Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
TOPEKA–Humanities Kansas recently awarded $6,979totheGordon Parks MuseuminFortScottto support“Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks Exhibit Display,”a moveable exhibit that explores the works and friendship between two cultural giants who had roots in Kansas.Kirk Sharpserves as project director.
This project will produce exhibit panel displays with a theme that highlights both Langston’s and Gordon’s lives and careers.The displays will target thehistory, journey, friendship, collaborations and connection of these two pioneers in the field of arts.
The panel displays will include graphics, photos and text information andfollow both of their journeys as a poet and photographer, respectivelyand their impact on the arts. These panels will be portable, so they could easily be moved and displayed atdifferent universities, libraries, and organizations across the state of Kansas.
The project will also feature the launch of the exhibit display and speakers’ presentation on Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks, during the 20thannual Gordon Parks Celebration at the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas on October 5–7, 2023.
During the celebration, there will also be a digital interactive display on Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks.“The exhibit displays creates a great opportunity in helping tokeep both of the legacies and triumphs of Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks alive.” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director.
“Humanities Kansas believes that Kansansareenergized by people engaging with history,”said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director. “Thistraveling exhibit projectwill connect people with their past and strengthen a sense of community and pride of place.”
About Humanities Kansas Humanities Kansas is an independentnonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy.
Since 1972, HK’s pioneering programming, grants,and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights.
Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK inspires all Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to enrich their lives and to serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
Kirk Sharp is the director of the Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Local Project DirectorKirk Sharp Executive Director Gordon Parks Museum 2108 S. Horton St Fort Scott, KS 66701 620–223–2700, ext. 5850, kirks@ fortscott.edu
Elouise S. Young, born May 20, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, went home to be with the Lord April 1, 2023.
Elouise graduated from North Division High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Elouise met and married Junior L. Young on the 17th Day of October 1963. Together and with help from their parents, they raised the fearsome foursome, Shirley, (Cookie), Willie, David, and Terri. Four dynamic children who have made positive contributions to the community and raised beautiful families. Elouise and Junior were blessed with a lot of grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to raising her children Elouise entered the workforce. She worked for her father in his dry cleaning business for a period of time. She later became a nurse’s assistant at Milwaukee County Mental Health Hospital, where she would retire after 30 years of what she considered to be a much needed service to her community.
Upon retirement, Elouise focused on surrounding herself with her family and friends. She and her husband (Junior), moved back to Ft. Scott, Kansas. Later Elouise would move to Pittsburg, Kansas and later to Dover, Delaware.
She enjoyed traveling. She loved spending time with her road buddy Myrtle (Myrt) before Myrt moved to California. Later, Elouise would travel up and down the Kansas highways with Louise. Driving was her favorite source of transportation. Give her a cup of ice and a full tank and she would drive until she reached her destination. She would travel from Kansas to Wisconsin to spend time with family and friends and on to Texas to be with family and later to Delaware (where she finally retired those car keys).
Elouise especially loved attending and serving in her church United Missionary Baptist Church. She served her community, picking up food from the food pantry with her friend and delivering to those in need. Elouise served on several community boards. She was a strong woman with a strong will to live. She endured hardness as a good soldier. Elouise fought the good fight of faith and has finished the race and kept the faith.
Elouise lived life to the fullest extent. She left earth on an empty tank. Elouise poured out all she had. She left with no regrets. Her relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ was sealed and she was prepared and ready to go. Leaving peacefully in her sleep after hearing the loving voices of family and friends on the phone, just hours before leaving the earth.
Elouise was preceded in death by her husband Junior L. Young, her father and mother Dwight and Virginia Ayers; sister Rose, son, David, brothers; Peach, Ronnie and Dennis.
Elouise was a mom, grandmother, “grannie”, auntie, sister and friend. She loved her family dearly. Nothing gave her greater joy than to spend time with her family, eat chinese food, and laugh.
Elouise leaves behind daughter, Shirley (Cookie), one son Willie (Beth), daughter Terri; grandchildren; Larry (Caronda), Willie, Tami’ca, Brandin, Quincy, Eleana and Dalisa, great grandchildren; Deriyel, Lazzarus, Larriontae, Omunique, La’Zerious, Zavion, Za’Laya, Quincy Jr, Cameron, Mikyla, Princess, Israel, Braylie, Nikkita, Yaylan, Isabella; great-great grandchildren;
Nia’Loni, Harlym, Mila, Ka’leyan ; brother Delbert Ayers; two special ladies in her life Myrtle Anne Colum and Louise Nelson.
Memorial Service: United Missionary Baptist Church
Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:00 PM
16 North Ransom Street,
Ft Scott, Kansas 66701
(620) 223-5267
Date: May 5, 2023 Time: 11:00
Burial Site: West Plains Cemetery, Ft. Scott, Kansas
After encouraging her younger step-brother to participate in daredevil activities leads to an accident, Sallie Kincaid is cast out of her family, in the new novel from the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Glass Castle.
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A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist traces the Ku Klux Klan’s rise to power in the 1920s, driven by the con man D.C. Stephenson, and how a seemingly powerless woman named Madge Oberholtzer brought them to their knees. Illustrations.
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Hazel Maxine Dickerson, age 92, resident of Bronson, KS, died Friday, April 21, 2023, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO. She was born June 14, 1930, in Fort Scott, KS the daughter of Ray Fred Stewart and Nellie Hazel Robinson Stewart. She attended South Fairview elementary school and graduated from Moran, KS high school in 1948. She lived in Kansas City and attended business school. Maxine married Marvin Gene Dickerson on December 31, 1950, in Bronson. After Gene’s service in the Army in Alaska, they resided near Anchorage for 19 years homesteading their land and building their home. Maxine was employed at Elmendorf Air Force Base for several years before staying home full time to provide foster care for 3 native Eskimo children. In 1969, Maxine and Gene, along with their son Joe, moved back to Kansas to the family farm north of Bronson. They farmed and had a hog farrowing operation until retirement. Maxine loved being outdoors and working on the farm with Gene. Their recreation was the bowling league team for several years and traveling to participate in tournaments throughout the U.S. Maxine was very community minded and was involved in local clubs and committees. She served on the Bronson Library Board for several years. She was a member of the Bronson Ruritan and Bronson Methodist Church. She was chosen as a co-grand Marshal in 2017 to lead the Bronson Day Parade in a convertible car. Maxine enjoyed her cats, making quilts, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, and was an avid reader. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her son Joe Dickerson and wife Paula, Bronson, KS; a brother, Buford Stewart and wife Bea, Bronson, KS; a sister, Vera Scifers and husband Reid, Fort Scott, KS; grandson, Tristan Dickerson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, and granddaughter Jordan Bailey Dickerson.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 2nd, at the Bronson United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery at 1:30 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Bronson Library 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Many years ago I played and sang for a funeral in Pleasanton. I specifically remember that the family had requested, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Prior to the service, I was sitting at the piano and arranging my music when the minister approached me. He asked me about the song because he was unfamiliar with it and wanted to make sure it was appropriate for the occasion. I smiled and responded, “Yes, it’s a fine song,” and to really drive it on home I added, “Elvis recorded it.”
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23,24 NLT). Every step Christ followers take in obedience toward spiritual renewal and wholeness matters. God’s children are to have the faith to believe and trust where their final destination will be at the end of this earthly life. However, the exact twists and turns are known only to Him as He gently whispers to us the best route (if we care to pay attention). Not paying attention to God’s leading is one of our biggest hindrances. We need to fine-tune our ears and spirit to His voice so we’ll know how and where to walk.
Sometimes believers are tempted to try to walk in someone else’s footsteps. Getting our eyes off of Jesus and onto another human being is unwise and discouraging. When someone retires or dies, you might hear these words: “Yes, he left some really big shoes to fill.“ Truthfully, we aren’t supposed to fill anyone else’s shoes, we’re supposed to fill our own. Trying to walk in someone’s shoes is simply too hard because they don’t fit. God has designed an individual pathway system for every person on planet earth.
God’s Word tells Christians to hold firmly to what we believe. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). We aren’t supposed to come to God with a spiritual-inferiority complex. We can confidently approach our loving heavenly Father to receive what we need when the chips are down.
Since God is faithful, we can rely on Him to show us our next steps. Life is too complicated and we’re too goofy to walk it out on our own. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:14,16 NLT). God wants His children (believers) to utilize the privileges of who we are in Christ. And we’re either righteous or we’re not — there‘s no gray area. “For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now He is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30 TPT).
My grown and married kids don’t knock on my door — they just walk in. They understand who they are in relationship to me and they understand their privileges. They don’t timidly ask if they may have a glass of tea or a cookie. They know they have the right to access whatever I have because they are mine and I love them. Believers need to tap into what belongs to us because of who we are in relationship to our heavenly Father. He delights in giving generously to His kids.
The Key: Be still, listen for God’s voice, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
K-State researchers are looking for respondents to a brief survey (less than 10 minutes) to help understand the need for access to quality, affordable child care in Bourbon County. If you are looking for care, have care, provide child care, or are simply a resident of Bourbon County, we want to hear from you! To participate, simply go to https://bit.ly/BBCOkids! For questions about the survey, please contact Holly Connell at [email protected] / 319-538-4761. For questions about the child care coalition in your county, please contact Rachel Carpenter at [email protected] / 620-215-2562
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
April is Stress Awareness Month! Did you know that stress can affect your physical health? According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, chronic stress can lead to a risk of health problems such as digestive issues, elevated blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and more.
So, what can you do to combat stress throughout the rest of April and beyond? One practice you can consider adopting is mindfulness. What exactly is this? Mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn defines the term as “awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
While this should not be considered a “cure-all,” research suggests that practicing mindfulness can reduce chronic stress. Consider starting simply by committing to an uninterrupted time each day to focus on your breathing and practice a mindful meditation. This is a busy time of year for many people, so know that you can start by doing this for as little as five minutes (although you may benefit from increasing the time to 20 minutes or longer). Once you’ve committed to this time, find a quiet place away from technology. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Then, focus on your breathing and let negative thoughts float away like clouds. There are resources online which can help lead you through a guided mindful meditation if desired.
For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Jason Silvers, Rob Harrington, Jared Keylon, Alysia Johnston, and Teri Hulsey were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 4/6/23 and 4/11/23. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.
Susan Bancroft requested a 7-minute executive session for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-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 to include Susan Bancroft, all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 9:08. Nelson seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:08 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the meeting he attended Monday at Fort Scott Community College. FSCC is applying for a grant to repair the dam on their pond and are requesting rip/rap for the dam. Eric stated they have a lot of rip/rap with clay at the quarries that he recommends using. Alysia Johnston, Fort Scott Community College President, and Jared Keylon, Directors of Facilities and Operations, spoke about the pond project. Ms. Johnston stated this is a partnership with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the grant is due in two weeks. The exact date of the construction of the pond is unknown, but there is a lot of erosion on the front and back of the dam. The college will dredge the pond and then add a liner and rock. The dredge material will be added to the back of the dam, topsoil will be added, and native grasses will be planted to help with erosion. In-kind donations are needed for the project, and they are collaborating with the city and asking them to do the dredge machine work. There is a three-phase project for the grant and they are looking at trails to connect FSCC and Gunn Park. Maps were provided showing the options. The first option is the abandoned railroad bed, the second option is 208th Street, and the third option is enhancing community opportunity with their trails and fishing opportunities, and they hope to add a driving range in the wooded area behind the baseball field. Jared Keylon stated approximately 250 loads of rock, or roughly 5,000 cubic yards, is being requested from Bourbon County for the pond project. The college will be purchasing and installing the liner themselves to try to keep costs down. Mr. Keylon said the college is looking into purchasing or renting a truck to haul the rock, will be asking the city to help dredge, and is asking for everybody to do a small piece to make the community a better place.
Hay bids for the three county owned properties were opened at 9:15. One bid for Elm Creek was received and that was from Joseph Tirri for $3,100.00. Two bids were received for the old landfill site on Native Road: one from Pat Murphy for $301.00 and one from Steven Sinn for $200.00. One bid was received for the tower site on 255th Street from Steven Sinn for $25.00. Clifton made a motion to accept Joseph Tirri’s bid for $3100 for Elm Creek, Pat Murphy’s bid for $301 for the old landfill on Native Road, and Steven Sinn’s bid of $25 for the tower on 255th Street. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said his grandsons grew up fishing at the college lake and it is a great project that he supports.
Jared Keylon said the first thing to do on the project will be to get the fish out, but they have no time frame for that. Mr. Keylon said they are hoping to get topsoil off the rodeo pasture during the summertime and plan to put approximately 6 inches of topsoil on the back of the dam. Nelson asked for clarification on what Bourbon County’s involvement in this project would be besides donating rock. Eric said it would just be loading the college’s truck. Clifton said to have an outside truck come into our quarry is a problem in his opinion. Jim asked if there could be a problem with MSHA, which is the Mine Safety Health Administration. Clifton said the county would need to inspect the college’s trucks. Eric said as long as the college’s driver stays inside the truck, and the truck passes county inspection and DOT regulations they can come in the quarry. Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said this is donation from government to government so he sees no legal issue with this as we are not competing with private industry. Justin said the rock is almost a burden for the county and feels it is a win-win situation. Jim asked Eric to inspect Fort Scott Community College’s truck. Eric said by removing the rip/rap it will get it out of the way to do the next blast. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to get shot rock out of Blake Quarry for the Fort Scott Community College Lake project. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Eric discussed the 5-year solid waste plan for the landfill. Jim asked if there were any changes, and Eric stated it was just board members which change when the Commissioners change. Jim said this is something we have to update every five years for KDHE. Clifton made a motion to approve the 5-year solid waste plan. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Belly dump trailer bids were opened at 9:25. Only one bid was received and that was from Armor Lite Trailers in Sikeston, Missouri. The bid was for a bottom dump trailer with the following specifications: 40 foot, 23.5 cubic yards, 10-foot bang boards, 25,000 lb. axle for $37,500.00. Jim said the county has been doing business with this company for years and he recommends approving the bid. Jim stated the insurance proceeds from the wrecked belly dump trailer and auction proceeds from selling old equipment will be used to purchase the trailer. The goal is to have two belly dump trailers hauling gravel during the summer while the five dump trucks are tied up hauling asphalt. Jim said the trailer will haul 1.5 the amount a dump truck will. Jim made a motion to accept the bid from Armor Lite Trailers. Clifton looked up similar trailers online for comparison since only one bid was received and a new trailer was $10,000 more than what the bid was. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric updated the Commissioners on other business stating he signed up as the county’s representative for KDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Plan which is to improve walking and biking on public roads. Eric will be attending the meeting on April 24 in Chanute. Eric said there is a grant opportunity for a concrete pad and barriers for the soybean compost pad at the landfill. There is a delay on the milling of Soldier Road as the construction company’s milling machine is down.
At 9:30 Bill Michaud introduced Deborah Factor, who joined via Zoom, who will be giving a presentation on CORE Community. Bill said his wife attended a seminar in Emporia three to four years ago and saw a presentation by Deb, who has an organization called Youth Core Ministries. Bill stated he has been working for the past two years to try to bring this program to our community. The primary focus of this program is to help our citizen’s address poverty. Deb stated she started in 1998 in Greensburg, KS doing ministry and the program was originally founded for youth outside the faith community. During the process she had kids she worked with for years walk into adulthood and follow in the cycle of poverty. Deb said that her goal was to help the kids grow into healthy, thriving adults who can give back in their community and not be under the constant burden and struggle of poverty. In 2015 after modeling a program that had been successful elsewhere, she launched the poverty program. Deb said small towns have a unique position because people care about the community. In 2017 Deb and Rebecca, who graduated from a similar program, launched four sites in Kansas and now they have 13 programs in Kansas and one in Illionois. Deb stated they are talking to seven communities now who are interested in the program, and there are two additional communities who are in the fundraising phase of the programs now. The program is weekly, meeting 48-50 weeks per year and will meet with the individuals for two to five years. The program tries to educate the community on what poverty really is. Deb stated they have graduated 420 people and have impacted over 500 children. Deb said they identify barriers and help people push through them. Of the graduates, 70 % have increased their income. Deb said they are keeping track of those that are out of poverty for ten years to gather data to see if they are maintaining the upward trajectory. Bill Michaud said some programs are based upon volunteers who burn out easily and went over the different approach CORE Community has. The first step is fundraising then a community coordinator would be hired and reside in our county with CORE Community being their employer, and an advisory board would also be formed. Typically, there are two to three positions which is a community coordinator with one to two people taking care of fundraising and organizing the meals, childcare, and other tasks. Bill said this is a fundraising based organization and would not be showing up each year to ask the county for money to sustain the program. Clifton said this is something that is near and dear to his heart and that Rebecca is living proof of programs such as this. Clifton said he worked in home health and hospice in southeast Kansas and saw first-hand the poverty our residents are facing, saying that most people don’t realize there are people in Bourbon County living with dirt floors. Clifton said he would like to see the school district, college and city come together to make this program happen. Clifton made a motion to fund $50,000 to get the program off the ground. Jim seconded the motion stating poverty is close to all of us. Alysia Johnston stated the services the CORE Community program offers are critical wrap-around services to help students complete their education, certificate, or CDL. Ms. Johnston said they see the barriers every day and that this directly aligns with their mission. Bill Michaud said that he has spoken to some at the city and school board and there are some who are engaged. Nelson questioned where the money is coming from, specifically what fund. Susan Bancroft, CFO, was asked into the meeting to answer Nelson’s question. Susan stated the money is coming from PILOT funds. Nelson thanked Deb Factor for the good presentation, but stated he had no idea it was this much money and that he has no other information about the program. Nelson said we can’t give raises because there is no money, that he doesn’t believe charity is the role of government, and there is nothing stopping others in the community from writing a check. Nelson stated this is taxpayer’s money that should go toward making the courthouse run and roads better. Jim said a majority of employees received raises. The PILOT fund is money we receive from the windmill for economic development and that this program will help with that. Jim stated that elected officials can give raises if they have it in their budget. Clifton said people need to lead by example and he stands by his motion. Anne Dare asked what the next step would be after approving the funds. Clifton said a board would be developed; an employee would be hired by CORE Community who would hold them accountable. Anne asked Bill Michaud how many churches have been asked for involvement and he stated about five in Fort Scott. Clifton said he stands by his motion. Jim asked for a vote, and Jim and Clifton were in favor and Nelson was opposed. The motion carried 2-1.
A 5-minute break was taken, and normal session was resumed at 10:10.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented bids for the purchase of three vehicles. Bill stated they budgeted this year for four vehicles but couldn’t order them due to the time frame was missed. The Commissioners recently approved the purchase of two vehicles, which Sheriff Martin has purchased, but two other vehicles have been totaled since then. The request is to purchase from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles who are currently holding the vehicles for Bourbon County. Jim said he is in support of getting the vehicles but questioned if there was a way to apply the insurance money to this or to use the inmate fund money instead of financing the complete amount. Bill said they need to use the inmate fund money for jail vehicles. Clifton asked how many cars the Sheriff’s department has. Bill said they have 14 vehicles: 9 road deputies, one SRO, one process server, and two for administration. Jim said he would like to apply the insurance money to the purchase of the vehicles. Clifton asked how long it would be before the vehicles would be in service. Bill said they are holding them so if approved today it would just take a phone call to get the equipment taken out and installed in the new vehicles. Bill said the old vehicles will be sold on a government auction site and the proceeds from that he intends on applying to the loan for the purchase of the new vehicles. Susan asked if more than two banks were contacted for bids. Bill said yes, he did. Susan said initially they were trying to go for a shorter-term loan instead of the 5-year note that the bids reflected. Susan said all the money would be taken out of the sales tax fund and that they are trying to get in a system of replacing a vehicle every few years. Clifton said the interest rates on the bids seemed good. Nelson made a motion to finance the patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office. Bill suggested accepting the lower interest rate and using the insurance money and any auction proceeds to pay on the loan. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton suggested to look at a 3-year loan over a 5-year and to go with the lower insurance rate. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to submit a 3–5-year plan to Susan and that he has approval to go get the best one. Clifton said go get your cars before someone else does.
Clifton made amotion to amend the agenda to allow Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, to speak and to move that before public comments. Teri stated she arrived at work this morning to notification that they were approved for the Kraft grant through the Kansas Board of EMS. Teri said she submitted one for a Lifepak 15, which is the monitors they use, and a Hamilton ventilator. We were awarded $20,000 on the Lifepak 15, Teri said the local match would be $10,674.18 after a $6500 credit is applied for equipment Teri is trading in. We were awarded $12,375 for the Hamilton ventilator and the local match would be $4,125. Jim stated that was very impressive. Clifton made a motion to approve the Kraft grants that Teri has worked on and received with a local match of approximately $15,000. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton commended EMS for being fully staffed and for all that they are doing. Jim thanked Teri and said he appreciates all that EMS does.
Clint Walker stated he challenges religious organizations in Bourbon County to look at local people’s needs before they travel out of county or state. Ed Harrison asked when the county will be starting on Elm Creek. Jim stated the shelter houses are in need of help, and that at one point a volunteer group spoke at a meeting but have not been back. Jim asked Eric Bailey to make a maintenance plan on the shelters. Jim asked what the plan for the dam repair was, because it can be very expensive. Eric stated they have found another area of concern. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to talk about Elm Creek. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they tried to open the valve but couldn’t. He feels we need an engineer’s opinion before we drain the lake and then can’t afford to fix the dam. Eric said in his opinion the grant money we received is not going to be enough to cover the repairs but said that is where an expert needs to come in and give an opinion. Jim said we need to reach out to other organizations relating to water to see if there are more grant opportunities to fix the dam. Eric said Don George wants to be in the conversation when Elm Creek is discussed. Clifton said his concern is if we open the dam we won’t have the money, know how, or equipment to properly fix it. Clifton agrees the shelters definitely need to be fixed. Eric said the caretaker has been clearing brush to allow better access to the water and that the area was burned last week. Eric agrees we need to put money into roofs, painting, and electrical on the shelter and even suggested looking into repairing the grill areas. Jim suggested contacting the SEKRPC to see if there are other grants to help fix dams for watershed or water storage. Eric said the equipment needed to fix the dam is going to be above what the county has. Jim said the dam is historic so we can’t just fill it with bentonite. Mr. Harrison asked if we might be able to obtain money since it is a historical dam. Nelson questioned if we own the dam even, if it is historical, who is stopping us from fixing it however we want. Eric said where the valve is concerned, we need a professional opinion. Nelson asked what we can fix now on the shelters. Eric said we need to start with the roofs. Tuckpointing needs to be done and you can usually find people in the winter who may be laid off construction crews to do that. Clifton asked Mr. Harrison to gather the group of volunteers to come back to the meeting or to contact one of the commissioners or Eric. Mr. Harrison state he would talk to them. The hookups for electric while camping were discussed, and Mr. Harrison said they really need to have pads laid to level trailers. Jim said that can be part of our plan for repairs. Jim said the minor repairs of paint and roofing we can do, and volunteers would be great, but the dam repair is going to take a lot of money and grants, but he thinks there are water grant opportunities out there. Jim said he agrees with Clifton and asks the volunteers to come and get on the agenda and that Don George could be invited too. Eric said he would like an engineer to look at the area of concern before Elm Creek is discussed at another meeting. Nelson asked how much an engineer would cost. Clifton said he would ask having contractors look at the dam because they would look at it for free. Mr. Harrison thanked the Commissioners and Eric for what they do and said the lake looks good and the caretaker has done a good job.
Clifton said that he and Nelson can agree to disagree and will still leave as friends. Jim said they are here working to benefit Bourbon County. Jim stated as much controversy as there was regarding the windfarms, what better place to spend the windmill money than on Bourbon County kids.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:43. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
The Regular Council Meeting on April 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:05PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George (KDWPT), Norman Bockover, Mary Pemberton, Betsie Binford, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
From left: Councilwoman Danae Esslinger, City Clerk Sally Johnson, Councilwoman Amber Kelly, Mayor Larry Jurgensen, KWP representative Don George, and councilmen Josh Hartman, Jess Ervin, and Brad Stewart. Submitted photo.
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism presented the grant reimbursement check to Council for the completion of the Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project and encouraged the council to apply for phase II. He complimented Clerk’s paperwork for the grant. He would like application for phase II completed by the May meeting. Mayor Jurgensen will touch base with county regarding rock and hauling.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to submit an application for 2023 CFAP Grant for Phase II of Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project
CITIZENS REQUEST
Norman Bockover asked about citywide trash service. The Council rescinded Ordinance 199 at the April 6, 2023 Special Meeting and will no longer be pursuing this.
Betsie Binford, Old Settlers’ Committee, requested permission for a street dance as part of this year’s celebration. Council said NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED and asked Clerk Johnson to check with our insurance agent on whether our liability insurance would cover or if the Committee will need an event policy.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Old Settlers’ Committee to sponsor a street dance for this year’s celebration with no alcohol allowed
Mary Pemberton presented a copy of the proposed mural for the Rural Murals and Public Art Grant.
Mayor Jurgensen informed that the Dale Jackson Memorial Fire Truck for the park should be installed soon.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $349,967.37, Receipts $52,804.09, Transfers Out $4,666.00, Expenditures $52,703.68, Checking Account Closing Balance $345,40178. Bank Statement Balance $367,965.70, including Checking Account Interest of $78.70, Outstanding Deposits $64.32, Outstanding Checks $22,628.24, Reconciled Balance $345,401.78. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,967.27. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $227.98, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $392.49. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; for Total Transfers of $4,666.00. Net Loss for the month of March $4,565.59, Year-to-Date Net Income $1,849.81. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $58,162.08 (37.1%), Expenditures $39,937.71 (17.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $9,124.88 (24.8%), Expenditures $8,077.26 (19.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $29,938.79 (24.5%), Expenditures $28,626.06 (17.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $56,480.34 (37.7%), Expenditures $51,280.83 (27.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $20,298.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and April 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting
City Superintendent Rich asked what is to be done about the rock post that has fallen in the southeast corner of the park. After discussion of methods to repair, it was decided to put rock in the shop until a method is decided upon.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent. He did submit a letter and it was included in the April newsletter. Citywide cleanup is scheduled for May 1-4. Clerk Johnson reported that someone came in this morning to report that one of the dogs at 108 Second St had her granddaughter trapped in the post office growling at her. Johnson called the dog owner and asked him to please keep his dogs on his property or under his control at all times. He said he is planning to put a kennel in the backyard, but no timeline given.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of resignation was received from Ginger Ervin for her custodian/water sampler position.
The Municipal Services 2023 Budget Workshop dates were discussed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend one of the webinar and Charlene Bolinger to attend the May 25 in person session at Iola, cost of workshop $75/person
She had previously sent CDBG grant information to council. After discussion, it was decided there is not enough time to get a preliminary engineering report or application submitted by May 1.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – A thank you note for the dish planter was received from Sally Johnson on the death of her father.
He would like to extend the culvert at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin to accommodate trash trucks and school bus. He has a culvert but would like for the city to provide the rock.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin
He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson has a zoom meeting with Jody and Rachel, HBCAT, on April 18. Mayor Jurgensen still trying to find time to convene committee.
American Rescue Plan Act update –The remaining $21,153.82 was discussed. It can be used for streets, repairs to the warehouse, a skid steer, or any type of governmental service. Clerk Johnson requested a new quote for materials to reskin and replace/add roll up doors for the warehouse. It was decided to use it for the warehouse. Clerk Johnson attended a webinar last week on submitting this year’s project and expenditure report which is due by April 30.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – documentation was mailed to KMGA on March 28.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Council directed Clerk Johnson to send out invitation for bids exactly like last year.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:41PM
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to continue discussion of individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:52PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:52.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Mayor to seek custodial/water sampler person and increase pay rate to $12/hour
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:53PM
