Category Archives: Bourbon County

Zach Ross: A Passion Turned Into A Business

Zach Ross. Submitted photo.
Zach Ross has always had a passion for animals.
“Even at a young age helping to train hunting dogs, he’s always been attuned with animals,” his wife Aubry said.
He has professional experience training dogs as well.
“Zach has over eight years of experience working and training law enforcement K9s, she said. “Our philosophy on dog ownership and training is firm, fair, and consistent and we hope that by teaching this model to our clients they will become successful, happy dog owners.”
Submitted by the Ross family.
They own Ross’ Kennels and Boarding LLC.
“We provide a variety of pet services, including overnight boarding, Doggie Daycare, training, and limited grooming services,” she said. “We are licensed and insured and have been providing the community with these services since 2019.”

They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.

“We are excited to announce full-time Doggie Daycare starting in June, which will include structured walks, social playtime, and obedience training/reinforcement,” she said. “We also plan on providing a taxi service for Fort Scott residents for pick up and drop off. We understand that the kennel being outside of town can be an inconvenience to families who work regular day hours and we want to continue to provide flexibility and convenience to our clients and their fur-friends.”
They provide clients with flexible hours and operate by appointment only. 

Ross’s Kennels and Boarding

721 240th ST Fort Scott KS, 66701

 

Bourbon County Health Care Sales Tax Is Approved By A Wide Majority, REH Discussion Beginning In Washington D.C.

Voting in the Bourbon County Courthouse in 2018.

The unofficial results of the May 14 election are in.

Bourbon County residents voted 1611 to 496 in favor of a one-quarter cent retail sales tax. Nine ballots were blank and are listed as “undervotes”,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “We have a total of 12,418 registered voters which equals a turnout of 17.03% which is slightly less than the city/school election last November which had a turnout of 19.35%.”

The tax becomes effective October 1, 2024, and continues for five years and will used for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.

When the tax terminates in five years, the remaining tax funds will be used for Emergency Medical Services and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissions.

 

The emergency room at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Rural Emergency Hospital Discussion Starts In Washington

In a related category, the U.S. Senate had legislation introduced recently that starts further federal discussion of rural emergency hospitals.

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018, citing declining patient numbers. Ascension Via Christi then took over operations of  Mercy’s Emergency Room in 2019 and closed in December 2023.

To view prior stories:

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close

Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20

That emergency room, at 401 Woodland Hills, Fort Scott, is currently closed.

Today U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)  announced they have introduced legislation to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation, according to a Moran press release

 

“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would increase opportunities for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals to convert to an REH and make technical improvements to the designation. These changes would help make the conversion to an REH more appealing by giving rural hospitals facing closure access to critical resources from the federal government to remain open.

 

“Access to emergency health care saves lives and helps rural communities prosper,” said Sen. Moran. “Too many rural hospitals in Kansas and across the country are struggling to keep their doors open, and this legislation offers those hospitals a lifeline. The Rural Emergency Hospital designation has already helped save numerous rural hospitals, and expanding access to this successful program is a common-sense way to make certain more hospitals stay open.”

“Rural hospitals provide health care in areas where it isn’t otherwise easy to access, so when their doors close, communities are left with almost no options, and that’s dangerous. If you’re dealing with a medical emergency or you just went into labor, the last thing on your mind should be whether your local hospital is still open,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is about public safety. It will make sure that if a hospital is in truly dire straits, they can remain open for emergency care – including obstetric care.”

 

“Created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, REH is a new Medicare provider designation that offers certain rural hospitals the opportunity to convert and continue operating with limited services rather than closing. The provisions in the REH Improvement Act are the result of numerous conversations Sen. Moran held with rural health care providers and CEOs of hospitals that are eligible for the REH designation.”

According to the Moran press release:

“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would:

  • Allow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
  • Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a waiver program for facilities operating similarly to an REH in order to convert to an REH.
  • Allow REH facilities to maintain or create a unit for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services.
  • Require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional funding for laboratory services.
  • Clarify that REH facilities are eligible for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants.
  • Direct the Secretary of HHS to allow an REH to be eligible as a National Health Service Corp site.
  • Authorize REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care to a Skilled Nursing Facility without leaving the hospital, in accordance with the Social Security Act.
  • Allow an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to regain necessary provider status, only if the facility was designated a necessary provider prior to converting to REH.”

 

Calling All Creatives! Bourbon County Community Theatre Seeking New Members

 

Bourbon County Community Theatre was formed in late June of 2023 and has been working since to get up and running so the people of Bourbon County can soon have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy community theatre again.

This organization is not just for those wanting to act (although plenty of that is needed!). If you are interested in the technical side of theatre, the advertising, the construction, the script reading, the… you name it; if you have an artistic bone in your body, no matter how that looks, BCCT is looking for YOU.

Bourbon County Community Theatre is having their year-end meeting on Wednesday, May 22nd, 6:00pm, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center and they would like to invite anyone with any interest in any aspect of community theatre to come see what they are all about.

There will be discussion about upcoming performances, voting on board positions, and talk about and clearing up odds and ends for the upcoming months. Any current members or those who become members that night will be allowed to vote on board positions for the upcoming season.

Attendance at this meeting will not commit you to anything! Come see the benefits of becoming a BCCT member!

Today Is The Day For Healthcare Sales Tax Question To Be Decided

Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

People who have been wanting to make their voices heard on a sales tax to establish and operate emergency healthcare in our community will soon have their chance.

The Bourbon County Commission election is today, May 14 for voters to decide.

“It was suggested months ago to put the matter of a healthcare sales tax on the ballot when the subject of subsidizing an emergency room, due to  Ascension Via Christi closing the emergency room, was first announced,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

To view the press release of the closure:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

At the March 11, 2024 meeting of the Bourbon County Commission, Commissioner Clifton Beth made a motion to approve a community vote on the idea.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“The original question asked for a one-half cent sales tax, but Clifton made a motion to approve the question changing it to a one-quarter cent sales tax and it was approved by all three Commissioners,” Hawkins said. “The purpose of the sales tax is to be used as needed for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.”

 

 

Here is the wording of the question that will be asked of Bourbon County residents:

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Bourbon County shall adopt a one-quarter cent retail sales tax effective October 1, 2024, and continuing for 5 years. Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County. Upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.

 

              Yes

              No

Headstone/Monument Cleaning Added to Services Provided by Influx Services

Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Jake Provice started Influx Services a little over two and a half years ago.

“We serve Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said.
“We provide professional exterior cleaning services, and specialize in house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning. We use the ‘softwash’  process…which uses low-pressure and algicides to safely clean your home, without the risk of damage that comes with traditional pressure washing.”
“At Influx Services we are excited to publicly announce our professional headstone and monument cleaning services, available in Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said. ” We use a specially designed, national cemetery-approved product and gentle cleaning methods to clean headstones and other stone monuments safely and effectively, without the risk of damage or deterioration that can come with other cleaning techniques.”
Before and after photos of headstone cleaning by InFlux Services. Submitted photo.
“The headstone cleaning is a new service,” he said. “I’ve been doing work at Evergreen Cemetery, but this would be the first time publicly announcing it. We use a specialized cleaning product and method that is historically used to clean national cemeteries and the white house.”
“Those interested in our headstone and monument cleaning services and/or our other exterior cleaning services such as house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning, please give us a call or text at (620) 407-3008, or email us at influxservicescontact@gmail.com!”

He takes calls from 9 am to 9 pm seven days a week.

Bourbon County Democrats Kick-Off Get Out The Vote

What: Bourbon County Democrats’ GOTV (Get out the Vote) kickoff begins with an orientation by Kansas Democrats State Leadership team.
Where: Zimmerman Hall (in basement) of the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., Fort Scott.
When: Sunday, May 19 th , 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information or to rsvp.
 This is for training for our county volunteers, anyone concerned about the upcoming election and willing to help get out the vote.
 Some of our county’s field plans will be discussed and the reasoning behind it.
 Discussion of issues and how to talk about them with others.
 This training isn’t just for people going door to door. It’s for people who will volunteer in any way they can or wish.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information.

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Meeting on May 13

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

May 13, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/6/2024
  1. Public Comments
  2. Vance Eden-PILOT Funds
  3. Brian Allen-Extension of Disaster Resolution
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Election Update
    2. Road Closure
  • Commission Comments
  1. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Nominate a Young Entrepreneur For a Feature Story on FortScott.Biz

Devlin Cole sold handmade leather crafts at a 2023 Fort Scott Farmers Market.

Fortscott.biz desires to help local entrepreneurs in their business ventures and has featured many on our news service.

We are once again starting a series on young entrepreneurs.

Fortscott.biz would like to feature local,  young entrepreneurs under 20 years old, who have seen a need and have started a business to meet it, or who have a talent and turned it into a business.

Hannah Vann was featured in 2019 with her car detailing business.

To nominate a young entrepreneur, email [email protected] with the name, age, email address, and/or phone number of the person, with the business they are doing.  Please include who is nominating the person and why.

Relatives, friends and recipients of the product or services are invited to nominate a young entrepreneur.

Brian Griffin was featured in 2019 and his bicycle repair shop.

 

Judah Whitson at the cash register at Fort Scott Farmers Market.
Judah Whitson mans the cash register at his family’s booth at the Fort Scott Farmers Market in 2023, Judah and his two brothers are all young entrepreneurs.

We also feature local entrepreneurs over 20! If you have started a new business or added a service/product,  please email [email protected] with the email address, phone number and tell a little about your business.

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council Meeting for May 14

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council Meeting for May 14 at 7:30 p.m at City Hall.

Attachments:

Resolution No 2024-0514-1 Sale of Property-Allocation of Proceeds

KDOT Cost Share Program info

05-24 Informational items

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and April 17, 2024 Special Council Meetings
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Storm Siren maintenance agreement

CFAP program changes

KHEL moving

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Warehouse refurbishing – Resolution No 2024-0514-1 to sell 402 Sherman and allocation of proceeds from sale

 

NEW BUSINESS

Streets –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Unofficial Minutes of the Special Uniontown Council on April 17

The Special Council Meeting on April 17, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:51PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Mary Pemberton.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Stacy Moore, William “Shawn” Vincent, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:25PM

 

Stacy Moore in at 6:00PM, out at 6:21 PM.

 

William Vincent in at 6:27PM, out at 7:01PM

 

Third interviewee thought interviews were the 18th.  This applicant was not interviewed.

 

Vincent called back in at 7:17PM, out at 7:24PM.  Open meeting resumed at 7:25PM.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to hire William “Shawn” Vincent for City Clerk positon, a full-time position eligible for all full-time benefits at a starting wage of $17.50/hour and to start on April 29, 2024

 

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:27PM

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for April 9

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

APRIL 9, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on April 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Mary Pemberton. Also in attendance for all
or part of the meeting were Heather Jackson, Danny Taylor, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene
Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST

Heather Jackson turned in an Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.After discussion: Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to approve the Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.

Danny Taylor asked if he could put up new No Parking, Loading/Unloading Zone signs at each drive of his storage units.
After discussion, the city will provide the signs of his choice. He also asked about the size of rock to dress up his drives.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$268,423.36, Receipts $61,625.33, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $52,175.70, Checking Account Closing
Balance $274,846.99. Bank Statement Balance $281,085.53, including Checking Account Interest of $60.89, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,238.54, Reconciled Balance $274,846.99. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$37,243.06, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,027.01, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $372,381.91. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $173.43, and Utility CDs
$436.08 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $609.51. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from
Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest
$1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of March $6,423.63, Year-to-Date Net Income
$39,367.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $26,687.77 (21.6%), Expenditures $31,016.80 (19.1%); Sewer
Fund YTD Revenue $8,651.07 (23.4%), Expenditures $8,728.22 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $59,321.33 (40.5%),
Expenditures $32,371.80 (18.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $75,848.78 (46.2%), Expenditures $52,497.08 (25.9%);
and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,077.58 (28.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2024 payables to date in the
amount of $44,672.83 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering
have not been received at noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
 Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting, and March
25, 2024 Special Council Meeting
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich presented a quote from USDI to replace 4 gas system valves that are getting hard to turn.
Council requested he get two more quotes before taking action.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan discussed various projects being completed around town. He asked for the Junk
Vehicle ordinance as he will be visiting some locations. He submitted a letter to Clerk Johnson to be put in the newsletter
and on the webpage.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that Bourbon County Commission has scheduled a special election for May 14, our
next meeting date. Polls are open 7AM to 7PM. She asked if our meeting needed moved or if we would ask county to
find another venue.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to change our meeting time on May 14, 2024 to 7:30PM

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected
personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open
meeting to resume at 8:25PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:25PM.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview non-elected personnel applicants on April 17, 2024 at 5:45PM.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – asked if the bench near where the horseshoe pitch area can be moved. It is set in concrete.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Pond Project – final paperwork has been submitted to Don George, KDWPT. Project finished under budget.
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – discussed the painting of the lines for the court and bench placement.
Warehouse project – Another contractor was contacted for a quote to fill in the scales. He does not have time for the project. No response from attorney on process to sell the Weed Barn to offset cost of refurbishing the warehouse as discussed last month.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Rogers and Sons to fill in the scales at the warehouse.

NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Jurgensen stated that Bettis Asphalt will be putting a temporary asphalt plant in Bourbon County this summer and
has a job on 54 Highway and in Bronson. They will be in town to repair any areas that were asphalted last year. He
suggested that the council review the streets and designate which areas of need for this year. Clerk Johnson will email
them with approximate amount available for street resurfacing.

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM