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What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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All posts by Submitted Story
Mental Health Self-Care Fair May 23
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The Bourbon County Coalition Meeting Agenda for April 5
This meeting will be April 5, 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments. Just a head’s up – depending on Carson Felt’s schedule, the program may be first and then the meeting.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
April 5, 2023
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Carson Felt and members of the USD 234 Orchestra
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be May 3, at 1:00 p.m.
I Am Gomer…and So Are You by Patty LaRoche
Bringing a future spouse home to meet the family can be nerve-wracking. My experience was made even more traumatizing when my two brothers met Dave for the first time and shared with him that they were shocked when someone in high school actually asked me out on a date. Not stopping there, they showed him a picture of me from my junior high days—right after I had cut my bangs to resemble a crew cut to complement a face full of freckles.
Brothers can be like that, you know.
Still, that event doesn’t come close to what the Biblical prophet Hosea must have encountered when he introduced his bride-to-be to his family. After all, God had instructed him to marry a prostitute. Actually, the word “whore” is used in many translations. I doubt this escaped the relatives’ notice, and even though this had been a directive from God, I’m thinking that this didn’t go over well with family members. Let the rumblings begin.
“I’m not sure what god you’re hearing from, but it sure isn’t the Jehovah we serve.”
“With all the sweet, Jewish virgins in town, this is what you choose?”
“Let’s give this relationship a little time—like a few years—and see if you still feel this way about this woman.”
Scripture tells us nothing about how Hosea really felt when he obeyed God and married Gomer (seriously, that’s her name), had three children, and then had her leave him to return to her former lifestyle. Let the rumblings magnify:
“Too bad somebody didn’t listen!”
“Talk about disgrace! This is disgrace times 100! I’ll never be able to show my face in the marketplace again.”
“Now, explain to us again who told you to marry this harlot?”
If we read only this part of the story, it makes no sense, but when we realize that we are all Gomers, we can better understand God’s plan. Judges 2:17 tells us that the Israelites had refused to be obedient to God’s instruction and “prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them,” clearly violating the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods besides me.” God used Hosea to demonstrate the pain He felt when Israel no longer was faithful to Him. Hosea’s obedience proves how desperately he wanted his people to get the message.
After having three children and returning to her former lifestyle of prostitution, Gomer ultimately ending up a slave, and just like God continues to forgive us and woo us back to Him when we sin, so did Hosea with his adulterous wife. He found her and bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver and thirteen bushels of barley.
Then he said to her, “You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you.” Hosea was able to forgive his wife for bringing him incredible shame and hurt…just like God does for us when we choose anything before Him (prosperity, money, success, comfort, safety, recognition, pleasure, etc.).
God used Hosea to model His undying love for His people, the Israelites, a message that is equally relevant to us Christians. It’s easy to berate Gomer for her infidelity, but that’s not the lesson intended for me. I just need to look in a mirror, be convicted of whatever it is I place before God…and then be eternally grateful that He hasn’t given up on me.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 23
March 23, 2023, Thursday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Tayton Majors, Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Deb McCoy, Lora Holdridge, and Susan Bancroft were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes minutes from 3/9/23 and 3/20/23, approval of accounts payable totaling $423,388.77 and payroll totaling $339,592.33. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.
Justin Meeks asked for a 5-minute executive session for possible litigation.
Clifton Beth made a motion to go into executive session for 5 minutes 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 all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Jennifer Hawkins, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:07. Jim Harris seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:07 with no action. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI to present a check to EMS. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Rob Harrington introduced Troy Schell, Chairman of Legacy Healthcare who presented a check for $17,557.50 to Bourbon County EMS to purchase a LUCAS device. Mr. Schell stated that Legacy is committed to the community and is honored to be able to provide the donation which could save lives in Bourbon County. Rob said that Clifton did an amazing job trying to obtain donations to purchase the lifesaving equipment that EMS needs. Mr. Harrington then introduced Mark McCoy, Chairman of the Board of Bourbon County REDI who presented a check to Bourbon County EMS for $17,000.00 to purchase a ventilator. Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for their donations. Clifton spoke of the needs of AEDs and said his goal is to have AEDs scattered throughout the county and in every Sheriff’s vehicle which would be about 20-30 devices. Mercy donated several devices years ago; however, they are becoming outdated. Jim thanked Bourbon County REDI, Legacy Health, and Commissioner Beth for all their hard work and said, “God bless all of you.” Susan Bancroft said there are Opioid grants at the state level and that she spoke to Dave Bruner yesterday and was informed that AEDs and ventilators could be purchased with the funds. Clifton said the job of the Commissioner’s is roads and public health and safety and he would like to get back to doing that.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, introduced David Singmaster, Noxious Weed Director, who presented the 2023 Noxious Weed Management Plan to be signed by the Commission. Eric said that David recently passed all his state certifications. Clifton made a motion to sign the management plan, Nelson seconded, and all approved. Eric presented the Federal Funds Exchange Agreement through KDOT which would reimburse the county $89,236.81 in 2023. Eric said he would like to use $60,000.00 to put in the bridge repair fund for the bridge that needs repairs on 165th St. Clifton made a motion to accept the 2023 Federal Funds Exchange Agreement and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said he will bring the final number for the sidewalk and parking project to the Commissioners next week.
Eric went through the 2023 Asphalt Road Plan that was discussed during the 3/20/2023 work session. In District 1 they plan to overlay ¾ of a mile of Maple Road east of 55th Street. Eric said that will tie everything in. On Yale Road from the west entrance of Hidden Valley Lake to Mapleton they plan to mill the road and bring in gravel to compact and prep the road so that they could try to overlay a mile section of the road next year. In District 2 Jayhawk Road from 69 Highway to Liberty Bell Road is listed as an overlay project. Eric said he visited with KDOT who is still trying to find out if the road has been turned over to Bourbon County. Other areas to overlay include Jewel Road, 232nd St, and 232nd Terr which are all in Marco Estates. Eagle Road from Garland to the Stateline, and 227th Street and Williams Street, which is the east side of Ellis Park, were also said to be in need and were discussed. Jim said the city approved to split the cost of the Williams Street project at their Tuesday meeting. Eric said the city would pay half of the material cost and the county would lay the asphalt. In District 3 there are several areas on Soldier Road that need to be spot milled to level up with the rest of the road. A one-inch overlay will be done on Soldier Road from 215th to 245th Street, 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road, and Valley Road from 245th Street to 267th Street. Eric said he would like to do this early, within the next month or so, then come back in August or September and chip and seal. The extras listed were Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street to do a mile this year, and to chip and seal Jayhawk Road from Liberty Bell Road to 230th Street. Eric said that the additional two miles of Eagle Road and Yale Road were also listed as extras depending on funding. Eric said he knows that milling Yale Road is not a popular decision but that it needs to be done since the subbase has failed. Eric said he has to know what his carryover from last year is to be able to determine how much more asphalting can be done but that he has not received a budget report since end of the year has not been closed out. Jim asked Susan Bancroft to clarify the process of budget reports. The Treasurer closes out the end of the month which allows the Clerk to run budget reports to send out to the department heads. Jim asked Eric when he last received a report and Eric said he had not received a budget report this year. Clifton asked what we were waiting on? Clifton asked Patty Love, Treasurer, to come in and discuss the end of year and budget reports. Patty said as far as she knew end of year was done and that Susan is going to go over things to make sure all journal vouchers are done. Patty said they couldn’t go on with January until year end was done but they have run into some problems that happened in January that went back into last year. Jim asked moving forward if Patty will be able to get budget reports monthly now that end of year is complete. Patty said yes that the year-end backed them up, but that she wants to get caught up to get reports done monthly. Jim made a motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan as Eric presented it with extras if possible. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson and asked for discussion. Nelson said he has received several emails and phone calls from residents on Yale Road who do not want the road milled. Clifton asked if a meeting was needed to be held in Mapleton to discuss the road and explain that the road is a safety hazard and will never be fixed correctly without milling the road. Nelson said he is finding out when the next city council meeting in Mapleton is so he can go and explain the road situation again. Nelson asked about milling maybe a mile section then paving it and keep going mile by mile until it is complete. Eric said that due to the extent of the subbase failure he does not feel that would work. Nelson said he has had complaints that the area that is milled is so wash boarded it is worse than the potholes. Eric said he had driven that section of road and it was bad. They have added some gravel to the road and that he recently drove the road and the gravel has helped. Jim said a meeting was held in Mapleton a few years ago to discuss and explain the condition of Yale Road. Jim said there comes a point when there is a safety problem. Justin Meeks said he had received an email from a resident who has been driving Yale Road and has experienced damage to their vehicle. Justin said it can’t be pinned down that the road is the exact cause of the damage, but when you have multiple people talking about how dangerous the road is you are on notice. Once you have been notified you have to do something to try to mitigate the danger or culpability. Jim said the long-term plan with Eagle Road didn’t pan out as quickly as it was originally thought but given the data and information Eric has provided it doesn’t appear that it will be five years to get Yale Road paved. Justin asked for clarification from Eric about what has to be done once a road is milled. Eric explained that the gravel is brought in to be compacted but really needs traffic to drive on it for a year to truly get compacted. Susan spoke about the local food sales tax that the legislatures are trying to end and explained how catastrophic this could be for our county; this would affect our roads and the bond payment for the jail. Susan said to voice your opinions to our local representatives at the state level to explain how devastating this could be to us. The first year the state would cover, but the second year the county would have to raise taxes to continue our programs. Susan explained that the county receives about $900,000 from the state each year from sales tax for our hard surface roads. Justin said the way the jail sales tax and the hard surface road tax were placed on the ballot and voted on by citizens that there could be possible litigation if the state were to take local sales tax. Clifton said he wouldn’t have a problem to add to Eagle and Yale Road next year and that you have his vote. Jim said he is committed to a one-mile section of Yale Road next year, and possibly more if sales tax is up and the money is there. Clifton said he sees possibly Eagle Road being completed next year and Yale Road in two years and Jim said he agrees. Clifton said it’s not his district, but we are on notice at the county and the road can’t be fixed unless we tear it up. Jim went back to his original motion to adopt the 2023 hard surface road plan; Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. Nelson said we could commit to paving a mile of Yale Road next year, but asked what priority it would be? Jim said Eagle should be first since it has been milled so long. Clifton said he would like to see the sections of two-mile section Eagle Road and one mile section of Yale Road both completed next year. Jim made a motion to commit to the first mile section of Yale Road and the remaining two miles of Eagle Road next year if we have the funding available. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said oil is low and he is wanting to start as soon as possible.
Eric said the rock crusher is back and they made a few adjustments while it was in the shop, and we have had a major increase in chip production. The culvert crew is installing culverts, we were running a little bit behind, but they are getting caught up and he appreciates everybody’s patience while they do that. Eric and Dustin will be traveling to Wichita tomorrow to look at a compost turner that they found for sale on an auction site. A new compost turner is around $100,000, so they are looking at used to try to save money. Eric said we have to have a compost turner to turn the soybeans and sawdust at the landfill. Justin said he had spoken with Eric and asked the Commissioners if Eric could have permission to either try the compost soil in different areas or to give it away to citizens to see if it would help things grow. Clifton said he would not be in favor until the compost soil is tested by K-State or another lab. Justin clarified that once the tests come back ok that Eric is ok to give the compost away and the Commissioners agreed. Eric and Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, spoke to the Commissioners about a section of Victory Road that is listed on some maps but does not have the exact length of the road. Lora said that Eric and Matt drove the road to try to determine the length of the road. Lora said that the length of the road needs to be about 2000 feet so that the landowners can access their property. Clifton and Nelson said they do not want to vote on extending the length of the road until they speak to all landowners. Jim said he would pass the owner’s information along to Nelson since it is his district and have him speak with the owner.
Jim asked for a 10-minute break.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:09. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:09 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Shane Walker requested an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property include the three Commissioners, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:15. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Justin Meeks. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for the consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for contracts to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:22. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:22 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to put public comments back on the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Jim asked Selena Alvarado, Deputy County Clerk, to put public comments on future agendas.
Clifton thanked Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI for contributing to the health of Bourbon County and providing equipment that will save lives and that he hopes other organizations and foundations will step up and also provide donations to help obtain the necessary equipment EMS needs. Jim asked Clifton to keep the Commissioners advised if funding and donations are not coming in so that the board can look at ways to help and Clifton agreed he would
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:24. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 3-30-23
Obituary of Shirley Palmer
Shirley Jean (Hoggatt) Palmer passed into the loving arms of Jesus on March 28, 2023. She was born January 26, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kansas. Her parents were Fred (Tony) and Verna (Ater) Hoggatt. She grew up in Garland, Kansas, and attended the one-room Clarksburg Rural School from kindergarten through the eighth grade with her mother being her teacher. During her youth, Shirley was actively involved in 4-H especially showing Angus beef cattle and cooking. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1961, Fort Scott Junior College in 1963, and from Kansas State College of Pittsburg with a B.S. in Elementary Education degree in 1965, a Masters Degree in Education in 1971, and an Education Specialists Degree in School Administration from Pittsburg State University in 1979.
Shirley married Ron Palmer on June 2, 1963. They have two sons, Brian and wife Carla Palmer and Gary and wife Kylene Palmer. She also enjoyed her grandchildren: John and wife Katelyn, Elizabeth and husband Elijah, Sadie, Lexi, Riley, and Jentry. She cherished all family time together.
Shirley taught nearly 40 years as a second-grade teacher in Leavenworth and Fort Scott, Kansas. She was named Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1982 and was inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame in 2002. Shirley served as the first ever female Student Body President of Fort Scott Junior College in 1963. Shirley was named Fort Scott Community College Outstanding Alum in 1987 and Pittsburg State University Outstanding Alum in 2016. She served as both a member and President of the Alumni Associations for both the Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University. She was appointed by then Kansas Governor, Mike Hayden, to the Advisory Council of Community Colleges during 1989-1993 and she served seven years on the Kansas Board of Regents from 1987-1993 overseeing the state colleges including Chair of the Board in 1993.
Shirley was also very active in her community and held memberships in many civic organizations. She served many years as a Democratic Precinct Committee Person and was elected to two terms as Kansas State Representative for the Fourth District of Kansas from 2006-2010. Other organizations included Fort Scott Rotary, Delta Kappa Gamma now called AWE, American Association of University Women, Progressive Mother’s Club, Retired Teachers, Family Consumer Education, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, the Bourbon County Fair Board, and she served 30 years volunteering as a county-wide 4-H leader in Horticulture. She was also a Mercy Hospital Auxiliary volunteer for many years. Shirley was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Kansas for over 60 years and served as the Worthy Grand Matron from 1998-1999.
Shirley lived on a farm with Ron southwest of Fort Scott. They were small business owners together in Fort Scott. Her hobbies included gardening, entertaining, baking, canning, competing at the Bourbon County Fair, playing the accordion and piano, and spending time with family and friends. Shirley often won awards for her homemade pies of various flavors, with her Cherry Pie earning top awards.
Throughout her life Shirley’s strong faith in God and love for Jesus motivated her to serve Him and others. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Scott where she served on many committees including Chair of the Christian Board of Education and was a pianist for several years.
Shirley was a dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother-to-be, sister-in-law, and friend to many people. As a friend described her, she was “dedicated, smart, talented, and caring. Irreplaceable.” She will be truly missed and her impact on our lives will only be fully known someday in heaven.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Verna Hoggatt. She is survived by her husband Ron Palmer of the home in Fort Scott, Brian and Carla Palmer of Olathe, Gary and Kylene, Sadie, Lexi, Riley and Jentry of Fort Scott, John and Katelyn Palmer of Lenexa, and Elizabeth and Elijah Vandepol of Spring Hill, Kansas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, April 7th, at the First Baptist Church in Fort Scott.
Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel with the Order of Eastern Star service beginning at 6:00 PM.
Memorials are suggested to either the First Baptist Church of Fort Scott, the Ron & Shirley Palmer Scholarship Fund at Fort Scott Community College, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for cancer research and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 30
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue March 30, 2023, 9:00 AM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 3/23/2023
- Department Updates
- Public Works Director
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meetin would jeopardize such security measures.
FS Design Board to Meet April 3
The Fort Scott Design Review Board will have a meeting on Monday, April 3rd, 2023, at 4:00PM at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Fort Scott Pavilion.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 29
Easter Egg Stravaganza This Saturday at Fort Cinema
Family Life Assembly of God is hosting a fun free event this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Fort Cinema movie theater, 224 W. 18th.
The church will have:
- Inflatables
- Face Painting
- Yard Games for Kids
- Hot Cocoa
- Popcorn
- Easter Egg Hunt
Submitted by Pastor Grady Proffitt
Chamber Dinner and Awards Celebration is April 20
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The Cold Weather Rule ends March 31
TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule ends on Friday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements. March 31 is also the last day to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP, a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected.
The Cold Weather Rule, in effect from November 1 through March 31, provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the KCC when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. When the rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a Cold Weather 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken.
When that protection ends on Friday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.
It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/
To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
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