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Nov. 26, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College will celebrate the anniversary of Gordon Parks’ birthday on Thursday, December 5th with the showing of films throughout the day and a speaking presentation and performance by Lem Sheppard, internationally known musician and historian titled “The Music Around Gordon Parks”. The events are free of charge and the public is invited to attend. Parks, born in Fort Scott on November 30, 1912, would have been 112 this year. He died in March 7, 2006 at the age of 93.
The schedule throughout the day will include:
9:25 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — “Showing of the film Criterion Collection The Learning Tree” in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center FREE.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn) “The Music Around Gordon Parks” Join us as Lem Sheppard, internationally known musician and historian will be presenting a program of Jazz, blues, and Spirituals. Gordon Parks was born and grew up during the period that was referred to as the Harlem Renaissance and he will perform music that Gordon would have experienced as a child in Fort Scott, as well as in; St. Paul, Chicago and New York City. Birthday cake and drinks will be provided in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — “Showing of the film Solomon Northup’s Odyssey” in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to receive a 25% birthday discount on all apparel items.
For more information contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700, ext. 5850 or by email at [email protected]
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On behalf of our Bourbon County Core Community family I just want to extend our warmest wishes to you and yours as we pause to give thanks for the relationships and growth we have witnessed this past year. We can not do what we do without the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, and donors; so please accept our deepest gratitude for your involvement and support in 2024. You are so appreciated! Happy Thanksgiving.
Jack Eldon Johnson, age 93, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at his home. He was born July 14, 1931, in Newton, Kansas, the son of Leslie George Johnson and Elizabeth Trouslot. Jack’s father was killed in an automobile accident when Jack was a young child. He was then raised by his mother and step-father, Frank Hill.
Jack married Darlene Krueger on June 2, 1952. Together they had six children, Betty, Bobby, Susie, Jody, Chuck and Patty. The Johnson family moved to their farm east of Fulton, Kansas in 1974. Jack and Darlene later divorced, and he married Alberta Herring on May 26, 2009.
Jack worked hard to provide for his family. In addition to maintaining his farm, Jack was also a talented welder and mechanic. He was very mechanically minded and used this skill on several of his inventions. In fact, he built his first welder out of an old B29 generator. He also worked for Bill’s Coal Company for a time. Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as going to the casinos and watching Westerns.
Survivors include his wife, Alberta, of the home and his six children, Betty Hedges of Valley Center, Kansas, Bobby Johnson (Becky) of Wichita, Kansas, Susie Marsh (Oke) of Rose Hill, Kansas, Jody Harper (Dale) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Chuck Johnson (Dawn) of Centerville, Kansas and Patty Simpson (Brady) of Garland, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Dennis Hill (Carolyn) of Benton, Kansas.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Hill.
Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Barnesville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care 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.
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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
There will not be a meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners this week.
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.
The Special Council Meeting on November 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss vacancy of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:10PM
Councilwoman Esslinger exited executive session at 7:45, back in at 8PM.
Meeting resumed at 8:10PM.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Danea Esslinger as Councilwoman, effective immediately.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/2024 and to hire Danea Esslinger as City Clerk, with a start date of December 5th or 9th, dependent upon notice to her current employer.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:12PM
The Regular Council Meeting on November 12, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Restroom toilet issue – Danny Taylor, Taylor Plumbing, has worked on the flush valves for the toilets. There is not enough water volume or pressure for the valves to work properly. Suggestions to remedy are to replace current piping from the meter to the valves with larger piping and increase pressure to the valves or replace the toilets with residential toilets.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Failed 2-3 to replace toilets with residential ADA toilets
He will return next month with estimated figures for both options.
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the October 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $272,926.87, Receipts $72,792.48, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $36,882.81, Checking Account Closing Balance $305,810.54. Bank Statement Balance $313,061.25, including Checking Account Interest of $60.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $7,250.71, Reconciled Balance $305,810.54. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $404,353.31. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $587.65, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,031.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October 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 October $32,883.67, Year-to-Date Net Income $70,331.34. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $99,922.94 (81.0%), Expenditures $102,002.05 (62.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,153.80 (78.9%), Expenditures $25,731.01 (61.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $100,521.58 (68.6%), Expenditures $93,332.91 (52.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,264.79 (104.9%), Expenditures $160,323.61 (51.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The November 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,002.71 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson reminded the council that we had received another quote for the storm siren maintenance in August, but no action was taken.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Kelly abstained) to accept the quote from Kelly Electric to inspect semi-annually at $300/inspection for a contract term of five years
The 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule as presented
KMGA prepay project – after discussion, Council requested more information.
A KMGA member update was presented.
League of Kansas Municipalities announced a Cyber Liability Insurance Program in partnership with Cowell Insurance Service Inc and Travelers Insurance. There will be a free webinar November 21, 2-3PM to learn more.
Progress on Warehouse – the roof and outside metal has been removed. Contractor says will be completed by December 15, 2024.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – asked about check to Bloesser Outdoor Services. It is in approved payables and will be mailed tomorrow.
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Johnson sent email request for timeline this morning, no response as of meeting time. She will reach out again and impress upon them that property owners want to be able to get in their garage before it gets much colder. He also presented a retirement plaque to Sally Johnson.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that the will begin erecting fence on November 25 or 26.
Streets/FEMA – Clerk Johnson requested budgeting quotes from three contractors for the proposed mitigation work. None were received by noon today. One contractor did call this morning and will have quote to us later this week.
Sale of property – sale of property closed today and funds received.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Councilman Ervin wrote the narrative and Clerk Johnson filled in the budget information. Grant will be awarded in December.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 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 8:15
Open meeting resumed at 8:15.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend 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 8:30PM.
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:15, out at 8:28. Open meeting resumed at 8:30PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept retirement of Sally Johnson as City Clerk effective 11/15/2024; accept resignation of Charlene Bolinger as City Treasurer effective 11/13/2024; appoint Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/24; and appoint Sally Johnson as City Treasurer effective 11/18/24
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:32PM
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers.
“Kansas has ushered in unprecedented levels of business investment, unlocking more workforce opportunities than we’ve ever seen before, but we don’t want a housing shortage to limit our potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This new grant opportunity will help build more housing in Kansas and create more opportunities for skilled professionals to put down roots in our state.”
FRAME was developed in response to a housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The study highlighted the critical shortage of housing and skilled workers needed to meet the state’s growing demand. Existing contractors are stretched thin, and there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new workforce to ensure Kansas communities can build, grow and thrive.
“We believe the FRAME grant program has the ability to transform communities across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Not only will we see added housing, but we are creating a pipeline of skilled workers who are essential to the future of our economy.”
Key details of the FRAME include:
Those applying should clearly demonstrate how the funds will be used to expand or develop housing programs, add residential housing in Kansas, and train students in various skilled trades. Colleges must outline a sustainable plan for future growth and how they will partner with local high schools, community organizations and industry professionals to engage students and ensure employment opportunities.
To learn more about the FRAME grant, click here. Commerce will present an informational webinar at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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