Category Archives: Bourbon County
SEK Mental Health Services Offered
Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for July 31
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
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
July 31, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/24/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $130,054.08
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,099,433.01
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Matt Quick, County Appraiser-NRP Interlocal Agreements
- Bourbon County REDI
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Clifton Beth-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Bo Co Commission Agenda for July 31
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
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
July 31, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/24/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $130,054.08
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,099,433.01
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Budget Discussion
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Clifton Beth-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- 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.
New Uniontown Teachers: Walker, Rucker, Ostrander, Onelio
This is part of a series on new teachers in Uniontown School District.
Enrollment for the district ends today from noon to 7 p.m.
Open House is August 15, from 4-6 p.m.
The first day of class is August 16.
There are 10 new teachers, one new junior/senior high school principal, Robert Onelio and a new School Resource Officer, Nick Trim.
Jacy Walker is a new sixth grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Fort Hays State University and was a para educator for four years while taking classes.
This is her first year as a teacher.
“The best thing about teaching for me is being able to build long lasting relationships with all my students and watching them all become better versions of themselves everyday! ” she said.
“I think as a first year teacher there will probably be lots of challenges I face throughout the year,” she said. “But some that I anticipate and really want to work on ahead of time will be my pre-planning and time management in the classroom.”
Walker is the assistant Uniontown High School Girls Basketball coach, and also coaches in the youth basketball program.
Her family includes: husband Tyler Walker and five daughters: Maya, Kennedy, Blayke, Berkley, and Jymma.
Lakyn Rucker, will be a new first grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School.
She graduated from Ottawa University, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education.
Rucker was a preschool teacher in Nevada for a year and then came to St. Mary’s Catholic School where she I taught kindergarten the last two years, she said.
For Rucker, the best part about teaching is seeing a student’s growth throughout a years time. “It is so rewarding,” she said.
She and husband, Riley, have three children – Chate, Huxley, and Korbyn.
“When we aren’t working or chasing our kids around from one event to another, we enjoy being outside and spending time with our
family and friends,” she said.
Amanda Ostrander is a new preschool teacher at West Bourbon Elementary.
She received her education from Fort Hays State University and has taught five years, with experience in special education and second grade.
“Forming relationships with my students and their families is the best thing about teaching,” she said . “(and)Finding ways to make learning fun!”
A challenge for her is “finding time for myself and finishing up all the additional courses I want to take.”
Her family includes her husband, five kids, and three dogs.
Abby Onelio will be teaching junior high and high school Spanish.
She earned a bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University in 2002; a Masters from Fort Hays State University in 2021 and has
five years teaching Spanish and English as a Second Language at Arkansas City High School.
“The best part of teaching for me is helping students to grow, improve and overcome obstacles,” she said.
For her, the biggest challenge for the upcoming school year will be so many big changes all at once, she said.
“My family and I are looking forward to becoming involved in the Uniontown and southeast Kansas community,” Onelio said.
She is married to Robert Onelio, the new 7-12 principal at Uniontown. They have four kids–Mia, 19; Gabe, 18; Natalia, 16; and Eva, 11.
Bo Co Coalition Agenda for August 2
We will have our regular General Membership meeting on Wednesday, August 2, in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
August 2, 2023
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Narcon training presented by April Jackson. The September program will be presented by Cynthia Tucker, Community Coordinator for Loving Grace.
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be September 6.
Nick Trim: New SRO at Uniontown School District
Nicholas (Nick) Trim, is the new School Resource Officer at Uniontown School District 235.
He will wear many hats at U235 in addition to SRO, which include: transportation director, and environmental and school safety coordinator.
“My duties as an SRO include being the Law Enforcement presence at the school and act as a liaison between school staff and Law Enforcement entities to determine if the issue at hand is a crime or violation of policy,” Trim said. “Most importantly my job is to help influence students to make good choices in life and be a mentor for them should they need it. My job is to investigate and send for prosecution any violation or crime that arises on school grounds.”
“This is my first year as transportation director in the civilian sector,” Trim said. “I’m learning as I go. But the most important aspect of this job is student safety. My job is to ensure all district vehicles are with in compliance of state and federal law and road worthy and ensure the transportation staff remains current in their training and state mandated requirements.”
“My duties as environmental and physical safety coordinator include ensuring fire extinguishers are serviceable and ready to use,” he said. “Physical locks, security measures, and surveillance systems for the school system are in place and serviceable. Provide national disaster safety measures and drills.”
Trim earned his associates degree from The Community College of the Air Force in Tactical Aircraft Maintenance. He was a
U.S. Air Force Technical Sargent (E-6), Retired Active Duty Air Force May 1996-June 2016
He is a U.S. veteran of operations – Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom as An F-15 C/D/E Crew Chief serving based out of Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Kadena AFB, Okinawa; Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, NM.
He has 12 years Law Enforcement experience:
- 6 years Reserve Deputy, Otero County, New Mexico
- 2 Years Full Time Fort Scott Police Department
- 5 plus years Full time Patrol Deputy Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
“The best part of my job is being able to meet new people, help those in their most dire time of need, and navigate negative circumstance to a positive outcome,” Trim said.
“The biggest challenge in this job is doing the right thing to the right person at right time,” he said. “I have learned to live by this motto: Clear your mind and purify your heart as to means of overcoming fear and uneasy circumstances.”
He has been married to Melissa for over 24 years and has two boys. Nathan, 18, a 2023 graduate of Christian Learning Center (CLC) in Fort Scott. Nathan leaves for the Marine Corps in August 2023. Zachary is 7 years-old and entering the 1st grade in the fall of 2023.
He has a German Shepard, Thor, and a black lab mix, Dixie.
In his spare time he enjoys hunting, teaching people self-defense with firearms and firearms safety.
Inspirational Basketball Show August 6 at FSHS
CHAMPIONS FOREVER- Are you ready to be inspired?! They were finalists on America’s Got Talent!! — Bruce, Diane and their family of 12 children have been in 40 countries, using their Spin-tacular Basketball Show to entertain and share a message of HOPE to this generation! They had even been invited to perform for 3 back to back NBA Finals Games. This show is an awesome way to tie up Summer with your family, right here in Fort Scott. Champions Forever will be at Fort Scott High school on Sunday, August 6th at 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets at www.advancebourboncounty.com
Friday Night Free Concert: Faith’s Journey
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be a special performance by Faith’s Journey, a trio from Branson, Mo. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Ave., which is bringing this concert to the public.
A free-will offering will be accepted.
Faith’s Journey is a ministry of music that performs over 120 dates a year from coast to coast. This ministry is comprised of Jonathan Edwards, MC and baritone for the group; his wife Deana Edwards soprano; and Scott Roberts, tenor and pianist.
Faith’s Journey has ministered on small and large stages across the country singing great traditional gospel music. They have been featured performers at Branson’s Silver Dollar City as well as had their music played on radio stations across the country.
Friday Night Concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson and sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Sound support is provided by Dave’s Music and Jim Butler.
Updates of Activities in Fort Scott Tomorrow
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U235 Is Gearing Up for New School Year
This week marks the beginning of enrollment for the school year in U.S.D. 235.
Enrollment for Uniontown’s school district is two days:
- Thursday, July 27th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, July 28th from noon to 7 p.m.
The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.
New teachers in the district are Amanda Ostrander-preschool, Lakyn Rucker-first grade, Tyler Ericson-fourth grade, Jacy Walker-six grade, Alex Chesney-West Bourbon Elementary School Music, Ian Ballinger, high school social studies, Christal Martin-high school science student teacher, Abby Onelio, high school Spanish/,Multi-Tiered Systems of Support( she will work to support students struggling academically)and Carrie Sutcliffe-high school science.
Rebecca Sutterby is the new high school digital media contact and Nick Trim is the new School Resource Officer.
A series featuring new teachers for U235 started with new junior high/senior high principal Robert Onelio on July 17. Watch for profiles of the new teachers in the coming weeks.
To view Onelio’s feature:
Improving the District
“The district continues to consider bringing a bond to the voters for consideration,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We will start the strategic planning with the community this fall to try to establish some short and long-term, up to five year, goals. We’ll continue to work to improve ourselves as a district and support new hires as they join our team this fall.”
In May, the following retired from the district:
Rhonda Allen-elementary music, Jeanne Camac- jr/sr high counselor, Jean Cook-jr. high English and Language Arts, Betty Dennis-nurse, Amber Ericson-fourth grade, and Bonnie Rathbun-sixth grade.
Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on July 24
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
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
July 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Minutes from 7/17/2023
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 5:45 Public Opening of Motor Grader, Mini Excavator, and Trailer Bids
- Drew Talbot-Via Christi
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, Real Property Relief Application
- Clifton Beth Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(3)
- Commission Comments
- 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.