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Bourbon County, Government

Citizens Group Plan A Petition to Increase the Bourbon County Commissioners from Three to Five Members

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PRESS RELEASE
A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of
Bourbon County Commissioner Districts setforth on KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”

As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused
representation on their respective districts.

As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may
come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).”

Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability.

Signatures will be collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the next few months to place the question on the November ballot to prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election.

Additional information is being assembled to make sure every petition signer is well informed on the benefits of this expansion in Bourbon County in the Bourbon County Commission.
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To view the petition:

Petition to increase the number of Commissioners 7-9-2024 printable

Submitted by Michael Hoyt.

K-State Extension, Youth

Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team: From State to International Champions

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Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, Emery Yoho, Kyser Nemecek, Carly Dreher. Submitted photo.
In August 2023, they were State Champions. Fast forward to January 2024, and they clinched the National Championship. Now, the Southwind District proudly announces that these remarkable kids have earned the title of International Champions!
Emery Yoho, Brady Hurt, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Reegan McDaniel. Submitted photo.
In January 2024, the Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team, consisting of Emery Yoho (Yates Center), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott), Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), and Kyser Nemecek (Iola), emerged as the National Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team at the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This victory earned them an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland from June 19 to July 3, 2024.
The Royal Highland Show, a top-tier livestock event comparable to the American Royal or National Western Stock Show, where the Southwind District 4-H youth divided into pairs, each judging different species. Emery Yoho and Tate Crystal formed the Kansas 4-H Sheep Team, earning the Champion Team title, while Reegan McDaniel and Kyser Nemecek, the Cattle Team, secured 4th Overall. Carly Dreher (Iola) and Brady Hurt (Buffalo) also participated in the contest.
Back Row: Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, Kyser Nemecek; Front row: Carla Nemecek, Emery Yoho, Carly Dreher, Cathy Dreher. Submitted photo.
The International Livestock Tour offered more than just competition. It included agricultural seminars, tours, and opportunities to enhance leadership skills and education through interactions with citizens of the UK and Ireland. The team visited diverse livestock operations, including a water buffalo milking facility that produces its own mozzarella cheese, a progressive livestock sale barn, and Netherton Farm, home to one of Scotland’s top Registered Angus herds. Additionally, they enjoyed the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Clonmel Stock Show in Ireland.
Beyond agriculture, the Kansas youth forged friendships with a Scottish sheep breeder, rode the London Eye in England, and kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They were part of an elite group of nine American 4-H and FFA Teams from across the US, each having earned their spot by winning either a Champion or Reserve title at a National Livestock Judging contest. Accompanying them on this International Tour were Carla Nemecek and Cathy Dreher.
To support their journey, the Southwind team sold stock in the Livestock Judging Team and will host a shareholders meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the River Room Event Center in Fort Scott, KS. Shareholders will be treated to dinner and a comprehensive presentation of the learning experiences from the Tour, showcasing the invaluable return on their investment in the 4-H Livestock Judging Team.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Free Friday Night Concert: Backside of the Moon on July 12

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On Friday evening, July 12, the band Backside of the Moon will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.

The band plays a variety of music and includes some comedy in their
performance. Members of Backside of the Moon are Larry Snow, Judy Snow, Don Brubaker, and Pat Briant.

This is a very talented group which is based in Mound City. The concert at the pavilion park begins at 7 p.m.

Because seating is limited, you are encouraged to bring a lawn
chair.

Free Friday Night Concerts are sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by Ralph Carlson. The event is usually at First and Main Streets, Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, the event is moved to indoor venues. This photo is from 2019.

In case of hot or rainy weather, the concert will be held at the Common Ground Coffee Shop.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of the July 8 U234 Board of Education Meeting

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board voted for David Stewart to remain as Board President and Stewart Gulager to remain Board Vice-President.

 

The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

06/03/24 Minutes

06/10/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk

HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25

HS Fundraising Applications 24-25

Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records

Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes

Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

Set fees for copying records

10 cents per page for employees

10 cents per page for alumni

15 cents per page for non-employees

20 cents per page for color copies

Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate

For information only – as of 07/01/24 – 67 cents

2024-25 School Fees

Recreation Commission Board Member Term

Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune

Offices for the 2024-25 School Year

KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President

Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal

Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield

Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child – Destry Brown

Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Haley Jones

Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button

Clerk – Candace Jobe

KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson

Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson

LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/ 504 Coordinator – Destry Brown

Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Jeff Johnson

Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Nicole Gilmore

Bourbon County Ready Board – vacant

June 2024 KASB Policy Updates

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the SAFE Schools grant that will help update security cameras, district radios, and provide additional AEDs. Also, he clarified information about the new Preschool Building.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. He explained the processes for his position and how he planned to bring information to the Board in the future. Lastly, he gave an update about closing the 23-24 school year budget.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on finances coming in for the upcoming school year. She explained about updating Special Education manuals that need to

be completed this next year

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25
  • KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25
  • 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures
  • Dates set for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing & Budget Hearing
  • Resolution 24-05 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk
  • ERate Order

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into executive session for negotiations/salary discussions.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

July 8, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Colvin, Angela – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Geneva, Nancy – Resignation – Food Service

Wilson, Kerrie – Resignation – Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

 

TRANSFER:

 

Dawson, Jamie – School Psychologist Para

Endicott, Jencyn – Preschool Para

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Rainey, Taylor – Special Education Teacher – KRI

Stewart, Mya – .5 Speech Para & .5 OT Para

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Matkin, Tammy -Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

Thurston, Jordan – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Nolene Whiteside

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Nolene Louise Whiteside, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Presbyterian Village. She was born February 11, 1927, in the family home in Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of John “Walter” Stump and Esther Alveda (Larson) Stump. She married Edward Lee Whiteside on September 7, 1947, in Larned, Kansas. He preceded her in death May 8, 2008.

 

Nolene graduated from Larned High School in 1945 and then attended KU for two years in accounting. It was during this time that she met Ed, her future husband, while sitting out of campus activities due to a sprained ankle she injured playing softball. While everyone else was “digging dandelions” Ed came over to sit by her and talk. He later asked her on a date, and they continued to date after he returned to his home in Fort Scott to work in the family grocery store.

 

After they were married, Nolene and Ed lived over the Whiteside’s Grocery store for a short time before moving to a house and then eventually building two houses over the years. At their home on Lee’s Circle Drive they had the big yard that Ed liked and room for the large garden that Nolene loved. 

 

Traveling was something she and Ed enjoyed doing together, and through the grocery store business, Ed won several trips. They traveled to South America, Brazil, Hawaii, Kiawah Island, and San Juan Puerto Rico. After retiring, they took several trips with the Fun Seekers to Vancouver and Victoria Canada, Europe, Prince Edward Island, and Niagara Falls.

 

Over the years, Nolene has belonged to a number of different clubs including Kansas Federation of Women’s Club, of which she was Past President, 2nd district; Progressive Mothers Club, Pieran Club, DAR, Starlite FCE, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and church circle. She was also a leader for both the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts when her children were involved. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in a number of roles from Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, Young Mother’s Circle, UMW Treasurer and President. Nolene enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders, and loved gardening (vegetables and flowers) as well as reading.

 

Nolene is survived by her children, Sheryl Bloomfield, Fort Scott, Marilyn (Ron) Bailey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Lee (Nadine) Whiteside, Goodyear, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Sciara, Matt (Sara) Bloomfield, Kate (Brian) Reddy, and Andrea (Andrew) Omer; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Ed, Nolene was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maxine Stump, brothers, Leonard and Ralph Stump, infant daughter, Nancy Ann Whiteside, great-granddaughter, Olivia Bloomfield, and son-in-law Tim Bloomfield.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening July 14, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation (oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org) and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

The family would like to offer special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice. Also, Nolene’s family sends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village for their loving and wonderful care over the past five years.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted By Walmart on July 11

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, July 11th, 8am
Hosted by Fort Scott Walmart

2500 S. Main
Fort Scott Walmart is located at 2500 S. Main Street.

* Fort Scott Walmart has been in the community since March 1st, 1972!

*Walmart’s Mission statement is to save people money so they can live better.

*Walmart values all the way customers like to shop from in store to pick up and delivery!

Thank you Fort Scott Walmart for being a Chamber Member!

Join us for coffee, juice, light refreshments and door prizes this Thursday at Fort Scott Walmart!

Click here to check out their Facebook!

Click here for their website!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
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
 
Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Begins Flushing of Chlorine from Fire Hydrants Starting July 15

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Press release for 2024 Flushing/Burnout

 

Who:      City of Fort Scott Water Utility

What:     Is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.

When:    Starting on Monday July 15th and lasting approximately 2 weeks.

Where:  City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

Why:      In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

 

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

 

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.

A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.

Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.

However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine, and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern.

Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

 

Surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

 

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.

 

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.

During the flushing and burnout, you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water.\

It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight.  This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

 

The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet July 9 at 110 S. Main

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for July 9th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, July 9th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Cohn’s Cafe,

110 South Main .

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Government

Horton Street Update

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Update on Horton Street: Wick and Hecker, a contractor working for the City of Fort Scott, has started on the Horton Street Project. I will try to give you updates weekly so you can be aware of the street closures or happenings with the project.

 

7/8/2024 – Water and Sewer work will be started from 8th street to 18th street. Wick and Hecker will be placing barricades in area that work is being done on. Unless road is completely torn up, residents will still have access to their residence, and the street will more than likely be open after 6:00pm each night during the water and sewer work.

 

This is coming from the project manager at Wick and Hecker.

 

Thank you for your patience, this is going to be a long process but it will be very nice once completed.

 

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

620-223-0550 ext. 210

 

Obituary

Obituary of Curtis Platt

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Curtis Ryan Platt, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri.  He was born March 28, 1986, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to Alan Joe Platt and Linda  Kratzberg Platt.  Curtis graduated from Central Heights High School in Richmond, Kansas with the Class of 2004.

He started his career with Holland Quarry as a plant operator with his dad.  He then worked road construction for Lexico with his Uncle LeRoy where he inherited the nickname, Gilligan.  After Lexico, Curtis worked for Doherty Steel in Paola, Kansas before going to work as a supervisor for Fabcon Precast in Pleasanton, Kansas where he worked until his death.

Curtis was united in marriage on February 2, 2013, in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Tausha Malone.  Curtis and Tausha were married for eleven wonderful years.  Not only was Curtis committed to Tausha, but he was also committed to his new stepdaughter, Hayley who he loved as his own.  Curtis and Tausha were also blessed with a son, Jase Ryan on August 27, 2014.

Curtis enjoyed working on four wheelers and razors for family and friends.  One of his favorite pastimes was hopping in the razor with Jase and going on a night ride with all his friends.  Curtis also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing softball, which is how he and Tausha met.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with Tausha, Hayley and Jase.  Curtis and his contagious smile will be lovingly missed by his family and many friends.

 

Survivors include his wife, Tausha and son, Jase of the home, a stepdaughter, Hayley Bean and grandson, Kyson Castleberry of Arkansas, his parents, Joe and Linda Platt of Richmond, Kansas, two brothers, Erik Platt and wife, Chloe of Princeton, Kansas and Chad Platt and girlfriend, Victoria McMoran of Garnett, Kansas and his grandmother, Elsie Kratzberg of Greeley, Kansas.   Also surviving are his in-laws, Brandon and Kathy Malone of Ft. Scott and Linda Rogers and Al Schaffer of Jefferson City, Missouri, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Sara Kottwitz of Barnett, Missouri and Heather and Thaine Geiger of Ft. Scott.

Curtis was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Nick Kratzberg and Edward Platt, his grandmother, Waunita Porter, three cousins, Kris Stockard, Rebecca Jones and Ricky Jones and a sister-in-law, Leesa Haehn.

 

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 13th at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Cindy Molini will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, at the St. Boniface Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas.

Following the graveside service, the family will gather at St. John’s Hall, 406 Prairie St., Greeley, Kansas for a time of fellowship.  Memorials are suggested to the Jase Platt Education Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembr