Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

KDOT to replace bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County

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The week of April 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a project to replace the Owl Creek bridge on K-39. The bridge is 2 miles east of the east K-3 junction.

 

The bridge will be replaced one half at a time, with temporary signals directing one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays. The new bridge should be open in late 2023.

 

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Minutes of April 11

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April 11, 2023                                                                                          Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with all three Commissioners attending via phone and the County Clerk and County Counselor present.

 

Patty Ropp was present for the entire meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with flag salute.

 

Jim asked County Counselor Meeks to read the letter that was prepared and is addressed to the City of Fort Scott Commissioners. The letter requested City Commissioners to vote to overturn the recent application of an ordinance to give additional guidance and regulations to building contractors within the city of Fort Scott. Jim made a motion to approve the letter as Justin read it, submit the letter to the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, and allow Commissioner Beth to read the letter at the city’s meeting if he chooses to. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Approved 4/13/2023

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission April 13

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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
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM


I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Public Works Director
b. 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
V. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
VI. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
VII. 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
VIII. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
IX. Bill Martin-Loan Bids for Patrol Vehicles
X. Public Comments
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Meeting Adjourn
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, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 13

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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 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works Director
  2. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
  3. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
  • 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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, Fort Scott, Jobs

Fort Scott – Bourbon County JOB FAIR

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Fort Scott – Bourbon County
JOB FAIR
Hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
THIS THURSDAY
April 13th from 3-6pm.
Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton St.
ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!
KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!
Employers registered to have a booth include:
Bandera Stone
CHC/SEK – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
City of Pittsburg Police Department
Cobalt MedPlans
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Heartland Behavioral Health (Nevada)
Integrity Home Care + Hospice
Kansas Army National Guard
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Kansas Department of Transportation
Labconco
Manpower
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Peerless Products
Pittsburg State University
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Twister Trailer
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE FLYER
THAT INCLUDES LIST OF POSITIONS EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING FOR!
Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:
620-223-3566 or [email protected]
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government, Schools

U235 Board Minutes of April 10

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Uniontown High School.
Unapproved minutes.

UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
REGULAR MEETING April 10, 2023
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday,
April 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room, Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Mike Mason, Troy Goodridge,Tyler Martin,Josh Hartman,and Brian Stewart


Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tracy Smith, Tema Gilion, Rhonda Hoener, Jenny Covey, Scott Sutton, Tim Endicott, Heather Herring, Kaytlin Herring


President Jason Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
Hartman, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes of Strike VII: Executive Session –
Student; Add Action Item IV: Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR).
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2023 Regular meeting with the
correction of Eden reading the District Mission Statement.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion passed 7-0
A. Approve payment of bills in the amount of $395,699.35.
B. Approve the March 2023 Treasurer Report.
C. Approve Early Graduation requests.
D. Approve KSDE Legal Membership for 2023-2024. ($2750.00)
E. Approve KASB Membership for 2023-2024. ($9,552.24)
No patron addressed the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the board on Bond planning and the Construction Manager AtRisk.
Principal’s Smith and Gilion gave written and oral reports to the board.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve publication of the Notice of Intent for Construction Manager
atRisk Services (CMAR) and to have a SPECIAL meeting on April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for public input.
Motion passed 7-0

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 2
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual’s performance pursuant
to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:45 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the
base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Jacy Walker as UJHS Head Girls basketball
coach.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to accept the resignation of Linda Sprague as UHS/UJHS Cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to accept the retirement of Betty Dennis and to thank her for her many
years of service to the district.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Hannah Blevins as WBE 1st grade teacher for
2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve Lakyn Coyan as 1st grade teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.
Motion passed 7-0
Martin, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to approve Alex Chesney as WBE Music Teacher for 2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve Ian Ballinger as UHS Social Science teacher for the 2023-2024
school year.
Motion passed 7-0.

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 3
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to read the Final Action of Non Renewal.
Motion passed 5-2. (Hartman, Goodridge)
Mason read the Final Action of Nonrenewal for Jeff Feagins.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to adjourn.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
Special Board Meeting (Notice of Intent for Construction Manager AtRisk will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Next board meeting will be Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

U235: There is a Need For Upgrades

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Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.

There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.

USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.

“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school,  a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it.  Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary.  One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education  has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students.  With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well.  There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms.  Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces.  However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety.  These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment.  Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating.  In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes.  We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority.  There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent.  These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs.  We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers.  Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for.  We are hoping to get a response any day.  Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information.  We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Special Meeting April 11

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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 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

April 11, 2023, 12:30 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Special Meeting to Possibly Approve a Letter to the Commissioners of the City of Fort Scott
  1. Adjourn

 

One or more County Commissioners may attend via phone.

 

 

 

 

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, K-State Extension

2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School in Bronson May 5-6

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Chad . His email is [email protected]
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Submitted photo.

 

The Southwind Extension District, in partnership with the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is hosting the 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School in Bronson, Kansas on May 5 and 6.

The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School will be two-day workshop for beginning and experienced grazers, focusing on management-intensive grazing (MiG). MiG is a flexible approach to using a rotational grazing system where paddock size, stocking density, and grazing timing is adjusted based on available forage. Attendees will learn how MiG could benefit their operation, and how to implement MiG to their farm.

Day 1 topics will focus on agronomic principles to maintain healthy pastures using MiG. Attendees will learn how to correctly calculate stocking rates, how to match animal needs to available forages, and how to properly manage their grass pastures.

Day 2 topics will focus on using modern technology to build the infrastructure needed to practice MiG. Attendees will learn how to build and use electric fence, how to implement and manage water resources, and will get a glimpse of how using E-collars on grazing cattle could work in Southeast Kansas.

The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools will focus on sound grazing practices that can be implemented into any grazing operation, regardless if rotational grazing is being practiced. The program will focus on grazing cattle, but practices can be easily adjusted for any grazing animal.

Register now! The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools is limited to 35 farms/location. To register, contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720, or check out our website at www.southwind.k-state.edu/agriculture and click on the “Events” tab.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

ViCon Creations, A Three Generations Business

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Connie McKee, Devlin Cole and Vicki Waldron in the ViCom Creations building on Maple Road, west of Fort Scott.

Connie McKee and her daughter, Vicki Waldron started a business together in 1996 called ViCon Creations LLC, and have done a variety of handiwork.

“We started with alterations (making clothes fit, that don’t fit),  then moved into interior decorations…awnings, horse stuff,” Waldron said. “A lady asked us to manufacture bra liners for Pam’s Bra’s. We worked about 10 years on that.”

They still do alterations, as noted on their Facebook page, which is a valuable service during prom and wedding season.

She does work for J & W Sports and Twister Trailers as well.

For the last seven years, Waldron has worked at Common Ground Coffee Shop in Fort Scott.

“I decided I’m done standing on my feet,” she said. “I decided to expand my sewing business.”

In August 2022 she started to revamp her sewing business.

Vicki Waldron shows one of her women’s fishing vest creations.

She creates purses, women’s fishing vests, and does machine quilting.

“Most people will make quilt tops, but need them quilted,” she said.

This year her granddaughter Erin Camp started making t-shirt quilts.

“She is paying off her college tuition (Northwest Missouri State) by making quilts. She makes the quilt tops and I bind and quilt it,” Waldron said.

Another granddaughter, Lauren Schalk, makes jewelry: Western style earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Schalk is attending Oklahoma State University. She is working with her grandmother for this business venture.

These two granddaughters are her information technology help, she said.

Her mother, Connie McKee makes toddler girl’s clothing.

“Mom comes in when she wants to work,” she said. McKee is retired.

Vickie Waldron shows toddler girls clothing that her mother Connie McKee makes.

What ever they make, they put online at www.viconcreations.com

Vicki prepares to attach an achievement badge to a letter jacket.
Vicki shows one of the purses the business makes.
Connie McKee works on a leather apron for her grandson, Devlin Cole.

A grandson, Devlin Cole, has shown an interest in creating leather items, she said

On the horizon for ViCon Creations is building a new work building to replace the remodeled chicken house the current business is located in.

She would like to teach sewing to young girls in the future, and “how to cook good meals,” she said.

“If young women come out here and learn to sew, I’ll give them a job,” she said.

Contact Waldron at 417.214.2599.