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All posts by Submitted Story
The Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission This Evening
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
- Public Comments
- Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 2022 Audit Letter
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Efforts Toward Civic Engagement: Kansas Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19
September 19 proclaimed Kansas Voter Registration Day, joining a national effort toward civic engagement
TOPEKA –
–Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring September 19, 2023, Kansas Voter Registration Day. This aligns with the National Voter Registration Day events taking place across the United States. The goal is to reach Kansans who either haven’t yet registered to vote, or simply need to update their registration due to things like a move or name change, by engaging communities through this statewide, single-day event.
On September 19, the State Library, along with libraries and community organizations across the state, will host events encouraging voter registration. Leah Grote, a reference librarian at the State Library, attended a Federal Depository Library Program training on voter engagement and learned about NVRD initiatives from other state libraries. “I thought Kansas should have an initiative like that too,” Grote said. “I’ve worked to create a webpage with information and resources Kansans need to register to vote and host their own registration drives. Our hope is that this initiative will inspire people across the state to make sure they are registered and to help others register to vote.”
Nationally, the holiday has helped more than 5 million Americans register to vote through the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, libraries, election officials, and citizens just like you. Kansas Voter Registration Day is about building community while building democracy–together. Kansans are welcome to visit the State Library on Kansas Voter Registration Day to register or check their registration and pick up NVRD stickers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese (while they last).
Resources for individuals and community organizations, and the full text of the Governor’s proclamation, can be found at kslib.info/1523/National-
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 18
Muscles for the Mountains by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
I readily admit that I don’t have cheerleader qualities — it takes a lot of strong muscles to stack people on top of each other and not collapse. I’m also mesmerized at the ability of individuals who can to do the same thing at the same time with a bunch of other people. My daughter played saxophone in the Pitt State marching band and, as an onlooker, I was astonished. If I’d been in the band, I would have spent most of my time on the ground being trampled because I would have been out of sync with everybody else.
I’ve celebrated a number of birthdays and often say, “I ain’t 22 anymore.” Recently, my two kids and I had a frank conversation about aging muscles. Shortly afterwards, I joined the fitness center in order to stand firm and fight against the course of nature. Everything was fine until the day my trainer, Mr. Flex, had me do 30 minutes of squats with hand weights. Apparently, I hadn’t used those particular muscles since grade school. I was impressed that I could even walk to my vehicle on rubbery gelatin legs like that. Lying down in the parking lot and getting run over almost seemed like a realistic option.
The choices we make today impact the quality of our lives spiritually and physically. Our spiritual health can be compared to our physical health because we’re equipped with both types of muscles. But we have to work at staying strong — it doesn’t just happen automatically. We have to make the choice to do preventive maintenance and upgrading on purpose. The road of life is often uphill and we need to be strong in order to make it to the top. But, there’s help for the climb. “The joy that the Lord gives will make you strong” (Nehemiah 8:10 GNT). You might say that God has a storehouse of muscle rub.
Coasting down a hill works just fine until a mountain of crisis appears on the horizon. When you need power to climb, but discover there isn’t any reserve, you can find yourself in a world of hurt. God’s Word has a lot to say about the importance of our strength. We must take the initiative to encourage ourselves in the Lord, just like King David did. “But I know that God helps me. The Lord is the one who keeps me going” (Psalm 54:4 NIRV). God will keep His children strong, but we have some important instructions to follow if we want to flex those spiritual muscles.
Jesus strongly cautions us about what will happen if we foolishly think we can coast through life with no preparation for storms. “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT).
I chose not to lay down in the parking lot, and believers can choose not to lay down spiritually. Paul wrote to the believers in the Church at Ephesus: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT).
The Key: Keep your spiritual muscles strong so you won‘t collapse under pressure.
Sept. 7 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission
September 7, 2023 Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present for a special meeting to hold a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing and a budget hearing.
Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Anne Dare were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Jim made a motion to open the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, explained the changes to the RNR stating the revenue neutral rate is 56.586 mills and the proposed budget would exceed that at 59.907 mills.
Jim opened the floor for comments for any citizen that would like to speak. Michael Hoyt stated that RNR is smoke and mirrors and that it sounds good but is not. Clint Walker said it is admirable that you are trying to keep taxes lower.
Jim made a motion to close the RNR hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton read resolution 15-23 a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 15-23 and exceed the revenue neutral rate. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. All three Commiossioners filled out the roll call form and indicated how they voted as well as signed resolution 15-23.
Clifton stated he felt that the RNR process is absurd and ridiculous. Jim agreed and said it felt like a dog and pony show.
Jim made a motion to open the budget hearing. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, discussed the proposed 2024 budget. Susan put together a chart that showed the funding we receive as a county entity with 60% of that being from property taxes.
Jim opened the floor to comments for the budget hearing for any citizen that would like to speak.
Michael Hoyt spoke of the money that we disperse to other entities and stated we need to hear from them more often and asked if they know what our expectations of them are. Clint Walker said everywhere he has been departments come in and gave reports and updates on measurable things. Mr. Walker also stated that an entity refuses to go to bulk fuel when you can save 45-85 cents per gallon that adds up to a lot of money. Nelson stated he disagrees with appropriations on a principal level and he would defund a lot of things but the state mandates we have to fund them. Clifton said the majority of our budget is road and bridge and the Sheriff’s department and the appropriations are minimal and that to make a difference you would have to cut everybody 15-20% across the board. Clifton said that it had been previously looked into and to have our own health department would cost us $200,000-$300,000 per year and we currently pay $90,000 to the SEK Multi-County Health Department. Jim said he agrees with Clifton and that the appropriations only equal approximately ¾ of a mill. Jim stated he is from a school where sometimes people need help and he will help people as long as he sits here. Jim reiterated that the PILOT funds were used for Bourbon County REDI not taxpayer dollars. Clifton suggested showing Nelson the presentation Susan created before he was Commissioner that shows this Commission has done their job and lowered taxes.
Jim made a motion to close the budget hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to pass the 2024 budget as presented. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
All three Commissioners signed the 2024 budget certificate.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
9-11-2023 Approved Date
August 28 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission
August 28, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $336,998.21, and approval of accounts payable totaling $401,487.67. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker stated that Kansas is receiving $451,000,000 to allow for better cell phone service and computer service and he hopes Bourbon County receives their fair share of it.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the chip and seal project which Eric said is currently on hold due to the chip spreader breaking down last Friday. Eric stated they are taking the machine to G.W. Van Keppel for repairs. A blast is scheduled for Thursday at Thomas Quarry and the crusher is being moved there from the Beth Quarry. Eric said the crew is out patching potholes, mowing right of ways, and getting rock on the roads. Nelson said he received a call from Brent Smith and spoke to Eric about the status of a project on 115th Street. Eric stated he would check into this as he thought the tubes had been installed. Jim asked Eric if his budget was doing ok and receiving reports, and Eric said he has been crunching numbers with Susan.
Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, stated he was here on behalf of Legacy Health Leadership Team to update the Commission on emergency services in Bourbon County. Mr. Harrington said Legacy Health is moving forward with a strategic partner to solidify emergency room services in Bourbon County. More information on a timeline and the partners will be announced in the next few weeks. Jim asked Rob to share with Legacy that he appreciates Legacy providing us an ER. Rob asked for a 3-minute executive session to update Commissioners on another project.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to go into a session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 3-minutes returning at 5:41. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim said he likes we are getting some roads done. Jim stated there will not be a Commission meeting on Monday due to Labor Day, but a meeting will be held after the budget hearing on September 7th. Jim said the City of Fort Scott is meeting tonight to discuss the water situation and make a declaration since Bourbon County is in the emergency drought area declared by the state. Jim explained the Governor’s emergency drought declaration and how the state is allowing individuals permits to obtain water from state fishing lakes, however; Bourbon County does not have a state fishing lake. Jim said the city owns all the water, and they are taking notice and taking action.
Nelson said he has heard talk of mask mandates coming back and that he remembers when we had someone at the door checking temperatures and handing out masks and stated he will not have anything to do with that. Jim said if we have to go in that direction, Nelson would be allowed to vote. Jim said before he would entertain considering a vote, he would want to hear more from Clifton who is our health representative, Becky Johnson from SEK-Multi County Health Department, and have several health officials to talk to us and give us guidance. Anne Dare said we have learned a lot and that needs to be taken into consideration and that the monthly meeting of the SEK-Multi County Health Department will be held tomorrow in Garnett but she is unsure if that topic will be discussed. Jim said it is something we will have to watching going forward and see what happens.
Clint Walker questioned if the Commissioners have heard anything from the state about West Nile Virus that has been detected in surrounding counties. Jim stated he has not heard anything regarding West Nile Virus in the area.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
9/11/2023 Approved Date
Work Session Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept.18
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 4:00 p.m.
A work session will be held to discuss health insurance benefits with Don Doherty.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 18
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
- Public Comments
- Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 2022 Audit Letter
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
KS Birth Certificate Must Reflect Scientific Fact
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KS Governor Participates in Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference
Governor Kelly Travels to Japan, South Korea
to Create More Jobs for Kansans
TOPEKA – This week, Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Japan and South Korea to participate in the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA/JMWA) Conference. While there, she met with business leaders to continue building on Kansas’ historic economic development success and create new job opportunities for Kansas workers.
“The relationships we’ve established with Japanese and Korean companies like Panasonic, Marubeni, and CJ CheilJedang have been instrumental in the $17.4 billion in private investments made into the state since I took office,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening those relationships and building new ones, we continue spurring economic development success and delivering on our mission to make Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”
While in Japan, Governor Kelly delivered keynote remarks at the MWJA/JMWA conference and, alongside a bipartisan group of Midwest governors, met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel to discuss economic development opportunities.
“Governor Kelly’s commitment to strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership needed for trilateral cooperation. These partnerships aren’t just about business; they’re about building a brighter future for Kansans,” Ambassador Rahm Emanuel said. “When I see a state like Kansas making such significant strides in global economic partnerships, it showcases the importance of collaboration, vision, and innovation.”
In Kyoto, Governor Kelly met with Panasonic Energy leadership. In July 2022, Governor Kelly announced Panasonic would be building one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plants in the United States in De Soto. The $4 billion investment is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. Learn more about Panasonic’s historic investment here.
In Tokyo, Governor Kelly toured the Marubeni Corporation headquarters. Marubeni acquired Arkansas City’s Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC in 2017. Since then, the company has invested $35 million in facility improvements, including a refrigerated distribution center and 20,000 square-foot child care facility that is now under construction. In 2020, Creekstone Farms was awarded the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Governor Kelly toured the plant in June 2021. Learn more about Creekstone Farms and Marubeni here.
Governor Kelly ended her trip in South Korea, where she visited CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ) headquarters. CJCJ became the parent company of Schwan’s in 2019 and constructed the world’s largest frozen pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, creating 225 new jobs. Its $600 million investment resulted in a new manufacturing plant that opened in May 2023 and a food distribution center that is expected to be completed in early 2025. Learn more about CJCJ’s investment in Schwan’s here.
Death Notice of William “Robin” Reeves, Jr
William Robert “Robin” Reeves, Jr., age 86, resident of Stockton, MO, died Thursday, September 14, 2023, in Stockton. Services for Robin Reeves will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.