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All posts by Submitted Story
Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on February 13
The Regular Council Meeting on February 13, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, 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
CITIZENS REQUEST
Clerk Johnson reported that Shane Kober requested speed bumps in front of his residence. After discussion, Council does not wish to put speed bumps on Sherman Street. Clerk was asked to advise him to follow up with the Sheriff’s department for information on how to proceed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $235,479.20, Receipts $85,918.56, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $24,988.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,383.58. Bank Statement Balance $293,816.11, including Checking Account Interest of $54.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $432.53, Reconciled Balance $293,383.58. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,482.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $54.56, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $54.56. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. January 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 January $57,904.38, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,904.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,044.20 (6.5%), Expenditures $6,943.58 (4.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,715.90 (7.3%), Expenditures $2,136.25 (5.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $17,162.10 (11.7%), Expenditures $10,531.03 (5.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $52,382.78 (31.9%), Expenditures $8,403.32 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The February 2024 payables to date in the amount of $36,872.84 were presented.
Clerk Johnson explained the new report for current payables and the difference between the two presented. She asked the council which report they preferred – Claims Report by Department, by Fund was chosen.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of January 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson reported several notifications of insurance renewal conditional provisions from EMC.
Website hosting price increase of $2.50/month.
Municipal Court Clerks conference is March 1, in Wichita. She will not attend this year.
CCMFOA Conference is March 20-22, in Manhattan. She will not attend this year.
CDL storm siren maintenance agreement should renew in March. She will have a new agreement for action at next meeting.
gWorks was used for accounts payable this month and end of month procedures will be done on gWorks. She has a training on Thursday for bank reconciliation, deposits, and reports. She will then get all deposits for the month entered, process penalties, and mail delinquent notices.
Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22. She asked if they wanted a booth to try to recruit a clerk and maintenance worker. Not at this time.
She did order a 2024 labor law poster.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – wished to recognize Clerk Johnson and thank her for all her work in the software conversion.
Councilwoman Esslinger – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – the school contacted the City to see if they could stage rock on the right of way for the walking trail project. The rock is being hauled by the county. He told them yes. Superintendent Rich stated that there is a gas main just south of the sidewalk by the medical clinic. Mayor Jurgensen also asked Rich to get fescue and seed the ditches that were worked on Third St.
OLD BUSINESS
Rabies Clinic – tentatively scheduled for March 23, 1:30-3:00PM.
Mayor Jurgensen asked if the Council wanted to reskin the warehouse and put in the ramp and rollup doors to use as public works building. We will need to determine specs and request bids for the metal siding/roof, the ramp and rollup doors, and the installation.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:47PM
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:22, open meeting resumed at 8:47.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to call a special meeting on February 27, 2024, 6:30PM for the purpose of executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:48PM
Letter to the Editor: Lakyn Rucker
The Hearts Around the World project was brought to my attention by an amazing friend of mine.
I made the flyer and sent it out on Facebook.
People have shared said flyer more than 200 times
and then they shared it and it just exploded!
In a short amount of time, we started receiving
an abundant amount of cards and even gifts!
We ended up receiving cards from 48 states with Missouri being the most. Texas was the second runner-up. We even received postcards and letters from Italy, Canada, Bolivia, Australia, Ireland, Europe, and Puerto Rico!
The first-grade class was overjoyed with love and happiness. The excitement they experienced was unbelievable! There were even a few tears shed by a few of my students.
I would personally like to thank everyone who shared the flyer, or sent a letter, gift, or postcard.
You all were a huge part in making this project such a huge success.
From:
Mrs. Lakyn Rucker
West Bourbon Elementary School Teacher
Obituary of James Danley
James Roy Danley, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. He was born September 21, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Marvin James Danley and Ruth Post Danley.
Jim graduated from the Fulton High School. After graduation, he served with the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964. He was stationed in Japan for a portion of his service where he was assigned to Helicopter Utility Squadron #1.
Following his military service, Jim married Paula Baez. Jim and Paula along with Paula’s two young sons, Pedro and Hector, then moved back to the family farm near Devon, Kansas. Jim continued to farm and raise cattle until 1976 when he purchased the Finney County Feed Yard in Garden City, Kansas. He owned and operated the feedlot for several years.
Jim and Paula later divorced and Jim relocated to Springfield, Missouri. At this time, he began working as a cattle buyer for the Joplin Regional Stockyard.
He later moved to Ft. Scott to be closer to his family. Jim enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He was able to take several trips including vacations to Canada for fishing as well as touring Australia and Ireland. He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his sons, Pedro Morillo of Fulton, Kansas and Hector Morillo of Garden City, Kansas; six grandchildren, Carmen Hickman (Chris) of Garden City, Kansas, Alisa Morillo of Wichita, Tonya Chandler (Donnie) of Wichita, Kansas, James Morillo of Ft. Scott, Joshua Morillo of Perkins, Oklahoma and Jace Morillo (Alexandria) of Mound City, Kansas; twenty-one great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are extended family members, Henry and Patty Homan who helped provide for his care and an aunt, Yvonne Short.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel Hospice 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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports February 26
Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit Feb. 29-March 8
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Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on February 5
February 5, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Teri Hulsey, Jon Lowery, and Charles Gentry were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of accounts payable totaling $8,671.45, and approval of December financials. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
There were no public comments.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert approval report for January and the January fuel report. Eric said they are obtaining a DWR permit to replace four culverts near 130th Street and Kansas Road. The culvert gave way last month and is currently down to a one lane road. Eric said they are working with an engineer to determine culvert size and quantity for the location near 225th Street and Tomahawk Road that was discussed at last week’s meeting. Once the engineers have determined the information Eric will then have to obtain a DWR permit for the location. Eric said the Blackberry Transmission line project will begin clearing brush later this month. The majority of the clearing will be on private property, however; there will be some done in the county right-of-way. They worked on getting gravel on the roads last week and will be back out tomorrow after the rain. Eric said they will be having an MSHA refresher course at the Public Works building on Thursday. Nelson said Vance Eden with USD 235 contacted him and had 50 loads of gravel donated for their walking trail project and asked if the county would be able to haul it. Nelson said the school couldn’t pay us but could let us fuel up at their tanks. Justin Meeks said the county would need to obtain a waiver of liability and Eric is going to work on that.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners were planning on having a meeting on February 19 since the courthouse would be closed for Presidents Day. The Commissioners decided there would not be a meeting held on the 19th.
Justin Meeks discussed the healthcare sales tax information that would be placed on a ballot to allow the public to vote on. Justin said Susan has been helping with this and the matter can be on the ballot in April. The wording was discussed with Justin reading examples from Allen County and Vernon County. After discussion of the different wording choices Jim said he would like to move forward and have it cover the worst-case scenario. Clifton said 1.5 million is a long way from starting a hospital but would help to entice an entity. Clifton stated that due to the mile restriction there are only two entities right now who could operate an emergency room in Bourbon County and that is Nevada Regional Medical Center and Via Christi. Jim said they’ve talked for months about subsidizing healthcare and he said somebody has to do it but he isn’t in support of raising real estate taxes. There was lengthy discussion on the wording options for the ballot and Justin asked to work with Charles Gentry on a few ballot options and bring back to the Commissioners. Anne Dare asked if we might be getting the cart before the horse by putting this to a vote and collecting the money and we might never be able to get a license. Clifton said that could potentially be the case but you have to have the carrot to offer as an enticement. Michael Hoyt asked if you could pass a sales tax that has a trigger such as we won’t collect sales tax until we have an emergency room. Clifton said we could use the money for other things in healthcare such as purchasing another ambulance and hiring additional EMT’s. Justin stated we had an ER when many businesses came in and due to their insurance, they need an ER close by.
Justin Meeks passed out a letter of support for Bourbon County REDI for the Commissioners to review. Nelson said his opinion is he doesn’t have a problem with either people or organizations and he wasn’t here when it was worked on so he doesn’t know who to support. Clifton said there was some confusion and the state was contacting the wrong organization. Jim said he respects Nelson’s vote but his vote is for Bourbon County REDI to represent Bourbon County at the state. Jim made a motion to accent the letter as written to support Bourbon County REDI and send to different organizations including Department of Commerce, KWORKS, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Patterson Foundation, Pittsburg State Work Force Development and to allow Justin to add additional organizations if needed. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. The motion passed 2-1.
Justin asked for a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege dealing with contracts and possible litigation.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under 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. The session will include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:55. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:56 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to have a conversation with another party and write a letter if needed for breach of contract that could cost the county millions. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he would like to see a quick turn around on this.
Jim thanked REDI and Legacy Health for hosting the announcement earlier and welcomed KRI for coming to Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Clifton said some people are scared of mental health and said they will not be dropping people with severe mental issues on the streets and encouraged people to get the facts before they speak. Nelson said since he has been here, he has been impressed with Eric and Dustin and they always have issues that are brought to their attention fixed quickly. Nelson also held a prayer during his Commission comment time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-12-2024 Approved Date
Uniontown Teacher Arrested for Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct Towards a Student
On Friday, February 23, the USD 235 School District Administration was made aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a Uniontown Junior High staff member towards one of the school’s students outside of the school environment.
“We take these allegations very seriously as student safety and care are always our first priority,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We began an investigation immediately and have worked with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office to gain clarity. The teacher in question, Mrs. Breanne Taylor, was arrested on Sunday, February 25 and has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.”
“Please rest assured that when students return to school from the weekend, we will continue to support them and prioritize their safety,” Eden said. “We recognize that this situation will create a complex set of emotions for students and staff. We have organized additional mental health support to ensure care is accessible for those who may need it.”
“Personnel and student information is protected by law,” Eden said. “That said, we want you to feel informed and we will pass along the information that can be shared as the situation evolves.”
“Nothing matters more to our district than creating a safe and caring learning experience for every student, every day,” he said. “If you ever suspect inappropriate behavior, we ask that you bring it to our attention.”
Don’t Be Shy or Scared by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
When I know loved ones are coming to my home, I will often leave the front door ajar. This lets them know I’m expecting them and they can just walk right in. It’s important to me that they feel welcome, loved, valuable, and comfortable. I want our time together to be a warm-and-fuzzy memory the next day. If anyone needs something, it pleases me when they’re comfortable enough to either ask for it or simply get it themselves. My loved ones know they have open access to the snack cabinet and refrigerator. I encourage everyone to have an unreserved approach in my home.
Scriptures prove that God feels the same way about His children. Although God is to be revered, I deeply appreciate that He lovingly welcomes us into His throne room. He wants us to be unrestricted in our worship and prayers. “Because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)” (Ephesians 3:12 AMP). God is ready, willing, and able to act on our behalf if we will only ask Him in confidence and faith.
I was reminded of the stressful fear Queen Esther surely experienced as she approached her husband/king on his throne. Prior to her entrance, she sent this message to her Cousin Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter” (Esther 4:11 NLT). Even though Esther was the Jewish Queen of the Persian Empire, she did not have free access to her own husband. This strict law was actually frightening for king’s wives because there was absolutely no exception to this law. The wife could not enter the inner court whenever she pleased without first being invited by the king.
Esther sent another message to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die” (Esther 4:16 NLT). At the risk of dying, Esther approached the king’s throne shrouded in fear from head to toe. For this was the same King Xerxes who furiously deposed his first wife Queen Vashti when she refused the royal summons to appear before the king, rulers, and nobles at a royal feast. (In a few days, we see that united prayer and fasting brought favor, not death, for Queen Esther because the king held out his scepter.)
God made a perfect way for us to come to Him through Jesus. “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him“ (Hebrews 10:19,22 NLT). We are welcome to come right into the very presence of a Holy God without fear. “I have courage in God’s presence, because I am sure that He hears me if I ask Him for anything that is according to His will” (1 John 5:14 GNT).
God loves us and He doesn’t want us to be scared to approach Him in Jesus’ name. “I fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that I may receive mercy [for my failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when I need it]” (Hebrews 4:16 AMP).
The Key: Fearlessly, we can walk right in, sit right down, and take a load off.
Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop Saturday, March 2, 2024
Bridges Out of Poverty workshop is a unique and powerful tool designed specifically for social, health, and legal services professionals. Based in part on Dr. Ruby K. Payne’s myth shattering A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Bridges reaches out to the millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty.
As a workshop attendee, you will learn specific strategies and brainstorm potential solutions which you and your organization can implement right now to: Design programs to better serve people you work with; Build skill sets for management to help guide employees; Upgrade training for front-line staff like receptionists, case workers, and managers; Improve treatment outcomes in health care and behavioral health care; Increase the likelihood of moving from welfare to work.
If your business, agency, or organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges-and strengths-will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success.
Continuing Education credits available with a certificate issued at the end of the workshop.
The Workshop will be lead by Deborah Factor, CEO of Youth Core Ministries (YCM). Core Community Bourbon County is a chapter affiliate of YCM.
Deborah Factor serves as CEO/Executive Director of Youth Core Ministries, Inc. YCM, formerly Youth for Christ-South Central Kansas, was founded in 1995 as a ministry to reach kids outside of the church. After becoming Executive Director in 1998, Deborah watched as many of her students moved into adulthood repeating the cycle of poverty. To address this need, YCM launched a community and school-based mentoring program, Core Mentoring, in 2012 and in 2015 an initiative to resolve poverty called Core Community. Deborah and her team are having a profound impact on rural Communities. They are passionate about ending poverty and seeing kids and families truly thrive. Deborah, her husband, Tony, and their son, Caleb, live in Greensburg.
Participants will review a mental model of poverty, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of housing, the hidden rules of class and resources. Cost is $35 (payable at event) including training materials and book. If cost is prohibitive, there are a limited number of scholarships available.
DATE: Saturday, March 2, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Fort Scott Nazarene Church
1728 Horton, Fort Scott, KS
To Register email: Cherri Walrod – [email protected]
Hosted by Core Community Bourbon County
Kansas Made Workshops for Youth
A series of workshops will be held for youth over the week of spring break by the Southwind Extension District at no-charge! These workshops will be for all youth who are 7-18 years of age.
Families can expect youth to participate in hands-on learning about many products that come from the great State of Kansas. Each product will be explored through a variety of formats like photography, entomology, food & nutrition, health & wellness and visual arts to name a few. Not to mention some great guest speakers.
Workshops will be held from 1pm to 5pm at a variety of locations. Dates and locations are:
- March 11 – Yates Center – Community Building
- March 12 – Fort Scott – Buck Run Community Center Gym
- March 14 – Erie – Neosho Valley Event Center
- March 15 – Iola – Southwind Extension Office
Registration is required and can be completed online at: https://forms.gle/mR87DUAJeRtTXNqz9 or by calling your local Southwind District Extension Office. Visit our website at southwind.ksu.edu for a list of phone numbers.
For more information about the workshops or how to become involved in the Southwind District 4-H Program, please reach out to Jennifer Terrell at [email protected] or 620-223-3720.
Lost Your Temper? Good! by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.” Benjamin Franklin
When my friend’s daughter, Erin, was three years old, she threw a temper tantrum in a California mall. While the embarrassed mother begged her to stop, a well-dressed woman walked up to my friend and whispered, “Play along.” She approached the toddler and said, “Little girl, you come home with me. Tell your Mommy good-bye. Let’s go.” You can guess what happened next. Erin stopped crying, jumped up and ran into her mother’s arms.
Since the beginning of time, tempers have flared. From Genesis to Revelation, there are stories of those who could not contain their anger. Let me rephrase that. They “could” have; they “chose” not to. This behavior plays out in every arena, from wars to sporting events to political debates to the workplace to freeways to abusive homes to churches. At the root of it? Selfishness. My way or my way. Choose anything else, and you will pay.
On Instagram last week, I posted something I read on line: “Losing your temper is no way of getting rid of it.” My daughter-in-law, Jenn, and her husband, Adam, recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary. She told me that Adam never had raised his voice at her. Dave and I tried to recall a time when Adam had lost his temper. We couldn’t. (Like mother, like son.) I wish! Ephesians 4:31 brings us Paul’s writing about how to deal with anger: Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. No exceptions. No matter how much your therapist advises you to “get it all out.” No matter the injustice done to you. No matter how much better you feel afterwards. We are to “put away” those temptations, not in a drawer where we can pull them out whenever something provokes us or reminds us of how we were treated, but locked up and buried.
When our son Andy was nine years old and was catching in a Little League game in Texas, the batter hit a home run. As he crossed the plate, Andy stuck out his foot and tripped the runner. He face-planted in the dirt. Had Andy’s coach not gotten to my son first, I was prepared to jump the fence and do the disciplinary deed. Coach took him by the back of his neck and marched him over to the opposing team’s dugout and made him apologize.
Where did that behavior come from? Neither Dave nor I had instilled in our kids the “win at all cost” attitude. In F.B. Meyer’s sermon “Tempers, and What to Do with Them,” he addresses five kinds of tempers: “The hot temper, which flashes out with the least provocation. The sullen temper, which is a great deal worse to deal with, because it takes so long to come round. The jealous temper, which, in trying to keep all for itself, loses all. The suspicious temper, which is always imputing the worst motives. The malicious temper, which loves to instill the drop of poison, or make the almost imperceptible stab with its stiletto.” Do any of those describe you?
The good news is that we Christians can muffle our anger. If we immediately recognize it as sin and rely on the Holy Spirit to help us control it, we have at our disposal help from the Prince of Peace who offers us victory over our sin.
All we have to do is ask.