All posts by Loretta George

Art, Bourbon County

Art Is Therapy For Toal

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

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

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

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

This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.

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

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

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

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

He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.

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

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

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

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

He does the community art projects for free.

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

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

Tiana McElroy Selected as New Bourbon County Attorney

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

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

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

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

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

Her hometown is Leavenworth.

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

Her goal in the new position?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Process of Selecting A New County Attorney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 25

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June 25, 2021                                               Friday 10:00 am

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Jim made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:11, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Josh Jones).  At 11:12, Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy related to job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:28, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin and Josh Jones).  At 11:28, Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Jim made a motion that the County do a joint agreement with the City of Fort Scott regarding hiring an HR director as a shared service, the position will answer to the County Commission, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:29, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
June 29, 2021, Approved Date

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Burke Street Parade at Noon on July 4

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

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

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

Steven Anthony in the Burke Street Parade. Submitted photo.

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

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

The Halsey family hosted the cookies in 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about the parade:

Burke Street July 4th Americana: Parade and Food

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Tri-Valley Horticulture Specialist: Austin Bolinger

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Austin Bolinger. Submitted photo.

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

Bolinger is a  2017 Fort Scott High School graduate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He is a member of the Fort Scott Garden Club.

About Tri-Valley

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

These conditions can result in severe chronic limitations such as:

  • Self-care

  • Learning and adapting

  • Living independently

  • Understanding and using language

  • Mobility

  • Economic self-sufficiency

  • Self-direction in setting and accomplishing goals

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Ashley Wilcox and Margaret Marino

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Family:

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

 

Hobbies/community involvement:

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

Bourbon County, Business

Car Wash Opening in Uniontown Changes to July 14

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

A new business has opened in Uniontown on the square.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Independence Day Celebrations at Uniontown and Fort Scott

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Fireworks over the Union State Bank, Uniontown, 2019. Submitted by Amy Holt.

Fort Scott and Uniontown residents will celebrate Independence Day on July 3.

If your community is having a celebration, please send information to [email protected] for publication of events.

Union State Bank is sponsoring the 16th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Uniontown City Park on Saturday, July 3.

“We are excited to bring this event back since it was canceled last year,” said Amy Holt, Vice President of Loan Administration at Union State Bank, said. “This is a customer appreciation event, but we encourage the whole community, surrounding area, and friends and family to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening and fireworks display.”

Events will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dark.

“We have invited singer/songwriter, Kyle Sexton to come back and perform for us,” she said. ” We will also have inflatables and a selfie bar again for the kids to enjoy.”

School organizations and vendors will be in the park that evening, she said, and additionally, there will be a bake sale, drinks, popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy for purchase.

Union State Bank is serving FREE hotdogs, chips, and water beginning at 7 p.m. or until they are all gone, she said.

“We are discouraging any personal fireworks in the downtown area of Uniontown,” as a safety precaution, she said.

“Union State Bank has been serving the community for over 120 years, and we enjoy hosting this event,” Holt said.

 

Fort Scott’s Independence Day Celebration

The Elk’s / Community Fireworks will be July 3 and begin at dark at Fort Scott Community College’s lake.
“I usually pay attention to how dark it is getting a few days ahead and set the time but between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m.,” Bill Britain, spokesperson for the Elks Club, said.
“The show will be set to music and played on KOMB Radio, 103.9,” he said.
“As usual, the fireworks will be shot from behind FSCC by the back ballfields and of course the public cannot go back that way for safety reasons,” he said.
“The Elk’s have coordinated this event for the past 25 years or so,” Brittain said.
“This year’s show should be the best we have ever had,” he said. ” “Last year we had a bad storm come through,  the shooters did not get the fireworks protected fast enough and it was a total loss!
We have worked with the fireworks company to have a better show this year because of that!”
This event is for the entire community and it takes the community to put this on, he said.
Fort Scott, Schools

New USD234 Educators: Sydney Cullison and Madeline Martin

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This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.

Sydney Cullison. Submitted photo.
Sydney Cullison, 24, is the new Fort Scott High School Agriculture Teacher.
She taught previously at Neodesha for two years.
Education: Bachelor in Agriculture Education and minor in Agronomy from Kansas State University, pursuing a Masters in Educational Administration.
Hometown: Fort Scott. She is the daughter of Richard and Deanna Cullison and Landon and Nancy Simons.
Her interests outside of her career are checking cattle and raising Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Why did you become an educator?
“To combine my passion for agriculture and education.”
Did someone inspire you?
“Yes, a few people did! My auntie, who is an 8th-grade teacher in Missouri. I used to go to school with her when I was young and knew I wanted to be like her one day, since I was three! Mr. Parks led me to go to Kansas State for ag. education. In my senior year, I knew that ag. ed. is where I belonged!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part is being able to travel and take kids places they have never been and show them what agriculture is really like.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Being a younger teacher.”
Madeline Martin, with her husband, Drew. Submitted photo.
Madeline Martin, 23, is the new gifted teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary and Fort Scott High School.
“I am a first-year teacher and extremely excited to get started! ” she said.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pittsburg State University.  “I am currently pursuing a degree in School Counseling from Pittsburg State University>”
Hometown: Fort Scott, KS 
Family:
“I have been married for a year and a half to my husband, Drew. We have a sweet kitty cat named Pebbles. Drew and I are high school sweethearts and both attended Fort Scott High School. Both my parents (Mark and Mo McCoy) and Drew’s parents (Paul and Kara Martin) are active members of the community and a wonderful part of our family!”
Hobbies/community involvement
“I enjoy cooking, baking, going on walks, crafting, being at the lake, snuggling with Pebbles, and coaching the swim team. I am a coach for the Fort Scott Hurricanes and I am excited to get back and be involved in the Fort Scott community! My husband and I also have our own small wedding business, I love helping couples make their dream day special!”
 
Why did you become an educator?
“I became an educator because I want to help ensure that all students have a safe space filled with love, compassion, and guidance. I want to help my students find their voice, to make a difference in this world, and having the opportunity to watch them learn is a joy for me. Each and every student has something to bring to the table and I want them to be able to know what they can bring to help better themselves, their community, and everyone they interact with.”
 
Did someone inspire you?
“Patty Smilie was the lady who started it all for me in high school. I had never thought about wanting to work in education and kept trying to suppress it in college, but quickly figured out that I have a love for serving others and wanting to help students as much as I possibly can. Mrs. Smilie always let me hang out in her office, helped me with a bunch of fun projects, and always had an encouraging word for me. She sparked my love for counseling and the thought to be an educator. I am so excited to see where this current path in education takes me, and hopefully one day it’s a counseling office. A few other teachers that inspired me to think about education are Mrs. Karen Curran, Mrs. Michelle Brittain, and Dr. Jason Lloyd.”
 
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“Seeing all of the ‘ah-ha moments’ that students encounter is one of the coolest parts for me. Whether that moment is in discovering something about themselves, within a subject we’re discovering, or anything in between. Seeing students make the connections or finding their joy/purpose is one of the coolest experiences to be a part of.”
 
What are the greatest challenges?
“Having to watch them go home at the end of the day and especially at the end of the school year. Some days it never seems like enough time to love on them or help each student, but it is rewarding seeing them move on and see what they have accomplished throughout the year.”
Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Laura Howard and Peyton Guiles

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This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.
Laura Howard. Submitted photo.
Laura Howard, 26, is a new Fort Scott Middle School 7th/8th English Language Arts Teacher. She has two years of teaching experience.
She  graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in English Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree that will allow her to teach public speaking for college credit.
“I moved around a bit as a kid so I don’t really have a ‘hometown’ but I spent most of my time in Pittsburg and in La Cygne, KS.,” she said.
She is married, with two sons, Eric (6) and Soren (1), and has a miniature Australian Shepherd named Lula. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and doing yoga.
“I became a teacher because I took a class on graphic novels and realized how much they would benefit struggling readers. I realized how important books are and that we become better people by reading and learning about people who are different from us and I wanted to use that to help make the world a better place. Then I spent time in the classroom and I realized how desperately kids are waiting for someone to see them as a person that has thoughts and feelings worth listening to.”
“I got interested in the field because I wanted to help kids enjoy reading, but now I’m in it because I want kids to learn about the world and understand that they don’t have to be a grown-up to have value and worth.”
She was inspired by a former teacher.
“Christy Nickelson taught the advanced English courses and the French courses at my school and I always loved the way she made us feel,” she said.  “She never raised her voice, she made time for fun, and she spent countless hours grading work and teaching us how to fix it. You can’t not like her. She will support you and help you no matter how badly you mess up. I consider myself beyond blessed to have started my career by teaching in the room next door to her. I have modeled a lot of my own teaching and interacting with kids from the way she taught and interacted with me.”
“The absolute best part of teaching is getting to know each of the kids,” she said. “I love to learn about who they are and who they want to be.  I have had so many great moments of kids just wanting to share their time and thoughts with me which leads to really fun experiences in the classroom! The more I know about the kids, the more I can personalize their lessons and really help them get the most out of our time together.”
“The greatest challenge of teaching is the surprises. Knowing what to teach? Sure, college gives you that. Knowing how to grade? Another easy one. It’s the things you can’t plan for that get you. Sometimes it’s having a lesson that requires using Wi-Fi and then, bam! No internet! Sometimes it’s a kid behaving in the exact opposite way that you expect, like being angry or in tears. Sometimes it’s a perfectly planned activity going completely sideways. Surprises like these happen all the time. You can’t prepare for them so you just have to be ready to throw out what you had, roll with the punches, and reflect on it later so you can be more prepared next time.”
Peyton Guiles. Submitted photo.

Peyton Guiles, 22, is the new Special Education Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

“I will be a first-year teacher, however, I have had various field experiences through Pitt State and I did my student teaching at Eugene Ware,” Guiles said.

Education: BSE 2021 from Pittsburg State University, majored in Elementary Education Unified K-6

Hometown: Girard, KS

Family:

“My parents are Carlita and Keith Guiles, and I have an older brother, Alex.”

Hobbies/community involvement:

“Some of my hobbies include watching the Kansas City Chief and the Royals, spending time with my friends and family, and taking care of my fur babies.”

Why did you become an educator?

“During my K-12 years, I struggled as a student because I was a nontraditional learner and my learning needs were not being met. Having that perspective, I became an educator because I want to make a difference by meeting my students where they are at and support their unique learning needs.”

What is the best part of teaching for you?

“The best part about teaching for me is seeing the students’ growth and watching their confidence build up as they learn new concepts and skills.”

What are the greatest challenges?

“One of the greatest challenges I have faced in teaching so far is balancing students’ diverse learning needs. Every student is different and unique, so I have learned to get creative in my teaching strategies to meet their learning needs.”

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 15

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June 15, 2021                                               Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present, the County Counselor was present by telephone for a portion of the meeting.

 

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

 

Jim made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Representatives from KDOT Wayne Goodmenstein, Troy Howard, Kristy Kelly and one other met with the Commissioners to discuss a KDOT road closing at the south intersection of 180th & K7.  Jim Harris said he would like more money from KDOT for bridges, Mr. Goodmenstein said more money would come from Senators and Representatives, but discussed the Federal Fund Exchange program and said that money only has to be used on transportation related issues. Susan Bancroft said the cost share program is competitive and asked what are the main things we need to focus on when applying; Wayne said that kicking in more money helps when scoring the project. They are going to be improving K7 for safety by adding shoulders, rehabilitating the roadway and adding super elevation on the curves. This project is in the design stages now.  KDOT asked permission to close the south intersection of 180th & K7, he said a cul-de-sac could be used for property owners to access property.  Jim Harris said if people can get to their property with access, he was ok to close the intersection (with input from the property owners there).  KDOT will do the County Road Closure paperwork.  KDOT is going to look at the intersection of 39 & K7 for a possible redesign.  Mark McCoy said he was on the Highway 69 committee and thanked KDOT for the work on 69 Highway.

 

Eric Bailey presented permits to the Commissioners; he said the permit for Zimmerman had been completed.  Lynne made a motion to approve a culvert installation permit for Mr. Shetler at 2025 195th, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to approve a permit from Craw Kan for their yearly permit (Eric said plans, a check and insurance information had been submitted by Craw Kan), Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric discussed a windstorm that occurred on June 11th; he said multiple signs, trees and powerlines were down and said there was heavy rain.  He said he was working with Will Wallis to see if there would be a disaster declaration.  Eric said there is a lot of cleanup to be done.  Eric said his crew did a good job dealing with the storm, Lynne complimented Road & Bridge for the work they did.

 

Eric said the asphalt was done in the Hiattville area and said they are headed to 250th today to begin work there.

 

Eric said they now have possession of the F750 they recently purchased.

 

The crusher has a broken belt that they are fixing.

 

Eric said he is waiting to hear from KDHE regarding the soybeans.

 

Eric said the overburden at the quarry is being moved to do a blast; Jim briefly discussed the County having to pay a flat fee for what is removed from the blast.

 

Eric said Jayhawk Wind is doing culvert work and working on turning radiuses. He said they are seeing road failure, but said Jayhawk is fixing this with a cement mix.  A location at Calvary between 30-40th has been reworked and they restabilized it.  They are putting water down for dust control and have contacted the County to use the County dust control on a few roads.

 

The Commissioners received a request to trim trees on Maple Road due to a site issue there; Eric said the trees are on the property owners’ side and said he would visit with the property owners there.

 

Kendell Mason presented the 2021 budget information sheets to the Commissioners; the estimated assessed valuation is 115,441,379 compared to 110,449,986 in June of 2020.

 

Kendell presented the 2020 annual summaries to the Commissioners for approval; the Commissioners asked Susan Bancroft to review these prior to their approval.

 

Jes Pfannenstiel with KWORCC met with the Commissioners; he said the experience modification factor should go down since 2017 will drop off. He said KWORCC is County owned and operated by elected Commissioners and Clerks.  He said 77 Counties in Kansas are members of KWORCC.  They do quarterly visits to their insured to look for any violations and if any notify them so they can be corrected to avoid accidents.  They offer training to their insured.  Bourbon County is a 20-year member with KWORCC. KWORCC will provide a bid for the work comp insurance.

 

The Commissioners had a discussion regarding the Bourbon County Attorney Jackie Spradling; Justin was on the telephone and said the process will handle the situation and said at that time the Republican party will step in and nominate a new County Attorney.  Michael Braim said he thought at the next Republican meeting the Republican party would come up with a vote of no confidence for the County Attorney.  Jim asked Justin if he recommended that the Commissioners did not comment on this matter; Justin said steps are happening and it will resolve itself shortly and said we had no control over the timeline for the Kansas Supreme Court, but said if someone did a recall, he felt the Kansas Supreme Court would resolve this before a petition would.  Mark McCoy, the Chairman of the Republican Party said they would be having a regularly scheduled meeting on June 24th and said if the topic comes up, they will address it.  If the County Attorney were to leave her position prior to the term ending, the Republican Party would make a recommendation on her replacement to the Governor and the Governor would appoint the next County Attorney.  The County Attorney is not required to be resident of the County they are serving in.  Mark McCoy said the County Attorney’s wages are $50,133/year and said it might be difficult to get someone to commit to only this one position.  Mark questioned if there was a possibility of the position not being an elected position in the future.  Michael Braim said people want Jacqie Spradling gone and said he had hoped the County Counselor would explore all options the County has, he said she was a loose cannon with a long history of misconduct.  Michael Braim asked if anyone had spoken to Jacqie; the Commissioners hadn’t.  Michael said she was hiding and said she had an obligation to the County to let us know what is going on.  He asked if lawsuits come as a result of her where would the money come from to pay the lawsuits; Justin said it would come out of the Attorney’s fund and if need be, the General fund and said he hadn’t checked with the insurance company to see if they would cover such a thing.  Katrina Braim said that every case she has handled is open for appeals. Mr. Braim discussed Beatrice-6 and said it cost the County there $28 million and said the County had to increase property taxes to pay this.  Justin said there were two recommendations made by the panel to the Supreme Court: indefinite suspension or disbarment. Michael said a vote of no confidence will protect the County from liability at some point; Justin said a vote of no confidence will not change the liability to the County.  Jim said he had confidence in what the Supreme Court is doing.  Mr. Braim said she lied, hid and deceived the Republican Party when they appointed her. Clifton said he was playing devils advocate and said the public was complaining about misconduct, and said she possibly abused the system and didn’t give people a fair trial; he asked what would make them any better if we didn’t let the system work, he said doesn’t she deserve a fair trial.  Clifton said he wasn’t willing to lower himself before a judge convicts her.  Lynne said they weren’t the judge, jury or executioner on this and said the Supreme Court will make this determination.  Jim told Mr. Braim that he did an excellent job on his research, but said he wasn’t doing anything based on his research.  Mr. Braim said he would do a recall petition and said he thought the Commissioners were letting us down; he said they could encourage a resignation.  Katrina Braim said this wasn’t the first time the County had misconduct by a prosecutor and felt it was important to issue a vote of no confidence.   Mark McCoy discussed the vetting process if a new County Attorney is appointed; he said the Republican Party would accept resumes and applications, ask that a background investigation be done and said he would recommend that the Party schedule the following meeting in two weeks to vote for the person, and said they would present their choice to the Governor for approval.

 

The Commissioners discussed a social media fact checker for the County; Lynne said Shane had heard comments on how much this was going to cost to have, Lynne said people are already in place to do this.  He said there had been a post with inaccuracy about Jacqie Spradling; Justin said fact checking will provide additional information so that everyone can have their own opinions.  Jim said he thought it was important to have the facts out there, but said he wasn’t sure people would believe us.  Lynne said recently the windfarm had spilled gravel on the road, but said a picture or clarification would have helped.  Clifton said he was fine if they wanted to put out answers to some of the things out there and said we needed to do a better job of getting information out there.  Lynne said that Shane had stepped up to do the fact checking. Clifton asked who would fact check the fact checker.  Clifton made a motion to answer some of the stuff out there with a fact checker which would be reviewed by a Commissioner (it would depend on the subject as to which Commissioner would review it), Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move the County Counselors scheduled time to an earlier time, Jim seconded and all approved.  Justin asked for a motion to formulate a lease agreement for the City to possibly move into unused County space at the County building.  Lynne said the County is in the process of moving dispatch into the Courthouse.  Clifton made a motion to allow the County Counselor to move forward with a lease agreement (Justin said it would possibly be for a 10-year term) for the City to move into the Courthouse, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:16, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks by phone and Susan Bancroft).  At 11:16, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting and said they may have another session later in the meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Emergency Manager William Wallis met with the Commissioners; he said they have sent a list of the recent storm damage to the State to see if there is anything the State will do for us.  Will presented a Promulgation and said it was the final document to the State for the Bourbon County Emergency Operations Plan for 5 years; Lynne made a motion to accept the Promulgation of the Emergency Operation Plan, Jim seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the Promulgation.

 

William Wallis, with assistance from the Clerk’s office, said he was submitting to the FEMA for final approval for the County to get $29,612 from COVID expenses.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she said Kansas Road Trip would be coming through Bourbon County next year, she hoped the City, County, Chamber and BEDCO would partner and each contribute $2,000 towards the Kansas Road Trip $8,000 budget.  The County could donate their portion to BEDCO and BEDCO could be the passthrough for this.  This will be discussed again next week.  Susan said she had done the drawdown for the ARPA funding; but said she didn’t have a defined dollar amount of this yet. She said right now it has limited use and said it is very specific in what it could be used for.  Susan said the ARPA money would be deposited in a separate fund and said she would do the quarterly reporting and said ARPA would be administered by the County.

 

The Commissioners plan to have a Bourbon County budget townhall meeting on June 28th, (tentatively at the Empress Event Center) Susan will set this up.

 

Susan said she had been working with Eric Bailey on the Road & Bridge budgets; she said the Landfill is a concern and said she didn’t think they would be able to meet all of the obligations there and said there wasn’t enough traffic there to cover all of our costs.

 

Public Comment: Michael Hoyt said he had received at least a dozen letters of interest in the law enforcement & fire protection citizens advisory board (he said they could also include judiciary in this), and said anyone with an interest in this could send a letter to him at POB 1009, Fort Scott.  He said he had hoped that next month he would have the framework of what they would like to take a look at.  He briefly discussed the Brady Act.

 

Commissioner Comment:  Jim said he wanted the Commissioners to move forward with internet throughout the County.  Jim said he would like to see a written proposal to get this done and said they needed to direct Shane to submit an estimate to move forward.  The Commissioners asked that the internet access proposal be scheduled on the agenda on June 29th.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for a 15-minute executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton made a motion to have a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:55, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Rob Herrington).  Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session at 11:55, with action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton made a motion to proceed with the donation of the Mercy building and the property to the County, Jim seconded and all approved, motion carried.  Clifton said as a Commission they had voted to take the donation of the property and with a great deal of help from Rob Herrington he had been in talk with 5 entities for that building.  Clifton said items couldn’t be disclosed but he expected some good things to talk about in the future.  He said this includes a monetary donation as well.  Clifton said we would have an emergency room here, and said in a perfect world we would also have a hospital, but said at the very least we would have an ER.  Clifton said the original monetary donation was $1 million, then it was $450,000 8 months ago and now it is $600,000.  Clifton said he would ask that all taxing authorities get involved in what they can make happen.  Rob said this would be a great asset for the County to have and said projects at this time are not for public knowledge, but said he believed there would be a user for the building by the end of the year.  Rob said as soon as the hospital signs over ownership the County would take over the maintenance there.  Rob said those who have leases there now will continue until the end of the lease.  Clifton said the building is collecting rent and said he didn’t think the County should be landlords and said there were a few restrictions regarding selling the building.

 

At 12:11, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

June 22, 2021, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Republicans Meet: New County Attorney Selected Next Week

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Chairman Mark McCoy speaks to the Bourbon County Republicans on June 24, at the Empress Event Center.

The Bourbon County Republicans met June 24 for their regularly scheduled meeting, but a meeting to select the new county attorney, was set up for next week.

Jacquie Spradling, who resigned recently as the county attorney, will be replaced on July 1, said Chairman Mark McCoy.

“We will be selecting a new county attorney on July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Empress (Event Center, 7 N. Main),” McCoy said. “We went over the rules for the upcoming meeting. There were a number of questions asked. I explained how we would operate.”

At the next meeting, there will be a time of public comment, he said. “Each person can have up to three minutes to speak for or against one of the candidates.”

After the public has an opportunity to speak, then the meeting will be a closed meeting for the party executive board and the committee people.

The candidates will have ten minutes to speak and the Bourbon County elected officials will also have time to speak for or against a candidate.

The only people involved in the decision of picking the candidate will be committeemen and women and party chairs, McCoy said.

Three candidates have applied so far, he said.

Jeffrey Williams, Baxter Springs; Steven Ellis, Spring Hill; and Tiana McElroy, Coffeyville are the three so far, with applications still being accepted until June 28, McCoy said.

Richard Hilderbrand, Kansas State Senator for the 13th District, gives a legislative update to the Bourbon County Republicans on June 24. Submitted photo by Vickie Shead.