All posts by Loretta George

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Young Mom Turns Creative Outlet into Business

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Genna Gilbert. Submitted photo.

Genna Gilbert, 23, is a stay-at-home mom who is turning a creative outlet, arts and crafts, into a business to benefit herself and her family.

The business is called Made With Love by Genna.

She started doing artwork at 16-years-old to “get away from reality,”  Gilbert said. “Painting/crafting helped me escape and get away from all the negativity that was going on in my life at the time.”

Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.

Then people started noticing her art and asking her to do some painting for them.

That began the process of selling her work. This year she made it an official business, she said.

She paints on metal, resin, glass, clay, and wood, creating items from earrings, drinking cups to windows. “A lot of things, custom artwork,” she said.

She does most of her work at her dining room table, with her husband Dante assisting her with paperwork and “cutting wood,” she said.

In the near future, she is hoping to put items online and in addition, have painting sessions for children and adults.

To contact her see her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MadeWithLoveByGenna or email her at [email protected]

From Made with Love by Genna Facebook page.

 

Airport, Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Airport Receives Grant For Safety and Security

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Fort Scott Airport.

Fort Scott Airport is the recipient of a Kansas Department of Transportation managed grant to help safeguard and secure the airport.

Thirty-six projects were selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports, according to a Kansas Department of Transportation press release. Fort Scott was one.

Seth Simpson, Fort Scott City Airport Manager.

“The grant will be to replace a gate and install an electric keypad,” Seth Simpson, airport manager, said. “This is the east side gate, near the fuel tanks.”

“The benefit to the public is less potential for loss, due to damage or theft or wildlife damage,” Simpson said. “The benefit to the airport is security and safety.”

Taken from airnav.com

On the horizon for the airport is runway resurfacing.

“On April 1, we will be applying for the grant to resurface,” Simpson said. “The FDA already officially, unofficially approved it.”

“Every so many years you have to resurface to maintain the runway, just like a highway,” he said.

There are currently two employees at the airport, Simpson and Bryan Matkin, a maintenance technician, he said.

Twenty-one airplanes are housed at the airport whose owners are from Fort Scott and surrounding areas.

The City of Fort Scott owns the airport, which is located four miles from the city. The phone number is 620-223-5490.

Taken from airnav.com

About KAIP

KAIP receives $5 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE, and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying between 5% and 50% of the total project. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, which manages the program, considered 145 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $78 million.

“The aviation industry brings $20.6 billion in total economic impact to the State of Kansas,” said KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock. “The KAIP program helps this important industry remain a vital part of the Kansas economy. That translates into jobs and quality of life for the residents of Kansas.”

The selection board identified $4,968,161 in projects to address the most impactful airport improvements across the state.  Please direct any questions to [email protected].

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Fresh Produce Can be Delivered to Your Door: 1553 Plants and Produce Farm

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A local entrepreneurial farm couple has been planning and planting during this dormant season time planning their new products and services.

1553 Plants & Produce is a local farm started by Kenny and Kerry Wunderly in November 2020. The farm is located at 1555 205th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The couple sells many farm-related services and products that they are willing to deliver.
“This past year our biggest seller for our produce was our variety harvest baskets,” she said.  “We featured these on our Facebook page weekly and they sold out very quickly. We delivered these to our customer’s doorstep that day and we will continue this again this year. These will be starting again around late May. We are currently working on a website for ordering but as of now it’s all still through text, call, or Facebook message.”
The phone number is 785-422-5770.
“This year we will have a full line of garden vegetables. Celery, Tomatoes, zucchini, squash, beans, sweet corn, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, radishes, beets, cucumbers, watermelons, and cantaloupe just to name a few,” Kerry said. “We are making these available in weekly harvest baskets in season along with our on-farm u-pick section and on our self-serve veggie trailer.  And if you’d like, we’ve entered into a wholesale agreement with a local restaurant, La Hacienda, so you can get them already cooked!”
The seasonal self-serve veggie stand sits on the 1553 Plants and Produce property. Submitted photos.
“We are expanding our herb offering and will have a large variety of fresh herbs, dried herbs, and herb salts,” she said.
They will also be growing winter squash, pumpkins, ornamental corn, sorghum, and cotton, and some ornamental cabbages to use in fall decorative vignettes they create, which they call fall bundles.
One of the fall bundles. Submitted photo.
“Our fall bundles are delivered the first week of October and consist of straw hay bales, pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, and ornamental corn ears and mums. This year we will be adding dried cotton plants, sorghum stalks, and ornamental cabbage as available. Mostly grown on our farm, but some items will be locally sourced from other small, family-owned operations.”
A winter bundle. Submitted photo.
“For Christmas this past year we wrapped hay bales in ribbon to look like large presents, made an evergreen basket complete with boughs, berries, and Christmas balls for ornaments, and finished it off with a homemade wooden snowman. Nearly all of these things are upcycled from the farm. We’re going to be doing this again for 2022 with some small changes. These were and will be again, delivered the first week of December. We also do just the wooden snowman for those interested.”
“The wooden Easter bunnies are new this year and we plan to have them ready by mid-March,” she said.
The couple added a hoop house on the property to extend providing products, she said.
They also provide landscaping services.
“We didn’t intend to be in the landscaping business but had the opportunity to work with some great clients,” she said. “We did a lot of flower bed maintenance and rescue and it was awesome to see the look on our client’s faces when they saw the finished product.”
Before the Wunderlys renovated this garden. Submitted photo.
After the garden renovation. Submitted photo.
“We built and installed lots of raised flower/vegetable beds and even built a small retaining wall,” Kerry said. “And we picked up a few lawns for mowing. None of these things were on our radar to begin with, but we were happy for the opportunity and will continue to provide those services where needed.”
Kerry Wunderly displays some of the raised bed perimeters they have produced. From their Facebook page.
Next on the Horizon
“We are exploring a couple of “on-farm” experiences for folks that might be interested,” she said. “The first is our Dinner On The Farm (event). We are working to develop a menu that’s been completely produced on our farm. You will be able to bring your family or friends out for dinner cooked by us on the farm. You can see exactly where your chicken was hatched and raised and see the exact bed where your broccoli and tomatoes were grown!”
“We will be building the seating area in the next few months and hopefully will have our first dinner served by late spring,” she said.
They are in the planning phase for a fishing pond on their property.
” Our pond will have a dock for easy access and be stocked for those wanting to (fish),” she said. But if you catch a giant you have to release him…HAHA just kidding, kind of!”
“Kenny has been a hobby photographer for years and has taken thousands of photos on our farm,” Kerry said. “We will be planting a small plot of sunflowers this year and opening our farm up at times for other local photographers to photograph these and all the other flowers we grow.”
“We are also in the planning phase of building some photo blinds in strategically placed spots on the farm,” she said. “These will be sets with a water feature, feeders, and native plants and bushes for bird photography.”
The couple is looking for another source of protein being produced on their farm, and this project is expected to be in place by fall.
They offer free garden consults and build raised beds gardens.
“We will be adding a couple more beds to our community garden section and those are available to rent for the season right now,” she said.
Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Meeting Minutes Feb.15

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Minutes are unapproved.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 15th, 2022 Regular Meeting #4

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 15th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor K. Allen presiding.

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Bill Downey, Jackson Tough, Brad Matkin, Rachel Thompson, Mark McCoy, Jason Dickman, Rob Harrington, Doug Guns, Reed Hartford, Jerry Witt, Ryan Coon, Martha Scott, Jean Tucker, Don Tucker, Jessica Allison, Scott Dowd, Josh Newton, Ryan Collier, Bob Reed, Carl Brenner, Bridget Mann, Betty Boyko, Russell Conner, Reitha Clark, Richard Clark, Jana Walker, Charles Gentry, Karen Billiard, and Max Fanning.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Mayor Kevin Allen asked that a Proclamation for Betty Boyko Day be added to the Proclamation section.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the Proclamation which proclaims February 23rd, 2022, as Betty Boyko Day in the City of Fort Scott. Betty has served since 2006 as the Superintendent of the Fort Scott National Historic Site and is leaving to move to another position in Beatrice, Nebraska as the Superintendent of the Homestead National Historic Park.

The Commission thanked her for her service and dedication to the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Kevin Allen asked that the two items under the City Commissioners topics be moved to New Business and the Contract Mowing for the City be added to New Business.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 1st, 2022 and special meeting of February 7th, 2022.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1306-A totaling $736,158.68.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage – 104 N. National – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.

  1. Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc.

Hammon’s/Sharky’s Inspections $1,462.13

City Engineer $4,120.00

Fort Scott Dam Improvements $2,500.00

17th & Eddy Drainage Project $1,440.00

  1. January Financials

Discussion was held regarding the light poles that have blue lights that Evergy has installed.

Mark McCoy said that we are to notify Evergy, and they will replace the faulty light.

K. Allen asked if possibly Police and Fire could look for these faulty lights when they are out patrolling at night.

M. Wells asked about the January financial reports and that the water and wastewater funds were in a negative balance. He also asked about the franchise fee and the amount of lost revenue due to cable television. He asked if anyone had checked into all the streaming services and if a franchise fee could be assessed.

City Manager will check into these issues.

K. Allen asked about the Evergy bill for $1,465.00 for parks and if that included all the parks in the City.

K. Allen asked how often mill levy funds are distributed to the Library.

City Manager will check into this.

Discussion was held regarding the invoice for the phone system.

Mark McCoy said that the new phone system will be a savings of over $40,000.

M. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

Karen Billiard – Mrs. Billiard said that she is concerned about the lack of streetlights at Marblecrest Terrace and Marblecrest Drive. She said that it is very dark in that area at night. She said that there have also been reports of a prowler in the area.

City Commissioners said that they will check into this.

Jana Walker – Mrs. Walker thanked the Commission for addressing the blue lights on the streetlight poles. She said that their neighborhood is very dark at night and can even be scary because it is so dark.

Commissioners will check into this.

Richard Clark – Mr. Clark said that he is concerned with the amount of trees that are being cut down at the Lake. They are part of a camping group of fiberglass campers that travels to rallies and campers like to park by trees and shady areas.

Doug Guns said that they determined seven (7) dead or diseased trees that needed to be taken down which is what they are doing.

Old Business:

  1. Approval of Amendment of Fireworks Ordinance No. 3602 – City Manager said that this was the amendment to the ordinance that was approved at the last meeting. This is the actual ordinance.

T. Van Hoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3602. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3602 AMENDING THE HOURS OF THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, AND AMENDING SECTION 15.020.025 IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

Appearances:

Jerry Witt – Riverfront – Mr. Witt appeared before the Commission to ask for approval to submit a grant for Riverfront Park. He gave the Commission history on the Riverfront Park. In 2005, a group of individuals met and decided they needed to clean up the north end of the City by the Marmaton River. In 2007, the Senate approved the formation of the Riverfront Authority. Mr. Witt gave an update on all the grants and funding that has been received through the years. He informed the Commission that he wished to apply for another grant with the Kansas Department of Transportation TA program. This is a $135,000 grant with an 80/20% match. The Riverfront Authority will pay the 20% match so there is no cost to the City. He asked for approval of the Resolution to apply for the K.D.O.T. TA Grant. The grant has to be submitted by March 1st, 2022. This grant is to rebuild the trails which involves 2,953 linear feet with 8” of asphalt on the south side of the Riverfront Park.

J. Jones moved to approve to apply for the K.D.O.T. TA Grant in the amount of
$135,000 and approve Resolution No. 6-2022. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 6-2022 DECLARING THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE FORT SCOTT/BOURBON COUNTY RIVERFRONT AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR USE OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM FUNDS SET FORTH BY MAP-21 FOR THE RIVFERFRONT TRAIL PROJECT IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THIS APPLICATION.

Jessica Allison – American Legion – Ms. Allison informed the Commission that she is the Commander of the local American Legion. They are looking to host some fundraisers to raise money for their organization and would like to have bingo at Memorial Hall. They would have bingo two to three times a month and build from there. They would need to use the main area of Memorial Hall as well as the concession area.

City Clerk informed the Commission that the City has no food license at Memorial Hall any longer.

T. Van Hoecke also informed her that a mold study is being conducted in the building.

T. Van Hoecke moved to allow Memorial Hall to be used as a place for bingo and the concession area for the American Legion organization. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW MEMORIAL HALL FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION ORGANIZATION TO BE USED FOR BINGO TWO TO THREE TIMES A MONTH AS WELL AS ALLOW THE MAIN AREA AND CONCESSION AREA AT MEMORIAL HALL.

Jody Hoener & Rachel Carpenter – Bourbon County Health Action Team – Failed to appear.

Bob Reed – Bourbon County Fair & Rodeo – Bob Reed said that he is the Assistant Superintendent of the Bourbon County Fair Board. He asked for support from the City for the Bourbon County Fair. He mentioned that last year the City gave $5,000. He asked the City to match the County contribution of $10,000. He updated the Commission on events that are held at the fairgrounds as well as some upcoming events. He asked for two items: 1) Monetary support for the Bourbon County Fair Board; 2) Allow EMS to be on scene for their upcoming rodeo at no charge.

City Manager said that he would like to look at the budget first before a decision is made.

This will be on the March 1st, 2022 agenda.

Ryan Collier – 12th & Main fence – Mr. Collier informed the Commission that he was the contractor that built the fence at 12th and Main Street. He got a building permit on 12/8/2021. He was told by the Codes Officer that no permit was needed for the fence. He went ahead and installed the fence poles in concrete. Then he received a stop order on 12/9/2021. He had $5,400 worth of materials. He then met with Bill Downey who told him there was no issue with it. But, 30 days later the homeowner got a letter from the City stating they need to relocate the fence. He asked who was going to fix the fence?

City Manager said that we will handle it internally. There was an issue with the right-of-way versus the easement.

New Business:

  1. Consideration of Bids – Manhole 148 Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the Old Faithful manhole. There were four (4) bids received and two of the bids were not valid. One bid had no bid bond, and the other bid did not acknowledge Addendum No. 2. The low bid was from Nowak Construction Company, Inc. of Goddard, Kansas in the amount of $340,734.00. The other bid was from Sprouls Construction, Inc. of Lamar, Missouri in the amount of $386,300.00. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $192,000.00. In reviewing the bids, the unit price for pipe has more than doubled as well as other materials.

M. Wells asked if the City could do the concrete part of this project to save money.

Jason said that he will check with the contractor and let the City Manager know.

This will come back at the March 1st, 2022 meeting.

  1. Lake Fort Scott Discussion (Doug Guns):

  1. Discussion of sale of six (6) additional Lake Fort Scott properties – Josh Jones informed the Commission that he would like to see the City sell another six properties at the Lake. They would need to be 90’ X 100’ which would be the standard lot size. He asked if we could get these lots surveyed.

T. Van Hoecke said that he would like to see the original two (2) lots finalized first as they are not yet closed.

Commissioners asked Jason Dickman if Earles Engineering could do the surveying of these additional six lots.

Jason said that he could check their schedule but thought they could get it surveyed in the next 4-6 weeks.

Commissioners verbally authorized Earles Engineering to survey the next six (6) additional lots at Lake Fort Scott.

  1. Consideration of Lake Fort Scott RFP for Boat Docks – Doug Guns, Lake Supervisor, informed the Commission that that he prepared an RFP for four (4) boat docks at Lake Fort Scott. Doug said that he has applied for a grant with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for the docks.

T. Van Hoecke moved to send out Request for Proposals for boat docks at Lake Fort Scott and for the funds to come out of the Capital Improvement Fund for the Lake. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED to send out Request for Proposals for boat docks at Lake Fort Scott and for the funds to come out of the Capital Improvement Fund for the Lake.

  1. Consideration of mower for Lake Fort Scott – Doug Guns informed the Commission that he prepared an RFP for the purchase of a zero-turn mower at Lake Fort Scott. It is not in the City’s capital improvement fund for this year but asked if it could come out of the Lake Improvement Fund.

Discussion was held on getting an inventory of all City equipment and if equipment can be borrowed from one department to the other – like from the Airport to the Lake.

Doug said that does occur between departments already.

Discussion was also held regarding the contract mowing the City does for the Codes Department and if Lake Fort Scott could be included in that.

M. Wells moved to send out the Request for Proposals for a zero-turn mower at Lake Fort Scott. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR A ZERO-TURN MOWER AT LAKE FORT SCOTT.

  1. Consideration of Part-Time Labor for Fort Scott Lake – Doug said that this was on the agenda for a part-time employee to mow at the Lake. This position would be from April to October and be less than 1,000. There would not be health insurance or KPERS offered.

Discussion was held to hold off on this until the City receives the contract mowing bid back with the Lake mowing included on it.

  1. Consideration of RFQ for Engineering firm for Lake Fort Scott Valve – Mayor Allen asked if this request is for the secondary valve or the original valve.

Doug said that there may be grants available, but they would be 50/50 grants.

K. Allen moved to send out Requests for Qualifications for Engineering Firms for the Lake Fort Scott Valve. P. Allen seconded.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR THE LAKE FORT SCOTT VALVE.

  1. Discussion of upgrades at Lake Fort Scott – Doug Guns brought them a list of prospective upgrades at the Lake.

Commission determined that a work session is needed to prioritize these items. The work session will be held on February 22nd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

T. Van Hoecke moved to hold a work session to prioritize the upgrades at Lake Fort Scott to be held on February 22nd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

Approved to hold a work session to prioritize the upgrades at Lake Fort Scott to be held on February 22nd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

  1. Discussion of City permitting fees (Bill Downey/Mark McCoy) – Bill Downey, Codes Supervisor, informed the Commission that he gave them at the previous meeting a comparison of what other cities charge for fencing permits.

M. Wells recommended charging $35.00 for a fence permit with fees charged for the cost of the fence for $2.00 more per thousand.

T. Van Hoecke said he recommended a flat $25.00 rate.

T. Van Hoecke moved to charge a $25.00 fee for a fence permit. K. Allen seconded. P. Allen, J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, and K. Allen voted aye. M. Wells voted no. Motion carried 4-1

APPROVED TO CHARGE A $25.00 FEE FOR A FENCE PERMIT.

  1. Discussion of City business licenses and other City licenses – Mark McCoy, Project Manager, informed the Commission that he and Bill Downey have surveyed many cities along with Commissioner Wells on permit fees. They shared a list of surrounding areas and their fees.

Discussion was held if not-for-profits would be charged a business license. Discussion was held they should not be charged.

Mr. McCoy asked for permission to bring back an ordinance at the next meeting for the business license and increase in City fees.

K. Allen left the room at 8:55 p.m.

  1. Consideration of Pay Request – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – $2,340.00 – January 2022 Port-a-Potty Invoice

J. Jones moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. in the amount of $2,340.00. M. Wels seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE INVOIE FOR SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,340.00 FOR PORT-A-POTTY SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2022.

K. Allen returned to the room at 8:56 p.m.

  1. Street Advisory Committee Report – Charles Gentry, Chairman, Street Advisory Board that their board met recently and recommended that all the main trafficway streets be designated in one ordinance. There are 13 streets, and some have been on the existing lists for some time. The streets are as listed:

U.S. Highways 54 and 69 entire routes

Wall Street from U.S. 54 to National Avenue

National Avenue entire route

6th Street from Broadway to Heylman

Horton Street from 6th Street to South City Limits

Broadway from Wall to 6th Street

Margrave from Wall to South City Limits

18th Street from Horton to National Avenue

Cooper Street entire route

23rd Street entire route

3rd Street from 69 Highway to Margrave

East National Avenue entire route

Franklin from Wall Street North to City Limits

M. Wells said that he will be putting this into ordinance form and bringing it back before them for approval.

  1. Discussion of Unsafe Structure List – Tim Van Hoecke stated he wants to make sure in the demolition contract that it is stated the structure must be torn down and not moved to another location. Tim stated that there is budget funds leftover from 2021 and we could possibly demolish 32 houses this year. He and Bill Downey have identified 13 structures and letters have been mailed. Their date to be in compliance with the City is March 11th, 2022. If not in compliance, at the March 15th, 2022 meeting, the demolition proceedings will begin.

  1. Discussion of Contract Mowing – Josh Jones asked that this be put on the agenda for discussion. He would like to see the City get a total bid for the season and then a total bid per yard. He would also like the bid to include mowing at Lake Fort Scott.

J. Jones moved to approve to send out the Contract Mowing Bid Advertisement and include a bid for the entire season, a bid per yard and include the Lake Fort Scott mowing. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT THE CONTRACT MOWING BID ADVERTISEMENT AND INCLUDE A BID FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON, A BID PER YARD, AND INCLUDE THE LAKE FORT SCOTT MOWING.

9. Request to submit Base Grant – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that he wished to submit a base grant for the water project on the south side of town to the Kansas Department of Commerce. It is a 75/25 match grant. He said that the 25% can come from A.R.P.A. funds. The grant is $450,000.00.

M. Wells moved to allow Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to apply to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the $450,000.00 base grant for the water project. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. TO APPLY TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE $450,000 BASE GRANT FOR THE WATER PROJECT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

Schneider Energy Savings Report – Kelley informed the Commission that he provided them with the savings from Schneider Energy. It appears according to their records the City has saved $89,695.00

Discussion was held that this was Schneider’s report, and we should do our own report.

Microphone System for Commission Room quotation – Kelley said that Shane Walker brought a firm to the Commission room where they looked at our microphone system. This quote for $12,963.00 would upgrade the room and the tv and microphone system.

Discussion was held to solicit RFP’s for this service from other firms.

Demolition Contract – Kelley went over the changes to the demolition contract that he had made and shared it with the Commission.

Buoys at Lake Fort Scott – Kelley said that the Lake Patrol Officer will move the buoys at the lake when the weather permits.

Andrick Street – Kelley said that he talked to Jerry Morgan and that the project in the 500 block of Andrick Street is not complete yet. They plan to bring the pothole patcher there and finish it up next week.

Sign Painting – Lake Fort Scott – Kelley said that he talked to Chad Cliffman, and he will be getting him a quote to paint the signs at the entrance of Lake Fort Scott.

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

M. Wells – Matthew reported that he attended the Street Advisory Board meeting also and the board recommended approving to the City Commission that not a single brick street should be covered with asphalt any longer in the City of Fort Scott and all brick streets should be saved. They plan to have a meeting where the public can give input also at their next meeting regarding brick streets. He shared his views on the importance of brick streets and to preserve them.

Discussion was held between Matthew and Pete on brick streets and that we cannot say we will not overlay a brick street due to the condition of it.

P. Allen – Pete said that he is excited about the Manhole 148 project. This sanitary sewer has backed up for over 30 years and they are the first Commission to deal with it.

Pete also read a statement about the 1% sales tax and how we need to make sure that funds are not removed out of funds that they are specified for.

J. Jones – Nothing to report.

T. Van Hoecke – Tim thanked the City crews who worked the water main break during the last snowstorm when the temperatures were bitter cold.

Tim asked about the Director of Finance position.

Brad stated that he has taken the position down.

Kelley said that they are looking to split this position between three people at the City.

Tim thanked the City Clerk for providing the League of Kansas Municipalities training flyer to them and he urged all the Commissioners to take part of the training.

K. Allen – Kevin asked to see the current financial policy as well as the previous policy and for the Commission to look at spending limits.

He asked for an update on Municipal Court.

Diane Clay, Court Clerk told him that the first update was done on Tuesday, February 15th between the Police software and the City’s Court software. It is getting closer.

No Parking on 12th Street from Margrave to the Fort Scott Middle School – Kevin asked about putting No Parking signs on 12th Street and asked the Chief of Police for his opinion.

Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, said that 12th Street is highly traveled as well as 10th Street. He will have his officers talk to the neighbors and see what their thoughts are on this.

Water/Sewer Rates – Kevin apologized for the water rate increase and said that he doesn’t like it either. He has had several calls from people with fixed incomes.

Bricks – Kevin said that the inmates at the jail have worked almost 12 pallets of bricks. He thanked them for their work and the City will be bringing more to them.

Executive Session:

T. Van Hoecke moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 10:16 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, Brad Matkin, Human Resource Director, and Kelley Zellner, City Manager. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 10:16 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

Adjournment:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 10:17 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

Art, Bourbon County

Bo Co Arts Council 30th Annual Fine Art Exhibit March 10-12

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Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.

The annual art show that showcases local area artists is March 10-12.

The 30th Annual Bourbon County Arts Council exhibit will be held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

“We will host the Chamber Coffee on March 10 at 8 a.m.,” Deb Anderson, president of the council said.

The exhibit will be open Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 from 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, March 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

The BCAC was formed in 1973 to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to BCAC President Deb Anderson.

A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.

An artist reception will be held March 10th from 6 PM to 8 PM where participating artists will have the opportunity to listen to the juror critique and visit with her about their pieces.

The juror for the event this year will be Tara Booth,  an Associate Professor of Art at Cottey College, Nevada, Mo.

The competition is open to all artists age 16 and older.

Categories include Best of Show 2D and 3D, Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil and Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Watercolor.

A new “Theme” category has been included: The theme this year is “The Eye of the Beholder”.

Bourbon County businesses and individual sponsors for the first prize winners of the art categories are:

2D and 3D – Memory of E.C. Gordon Ceramics – Ward Kraft, Inc

Drawing & Graphics – Landmark Bank Jewelry – Citizens Bank

Mixed Media – Lyons Realty Painting – Union State Bank

Pastel – Mid-Continental Restoration

Photography – H & H Realty

Sculpture – Fort Scott Broadcasting

Fiber Arts – Bernita Hill

Watercolor – Buerge Art Studio

Theme – City State Bank

Glass – Jamie Armstrong, Edward D Jones

Printmaking – Osage Timber, LLC

Current Bourbon County Arts Council Bard Members are Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Laura Meeks, Linda Noll, Tedena Tucker, and Chris Woods.

History of BCAC

“The organization of the BCAC is 52 years old this year. It was originally known as the Fort Scott Arts Council,” Anderson said. “Upon its incorporation, it was changed to Bourbon County Arts Council.”
“There were several activities in the beginning,” she said. “In June 1973 the first project was a booth at the arts and crafts fair, during the Old Fort Days Rodeo sponsored by the Jaycees.”
“The BCAC held the first street theatre,” she said. “In the art area there was ceramics, bread baking, spinning and weaving, wood carving, and quilting. Local artists displayed paintings, there was also an artist who did sketches and another who had very unusual pottery.”
They held a Continental Theatre Group presentation, variety shows, musicals, even a parade
The original board officers:
Gary Cullor-Chairman
Joann Meara -Vice-Chairman
Sally Cullor-Secretary
Treasurer-Steve Buerge
Board members were Dale Hammons, Robert Estes, Robert Galvin, Helen Stranathan, and Larry Nuss.
Committee chairman were
Music – Ralph Carlson
Arts – Ernie Huse
Crafts – Sondra Carlson
Theatre – Sally Cullor
Publicity – Shirley Hill
Membership – Mary Ann Burke
“A big thank you to these individuals, for forming this organization, who realized how important the arts were to a community and all those who have came after in keeping the BCAC alive, Anderson said.
“I have attached a history story of the BCAC from Gary Cullor who shared it with me,” Anderson said. “He is much more knowledgeable since he was there from the beginning. There would be a correction to the information in the fourth paragraph, it should read April 9th,1973 instead of April 9th,1773.”
To view Cullor’s history of the art council:
Area News, Bourbon County, Church news, Entertainment, Fort Scott

The Prairie Troubadour: A Catholic Gathering This Weekend

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Luther’s BBQ restaurant is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

The 6th Annual Prairie Troubadour starts tomorrow Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak.

The event is “to bring Catholics together to enjoy things we enjoy culturally,” Michael Pokorny, a house father at St. Martin’s Academy said. “To help our friends and neighbors understand our faith and how we live it with joy.”

The Prairie Troubadour is named in memoriam of poet, songwriter, and man of the Kansas prairie, Gerald Francis Kerr, the father of St. Martin’s Academy founder, Daniel Kerr.

The theme of this year’s event is Feasts, Fasts, and the Seasons.

Tickets to the event must be purchased before the event and can be ordered on the website: Feasts, Fasts and the Seasons: the Art of Living Liturgically Tickets, Fri, Feb 25, 2022, at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite

Tickets start at $85 for the weekend’s events.

The schedule:

Feb. 25 is registration at 6:30 a.m. followed at 7 p.m. by Baylor University Professor Dr. Michael Foley who will be speaking on “How to Drink Like a Saint.”

8 p.m. Dale Alquist, president of The Chesterton Society, will speak on “Feasting and Surprisingly Fasting with G.K. Chesterton.”

9 p.m. There will be an afterglow session.

Saturday, Feb. 26

9:30 a.m. Daniel Kerr, headmaster/founder of St. Martin’s Academy will welcome guests, followed at 9:45 a.m. by Father Joshua Moore, sub-prior at Clear Creek Abbey, Oklahoma, who will speak on “Fasting: Or Why Officers Eat Last.”

10:45 a.m. Brandon Sheard, owner/operator of Farmstead Meatsmith, Tulsa, OK will speak on “The Virtue of Pig Killing.”

At noon, lunch will be on your own, Luther’s Restuarant, directly under the River Room Event Center, is recommended.

At 1:15 p.m. Dr. John Cuddeback, a professor of philosophy at Christendom College, Front Royal, Virginia will speak on “Animating Your Home with Leisure.”

At 2:15 p.m. Dr. William Fahey, president of Thomas Moore College of Liberal Arts, Merrimac, NH, will speak on “My Little Horse Must Think It Queer and Other Musings on the Natural Order of Liturgical Living.”

There will be a break at 3:15 p.m. and a break-out with vendors.

A question and answer session with the speakers will happen at 4:30 p.m. and the symposium closes at 5:30 p.m.

At 7 p.m. there will be a whiskey and cigar soiree with the speakers and musical entertainment by the St. Martin’s Academy students and others. This event is for VIP Pass Holders only.

 

 

Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Annual Pancake Feed March 1

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First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

The 101st Fort Scott Kiwanis Pancake Feed is March 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then again from 4-6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Third, and National Avenue.

It is a pick-up meal, with cars asked to come in from Fourth Street to the driveway in front of the church.

The cost is $5 per person with children under five free.

The club members will deliver to groups with 10 meals or more orders.

Call 620.224-9067 for the delivery service.

The meal includes two pancakes with butter and syrup and a sausage patty.

Community members enjoy visiting at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center in February 2020, before the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now the organization has a drive-through meal.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time, according to information from John Crain, President.

“The club has 25 members, and we would love to have more,” he said.

The group meets on Tuesdays at noon for lunch at First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Fort Scott.

Crain listed some of the Kiwanis projects last year:

They

  • Repaired and applied deck stain to picnic tables in Gunn Park, and the bridge on its first lake
  • Decorated a shelter house for Christmas in the Park
  • Trimmed low hanging trees for the school bus passage
  • Helped with the Downtown Clean Sweep
  • Will be planting trees across town this spring

 

Some of the organizations and activities they have donated to last year:

  • CASA
  • Beacon
  • Sponsor students to Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar
  • Sponsor students to Boy’s State
  • Fort Scott Leadership
  • $4,000 for high school scholarships
  • Fort Scott Middle School Project Art
  • Hedgehog Inc Book Project
  • USD-234 In-Need Fund for all schools
  • USD-234 Grade School Reading Projects
  • Fort Scott High School Cheer
  • FSHS Save our Seniors
  • FSHS After Prom
  • Wreaths Across America

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott

Residents of the East Side of Fort Scott: Project Ideas Needed

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Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Program Coordinator, shows the banner telling of the event. From the HBCAT Facebook page.

A community gathering is happening this Saturday to gain input on ideas to establish and develop a community project on Fort Scott’s east side.

The name of the event is Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods, and is hosted by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. The event will be on Feb. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fort Scott Fire House #2, 23 S. Franklin.  Breakfast will be provided and there will be a tablet giveaway drawing.

Fire Station #2, at First and Franklin Street on Fort Scott’s east side.

“We have $70,000 for this Creative Placemaking project through the Patterson Family Foundation Grant and Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways Grant,” Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Program Coordinator said.

“Creative placemaking is allowing community’s residents to be part of the decision-making process of the project,” Carpenter said. “They get to decide where and what the project can be. Some examples would be fixing up an underutilized park, turning an alleyway into an art gallery, or restoring an abandoned building to make it into a community center. The possibilities are endless and are completely up to the community!”

Through this project, the organization seeks to help the east side residents “reimagine a place in the community to increase vibrancy, build capacity among the residents to take ownership of their communities and improve economic conditions,” Carpenter said.

“This public forum is part of one of our Creative Placemaking projects that will be on the east side of Fort Scott,” Rachel Carpenter said.

At this event, HBCAT will review with the participants what is in place for the Creative Placemaking project, have the residents share what they want to see in their neighborhood, identify what challenges may be encountered, and start identifying the options, she said.

The target participants are Fort Scott east side residents who want to build up their neighborhood, she said.

“This is 1 of 3 public forums we will have,” Carpenter said. “Our planning committee will take the ideas from the audience that fits with the grant criteria, and pick one to start developing a sustainability plan for a project.”

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

 About HBCAT

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. A comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.

The office is located at 104 N. National Avenue, just north of Luther’s Restaurant and Carpenter can be reached at 620.215.2562.

 

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Common Ground Is More Than A Coffee Shop

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Common Ground Coffee Shop.

Common Ground Coffee Company is not just a place to gather but also offers small event catering and rental space venues.

Like other coffee shops, one can hang- out with others, catch up on some studying or just find a little solitude, all while enjoying specialty drinks and scrumptious foods, according to its website.

In addition to a hang-out place, the business offers small event catering and rental space venues.

The conference room, a private space at the rear of the business, is free, when available.

And there is a large space with outdoor access and a stage in the rear also called the Loading Dock.

“We rent rooms for showers and parties,” Vickie Waldron, manager, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce  Coffee attendees on Feb. 17. In addition, “We cater baked goods for small events.”

Common Ground Coffee Co. is located at 12 E. Wall St.
Fort Scott,  phone number: (620) 223-2499 or email:
[email protected]

The coffee shop is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

The excess profits are given back to the community, Waldron said.

“We donate to any of our staff’s charity of choice,” she said. “We have donated to  the Sharing Bucket, Paws and Claws, American Childhood Diabetes Assn., the local GED program, the Leukemia Association, just to name a few off of the top of my head.”

Common Grounds currently employs 16-17 people.

Hours of operation for the business are:

Monday         7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday         7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday      7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday            7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday     7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Farewell to Boyko Feb. 23

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Betty Boyko. Submitted photo.

 

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic  Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.

The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor  Boyko.

Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.

 “Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006,  and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.

“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.

“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”

“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.

Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.

Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015

Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.

“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.

Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.

To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.

“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”

About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer.   Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways:  the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott,  where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March.   If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said.  “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are:  $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

High School Career Exploration Program Needs More Mentors

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Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, speaks to the group on Feb. 8. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott High School Career Exploration Mentoring Program needs a few more volunteers.
The program is a partnership of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Scott and the school district, USD234, according to the Chamber website.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison told the weekly Chamber Coffee attendees on Thursday that two more female mentors are needed for the students.

“The Chamber’s motivation for organizing the program is related to Workforce Development,” Madison told fortscott.biz. “Our goal is to help the students be on a path to success, but also develop a funnel of employees for our manufacturers and other businesses by exposing students to local career opportunities available.”

“Students may be ready to start working directly after high school or college, or may move away for several years and return to Bourbon County in the future,” she said. “By being part of the mentor program they will be more aware that Fort Scott truly is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Working at a local manufacturer does not exclusively involve assembly line work as students may perceive, there are many great positions to be held in accounting, sales, engineering, welding and other areas that we try to expose them to,” she said.

“Some students are more interested in health care, law enforcement or other fields and mentors will work to set up job shadows or question/answer sessions with people in those careers” Madison said. “Each student’s needs are differently related to their educational goals or career exploration and while we bring the mentors and students together monthly as a group, the mentors work individually with the students they are paired with to build connections and make a positive impact towards their success.”

Currently, there are 14 students enrolled in the program, Madison said.
Once per month a group activity, speaker or tour is organized by the Chamber.
On February 8 at Fort Scott High School, Assistant Principal Alex Specht was the keynote speaker. Submitted photo.
At least one other time per month the student meets with their mentor one-on-one to talk about personal goals, pertinent topics or other issues that the student might have.
Attendees at the Feb. 8 mentoring program at Fort Scott High School. Submitted photo.

The program is funded in part by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, she said.

Bill Michaud, the owner of Sleep Inn Hotel and Chamber member,  helps with the program, working with the mentors. Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, helps recruit high school students and keeps them informed of meetings, Madison said.

It is an extra-curricular activity, and the high school staff are “very supportive” by allowing extra time at lunch for the meetings, Madison said.

Community members interested in being mentors, and students interested in the program, may contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

If you are interested in being a mentor to a high school student please complete the following, which is found on the Chamber website:

Background check authorization.

Mentor Profile Form.

Email: [email protected]; or fax 620-223-3574.

Here are several of the education modules used by mentors for discussion topic ideas for one-on-one visits with the students: basic vehicle maintenance, cooking, driver’s license information, household financing, jobs, and personal health.

The modules listed above were developed by the 2017-18 LEAD Bourbon County class, a leadership program organized by the Chamber.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Grant Money to Aid City’s Wastewater Collection System

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Fort Scott City Hall.

Governor Laura Kelly announced last week that 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects.

The City of Fort Scott received a $700,000 award grant to help revitalize the wastewater system infrastructure.

The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement projects help fund water and wastewater projects, housing rehabilitation, and other community facilities and services, according to a press release from the governor.

The $700,000  grant will be put with the $425,000 that the city will provide of the projected total cost of $1,125,000 for wastewater system infrastructure improvements.

Kelley Zellner. Submitted photo.

“The project is set to be solicited in the next few weeks, ” Fort Scott City Manager Kelley Zellner said.  “And a contractor will be selected. Once the contractor is chosen for the job, the contractor decides the order of completion of the project using their ‘Means and Methods.'”

“The city’s wastewater collection system is in need of attention in certain areas and some of the equipment at the sewer plant will need to be looked at for upgrades in the next several years,” Zellner said.

“This particular improvement project,  to the citizens of Fort Scott is a small portion of the need improvements to the overall collection system and a small step in the direction of a healthy infrastructure legacy for our children and grandchildren’s sake!” he said.