Starting Wednesday, September 11th, Hackberry will be closed between HWY 3 and 60th for culvert replacement.
From
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Amended Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for Sept. 9
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
September 9, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8/26/2024 and 8/30/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $292,060.51
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $568,222.20
- Approval of July Financials
- Public Comments
- David Saker/Casey Johnson/Greg Post/Greg Schick-Towing Policy
- Work Session Regarding Solar Panel Setbacks
- 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.
Bourbon County Democrats Meet Sept. 15
Fort Scott National Historic Site Welcomes 200 New Citizens
Special Naturalization Ceremony
Fort Scott, Kan. – Friday, September 20, 2024, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony of 202 new citizens from 57 countries. Check-in for new citizens begins at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the proceedings on the historic fort Parade Ground.
The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School Orchestra, with welcoming remarks by Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. A keynote address will be made by Angela Bates, founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum.
There will be seating for the applicants, but additional seating will be limited. Friends, family, guests, and the public are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall.
Fort Scott is the story of the growth of our nation, and its fight for freedom. On the same parade ground that the very first African Americans were brought into the Northern Armies to openly fight for their freedom and a better life, these new citizens are starting down their own path of freedom and a better life.
September 17 to 23, the nation observes Constitution Week. The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, (Constitution Day), an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day,” and Citizenship Day that began in 1952 based on a law signed by President Harry Truman,
Each year, USCIS celebrates the connection between the Constitution and citizenship by reflecting on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country.
We encourage new citizens and guests to share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen #ConstitutionWeek, #FortScottNPS, and #FindYourPark.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Fort Scott National Historic Site
1 Old Fort Blvd.
Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, Naturalization Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Auditions for Voices From the Grave Are Sept. 19
Bourbon County Community Theatre Announces Auditions for Voices from the Grave
Bourbon County Community Theatre is holding auditions for Voices from the Grave, an original production based on stories from Bourbon County’s history.
Auditions are 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 19 or 20 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Those who audition must be age 14 or over and only need to attend one evening of auditions. Rehearsal times will be scheduled in small groups with the Director, Regen Wells.
Voices from the Grave takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Riverfront Park in Fort Scott, KS. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of short acting vignettes centering around stories of murder and mayhem in Fort Scott. Scenes were written by the students in the Advanced Drama class at Fort Scott High School and are based off of stories from local author Brian Allen’s books about Fort Scott.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available from bcct.ludus.com in Fort Scott. Tour times must be pre-scheduled and run every 15 minutes. Parents must accompany children under the age of 14.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting Wells at 620-215-3510.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on September 9
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
September 9, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8/26/2024 and 8/30/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $292,060.51
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $568,222.20
- Approval of July Financials
- Public Comments
- David Saker/Casey Johnson/Greg Post-Towing Policy
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Matt Quick-Sanitation
- Work Session Regarding Solar Panel Setbacks
- 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.
Core Community Fall Farm Festival is October 19
Bourbon County Coalition Meeting Minutes of Sept. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024
- Welcome: Twenty-four members representing nineteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Keyhole. Billie Jo announced the following items from the Board:
- The swim pass program had allowed 42 families, 128 children, and 170 total people to use the Aquatic Center this year.
- To date for 2024, the Coalition Board has assisted 31 families including 80 children with rent and utility assistance in the amount of $6,862.
- Janelle Tate has been added to the Coalition Board to complete Elizabeth Schafer’s term.
- Travis Wilcoxen and Nick Johnson will be the Bourbon County Coalition Co-Chairmen beginning in October. Billie Jo will remain on the board for one more year to insure a smooth transition.
- Billie Jo also shared a recent newspaper article and congratulated The Beacon for being in operation in Bourbon County for forty years.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Kathy Romero introduced Lauren Klinksick the new account executive for Angels Care Home Health.
- Cherie Walrod, KState Extension: They will be starting a support group for parents of special needs children with a “Meet and Greet” on September 13; all the information is in the attached flyer.
- David Gillen, The Beacon: David reviewed all the services the Beacon provides and reminded members that the Beacon is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p..m. In August they served 329 families and 826 total people. Requalification will be held in October. David noted that due to increase in costs, they need about $9000 more this year to provide the same amount of assistance as in 2023.
- April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, SEK Recovery Resources: Their federal grant ended last month but they are continuing their programs; to date, 38 have been served through the Recovery House. Their most recent project has been to build a drug endangered children alliance; they do whatever they can to help with substance abuse disorder.
- Christine Abbott, SEK Kansasworks: For now, Christine will be in Fort Scott on Mondays and Wednesdays at the HBCAT building. The KEYS (Kansasworks Empowering Youth Success) Summit will be October 10. The Pittsburg office is now located at 1005 East Jefferson.
- Megan Rogers, Safehouse: Megan reminded members that they can provide emergency shelter and help with about anything to allow a person to live a life free of abuse.
- Theresa Amershek, Safehouse: She handles the referrals from the court system; at present she is overwhelmed with people from Bourbon County. There is a small fee for her services; her goal is to make children safe during supervised visits.
- LeaKay Karleskint, KState Snap educator: Her only class right now – Create Better Health – started in Fulton on September 3: She is looking for new partners to provide space for her classes for the coming year.
- Shanna Willey, Community Health Worker CHC: Shanna can assist people with any resource applications.
- Angela Handly, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army: Box fans are available for those who need them. She can be contacted at 620-223-2212; her office is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Shanda Stewart, Community Resource Director, Kansas Renewal Institute: They presently have 40 children in residence; they can house 50. They are currently hiring behavior therapists, nurses, and several other positions. Shanda expressed thanks to Buck Run for providing school supplies and USD 234 employees who make sure school goes on for those clients.
- Lisa Robertson, HBCAT: Her employer has changed but she continues to help individuals that are insecure.
- Ashely Reeder, SEK Mental Health: Currently they provide school therapists in each school in USD 234 and USD 235.
- Michelle Stephenson, FSPSC: Michelle works with parents who have children prenatal through age 6 to assist the parent in preparing children for preschool or Kindergarten; she has a few slots available.
- Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: The “Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship” event will be held on September 28; flyer with all the information is attached.
- Deena Betts, CORE Community: Core graduated twelve from their first class; the second class will be starting on September 10. Their first annual fall festival will be held on October 19 at the Shead Farm; information for the event can be found on the CORE Facebook page or the attached flyer
- Program: Judy Hood, along with her jobs as wife, mother, grandmother, juvenile intake officer and part of the county attorney’s office, has been a Keyhole board member since 2018. The Keyhole is now open from 3-6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for middle and high school students. Keyhole provides games, electronics, and snacks; many who come to Keyhole have their evening meal while there. The space is available for use; the Keyhole board wants to figure out how to make Keyhole more of a benefit for our community. The Keyhole is funded by the Key Charitable Trust and donations.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be October 2, 2024.
The October program will be presented by Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS.
Core Community Has New Liaison and A New Fall Farm Fest In the Works
There is a new community liaison with Core Community, a local helping organization that has a mission to engage the community to lift families out of poverty.
Deana Betts, the new Core Community Liasion, moved to Fort Scott this summer and began work with Core Community on July 8th.
Betts moved to the area after her husband accepted the pastor position at Lifetrack Church in Frontenac.
In discovering the organization and the opening for a liaison, she learned Core Community is a faith-based organization that helps people out of poverty.
“I liked that they are leading themselves out of poverty, with support. It’s more than just a class, it’s a pathway.”
The mission statement of the organization is “Engaging the community to lift families out of poverty.”
Classes for this second year of the organization in Bourbon County start on Tuesday, September 10 at the Nazarene Church, 1728 S. Horton Street with 16-17 people enrolled.
See their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/p/Core-Community-Bourbon-County
Betts explained the evening.
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. will be a family-style meal provided by different organizations in the community. Following this, children will be directed to the childcare area with Angie Trim, the childcare coordinator and the people from last year’s classes will meet with the coach, Janice Lamb. The new class meets with teachers, Amy Harper and David Goodyear. The evening finishes at 7:30 p.m.
The first class graduated in May of this year.
Getting Ahead In A Just Get By World by Ruby Payne is the book that is worked through, in the 20-22 weeks of the classes.
Fall Festival
Larry and Vickie Shead have agreed to open the Shead Farm on Saturday, October 19 for a fundraiser for the Core Community organization. The farm has an annual community spring festival that has grown larger each year.
“Our childcare coordinator Angie Trim helped the Sheads with their spring festival. I met with them and they said it’s the Lord’s farm. I asked them to pray about it, and they did and said yes,” she said.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the farm located at 2468 Calvalry Road, Garland, south of Fort Scott.
The cost is $5 per person, for families with over five members it’s $25 and there will be food, vendors, games, and raffles to entertain the family.
To learn more about Core Community or the Fall Fest, contact Betts at [email protected] or 785.488. 8411.
New Uniontown City Council Agenda for September 10
Agenda for the City Council of Uniontown on September 10, 2024 at 5.30 p.m.
Personnel interviews followed by regular council meeting.
ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Interview non-elected personnel –
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Bill Martin
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of August 13 Regular Council Meeting and September 3, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Public Water Supply Inspection
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
2023 Audit
Craw-Kan business internet
811 tickets
KSGFOA Fall Conference
FEMA Conference Call September 12
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball court project –
Streets –
NEW BUSINESS
Sale of Property –
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Ribbon Cutting For Uniontown Pickleball Court
Uniontown held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for the Uniontown Community Pickleball Court on September 1. Pictured are Councilwoman Danea Esslinger, Levi Ervin (cutting the ribbon), son of Councilman Jess Ervin, Councilwoman Mary Pemberton, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
The court was completed with the help of the entire community, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, Uniontown City Council, and Uniontown Ruritan Club. A grant facilitated by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas contributed to the cost of the court; the equipment and benches were donated by community members; and Uniontown Ruritan Club is donating fencing for the north and south ends. The City of Uniontown wishes to thank all those involved with this project. The court is being used daily by the community.
Beginning Support Group For Parents of Special Needs Children
Cherri Walrod, K-State Research and Extension Office Community
Health Worker, is providing an opportunity for parents of special needs children.
“I am a mom to special needs kids myself…being a parent to a special needs child can be a special kind of isolation and hurt.”
She said another mom asked her to start a support group for parents of special needs kids.
“Throughout the spring of this year, I hosted a few meetings for special needs parents in the area, just as a personal service to the community,” Walrod said.
Walrod began a new job as a community health worker for K-State Research and Extension Southwind District on August 1.
The Community Health Worker project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.
“Since I am part of the community of parents of special needs children myself and support groups fit in the role of a CHW, the timing was perfect to form this group officially.”
The first meeting will be September 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Splash Pad and Gathering Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. on Fort Scott’s north end. It is a come-and-go event opportunity to connect with other parents of special needs children.
Bring your kids, lawn chairs, snacks, and water to drink, she said.
“This first meeting is just a meet and greet time for area parents of special needs kids to come together for some fellowship time,” she said.” I hope to gather enough names and contact info of families interested and then try to determine which day and time might work for families to gather on a regular basis. All of the logistics for future meetings are to be determined based on the feedback from the parents in attendance. I hope to talk to enough parents to get an introductory idea of what they may need in the way of support. “
“Based on what I’ve heard so far, many parents of special needs kids feel very isolated, alone, overwhelmed, defeated and just surviving from one day to the next. Many feel judged by their parent peers due to some of the behaviors of their children.”
“This first meet and greet is just that. A chance to meet other parents in an environment of non-judgment so that we can begin to make plans to help support each other in the future.”
“I will be the lead facilitator for the time being and responsible for the majority of the logistics planning right now. Eventually, as we form a more organized group, we may have more involvement from the parents themselves and also invite community partners to join us to address special topics, needs or to provide educational or training opportunities.”
This is for parents who have wished to get together with others who are in the same situation and understand some of the stresses.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.