Category Archives: Bourbon County
Democrats Serve Breakfast on the Bricks June 26
Bourbon County Democrats are hosting Breakfast on the Bricks Sat., June 26th from 8 – 10 a.m. on Skubitz Plaza. They will serve biscuits and gravy, nut breads, fruit kabobs, and juice–all for $3.50. Fresh iced water will be provided!
Submited by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 -215-1505
“Kansans deserve better”
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 8
June 8, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Susan Bancroft, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Angel Wilson, Anne Dare, Donnie Coffman, Ryan Coon, Robert Coon and John Coon.
Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to amend the agenda for a 20 minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel to discuss a new hire. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have a 20 minute executive session, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to have a 20 minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy (job performance), the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:23 am, Jim seconded and all approved. At 9:23, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve last week’s minutes, Jim seconded and all approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert application for 2485 Locust Road; Lynne made a motion to approve the culvert permit, Jim seconded and all approved.
Eric said he had a few individuals approach him requesting dust control, he said they filled out the permit that is posted on the County website (which states there is a fee), but said they said they hadn’t been charged for the dust control previously. The fee is $1.50/linear foot. Jim Harris said they would have been charged, but said they didn’t charge for dust control on roads approaching or near quarries. The Commissioners said people wanting dust control needed to fill out the permit and that Eric should proceed with charging for the dust control.
Eric said they needed to build the road salt inventory; the Commissioners were ok with this.
Eric said the new miner training had been completed (MSHAW training).
Eric said the pilot light had gone out on the oil burner for the asphalt; he said they have called an electrician to fix this and will then do work in Hiattville and then on 250th.
Eric said they would be going to Arkansas on Wednesday to pick up the truck they had recently purchased.
Windfarm update: Eric said Jayhawk Wind is still working on private access roads. He said he had received a text message recently regarding rock spilled on Highway 3, he said the truck driver had turned and lost about 3 five-gallon buckets of rock; he said within 10 minutes Jayhawk Wind had swept the rock from the road. Eric said that Jayhawk Wind didn’t know if they would have excess dirt until towards the end of the project.
Lynne said he would report to Eric of an individual that wants gravel and tree trimming done on a dead-end road.
Justin Meeks asked that a road closure from KDOT for Highway 7 & 180th street be placed on next Tuesday’s agenda.
Lynne made a motion to approve the 2021 firework permits in Fort Scott for the following locations: Jake’s Fireworks @ Wall and Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2221 S. Main St., Jubilee Fireworks, LLC @ 2420 S. Main and Hale Fireworks, LLC @ 2409 S. Main, Clifton seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the permits.
Emergency Manager William Wallis met with the Commissioners to present his 2022 budget requests; for the Emergency Management Performance grant he received $17,814 in 2021 and budgeted to receive $18,000 in 2022. For Emergency Preparedness he requested $59,739 in 2022, compared to the $57,739 he received in 2021; he said the requested increase is due to training exercises, traveling and supplies.
Michael Braim met with the Commissioners regarding Bourbon County Attorney, Jacqie Spradling; he said that Jacqie is liability to our County and said when prosecutors create misconduct and lets criminals walk free it is a liability for our safety and our town. He said there is no insurance policy to cover when these lawsuits happen, but said it comes out of taxpayer’s dollars. He said he had consulted lawyers; one of which directed him to the Beatrice 5, in Beatrice, Nebraska. He said there was prosecutor misconduct which caused 5 people to get off and they sued which cost Beatrice $23 million. He said that every case that comes through here now while she is prosecuting is suspect. He said she is an elected official and there isn’t a lot the Commissioners can do. He asked the Commissioners to have a vote of no confidence. He said they can ask for a resignation. He questioned why we are paying her a lot of money to possibly screw this up, he said they could possibly reduce her pay to encourage this to move along. He said there is a lot of public out-cry for this woman to be gone. He said she was first appointed to this position and then ran unopposed the next time. He asked why she is hiring special prosecutors. He said she resigned in Allen County. He questioned her picking James Braun, (Justin said they couldn’t discuss non-elected personnel. Mr. Braim said we can’t afford this and hoped the Commissioners did the right thing. Justin said he was instructed yesterday to follow up on this; he said there are 54 jury trials pending in Bourbon County, he said there should be some comfort that they haven’t happened yet. Justin suggested that the Commissioners pend any action for a week. The Commissioners asked that this be scheduled again on the June 15th agenda. Justin warned the Commissioners to not string meeting (talking to more than one Commissioner in private about the same issue). Justin said that if Jacqie were to no longer be the County Attorney the Republican party would select her replacement to fill the unexpired term. Justin said an elected official can run their department as they see fit. Anne Dare questioned her position being salaried and only being in Bourbon County a few times a month; Justin said the Bourbon County Attorney makes $51,000 yearly and the average salary for an attorney is $65-$70/hour, he said the Bourbon County Attorney is paid well under the average. Anne Dare said when you look at the court docket the Assistant County Attorney is listed more often than the County Attorney for coming to court. Justin said there is a high probability that we will have a new County Attorney in the future. Mr. Walker said that Kansas Statute doesn’t require the County Attorney to be resident of the County they are elected in. Mr. Braim questioned the cost to have a recall election, but others felt it would be better to just ride this out. Justin said that Jacqie still has a license to practice law in Kansas. Robert Coon said the panel has given the opinion of misconduct. Clifton said the Commissioners hands are tied. The Commissioners were reluctant to do anything and said by doing anything this could add more liability.
Lynne made a motion to sign the sewer bond documents, (tax certificate & Exhibit B -receipt for purchase price), Jim Seconded and all approved. Jim made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the documents, Clifton seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the documents.
County Counselor Comment: Justin said they have stopped filing any new tax sale cases, he said there would be 100 cases for the first tax sale. Justin said social media can be a problem when it comes to getting the truth of a matter, he said that opinions are great, but suggested maybe having someone as a fact checker on Facebook to say what has happened; the Commissioners asked that this be placed on the agenda next week for discussion.
Jim Harris asked Justin if they were making progress with the tower, Justin said they were going to use trucks to get the dishes off the tower to use the tower for internet.
Justin said he was meeting with Mr. Farmer this week regarding KDOT road issues south of town, he said they would also be talking about the sewer district.
Justin said he is dealing with the Secretary of State’s office regarding petition signatures required on a petition.
Justin said he has a cemetery issue he is working on and is dealing with old law, he said there are questions on how the boards are set up and how the budgets are done. He said Susan Bancroft had volunteered to help with this cemetery issue.
Clifton made a motion to allow Jim to help Eric with soybean issues at the Landfill, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Justin said since they had an executive session, he will be talking with the chairman to make sure he has everything he needs.
Public Comment: Denise Duncan met with the Commissioners. She presented a farm winery permit for the Kansas Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control for Vinedo del Alamo at 2304 Poplar Road. She asked that the Commissioners approve Kendell Mason to sign the permit. They have had a permit, but have expanded the winery plan to the next barn. She said they first planted the vines in 2011 and opened in 2015. She discussed the traffic in the area and said that Poplar Road is the only feeder road that isn’t a paved road, and said she thought it would be a good road to pave. Lynne made a motion to allow Kendell to sign the permit, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners: she said Clifton had asked for a wage schedule, so she provided this.
Lynne said that Eric Bailey was losing some key employees and said they had discussions over having progressive wages, Lynne said Eric was willing to give up a position to do this. Justin gave the Commissioners salary comparisons from other Counties (from 2017) and gave them data on the declining population. He said the valuation is going up.
Justin complimented KDOT on their road project (Highway 69).
There was a brief discussion regarding the County budget timeline and the new RNR enacted.
Commissioner Comment: Regarding the budget and mill levy- Clifton said they had talked about having townhall meetings to find out what people want and what they want to fund and said they need to start this process. Susan volunteered to be a facilitator for these meetings and will get the meetings set up.
At 10:44, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
June 15, 2021, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 22
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 22, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Bourbon County Soil Conservation District 2022 Budget Review
- Wallstreet Group Insurance – Cassie Laemmli, Health Insurance Presentation
- Assured Partners – Health Insurance Presentation
- Commission to Review Fireworks Permits
- Kendell Mason – Annual Statements
- Michael Clancy – Reodry USA – Inspection of Courthouse Foundation for Free
- Will Wallis – Termination of County Declaration
- Bill Martin – Sheriff’s 2022 Budget Review
- Elected Officials Comment
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
- Donation to Kansas Road Trip
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- Public Comment
- Commission Comment
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.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott, June 18 Newsletter
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Lavender Festival IV Tomorrow
The Lavender Patch Farm, 2376 Locust, Fort Scott, was started in 2010 by Betsy and Davin Reichard, and this year marks the fourth time they have invited the community to a festival in summer.
Lavender Festival IV, which celebrates all things lavender, will be happening Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“The Lavender Festival celebrates the beginning of the lavender harvest and invites guests to enjoy the beauty of the lavender fields, surrounding wildflowers and prairie grasses, and other special activities of the day,” Betsy said. “Admission is $5 for 13 and up and includes great music, games, and children’s activities around the Lavender Patch. ”
“Festival activities include you-pick lavender and wildflower bundles ($5), enjoying time with family and friends while listening to music, playing some games, watching demonstrations, going on a lavender tour, a hands-on children’s fairy garden, partaking of lavender foods that will be for sale – ice cream, lavenderade, or a pulled pork sandwich with lavender seasoning for lunch,” she said.
“There will be lavender distilling (for essential oil) demonstrations throughout the day,” Betsy said. “The lavender gift shop will be open to take home memories and lavender creations.”
“Remember to bring your camera and take as many photos as you like,” she said.
The couple’s loyal staff and many volunteers make the festival a fun event, Betsy said. They also staff other days the farm is open, most weekends in June and July.
“As a Kansas agritourism farm, guests can visit our working lavender farm when we are open,” Betsy said. “Come pick a bundle and smell the lavender; relax and reconnect with friends and the outdoors. Enjoy our lavender fields, surrounded by wildflowers and prairie grasses, then take home some lavender memories from our gift shop.”
Check the website www.thelavenderpatchfarm.com for details.
For more information:
See their Facebook page
Or
BEDCO Changes Names
Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Gets New Name
BEDCO is now Bourbon County REDI. The Board of Trustees voted to change the name at their June 17th meeting, recognizing a new direction for the organization. The “REDI” acronym stands for “Regional Economic Development Inc.” The organization is also in process of transitioning from a 501(c)(6) entity to a 501(c)(3).
“We wanted a name that reflected our passion for the whole county, and all segments therein,” explained Rob Harrington, the new Executive Director for the organization. “We have outlined strategies to deal with economic challenges experienced by all demographic and geographic interests in Bourbon County. We will also be working on a new look and feel that reflects who we are, and our vision for what we want to become,” said Harrington. “The 501(c)(3) status will give donors the opportunity to deduct contributions on their taxes, and create eligibility for more grants and programs,” explained Harrington.
Gregg Motley, President of the Board of Trustees, noted that the hiring of Harrington was deliberate and thoughtful, with the process spanning several months, and the consideration of 24 candidates from around the United States. “Our Human Resource Committee worked together closely to ensure the process had integrity, and identified the most qualified candidate,” Motley said. “During his first month, Rob has proven the process worked. We hired the right fit for Bourbon County.”
Additionally, The City of Bronson appointed a new representative. She is Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds, and one of the new owners of Hound Nutrition in Fort Scott. “We are pleased that Kelly has joined us,” Motley said. “She is young, energetic, and understands the economics of Bourbon County. She is a great addition to the Board.”
Bourbon County REDI, formerly known as Bourbon County Economic Development Council, was formed in 1992, and reconstituted in 2020 by a change in bylaws to accommodate the new economic realities of the 21st Century. The board is made up of 13 members, representing all cities, schools, and geographic segments of the county. There are two at-large Trustees. The Trustees are: Gregg Motley, President, Jim Fewins, Vice President, Mary Pemberton, Treasurer, Misty Adams, Mike Blevins, Heather Davis, Jess Ervin, Ted Hessong, Bret Howard, Lynne Oharah, Mark McCoy, and Kelly Perry. Rob Harrington, Executive Director, is Secretary of the Board.
Too Hot for Your Health?
It has been a scorcher the past week to say the least. The cooler temperatures this week will certainly be a welcome relief. However, we’ve just passed the Summer Solstice which means the official start of summer has begun. More hot days are on the way!
A priority in the summer months is not becoming overheated. Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It’s even riskier for older adults or if health problems are an issue.
Getting relief from the heat quickly is important. Initial symptoms of heat stress can include feelings of confusion or faintness. Being hot for too long can cause several other illnesses under the umbrella of hyperthermia.
The National Institute on Aging offers these definitions for different levels of heat stress along with recommendations should related symptoms occur.
A sudden dizziness can happen while a person is active during hot weather. This is known as heat syncope. If a beta blocker type heart medication is being taken at the time or you are not used to being in the heat, you are more likely to feel faint. Resting, putting your legs up and drinking water should make the dizziness go away.
Heat cramps are common – a painful tightening of muscles in the stomach, arms or legs. Cramps may accompany a high level of activity. The skin may feel moist and cool with the body temperature and pulse remaining normal. Find a way to cool down, drink plenty of fluids avoiding those with alcohol or caffeine.
Swelling in the ankles and feet when you’re hot is a symptom of heat edema. Put your legs up to help reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.
Heat exhaustion is a clear warning that your body is no longer able to keep itself cool. You could feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. There may be a lot of sweating involved. Body temperature may remain normal, but the skin may feel cold and clammy. The pulse will likely be rapid. Again, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. If not careful, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Medical help is needed right away. Those who are dehydrated or may be dealing with chronic disease or alcoholism are at most risk. Signs of heat stroke include: Fainting (may be the first sign); becoming unconscious; a change in behavior (confusion, agitation, staggering), body temperature over 104 degrees F; dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse or slow pulse; and not sweating even if it’s hot.
Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50 years of age. Health problems and some drugs taken for chronic disease can contribute to hyperthermia. Being overweight or underweight can also be an issue.
Older adults can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature outside does not have to reach 100 degrees F to put them at risk for heat-related stress.
Pay attention to the temperature and humidity reports as we head into summer. Be safe, drink plenty of fluids, and keep cool!
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Spradling Resigns as Bourbon County Attorney
Bourbon County Attorney Jacqie Spradling sent the following letter to Mark McCoy, Bourbon County Republican Chairman, on June 16.
“It has been my honor and privilege to have served Bourbon County as the Bourbon County Attorney for the last three years.
“I am retiring and tendering this resignation effective Wednesday, June 30, 2021.”
The process has begun for an interim Bourbon County Attorney, McCoy said.
“In this case, the Bourbon County Republican Party will convene a meeting with officers and committee persons, approximately 40 people,” McCoy said. “We have 14-21 days to convene a caucus, to select a candidate for Bourbon County Attorney to submit to Governor Kelly, to fill the position temporarily. I understand in 2022 that person will run for the position. Spradling had two years remaining, she was elected in November 2020.”
“The date of the caucus is to be determined,” McCoy said. “Further notification will be coming out. This meeting is not open to the public.” Editor’s note: the caucus is scheduled tentatively for Thursday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main, according to McCoy on June 18, it is not open to the public.
“We will put out a notice to all interested parties (in the county attorney position) to submit a resume to me, Mark McCoy, 2138 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701, applications will need to be submitted by June 28,” he said.
Brandon Cameron and Chad Taylor are the assistant county attorneys in Bourbon County, according to the Bourbon County Clerk’s office.
Spradling was selected as Bourbon County Attorney in 2018.
An attorney panel unanimously recommended the Kansas Supreme Court disbar Spradling for knowingly making false statements to juries during two high-profile trials and for misleading claims about her prosecutorial misconduct to justices of the state’s highest court, according to a story by Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector news service this month.
To view the story:
KS Supreme Court Will Issue Decision on Bourbon County Attorney Jacquie Spradling
FS Community Closet Give-Away This Saturday
The Washateria, 501 S. National, is having a clothes give-away this Saturday.
“We are having our June 2021 Community Day on Saturday, June 19, 2021,” Lori Lovelace, owner, said. “It will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and we will have all of our sorted clothing out for anyone to come by and find something.”
“Fort Scott Community Closet is a clothing charity supported by all of Fort Scott,” she said. “We serve Fort Scott and surrounding communities providing clothing, bedding, coats etc. to people in need.”
“We have no qualifying criteria,” Lovelace said. ” if you need clothing you can come to the Community Day or call us at 620-644-9834 and we can sort out what you need.”
“We also have men’s suits and business attire as well as women’s business attire.”
Artwalk Next Week in Downtown Fort Scott
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Bourbon County Government to Receive Former Mercy Building
The Bourbon County Commission will be receiving the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. and $600,000 from Mercy as a donation to the county, Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Economic Development Director said in an email.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in October 2018.
The Sisters of Mercy had served the community since 1886.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has had a clinic at the building since Mercy closed, but is moving when its’ lease is up at the end of 2022.
They have purchased the former Price Chopper store, 2322 Main Street, for their new facility.
The emergency department at the former hospital building also has a lease that will be up in 2022.
The county commission has been working on a solution to keep the building viable, as opposed to tearing the two-decades-old building down.
“Today is the beginning of a process, “Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said. “The attorneys will be going through the process of accepting the donation and the $600,000.”
“We are in conversation with different entities that could potentially have use for that building,” Beth said.
The Bourbon County Commission is comprised of Beth, Lynne Oharah and Jim Harris.
Beth said credit needs to go to Harrington who has been working to find entities that are interested.
“A lot of behind-the-scenes work is going on,” Beth said.
“We are trying to save the building,” Beth said. “My main priority is to have an Emergency Room in Bourbon County.”
“At the end of the day, the end users for that building, if they can use it, great,” Beth said. “If not, we’ll look at other options.”
“My goal is to be sure we have an ER,” Beth said. “Ascension Via Christi has one-and-one-half years left on their (current) lease. In conversations with them, they are planning to stay.”
To see more info on Ascension Via Christi:
Via Christi To Operate Fort Scott Emergency Room
Ascension Via Christi/Fort Scott Celebrates Opening of Emergency Department