crain said.

“We divided up into groups of 3-4 people to work on a project,” Crain said. “They could get together whenever they could.”

Bathrooms were painted inside and out, and siding replaced.

“We have all the lights fixed in the bathrooms, the city will do work after that,” he said. Sinks are to be put in the bathrooms, which have just had toilets in the past.

Kiwanians John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park. Submitted photo.

The Third Street Park bathroom before improvements. Submitted photo.

On the basketball court the backboard was repainted, the goal and net replaced and the lane repainted.

The basketball court before the improvements. Submitted photo.

The basketball court after the improvements. Submitted photo.

The park’s swing set was repainted, the jungle gym was power washed and sealed.

Kiwanian Dave Bruner paints the swing set. Submitted photo.

The swing set before the repainting. Submitted photo.

The swing set after the improvements. Submitted photo.

Kiwanian Brad Blubaugh paints the swing set. Submitted photo.

The jungle gym before improvements. Submitted photo.

The jungle gym after improvements. Submitted photo.

The park benches and picnic tables were power washed and the pavilion repainted.

Kiwanian Bob Eckles prepares to paint a pavilion column. Submitted photo.

The park pavilion after. Submitted photo.

Kiwanian Mark McCoy painting a pavilion column. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott Kiwanis Club furnished the man-power, and a few philanthropy groups funded the materials.

“Funding for the 3^rd Street Park improvements and Placemaking Project is being provided by The Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant,” according to a HBCAT press release.

The Kiwanis men are not finished yet.

“We still have to get the electric meter pulled away from the bathrooms south wall to install it’s siding, and paint it,” John Crain, president of Kiwanis said. “We need to do some touch up painting on the bathrooms, finish painting the pavilion and cut down and remove a dead tree and low hanging branches over some of the buildings.”

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Dr. Burke: Same Location, Different Medical Group Starting Nov. 21

October 18, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Dr. Katrina Burke opened her medical practice with Ascension Via Christi on Jan. 13, 2020. The office is located at 109 S. Main. As of November 21, 2022, she will be under the auspices of Girard Medical Center at the same office space.

On November 21, Dr. Katrina Burke will be under the auspices of Girard Medical Center of Fort Scott and will begin seeing patients at the same office in downtown Fort Scott where she has been located for two years.

“All of Dr. Burke’s staff will be staying on, including nurse practitioner, Kristi Harbit,” said Ruth Duling, Chief Executive Officer of Girard Medical Center.

“We really want to emphasize that the clinic is in the same location!” she said. ” Dr. Burke is not leaving the Fort Scott medical community. She loves her patient population there and she and her staff will continue to provide the same great service they always have.”

Ruth Duling, CEO of Girard Medical Center. Submitted photo.

“There will be a few days between the last day for Ascension Via Christi and the first day for us, as we will need a few days to reset and get computers in place, etc,” Duling said.

“Patients can call the office to ask that their records be transferred from the Via Christi Clinic to the GMC Clinic,” she said. “It’s just a matter of getting their records from the Via Christi electronic health record system to ours, but patients do have to request for that transfer to be made.”

The office number is 620-223-7008.

Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

“We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to bring Dr. Burke and her staff into the Girard Medical Center family,” Duling said. “It’s no secret that Dr. Burke is well respected by her patients, her colleagues, and the medical community.”

“Girard Medical Center is fortunate to have family practice clinics in Girard, Frontenac, Arma, Cherokee, and in another Bourbon County community, Uniontown,” she said. “We do family practice well! We’re excited to have a physical presence in Fort Scott and we’re equally excited to have Dr Burke’s patients become more familiar with Girard Medical Center.”

“Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make a smooth transition and to ensure that Dr. Burke, Kristi and the staff are able to continue to provide the same great service they always have and it’s an added plus to be in the exact same location,” Duling said.

Business, Fort Scott

Glessner: Oct. 17-22 Earnings go to Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

October 17, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Tanya Glessner, owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, 408 Jefferson St. has a passion to help those with mental illness.

“This subject is close to my heart,” she said. “I believe many people struggle with this in silence. It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help. It’s important for people to share their experiences so others know they’re not alone and we need to do our part in letting our community know what their resources are so they feel comfortable in reaching out. I also believe many addictions stem from mental health issues due to people attempting to self medicate. So it’s important to take prevention measures before things cycle out of control.”

She has chosen to donate 100 percent of what she earns this week for haircuts to benefit the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center.

“This is in honor of mental health awareness month benefiting SEKMHC and the services they provide,” she said. “The fundraiser is October 17th-23rd. 100% of money made from haircuts this week will be donated. I will be taking all donations to Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center on the 24th.”

Glessner’s haircuts are $12 regularly.

“I always run a haircut special on Tuesdays for $10,” she said. “And all veterans and first responders, including police, firefighters, always get $10 haircuts.”

Glessner can be contacted at 620.224.6704.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday by appointment with flexible hours.

“People may also donate NEW shoes, clothing and food items,” Glessner said. “Families that receive services there (SEKMHC) are always in need of shoes, clothing and food. Many of them are low income or special needs.”

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

The Haunting of Belltown Comes to Fort Scott

October 14, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Travis and Jennifer Sawyer and some of their friends came up with a Halloween event that will take place starting this evening at Riverfront Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue.

The two-evening event is called the Haunting of Belltown.

“Travis and I and our friends thought up this idea for the community,” Jennifer said. “We did a small hayride last year with our kids and they enjoyed it so we did a haunted hayride last year for the community and was a big hit. Unfortunately insurance for our dealership to host it was going to cost too much so we decided to do it in town.”

Left-right: John Willis, Jerica Roberts, Jennifer Sawyer, Travis Sawyer, Mary Binford, and Josh Binford (not pictured) are the creators of the Haunting of Belltown. Submitted photo.

A haunted walking trail, hayride and Halloween movies await those who come to the Haunting of Belltown.

“The hayride I would say is for all ages and the haunted trail I would say 6th grade and up, but will be best based on parents preference,” Jennifer said.

The event is Oct. 14 and 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. , on the southside of the Marmaton River on North National Avenue.

“It will be the road where Stephen Toal did all the murals under the Hwy. 69 bypass,” Jennifer said. “There will be a hayride, haunted walking trail, Halloween movies will be playing, and we will be selling hot dogs, hot cocoa and other beverages.”

To enter is free but they will be accepting donations.

More information can be found for Friday night:

https://fb.me/e/3E9d34msl

Saturday night:

https://fb.me/e/4UySTM4YT-

Sawyer Automotive is located at 1631 235th St. Fort Scott and can be reached at 620-215 5020.

The event is sponsored by:

-Sawyer Automotive sales & affiliates
-M & RC rentals
-Carhelp
-Washateria
-Durossettes tire shop
-Key Industries
-ONEstop
-Great Expectations
-Miller’s Feed
-Courtland Hotel
-Brigg’s Auto
-Pearson Towing
-Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation
-Marsha’s Deli
-Triple T construction
-Bourbon County Cars
-American Legion
-American Legion riders
-Uncle Hemp’s CBD health & wellness
-Labconco

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Youth

Women’s Defense Class This Saturday For Those 12 Years and Up

October 13, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a women’s self defense class this Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Fort Scott Middle School from 10 a.m. to noon.

“This class is for women 12 years old and older, all the way up to 90,” said Kim Schwab, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant.

“The instructor is Jill Leiker, Executive Director of The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation,” she said. “She currently holds the rank of a 9^th degree black belt, although the techniques taught in this class are not martial arts. They are simple techniques that any woman can learn and execute. She has instructed over 70,000 women in these techniques. She also was the recipient of the 2018 WIN for Kansas City’s Outstanding Woman Award for her positive impact on females, young and old.”

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, like sweatpants and athletic shoes, because they will be learning techniques of self-defense.

There is a suggested donation of $12 for the class to help defray the cost of presenting the class, however if someone can’t afford to pay the fee, they can still take the class, she said.

The money goes to the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and was created by a Leawood, KS. man whose daughter was raped and murdered.

History of the Class in Fort Scott

The class in Fort Scott came about when Schwab’s daughter was preparing to go to college.

“Four years ago I approached Sheriff Martin about the possibility of having a self-defense class for my college bound daughter to take. He directed me to The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation as an excellent way to accomplish this to help her and other women in our county be proactive in taking responsibility for their own safety.”

No Class For A Few Years

COVID 19 prevented a class in 2020, she said.

Then this past April 2022, Roger Kemp, creator of the foundation, died suddenly.

“The foundation needed time to regroup after his passing and so we are now scheduled to do it this Saturday, October 15th,” she said.

To view a prior story on the class:
https://fortscott.biz/news/female-self-defense-class-coming-to-fort-scott

Bourbon County, Church news

Bronson Baptist Church Celebrates 140 Years

October 12, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Bronson Baptist Church was chartered in 1882.

Bronson Baptist Church has been in the Bronson community for 140 years.

The small congregation in western Bourbon County will celebrate the anniversaryChur this Sunday, Oct. 16 with a special music concert by Lloyd Houk at 9:45 a.m., followed by morning worship at 10:45 a.m. There will be a carry-in lunch following services.

The Bronson Baptist Church was chartered in 1882. At first the people met in a wood frame building that housed the congregation, then a brick building at 403 Randolph, across the street was built in 1925.

“My grandfather, Christian Frederick Ermel, was a brick layer that worked on it,” said Judy Wilson, whose family has attended the church for generations.

“My parents, Reta Mae and Buford Johnson, always attended the church,” Wilson said.

“I can remember some Sunday School teachers from way back, Cordie Volmer, and Ima Jean Sager,” she said. “The people I remember older than my parents generation is Glenn Entzminger, who was a leader of the church, always there for anything needed.”

Judy and husband Rex were married in the church.

And in recent years they had Reta Mae’s funeral there.

“Right now, not many attend the church, but if folks come they are going to hear the Word of God, for sure,” she said.

The church is an independent Baptist Church and the current pastor is Michael Miller.

“It was the preacher’s suggestion to have the 140th anniversary celebration,” Wilson said. “He thought it was worth celebrating.”

Business, Fort Scott

Want to Be A Book Writer? There’s a Seminar For That Oct. 15

October 11, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

For those of you who have ever wanted to write a book, there is encouragement coming this weekend.

This Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, Hedgehog INK a bookstore will have a workshop for aspiring book writers.

It’s a two-part writing seminar with publishing and marketing tips for writers in the morning and then meeting local authors in the afternoon.

Publishing and Marketing a Book

The morning seminar presenter, R.J. Thesman, will speak on best practices for publishing a book and the action steps for effective marketing of a book.

Thesman is a certified writing coach, editor, and author of 20 books and 800+articles in various publications, according to a Hedgehog.INK press release. Thesman’s work is included in 14 anthologies, and she is listed in the Who’s Who of Professional Women. A popular speaker and teacher for numerous writers conferences, Thesman loves to help her clients birth new words and publish their books.

The event is sponsored by the Bourbon County Arts Council,
the Wednesday Writers Group, and Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore.

Location for the morning event is at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office at 104 N. National, Fort Scott, KS.

A 2018 photo of the office of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National, from its Facebook page.

The office is located north of Luther’s restaurant, with public parking available on the east side of National Avenue. Lunch is on your own, with several restaurants within walking distance.

Registration is $40, and junior high, high school and college students are free, but registration is required.

Registration forms are available at:
Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
16 S Main, Fort Scott, KS
620–670–2752
[email protected]

Author Book Signing

Local authors will sign and make available their books for sale, which might be a great idea for your Christmas list, according to information from the press release.

In the afternoon there will be multi–author
book signing at the Hedgehog.INK bookstore at 16 S. Main from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with featured authors:
Brian Allen, Rhonda Hassig, Sally Jadlow, Joyce Love,
Rogene McPherson, R.J. Thesman, Jane Tucker and
Marti Wells–Smith.

Hedgehog.INK, located at 16 S. Main, in historic downtown Fort Scott.

Government, K-State Extension

Tips to Keep Unwanted Pests Out

October 11, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Tips to Keep Unwanted Pests Out

As the weather cools, it is inevitable that certain outdoor pests are going to try to find their way inside homes. One of the best ways to limit unwanted intrusions of insects or rodents is to deny them entry. It is often easier to prevent entry into a home or building than trying to control them once they are inside.

Here are seven useful tips for pest proofing.

At the base of all exterior doors, install door sweeps or thresholds. Gaps of 1/16 inch will permit entry of insects and spiders; ¼ inch wide gaps are large enough for entry of mice. The bottom corner of doors is often where rodents and insects enter.

Applying calk along the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds will exclude ant and small insect entry. Garage doors should also be checked for bottom seals. A rubber seal is best as vinyl seals poorly in cold weather.

Utility openings should also be sealed. This includes areas where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding, around outdoor faucets, receptacles, gas meters, clothes dryer vents and telephone/cable TV wires. Plug holes with caulk, cement, expandable foam, steel wool or other suitable sealant.

Use a good quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk to caulk around windows, doors and fascia boards. Use a high quality caulking gun. A gun that has a back-off trigger to halt the flow of caulk is best.

Repair gaps and tears in window and door screens. Doing so will help reduce entry of flies, gnats, lady beetles and other overwintering pests in the fall. However, there are some insects such as hackberry psyllids that are small enough to fit through mesh window screens. The only way to prevent entry of these tiny insects is to keep windows closed.

Attic, roof and crawl space vents should be covered with ¼ inch wire mesh to prevent entry of birds, bats, squirrels, rodents and other wildlife.

An exterior (barrier) insecticide treatment can also be applied. Sealing is by far the most permanent way to exclude pests. However, it can be labor intensive and sometimes impractical. For situations like that, an exterior insecticide treatment may be best. You will get the most for your efforts by applying a longer lasting liquid formulation containing synthetic pyrethroids. Read and follow label directions before using any pesticide.

Barrier insecticide treatments should be applied to the base of all exterior doors, garage and crawl space entrances, around foundation vents and utility openings and up underneath siding.

Pests such as lady beetles are often best controlled with a little manual labor by using a vacuum cleaner or broom to sweep them up.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott Biz