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Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen
SOAP BOX DERBY MANIA IN FORT SCOTT
Suck it up Good Old Days (GOD) Committee! The kids come first in Fort Scott. Your opposition to the Derby, and unwillingness to help accommodate this worthy event at the commission meeting last night did not go unnoticed. It is actions like yours on display last night that hinder the retention of young people here. Seth Needham is going way out of his way to bring something exciting to the GOD’s, something new and something desperately needed for our town and for our kids to enjoy. Face it, GOD’s has gone from a 3-day weekend to 1 day, and the same old faces keep showing up year after year. It has grown old and stagnant!
I see the soap box derby as a way for the city and city businesses and the Chamber to get behind a worthy endeavor. These kids will be in the parade, showing off their handiwork and it will be an event for them to look back on forever, as well as bringing 200 kids and their families to our town.
Seth’s goal is to take 20 scouts to summer camp this summer and they have been working hard on fundraisers. They need to raise around $7,000 to take these kids to camp, and the Derby is one means to advertise their efforts. I can remember my days of scouting and selling boxes of candy for my camp fundraising project. I always went, but I know I did not sell enough candy to pay my way and I thank the benefactors of FS in those days for making sure I went.
My goal is to help Seth achieve his goal by supporting him and asking the community to help him as well. Unfortunately, the GOD’s is in June and Seth needs the funds before then to secure reservations. We are setting up a collection box at the Historical Society office in Memorial Hall and Ann Rawlins is in charge of it. We are asking for help and would appreciate donations be dropped off there, and let’s all get behind Seth and his Scouts of Fort Scott.
Thank you.
Pete Allen
Amazing project for all of Fort Scott, tourism, sales in all our stores, gas, lodgings and derby cars repairs. Come on Fort Scott, support our kids and give memories. See you at OFGS.
Ann Rawlins
Obituary of Dustin Wiggans
Dustin Ray Wiggans, age 46, resident of Knox City, TX formerly of Fort Scott, KS passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023, at his home.
Dustin was born February 11, 1977, in Fort Scott to Jimmy and Pam Wiggans. He graduated with the class of 1995 then immediately began eight years of service in the Navy. Dustin was initially stationed at Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai where he trained as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer. Subsequently he was stationed at Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, NV. While at NAS Fallon, Dustin continued his duties as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer. After leaving the Navy, Dustin began his career in the world of agronomy, receiving a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and a master’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University. He was currently working for the USDA in Knox City.
Dustin is survived by his father, Jimmy Wiggans and mother and stepfather Pam and Robert Williams; 2 sisters, Ali Wiggans (Matt) and Abi Krieger (Michael); and 2 nieces, Jocelin and Henley Rae Krieger. He also leaves behind his girlfriend and partner, Ashley Nicole Cook; his beloved pet/sidekick, Kenni; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Virgil and Lola Wiggans, and Jack and Pat Vender.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening December 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow with interment later in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Nancy Patterson
Nancy Patterson, long-time resident of Fort Scott, age 86, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Horton House in Fort Scott, Kansas. Her death was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.
Nancy Jo Smith was born on August 1, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas to Emmett P. and Naomi M. Anderson Smith. She attended Pinckney Grade School, Lawrence Junior High School, and was a 1955 graduate of Lawrence High School. Receiving the Karen Carlton Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Nancy was a 1958 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri.
At the home of her parents, Nancy was married to Jerrold Clifford Patterson on December 13, 1958. They are the parents of five daughters: Sandra Lynn, Sharon Sue, Brenda Kay, Deborah Ann, and Laura Lee.
The family moved from Overland Park, Kansas to Ava, Missouri in January 1971, where they were owner-operators of the Otasco store. On Thanksgiving Day of 1973, the Pattersons moved to Fort Scott. Nancy retired from Mercy Hospital in January, 2000, with 26 years of service, most of which was spent as a surgical nurse. She is a past president of the Mercy Auxiliary. With a passion for genealogy, Nancy is a member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society and has researched not only the families of Anderson, Smith, Reynolds and Patterson, but also numerous Bourbon County families. These are available in the OFGS library.
As a charter member of West Park Church of the Nazarene, Nancy taught adult Sunday School class and was very involved with the Nazarene World Missionary Society. She and Cliff traveled to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papaua New Guinea in 1989 to observe first-hand third world medicine. Most recently, Nancy attended the Diamond Community Church in rural Fort Scott.
Following Cliff’s death in early February 2019, Nancy lived at Country Place Senior Assisted Living in Fort Scott. She moved to Horton House on September 2, 2023.
Survivors include: daughters, Sharon McGaughey, Kybruz, CA; Brenda DeKeno (Don), Pea Ridge, AR; Deborah Allen (Tim), Fort Scott, KS; and Laura Bonnell (Dwight), Aztec , NM. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Joshua McGaughey (Bethany), Placerville, CA; Joseph Allen (Mallory), Fort Scott, KS; Jessica Borba (Seth), Placerville, CA; Nathaniel McGaughey (Rebekah), Placerville, CA; Dustin DeKeno (Chris), Oklahoma City, OK; Jacob Allen (Sarah), Wichita, KS; Corbin Soliday (Rachel), Lee’s Summit, MO; Sawyer DeKeno, Tulsa, OK; Andrea Soliday, Gardner, KS; Tayler DeKeno, Pea Ridge, AR; Jonathan Allen, Fort Scott, KS; and Caleb Soliday, Topeka, KS. Nancy leaves fourteen great-grandchildren, Abraham Borba, Lela Borba, Maggie Kansas McGaughey, Tayton Allen, Gus McGaughey, Kyler Allen, William Borba, Lily Borba, Avery McGaughey, Joel Soliday, Andrew (“G”) Borba, Diana Allen, Olivia Soliday, and Elijah Allen.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cliff; her parents; daughter, Sandy (January 2010); and her only sibling, a brother, Robert E. Smith (September 2006).
Rev. Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, December 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to either Cross Power Agape Ministries or Alzheimer’s Association 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 left online at cheneywitt.com.
Nancy’s family would like to note that this obituary was hand- written by Nancy. We are unsure of the date or the circumstances when she wrote it since the hand-written copy included only blanks in many places, but it was important enough to her for her to keep it tucked away in a folder. We want to honor her by publishing it but we certainly believe that she was much too modest in this account of her life.
Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for December 12
The Regular Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, 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
Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman
404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear. Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure. Exterior and interior work is continuing.
USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program. He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM
Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November 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 Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%). The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St. It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners. Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.
He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting
Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan. This will be put on the January agenda under new business.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance. Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.
Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party. Historically the city donates $100.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party
Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription. It has been used twice in the last three years. Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed. She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.
She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE. KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory. Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available. She will be attending a MAP webinar in January. Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb
She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development. Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.
Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.
Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18. Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock. County rock crusher is broken down at this time. Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side. It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate. Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.
NEW BUSINESS
2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024
Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed. The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.
Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000. She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module. There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing. All quotes are for cloud-based software.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software
Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found. None can be used until we have an employee to insure. Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.
Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM
Chamber Coffee Hosted by the City of Fort Scott On December 21
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 19
Chamber Offers Promotional Opportunities for Local Businesses
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Obituary of Agnes Ruth Hill
Agnes Ruth Hill, age 90, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Homestead assisted living facility in Girard, Kansas. She was born January 20, 1933, in San Pedro, California, the daughter of Henry Carl Jones and Sophie Evelyn Borders Jones.
Ruth married Roger Hill on July 23, 1955. Following their marriage, Ruth and Roger lived in St. Louis, Missouri for a few years before relocating to Ft. Scott. Over the years, Ruth had worked as a telephone operator and later at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center where she helped prepare Meals on Wheels. However, her primary occupation was taking care of her family. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother to her four children. Ruth loved the outdoors and spent many hours working in her garden and canning the fruits of her labors. She also had a tender heart for animals and often took in and cared for stray dogs and cats.
Survivors include her children, Dennis Hill of Lamar, Missouri, Diana Johnson (Sam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dallas Hill (Tammy) of Arma, Kansas. Also surviving are several grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Dawn Maurer, son-in-law, Tony Fleeman, and a daughter-in-law, Frances Hill. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Roger Hill, her parents and a sister, Emma and a brother, Carl.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 21st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Foundation 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.
Clifford Evans, 52-year-old white male escapes Johnson County Work Release on Today
Minimum-Custody Offender Clifford Leon Evans Walked Away from Contract Placement in Johnson County Work Release
GARDNER, Kansas. –
Kansas Department of Corrections resident Clifford Leon Evans has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 2:45pm that he did not return to the facility while serving his sentence at the Johnson County Work Release center on Monday, December 18, 2023.
Evans, a 52-year-old white male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 131 pounds.
Evans is currently serving a sentence for violating his parole. Evans was convicted in Johnson County for possession of opiates. He is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.
Anyone with information on Evans can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Ascension Via Christi will cease operations at its emergency department in Fort Scott on Wednesday, Dec. 20. This decision was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility.
Over the past several years, a multidisciplinary team that includes Ascension Via Christi clinical and operational leaders have been working together to understand the current operating environment at the Emergency Department in Fort Scott. This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census. These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.
“After exploring the options available, it was clear that this was the only option for us. There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities. These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Ascension Via Christi is committed to supporting associates, patients and community members through this transition.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.