There will not be a Bourbon County Commission meeting held on Monday, October 9th due to the courthouse being closed in observance of Columbus Day.
Submitted by
Jennifer Hawkins
Bourbon County Clerk
All posts by Submitted Story
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Obituary of Edwin “Eddie” Loar
Edwin “Eddie” Leon Loar, sixty years of age, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 2, 2023.
Eddie was born February 23, 1963 in Fort Scott, Kansas to the late Glen and Barbara Loar. He was the youngest of three children.
Eddie got his GED in 1986 while attending Fort Scott Community College truck driving school.
He grew up on a farm in Mapleton, Kansas and lived in several of the surrounding small towns in his adult life until January 2000 when he followed his heart to Sherman, Texas to be with his wife, Dana Morrow, and later moved to Denison, Texas.
Eddie was a believer in Christ and often spoke of the day he would go to heaven and get to see his mom again.
Eddie worked several jobs over the years as a butcher, maintenance man, over the road truck driver, trimmer/styler at Tyson’s, and most recently concrete truck driver for Texas Shotcrete. He had a passion for OTR driving and would take landscape photos and videos of the places he got to see, until his health took him off the road.
Eddie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, joking around and laughing, he was the life of the party and made friends with everyone he met.
He enjoyed many activities such as fishing, floating on the river, camping, horseshoes, playing his guitar and harmonica, cooking holiday dinners for family, and talking with friends on IMVU.
Eddie was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Dana Morrow of Denison, Texas; his children Tiffany Whitley and Sierra Loar of Fort Scott, Kansas, Alex and Zachary Loar of Lebanon, Missouri, and Trevor Acree and wife Alyssa of Bonham, Texas and ten grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Flowers, donations, and condolences may be brought to the Celebration of Life on October 20, 2023, at Gunn Park Fort Scott, KS shelter 5 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm.
Eddie’s final resting place will be Dayton Cemetery Mapelton, KS.
Death Notice of Karen Keen
Karen Kay Keen, age 81, resident of Overland Park, KS, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, MO. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Thursday, October 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 6
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Starts Today at Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Come and visit the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta! Today is the first day! The quilt show opens from 9am to 4pm today and Saturday. Sunday’s hours are noon to 3pm. There are many beautiful quilts to admire. Cassino Richardson is here with her fabrics, precuts, books and more. Erica of Nine Patch Quilt Shop has a variety of Christmas gifts and ideas to choose from. Watch Bobbi Schroeder do wonders with her quilting machine. At 1pm Saturday come to listen to Paul Milks as he tells us of his journey with Cross Stitch. He has beautiful designs for you to see.
Don’t forget the bean feed Friday evening complete with cornbread and all the add ons. It is free with a Pioneer Harvest 2023 Collector button. $5 gives you a button which gets you in the show all three days. What a deal! There is also a car show on Saturday off Eddy Street at the north end of the fairgrounds.
Submitted by Jackie Warren
Seven Friends Who Need Our Prayers
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Where do you go when there’s no where to go? When you have been handed a life sentence of taking care of someone with mental or physical issues? When the doctor gives you the diagnosis, hands you some pamphlets to read and tells you “Good luck.” No “We’re here for you.” No “There’s a great support system in your area.” No “It sounds worse than it really is.”
None of that. Just “Good luck.”
This past week, I had conversations with seven people whose lives have turned upside down because of their children’s needs. The first call came from my dear friend (“Karen”) whose son has fought drugs and whose daughter-in-law has battled alcohol but have been doing well, off and on, for about three years. Then they decided to take their four, young kids to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun. When Karen got the call that her grandchildren were in Nevada’s protective custody because her daughter-in-law, in a drunken rage, had tried to strangle her son, doped up on cocaine, and the people in the hotel room next to them had called the police, she and her husband, Jack, were livid.
The only way the youngsters would be released into their custody was if they moved to Nevada, one state over from where they live and work. So, they moved.
The next call (#2) came from my “Job-friend” named after the Biblical character who endured indescribable pain. Parkinsons disease is destroying her ability to do anything for herself. Her youngest son and father recently died, and last week, her oldest son stopped breathing, his wife gave him C.P.R., and he underwent emergency surgery because his body was filled with blood clots. And she can do nothing to help.
When a former student (#3) texted and suggested my next book (ha!) should be about life being unfair, we set up a meeting so I could hear his story. I won’t share it here, but his life will never be “normal” because of the plate he has been handed.
Two days ago, I did a Podcast with #4, a Christian author/speaker who spent an hour discussing my book. When our Zoom call ended, I exited the call, only to realize that the taping was over, but she wanted to have closure to our conversation. When she called back, I had a chance to ask about her life. Oh, my! Her husband was in the Air Force, so she raised her four young girls with him absent much of the time. All four have serious hearing/speech disabilities and were made fun of in school. My heart ached for her, and when I prayed for her, she wept.
Two other young women (#5 and #6) shared with me the difficulties of adopting special-needs children who rank high on the autism scale. They can’t take their kids out in public because of their outbursts and inappropriate behavior. As they told of their daily sacrifices made to protect and love these kids, they didn’t stop smiling. I told them both how blessed those kids were to have parents like them. I can’t imagine.
Then last Sunday, I met #7 when I spoke at Rinehart Church. I was introduced to a kind, soft-spoken man who had been led by the Lord to start a class to help people addicted to pornography. I asked him about his family. He has twelve (12!) children. His wife passed away last year of cancer. I had prayed for this family when his wife was first diagnosed, but to meet this man who loves the Lord and is faithful to serve Him was a blessing I cannot describe.
Seven people (six Christians) in seven days who know that luck has nothing to do with their daily battles.
They rely on God and God alone, and they set an example for me to live with a grateful heart.
More than that, I need to pray for them. I hope you do the same.
The Agenda for the City of Uniontown Council on Oct. 10
The Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Region H Multi-Hazard, Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
LCRR LSLI webinar update
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park – What are we going to charge for the 30AMP outlets?
Street project –
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
Pond Project –
NEW BUSINESS
Messaging System –
ADJOURN
Attachments:
Unapproved Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council for Sept. 12
The Regular Council Meeting on September 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:48PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:00), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Tom Decker, Jonathon O’Dell, Don George (Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing – hearing was opened; no patrons were present.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2023-0912-1 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate
Roll Call Vote – Jess Ervin – Yes, Danea Esslinger – No Vote (absent), Josh Hartman – Yes, Amber Kelly – Yes, Bradley Stewart – Yes
Hearing closed.
2024 Budget Hearing – hearing was opened. There were no patrons present. Clerk Johnson asked the Council to consider paying off the Gas Utility Loan that was incurred due to 2021 Winter Storm Uri at the end of 2023 as there is no way to know how much more the interest rates will go up in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The customers that opted to make monthly payments would continue to make monthly payments at the current interest rate as this is the rate paid when we pay off the debt. This would change the published proposed budget for the Gas Utility but would not require a budget amendment for 2023. Also heard today that we were awarded the KDWPT grant to finish riprapping the School Pond. On General Fund, change 2024 expenditures for salaries/wages to $60,000, and parks and recreation to $20,500. This will not change spending authority.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to pay off gas utility loan on 12/31/2023 and adopt the 2024 budget as amended
Hearing closed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:22, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:42, include Tom Decker and Sally Johnson.
Sally Johnson out at 7:30. Open meeting resumed at 7:42PM. No action taken.
Phase II of Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project – Don George informed the Council that the grant application was awarded and had two copies of the contract to be signed. He also gave out information on invasive species. Council appreciates all his efforts to get this funded.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept the grant award and sign the contract
Dangerous and Unfit Structure Hearing for 404 Washington St – Jonathon O’Dell was here to present evidence to repair, not remove, the structure. He presented a bid he had received from a contractor to do the repairs and stated that the outside of the structure could be completed in 60 days.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0912-2 directing that the structure at 404 Washington St be repaired and the premises made safe and secure by completely repair and secure the exterior of the structure commencing no later than September 27, 2023 and completed no later than December 1, 2023
Clerk Johnson will publish the resolution one time in The Fort Scott Tribune and mail by certified mail-restricted delivery, return receipt to all parties of interest.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the August 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $407,054.53, Receipts $32,491.88, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $41,716.92, Checking Account Closing Balance $385,053.49. Bank Statement Balance $393,891.88, including Checking Account Interest of $85.60, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,838.39, Reconciled Balance $385,053.49. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,412.16, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,689.81, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $472,095.34. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $630.95, and Utility CDs $640.87 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,271.82. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $4,300.00, Expenditures $4,300.00, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00. to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, 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; from Capital Improvement-Chlorinator to Capital Improvement-Warehouse $10,000.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of August $22,001.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $41,501.52. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $79,144.95 (64.8%), Expenditures $76,803.25 (47.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $25,223.16 (68.4%), Expenditures $20,924.4 (50.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $99,843.35 (63.7%), Expenditures $85,528.98 (38.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $130,027.96 (86.8%), Expenditures $110,471.20 (59.6%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,100.03 (81.8%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The September 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $27,482.63 were presented; however, Clerk Johnson did sate that a late bill came in and to add $1,300.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of August 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that there were no leaks found on the gas system again this year. Council thanked him for all his work to prepare the City for Old Settlers Picnic.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 505 Wall St has started their project to build a shed next to the carport and they will be moving the junk vehicle out of town. It was reported that 405 Clay St has a lot of brush piles.
Clerk Johnson reported that she forgot to get Citywide Yard Sales on the agenda before the last cleanup. Consensus was to not designate a Citywide Yard Sale date this year.
She has registered to attend the KMU Regional Meeting on October 25, 1:30-3:30, Iola.
KDHE has implemented a new reporting portal and all water/wastewater reporting is to be done online beginning 2024.
She will be attending the KMEA/KMGA Fall Conference, October 19-20, Wichita.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – City of Fort Scott has implemented water conservation efforts and initiated a citywide burn ban. Do we have a plan to get notice to customers if C2 issues a water restriction? Yes, it would be posted to webpage and a letter would be mailed to all customers. He also asked if we could consider a text messaging system for notifying customers/citizens. Clerk Johnson will do some research. Also noted that City of Fort Scott is raising their water rates 3%. We will need to add a possible increase for our water rates, if we get a rate increase letter from C2. Also reported that the metal pile during citywide cleanup was taken before the City could recycle it. Council may consider adding something to the flyer about the City recycling the metal, that it is not for the taking.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – Thanked staff for getting US flags replaced.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park – Five 30AMP outlets were installed the Friday before Labor Day. Electrician also installed switches for the light and fan for the ceiling fan in the gazebo.
Street project – contract has been received and reviewed by legal. Start time per the bid we accepted is October 2023 with 0-5 days duration of project. USD 235 thanked the City for patching the pot hole in the drive to the stadium and medical clinic.
Mural Grant – bills have been paid; however, we have not received the remaining 25% of the grant from Office of Rural Prosperity.
Placemaking Project – estimated cost of concrete only, no site prep, is $17,150. Need to prepare a budget for the project, then send out invitations to bid.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:07PM
KS Three-Year Research Project of Bald Eagles Has Ended
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FSHS Community Bonfire Oct. 5 at Former Mercy Building
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Bourbon County Community Theatre: Voices From the Grave, Oct. 28
The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is looking for volunteers for its inaugural event, “Voices from the Grave,” on the evening of Saturday, October 28th, in the Riverfront Park.
Actors will memorize and present a short script describing a scene or “vignette” based on a story of murder or mayhem in Fort Scott’s history. Guests will be escorted through the park to visit each vignette and hear the story.
Leaders will be costumed “characters” who guide visitors from vignette to vignette.
To be a part of this event, please fill out the survey below!