Category Archives: Bourbon County

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Dec. 17

Wreaths Across America for the Fort Scott National Cemetery has announced that the 2022 goal has been met.  Location Coordinator Diann Tucker says this was made possible by many individuals, groups and businesses who donated  and sponsored the nearly 7000 wreaths.  This event receives greatly appreciated local community support, as well as support from across the country to honor our military laid to rest in Fort Scott.    It is a huge effort and we thank each of you for your participation.

 

A convoy escort is planned for the CFI Wreaths Across America truck.  The CFI drivers for Wreaths Across America are veterans who volunteer and donate their time for delivery for this occasion.  Anyone interested in participating in the escort should meet on the parking lot of the FSCC Harley Davidson School at 274 N. Industrial Drive, Pittsburg, Kansas (on the north end of Pittsburg) about 8:15 AM on December 17.  There will be a Crawford County sheriff escort to the Bourbon County line when the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will lead the Wreaths Across America truck escort on to its destination at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Motorcycle and private automobile escorts are welcome.

 

A brief ceremony followed by laying of remembrance wreaths is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, beginning at 11 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  There will be some limited transportation available within the gates of the cemetery for anyone needing assistance.  The public is encouraged to come and help in this recognition of our military and the Wreaths Across America mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach”.  We encourage everyone to be a part of the wreath placement.  No registration is required for volunteers.

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Portrait Taken by Parks’ son

Marcia McCoy and Kirk Sharp. Submitted photo.

 Marcia McCoy, photographer and longtime friend of Gordon Parks, has donated an iconic portrait of the celebrated Fort Scott native taken by his son, David, to the museum that bears his name.

Gordon Parks photo Trail Blazer. Submitted.


Now on display in the museum, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, is the photo of Parks shown in
1973. The photo, titled “Trailblazer,” captures the image of Parks riding horseback and smoking a pipe while directing a
film on location in the Flint Hills of Kansas.


“Gordon Parks was a trailblazer from Fort Scott, a true ‘Renaissance’ man, and my father,” said David Parks.


McCoy, who also worked with Gordon Parks as curator of his signature collection, “Images from the Soul,” teamed with
Parks and Robert Erlichman of Art Guild Press to create an edition suite of “Trailblazer.”


“(Gordon) loved this image his son captured of him, out in the Flint Hills of Kansas his homeland,” McCoy said. “Mr.Parks is a national treasure and has inspired creators globally to have the courage to create and express their voices and visions. We are delighted to share this powerful and inspiring portrait with you and the world.”


For more information or to schedule museum visits and tours call (620) 2232700, ext. 5850, or email

[email protected]
.
###

Jingle Bell Mart 2022

 

Jingle Bell Mart, 2021. Submitted photos by Sue Reinecke.

Bourbon County Christmas shoppers, here is a stop.

The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street. The event is hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association.

Discovery Music Studio students will be playing throughout the day for your listening enjoyment

Jingle Bell Mart, 2021. Submitted photo.

 

The list of vendors includes:

Vendor Person Products
Returning
Happy Little Candle Factory Lori Craig Homemade Candles, Wax Melts, Chapstick
Flying P Ranch Abbie Powell Jewelry and Western Accessories
Micki Kraft Home Sewn Items
Tessie’s Nails Tessie Tucker Color Street Nails
Blue Dog Winery Sarah Johnson Bottles of Wine and Wine Related Merchandise
Locust Hill Lamancha Sue Goat Milk Products
New
Plexus Samantha Bauman Health and Wellness Products
Tupperware by Melinda Melinda Miller Tupperware, and wood craft items
Scentsy Lakin Brittain Scentsy Products
Donna Jo’s Donna Jo Beerbower Homemade Fudge and Baked Goods
Be-You-Tiful Designs Kristi Beene Vinyl and Sublimation
ButterBone Bakery, Paolo, KS Randi White Home Baked Dog Treats
Buckin’ A Ranch Karleigh Arndt Clothing, décor, accessories
2 Crafty Twisted Sisters Shawna Holstine Crafts, Tumblers, Christmas Décor
Twigs and Berries Suzanne Griffin Cotton Candy and more
Mmm Flavor Shop Emelia Whiteaker

Addi Foster

Hot Beverage Bar
Discover Music Studio Audry Eberhard Music throughout the day

 

There will be a tasting of Blue Dog Winery samples (with valid identification).

MMM Flavor-Emilea Whiteaker will be hosting a hot cocoa and tea bar with other products.

Mayla Foster at the 2021 Jingle Bell Mart. Submitted photo.

Locust Hill Lamanches, which sells goat products, will be hosting the goat cheese tasting table.

Also fudge, cotton candy and other food items will be available for sale.

Dog treats from Butter Bone Bakery will also be available for furry friends.

 

 

 

 

AD: Lost Wheaten Terrier Dog

Submitted photo.

She ran from the 800 block of National Ave in Fort Scott.

She is a Wheaten Terrier, 35 pounds, named Callie. She was rescued from a neglectful situation only 1 month ago, which is why she is very skittish and typically runs from humans.

Last seen near Presbyterian Village and the Golf Course at 2:00 AM on 12/3/2022 wearing only a collar (she is not wearing the sweater or harness as in the pictures).

If seen, please call with time and location of sighting.

There is a $500 reward for her safe return.

620-215-0637 or 620-215-6046

Submitted photo.

Bourbon County REDI Completes Workforce Assessment

 

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

An in-depth assessment of the workforce in Bourbon County has been completed and it offers a series of recommendations for BCREDI to work on immediately and for the long term.  That’s according to Executive Director Robert Harrington.  The workforce assessment was one of three studies BCREDI has undertaken since early spring, with the other two focused on retail opportunities and housing needs.

Along workforce study included one-on-one interviews with key employers as well as a survey that provided input from more than sixty-four employers in the county.  Residents also had their input, with more than 440 people providing input.  More than 80% are currently employed, including a sampling of those who commute into the county for work.  In addition, nearly 130 Ft. Scott and Uniontown school students gave their thoughts on their education and careers.

“This workforce assessment provides a lot of on the ground input from companies, employees, those that might want to come back to a job and students that will help our staff and board develop ways to improve our overall workforce,” said Harrington.  Harrington noted the input from surveys helps fill in the gaps that the extensive statistical data in the report doesn’t address.  “The data can tell us a lot about how we are doing in Bourbon County, how we compare to our surrounding counties and other areas on things like wages and how many people commute in and out for work.  But it doesn’t tell us things like how employers view the skills of the workforce and what skills they think are important and, on the other side, how satisfied employees are with their current work and their own levels of skills,” noted Harrington.

The workforce assessment was conducted by O’Brian & Associates, an economic and workforce development consulting firm based in Joplin, MO.  Along with the on-the ground input and statistical data, the firm’s report also provides a series of recommendations as a starting point for action.  “They gave us good observations on where we are today and what our employers and employees, including our future workforce, needs to be successful.  From that they gave us a variety of recommendations on improving training, connecting students to employers, better supporting existing employers and engaging those not currently in the workforce,” said Harrington.  “Now it’s up to our staff and board to look at priorities as well as key partners such as the school districts, Ft. Scott Community College, Chamber of Commerce and others to start the work in the new year,” he added.

“It was a pleasure working with the Bourbon County REDI team and having such great response from companies, residents and students,” said Rob O’Brian, founder of O’Brian & Associates.  “Bourbon County has strong manufacturing, health care, education and agriculture sectors that have provided good job opportunities and good education options for many years.  This study gives REDI a starting point for improving what it has, adding new options and ensuring residents have good jobs and companies have skilled employees into the future.”

-30-

 

Bourbon County Coalition Agenda for Dec. 7

The Bourbon County Coalition will meet on Wednesday, December 7, in the Conference Room of the Scottview Apartments at 1:00 p.m.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

December 7, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program: Ronda Hassig – Lowell Milken Center

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be January 4 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from Joint Work Session Nov. 22

November 22, 2022,                                       Tuesday 12:00 p.m.

 

There was a joint work session between City and County Commissioners.  There were several members of the community present. There was no action taken.

 

Topics of Discussion:

 

  • Rock for Cooper Street
  • Transient Guest Tax
  • Shared Services between City and County
  • Tourism – REDI
  • Area Agency on Aging
  • North end of Lake Rd.
  • Land Bank
  • Airport Expansion
  • Housing Study
  • Negativity on Facebook
  • Town Hall meeting in January
  • Sidewalk on north side of Courthouse

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

 

 

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission from Nov. 22

November 22, 2022,                                          Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Anne Dare and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous week.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric Bailey stated that the sidewalk project was underway.  They had to dig a little bit deeper than originally planned to find a solid sub-base. Will try to get the pour done this week if possible.  We are in the final stages of getting the bean pad built.  Had a meeting with representative from ADM to look at our area and waiting to hear back.  Eric stated they had a dump truck tip over on its side.  The operator was unhurt.  We set the truck back up ourselves and added fluids and were able to drive it off.  A little bit of cosmetic damage.  Eric requested an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for preliminary discussion for acquisition of real property including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Dustin Hall, and Justin Meeks for five minutes returning here at 9:09 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to allow Eric Bailey to pursue some road right-of-way with 3 different owners around 160th between Fern & Grand on a bridge we got a grant to redo the bridge so it’s approximately 3/4 of an acre.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Dustin Hall for ten minutes returning here at 9:21 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Section 1 Handbook – Discussion of approval.  Discussion regarding Mission/Vision statement ended with decision to exclude statement.  Ashley suggested references to the Mission/Vision statement throughout Section 1 be removed.  Commission agreed.

 

Jim asked for an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individuals nonelected personnel to protect their privacy job performance including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for 15 minutes returning here at 9:38 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

An amended copy of Section 1 of the handbook was presented to the commission.  Clifton made a motion to approve.  Nelson seconded.  Clifton stated he had some issues with the history part of this section.  The statement “it is 638 square miles with open prairie comprising 90% of the area.  The native forest comprised of remaining 10% of timber belt contains hackberry, hickory, oak, pecan and walnut trees.”  Clifton stated he feels this is an untrue statement and should be removed.  Clifton made a motion that part be redacted.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks was contacted by an attorney yesterday regarding assignment of lease for the hospital building.  Justin requested an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for three minutes returning at 9:47 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to do the leases to finish up the lease assignment for the hospital building.  Justin stated he is working on the deeds for the property of 201 S. Crawford.  We are working on the deeds now and should be done next week and should be transferred into the county.  I’ve been in it and it is in very bad shape.  I think it should be scrapped.  With your permission I’ll get with Eric to get in his que to get that ready to be torn down.  Discussion regarding the future of the lot was had.  A parking lot with a possible basketball hoop to give the youth a place to play.  Justin continued with discussion of the Land Bank with shared services in that the person would work for the land bank but also help with tax sales.  The Land Bank is requesting that the county supply an office space in the courthouse.  I’m asking permission from the commissioners to allow this person to use office space and will also make it convenient to be close to the Deed’s office as deeds and abstracts are worked on.  They plan to open this position in a few days.  Jim made a motion to allow the Land Bank Manager to share Justin’s office with him.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Shane Walker – No Comment.

 

Public Comment: No comment

 

Commission Comment: Jim stated that he would like to schedule a town hall meeting in the River Room in January.  One of the topics will be housing.  I’m going to invite the city commissioners, contractors and real estate people.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Other topics can be included as well.  Clifton made a motion to allow all three commissioners to attend a work session with the city commissioners.  It will be an open meeting.  It will be at noon with public welcome.  There will be no action taken.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Brian Allen announced from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital in the McAuley Room and discuss the flood plain maps for Bourbon County.  Anyone who is concerned about their property are encouraged to attend.  All public is welcome.  This is Federal and State not Bourbon County.

 

At 10:01 a.m. Clifton made a motion to adjourn.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

 

 

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Dec. 6

Agenda (see attachments below)
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: December 6, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

KDOR PVD Compliance (via phone at 9:15am)

Renodry Representative

Approval of Accounts Payable

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

o 2022 Budget Amendment

o Financials Ending 10/31/22

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Susan Bancroft Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Attachments:

Bourbon County meeting data

2022 Budget Amendment

Financials Ending 22.10.31

Compliance Statistical Measures Explained

006 Bourbon Scorecard 2022