They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.
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They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.
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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.
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.”
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!
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
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.
“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
Jake Provice started Influx Services a little over two and a half years ago.
He takes calls from 9 am to 9 pm seven days a week.
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.
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
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
May 13, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Attachments:
Resolution No 2024-0514-1 Sale of Property-Allocation of Proceeds
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
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 ____________.
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
Pickleball court project –
Warehouse refurbishing – Resolution No 2024-0514-1 to sell 402 Sherman and allocation of proceeds from sale
Streets –
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
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
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