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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Oct. 8

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 8th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45- Rod Markin Consultant Group – Multi Purpose Event Center

10:00-10:45 – Jim Harris –Road & Bridge

10:45 – KDOT Visioning Transportation Future

11:30 – Justin Meeks

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

Obituary of Dennis Hartman

Dennis Allen Hartman, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019, at his home.  He was born May 6, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the son of Leo Allen Hartman and Arla Eloyce Ater Hartman.  Dennis grew up on the family farm southeast of Uniontown, Kansas.  He was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church and was also active with the Uniontown Boy Scout Troop where he received the God and Country Award.

While in high school, he was active with athletics and held several records in basketball.  He graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1968.  He later graduated from Ft. Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State University with a degree in education.

Dennis served with the Kansas Army National Guard for six years.  He later worked for the Western Insurance Company where he worked at agencies in San Antonio, Texas and Derby, Kansas.  He later worked for Farmers Casualty Insurance Company in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Following his work in insurance, Dennis worked at a car dealership in Iowa.

Golfing was always a favorite pastime.  He achieved three hole-in-ones on PGA ranked golf courses.  He also managed a golf course in Iowa and was most recently employed as club house manager of the Woodland Hills Golf Course in Ft. Scott.  In addition to golfing, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his parents, Leo and Arla Hartman, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; two brothers, Mark Hartman and wife, Sherri, of Uniontown, Kansas and Jerry Hartman and wife, Barbie, of Everett, Washington; three nieces, two nephews, two great-nieces and two great-nephews.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place in the Uniontown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Cato Tour Oct. 12

The new cabin built in 2018 with Marilyn Coonrod Flagg, Jerry Coonrod, Susie Stelle with Maudine Picht in the front sitting in the chair.  Maudine is our only living teacher from the Cato School
The cabin was donated by the Coonrod Family
 Susie Jones from Ft. Scott was a presenter in the cabin for the school kids – showing her spinning in 2018.
Joe Maghe who was a presenter with his Civil War Artifacts – pictured with Don Miller from Ft. Scott and his friend, Karen Keen, from Overland Park.

Tours, reenactments of historic Cato to be held Sat., Oct. 12

Tours of Cato, the first town in Crawford County, are hardly new.

Susie Stelle, president of the Cato Historic Preservation Association, said she started helping John Spurling organize the annual Cato fall tour as far back as 1985. For several years prior, Spurling had given informal tours of the town, which is located northwest of Arcadia, KS.

This year, the Cato School will be celebrating it’s 150th Anniversary.

Organizers of the upcoming Cato Tour, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, plan to take visitors back to the mid-1800s through music, history and re-enactments.

Activities on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with registration in the Cato Christian Church and will continue throughout the day.

Ralph Carlson, a member of the Old Fuss and Feathers musical group and Cato member from Fort Scott, will perform at 9:30 a.m. in the Cato Church.

Presentations by Anna Portwood Swank and her sister, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson and husband, Jaime Thompson, will take place in the restored 1869 rock school.

Various souvenirs and homemade baked goods will be available at the “Cato Store,” headed up by Stelle.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the Cato School and Cato Christian Church, as well as a newly-constructed cabin donated by the Coonrod family.

At noon, ham and beans cooked by Bob “Buck” Rowland of Arma, will be served along with corn bread.

There will be an open fire for attendees who wish to cook their own hot dogs.

Drinks will also be provided, all for a nominal fee.

After lunch, at about 12:30., a quilt donated by Sue James of Galveston, Texas, will be given away as part of a drawing. James’ husband, Dale James, attended all eight grades at the one-room Cato School.

At 1 p.m., Cato member Joe Bournonville will offer hayrides to area cemeteries and other sites related to Cato’s history.

On Friday, Oct. 11, over 600 youngsters from area schools will have a field trip to Cato.

The trip is organized by Cato member Katharine Spigarelli. Schools attending from Bourbon and Crawford Counties will be Uniontown, Fort Scott, Girard, Arma, Frontenac, and Pittsburg. New from this year also will be students from Liberal, Mo.

A tour guide will direct groups of kids to various stations to observe living history exhibits such as blacksmithing, wagons, and farming, schoolhouse games, area history, Civil War weaponry and Native American culture.

For more information: visit www.catoschool.com

Short sleeve t-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts will be on sale at the Cato Store

Any questions – contact:

Marilyn Flagg

794 190th St.

Ft. Scott, Ks. 66701 620-223-2541

[email protected]

Talking Tigers Earn 2nd Place On Oct. 5

Submitted by Angella Curran
Congratulations to FSHS debate for placing 2nd at Pittsburg on October 5th!
In the novice division, with a 4-1 record, Kinsley Davis and Lillian Collins placed 5th.
In the open division:
Neil and Shekhar Gugnani placed 6th with a 3-2 record, 24 speaks.
Jorden Willard and Jade Russell placed 4th with a 3-2 record, 21 speaks
Madison Toth and Mark Adams placed 2nd with a 5-0 record,18 speaks.
Elizabeth Ngatia and Zoe Self placed 1st with a 5-0 record, 16 speaks.

American Legion To Provide Transport to Vets For Dialysis: Drivers Needed

Submitted by Carl Jowers

The Fort Scott dialysis center recently closed. There were several Bourbon County Veterans who would not have been able to travel for dialysis treatment in Pittsburg.

The VA allowed me to repurpose the Fort Scott- Topeka/KC shuttle service to transport these Veterans to Pittsburg for dialysis treatment.

With the new schedule, the Fort Scott VA shuttle will only be able to transport veterans to Topeka or KC two days a week.

The shuttle will still stop at Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa on Mondays and Wednesdays to pick up Veterans needing rides  to Topeka or KC.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Carl Jowers.  Shuttle Coordinator.

Fort Scott VA Shuttle

 

The local Fort Scott VA shuttle began transporting  area Veterans from Fort Scott to Pittsburg for dialysis treatment on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

The new VA shuttle schedule is as follows:

·        Mondays. Fort Scott to Kansas City or Topeka VA Hospital.

·        Tuesdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

·        Wednesdays. Fort Scott to Kansas City or Topeka VA Hospital.

·        Thursdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

·        Saturdays. Fort Scott to Pittsburg Dialysis Center.

The Monday and Wednesday VA shuttle can stop in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up Veterans needing rides to Topeka or KC.

Veterans needing a shuttle ride for their VA medical appointments must call 785.925.0261 to schedule a shuttle seat or more information.

Additional shuttle drivers are also needed.

Drivers will be using a VA provided van as the shuttle. The VA also covers gas and maintenance costs for the vehicle as well.

These are the Driver requirements

·              Have a valid state issued driver’s license. A CDL license is not required

·              Proof of insurance. Driver is covered by VA insurance when driving the shuttle.

·              Pass a VA driver physical

·              Pass a background check.

The driver does not have to be a Veteran. This information is important as several people I’ve spoken to thought that only Vets could drive for the VA.

This program is not an American Legion or VFW sponsored program.  It is a community-based program to assist our area veterans in receiving medical care. Several of our drivers are not Veterans or spouses of Veterans, just local individuals who wanted to give back to Veterans.

Any area residents interested in becoming a shuttle driver should contact Carl Jowers at 620-215-1688 or email him at [email protected] for more information or to become a shuttle driver.

The Best Day Ever by Pastor James Collins

Pastor James Collins

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1

Very few ladies have been as blessed as my wife, Amanda.

Besides the obvious blessing of me rescuing her from being a sad unmarried spinster, there have been many other blessings which have come from our union together. Not the least of which has been the way that I have lavished her by spending money on her. Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.

For our honeymoon, I took her to the luxurious Jumping Toad Motel in beautiful Frogville, Oklahoma.

In the past two decades, we have dined at extravagant restaurants. We have delighted in the barbeque at Sam’s Pig Stand in Burt Corn, Alabama; fried chicken at the Pretty Foul in Belt Buckle, Tennessee; Mexican food at Nacho Problem in Ding Dong, Texas; and sirloin steaks at the Beef-o-rama in Greasy Corner, Arkansas.

In our lives together, I have given Amanda many opulent gifts. Amanda’s jewelry box is full of the world’s finest cubic zirconia. The genuine aluminum plated engagement ring I gave her cost at least $17.00. Last year for our anniversary, I surprised her with a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner from Walmart.

Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.

The other day, Amanda asked me to go shopping. She said, “It will be fun.” Shopping is not my idea of fun. But if it makes my sweetie happy, okay, I’ll do it. I was ready to indulge her shopping spree and spend a lot of money.

We left early in the morning and spent most of the day in the big city mall. It wasn’t until the stores were closing that we made our way back home. The shopping trip didn’t hurt me financially. She really didn’t spend that much. But it hurt me physically. Over ten hours of being on my feet, following my wife as she ran from store to store, wore two inches off my height.

On the way home, Amanda leaned over and said, “Today has been a great day – one of the best ever.” I thought, “One of the best ever? How could today be better than our wedding day? Or the days our three children were born? How could a day of shopping be better than any of those major life events?” Then it hit me – Amanda spells love T-I-M-E.

Amanda builds her life around me and our children. However, for one day, totally and completely, I built my life around her and what she wanted to do. My willingness and my company made the day special.

I spent time with God this morning… Most of the time I expect God to be with me and He is, but could it be that He appreciates my making time for Him?

The Bible often uses the phrase “bless the Lord.” The Hebrew word translated “bless” literally means “to kneel.” It is a word picture of someone kneeling in worship. To “bless the Lord” means to praise and exalt God. In other words, God is blessed when we spend time with Him – when we focus our complete attention on Him.

The point is: God wants your time. The Lord is glorified when you bless, praise, and acknowledge Him. When was the last time you spent time with the Lord?

Jesus Christ spared no expense when He paid the price to save you from your sins. Why not show Him how thankful you are by spending some time with Him today?

It might just be your best day ever…

James Collins is pastor of Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. He can be reached by phone at (620) 223-2986 or by email at [email protected].

Dam Rehab Program Approved

FEMA Grant Awarded for High Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Program

$409,298 awarded for use on eligible dams in Kansas

 

The Kansas Water Office (KWO), with assistance from Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation applied for the FY 2019 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant. The approval was recently announced and Kansas is being awarded $409,298 in grant funds for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.

 

“Many Kansans were able to see firsthand benefits of dams helping to minimize downstream flooding this year across the state,” said Kansas Water Office Director Earl Lewis. “Utilization of resources such as this HHPD Rehabilitation Grant will help to ensure eligible projects will function properly into the future.”

 

The purpose of the HHPD Grant is to make funds available to eligible dams for technical, planning, design, and pre-construction assistance. Two eligible dams, McPherson County State Lake Dam and Lake Sherwood Dam, were part of this initial Kansas request to FEMA. Both were approved and there are 34 other eligible dams with the option to apply for the grant funds through KWO. In order for a dam to be considered eligible it must be a non-federal dam located in a state with a state dam safety program, classified as high hazard potential by the state dam safety agency, have an approved emergency action plan, and pose an unacceptable risk to the public.

 

“Overtime, some dams have been reclassified as high hazard structures and are now out of compliance,” and,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With the award of the HHPD Grant funds, we will have the ability to work with eligible dam owners throughout the state to bring their high hazard classified dams into compliance. Having these dams in compliance will reduce risks to the public, decrease flood potential, and in some cases, protect critical water supplies.”

 

The official and final grant award notification was received by the KWO on September 19 with three years to utilize funds. The KWO will again work with the KDA Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation to revise the grant work plan to appropriately distribute the additional funds.

 

For more information about the grant please contact the Kansas Water Office at 785-296-3185 or email [email protected].

Presbyterian Manor hosting professional organizer

Rightsizing focus of Just Ask event

 

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Each year, there are changes that affect Medicare coverage. Find out what’s changing for 2020 and prepare for Medicare Part D Election Period. That’s the theme of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s “Just Ask” session October 15.

“What’s New With Medicare?” will be presented by Joy Miller, family and consumer sciences extension agent with K-State Research and Extension in Bourbon County. Miller will share what you need to know before you enroll in Medicare Part D for 2020. The free presentation will begin at 2 p.m. October 15 at Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton.

A certified Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansans (SHICK) volunteer, Miller helps beneficiaries and caregivers understand their Medicare benefits and options and assists with plan comparisons and Medicare D enrollment during the annual election period. Miller has been with K-State Research and Extension for 11 years and has been a SHICK volunteer since 2012.

RSVP by October 11 to Becky Kellum, marketing director, at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

“What’s New with Medicare?” is part of Presbyterian Village’s Just Ask lifelong learning program featuring speakers and topics of interest to seniors and their adult children.

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. It is a member of the nonprofit Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America network of 17 communities and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri. Learn more about PMMA at PresbyterianManors.org.

Governor directs flags to be lowered October 6

Governor to honor National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

 

 

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 6, 2019, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 6.

 

“Today, let us begin Fire Prevention Week by honoring all who put their lives on the line every day to protect people, property and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “We also must remember and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Kansas.”

 

The honor is extended for all fallen firefighters – such as veteran firefighter John Randle, 67, who served as a first responder and EMT for the Wamego Fire Department. After returning from a structure fire on January 1, 2018, Randle fell and suffered head injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.

 

“John Randle made lasting contributions in his community, and we are grateful for his dedication and commitment to helping fellow Kansans,” the governor said.

 

Kansas Supports DACA

Governor joins other states in amicus brief supporting DACA

Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, Montana Governor among other supporters

 

Governor Laura Kelly today joined other states in legal action supporting the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

 

Kelly joined Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, as well as Montana Governor Steve Bullock, in filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of DACA.

 

The friend-of-the-court brief, filed in Department of Homeland Security, et al., v. Regents of the University of California, et al., Case No. 18-587, opposes the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind DACA.

 

In the brief, Governor Kelly argues that rescinding DACA will cost Kansas millions of dollars in tax income and economic growth, while unfairly punishing undocumented Kansans who are contributing to the Kansas economy and enhancing the state’s culture.

 

“It goes without saying that we need Washington to finally fix our country’s broken immigration system. But here in Kansas, we care about the well-being of all of our children,” Kelly said. “We simply shouldn’t punish children for decisions their parents made years ago. That’s not who we are as Kansans.

 

“These young people have worked hard, attended our schools and continue to give back as teachers, nurses, police officers, or by serving in the military. They belong here, and we welcome their contributions in our communities and to our economy.”

 

In Kansas, nearly 6,000 DACA recipients generate $111 million in annual spending power and pay $12.6 million annually in state and local taxes. The Cato Institute conservatively estimates that rescinding DACA will cost the Kansas economy $1.76 billion over the next decade, while the Center for American Progress estimates that the Kansas economy would lose $335 million in annual gross domestic product (GDP).

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on Nov. 12, 2019. More than 25 governors or state attorneys general are participating in the case in support of DACA

Fort Scott Public Library Oct. 2019

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
October 2019

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

Programs and information for Adults

Coloring for Adults

Wednesdays at the Library from 2:00-4:00

We supply coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own supplies and projects, if you prefer.

Ongoing Book Sale
We have a shelf and 2 carts of books for sale downstairs ALL the time!
Paperback     $0.25
Hardback    $0.50
Other Items   $1.00 (or as marked)

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Storytime
Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes: Llamas, Music, Fish, Fall, and Halloween.
Tell us your child’s theme ideas here.
 
Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at [email protected].

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           

For Families

 
               Come to Cardboard & Recyclables Maker Monday!
October 21, 4 – 5 pm.
Create what you like using cardboard and recyclables, with our craft supplies to decorate and assemble it all. Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Help us shape the program for the upcoming months by suggesting new group names and joining in a vote on September 11. An ongoing reading challenge began last week and will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
The October meetings will run as follows:
October 9, 4:15-5 pm: Mini Pumpkin Painting at the Library
October 16, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library
October 23, 4:15-5 pm: The Lone Wolves Book Club at the Keyhole
October 30, 4-5 pm: Halloween Party at the Library
Need a ride from public school to FIGHTERS? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.

New books–Adult Fiction

A better man
by Louise PennySearching for a missing woman amid a catastrophic flood and blistering social media attacks, a demoted Armand Gamache bonds with the victim’s distraught father, who contemplates a murder of his own. By the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Kingdom of the Blind.

Hart’s Hollow farm
by Janet DaileyWhen 73-year-old Emmy Hart asks her to help revitalize Hart’s Hollow farm, Kristen accepts, despite her fears about becoming too attached to the family; and then there’s Emmy’s ruggedly handsome grandson. By a New York Times best-selling author.

Killer instinct
by James PattersonA sequel to Murder Games finds the suspicious death of a professor reuniting Dr. Dylan Reinhart and Detective Elizabeth Needham against a terrorist plot targeting New York City. Co-written by a #1 best-selling author.