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Shrinking by Gregg Motley
I have reported in earlier columns that Bourbon County and the other 16 counties that make up SEK are all shrinking; every one of us lost population between the 2010 and the 2020 census. The final count for Bourbon County was an 813 person drop from 15,173 to 14,360, a 5.4% decrease. Another way to think about it is that we lose about 81 people a year.
Who are these people? Are we losing the rich or the poor, the young or the old, the employed or the unemployed? These are important questions to answer, because those of us who want to stay are faced with an ever increasing tax burden, especially if those leaving are wage earners, property owners and those with a higher income. Let’s take a look at what the numbers say:
| Category/Year | 2010 | % | 2020 | % |
| Under age 18 | 3,886 | 25.6% | 3,590 | 25.5% |
| Ages 18 to 64 | 8,659 | 57.1% | 7,869 | 54.3% |
| Ages 65 & Over | 2,628 | 17.3% | 2,901 | 20.2% |
| Total Bourbon Co.Pop. | 15,173 | 100.0% | 14,360 | 100.0% |
| People in Poverty | 2,412 | 15.9% | 2,082 | 14.5% |
The good news is that we are holding our own on percentage of young people, and the number of impoverished residents of our county declined significantly in the last 10 years; let’s hope they earned their way past the poverty line rather than moving away. The trend that hurts is the drop in the number of working age adults, which is almost exactly the net number that moved away. Yes, some of those people stayed here and account for much of the increase in the over 64 population (present company included), but either way, it means less wages earners paying taxes in Bourbon County.
How do these trends compare with the four counties around us? I reported last week that we are the county with the lowest percentage of working age adults and the highest in average income. Looking at 2019 poverty statistics, four of the five counties experienced declining poverty; Crawford was the exception with a slight increase. Linn County has the lowest poverty rate by a wide margin at 12.0%; we are a distant second. All five of the counties considered have a higher poverty rate than the State of Kansas as a whole.
Who cares about this? Governments and businesses need this data for planning. Site selectors from corporations considering another location find this information invaluable. These are numbers that heavily influence decision-makers and have a large say in our future prosperity.
In the short run, schools need to plan for declining enrollment. Governments need to consider that there are fewer taxpayers in their jurisdiction when they consider levies and spending. Strategies need to be considered on a comprehensive basis as to how to reverse these trends. Most importantly, those strategies need to be formulated and executed across jurisdictional lines. Now is not the time for emotional parochialism.
We have many positives we can leverage. We need to play economic development offense and administrative cost defense. Let’s decide to put aside our petty differences and work together on solutions.
Presumptive Positive Case of Monkeypox in Kansas City Area
KDHE has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), working with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas based on testing at the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories. This is the first presumptive positive case in Kansas.
The patient is an adult resident in Johnson County, KS who recently traveled out of state. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information will be shared at this time. The patient is working with KDHE to identify contacts who may have been exposed.
“The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low,” Janet Stanek, Secretary of KDHE, said. “If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox illness, it’s important to stay home and contact your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”
In typical cases, a person may experience symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion followed by the appearance of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that may appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, or genitals. However, it is important to note that not all cases will show symptoms before the onset of a rash, so KDHE strongly recommends anyone experiencing symptoms of a monkeypox-like rash with other risk factors contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Risk factors for monkeypox infection include the following scenarios within 21 days of first symptom onset:
- Contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox, OR
- Close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity including meeting partners through an online website, digital app or social event, OR
- Recent travel outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where Monkeypox virus is endemic, OR
- Contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)
The monkeypox vaccine is available to those with a known exposure to a confirmed monkeypox case; however, with the vaccine supply extremely limited in the United States, residents who have not been contacted by KDHE or clinic partners are not able to be vaccinated at this time. KDHE will expand eligibility as additional doses are available.
The KDHE Phone Bank is available to assist in answering general questions about monkeypox. Individuals can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or can email their questions.
About monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious lesions, scabs, body fluids, or by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. The virus can also spread through direct contact with materials that have touched body fluids or lesions, such as clothing or linens. However, standard cleaning practices and laundering reduces spread through these materials. Individuals are considered infectious from the onset of symptoms until lesions have crusted, those crusts have separated, and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed underneath.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 7 to 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms usually include fever, fatigue, headache and enlarged lymph nodes. A rash often starts on the face and then appears on the palms, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Over a week or two, the rash changes from small, flat spots to tiny blisters that are similar to chickenpox, and then to larger blisters. These can take several weeks to scab over and fall off. For more information about monkeypox visit the KDHE monkeypox webpage.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 11
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 11, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 11TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• District Court Budget Request
• Judge Ward–Executive Session 75–4319(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures,
if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Bob Reed – Fair Board Budget
• Kelley Zellner–Discuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion
o Resolution on Hours for Benefits
o EMS Collections Process
o Budget Presentation
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)
▫ Register of Deeds
▫ Sheriff/Corrections
▫ Public Works
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to prote
Obituary of Sarah Jackson
Sarah Kathrine “Kay” Jackson, age 92, a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Overland Park. She was born June 19, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas the daughter of L.C. Jackson and Kathrine E. Harris Jackson. She grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She went on to become a para legal where she worked for the Austin and Spears Law Firm.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia Keal of Overland Park; a nephew, Bobby Jackson (Dara) of Ft. Scott and two nieces, Debora Barnes (Jim), Ash Grove, Missouri and Mary K. Auler (Leonard) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Also surviving are several great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert E. Jackson and a nephew, Bryan “Kent” Keal.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
What’s Happening In Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter July 8
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Chamber After Hours is July 12
After Hours Chamber Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event for Geaux Loco Food Truck.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to an After-Hours Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event to celebrate Geaux Loco Food Truck at 5:15pm on Tuesday, July 12th, located at 223 N. National Ave. Remarks and cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30 pm.
Owners Hanna and daughter Curline Melveaux are excited to announce the opening of their food truck and their menu which includes flavors from Bayou to Central America with American favorites. They are now selling The Ice Cream Factory ice cream by the scoop. The After-Hours Chamber Event will feature ice cream and food samples.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber events to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the business or organization hosting. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 8
Live Rock, R&B, and Pop Music Tonight at the Liberty Theater
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Uniontown City Council Agenda for July 12
The Uniontown City Council will meet July 12 at 7 p.m. in city hall, on the east side of the square.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Open bids for School Pond Improvement Project –
2022 Audit presentation, Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton –
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Worksession
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDOT Safety Inspection –
Lead & Copper Testing
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMU Water Training @ Uniontown
LKM request to send thank you to legislators for their support of local government
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act update–
Street Repair –
NEW BUSINESS
2023 Budget –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Attachments:
Uniontown City Council Work Session Minutes of June 29
Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.
The Council Worksession on June 29, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.
Three proposed options for the general fund budget were discussed – leave the mil the same, lower the mil, or use the revenue neutral rate mil. A proposed budget of all other budgeted funds was discussed. The council will decide at the July 12, 2022 regular council meeting to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2023.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:15PM
Uniontown City Council Minutes of June 14
Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on June 14, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (6:04), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George, KDWPT, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George – Mr. George was unable to attend. The concrete for the bathroom has been poured with floor drains. Anticipate pouring the concrete for the sidewalk on June 17 or 18 depending on help available.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the May 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $374,736.00, Receipts $44,285.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,948.52, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,297.29. Bank Statement Balance $343,897.73, including Checking Account Interest of $30.53, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $600.44, Reconciled Balance $343,297.29. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $420,273.56. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $146.56, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $221.40. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of May $31,438.71, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,553.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $45,047.13 (42.7%), Expenditures $44,930.06 (34.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,459.23 (40.5%), Expenditures $18,189.7 (44.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $79,699.68 (57.1%), Expenditures $63,501.51 (25.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $69,133.52 (53.8%), Expenditures $64,719.69 (39.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,578.39 (52.2%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The June 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $35,545.46 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Ordinance-ARPA Worksession
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reported that a freeze proof hydrant was installed at the fire station for the automatic watering system that is to be installed. Fire District #3 wants to know who is paying for that (approximately $140).
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to see if Park Committee will pay and if not pay out of Parks and Recreation line of the General Fund
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that a certified letter has been sent to owner of 404 Washington. Clerk Johnson reported that the letter has not been picked up yet and is on its way back. She will send another to owner in care of partner in rehabbing property. 202 Fourth St. had a “Mow Your Yard” sign posted. Tenant came in angry and stated he wouldn’t mow the ditch. A certified letter was sent to property owner. They refused to pick up. Bobby mowed/trimmed, an invoice was sent with the original certified letter enclosed.
Coyan will draw up specs for the ADA bathroom at City Hall and try to find a contractor. He will also gather some quotes for reskinning the warehouse and putting in the rollup door on the south end.
Draft ordinances for fence regulations, accessory buildings regulations, and establishing trash and physical waste service were presented for first reading.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to pass and approved Ordinance No. 197 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Fences within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, Ordinance No. 198 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Accessory Buildings within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, and Ordinance No. 199 An Ordinance Establishing Trash and Physical Waste Service within City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions.
Council asked for an invitation for bids or request for proposals be drafted for the trash service by next meeting.
Clerk Johnson presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and City of Uniontown for Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.
Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan
Copier maintenance agreement annual renewal was presented; $25 increase this year.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept the annual renewal of copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems for $325
Budget worksession was scheduled for June 29, 6PM, food will be provided. Clerk Johnson will send out text reminder.
Independence Day Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, will be held on July 1 this year instead of July 3. Portapotties have been ordered. Clerk Johnson said she ordered them for Old Settlers also, just in case the new restrooms are not finished.
Citywide yard sales date was set for Saturday, August 20. Clerk Johnson will put flyer in with billings.
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting authorization for legal action for collection of utility account 1017005.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to authorize Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action for collection of utility account 1017005
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – four-wheelers are speeding and tearing up the railroad right-of-way.
Mayor Jurgensen – Gas Liaison meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, 5PM, at community center.
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project – Invitations for bids were mailed to seven contractors on May 25 and published on May 28 to be received by noon, June 14. No bids were received. Some of the contractors wanted some clarification of specifications in the bid. Don George, KDWPT, advised us on some more specific specifications for the project – 4”-6” riprap, 1’ deep, 8’ wide with 2-3’ below waterline, riprap and weed barrier will be provided on site, designated area to haul excess dirt will be railroad right-of-way at First and Clay Streets, and remove broken part of splashblock and riprap below tube instead of concrete repair of splashblock. Pond level can be pumped or siphoned down, if needed. A new invitation for bids will be written and sent out. The rock the county had already delivered is too large for riprap; although, some could be used to build a shelf for the riprap. There is plenty of time. We can ask for an extension, if necessary. There is some moss on the pond. Mr George will check if there are any grass carp available to put in the pond.
American Rescue Plan Act update – The second tranche of $20,144.41 was received on June 13, making the total received $40,288.82. This will be used to upgrade the warehouse or an ADA compliant restroom at City Hall.
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen spoke with the county June 14; per the county counselor, they cannot asphalt our streets as they are not allowed to compete with private industry. Killough will be working in the area in the fall. We will contact them, Bailey’s Asphalt (did school parking lots), and Bettis for quotes.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:47PM








