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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on June 17 and Budget Hearing on June 27

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
June 17, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
A motion was made by McKinnis, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to add Resolution 2024 – 23:
Consideration of Nursing Remodel Bids as Item G under Action Items.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by McKinnis, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 28: A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quote from Lenovo Direct for $32,480 for the annual CAMP laptop purchase.
B. Resolution 2024 – 29: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve both the KASB Worker’s Compensation Fund Membership Participation Agreement as well as the Loyalty Credit Program.
C. Resolution 2024 – 30: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the 2024-25 regular monthly meeting dates as presented and move the regularly monthly meeting start time of 4:00 pm.
Holt suggested suspending the Zoom streaming for the time being to alleviate the workload of the IT staff.
D. Resolution 2024 – 31: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the property and liability insurance from Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools for $300,916.57.
E. Resolution 2024 – 32: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the license renewal quote for $7,956 with Educational Assessments Corporation.
F. Resolution 2024 – 33: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Kone elevator repair proposal for $39,889.
G. Resolution 2024 – 34: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote
to approve the bid from Tri-State Building for all three sections of the nursing program remodel for
$191,394.

• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from the Gordon Parks Museum, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:51 pm by Bailey, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

 

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Budget Hearing
June 27, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton-Interim President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, staff, public
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 2:30 pm in Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE REPUBLISHED 2023-24 BUDGET: A motion was made by Fewins,
seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the republished 2023-24 budget.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
2:34 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote

Bourbon County

Grief Share Begins New Session on July 29

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On July 29th  a year long session of Grief Share at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Room 203 will begin.
This non-denominational group  will meet monthly on the last Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
There are no costs for joining and each receives guidance resources from Grief Share, a professional support organization.
If you are thinking about your grief journey, and trying to adapt, this path may strengthen you.
Please contact Laura Meeks the group leader in Fort Scott at 740-317-6379 or [email protected] if you are thinking about joining this small group setting.
Opinion

Andrew: Disciple of Individuals 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.)

When I was little, some insensitive person somewhere came up with the cruel notion that the best way to pick teams was to choose two captains who would, in front of the entire class, select their teammates, one at a time.  Everyone crowded around, desperate to be the first one picked.  They were the special ones.  For those unathletic or poor spellers who predictably were called last, can you imagine?  If you can, I am so sorry.  No doubt, had there been this type of selection for a trigonometry or geography contest, I would have had, for good reason, a taste of this putrid medicine.

I just happened to do well in the athletic/spelling areas, and for that reason (or the fact that I probably would have had a dramatic meltdown which no one wanted to watch), I was chosen towards the top.  I cringe when I think of how those called last must have felt.  Was I oblivious?  Embarrassing to admit, but I certainly don’t remember ever demanding a kinder means of team selection be used. I apologize.  (That being said, if you read my book, you know that I have had my share of not being good enough.)

I wonder if any of Jesus’ disciples ever felt like that.

John MacArthur, a respected theologian, writes about the disciples in his book Twelve Ordinary Men.  Of the dozen apostles, I find myself drawn to Andrew, Simon Peter’s older brother, who even though the first of the twelve to be called into Jesus’ inner circle, the one who introduced his sibling to this man from Galilee, then had to sit back and watch as Little Bro got most of the attention.

Andrew gets little Bible time.  Peter, on the other hand, fills pages and even two letters and totally overshadows his brother as one who spent quality time with the Messiah.  Never do we read that Andrew was jealous.  Whereas Peter addressed multitudes when he spoke, Andrew was more of a one-on-one type of guy.  Apart from where the twelve are listed in the New Testament, Andrew’s name appears only nine times, most of those with little fanfare.

Still, Andrew brought individuals to Christ.  He brought the young boy with the five barley loaves and two fish, recognizing a potential miracle for feeding the thousands, when the other followers remained overwhelmed with the problem.  Nothing in scripture indicates that Andrew bragged about his action and derided the others for missing the obvious.

When some Greeks (Gentiles) asked Philip if he would introduce them to Jesus, Philip, for some reason, came to Andrew with the request, a request Andrew was pleased to fill. If Andrew ever addressed a crowd, we are not told so, but I have to wonder if the majority of Christians aren’t a lot more like Andrew than Peter.

We see a problem and respond.  If someone needs a favor, we are there. We take cookies to our new neighbor or soup to a sick friend, drive an elderly person to a doctor’s appointment, encourage those who, unlike us, evangelize large crowds and always are prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ.  We don’t wait for someone to bless us; we just help…with no public accolades (sometimes, not even private ones).

Andrew is proof that, although the limelight has its place, many times—most times?– it’s the little things that count. What little thing can you do today to make a difference?

Bourbon County, Government

Unoffical Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on July 11

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The Regular Council Meeting on July 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pillion, Old Settlers Committee – requested to have a street dance again this year on Friday or Saturday and would like to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to allow the street dance on either Friday, August 30, or Saturday, August 31, and to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts

 

A sponsorship form for Old Settlers Picnic was presented.  City provides a trash dumpster and staff to keep public restrooms clean and stocked.

 

Dave Wehry via email – requested to pay his bill in two payments without a penalty assessed as meter was misread by the City in May causing his bill to be very high this month.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow two payments and waive penalty since we misread in May

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the June 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $262,758.51, Receipts $57,246.25, Transfers Out $3.026.00, Expenditures $24.827.71, Checking Account Closing Balance $292.151.05. Bank Statement Balance $298.333.35, including Checking Account Interest of $58.67, Outstanding Deposits $117.01, Outstanding Checks $6,299.31, Reconciled Balance $292,151.05.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,407.04, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,198.64, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,133.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $342.09, and Utility CDs $883.53 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,225.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of June $29,392.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,671.85.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $53,724.09 (43.5%), Expenditures $63,992.22 (39.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $17,218.50 (46.6%), Expenditures $16,739.80 (39.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $82,090.53 (56.0%), Expenditures $58,322.40 (32.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $131,202.05 (80.0%), Expenditures $105,806.96 (52.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,741.22 were presented.  The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of June 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Request to schedule a budget worksession.  Assessed valuation is down approximately $929,000.  Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget is 63.882.  We must notify County Clerk by July 20 if plan to exceed revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a budget worksession on July 16, 5:30PM, dinner will be provided

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan invited owners of 101 Washington to attend regarding yard and inoperable vehicle.  They did not attend; a letter will be sent.  Commended property owners for keeping yards mowed – 102 Franklin, 505 Washington.  201 Fulton has sold and new owner is cleaning up property.  303 Clay has sold.  204 2nd St has new tenant that is sheriff’s deputy.  405 Hill St – they are not getting the mobile home approved by the council.  They are looking for another mobile home but will more than likely sell property as is.  There are some properties that ditches are not being mowed or trimming done.  Behind the buses needs trimmed badly.  505 Wall still has an unregistered vehicle on premises.

 

City Superintendent Rich absent.  He is still waiting on quotes for gas valve replacements.

 

Clerk Johnson asked all to sign a thank you note to Union State Bank for the exceptional Independence Day Bash.  Colby did an awesome job of keeping restrooms clean and stocked.

She also reminded council that City Clerk replacement will need to attend educational trainings as soon as possible. A couple of applications have been received.  Council will keep them on file and continue accepting applications at this time.

Information was received from Repurposed Materials Inc.

She followed up with Brian Allen, BBCOEM, regarding the April flooding.  It may be months before FEMA makes a determination.

Received Approved Pending Adoption Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan and request for adoption resolution.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-0709-1 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – asked about fencing that was washed out in April flooding at lagoon.  Superintendent Rich has cleaned up debris and repaired the fence.  After pictures have not been taken yet.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Chalk lines were done then it rained.  They will try to get chalked and completed by August meeting.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is hopeful to mail out invitation for bids by end of week.  Would like for them to be opened at August 13 meeting and completed by December 15, 2024.

 

Streets – It was requested Superintendent Rich order saturock and patch potholes before school starts.

Mayor Jurgensen is working on mitigation funding for culverts and ditches.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:58PM

Area News

Veterans Claims Clinic to Provide Assistance in Overland Park

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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Bourbon County, Elections

Republican Candidate Forum: July 30

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The Bourbon County Republicans will hold a local republican candidate forum on July 30th, 6pm at the Empress Center, 7 N. Main.
This will be for Republican candidates only and registered Republicans.
Each candidate will be allowed an opening statement and a closing statement with a question and answer period in between.
Candidates that are unopposed or unable to attend are encouraged to bring a statement to be read or they may email their statement to [email protected].
Questions may be submitted for consideration to [email protected].
Obituary

The Obituary of Joyce Martin

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Joyce Irene Martin, age 81, a former resident of Bronson, KS, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Credo Assisted Living, Fort Scott, KS.  She was born November 18, 1942, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Haskell Howell and Mildred Horner Howell.

She married Charles Joseph Martin on February 14, 1960, at Community Baptist Church in Iola, KS.  He preceded her in death on October 22, 2003.  She and her husband and 5 children, Charles, Jr., Samuel, James, Rachel, and Nathanael served one term as missionaries in the Samoan Islands of the South Pacific.  Joyce was a member of the Iola Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include four sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Michelle, Vista, CA, Samuel and wife Barbara, Festus, MO, James and wife Lori, Summerdale, AL, Nathanael and wife Dedra, Newton, KS; a daughter, Rachel O’Dell and husband Mark, Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Benjamin, Lynelle, Michael, Steffenie, Logan, Liam, and Caitlyn Martin, and Tyler, Sarah, and Justin O’Dell; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ella Britt, Iola, KS, Hazel Bahner, Topeka, KS and Wayne Howell, Topeka, KS.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Mitchell, a brother, Allen Howell, and her parents.

 

Samuel Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, July 19th, at the Fairview Chapel in Mildred, KS.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 at the Fairview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to World Missions Bearing Precious Seed and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69

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The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.

 

The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23. Use alternate routes during the closure.

 

KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Stewart

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Larry William Stewart, age 63, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at his home.  He was born September 18, 1960, in Long Beach, California, the son of Luther William “Stu” Stewart and Lela Williams Stewart.  Since his father was in the military, Larry lived in a variety of places throughout the United States while he was growing up.  He graduated from high school in Hernando, Mississippi.  Larry married Deborah Ervin in 1993.  While living in Ft. Scott, Larry worked at Hammond Seed and Elevator, Shepard Team Auto Plaza and as a clerk at area service stations.  He also enjoyed traveling to various malls and trade shows selling sports memorabilia.  He also enjoyed photography.

 

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his children, Shelby Watkins and Virina Stewart, both of Ft. Scott, Dustin Stewart of Garland, Kansas and Savannah Stewart of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter with another great-granddaughter on the way, and a brother, Mike Stewart of Hernando, Mississippi. Also surviving are Larry’s loyal dogs, Harley and Smiley who were by his side when he passed away.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

 

There was cremation.  Private services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.