Category Archives: Bourbon County

Former Mercy Building Now SEK Mental Health and Ashley Clinic

Sites B and C are now for the SEKMHC.

Yesterday, September 11, a mental health and medical care clinic opened in the former Mercy Hospital building.

“All services with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center will now be offered at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.,” said Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC Manager of Prevention and Promotion. “We are very excited!”

The center will be serving from Suites B and C and hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact: 620.223.5030.

Crisis services are available 24/7 at 1-866-973-2241.

The Ashley Clinic is providing clinic service in Suite A.

The Ashley Clinic has had two doctors seeing patients in Suite A since the summer.

Dr. Jason Robinson, a urologist, has been seeing patients in Fort Scott since 2016. Starting in August, he has seen patients on the first Wednesday and the second Friday of each month.

Dr. Yi Ying Law, a general surgeon,  started seeing patients in July in Fort Scott in the afternoon on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Contact information for them is: 620-431-2500

Partners in Health Care

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Ashley Clinic joined to create a more accessible, efficient, and effective model of care for the citizens of Kansas, according to a previous press release.  The focus: leading integrated, whole-person care and breaking down barriers for patients.

One of the most challenging aspects of whole-person wellness is that individuals often see providers for their physical and mental health in different locations with different systems of care, according to a prior press release. With this partnership,  there can be continuity of care where all providers can work as a team to help people achieve better health outcomes.

In the ever-changing healthcare environment, SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic are committed to providing resources to their employees and becoming a preferred employer in the community, according to the release.

Ashley Clinic

Ashley Clinic, founded by Dr. Samuel Ashley and his son Dr. George “Ed” Ashley in 1938, has a long-standing history of making quality healthcare accessible in Southeast Kansas. Services provided include e-visits, convenient care clinics, laboratory services, imaging services, immunizations, diabetes education, specialty clinics, sneak peek 3D/4D sonograms, and a pharmacy with locations in Chanute and Humboldt.

SEKMHC

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, established in 1961 as a non-profit organization, employs evidence-based practices and a whole-person approach to provide individualized treatment to clients for better overall health. They offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. SEKMHC has offices in seven southeast Kansas communities: Iola, Chanute, Humboldt, Fort Scott, Pleasanton, Garnett, and Yates Center.

Core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, addiction counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.

SEKMHC became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in 2022. Find more information at sekmhc.org

 

 

Bo Co Amended Agenda for Today

 

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

September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
  1. Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
  2. Public Comments
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
  • EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
  1. EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
  2. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  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.

 

Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Today at 5:30 p.m.

 

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

September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
  • Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
  • EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
  1. EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
  2. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  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.

 

New WBE Part-Time Principal: Anita Lightcap

Anita Lightcap is the new part-time West Bourbon Elementary School Principal in Uniontown.

“I started at WBE the first week of August,” she said. “I work Thursday and Friday and every other Wednesday. Mr. Tracy Smith works Monday and Tuesday and every other Wednesday.”

West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, KS

She retired in July 2021 from Tahlequah Public Schools in Tahlequah, Oklahoma as the Executive Director of Elementary Education. Tahlequah is a 6A school district and home to the Cherokee Nation.

Lightcap received her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City and a master’s from Arkansas State University.

She taught school in Dodge City USD 443 at the high school level and the elementary level before returning to her hometown of Tahlequah to finish her career.

“I believe the best thing about a career in education is knowing that you are helping educate the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “Few things in life compare to seeing a child’s eyes light up in that moment that they understand a concept that’s being taught.”

Another great thing is “helping students see themselves as learners and having a growth mindset, believing that they can improve through effort and persistence,” she said.

The greatest challenge in education is meeting the needs of all students with the available resources, she said.

Lightcap lives just outside Kincaid.

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 11

 

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

September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
  • Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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.

Accounts Payable 9-8-2023

Payroll 2 9-8-2023

Payroll 9-8-2023

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Sept. 12

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 1 of 2

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
2024 Budget Hearing
Dangerous and Unfit Structure Hearing – 404 Washington St
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
A. Minutes of August 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Citywide yard sales – Sept 23???
KMU Regional Meetings – already registered
KDHE Kansas Drinking Water Application Portal
KMGA Fall Conference, October 19-20, Wichita – already registered
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park –

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 2 of 2

Street project –
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2 nd ___________________,

Attachments:

09-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials-August

Resolution 2023-0912-2

Resolution 2023-0912-1 RNR Exceed

Budget Attachments for Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Hearings

2024 Proposed Budget – Gas Amended

2024 Proposed Budget

Unapproved Minutes of The City of Uniontown Meeting on August 8

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

AUGUST 8, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley
Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary
Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes
Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk
Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented

CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park
for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put
on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will
flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing
Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs
$331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July 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 July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget
vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue
$21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures
$68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special
Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount
of $40,651.43 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
 Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 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, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 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 continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, 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 continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships,
trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen
asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July.
Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405
Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-
grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September
12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration
cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas
Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to
restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for
the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.

NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle,
as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority
now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to
refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn

New Bo Co Undersheriff: Kevin Davidson

Kevin Davidson, 50, will step into new duties officially as the Bourbon County Undersheriff on September 18.

As the next in line, under Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Davidson’s duties are monitoring the day-to-day activities of the sheriff’s office, along with scheduling of personnel.

“Generally, keeping the train on the track,” he said.

There are currently 19 employees in the sheriff’s office.

Davidson enjoys “getting to make a difference in the community, bringing a positive attitude in law enforcement. Trying to make the community a safe place for our kids.”

He became a narcotics detective in October 2021.

He says he works with some good colleagues, and they “have been able to eliminate a lot of narcotics in the community. Recently they helped take out 10,000 fentanyl pills in Crawford County that had connections to coming back to Bourbon County.”

Davidson’s office is at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E. 20th, Fort Scott. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office phone number is 620 223-1440.

The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

He graduated from Pleasanton High School, attended Highland Junior College where he played football, and attended Pittsburg State University for a period.

Davidson has been in law enforcement since June 2014 at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, then the Fort Scott Police Department, then returned to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.

He has five children.

Davidson is replacing Ben Cole as the undersheriff.

 

 

 

 

Making a Difference in Childcare- Bourbon County grant is available to any daycare provider

 

Logo

2023 Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund and Making a Difference in Childcare – Bourbon County Grant Apps Now Available!

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is pleased to announce the following grant applications are now available! The Women’s Health Fund grant applications are open until September 30th, while the Making a Difference grant application is available until September 22nd.
Applications can be made through the online portal at SoutheastKansas.org/grant-app or view a history of Women’s Health Fund projects at SoutheastKansas.org/womens-health-fund, and learn more about our Making a Difference grant at SoutheastKansas.org/making-a-difference.

 

The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is made up of two giving circles. Both giving circles follow the guiding principal that Rita stood for, “to improve the health and wellbeing of women by supporting education, increasing awareness and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.”

 

The Making a Difference in Childcare- Bourbon County grant is available to any daycare provider within Bourbon County looking to expand or maintain their current facility to continue to provide quality childcare to their area.

 

Contact Sherri Stephens at SoutheastKansas.org/contact/sherri with any questions as you work on your proposal.

 

We look forward to receiving your grant applications.

Apply Now!
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Support for Grieving Mothers Offered Through First Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Cindy Valdez will be starting a group called Support for Grieving Mothers in and around the Bourbon County Area. The group will be meeting every Thursday from 6-7:30 in the Church Parlor at the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church at 301 South National.

The meetings will run from 9/21/23-11/16/23. This is a group for mothers who’ve lost children no matter how they were when they passed. I

If you’d like to join you’ll need to contact Cindy Valdez at 620-224-8515 or email her at freckles4624@zimbracloud.com in advance to reserve your spot.