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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Free Friday Night Concert: Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival August 16
Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be performing this Friday evening in downtown Fort Scott at 1st and Main Street.
“One of our best,” said Ralph Carlson, organizer of the free concerts. “They are pretty eclectic and have a lot of variety. We are glad to have them.”
The concert starts at 7 p.m., and the audience is asked to bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.
The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and organized by Carlson.
Hollister Wildlife Area and Shooting Range: Gun Practice Area
Bryan Buchta is the president of Old Fort Sharp Shooters Club, a gun club. That club volunteers at a local wildlife area, Hollister Wildlife Area and Shooting Range, eight miles southwest of Fort Scott.
The Hollister Wildlife Area has been a state wildlife area since 1978, when it was purchased by the Kansas Fish and Game, according to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks website. The wildlife area includes 2,432 acres of rolling range and pasture land, interspersed with native woodlands.
The shooting range, within the wildlife area, is operated solely by volunteer Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) who adhere to National Rifle Association range safety guidelines, Buchta said.
There are always two Range Safety Officers on duty during the times of the shooting range events.
Firearm safety and knowledge are the club’s main goals.
“There are about 250 memberships,” he said. “There are about 50-75 regulars. Although it’s never crowded there.”
“During hunting season, hunters come out to sight their rifles,” Bryan said. “There are also shooting competitions.”
There was a 22 caliber rife competition recently and there is an upcoming pistol competition, he said.
“Pistol competitions; “Steel Challenge” and “Action Pistol”, are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays respectively each month at 8:00 am,” he said. ” Everyone is welcome to compete in the matches including new shooters as the RSOs and competitors are always happy to teach new shooters how the competition operate.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Scott Police Department also do training at Hollister Shooting Range.
In 1994, the Old Fort Sharp Shooters (OFSS) signed a “Friends Group” agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks outlining the operation and management of a shooting range, according to the group’s Facebook page. Persons utilizing the range are required to pay a maintenance fee to help cover Old Fort Sharp Shooters’ costs for range operation.
“Hollister Shooting Range is a very economical training facility that’s just a few miles outside of town,” said Julie, his wife.
OFSS also has a blog located at http://oldfortsharpshooters.proboards.com/
PRICES: OFSS members are not required to pay daily use fees (does not apply to trap-see below)
•$20- Individual yearly OFSS maintenance fee
•$30- Family yearly OFSS maintenance fee
•$10 – Daily shooting range fee (non-member)
The shooting range area is open from March through November:
on the 1st FULL weekend of each month and the
3rd FULL weekend of each month on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Sharp Shooters meet the first Wednesday of each month at the fire station on 54 Hwy. east of Fort Scott and the public is welcome.
Bryan Buchta can be reached at 913-368-8811.
To learn more:
Veteran’s Benefit: A Place to Stay in K.C. For Medical Visits
The Buchta’s also wanted veterans to know of Fisher House in Kansas City, which is accommodations provided for vets receiving medical care.
“My husband is a veteran and he’s had multiple procedures at the Kansas City Veterans’ Administration Hospital hospital and if an overnight is needed for the procedure, or if it’s early in the morning, even if it’s outpatient, you can request to stay at the Fischer house. It is a 100% free ‘hotel room’.The people in the Fort Scott and the surrounding area qualify for this benefit because we are more than 50 miles away from the hospital,” Julie said.
“It has a fully stocked amazing kitchen, with snacks and food options in the fridge and freezer, free of charge.… although the procedures can be at any area hospital, it does not have to be at the VA hospital,” she said.
“They are very kind and accommodating,” she said. “The Fisher House was built approximately 3 or 4 years old and is a gorgeous facility.”
The address of the Fisher House is 4801 E. Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO64128, which is near the VA Hosptial.
The manager is Mike Peters who can be reached at
[email protected]
or (816) 714-8697
To learn more:
https://fisherhouse.org/about/our-history/
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 29
July 29, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Glen L. Wolfe, Rachel Walker, Clint Walker, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, Jason Silvers, Kyle Parks, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-22-204, approval of payroll totaling $291,738.49, and approval of accounts payable totaling $850,070.41. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton said she spoke with the zoning officials in Linn County and they comply with the agriculture exemption. Mary stated she discussed limited zoning and outlined special use permits last week and that it isn’t about taking away property rights but will give the Commissioners a backbone to get better contracts. Mary said she is not opposed to solar and wind projects but feels the residents need protected and they should pay taxes.
Michael Hoyt said they are about halfway in their attempts to obtain the needed signatures for a petition to change the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Jim stated it would cost more in benefits to increase the number of seats by about $16,000 in benefits.
Michael discussed the census reports for Bourbon County and questioned why there were so many registered voters. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, explained that there are many students who attended the community college that registered as voters. Jennifer explained how a person must not vote in two federal elections, which is eight years, before the process can be started to remove them from the voter registration list. If a former resident has registered to vote in another jurisdiction, we will receive a notice to cancel the Bourbon County registration. Jennifer went on to explain that while she could not speak for how it was done in the past, her office monitors the newspaper and local websites to obtain obituaries to remove those who have passed away from the registration list. A report from KDHE is also sent weekly, however; that only lists individuals who have passed away in Kansas and being so close to Missouri a lot of residents pass away in other states. Jennifer stated they have a report of the oldest registered voters in the county and are working through the list to try to determine if any have passed away. A copy of the death certificate or an obituary listing the date of birth of the individual are the documents that can be used to cancel a deceased individual’s registration.
Glen Wolfe said his truck broke down on Highway 54 near 35th Street when he was bringing livestock to the Friday sale. Mr. Wolfe said he was able to get his truck pulled off the highway several hundred feet from the intersection and into the ditch. Mr. Wolfe was able to find someone with a trailer to help him haul his truck home and when he went back on Saturday afternoon his truck was gone. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke to the Sheriff’s Department and his truck was towed on Saturday morning even though the sticker that was on it when he picked it up from the tow company said he had 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said he is asking for a refund of the $460 tow fee he had to pay to get his truck back. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke with the Sheriff who said he should have given the department a courtesy call that his truck was broken down, and when pressed the Sheriff said it was not a state law to request a courtesy call and that he would not give him a refund on his tow fee. Clifton asked if his truck was in a dangerous place and said he has seen vehicles sitting broken down for longer than 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said it was sitting 300-400 yards down from the corner. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to speak. Bill said that Mr. Wolfe came in last week to speak about the situation and that his deputy received a tip of the truck sitting for several days so it was towed. Mr. Wolfe said the earliest it could have broken down was 10:00 Friday morning and he has two witnesses to that. Jim asked Justin’s opinion and he replied it was no concern of the Commissioner and that Mr. Wolfe can seek legal counsel to try to get a refund.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a KONE agreement for elevator work. Clifton said it includes installing a pit ladder and asked if we have one currently. Brandon asked how much a ladder was and if someone spoke to David regarding this. Brandon made a motion to accept the agreement, pay KONE, and have the Chairman sign the agreement. Clifton seconded and all approved.
Jennifer said today was the first day of early voting and they had a good turnout. Early voting will be from 8:30-4:30 through Friday, 8:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 p.m. on Monday. Polling places will be open on Tuesday from 7:00-7:00. Jennifer reminded anybody who needed an advance ballot by mail that tomorrow, July 30th, is the last day to turn in your application.
Brandon said he received a phone call from the president of a cemetery board about a situation where someone claims to have plots and neither party has proof. Brandon suggested anybody who purchases cemetery plots to register those with the Register of Deeds office. Brandon also said that you can register your DD214 with the Register of Deeds Office. Clint Walker said that you could lose data such as social security number but Brandon assured him that the Register of Deeds office redacts any identifiable information such as that.
Clifton said that the Commissioners can’t take the green energy abatement passed by former Governor Brownback away. Clifton said he doesn’t know any of his friends who want zoning. Jim said there are a lot of questions moving forward about zoning and that people should speak at the ballot. Jim said you must have a comprehensive plan and would have to hire a person and have a vehicle for zoning. Clifton said it would cost 2-3 mills for zoning. Jim said once zoning is in other Commissioners could add more to it.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________,Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
8-12-24 Approved Date
CHC/SEK Fort Scott welcomes new pediatrician
FORT SCOTT –– Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is pleased to announce pediatrician Mary Jo Flint, MD, has joined the medical staff at CHC/SEK’s Fort Scott Clinic, 2322 S. Main St.
Pediatricians see to the needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. For many young people, a pediatrician is their primary care provider from birth, through the age of 18. Pediatricians have many responsibilities, from regular well-child checkups to diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions.
Dr. Flint is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and most recently practiced in Henderson, Tennessee. She has connections to our region, having previously practiced pediatric medicine in the Kansas City area.
Dr. Flint graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and worked in private practice in Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital. She is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Menorah Hospital, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and St Luke’s East.
Outside of her work, she enjoys reading about history and historical biographies, following sports including KC Chiefs, KSU football, and University of North Dakota hockey, attending music and drama events and church.
Dr. Flint will join CHC/SEK in September and appointments are now being accepted by calling 620-223-8040.
For more information about CHC/SEK Fort Scott Clinic, visit https://chcsek.org
FS Area Community Foundation Announces Grant Cycle
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Lowell Milken Center Announces Discovery Awards Semi-Finalists
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USD 235 New Admin, Educator: Miller, Bolton
Dustin Miller, 50, is the new Dean of Students at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Miller is a 1992 graduate of Uniontown High School, earned an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1994 and a bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University in 2006 in K-6th grade and also 5-8 grade mathematics.
He is currently working on a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University (projected: Fall, 2024)in educational administration.
“The 2024-25 school year will be my 19th year in education,” he said. “My first year I taught 5th grade at Truman Elementary in Nevada, Mo. The rest of my career has been at USD 235. Upon completing my Master of Science Degree in the Fall of 2024, I will become the Principal of West Bourbon Elementary.”
Positions he has held
- 5th Grade (6 years: 1st year was at Truman Elementary in Nevada, MO)
- 7th & 8th Grade Math (2 years)
- Title I (10 years serving West Bourbon Elementary)
- Junior High Football
“As an educator, one of the best things is the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of students, watching them grow and learn new things. It is incredibly rewarding to see students succeed and know that you played a part in their development.”
“One of the biggest challenges for educators is meeting the diverse needs of students in increasingly complex learning environments. Each student has a unique learning style, background, and capabilities, making it challenging to create personalized learning experiences for everyone. Additionally, managing large class sizes, keeping students engaged, and addressing individual needs can be a constant challenge for educators.”
In addition to teaching, he has taken on coaching students.
He served two years as an assistant coach for junior high track, two years as co-head coach in high school baseball, one year as assistant coach of high school track, nine years as assistant coach in high school football, and 13 years as assistant coach of high school basketball (women). 18 years with the program, 13 years as head coach.
“I am an active member of the Marmaton Community Christian Church in Redfield. I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday night youth group leader.”
He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carrie for 31 years and they have four sons.
Trenton (30), is married to Aubri and has two children: Josie & Ruthie.
Gavin (26), is married to Shelby and has two children: Bennett & Isla.
Hayden (23) and Korbin, (20) who is engaged to Haley Steeley.
Nancy Bolton is a new English Language Art teacher for 7-8th grade at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-9) from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in Education in Library Media (K-12) from Fort Hays State University.
She has been teaching since 1992, as a teacher for 5-8 English Language Arts, 4th grade, 7-8 Social Studies, and as a K-6 and K-12 Librarian.
She and her husband, Steve, have recently moved to Girard for his new position representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, for Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee Counties. They were both involved in Ellsworth, KS as middle school youth leaders and FCA huddle leaders.
She is also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, Kansas Association of School Librarians, and a board member of Westminster Woods Church Camp at Fall River.
They are “empty nesters” with twin adult children, Micah and Josiah. who graduated from Friend’s University in 2023. Micah is a band instructor at Goddard High School, Jr. High and 5-6th grade. He plays in the Wichita Wind Symphony as well as gives private music lessons. He is married to Maddison. Josiah is the middle school youth director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Wichita. He was a member of the cross country and track team while attending Friends and continues to mentor students from around the Wichita area on running while sharing his faith.
“The best thing about being an educator is seeing the students I’ve helped educate go on to successful lives and careers, some as doctors, lawyers, dental hygienists, brick layers, construction workers, HAVC operators, farmers and ranchers, nurses and so on. I also love sharing my love of literature and the written word.”
“The challenge in education is keeping up with technology and social media that students are exposed to,” she said.
Bourbon County Industrial Development Research Committee Meets at 4 p.m. Today
A meeting of the Industrial Development Research Committee will be held on August 12, 2024 immediately following the Bourbon County Commission Meeting which begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Uniontown City Council 2024 Amended Budget Hearing, 2025 Budget Hearing Is August 13
07-24 Revenue Report
2025 Budget
2024 Amended Budget
2024 Financials – July Treas Report, Act v Bud
2024 Amended Budget Hearing 6:30PM, 2025 Budget Hearing 6:45PM, Regular Uniontown City Council Meeting 7PM, Tuesday, August 13, 2024
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Budget Amendment Hearing
2025 Budget Hearing
Bid opening for repairs and improvements to building located at 201 Sherman St
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Raymond “Skeet” George – fence for pickleball court
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of July 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and July 16, 2024 Budget Worksession
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball court project –
Streets –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Uniontown City Council Budget Work Session Minutes of July 16
The Budget Worksession on July 16, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (5:42), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Clerk Johnson explained why she thought the 2024 budget needs amended and presented her suggestions for amending the general fund and the special highway fund. Council agreed with suggestions and suggested date for hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:30PM.
Clerk Johnson and Treasurer Bolinger presented proposed budget before and after amending 2024 budget. Council only looked at the after amend proposal. Several line items were tweaked and Council agreed to not exceed the revenue neutral rate. Treasurer Bolinger made changes to proposed budget as proposals were made. The suggested date for budget hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:45PM.
Clerk Johnson will email County Clerk of intent to not exceed revenue neutral rate tonight. She will also have hearing notices published no later than July 31.
Worksession adjourned at 7:40PM.
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on July 9
The Regular Council Meeting on July 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pillion, Old Settlers Committee – requested to have a street dance again this year on Friday or Saturday and would like to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to allow the street dance on either Friday, August 30, or Saturday, August 31, and to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts
A sponsorship form for Old Settlers Picnic was presented. City provides a trash dumpster and staff to keep public restrooms clean and stocked.
Dave Wehry via email – requested to pay his bill in two payments without a penalty assessed as meter was misread by the City in May causing his bill to be very high this month.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow two payments and waive penalty since we misread in May
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the June 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $262,758.51, Receipts $57,246.25, Transfers Out $3.026.00, Expenditures $24.827.71, Checking Account Closing Balance $292.151.05. Bank Statement Balance $298.333.35, including Checking Account Interest of $58.67, Outstanding Deposits $117.01, Outstanding Checks $6,299.31, Reconciled Balance $292,151.05. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,407.04, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,198.64, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,133.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $342.09, and Utility CDs $883.53 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,225.62. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. June 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 June $29,392.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,671.85. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $53,724.09 (43.5%), Expenditures $63,992.22 (39.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $17,218.50 (46.6%), Expenditures $16,739.80 (39.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $82,090.53 (56.0%), Expenditures $58,322.40 (32.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $131,202.05 (80.0%), Expenditures $105,806.96 (52.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The July 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,741.22 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of June 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Request to schedule a budget worksession. Assessed valuation is down approximately $929,000. Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget is 63.882. We must notify County Clerk by July 20 if plan to exceed revenue neutral rate.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a budget worksession on July 16, 5:30PM, dinner will be provided
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan invited owners of 101 Washington to attend regarding yard and inoperable vehicle. They did not attend; a letter will be sent. Commended property owners for keeping yards mowed – 102 Franklin, 505 Washington. 201 Fulton has sold and new owner is cleaning up property. 303 Clay has sold. 204 2nd St has new tenant that is sheriff’s deputy. 405 Hill St – they are not getting the mobile home approved by the council. They are looking for another mobile home but will more than likely sell property as is. There are some properties that ditches are not being mowed or trimming done. Behind the buses needs trimmed badly. 505 Wall still has an unregistered vehicle on premises.
City Superintendent Rich absent. He is still waiting on quotes for gas valve replacements.
Clerk Johnson asked all to sign a thank you note to Union State Bank for the exceptional Independence Day Bash. Colby did an awesome job of keeping restrooms clean and stocked.
She also reminded council that City Clerk replacement will need to attend educational trainings as soon as possible. A couple of applications have been received. Council will keep them on file and continue accepting applications at this time.
Information was received from Repurposed Materials Inc.
She followed up with Brian Allen, BBCOEM, regarding the April flooding. It may be months before FEMA makes a determination.
Received Approved Pending Adoption Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan and request for adoption resolution.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-0709-1 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – asked about fencing that was washed out in April flooding at lagoon. Superintendent Rich has cleaned up debris and repaired the fence. After pictures have not been taken yet.
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Chalk lines were done then it rained. They will try to get chalked and completed by August meeting.
Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is hopeful to mail out invitation for bids by end of week. Would like for them to be opened at August 13 meeting and completed by December 15, 2024.
Streets – It was requested Superintendent Rich order saturock and patch potholes before school starts.
Mayor Jurgensen is working on mitigation funding for culverts and ditches.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:58PM