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Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Aug. 18

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Wednesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: August 18, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC 

ATTENDANCE VIA YOUTUBE)

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • KWORCC – Voting Delegate
    • Cereal Malt Beverage License
    • Jim Harris – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Minutes of the FS Commission Meeting of July 6

Minutes are unapproved until that meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 6th, 2021 Regular Meeting #13

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 6th, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, and R. Nichols were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding. L. Watts arrived at 5:23 p.m.

INVOCATION:, Diane Clay, City Clerk, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Doug Guns, Rob Harrington, Judy Warren, Gregg Motley, Nancy VanEtten, Jimmy Kemmerer, Kateyna Braim, Michael Braim, Rachel Pruitt, Allyson Turvey, Andy Snyder, and Jason Dickman.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 15th, 2021, special meeting of June 17th, 2021 and special meeting of June 22nd, 2021.

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1291-A totaling $555,302.20.

C. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $36,476.00 – Rejuvenator Application – National Avenue

D. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $24,684.00 – Crack Sealing – National Avenue

Discussion was held on the crack sealing and rejuvenator application project.

J. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

Michael Braim – Mr. Braim informed the Commission that our parks look terrible. He said that the beach at Lake Fort Scott is in terrible shape and sand needs brought in. He challenged the City Manager to assist in getting sand to the beach at the Lake. He is scheduling a group of volunteers for this Saturday morning to work at the lake and cut brush and clean and work on the beach area. He asked who was responsible for the condition of the beach area and wanted a name of that person. He said that he called a couple of quarries in town and relayed what their sand prices are for 70 ton of sand. He said that this is the only place that citizens can go and cool off free. He would like this done by next week.

Kevin Allen told him that Doug Guns and the City Manager are working on this project already and have sand ordered to be delivered in the next day or so. He asked him to be patient with the City,

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that he handed them his report and it was before them. He said that he attended a Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission meeting recently as he is on the Board of Directors. He met with A.D.M. officials about their contract renewal. His other updates are included in his report.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. gave the Commission an update on several items:

Cooper Street – Plans are complete and this is ready to bid out.

Old Faithful Manhole- Plans are being revised currently.

National Avenue – Plans to overlay 13th to 17th are being prepared.

Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Bottle Filling Stations Presentation – Was not present.

Rob Harrington, Bedco Presentation -Mr. Harrington appeared before the Commission and gave them an update on Bedco which has been renamed Bourbon County R.E.D.I. He shared his visions and goals for the next five years. He is also working with Noble Health to bring a hospital to the community. He invited them to contact him with any questions they may have. He said that economic development is a top priority for him.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of Durkee Street and Approval of Utility Easement for the North 50’ of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28, Block 4, Durkee & Stout Addition

J. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

Ally Turvey said that a utility easement was drawn up by the City Attorney and Mr. Eden, the property owner has signed it contingent upon the vacation of Durkee Street being approved.

Michael Hoyt spoke in opposition to the vacation of the street due to concerns of drainage at Ironquill Estates.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, explained the utility easement to him and to the Commission.

P. Allen moved to approve Ordinance No. 3579 vacating Durkee Street. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3579 VACATING THE PLATTED DURKEE STREET LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 1-28, BLOCK AND LOTS 2-28, BLOCK 4, DURKEE AND STOUT ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 70 FEET OF DURKEE STREET.

L. Watts moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:32 P.M.

New Business:

  1. Discussion and Approval of St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this agreement is ready for approval. She stated on page two that there was a typo and twenty-three should reflect twenty-two. They have a meter on their lift station and it will be read monthly. They will pay all of their water usage in arrears to the City plus a $20.00 monthly fee.

L. Watts moved to approve the St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement with the City of Fort Scott. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ST. MARTIN’S SEWER AGREEMENT.

  1. Cooper Street Right-of-Way Easements – Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, said that he was working with the property owners to sign over the right-of-way easements for Cooper Street.

Discussion was held regarding the east and west sides of Cooper Street and right-of-way.

J. Jones moved to approve the right-of-way easements and allow the City Staff to work with property owners over rights-of-way. L. Watts seconded, All voted aye.

APPROVED CITY STAFF TO WORK WITH THE PROPERTY OWNERS FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENTS FOR COOPER STREET.

  1. Request approval to bid out Cooper Street project (Plans available at City Hall – link:

https://earlesengineering.sharefile.com/dsca64eac8d8584b4094c5b45ce3d4572f

City Manager said that

City Manager said that this project was not engineered to start with, but it has been now. It is ready to be bid out to contractors. The City does need to obtain some right-of-way easements from property owners on Cooper Street which the engineering firm and the City Attorney are working on. He asked the City Commission to go out for bid on this project.

L. Watts moved to approve to go out for bid on Cooper Street. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts. and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON COOPER STREET.

  1. Request approval to bid out Union Block Alley – City Manager said that the plans are complete and this is ready to bid out. He knows this has been a long process but it has been engineered and is ready to bid out to contractors.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, discussed asphalt versus concrete for the alley.

L. Watts moved to approve to bid out the Union Block alley with concrete. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON THE UNION BLOCK ALLEY WITH CONCRETE.

  1. Request to bid out Horton Street 6th to 8th – (mill and overlay) – City Manager said that this project is ready to bid out. He would like to send it out as well as the overlay on National Avenue from 13th to 17th to get a better price.

R. Nichols moved to go out for bid for the mill and overlay from 6th to 8th on Horton Street, along with National Avenue from 13th to 17th for the overlay. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO BID OUT HORTON STREET FROM 6TH TO 8TH STREET.

  1. Discussion of sale of First Source Building – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval from them on how to proceed with the sale of this building. It is anticipated the City will have an offer on the building by the next meeting in July.

J. Jones moved to seek Requests for Proposals for a Real Estate Agent. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR THE FIRST SOURCE BUILDING.

  1. Discussion of sale of lake lots (deed restrictions, covenants, etc.) – J. Jones said that they need to discuss how to sell the lots, where the money from the sale of the lots would go, and what deeds and restrictions would be put on the property.

Discussion was held on soliciting Request for Proposals for a Real Estate Agent to sell the lots. K. Alen also mentioned using Lance Anderson and auctioning the lake lots. It was determined that the City Attorney should be consulted on this issue before proceeding.

J. Jones moved to table the discussion until the City Attorney can be present and consulted. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION ON THE SALE OF LAKE LOTS UNTIL THE CITY ATTORNEY IS PRESENT AND CAN BE CONSULTED.

  1. Discussion of moving City Hall to Bourbon County Courthouse building – City Manager said that a work session was held prior to this meeting about the possible move to the Courthouse. Pros and cons of the move were discussed.

Discussion was held regarding the savings that could occur with the move of City Hall to the Courthouse.

Discussion was also held about the possibility of the Police Department moving to the City Hall location. Also, all of the Commissioners have not viewed the space where City employees would be housed and they would like to view it. City Manager will take two of them over to view the building.

J. Jones moved to table this until the next special meeting next Tuesday, July 13th. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE MOVE OF CITY HALL TO THE COURTHOUSE UNTIL THE JULY 13TH, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING.

  1. Discussion of potential City/County shared services for Information Technology – City Manager said that before them is a Memorandum of Understanding for IT Support Technician for Shared Services with Bourbon County. The agreement includes that the County will provide an employee, Jimmy Kemmerer, to perform day to day IT assistance to the City. Mr. Kemmerer will be paid by the County at 40 hours a week ($20,800 or $400 per week on a 26 pay period. The City will pay $13,500 per year. The Memorandum of Understanding will expire on December 31, 2021.

R, Nichols moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for IT Shared Services. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR IT SHARED SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY TO EMPLOY JAMES KEMMERER, III.

.

  1. Discussion and request approval to bid overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue (See Item #5) – City Manager said that this was discussed previously. He asked for approval to bid this project out.

R Nichols moved to approve to bid the overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO BID OUT THE OVERLAY OF 13TH TO 17TH ON NATIONAL AVENUE.

  1. Discussion of feasibility study – hospital building– City Manager said that Bourbon County has allocated funding for this feasibility study for the hospital building. The City will also receive A.R.C.A. funding in the amount of $550,000.

Josh recommended to the other Commissioners that the City donate $200,000 of their A.R.C.A. funding towards this feasibility study.

J. Jones moved to donate $200,000 of their A.R.C.A. funding towards the feasibility study for the hospital building. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DONATE $200,000 OF THEIR A.R.C.A. FUNDING TOWARDS THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE HOSPITAL BUILDING.

  1. Approval of purchase of Sewer Camera for Utilities Department – City Manager said that the Utilities Department has looked at three different vendors for sewer cameras.

Jason Dickman informed the Commission that Michael Mix and Mike Embry have viewed these three different units. They liked the trailer with the sewer camera on it the best. The unit they liked the best is from Key Equipment at $140,000. The other two demos did not meet what they would have specified.

City Manager said that there was $150,000 budgeted for this item.

R. Nichols moved to approve the sewer camera trailer from Key Equipment in the amount of $140,000. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SEWER CAMERA TRAILER FROM KEY EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $140.000.

  1. Discussion of future Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep – Doug Guns, Parks Director, gave the Commission an update on lake facilities improvements. These include improvements to Sciortino Park, the swim area, the beach area, and camping area, the two pavilions, and the docks and boat ramps.

K. Allen left the meeting room at 9:04 p.m.

  1. Consideration of Pay Requests – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – Port-a-Potties

April 2021 $2,267.20

May 2021 $2,536.00

June 2021 $2,640.00

J. Jones moved to approve the invoices for April, May and June. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye.

APPROVED INVOICES FOR SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION FOR PORT-A-POTTIES FOR APRIL, MAY AND JUNE, 2021.

K. Allen returned to the meeting room at 9:05 p.m.

  1. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance – Josh said that he would like to see driving on National be approved and driving after dark provided they have the same regulations as U.T.V.’s.

City Clerk asked if the Police Department would be doing inspections on golf carts.

Captain Pickert said that the Police Department would be willing to do inspections.

Since Bob Farmer, City Attorney, was not present, discussion was held to hold off on approval until the new ordinance was before them to review.

16. Evergy Agreement for Electric Service – Michael Mix said that he asked that this be added to the agenda. There are two electrical services with one at the River Intake structure and one at the College Booster station. Entering into an agreement with Evergy would provide significant savings to the City. The City is able to get off the electric grid if needed, and run on generator. He asked for approval for the Evergy agreement. This would save approximately $15,000 a year.

L. Watts moved to approve the Evergy Agreement for the two locations for electric service saving the City approximately $15,000. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED EVERGY AGREEMENT FOR THE TWO LOCATIONS – RIVER INTAKE STRUCTURE AND COLLEGE BOOSTER STATION FOR ELECTRIC SERVICES SAVING THE CITY APPROXIMATELY $15,000.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

R. Nichols – Asked the City Manager to review the City’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield contract.

P. Allen – Pete said that he has been on the Commission for 18 months. He said that the streets that were built in the 1900’s can’t all be fixed and that is his conclusion. He said that there are over 600 blocks in the City of Fort Scott. He said that the trash trucks have destroyed our streets as well as the concrete and dump trucks. The cost to rebuild those streets is in the millions of dollars.

K. Allen – Asked the City Manager to check sand prices.

He said that he wanted to bring up the removal of the stop sign at 3rd and National. He doesn’t think there is an issue now since the other stop signs have been removed.

K. Allen made a motion to remove the stop sign at 3rd and National going north and south. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Jones voted no. Motion denied.

DENIED MOTION TO REMOVE STOP SIGN AT 3RD AND NATIONAL

J. Jones – Josh said that he checked on skating at Buck Run. He said he would sponsor the next skating session for up to $250.00. He would like to see all the skating sessions sponsored by companies or businesses.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Not present.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:37 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS City Commission Agenda for Aug. 17

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 17, 2021
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 6th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1294-A totaling $598,879,75.

  1. Request to Pay – American Wrecking Services, LLC – Eagle Block Building – $44,550.00

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $9,470.39 – River Intake Project

  1. Amending of Resolution Numbers:

8-2021 to 18-2021 (14 S Margrave – Dangerous & Unsafe Resolution)

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering

Building Inspection – $4,791.88

Building Inspection (Peter Earles) – $1,669.50

3rd Street Sewer Project – $2,306.00

City Engineer – $4,000.00

Public Works Director – $4,717.50

Wastewater Treatment Plant – $7,288.00

Re-Route Manhole #148 Proposal – $5,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer $1,825.50

  2. July financials

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Interim City Manager Update:

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Brenda Iverson – Consideration of Boy Scout Request

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Supplemental Bond Agreement No. 1 amending a certain bond agreement for the 2015 Industrial Revenue Bond for Bourbon County Assisted Living Project and approving Resolution No. 20-2021.

  2. Consideration to Pay: Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc.:

July Port-a-Potties – $2,640.00

Hauling of Clay to 3rd Street Project – $5,100.00

Use of Skid Loader for Dunn property – $1,572.50

  1. Consideration of Bid – Water Treatment Plant Clarifier No. 1 Mixer Drive Replacement

  2. Consideration of Bid – Cooper Street Reconstruction

  3. Consideration of Bid – National Avenue Overlay – 13th to 17th

  4. Consideration of Bid – Horton Street – Mill and Overlay

  5. Consideration of Bid – Union Block Alley

  6. Police Department update

  7. Fire Department update

  8. Human Resource Update – City Manager search

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XV. Adjournment:

FSCC Men’s Basketball sells game day merchandise

picture of basketball court with four other photos of basketball merchandise with

Fort Scott Community College Men’s Basketball team over the years have been able to accessorize their basketball gear with numerous shirts, hoodies, masks, and even shoes thanks to the dedication of the community and booster supporters. Now the Hounds want to give the community the opportunity to “shop their closet” and purchase memorabilia from over the years. These items were made only for the players and not available to the public at the time. Now everything from practice gear and hoodies to shoes and travel jackets can be yours to show your Hound spirit this season.

 

“This is a great opportunity to purchase items and support and show spirit to the program and the student-athletes,” says Coach Cook.

 

All items will be available to view and purchase by contacting Coach Cook at [email protected] or follow them on social media. Proceeds from sales will go back to the FSCC Men’s Basketball Booster account for future purchases.

 

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Ford County Lake, Ford County (new)

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (new)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (upgraded Aug. 12)

Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County

Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County (upgraded Aug. 12)

South Lake, Johnson County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Pony Creek Lake, Brown County

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Buhler City Lake, Reno County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Advisories Lifted 8/12/21

Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Parks Choice of Weapons Award Winners Announced

Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed will be the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this October 7-9, 2021 in Fort Scott, Kansas.

The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. The Choice of Weapons Award was established in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the Celebration.

Named after his autobiography of the same name, the award seeks to honor a recipient who exemplifies the career and character of Gordon Parks.

Previous recipients include actor and musician Avery Brooks, photographer Howard L. Bingham, Elizabeth Eckford and Ernest Green, two of the “Little Rock Nine,” Richard Roundtree, star of the Parks-directed film, Shaft, Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame, acclaimed actress Ruby Dee, photographer John Shearer, LIFE magazine photo editor Bobbi Burrows, Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum, musicians Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., editor Genevieve Young, filmmaker Kevin Willmott, educator Bernadette Gray-Little, Roger E. Mosley, star of the Parks-directed film, Leadbelly, Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members of the Parks-directed film, The Learning Tree.

Kyle Johnson. Submitted photo.

Kyle Johnson, was born into a show business family – his mother is none other than Nichelle Nichols, known throughout the universe as Lt Uhura of the original Star Trek. He made his professional stage debut at age 7 in Only in America and his first television appearances include Day in Court, General Hospital, and The Fugitive.

In his teens, he began to consider more seriously his desire to pursue a career in acting. Kyle’s appearance in Chuck Connors’ latter day vehicle, Cowboy in Africa, accelerated his critique of the film industry and it’s the portrayal of Black people and culture.

Encouraged by his grandmother, Lishia, to endure and overcome, he was soon cast in a groundbreaking collaboration between NBC and the Watt’s Writer’s Workshop – Losers Weepers.

The following year Kyle got a call regarding a film in planning and met with Gordon Parks who decided on the spot that Kyle would portray him in the screen adaptation of his autobiographical novel, The Learning Tree. The film and it’s author have been lauded continuously since it’s release in 1969. In 1989 it was among the first 25 films inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic value and now stands in the company of Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Citizen Kane.

Following The Learning Tree, Kyle compiled more credits including The Mod Squad, and as the son of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee in The Sheriff. But Kyle’s misgivings about Hollywood’s stereotypical and demeaning portrayals of Black America were further reinforced. Hopes for a new dawn were dimmed by the emerging wave of Blaxploitation films and he withdrew from the film industry in the mid-70s.

Johnson’s creative drive was redirected to music. He quickly developed his talents and attracted attention as a singer/songwriter performing in clubs throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco as a solo performer and with bands including Gideon & Power, a 2Beat Gospel/Funk band and The Skanksters, a rambunctious Reggae/Ska combo.

After moving to New Mexico in 1993, he became general manager of CATS! / Community Access Television of Silver, providing public, education, and government-related programs in Silver City. In the early 2000’s, Johnson had a local am talk show that created controversy – Radio Free Silver! – that created such controversy that it was abruptly canceled mid- program under pressure from disgruntled advertisers.

Eli Reed. Submitted photo.

Eli Reed, is an accomplished photographer that began his career as a freelancer in 1970. His work from El Salvador, Guatemala and other Central American countries attracted the attention of Magnum Photos in 1982, where he became a full member in 1988.

Reed has authored several books, including Beirut: City of Regrets, Black in America (preface by Gordon Parks), The Lost Boys of Sudan,
and Eli Reed: A Long Walk Home (introduction by Paul Theroux) an award-winning retrospective.

His photographs have been recognized in numerous shows and exhibitions. Reed photographed the effects of poverty on children for a film documentary called America’s Children, Poorest in the Land of Plenty, narrated by Maya Angelou and televised on NBC on Mother’s Day.

He has worked as a stills and specials photographer for many motion
pictures including Rosewood, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Poetic Justice, Five Heartbeats, Ghosts of Mississippi, and Oscar-winning films including A Beautiful Mind, 8 Mile, and the documentary about young people
actively involved in the Civil Rights movement in Alabama, Mighty Times, The Children’s March.

Reed has received many awards including, Pulitzer Prize Runner Up (1981), Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University (1982-83), POY Nikon World Understanding Award (1983), Overseas Press Club
(1983), World Press Daily Life Award 1988, W. Eugene Smith Grant in Documentary Photography (1992), his video documentary Getting Out shown at the New York Film Festival in 1993 and honored by the 1996 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame International Film and Video Competition in the documentary category.

He just recently received three renowned awards which are the National Press Photographers Association Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award, Harvard University Nieman Foundation I.F. Stone
Medal award for Long Term Investigative Journalism, and now the Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award (all in 2021).
Reed was a Clinical Professor of Photojournalism at The University of Texas in Austin (2005) until recently.

He is currently involved in writing, working on his next photography book, along with preparing for planned exhibitions in Korea and China delayed because of the Pandemic.

Reed is also involved with film projects as writer, producer, and director on current ongoing fictional and documentary film productions.

Johnson and Reed will be honored at a dinner at the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott, KS on Saturday, October 9th. Ticket information and the full schedule will be posted on the website gordonparkscenter.org.

 

 

Chamber Coffee hosted by Sharky’s Pub and Grub on Aug.12

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, August 12th at 8 a.m. at Sharky’s Pub & Grub in the Downtown Historic District at 16 N. National Avenue. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served. Enter your name for a prize drawing.

Owner’s Dave & Tina Lipe announced they have reopened their doors after being closed for three weeks because of the unfortunate collapse and demolishing of the Eagle & CDL Building and the whole block being closed off. The parking and front door access has been an obstacle for customers and unfortunately inconvenient but would like to thank everyone’s support to come and dine with them through this time.

Join us at 8am this Thursday to celebrate and thank the Lipe’s and staff for all they do to provide a great dining & event venue for our community.

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

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Bourbon County Local News