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Obituary

Obituary of Gordon Phillips

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Gordon Leon Phillips, age 67, recently of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Gordon was born August 28, 1957, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Thomas E Phillips and Josephine Marie(nee McDaniel) Phillips.

Gordon worked as a mechanic for various businesses throughout his career.

He was a graduate of the Fort Scott Senior High, class of 1975.
He had a passion for music and played several types of guitars. He also had a passion for gardening and cooking, often sharing his garden harvests and food creations with his neighbors and friends.

Gordon is survived by his eldest daughter, Heather Phillips, a son Robert Phillips, a daughter Nicole Phillips Sweat, a son Adam Phillips, grandchildren are Shyanne, Skylar, Shane, Shelby, Cody, Mindy, Kaden, Jase, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Gabriel, Raelynn, and twins Brantley and Lilyana.

He is also survived by several cousins, friends, and his dog Chico.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his father, a brother Thomas Phillips Jr., half-brothers James and Robert Hughes, and a half-sister Nancy Hughes Wells.

He was a baptized Christian.

There are no services planned. His final resting place will be chosen at a later date.

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission on Feb. 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of February 4, 2025                                   Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM (0:09). Roll call was taken. Commissioners Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Lisa Dillon/Housing & Community Development Coordinator, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Collections Supervisor, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Steve Mason, Michael Hoyt, and Josh Jones.

 

  1. Farmer/City Attorney was absent.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda  (1:28)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Agenda as presented with the amendment of Item F/New Business worded 2024 Annual Report from the Land Bank.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda  (2:08)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1377-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 16, 2025 – January 29, 2025 – $548,345.32
  2. Approval of Minutes: January 21, 2025    
  3. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker – Payment No. 7 – $97,296.07
  4. Request to Pay – Invoice #17735 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. Project No. 24-414 – Horton & 6th Street Improvements – Payroll – $21,013.62

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Public Comments

Josh Jones (3:59) –  addressed the Commission regarding contractor’s licenses specifically redundancy of existing regulations, potential administrative overload, limited effectiveness in ensuring quality of work and possible unintended consequences for contractors and new businesses.

Appearances (6:44) – None

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration  of Change Order for Davis Lift Station (6:50) FLATER presented a request to approve the change order (original appearance for project November 12, 2024) for JCI to rebuild pumps and motors which will cost $22,444.00. Discussion was had on the necessity of modifications to existing specifications and about the lifespan of rebuilt equipment compared to new.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the change order according to the new findings for $22,444.00. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Status of 118 E. Wall (14:16) – MATKIN gave a status update stating that FARMER’S office sent legal communication to the barber shop owner on 1/28/2025 regarding a release of liability (Montanez and Family assume all liability) and that the insurance company requires the “Red Tag” to be removed for the owner to obtain insurance. There is currently no insurance on the building. MATKIN reached out to the owner but has not been able to contact him.

 

Discussion was had about the conditions previously agreed upon for reopening the building.

 

Discussion was had about the adjoining building.

 

Discussion was had about an alternative course of action with the City going for quotes to repair it to structural engineer’s report. WELLS stated that the City has the right to do the repairs (when the owner refuses) to keep the structure from falling. WELLS’ intention is to move forward and pursue legal recourse with the options that have been presented by the City Attorney.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN was directed to get (3) bids to repair the items necessary and will contact the insurance agent that contacted him regarding the building.

 

Status of 323 W. Wall (26:18) – WELLS met with the Land Bank, and they are excited about the opportunity to take this property along with others into the Land Bank before demolition is done. According to the Land Bank manager, the preferable way is to reach out to owners to see if they are willing to donate the property to the Land Bank before the City does the demolition. It could streamline the process of making it a viable property for contractors to come in and fix the properties instead of them being demolished.

 

WELLS stated he has not been able to contact the owner. The Land Bank Manager is reaching out as well.

 

Discussion was had on extending the timeline and tax grant rebate incentive.

 

KRUGER stated that the owner wishes to keep the property and is aware of the back taxes owed. The owner’s daughter has told him that they lack funds to save or demolish the home, but the owner will not agree to sell it. He also stated that this property has been on the radar (of the Codes Department and City Commission) for an extremely long time.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (31:21.

 

Further discussion was had on the extended timeline for the unsafe building.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to press forward with the demolition of 323 W. Wall. DANCER seconded. DANCER and VAN HOECKE voted yes. SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (33:45.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to table 323 W. Wall until the first meeting in March (March 4, 2025). WELLS seconded.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will get permission from MATKIN to join KRUGER on a visit the owner of 323 W. Wall.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Discussion on the use of storage container boxes (35:20) WELLS stated this topic was introduced last year because of community interest in using containers for residential and commercial purposes. It remains an issue regarding using the boxes as storage on properties and the trending interest in using them to build modern homes.

 

Discussion was had about how other communities manage the issue, use in the historic district, and what our current Zoning Regulation states and how it would need to be rewritten. KRUGER stated that as is currently written, Codes cannot address the issue; a rewrite, as presented, would be required. He stated that he has not addressed it with any citizen despite claims.

 

ACTION:  A Work Session is scheduled for February 24th, 2025, at 5:30PM.

 

New Business

Consideration  of Letter of Interest submitted by Heather Madison for Land Bank Trustee due to the expired term of Bailey Lyons – February 2025 (53:28)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Heather Madison as a Land Bank Trustee. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

A brief discussion was had about David Beerbower/County Commissioner expressing interest in being the County Representative on the Land Bank. The current ordinance will need to be revised.

 

Presentation of 2024 Land Bank Annual Report – DILLION presented the report and answered Commissioners’ questions. The ending balance for 2024 reported as $71,560.00. Budget for the Land Bank in 2025 was reported by OLIPHANT AS $113,000.00 separate from the 2024 balance.

 

Discussion was had on the amount budgeted for 2025.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (58:49).

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting at (59:28).

 

Discussion of Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) (59:30) DILLION presented an introduction of the program which is a collaborative program between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The primary goal is to encourage property owners to invest in the rehabilitation, conservation, and redevelopment of properties within designated areas by offering property tax rebates for quality improvements. They are broken down into (3) categories: residential, commercial, and historic. She explained the tax rebates, the application, and requirements.

 

Further discussion continued with the proposed changes to the program for developer incentives.

 

Consideration to begin Demolition Proceedings for 301 N. Jefferson, 501 Osbun, and 314 S. Scott – KRUGER presented an overview of conditions, owner contact history and answered questions for each of the (3) structures/properties. Codes determined these to be unsafe and dangerous and should be demolished. A Public Hearing is therefore set for March 18, 2025, with the passage of the resolutions.

 

MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 3-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 301 N. JEFFERSON. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 4-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 501 S. OSBUN. DANCER seconded.

 

VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. SCOTT. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Bids for Charles Street Lift Station (1:20:30) – DICKMAN presented the bid tabulation for the project that was opened on 1/23/2025. Three (3) bids were received and (1) bid was rejected. Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc. recommended that the bidder Cardinal Siteworks, LLC – Pittsburg, KS – be awarded the bid.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Cardinal Siteworks, LLC the project for the rebuild at the Charles Street Lift Station.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Heck & Wicker – Corrective Action for Rejection of Defective Work (EEI: 22-049 & 24-414) – DICKMAN stated that this approval was to close out the rejected work on the overlay work with the previously discussed compromise with Heck & Wicker. They have left the site for the winter but will return on March 10, 2025, to perform corrective action on the overlay consisting of the diamond grinding and a fog seal. Heck & Wicker will profile the road before beginning the diamond grinding and after and then fog seal. All corrective work is at no cost to the City. The Change Order No. 4 official document reflects “No Charge” and an additional (6) more days to the total calendar days for completion to account for weather issues.

 

(1:24:31) WELLS stated for the record that there were over (178) defects noted in the profiling that was done and few of those were more than an inch, they did a (3) inch overlay which was in violation of the specs which means in certain sections of the road, after the grinding takes place, there will be (2) inches or less of material in the overlay that will be left the grinding. Because this fall well outside the specs, because the job was not done according to specs, where it was clearly laid out how it should have been done, in (2)-(1.5) inch lifts and instead was done in (1)-(3) inch lift, we will be left with a road, in certain instances, that will be less than (2) inches thick on the overlay, I am not okay with the corrective action that has been brought forth.

 

(1:25:40)  DANCER and OLSON expressed their unhappiness which prompted further discussion.

 

(1:26:55) MATKIN requested an explanation of “tighter management” that was used during the discussion. DANCER replied and further discussion ensued over supervision of projects. DICKMAN provided an explanation of changes that will happen moving forward.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Change Order No. 4 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Heck & Wicker – Corrective Action for Rejection of Defective Work for Earles Engineering.

ACTION:  DANCER requested formal action, changing our position, and stipulating in black and white the relationship between the City and Earles Engineering.

 

DANCER seconded.

 

DANCER, VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY, and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to amend the agenda to allow for an Executive Session. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion with an entity pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:47PM. In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners and the City Manager. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.

 

WELLS was absent for the vote.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Reports and Comments    

 

CITY ENGINEER DICKMAN (1:47:52) –  No comments.

 

CITY MANAGER MATKIN (1:48:02)

– City/County Work Session

– Bettis replaced Harbour Construction to complete our Cape Seal project and will be back in May (possibly sooner) repair what has been done and complete the remainder.  

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting (1:48:18)

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY (1:50:25) – No comments.

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS (1:50:29)

– Clarification on the intent of the Business License during the Work Session of 1/28/2025

– Previous passage of Contractor’s License and Ordinance – possible Work Session,

– Bourbon County Community Theater Adult Prom event

– 1st Street Alley repair with established policy

– Thank you to the Commission for staying focused for the benefit of our citizens

 

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON (2:06:51)

– Business License intent from 1/28/2025 Work Session

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER (2:07:36)

– Apology to Commissioner Wells regarding Business License and Contractor License issues

– Thank you to City Employees, City Manager, and fellow Commissioners

– Proposed a future Work Session regarding Tourism and Retailer Event Coordination

 

COMMISSIONER/MAYOR VAN HOECKE (2:09:43)

– Business Licenses and Contractor Licenses comments

– Fence in front of Memorial Hall – MATKIN stated it was removed.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10PM (2:10:48). WELLS seconded.

 

FEBRUARY 4, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:10PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott

2024: The Beacon Year in Review

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2024 was anything but ordinary for us here at The Beacon of Bourbon County. The Beacon celebrated its 40th year of serving Bourbon County and takes pride in reflecting on all the ways it has helped the residents of this amazing community. Not only does The Beacon provides food to those in need, but we are also the hub of several Bourbon County programs such as the family swim pass program hosted by Bourbon County Coalition and the Shoe Voucher program hosted by Community Christian Church where we distributed 173 vouchers to clients for their children going into school.

The Hack Foundation and Bourbon County Coalition provide funding to The Beacon to help Bourbon County residents in financial emergencies with utilities, rent, and a few select other necessities. This year we processed an abundance of financial applications totaling $26,033.02 helping 256 adults and 213 children.

As much of the country faced the rising costs of goods as did The Beacon not only did it cost us several thousands more to buy the same staples, we always have purchased we also saw a major increase in income-eligible families. In January this year we had 254 qualified families; in those families were 344 adults and 238 children. Looking into the systems we run at the end of December we had 497 qualified families totaling 704 adults and 470 children. As you see we had a major rise in families, 243 new families to be exact. Clients are allowed to pick up their food packages twice a month. Reflecting over the whole year we served 3,816 grocery orders providing food to 5,457 adults and 3,191 children.

We continue to be the recipient of Feeding America donations from our local Wal-Mart. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we receive a variety of goods including produce, meat, bakery items, and some miscellaneous salvaged items. We allow individuals to come in and shop through these items after 10:45 am on the delivery days.

The Beacon could absolutely not function on this level without the continued support from our community. From the numerous volunteers to the continuous donations from individuals, businesses, churches, groups, and civic organizations. In fear of leaving someone out, I cannot individually name all of them. Our deepest gratitude and appreciation extend out to all who make our mission of helping others a successful one.

Lastly, we would like to thank all those who adopted families, donated funds or toys, and helped support Bikes for Tykes. This year the Fort Scott Fire Department donated all monetary donations to The Beacon to help make sure every family signed up received gifts for their children. We recently ended another successful Adopt-A-Child program. Last year we helped 77 families, this year The Beacon and our amazing community brought the joy of Christmas into 113 Bourbon County homes,  this includes 460 individuals. A big thank you to Community Christian Church for allowing us to use their building and resources to continue this mission. A big Thank You to the local Elks Lodge for distributing Holiday meal bundles to 127 families this year, this helped ensure 179 clients of The Beacon did not go without a Christmas dinner.

We look forward to another year of serving Bourbon County and its residents in their times of need. Thank you for making our mission possible!

 

David Gillen, Director

Ashley Heathman, Assistant Director

Destiny Holderfield, Food Administrator

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 10

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
February 10, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Appoint New Members (Action Item)
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes
a. 01-13-25
b. 01-20-25
5.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – January 20, 2025 – $1,682,710.56
5.5 Activity Funds Accounts
5.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.7 UMB Credit Card Agreement
5.8 Zero Reasons Why Fundraising
6.0 Student Recognition
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.1 Superintendent’s Report
7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
7.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.4 Winfield Scott Presentation
8.0 Old Business
8.1 TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)
8.2 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)
9.0 New Business
9.1 Eugene Ware Event Date Changes (Action)
10.0 Public Forum
11.0 Other Business – Time ____
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
11.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
11.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda of the Uniontown City Council on Feb. 11

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The Uniontown City Council will meet on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in City Hall

Attachments:

2025 Financials – January

0225 QB info items 0225 ADP info items

0225 Gusto info items

0225 Jayhawk info item

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Warehouse Electric bid opening –

 

402 Sherman bid opening –

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –

 

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, HiAP –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. December & January Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & February Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online

Trash complaint – 301 1st St #1

Rabies Clinic –

CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan

KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – need to do invitation for bid and start ordering other items.

 

Park electric –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Jan.14

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 14, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Hannah Geneva, Michael Ramsey, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – not in attendance

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva – Hannah stated that Bourbon County Health Department offers these health care options: physicals, family planning, WIC programs, TB testing, blood draws, and a Dr. does come one time every 3 months. She left flyers for anyone to pick-up here at City Hall.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Michael Ramsey asked if the City of Uniontown has a Noise Ordinance. We do have a Nuisance Ordinance that touches on the noise ordinance. He is wanting to have one in place if appropriate about the Hwy 3 semi-truck braking coming down the Highway 3 hill.  It was stated that where he is located at it will not be covered under the City of Uniontown. He states that he will investigate further with the State and the County. But informed this would have to be enforced by the County and the State as is a State highway.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

Treasurer Johnson stated that she did not have any financial reports as gWorks is not working. She has 4 support tickets and an email to the owner of the company.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Amber, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025- Superintendent wants to attend this conference.

 

Motion by Amber, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 that the City Superintendent may go to the KRWA conference.

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

gWorks issues – Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised. She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to software issues.  Council advised to contact the League of Kansas Municipality to see what they advise. Also contact our attorney to see if will issue a 10-day demand letter for software issue assistance, or we may contact other software vendors.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to software issues; penalty will be applied if not paid January 25th.

 

Website Hosting – Cost is going up more $2.50 more, and now is $22.24.

Allpaid – Cost is going up a minimum $3.99 fee for all debit and credit card transactions fee.

Rabies Clinic – Contact Dr. Lora Holeman to see if she will do a Rabies Clinic here on or around March 15 to 22.

SOS – Send Off Seniors asked the City of Uniontown for a donation. Clerk Esslinger advised that we have always given $100 dollars each year for the SOS.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0 to give the SOS $100 donation.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilman Kelly – City Superintendent did a good job snow plowing.

Councilwoman Pemberton – No

Councilwoman Pritchett – No

Councilman Stewart– No

Mayor Jurgensen – Mayor asked Superintendent Rich about the water alarm. Rich reported was having issues with the Scada antenna.

Mayor Jurgensen — Mayor also reminded Clerk Esslinger and Treasurer Johnson that the Clerk has not passed the 90-day probation period and to not have Clerk Esslinger sign any account payable checks yet.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse project –Mayor will get spec’s to the Clerk in order get electrical bids for this project. After that is completed, then will send out invitations to bid. State bids will be due on February 11 at noon to the City Hall.

 

SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.

 

Park electric – Mayor is checking on more information for the South East Park Electricity.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Weed Barn – Mayor request to send an invitation to accept bids for the Weed Barn and submit to The Fort Scott Tribune. State to accept bids but must be clear that it is being sold as is condition, want closing cost to be split by both parties, and any or all bids may be accepted or rejected. State all bids will be due on February 11 at noon to the City Hall.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:445 PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:43.

 

Motion by Stewart,  Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to amend the Employee Benefit Plan from the 2.0.0 to addition to the 2.2.0 and 2.3.0 to be combined together and labeled as only 2.2.0.

 

Moved by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:45PM.

 

Opinion

Perfect Timing by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”  If you’ve ever prayed for something and God appears unconcerned or absent, you’re in good company.  Well, not good company because His faith-full children know that life is all about His timing, not theirs.

In the Zoom Bible study I attend, last week we discussed God’s timing by listening to a sermon by Pastor Craig Groeschel.  He addressed three reasons why God was silent for 400 years between the writings of the Old and New Testaments.

(1).  Learning was no longer done by a teacher speaking while students remained silent; rather, the Socratic method was introduced whereby students were allowed to participate and question.

(2). Rome developed roads and travel flourished.

(3).  Alexander the Great conquered the world and Jewish people spread out.

According to Groeschel, all of that needed to happen to prepare for Jesus’ coming.  God’s timing is perfect, even though it might not seem that way if we spend weeks/months/years praying for something and are hanging onto that knotted rope.

My son, Adam, recently recovered two Haitian orphans, a seven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy, and delivered them to their adoptive, Canadian parents who met them at the airport in Miami, Florida.  His safety and theirs depended on God’s timing.

A year ago, Adam’s sex-trafficking team rescued a missionary family in Haiti and returned them to the U.S.  That family was contacted by two Canadian couples who had spent five years trying to adopt two Haitian orphans, and now that the papers were signed, it was too dangerous for the kids to get out of Port Au Prince.  Did they know anyone who could help?  The missionaries put them in contact with Adam.  This time our son went alone.

A colleague Adam had met in Ukraine knew a helicopter pilot in Haiti who could help in the rescue. When travel to the U.S. was postponed (Flights to Port Au Prince had been suspended by all airlines due to violence in the country), an acquaintance of Adam’s knew a pastor who hid them until they could leave. Had Adam not met these people (God’s timing), this could have had a very different outcome.

Adam knew that God had orchestrated this rescue, so when he was grilled for hours at the Embassy, he did not fret.  After all, here was a white, tattooed, bearded male, attempting to leave Haiti with two young black children, and even though he had all the legal paperwork, he looked suspicious. At the airport and on the plane, he felt the looks and heard the murmurs.  (I’m sure I would have been one of those judging, except I, in my dramatic flair, probably would have made a scene and had him arrested.)

Psalm 18:30 (NIV) is a verse worth memorizing: As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.                                                                

Adam will attest to that.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Sharon Kay Miller

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Sharon Kay Miller,81, of Fort Scott, most recently Tallahassee, Florida passed away on February 4, 2025. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on June 11, 1943, to loving parents Kenneth Wilson Simons and Veda Fern Wheeler Simons. She graduated with the Fort Scott High School class of 1961. Sharon married George Kepley (G.K.) Miller on June 23, 1962, in Mapleton, Kansas.

 

Sharon loved doing things with and for her family, friends, and community. She was a member of Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Bluebirds, Campfire Girl and Cub Scout Mom, and a Mother Advisor for the Fort Scott Rainbow Girls. She was a proud and supportive Navy wife. She made lasting friendships while working at Western Insurance in Fort Scott. And she was a great fan of Kansas Jayhawks basketball!

 

Sharon liked to sew and crochet, much to the benefit of her family and friends! She also liked to fish and to work in her flowerbeds. Most of all, she loved and fiercely supported her family.

 

Sharon is survived by her husband, G.K. of Tallahassee, her daughter, Denise Dawn Miller and son-in-law Bryan Baker of Tallahassee, her son John Jay Miller, and daughter-in-law Lori Reesor of Middleton, Wisconsin, her son-in-law Charlie Elliott of Fort Scott, Kansas, and her sister, Charlotte Ann Owen and brother-in-law Ronald Owen of Basehor, Kansas. She is also survived by granddaughters Candace Corrine Martin and husband Anthony, Kayla Nicole Hall and husband Dustin, Sarah Alice Miller, grandson Andrew Neal Miller Baker, seven great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Makenna Martin, Gavin and Logan Smith, Mallorie, Libbie and Grayson Hall, two nephews, Kenneth Lee Owen and Brian Owen, an aunt, Katherine Scott, and a host of treasured cousins.

 

Sharon is greatly loved and missed.

 

Following cremation a memorial service with burial in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Illusionist Reza To Perform Tomorrow at the Ellis Center in Fort Scott

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member…
Core Community Bourbon County

hosts

REZA

Edge of Illusion

Hear what REZA himself has to say to Fort Scott Fans!
Click here to hear from Reza himself!

Click HERE to order tickets!
Saturday, February 8th

7pm

Ellis Fine Arts Center

2108 Horton St, Fort Scott, KS

Get your tickets now

323.929.7392 | rezalive.com

Reza is the World’s Top Touring Illusionist as seen by over 30,000,000 viewers worldwide on networks such as MTV, PBS, CBS, Hulu, Netflix, The CW and A&E to name a few.

To visit Reza’s official Facebook page click HERE!

Click HERE to visit the REZA at Ellis Fine Arts Center Facebook Event Page.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com for upcoming local events.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes  

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Kinship Navigator

The Beacon Year in Review 2024

Community Needs Assessment Survey 2025

 

February 5, 2025

 

 

  1.  Welcome:  Nineteen members representing sixteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Larry Jump- SEK-CAP Early Childhood Community Liaison. The Fort Scott Head Start center is fully staffed. Head Start also offers home visiting services throughout the county.  SEK-CAP is conducting a community needs survey to drive future policy. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey.
  • Craig Campbell – Good Neighbor Action Team – GNAT builds ramps, and helps with grants and application assistance. Looking for low-tech work that individuals involved in the justice system can work on.
  • Heather Shepherd- CHC Social worker- Heather works with the CHASE program. She helps students and parents overcome obstacles.
  • Stephanie Breckenridge- Family Resource Center Family Response Advocate – Stephanie can provide support to families with children in the following areas: parenting, concrete support, and advocating.
  • Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center, Early Childhood Block Grant
  • Jannelle Tate- ECBG – Area schools/centers are finishing winter testing
  • Michelle Stevenson- Fort Scott Early Childhood Program (funded by ECBG) Offers services to families with children prenatal-6. Michelle provides developmental screenings, parent activities, and resources.  She currently has a couple of openings and will have a lot more in June.
  • Christine Abbott – SE KANSASWORKS- located in HBCAT from 9:00-4:00 on Tuesdays. Can help clients needing assistance finding employment, youth career guidance, work experience, and on-the-job training. Clients can set up an account online or walk in as needed.
  • Angela Handly- Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries- Angela can help clients with gas vouchers, rent assistance, utility assistance, shoes, and clothing. Angela is also helping with the Girl Scouts.  She has cookies for $6/box.  Also looking for more girls to join Girl Scouts.
  • Dave Gillen- Beacon- 2024 marked 40 years of service for the Beacon. They provide food and are a hub for several Bourbon County programs.  See the attached “Beacon Year in Review” document to see how much of an impact the Beacon had in 2024.
  • Star Culp – Parents As Teachers Bourbon County – Parents as Teachers just received the PAT Blue Ribbon, the highest standard for PAT programs. PAT offers a free home-based early learning program.  There are no necessary qualifications, but must have a child prenatal-6.  PAT has an open position for an additional parent educator.
  • Shanna Willey – Community Health Worker in the clinic at CHC – Shanna can help clients with medicare savings applications, KanCare applications, Kansas medical assistance, and LEIP applications.
  • Patty Simpson – Housing Authority – The Housing Authority operates 190 income-based apartments. There is a short waiting list for all sizes of units.  Taking applications every day.  Applicants must be 18 years old or emancipated through the court. A felony does not necessarily disqualify an applicant.
  • LeaKay Karleskint- K-State Extension & Research SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator – Offer free SNAP-Ed programs for 3rd grade and up, just need a space for the lesson. Also offering a walking program for seniors with arthritis at Buck Run.
  • Tammy Alcantar -Crawford County Health Department- Work with Bourbon County Health Department to offer teen pregnancy, Baby & Me Tobacco Free, and prenatal classes in Bourbon County.
  • Elsie Gardner – DCF Independent Living – Program works to prepare youth ages 18-26 for adulthood. Can provide financial benefits and help connect with community partners.  Independent Living works in multiple counties in SEK.
  • Dee Dee LeFever- Greenbush Community Liaison

 

 

 

 

  1.  Program:  Allison Duke, Kinship Navigator Specialist, FosterAdopt Connect

 

FosterAdopt Connect Kinship Navigation is a free program for people caring for children who are not their own, especially youth at risk of entering or reentering foster care.  Kinship care can be anyone with a previous relationship to the child.  Prefer to work on the informal side- no legal recognition- before the courts are involved.  Also will work with formal cases where DCF or other agencies are involved.  FosterAdopt Connect offers support in the following areas: basic resources (food pantries, clothing), childcare/education support, advocacy systems and applications support (food stamps, mental health, TANF, etc.), can help navigate the foster system, limited emergency financial assistance is available, and can partner with Kansas Legal Services.  There are a few requirements: biological parents cannot live in the home, income cannot exceed 200% of the poverty limit, and must live in Bourbon or Crawford County.  Kinship Navigation can refer to other programs within FosterAdopt Connect.  FosterAdopt Connect is funded by a TANF 2Gen grant.  Referrals can be made through IRIS or at FosterAdopt Connect.org.  The Bourbon/Crawford County office opened in January 2024 and is currently working with two families in Crawford and Bourbon County.

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be March 5, 2025. 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Rembering the World of Anne Frank: Fort Scott High School Thespians on Feb. 20-22

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Feb. 4, 2025

 
FSHS Thespians presents “And Then They Came for Me – Remembering the World of Anne Frank” 

 

Fort Scott High School Thespians presents the play “And Then They Came for Me – Remembering the World of Anne Frank” by James Still.

 

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20-22 in the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The production is a multi-media performance with live sound bytes and videos from the actual Holocaust survivors portrayed in the play as well as real video footage from the time period.

 

In addition to the performance, the lobby will feature many items of interest to the audience. A collection of Holocaust memorabilia from local historians Ronda and Rob Hassig will be on display in the Art Gallery. Students in the Advanced Drama class are displaying research on groups of oppressed peoples and plays that have been written to speak up for those groups, much like how “And Then They Came for Me” speaks for victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Students in Jon Barnes’ Government and Current Events classes, after reading and listening to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” wrote “A Letter From a Fort Scott Classroom” about a time in their lives that they felt discriminated against. Many of these letters will be available to read. The Technical Theatre class also built white models of set designs for the play that are on display.

 

Cast and crew members of the play were educated about the real lives of their characters through research and a presentation by Ronda Hassig. Hassig has personally visited sixty concentration camps and she shared her knowledge and photos with the students to help them better understand their characters and the world of the play.

 

Senior Kaiden Clary plays one of the Holocaust survivors, “Performing Young Ed gave me a chance to look into how a Jewish person was treated during WWll, how this person had to hide from SS guards to even be with his grandparents, how he had to try to escape time and time again. After learning about and discussing him, it is hard to believe that people actually had to go through many of these things, especially not seeing his parents for almost four years.”

 

Tickets for “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the Life of Anne Frank” are $5 for students and $7 for adults and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open thirty minutes prior to showtime.

 

The play is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones serving as Assistant Director. It is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or at 620-719-9622 with questions.

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