Category Archives: Bourbon County

Robert Coon Invests in Another Downtown Building

120 E. Wall was purchased this week by Robert and Kim Coon. Submitted photo.

Continuing the restoration of Fort Scott’s downtown, Robert and Kim Coon have purchased 120 E. Wall this week. They own Coon Rentals LLC.

Robert and Kim Coon own Coon Rentals LLC. Submitted photo.

“After I bought the Kress Building, I fell in love with the downtown area,” Robert Coon said. “There is lots of energy, lots of events, music on Friday nights at Heritage Park. That little strip of Main Street was dead, now it’s thriving.”

The Kress Building he purchased last year was renovated into Pizza Republic Restaurant this year.

To view a prior story:

New Restaurant and Pub Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

“It’s the support of the community that put downtown Fort Scott on the map and it’s exploding,” he said. “Developers, business people have contributed-the Bartlesmeyers, the Lyons, the Freemans, the LaRoches, the Lipes, the Dancers and others.”

“Developers are taking money from their other ventures to fund this,” he said. “These people are building downtown, are working downtown and still choosing to build downtown.”

“My wife and I have always been involved in rentals,” Coon said. “The residential rental market is easy. The commercial market is fun.”

Going back in time, the shoe store, the appliance store, the Kress Tea Room were closing, now investors are revitalizing the downtown, he said.

Instrumental economic development people in this revitalization have been Jody Hoener and Rob Harrington, Coon said.

 

Plans For the Building

Coon Rentals LLC will be renovating the upstairs of 120 E. Wall into a 1,900 square feet “high end, classy Airbnb.”

“The view is spectacular from the second floor,” he said.

The lower 1900 square feet, which was renovated by the Gettler’s and most recently Patrick Wood, is an office space that is currently rented out to Stutesman Action Realty.

A view inside 120 E. Wall on the main floor. Submitted photo.

History of the Building

“In the 1800’s the original building burnt down,” Coon said. “In 1920, the current structure was built. Brian Allen and Shane Walker are a wealth of knowledge of downtown history.”

“There was a complete renovation under the previous ownership of Patrick J. Wood-the street level, 1900 square feet of a stunning, professional area, is currently occupied by Stutesman Action Reality.  The 1,900 square feet, high end loft apartment space upstairs is set to be Airbnb in early April, 2023”.

Robert Coon can be reached at 620.215.9267.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Dec. 29.

Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

 

 

Date: December 29, 2022 

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                 Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton 

 

 

 

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 8:00AM. 

 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • MOU Medical Director for Emergency Medical Services 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session: 

          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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures. 

Wreaths Matching Funds Campaign

 

Fort Scott National Cemetery

 

National “Wreaths Across America” has notified local location coordinator Diann Tucker that following the 2022 successful wreath laying and remembrance at Fort Scott National Cemetery, we have matching funds sponsorship to begin the 2023 wreath funding.  This is an opportunity to kick off a great start to 2023.  Starting immediately and running through January 13, 2023, all wreaths sponsored through the local registered group will be matched for placement next December.   This means when you sponsor a wreath through the local sponsorship group during this time frame, your sponsorship will be matched.

 

The mission of Wreaths Across America at Fort Scott National Cemetery continues to grow and has been successful because of the generosity and awareness of others.  Wreath prices remain at $15.00 each.  You can mail a contribution payable to Wreaths Across America, c/o Diann Tucker, 746 215th St. Fort Scott, KS  66701, or bring your donation to the office of Stewart Realty, 1707 S. National, Fort Scott.  We can also take your debit or credit card information by telephone (620-223-6700).  Please share your blessings as we make plans for the 2023 laying of remembrance wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  We must continue to REMEMER, HONOR AND TEACH.

 

 

Data Received: Bourbon County Eco Devo Moving Forward

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
 Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. hired a consulting company to do local studies on retail, housing and labor in the county. That study was completed this fall.
“Last year, REDI was able to work with both Goldstone Consulting and O’Brian and Associates on the Retail, Housing, and Labor studies,” Rob Harrington, REDI CEO said. “These studies were able to provide us with the necessary data to move forward on several initiatives in 2023.”
“One of those initiatives is a Small Business Retention and Expansion Program for our local businesses,” he said. “We will be working throughout this next year to visit and create ways to help these companies continue to grow within Bourbon County. “
“We will also begin working with a group of citizens throughout Bourbon County on housing development initiatives,’ he said. “This housing committee will be instrumental in creating ways for us to not only attract developers but also new residents and marketing our communities to outside markets”.
REDI will continue to work to bring new developments in commercial and industrial business to Bourbon County by using the data from these reports as well as building on the partnerships that have grown over the last two years, Harrington said.
“All of the reports were paid for by Bourbon County REDI and we will continue to use our funds to help grow our county and ultimately work towards lowering taxes for everyone who lives and owns businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

Warming Station At Buck Run Community Center Today

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

Taken From Bourbon County’s Facebook page:

The city will be opening Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott  as a warming shelter today. The phone number is223.0386. 

Please do not go out unless necessary and if you do, take extreme caution in driving and make sure you have warmer than usual clothing on in case of a breakdown or accident.

Power is still an issue south of town to the Garland area but crews are working as fast as possible to get it restored.

Winter Storm and Wind Chill Watches In Effect

Winter Storm and Wind Chill Watches In Effect —

Confidence remains high that dangerous wind chills and winter precipitation will arrive Thursday, according the NOAA.GOV. Wind chills of -20 to -30 F and accumulating snowfall will create dangerous conditions for those outdoors.

NOAA latest information here:
www.weather.gov/sgf/dsspacket

“This is going to be a very cold deep freezing winter weather situation,” William Wallis, Bourbon County Emergency Management, said. “If you must travel please make sure you have a winter care survival kit plus extra blankets and several cell phones if you breakdown and get stranded.”

 

 

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Upgraded Bathrooms in the Future For Cottonwood Estates, Uniontown

Cottonwood Estates in the 200 block of Fifth Street in Uniontown.

Uniontown’s Rural Renting Housing, Inc. has received a $40,000 grant to update bathrooms for the residents of Cottonwood Estates, located in the 200 block of Fifth Street.

The funds will be used to continue phase two of the rehabilitation process of the 12-unit housing complex.

“The first round of grant money we received was $25k,”  Jennie McKee, site manager, said. “The funds received were to make ADA accessibility improvements to the bathrooms. This would include the zero threshold showers, adding grab bars, ADA height toilets, etc.. It was originally estimated that we could get 6 bathrooms completed for that amount but with the increase in materials we hope to get 5 bathrooms completed for the $25k. With the additional $40k in grant money we will be able to complete the remaining 7 bathrooms.”

 

“These walk-in showers will be very helpful for many of the tenants,” said McKee.

This is a zero threshold shower that is being completed in Cottonwood Estates.

Tenants must be 62 years old or receiving disability, SSI, from the government. Currently there is a waiting list for the units.

“We began the process one and a half years ago with a $25,000 grant through USDA,” she said. “We were hoping that would do the cost of the walk-in showers, but it didn’t. SEKRPC applied for a second round of grants.”

“The first round was tiled with zero threshold, the rest will be pre-made,” she said.

SEKRPC helps individuals, companies, and government agencies with finance packaging, advice, and procedures, according to its website. It’s resources are available for community improvement, economic development, and other urgent needs.

Three shower updates that were started with the first round of grants are nearing completion. They were empty units, waiting for new tenants

“They should be done before the end of the year,” McKee said.

“It took a long time for Rural Development to distribute the funds,” McKee said. “Contractor issues led to the project starting in September 2022.”

SG2, Uniontown, was the contractor following the bidding process.

When work begins in the second round of the shower project, the tenant will be displaced for about five days per apartment while the bathroom is remodeled.

A hospitality room in a nearby church will be utilized for that tenant while the remodel is underway.

Funds won’t be available until late winter or early spring 2023, she said.

“Rehabs of older properties are not usually given grants,” McKee said. “It’s usually new builds.”

This grant required no match from the grantee.

The Uniontown Rural Rental Inc. board is comprised of Ron Eldridge-president, Larry Jurgensen-vice president, Lucille Ward-secretary and treasurer and other members: Matt Noll, Dan Ramsey, Susan Karleskint and Brenda Gleason.

In normal years, the board meets twice yearly and more if needed.

McKee can be contacted at 620.756.1000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniontown City Minutes of Dec. 13

Unapproved minutes

The Regular Council Meeting on December 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by President of Council Ervin.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joshua Bales and Jason Thompson-Green Environmental Services, Linda and Danny Nation-4 States Sanitation, Raymond “Skeet” George, Joe George, Mary Pemberton, City Attorney Jacob Manbeck, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for city trash service – Attorney Manbeck opened the hearing.  There was discussion with the vendor representatives about services they can offer and current private residential rates.  There were no comments from the citizens in attendance.  Over the next three months the City will finalize the planning of the proposed trash service.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George requested a recess for the Council to walk to the restroom to view progress.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to recess for 5 minutes to view the progress

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:26PM.

 

Mr George would like to have guttering put on the building, LACO will donate if there is a sign acknowledging the donation.  A list of entities/individuals that donated time and service to the construction will be given to Clerk Johnson to send thank you notes.  Clerk Johnson will research a sign for the building that acknowledges the building provided by Uniontown Ruritan and those who donated time/service to the project.  Total cost of the facility is upwards of $50,000.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow signs acknowledging those responsible for the construction of the restroom building

 

Councilman Ervin asked to have the custodial job description amended to include the cleaning of the new restroom facilities.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance on non-elected personnel, open meeting to resume at 7:30PM

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:30PM.  Council presented bonuses to staff.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,706.17, Receipts $37,281.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $33,573.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $354,638.51. Bank Statement Balance $356,257.28, including Checking Account Interest of $49.96, Outstanding Deposits $216.27, Outstanding Checks $1,835.04, Reconciled Balance $354,638.51.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,159.60, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,668.01, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,436.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,902.72. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $361.40, and Utility CDs $362.78 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $724.18.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $9,067.66, Year-to-Date Net Income $30,895.01.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $108,458.97 (102.9%), Expenditures $100,869.46 (77.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,090.30 (89.9%), Expenditures $32,458.78 (79.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,457.96 (81.3%), Expenditures $144,157.30 (58.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $140,825.06 (109.6%), Expenditures $133,508.49 (80.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The December 2022 estimated payables, including end of year transfers, in the amount of $51,747.08 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 7, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE inspected the wastewater and water systems.

Black Hills was here last week for leak survey, no leaks found.

He spoke to someone about the tree limbs overhanging on Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets.  They were supposed to trim but haven’t.  He will talk to them again.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is about 80% complete.

There was a complaint about the possibility of someone living in a RV at 401 Sherman.  A letter was sent and owner responded that no one is living in it, he is working on it at night.  He will remove from the property in the near future.  Clerk Johnson also reported on a noise complaint.  She spoke with the person being complained about and has since been informed that the issue has been resolved.

 

Clerk Johnson and Councilman Ervin reported on the KMGA Prepay Gas Supply Project.  After discussion, Council asked to have KMGA representative give a presentation with more details about the project.  Clerk Johnson will contact them to set up a meeting.  The December KMGA member update was discussed.

She reminded Council of upcoming League of Kansas Municipalities events and trainings.

Kansas Municipal Utilities has scheduled a Special Meeting of the KMU Membership to consider amendments to the bylaws to change status from 501(c)4, for profit, to 501(c)3, non-profit.  A voting delegate had not been named since 2014.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Amber Kelly as KMU voting delegate

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to designate Larry Jurgensen as KMU alternate delegate

 

This is the last year she and her husband will be decorating the park.  She asked that the holiday decorations not be stored in the shop attic area any longer.  It is too difficult to put them up and take them down from there.  It was agreed they could be stored in the warehouse. It was suggested to put on the October 2023 agenda to solicit volunteers or set a workday to put the decorations out.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for their years of volunteering to decorate the park for Christmas.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – absent

 

OLD BUSINESS

Due to Mayor Jurgensen not in attendance,

 

Motion by Hartman, Second be Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to table discussion on the School Pond Project and Placemaking Project until January 2023 meeting.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – three sealed bids for remodel of existing City Hall restrooms into one ADA compliant unisex restroom.  Bid 1 – Terry Nading, $26,130.56; Bid 2 – French’s Plumbing, $26,575.00; Bid 3 – Karlskint & Marsh Const, $27,630.00.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to award to Terry Nading in the amount of $26,130.56

 

Clerk Johnson will call Nading in the morning to inform of the award.  She will mail a formal notice of award and set up contract signing and notice to proceed before the first of the year.

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to approve 2023 CMB License for Union Station

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at 8:55PM

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:55PM with no action from session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:57PM

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission Dec. 20 Amended

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: December 20, 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 6:00PM.

BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING BEGINNING AT 6:00PM.

Flag Salute

Renewal of Cereal Malt Beverage Permit Hidden Valley, 93 Hackberry Rd

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.