Bourbon County Public Works, in conjunction with Killough Construction, will begin milling Soldier Road from 69 Highway to 245th Street and 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road beginning Thursday, 4/20/2023. Please expect traffic delays as the road will be down to one lane.
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 20
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
April 20, 2023, 9:00 AM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 4/13/2023
- Approval of Payroll $321,317.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable $344,124.74
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Department Updates
- Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
- Don George-Elm Creek Grant
- Susan Bancroft, CFO-2024 Budget & Financials
- Lora Holdridge- End of Year Billing
- Matthew Wells-Farmer’s Market Pavilion
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
The Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest
MERL HUMPHREY PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTS
The 2023 Gordon Parks Museum
Photo Contest
(Open to any non-professional photographer)
THEME:“Family, Home and Roots”
This photo contest is inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing. This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Who can participate?
Amateur (nonprofessional) photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take pictures for the project.
How many photos can I enter? No more than 2.
Are there prizes?
Yes! There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable
mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration.
All photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit during the 20th annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 5 – 7, 2023. All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website and Facebook page.
How do I submit?
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to gordonparksphotocontest@fortscott.edu. All photos must be in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. Photographers should submit attached photo in JPEG format, with
the title, their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 14 years old please include parent’s information.
When do I have to submit my entries?
Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at the latest.
Anything else I need to know?
The Gordon Parks Museum reserves the right to not accept or display any submitted photo(s) that would be considered to be
obscene, violent or in any other way objectionable or inappropriate and/or that do not hold to the standards of FSCC policy or the
mission of the Gordon Parks Museum.
It is the photographer’s responsibility to make sure they have permission to take and use the photograph subject’s image.
By entering the contest, you retain the rights to your works while granting The Gordon Parks Museum the unrestricted, royalty-free, perpetual right to use, reproduce, communicate modify and display the works (in whole or in part) for any purpose without any fee or other form of compensation, and without further notification or permission.
By participating in this contest, you release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Gordon Parks Museum and its employees, directors, officers, affiliates, agents, judges and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this contest or receipt or use of any prize.
Sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography
5 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS
Questions? Email gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu Or call 223-2700, ext. 5850
U235 Special Board Meeting Agenda is April 19 at 6 p.m.
Click here to view the agenda:
Self-Care Fair: FREE Community Event
Self- Care Fair
FREE Community Event
Celebrate Mental Health Month
with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Fort Scott Middle School
Tuesday, May 23
5 – 8 p.m.
620-223-5030
www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair
More Information
Vendors
If you have a self-care activity, service, or
product to share at this event, please
register online for a FREE booth.
www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair
Connect with local self-care resources.
Come ready to unwind and learn how to
incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
FREE SIGNATURE SEKMHC BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
FOR THE FIRST 100 GUESTS.
USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
MANHATTAN, Kansas, April 17, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.
“Grassland CRP clearly demonstrates that agricultural productivity and conservation priorities but also complement and enhance one another,” said Dennis McKinney, FSA State Executive Director in Kansas. “The strength of this program lies in its many benefits — the program helps producers and landowners produce and maintain diverse wildlife habitat, sequester carbon in the soil, and support sound, sustainable grazing.”
More than 3.1 million acres were accepted through the 2022 Grassland CRP signup from agricultural producers and private landowners. That signup—the highest ever for the program—reflects the continued success and value of investments in voluntary, producer-led, working lands conservation programs. The current total participation in Grassland CRP is 6.3 million acres, which is part of the 23 million acres enrolled in CRP opportunities overall.
Since 2021, USDA’s FSA, which administers all CRP programs, has made several improvements to Grassland CRP to broaden the program’s reach, including:
- Creating two National Priority Zones to put focus on environmentally sensitive land such as that prone to wind erosion.
- Enhancing offers with 10 additional ranking points to producers and landowners who are historically underserved, including beginning farmers and military veterans.
- Leveraging the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to engage historically underserved communities within Tribal Nations in the Great Plain
How to Sign Up for Grassland CRP
Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP, or any other CRP enrollment option, should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program before the deadlines.
Producers with expiring CRP acres can enroll in the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), which incentivizes producers who sell or enter into a long-term lease with a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher who plans to sustainably farm or ranch the land.
Other CRP Signups
Under Continuous CRP, producers and landowners can enroll throughout the year. Offers are automatically accepted provided the producer and land meet the eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the statutory cap. Continuous CRP includes a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping producers and landowners establish trees and permanent grasses, enhance wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands.
FSA offers several additional enrollment opportunities within Continuous CRP, including the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative, the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP), and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Also available is the Clean Lakes Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR30) Initiative, which was originally piloted in twelve states but has since been expanded nationwide, giving producers and landowners across the country the opportunity to enroll in 30-year CRP contracts for water quality practices.
USDA hosts an annual General CRP signup. This year’s General CRP signup was open from Feb. 27 through April 7. The program helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive is also available in the General signup.
More Information
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits.
Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, and USDA recognizes the tremendous opportunity address climate-change through voluntary private lands conservation. In addition to CRP, resources are available at FSA’s sister agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Earlier this month, NRCS announced its $12 million investment in cooperative agreements for 49 projects that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Lots of Entertainment and History This Weekend at The Fort
There will be plenty to keep a family interested in life at the Fort during the American Civil War era.
“Experience it Without Needing to Enlist!,” according to a press release from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The Fort is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 15 and 16, this Saturday and Sunday. One can experience artillery, cavalry, and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, and be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, acoustic Americana-Folk act.
“We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holmes Brigade, Boy Scout Troop 0114, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Cavalry Troop, and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Superintendent Jill Jaworski. in a press release. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”
Saturday: join the discussion with author and historian Isaias McCaffrey about the Indian Home Guard, find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period, sit on the Officer’s front porch and learn about sewing and crocheting, be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, and baking bread in the bakery, according to the press release.
Sunday: play authentic lawn games and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The weekend is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors with the Boy Scout Troop 0114
- 9:30 a.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 10m. Cavalry Program
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Isaias McCaffrey- Indian Home Guard Program
- Noon Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 1 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 2:30 p.m. Women in the Army Discussion
- 3 p.m. Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat with Troop 0114
- 5 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 8 p.m. Night Sky Program with the Kansas Astronomical Observers
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
- Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors
- 10 a.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Infantry Dress Parade, Drill, and Weapons Demonstration
- Noon Cavalry Program
- 1 p.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Life as a Refugee Discussion
- 2:30 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 3 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 3:30 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat
You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun, according to the press release.
Summer Hours of Operation
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open for its summer hours of operation: daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc
About The Fort and the National Parks System
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it. For more information call the park at 620-223-0310, visit us at www.nps.gov/fosc, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/FortScottNPS, and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s over 420 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
KDOT to replace bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County
The week of April 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a project to replace the Owl Creek bridge on K-39. The bridge is 2 miles east of the east K-3 junction.
The bridge will be replaced one half at a time, with temporary signals directing one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays. The new bridge should be open in late 2023.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Minutes of April 11
April 11, 2023 Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with all three Commissioners attending via phone and the County Clerk and County Counselor present.
Patty Ropp was present for the entire meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with flag salute.
Jim asked County Counselor Meeks to read the letter that was prepared and is addressed to the City of Fort Scott Commissioners. The letter requested City Commissioners to vote to overturn the recent application of an ordinance to give additional guidance and regulations to building contractors within the city of Fort Scott. Jim made a motion to approve the letter as Justin read it, submit the letter to the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, and allow Commissioner Beth to read the letter at the city’s meeting if he chooses to. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 4/13/2023
Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission April 13
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Public Works Director
b. 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
V. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
VI. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
VII. 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
VIII. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
IX. Bill Martin-Loan Bids for Patrol Vehicles
X. Public Comments
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual
proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 13
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
- Department Updates
- Public Works Director
- 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
- 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
- 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
- Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Fort Scott – Bourbon County JOB FAIR
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