Category Archives: Bourbon County

Nick Trim: New SRO at Uniontown School District

Submitted photo. Nick Trim.
 Nicholas (Nick) Trim, is the new School Resource Officer at Uniontown School District 235.
Uniontown Jr/Sr High School and USD 235 Board of Education office.
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

Faith’s Journey. Submitted photo.

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

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on Wednesday, July 26th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. Chamber members and the community are invited to attend for updates on things that are happening in the community!

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10 and those need to be ordered by July 25th at 10am. Those planning to attend may RSVP online at fortscott.com under the events tab.

There will be a 7-minute update from each of the following panelists, ending with time for questions:

  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Craig Campbell Chair, Becky Tourtillott Vice Chair
  • Fort Scott National Historic Site, Carl Brenner
  • Fort Scott Recreation Commission, Lucas Kelley
  • Good Neighbor Action Team, Craig Campbell
  • Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Jody Hoener President/CEO, Rachel Carpenter Director
  • Kansas Small Business Development Center, Dacia Clark, Assistant Director PSU KSBDC

Moderator for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, 2023 Chamber Board Chair.

Click here to RSVP and pre-order lunch!

This event is being sponsored by Davis Accounting, Inc.

and Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

U235 Is Gearing Up for New School Year

Vance Eden. From the school’s website.
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.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 7/17/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. 5:45 Public Opening of Motor Grader, Mini Excavator, and Trailer Bids
  • Drew Talbot-Via Christi
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, Real Property Relief Application
  1. Clifton Beth Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(3)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. 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.

 

Hulberts Purchase Bartlesmeyer Jewelry

Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert purchased  Bartelsmeyer Jewelry on June 30, 2023

The store is located in the historic downtown Fort Scott district at 22 N. Main St

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is now owned by Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert. Submitted photo.

“I’ve been working at the jewelry store for 13 years, and I hated the idea of the store closing it’s doors when John Bartelsmeyer decided to retire,” Krysta said. “My husband and I have been working along side John and Cindy for almost a year now to plan for us to take over the business. We are so excited that we have finally been able to make all of those plans a reality.”

John Bartelsmeyer has been a jeweler for over 60 years. Submitted photo.

“The jewelry store has been in John’s family since 1963, when his father purchased the store from Mr. Newberry,” she said. “In 1991, John Bartelsmeyer purchased the store from his father M. H. Bartelsmeyer.”

“My husband Wyatt and I are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the jewelry store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries with it a history of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”

The inside of the jewelry store. Submitted photo.

Krysta has been learning the ropes for all those years as an employee.

” I do a little bit of everything at the store from sales and customer service to jewelry repair and office management,” she said. “My specialty, and one of my favorite things to do, is designing custom jewelry. I love to work with customers and help them create one-of-a-kind jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else! At the jewelry store we also specialize in engagement rings, jewelry repair and restoration, ring sizing and watch repair.”

Anything new on the horizon?

“We have lots of new ideas for the future of the store,” she said. “One of our biggest and most exciting plans is to update our website to offer our jewelry for sale online! John will continue to work at the store in the mornings during the week. We will also be adding a new team member to our crew. My husband, Wyatt Hulbert, will soon be working full time alongside John to learn jewelry repair and take over the bench jewelry work when John decides he is ready to fully retire.”

Cindy and John Bartelsmeyer have been working with Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert to transition to new owners of the jewelry store. Submitte photo.

To learn more about John and the jewelry store:

John Bartlesmeyer: 60 Years in the Craft

 

City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18

The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Budget worksession

 

Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget.  It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate.  It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting.  Session ended at 7:48PM

 

 

Bourbon County Fair Continues

A view of the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon.

Some children enjoying cornhole on Wednesday afternoon.
Some of the grand champions.

How to Kill A Dragon was the featured movie on Wednesday.

Miles Pollack, 8, is a first year 4-Her with his heifer and two steers.

Some art grand champions.

The merchant building has some young business people selling their wares this year.
Businesses set up on Wednesday afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair.
The grand champion booth.
Bourbon County 4-H Families are invited to cool off on July 23 at the Fort Scott Swimming Pool.
Another grand champion.

 

Learn how to write a thank you on July 20.
Junk Drawer Robotics.

Learn About Arthritis and Cancer at FCE Sponsored Event Today at 2 p.m.

You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit
invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.
Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 2:00 pm
Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.
Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association on July 20

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Bourbon County

Fair Association

Thursday, July 20th

8am

2102 S. Huntington Blvd

Hubenett Pavilion

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association, Thursday, July 20th at 8 a.m. at the Hubenett Pavilion on Fairgrounds located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

 

The Bourbon County Fairgrounds is alive year-round with a full schedule of exciting events for all interests! From the signature Bourbon County Fair and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta events to year-round camping in the Fort Scott area to the many other agricultural, college-related, and civic events. They couldn’t do all they do without their wonderful volunteers, donors, merchants, livestock buyers, contestants, 4H and Ag Agents. They also send out a big thank you to the spectators who grace their Fairground events each year and of course the fun-loving people who take advantage of our year-round camping facilities. The full schedule of events may be found on the Fair board website www.bourboncountyfair.com

 

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter

Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles

The Fort Scott Substation fire in 2022. Submitted photo.

Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.

Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.

The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.

Evergy is currently located on Old Fort Blvd. on Skubitz Plaza and will expand their substation to the north and west of the current site.

Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.

Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.

The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.

“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”

“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”