Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 18

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Please note this meeting will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 with no meeting on Tuesday.

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 18, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 18TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Jim Harris – Appointment of Commissioner to Bourbon County REDI Board
• Matt Quick – Hours of Operation
• Bourbon County – Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate
• Clifton Beth
o Corrections Update on Staffing
o Sheriff Budget
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o CHC Land Exchange
o Financials
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
o County/City Contract for Landfill
• 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.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fair, Fort Scott

Educational Youth Programming to Be Offered at Fair

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

 

Byline: Tori White and Josie Plumlee

Fort Scott, KS – The Southwind Extension District will present two new and engaging youth educational programs at the 2022 Bourbon County Fair.

The first of these programs is “Next Level Photography. Youth will learn about the rule of thirds, different viewpoints, and candid photos. This is a free program for 5th through 8th grade students that will be offered by Southwind Intern Tori White at each of the county fairs in the Southwind Extension District. Pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/3MwSMyK. Children are encouraged to bring their own camera if they have one. If your child does not have a camera, we will have cameras available for them to borrow. This program will be held on Thursday, July 21st at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds from 2 to 4 PM.

The second of these programs is “Junk Drawer Robotics.” Youth of all ages are invited to attend this come and go program which emphasizes different aspects of robotics while youth build their own robots and develop robotics knowledge and skill. Junk Drawer Robotics does not require any pre-registration and is an activity visitor of all ages can enjoy! Junk Drawer Robotics, offered by Southwind Intern Josie Plumlee, will be featured at the Bourbon County Fair on July 21st from 12 to 3 PM at the fairgrounds.

If you have questions, contact our Iola Extension Office at 620-365-2242.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Japanese Beetles – Be on the Lookout for this Destructive Pest

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Japanese beetles have become a yearly pest. They were first reported in the United States in 1916 and have since become established in many states – including Kansas. The adult beetle is one of the most destructive insect pests we face. I have recently found them attacking my rose bushes and crabapple tree.

The adult beetle is the most troublesome for the homeowner as it feeds on a wide variety of plants including rose, crabapple, birch, grapes and a whole host of other plants. They feed on leaf surfaces and will cause holes and in some cases, they will feed on the leaf tissue between the veins causing a lacelike or skeletonized appearance. However, it is the Japanese beetle larvae that is a major problem in the home lawn, golf courses, athletic fields and other turfgrass locations. They feed on the roots of turfgrass causing the grass to be unable to uptake water and nutrients.

We typically start seeing Japanese beetles in June and they feed through late August. Japanese beetles are 3/8 to ½ inch long. They are metallic green with coppery-brown wing covers and dark green legs. One distinguishing identifier is the white tufts around the abdomen area. These tufts actually look like white dots. The larvae are a white grub that looks very similar to other grubs commonly found in our area. It is actually very hard to tell the difference and would require looking under a microscope.

Japanese beetle adults are active on warm days and prefer feeding on plants that are in full sun. They begin feeding at the top of plants and gradually move down as they consume more and more leaf tissue. Fortunately, most well-established plants can tolerate some feeding damage without causing significant harm to the plant. But the plants will look rather tough after Japanese beetles have worked them over. A light fertilization will help with plant recovery.

The earlier we can implement management of the Japanese beetle, the less plant damage we will see. As for control, there are several routes that can be taken – cultural, physical and insecticidal.

Cultural control includes such things as proper watering, fertilization, mulching, and pruning. Keeping plants healthy will help them tolerate minor infestations better. Weeds should be removed.

Physical control is nothing more than removing the beetles from the plant by hand. The best time to collect beetles is early in the morning or late evening when they are less active. To remove, knock the beetles off by hand into a bucket containing soapy water. The soapy water will kill them. This works fairly well because adult beetles actually fold their legs when disturbed and will fall. Also, Japanese beetles often feed in clusters so knocking them off in masses is easy.

Chemical spray options are available. All plant parts should be thoroughly covered to be most effective. Insecticides including cyfluthrin and bifenthrin can be used. However, they will need to be applied every few weeks during the feeding period. The downfall to using insecticides is the killing of beneficial insects that can actually control other pests such as spider mites.

There are trapping systems on the market but if not used correctly they can actually increase the number of Japanese beetles! The traps contain a lure or scent that draws the beetles to the area. Therefore, they are not recommended.

Now is the time to scout your plants every few days to see if insects have moved in and started feeding. If you have questions or need help identifying a particular insect, please contact me.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: DJ Brown and Bourbon County Revival

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The local four-piece band plays classic rock, country, and Red Dirt.  Band members are Danny Brown on acoustic guitar and vocals, Robert Uhler on drums, Jerry Bahr on banjo, electric, acoustic and bass guitars, and vocals, and Randy Brasuell on mandolin, fiddle, bass and electric guitars, and vocals.

 

“These talented guys have been playing together for quite some time and are a crowd favorite,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We’re pleased to welcome them back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for a great show.“

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Health Care

Business Health Coverage Webinar July 14

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Interested in learning more about the Chamber Blue of Kansas?

 

Join us for a webinar:

Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 2PM

 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) and local Chambers across the state have created an association health plan (AHP) – Chamber Blue of Kansas. This AHP offers member businesses access to health insurance savings associated with large group medical coverage.

 

Join us as Andrew Gutierrez, group sales consultant at Blue Cross, discusses information about this health plan, including eligibility, benefit, and enrollment information.

 

Register now!

If you are unable to attend, a recording of the webinar will be posted on the Chamber Blue of Kansas website following the event.
Click here for Webinar Registration

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for all of your support!
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
Bourbon County

Kansas Vietnam Veteran Era Medallion Program

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The Vietnam Era Veterans Medallion Program approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor provides a Vietnam Era Medallion, Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Kansas to veterans.
IF you served active duty in the United States military at any time between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, you may be eligible.
Since passage of the bill, the agency has honored over 5,400 Vietnam Era veterans, and participated in 33 medallion ceremonies. The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office continues to receive inquiries and applications from veterans and their families wanting to know how a Vietnam Era veteran or their surviving family members can apply for the medal, medallion and certificate provided for by the State of Kansas.
This is something that we would like to do for ALL of our local eligible Veterans or their surviving families. We at the American Legion would like have a Ceremony for honoring these Heroes. Please contact me at [email protected] for more information.
Jessica Allison
Commander
American Legion Post #25
Fort Scott, KS
Bourbon County, Elections, Entertainment, Food

Bourbon County Dems Summer Social is July 17

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Bourbon County Democrats will hold their Summer Social on Sunday, July 17th, from 2 – 4 p.m., in the Buck Run Community Center’s Little Gym.
Provided will be cool refreshments, music by the Hemphills, drawings, and a silent auction.
Guest speakers will be Jeanna Repass, who is running for Kansas Secretary of State, and Reverend Mark Holland, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Join them for an entertaining and informative afternoon. Anyone in the community is invited to join, as this is a social event.

Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like them on Facebook
Reading suggestion: They Want to Kill Americans by Malcolm Nance
History of White Supremacy and current state of it.
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
Advertisements, Bourbon County, Elections

AD: Nelson Blythe For Bourbon County Commissioner District 1

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Nelson and Euna Blythe.

Hello Bourbon County residents, my name is Nelson Blythe and I am running for County Commissioner District 1 as a Republican. I am a lifelong resident of the area and am dedicated to this community. When considering who to vote for August 2, this is what you should know about me.

 

  1. First and foremost I’m a devout Christian. What I mean by that is I believe the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he is King of the universe, and that reality has political ramifications. I would dare to say most people in Bourbon County would identify as Christian, and I think it’s important for people in government to act like they are.

 

  1. I’m very conservative in my politics. I believe the role of government is to promote the general welfare of the people, not by constant regulating and steering economy, but by removing barriers and allowing people the freedom to work and conduct business, which will in turn, help economic development. I understand that what this county needs is more industry so the tax burden is spread over more tax payers, rather than a smaller group bearing the brunt of it. I am a firm supporter of property rights and would work carefully to protect them against certain policies that may threaten them, such as zoning.

 

  1. I worked for the county for approximately four and a half years. I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the County Attorney’s Office. I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission.   The areas of county government that I am less familiar with, I have made efforts to learn. For example, meeting with public works personnel and taking  a tour of public works.

 

4. I take my job, whatever it may be, extremely seriously. As a Sheriff’s Deputy in Bourbon County, I was relentless in pursuing methamphetamine related crimes and other criminal activity, while at the same time, honoring the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I did my best to treat all people with respect and to keep in mind the principle of innocent until proven guilty. That being said, I am not wishy washy, I do not cater to whining and complaining from people I have caught engaged in criminal activity. One of my main duties as a Sheriff’s Deputy is to detect and deter criminal activity, and to prepare solid cases for prosecution. If you are good at a job like that, there will be some people who do not like it and will try to slander you. I never apologize for being good at my job.  I have taken that same mindset and work ethic to Linn County where I currently work as a Deputy. By the grace of God, if I were to be elected, I would take that work ethic to the Bourbon County Commission.

 

I would appreciate your vote August 2.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 11

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Please note this meeting will Monday, July 11, 2022 at 6pm in the Commission Room.  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 11, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 11TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• District Court Budget Request
• Judge Ward–Executive Session 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
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Bob Reed – Fair Board Budget
• Kelley Zellner–Discuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion
o Resolution on Hours for Benefits
o EMS Collections Process
o Budget Presentation
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)
▫ Register of Deeds
▫ Sheriff/Corrections
▫ Public Works
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to prote
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend

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The Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will have a soft opening following the Bronson Day event on Saturday and Sunday. The store is in the background, left and sits on Hwy. 54 that runs through Bronson.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry have been pursuing a building purchase to manufacture their food products for several years.
Yesterday, they received final state approval for a manufacture license to make fudge and a retail license for the new building store front in Bronson. They will be having a soft opening of the business this weekend, following Bronson Day, a community event in this small town in western Bourbon County.
“We received our manufacture license for our fudge and our retail license for the front portion of the country store…(and) we will have a open house on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We are planning for a grand opening on July 30.”
The store open house will have limited items this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.  and Monday 5-9 p.m.
History of the Business
The Perry’s started making pork rinds at the Hume Fair in 2017 and discovered the demand and profit, Kelly said. “So it made sense to push forward. However, because pork rinds are technically a meat product we cannot wholesale or go on any store shelf until we physically built a USDA inspected meat processing facility. Although we do not slaughter any animals, we still have to follow all safety and federal rules regarding meat so we decided to put every penny into building a facility.”
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Perry’s discovered something.
“As we came closer to that reality, we realized, through the pandemic, what a food desert we really have on the western side of the county and felt we could change this! We decided to not only build a pork rind meat production plant but a retail store front for our biggest supporters, our community!”
Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store on Hwy. 54 in Bronson has a soft opening on July 9 and 10
The store will be open following the  vendors leaving town on Saturday.
“Once the Bronson Day vendors close at 3 p.m., we will then open our store,” Kelly said. “We will not be fully stocked, but we will have bags of ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, fountain soda, canned soda, ready-to-eat foods and snacks foods.”
“We should have all of our items available for sale for our grand opening celebration on July 30,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store on Hwy. 54 which is also known as792 Pine Street in Bronson.
Contact info: the store phone 620.224-2052 or email [email protected]
Financing Their New Business
The Perry’s saved money for the down payment for their business and borrowed the rest from Iola Community National Bank.
“They worked with us and believed in our business plan from the beginning,” she said.” We also used another loan through the Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan to help us finish the project and have enough capital to fill the store front upon opening. Out of the second loan we were granted $9,000 in loan forgiveness through the Patterson Family Foundation (through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team).
They currently have six employees and anticipate substantial growth, she said. They will soon go from two production days to five and offer wholesale pork rinds and fudge nationwide.
On the Horizon
“We will not be stopping with just the store front,” she said.  “We are already working on phase two for our property, which is a full hook up RV park for travelers.  This will utilize the large property we have as well as bring revenue to the city with utilities.”
Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for July 12

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The Uniontown City Council will meet July 12 at 7 p.m. in city hall, on the east side of the square.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Open bids for School Pond Improvement Project –

 

 

2022 Audit presentation, Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton –

 

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Worksession
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KDOT Safety Inspection –

Lead & Copper Testing

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

KMU Water Training @ Uniontown

LKM request to send thank you to legislators for their support of local government

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

Street Repair –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

2023 Budget –

 

 

Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ­­­­___________.

 

 Attachments:

07-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – June

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Work Session Minutes of June 29

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Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Council Worksession on June 29, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

Three proposed options for the general fund budget were discussed – leave the mil the same, lower the mil, or use the revenue neutral rate mil.  A proposed budget of all other budgeted funds was discussed.  The council will decide at the July 12, 2022 regular council meeting to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2023.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:15PM