All posts by Michelle Workman

Train whistles to cease soon at Quiet Zone

The first stage of a project begun months ago now nears its completion as the quiet zone construction project in Fort Scott wraps up at the intersection of Wall Street with the railroad tracks.

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Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said Wednesday that the city had submitted a letter stating the project was complete to Burlington Northern Railway and was nearing the end of the waiting period for approval. If that approval is granted, trains could stop blowing their whistles within a quarter mile to the north and south of that intersection at almost any time.

Martin said businesses located on that side of town have looked forward to this quiet zone for some time. In the future, such zones could also be installed at other major intersections.

“A long time coming,” Martin described the project, saying it had been in the city’s plans for years.

The project included putting in curbing and sidewalks at the intersection and adding a median. The road located at the northwest corner of the intersection was also paved while another road was relocated.

Trains may still blow their whistle if they stop to take on or let off workers.

Martin also said with the warmer weather, work on the National Avenue project has picked up as more equipment is regularly seen in the area where the road is closed for construction.

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“That project, everybody forgot, was scheduled to be a year-long project because they are replacing everything,” Martin said, installing large pipes and also improving curbing and drainage.

Martin said the crews have run into a lot of rock but they still plan to be completely done by August.

Fort Scott hosts Little Britches Rodeo

A number of families came to Fort Scott Saturday and Sunday for a round of the Southeast Kansas Little Britches Rodeo, with 85 young contestants vying for points to help them move closer to the national finals in Oklahoma later this year.

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Both local and out of state participants between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age competed in three age groups—little wranglers and junior and senior boys and girls—in a total of 27 events such as bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, flag racing, team roping, goat tying and others.

Though overcast with some showers, the weather stayed clear enough for the event to be held outside at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds both days.

The mission statement of the SEKLBR states its intent is to “provide a safe, fair and rewarding rodeo opportunity for the youth in the SE Kansas region.”

Sheriff completes training in Colorado

Submitted by Sheriff Bill Martin, March 8

Sheriff William K. Martin of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office completed participation in the 109th session of the national Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) held in Aurora, Col., Feb. 22-26. The NSI is the only national executive development program designed for sheriffs. This no-cost program is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA).

Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo

Sheriff Martin joined 20 other sheriffs from across the country for training on contemporary challenges facing America’s sheriffs today. In light of those challenges, the sheriffs explored the role of the local sheriff in providing effective leadership for the public good in such areas as public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency.

Hilary Burgess, NSA Manager of Training, said, “Sheriff Martin is a leader with vision for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor to have Sheriff Martin join the more than 2,700 graduates of the NSI since 1973.”

The NIC is a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons. It is the primary federal source of technical assistance, training and information services for state and local corrections. NIC provides a wide variety of services to the nation’s jails, most of which are the responsibility of sheriffs.

The NSA is a non-profit professional association located in Alexandria, Va. NSA represents the nearly 3,100 elected sheriffs across the nation and has more than 20,000 members, including law enforcement professionals, state and federal government employees, concerned citizens, students and others. Since 1940, NSA has served as an information clearinghouse for law enforcement professionals. NSA also provides management training for sheriffs and their personnel in court security, crime victim services, domestic violence, homeland security initiatives, jail operations and traffic safety. Additionally, NSA administers the highly successful National Neighborhood Watch and Triad programs.

Memory Care facility opens for residents with ribbon-cutting

The Chamber of Commerce and city of Fort Scott welcomed the Country Place Memory Care facility at an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday evening as construction and inspections completed during the prior week, making it ready for residents.

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Visitors to the new building on Horton Street could tour the facility, which includes 12 suites, three key-padded entrances, a kitchen where they prepare their own meals, living and activity areas as well as a fenced-in area where residents can enjoy being outside.

“I love what Country Place is,” director Darcy Sinn said, saying it provides a high and customized level of care to residents with dementia or other memory problems.

The home currently has four staff along with the director, though that number could grow as more residents move in. The facility can also provide day services for families that need a relative to be taken care of for just a day.

“We’re incredibly excited to be here and see this project come to fruition,” Director of Economic Development Heather Smith said, saying this was one of the first projects she began working on when she took her position three years ago.

Chamber Director Lindsay Madison pointed out that many people were involved in the project, as it moved from considering Fort Scott to finding a location and beginning construction.

“Things like this don’t happen overnight,” City Manager Dave Martin said, adding he is proud to work with the city and the chamber in partnering with local and new businesses such as Country Place.

The location in Fort Scott is the 12th Country Place location in Kansas. With its completion, work will begin on the Country Place Senior Living facility to be located next-door, which will have 26 units.

Fine Arts Exhibit kicks off for 24th year

The Bourbon County Arts Council’s 24th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit began Wednesday evening with a reception and continued Thursday morning during the weekly Chamber Coffee at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at the Fort Scott Community College.

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“Overall, we think this is one of the finest exhibits that we’ve had with the number of artists participating, and we just hope that it continues to grow,” Danny Magee of the arts council said.

Those attending the Chamber Coffee got an early glimpse of more than 100 pieces of art on display from 47 artists—including 14 local artists and participants from other state such as Missouri, Vermont and Rhode Island. The exhibit will be open to the remainder of the community to view or purchase Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m.

“There’s a tremendous variety of art,” Magee said, listing different mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics and mixed media.

Prizes for the first place pieces in each category were provided by individuals and corporate sponsors including Landmark Bank, McDonald’s Restaurant, H & R Block, Ward Kraft, City State Bank, Union State Bank, H & H Realty and Fort Scott Broadcasting.

Coinciding with the event, pianist Sonny Leyland of England will also be at the venue Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m., for a free concert featuring his specialties of ragtime, boogie woogie and blues music.

Magee also mentioned the council is accepting applications and renewal forms for those interested in being members, saying the council remains active in the community.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to support Bourbon County,” Magee said.

Deb Anderson of the arts council pointed out that there are only six such arts organizations in the state of Kansas.

“We are so fortunate to have such community support,” Anderson said, saying the artists have been very appreciative.

Other announcements during the Chamber Coffee event included:

  • Fort Scott Community College will host the opening night of their play “The Odd Couple” Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., with showings at the same time Friday and Saturday.
  • A ribbon-cutting event will be held at the Country Place Living Memory Care facility Thursday evening at 5:45 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available.
  • Bids & Dibs will hold a drawing March 17, for a Coach purse and Chicago Cutlery set. Tickets for $1 each will be available for the next week with the money raised going towards the new trolley.
  • Fort Scott Kiwanis will host an Easter egg hunt at shelter #2 of Gunn Park on March 19, at 11 a.m.
  • Tickets remain for the Branford Marsalis concert hosted at the Fort Scott Community College April 7.

Commission discusses extra jail footage, budget

Law Enforcement Center

After a recent, public meeting raised questions concerning the law enforcement center project and the reason for added square footage, the commission met with representatives from the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Director Will Wallis Tuesday to clarify the issue.

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During the meeting last Thursday, architect Larry Goldberg said the reason for the added 2,000 square feet to the design was to make room for the Emergency Operations Center to be located onsite. County commissioners said they had not been informed of that detail.

Wallis explained Tuesday that the area is not the county’s EOC, which is located in the basement of the courthouse, but is an alternate location that could be used as a headquarters during an emergency or disaster. It will, however, serve as the Continuity of Operations (COOP) location, a national effort that ensures that individual departments and agencies continue to perform their services in any emergency.

Wallis and Sheriff Bill Martin both emphasized that this multi-purpose area—which will also be used for training and administrative purposes—has been in the jail plan since it was initiated, so does not account for the addition to the design.

Though Wallis said he hopes the area would never have to be used as an EOC, he said it is important to plan ahead and have an area large enough with sufficient resources for communication.

Martin said in the meantime it would still be put to use such as for in-service training that is required annually, allowing deputies to complete the training locally instead of travelling.

But while Wallis said they would like to stick to their original plan of including the multi-purpose area, he said if the budget does not allow it than, “so be it.”

Commission chairman Barbara Albright said she wanted to make sure voters know they are getting what they voted for in the project.

“We’re trying to be as open and transparent as possible on the project,” Albright said.

Budget

The commissioners also wrapped up the 2015 budget with Certified Public Accountant Terry Sercer, who explained their funds will likely be tight entering the new fiscal year, with little left over for reserves.

However, Sercer said most of the county departments came in below budget for the 2015 fiscal year, leaving enough for the carryover the commission had already budgeted for in 2016, allowing them to not start the year off in the negative.

Sercer said the audit on the county will be complete by late April or early May, and encouraged the commissioners to begin looking at the next annual budget right away so they can plan ahead for any expected expenditures.

The commissioners said they do face an upcoming expense in fiscal year 2017 because of a new law requiring the county provide security. With the budget so tight, the county could face a decision to raise taxes or adjust the cost of living.

County treasurer Rhonda Dunn also requested that reserves be put in place for the appraiser’s and election funds in preparation for upcoming expenses to purchase new equipment and a vehicle.

Bourbon County has good turnout for caucuses

Both the Democratic and Republican caucuses held Saturday had good turnouts from Bourbon County as residents participated in choosing their preferred presidential candidates for the general election in November.

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Registered Democratic voters of Bourbon County were divided between different locations according to which state senate district they lived in. District 13, the southern portion of Bourbon County, caucused in Cherokee and had a total of 684 voters, with 456 voting for candidate Bernie Sanders while the remaining 228 voted for Hillary Clinton.

Those local results coincided with the rest of the state, with Sanders winning with almost 68 percent of the votes, receiving 23 delegates.

The Republican voters also turned out Saturday to vote in conjunction with Linn County at the Linn County fairgrounds.

Rhonda Dunn, vice chairman of the Bourbon County Republicans said the two counties combined turned in about 350 ballots during the 2012 caucus, but this year Bourbon County alone had 351 votes while the location had a total of 846 ballots cast. Because of the large turnout, the location ran out of ballots and had to use index cards instead.

Ted Cruz received the majority of Bourbon County votes at 187, and would go on to win the state with 48 percent. Donald Trump received 87 votes, Marco Rubio 43 and candidate John Kasich 33 votes.

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Fort Scott prepares for Arts and Ideas Festival

In just over a month, Fort Scott will provide a new opportunity to members of and visitors to the community as they host the inaugural 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas event, April 8 and 9.

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Local pastor Jared Witt helped initiate the planning for the event after being inspired by similar opportunities his family saw available to the public when they went on vacation to New York last year.

“I’ve been thinking about community development for a long time,” Witt said during the March Young Professionals League meeting held Friday at Papa Don’s, promoting the event and encouraging young professionals to be involved.

Witt said he believes many Fort Scott residents either wish their city were a little bigger or that the community was a little more interesting. While that first thought is a negative one and not beneficial, Witt said he thinks people can help better the community by focusing on the latter idea.

With that goal in mind, Witt began working with Fort Scott Director of Economic Development Heather Smith to bring a festival combining both the arts and entrepreneurship to the community.

“It’s much bigger than what I thought it would be,” Witt said, saying a federal grant of $7,000 and matching grants from local groups such as the arts council, city of Fort Scott and the local community foundation has allowed it to include more than they originally had hoped.

Witt said they combined the arts and innovative entrepreneurship because both require a level of creativity and can inspire each other. Smith added the combination encourages people to think differently in both category to better their hobby or business.

“I think there’s a lot they have in common,” Witt said.

The Friday night of the event will focus on the innovative side of the weekend, including an entrepreneur panel of successful business people as well as artists available to answer questions, to be followed by a roundtable discussion focusing on business planning, sources of capital, marketing strategies and the legal structures of having a business. The first evening will end with a reception and opportunity for networking.

Saturday’s creative events will include sessions on book publishing and literature, culinary arts, watercolor, poetry, photography and fashion, pottery and a luncheon featuring Marc Willson discussing Art as a Business. The festival finale will include treats and an art sale and time to mingle with artists.

Friday’s event will cost goers $10 while access to Saturday’s events cost $10 per person but with added fees for those participating in hands-on events such as pottery, watercolor and the cooking demonstration.

“We hope that this becomes an annual event,” Smith said.

Architect answers questions concerning jail project

During a special meeting called by the Bourbon County Commission Thursday morning, architect Larry Goldberg fielded questions concerning the jail project and eased concerns about surpassing the budgeted amount of $6.85 million.

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“There have been questions surfacing around our community,” commission chairperson Barbara Albright said, assuring county residents they need not worry about having to pay more for the project. “Our intent is for the jail to be completed at the amount we voted on.”

Goldberg, president of Goldberg Group Architects, explained that initially they are the bearers of bad news when it comes to projects such as the Law Enforcement Center of Bourbon County. Early in the design process, Goldberg said their estimates are very conservative. But as designs are finalized and bids are accepted, those estimates come down.

“I have a duty to tell you all the bad news,” Goldberg said. “When you start a project, you’re always looking at your highest, most conservative estimate.”

Currently, that estimate is more than $600,000 over the budgeted amount approved by voters. But Goldberg assured those at the meeting that if the project is still over budget when the plans and contractors are finalized, then they will modify the plans to ensure that the project remains within budget.

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Some of the reasons it has come in above budget so far is due to a shortage of skilled labor available because of other large projects occurring in the Midwest, leading to fewer and higher bids, and a rise in the cost of steel from $2,100 per ton to about $3,500 a ton.

Goldberg said they have seen that price level out some and they hope the other projects will near completion before the local jail project begins, helping bring down the cost further.

The price also went up when the architects added 2,000 square feet so the jail would not just house the Sheriff’s department, but provide space for an emergency operations center that could serve as a secure control center for the community in a time of disaster or emergency. The area would also be used as an added squad room and training area.

The commissioners said they had not been aware that was the reason for the added square feet and said they would revisit the plan to make sure they believe it is necessary.

Other questions answered included why the sheriff’s office had to be moved into the new facility at all. Goldberg explained that is required by law in smaller jurisdictions. He also explained to questioners that his own company’s payments are included in the $6.85 million budget and will not go beyond that.

The high price to purchase the property was also discussed, with Goldberg saying they had estimated $150,000 for the purchase of land but it ended up costing $200,000. But with deals for other areas of land falling through, few options had remained to the commissioners as the project was delayed.

The county will be responsible for removing existing structures from the property, but the commissioners also pointed out that some utilities are already available on the property because it had been a commercial area. Just this past week the results of an environmental test also came back clean, continuing to clear the path to construction.

Another issue raised concerned whether the Sheriff’s Department would have to hire further personnel to cover the transport of prisoners, but members of the department said the project was planned with the current number of personnel in mind and said they should not have to hire any others.

With designs likely taking another couple months to be finalized and bids having to be accepted, construction is scheduled to begin in July if all goes well, with the project being completed approximately 13 months later.

Greyhounds winning streak ends as team falls to Cowley

After a 10-0 start to the 2016 baseball season, the Fort Scott Community College Greyhounds were handed their first losses of the season in a double header Thursday in their first conference games of the year.

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In their first game of the day, the Greyhounds were shut out, 2-0, by the Cowley County Community College Tigers in what became a pitchers’ duel as the starting pitchers combined for a total of 21 strikeouts.

Carson LaRue, now 4-0 for the season, pitched the entire game for the Tigers, allowing just one walk and four hits while striking out 12.

Ryan McCollough struck out nine for the Greyhounds, but could not escape the sixth inning, giving up two runs, one earned, on seven hits. The ‘Hounds greatest offensive threat came in the fourth inning with singles from Jacob Biller and Andrew Tanous, but a double play ended that threat. Two players were also left on base in the final inning.

The ‘Hounds’ offense revived for the second game of the day, but three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning was still not enough as they lost 10-9.

Greyhounds’ starting pitcher Justin O’Laughlin was chased from the game in the fifth inning after giving up nine runs, seven earned, on nine hits, including two home runs.

Down 9-0, the Greyhounds tried to overcome the deficit, scoring three runs in each of the fifth, sixth and ninth innings, with home runs from Jacob Biller, Jedd Andrade, Nick Banman and Malik Sams. But despite the solid, nearly five innings of relief pitching from Conner Leach and Boby Johnson and the sudden offense, the effort ended up falling short.

The ‘Hounds will have another chance to defeat Cowley in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon.

County leaders give update to Chamber members, events announced

During the first Chamber Coffee of the month of March, Bourbon County leaders gave an update to Chamber of Commerce members of current projects and services provided and other changes happening at the courthouse.

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“We are very proud of the services and the people that are resources in this county,” county commission chairperson Barbara Albright said Thursday, taking time to introduce each of the county’s department leaders. “They’re here to serve you.”

Information provided included items such as a move by the register of deeds to a new office, real estate appraisal notices being sent with the deadline approaching, emergency exercises to be conducted in upcoming months, newly appointed department leaders as well as changes in appearance to bring the courthouse back to its original look.

The county leaders also reminded members of the community of services they offer such as offering election information, providing hunting, fishing and boating licenses and taking care of the approximately 1,000 miles of road in the county. Representatives from the different departments said anyone with questions or concerns should reach out to them.

Sheriff Bill Martin also gave an update on the department’s new K-9 unit program, which received its first of two dogs this week. The dog will begin getting acquainted with the county and his handler during the next month while his handler also begins training.

Other chamber members were given the opportunity to announce upcoming events including:

  • The Young Professionals League will hold their monthly meeting at Papa Don’s Friday at noon, with Sheriff Bill Martin and USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham being on hand to provide information and answer questions about their areas of service in the community.
  • Fort Scott Community College will hold their 35th annual spring rodeo Friday through Sunday.
  • Mercy Hospital will hold a Save a Life event Saturday, providing mammograms between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. Those interested should contact the hospital to schedule a time.
  • Registered voters can cast their ballots Saturday, March 5, for a presidential candidate. Information on where to go can be found at the County Clerk’s office.
  • The Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the Lift Every Voice: The Black Experience in the Heartland play Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
  • Country Place Living Senior Center will hold their ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, March 10, with festivities beginning at 5:15 p.m.
  • On March 13, during their Sunday service, the First United Methodist Church will celebrate 150 years of existence. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
  • During the month of March, participants can register for the Kansas State Extension Office’s Walk Across Kansas health initiative, a state-wide program that involves teams of six people in challenges to walk far enough in their own community during the months of April and May to cross the state of Kansas.
  • Later this month, local churches will come together for a Good Friday service at Life Point Assembly of God while an Easter sunrise service will be held at the downtown gazebo on Main Street. Anyone is welcome to attend.
  • The Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Chamber Banquet on March 31. Members of the chamber are encouraged to begin nominating businesses and individuals for awards such as for a new business, business person and best community spirit awards.
  • The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is holding a fundraiser for the new Unsung Hero Park, allowing participants to purchase bricks for $100 each to be engraved and placed at the park. Those interested in sponsoring a brick can contact the center for request forms.

City Commissioner to resign from position as family moves

During the Fort Scott City Commission meeting Tuesday evening, commissioner Lucas Cosens announced that he will resign from his position by the end of the month as his family prepares to move to Cleveland, where he will continue his education in medical school.

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“It’s been an honor to serve all of you,” Cosens said when announcing that his final day would be March 22nd, with his last meeting being later this month.

For about three and a half years, Cosens has served the city of Fort Scott as a city commissioner, and fulfilled a dream of government involvement that began while he was in college and developed when he served as an intern in the State House in Topeka.

“I’m interested in helping people,” Cosens said in an interview with FortScott.biz after the meeting, saying that desire inspired his medical career and his position on the city commission of his hometown. “To fulfill a lifelong dream at a young age has been an honor.”

Cosens, a local chiropractor, said he has always had a desire to pursue traditional medicine and will pursue that goal by attending medical school at Kent State University, but said he hopes to one day again have the opportunity to serve a community as a commissioner or another role.

“We’re sorry to see you go but we’re excited for your future,” Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer said.

The commission approved the appointment of retired Dr. Randy Nichols to the commission upon Cosens departure. City Manager Dave Martin said Nichols had been approached and expressed his interest in the position as well as his understanding of it.

Other business of the meeting included naming the second lake of Gunn Park after the Gunn family, naming it Gunn Lake. The commission also approved giving $2,000 to help fund trees to be planted in the city.

Police Chief Travis Shelton also gave a report on the city’s municipal pound, reminding city residents to register their dogs so they can be returned easily if lost. Shelton also put to rest rumors that the pound has a high kill rate, saying the rate is low and the option is used only as a last resort. The pound—different from a shelter because it will not accept cats—will also go through some renovations to improve its appearance and efficiency.