Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Union State Bank Expands

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Union State Bank, June 2022.

Union State Bank, the Fort Scott Branch, is in the final stages of an addition of 1,200 square feet to its building.

“We were running into problems with space,” CEO and President Bryan Holt said. “We looked at every way possible to not expand the foot print.”

But the bank administration decided to add a 20 by 60 foot addition for its growing support staff and also to upgrade security.

The lobby was shortened and reconfigured to have more space for employee work stations, and the addition added five new offices and two new bathrooms.

In October 2021 the project was started.

“It will be 99 percent completed in 30 days,” Vice President of Information Technology Dustin McClure said on June 23. McClure was also the project manager of the expansion.

“We’ve got pods, like cubicles, to build,” McClure said. “This will seat a total of eight people.”

“This will improve accessibility and privacy needs of our customers,” Senior Loan Officer Katie Casper said.

“New offerings with debit card capabilities, improved customer experience and improved card experience are on the horizon for the bank,” Holt said.

The bank building, located at 1009 S. Clark, was completed in 1992, when Union State Bank opened the branch in Fort Scott.

The headquarters of the two banks is in Uniontown, where the  business started in 1901.

The bank listed the following businesses who have provided services/products for the expansion:

Project General Manager: Bo Casper (owner of Casper Enterprises)

Casper Enterprises LLC

Alpha Roofing

Big Sugar Lumber and Home Center

Craw-Kan Telephone

Davis Drywall

Geiger Plumbing

Greenwood Plaster Company

Jeff Allen Electric

LACO Guttering

Norris Heating & Air

Peerless Products Inc.

Phillips Flooring

Redbud Farms and Nursery

Ruddick’s Furniture

Stoughton Inc

Thomas Concrete & Construction

 

CEO Bryan Holt shows the wall that was once the outside wall on the Fort Scott Branch of Union State Bank. The 20 by 60 expansion was added onto the south side of the building.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

K-State Master Gardener Training Offered

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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

Master Gardener Training Offered This Fall

 

Area plant lovers have a great opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program! The Extension Master Gardener training will be held September 1 through December 15 on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Classes will be a combination of on-line and in person training. The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Research and Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer time.

 

Master Gardener training consists of 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University, local extension agents and local experts. After training is completed, volunteers will donate an equivalent number of hours of service as was received in instruction.

 

Topics that will be covered in the training include:

  • Plant Growth & Development
  • Soils, Water and Fertilizer
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Insect Diagnosis & Management
  • Growing Fruit
  • Annuals & Perennials
  • Woody Ornamentals
  • Turfgrass
  • Landscape Maintenance
  • Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management
  • Pesticide Use and Safety
  • Wildlife Management

 

Although the Master Gardener program is a volunteer activity, there are some requirements that must be met prior to the selection process. Each individual wishing to participate in the Master Gardener training must meet the following requirements:

 

  • Participants need to be available for about 40 hours of community horticulture service during the first year. The number of hours to be donated is equal to the number of hours of training received.
  • Participants must have access to the internet, a computer/device with microphone and camera capabilities, an actively monitored email account, and be willing to travel to the in-person training site (Iola, KS).
  • Enjoy sharing your love of gardening with others through various Extension Master Gardener projects.

 

The Southwind Extension District currently has an active Master Gardener program consisting of 25 individuals. The Master Gardeners have completed volunteer projects such as demonstration flower beds, vegetable research trials and various other projects in Erie, Chanute, Iola, Humboldt, Moran and Fort Scott. In addition, educational tours and activities are also planned.

 

Applications are available now and are due to the Southwind Extension District by August 10th. Applications can be found on the Southwind website www.southwind.ksu.edu or can be mailed to you. The fee for the course is $125 which covers the cost of the Master Gardener resource notebook. For more information about the Master Gardener training, please contact the Extension office.

 

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, Kansas

Bourbon County in a Drought Watch

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Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Response Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor

 

Effective June 27, Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #22-06. This drought declaration places all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status.

 

“A significant portion of the state of Kansas has experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several months,” said Governor Kelly. “Unfortunately, these conditions are forecast to persist or get worse, so I strongly encourage Kansans to be mindful of drought conditions while we work to minimize the threat of fires across the state.”

 

The drought declaration placed 34 counties into an emergency status, 8 counties in a warning status and 63 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Although most of Kansas has experienced high precipitation this past month, a record-breaking heat wave has been making its way across the area. While most of eastern Kansas is currently drought free, the forecasted hot and dry conditions will likely lead to the rapid intensification of drought conditions in portions of the Midwest over the next few weeks.

 

“We have watched drought conditions in parts of the state continue to get worse since this past fall or longer in some areas, causing concern with groundwater supplies, crop production, elevated wildfire risk and more,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary. As future outlooks call for hot and dry conditions to continue into July, the potential for a “flash drought” is likely.”

 

Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some Federal reservoirs.

 

Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, Executive Order #22-06:

 

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate

watch, warning or emergency level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects drought has on Kansans.

 

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas

Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

 

County Drought Stage Declarations:

 

Drought Emergency: Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Decatur, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant,

Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton,

Rawlins, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita.

 

Drought Warning: Barber, Ellis, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rooks, Rush, Stafford.

 

Drought Watch: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barton, Bourbon, Brown, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee,

Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Elk, Ellsworth, Franklin, Geary,

Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Leavenworth, Lincoln,

Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage,

Osborne, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Republic, Rice, Riley, Russell, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Smith,

Sumner, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Independence Day Celebration in Uniontown is July 1

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Fireworks over the Union State Bank, Uniontown, 2019. Submitted by Amy Holt.

The Uniontown fireworks display by Union State Bank is a go, but has moved to Friday, July 1.

That day will see the Uniontown Park fill with residents and visitors to view the fireworks which are purchased by the bank.

Free hot dogs, chips and a drink are provided for free from the bank.

“We usually serve about 500 hot dogs,” USB CEO and President Bryan Holt, said, but the crowd is bigger than that for the fireworks display.

In addition, there will be inflatable jump houses for the kids, a photo station for selfies and food and drink purchases from local vendors/organizations.

Additional food and drink offerings are:

Mimi’s Food Truck (turkey legs and funnel cakes)

Lora Ripper (popcorn)

Uniontown High School Cheerleaders (bake sale)

First Missionary Baptist Church raising funds for kids going to summer camp (pop/drinks)

Uniontown school kids and parents raising funds for Washington Workshop next summer (bake sale)

” We are still open for any organizations or vendors that would like to set up in the park,” said Amy Holt, who is Vice President of Loan Administration at the Uniontown branch. She is facilitating the event for the bank.  “They can contact me at 620-756-4305 during business hours or by email at [email protected].”

There will  be a disc jockey entertaining the crowd as well.

Since 2005, the bank has sponsored fireworks for the community on July 3, but since it fell on Sunday this year, the the CEO, Bryan Holt decided he didn’t want the employees to work on Sunday.

The bank employees plan the event and prepare and hand out the free hot dogs with chips and a bottle of water.

In addition, they didn’t want to conflict with Fort Scott’s Independence Day celebration on July 3, he said.

This event was originally a fund raiser for improving the Uniontown Park, but it is now “A way to say thanks to our customers,” Bryan Holt said.

Uniontown has been the headquarters for Union State Bank since 1901.

In 1992, the bank expanded operations and started a branch in Fort Scott. This year they have expanded again to accommodate more employees and upgrade security. There will be a feature of this expansion later this week on fortscott.biz.

Bourbon County, Fair, Food

Register for the Bourbon County Fair Baking Contest

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King Arthur Flour has been sponsoring a baking contest for the open class at the Bourbon County Fair for several years.

This year the adults will be making Cranberry-orange Italian Biscotti and the youth (under 12) will be making simple sugar cookies.

To enter into the contest you will need to fill out the entry form found in the fair paper and mail to Jackie Warren by July 1st, or call her to register.

Jackie’s address is 1906 Maple Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and her phone number is 620-224-8161.

The recipes and King Arthur flour will be available to pick-up July 2nd at the Yeager Building on the fairgrounds from 9:00 – 11:00 am Saturday morning.

King Arthur flour will provide winners with gift certificates for their products.

Items can be entered at the fair on Monday July 18th from 2:00 -6:00 pm at the Meyers building.

Judging will by on the 19th.

The King Arthur Flour baking contest has been a popular class, so don’t miss out, register soon.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for June 28

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 28, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Mary Pemberton/Mark McCoy – Transient Guest Tax
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
1pm – 4pm: Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)
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 relatio

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Independence Day Celebrations in Fort Scott 2022

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Photo credit: National Park Service, W. Aker.

In addition to family gatherings, there are some choices for celebrating America’s independence in 2022.

Fort Scott Celebrations

The Elks Lodge No. 579 community fireworks display will be at sundown July 3, as in years past.

“The fireworks show will be 20-25 minutes long,” Millie Lipscomb said.

The best spot is near south Horton Street.

“They can be seen from many spots around the community, but since they are shot from the ball field area behind Fort Scott Community College, prime locations are the fairgrounds,  the Nazarene and Community Christian Church parking lots and the college parking lots.”

No personal fireworks can be shot off in those areas, by a City of Fort Scott ordinance.

“We’ve worked with a new pyrotechnics company this year to have higher lift on the fireworks so they can be seen from further away,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to contract a company with local ties that has allowed us to keep the prices achievable, but still it is up about 100% from the past few years. We are fortunate to be able to get the quality we have contracted for.”

Burke Street Parade

The Burke Street Fourth of July Parade is in its 40th year.

The neighborhood of Burke Street has people turn out in patriotic colors and clothing to celebrate the U.S.A. Fourth of July.

Some will be in the parade, some will be sitting in their lawnchairs, enjoying the fun.

“The parade will start at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke, on the 4th,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the organizers, said.  “It started in 1982 by myself, Susan Foster and Jill Gorman.”
Merl Humphrey in the first Burke Street Parade in 1982. Submitted photo.
“This year John and Carol Hill will host the refreshments, they live on the corner of 10th and Burke,” she said. “We want people to contribute cookies to them. Please donate by July 3.”
 “This year we will have some kids that live on Burke Street lead the patriotic songs under the direction of Jill Gorman,” she said.
Phil Hammonds led the patriotic singing before the Burke Street Parade until his death in 2021. Submitted photo.
“Frankie Halsey will be in charge of traffic,” she said. “Barb Albright will be in charge of distributing fliers.  I am not aware of other activities.”
Please no big vehicles in the parade.
If there is lightening  the event is canceled, she said.
“Children are all over the place,” Humphrey said. “So cars and trucks drive safely.”
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Celebrate American independence with history at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Enjoy the sights and sounds and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of the nation.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 35th Division Infantry Band on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 6:30 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating. Saturday through Monday, July 2 through 4, Fort Scott NHS will have artillery demonstrations, tours, programs, and living history activities throughout the day.

 

Wednesday, June 29

6:30 pm – 35th Division Infantry Band performing a kaleidoscope of pops, classical, and patriotic music.

 

Saturday, July 2

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Historic Yard Games

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Flash Flood: Fort Scott and Westward Expansion Discussion

 

Sunday, July 3

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Tales from the Trail: Santa Fe Trader Presentation

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Independence Day II:  Fireworks at High Tide Discussion

 

 

Monday, July 4

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Amputations and Ambulances: Civil War Medicine Discussion

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Meets Today

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: June 24, 2022

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT 9:30AM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Clifton Beth – Executive Session 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Bourbon County

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team: Future Pilot Projects

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At Mark Arts yesterday, NXTUS, Inc.’s NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), announced 22 pilot projects, as well as 13 additional potential future projects, all aimed at improving Kansas’ population health and economic vibrancy.

During the competition’s innovation showcase, Pilot Partners from around Kansas committed to implementing promising technology tools aimed at tackling key issues such as access to mental health care and addiction treatment, improving senior care and expanding charitable giving:

·       Healthy Bourbon County Action Team committed to pilot projects with Small Bites Adventure Club, SpairTime and SoulFIRE Health, and is connecting Akesa Health, Caregivers Insight and Embrace Prevention Care with care providers in the county to scope out future projects. They are also continuing discussions with Kadogo to construct a collaboration.
·       Hodgeman County Economic Development: Awarded pilots to Debtle, PursueCare, Small Bites Adventure Club, SoulFIRE Health and Televeda. They are still exploring collaborations with three additional finalists.

·       LiveWell Northwest Kansas: Doing pilot projects with PursueCare and Akesa Health and joining other partners in expanding Televeda’s work in Kansas.

·       Scott County Development Committee: Awarded a pilot project to Televeda and committed to a multi-entity project, alongside Stepping-Up Ministries, with Akesa Health, PursueCare, SoulFIRE Health and Vincere Health. SCDC’s leader has also committed to a personal pilot for Caregivers Insight. 

·       Thrive Allen County: Awarded four new and one continuing pilot: Akesa Health, PursueCare, Small Bites Adventure Club, SoulFIRE Health, and Televeda (continuing). They are also continuing to explore funding for 6 more projects, with Caregivers Insight, Embrace Prevention Care, Kadogo, Ringorang, SpairTime and Vincere Health.

“We’re thrilled to play a part in connecting entrepreneurs with local community organizations to improve health outcomes and the economic well-being of our state,” said Virginia Barnes, Blue Health Initiatives director at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “Our communities have unique health needs and the technology being implemented as a result of this competition has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of Kansans.”

We’re excited to continue to match Kansas’ future-minded leaders with leading innovators to put tomorrow’s tools to work right now to change Kansans’ lives for the better. We’re working to help connect entrepreneurs to customers here, so they can grow companies of significance and help Kansas communities thrive.

NXTUS, Inc, is  a catalyst for the region’s startup ecosystem. At our essence, we serve as a nexus for entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, and the community at-large, according to its website: https://www.nxtus.io/aboutus.

Its primary aim is to grow startups, strengthen innovation culture and build support systems. It is based out of Wichita.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE June 2022 Minutes

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The June meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Ten members were in attendance and reported twenty-nine hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled forty pounds of cardboard.

 

Deb Lust announced that they will be putting out the flags on July 4th and those interested in helping should be at East National at 7 am to put them up, and 4pm to take them down.  It was also announced that Doris Ericson has been selected as the State Heart of FCE winner, congratulations Doris.  A thank you letter from Jackie Warren was read and a letter form Megan Brillhart was also read.

 

Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report.  Glenda Miller presented receipts for items for the library.  Letha Johnson moved we pay Glenda for the items bought, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried.  June birthdays are Betty Johnson, Doris Ericson, Del Parks and Jackie Warren has a birthday in July.

 

Glenda Miller announced that Starlite had received our 65-year Gold Star at the area recognition day and that Starlite had won first place in the education category with “Where is the top of the World” lesson, and second in the Community Service category with our Honoring Veteran’s project.

 

New Business consisted of discussing our service project with the library.  A sign-up sheet was passed to bring items needed for their upcoming events.  It is also announced that they would enjoy having volunteers to come in and read to the children.  Joyce Allen and Glenda Miller had helped with a previous party and Joyce had also volunteered to read stories.   Sign-up sheets to help at the fair were also passed around.  Starlite is responsible for helping check-in and for keeping record of the judging for Prepared Foods, Preserved Foods, Photography and Fine Arts and Farm and Garden produce.  Karen Peery will be setting of a presentation at the fair on Last Wishes.

 

Terri Williams reminded everyone that the King Arthur Flour contest entries forms needed to be sent to Jackie Warren by July 1st and that on July 2nd the flour for the contest will be handed out at the Yeager building from 9:00 – 11:00 am.  The Fair entry for open class will be accepted on July 18 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm in the Meyers building.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned…Deb Woods presented the program “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart” after the meeting while the members enjoyed refreshments of fruit pizza, biscotti, nuts, mints and water provided by Joyce Allen and Terri Williams.

Submitted by Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 14

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June 14, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Jacob Bielenberg, Bill Martin, Bob
Reed, Ben Cole, Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker
and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit for Patrick Wood at 1004 S 230th. The commission is going to check on whether they have to approve each culvert permit. If not, it will be
discontinued. Eric gave an update on the composting permit for soybeans. The permit is still on hold. Eric said that the holdup is on their side. We’ve done everything on our side. Eric stated
there has been training on the rock crusher. It puts out a lot of rock. We are cleaning up the overburden at Blake’s. We will start asphalting next week in Hiattville. The culvert crew has
been working on 215th cleaning out the ditches and getting the tubes in.

We had some trees down over the weekend from the storm and are working on cleaning that up. Eric received a call
from Iola Post Office. Unity and 62nd Terrace where there is a water plant and a house. There is a lane that goes down there. We’ve checked with Lora and we’ve looked on the GPS maps and
that road does not show as a platted road on either map and hasn’t been bladed and they’re unable to get down to the mailboxes. Does anyone know of any agreement in this case? Jim
said he didn’t think they ever bladed it

Eric stated he received a call from a councilman from Uniontown from our meeting we had out there, it was their understanding that we were going to lay asphalt for them. I need some guidance. Jim stated that was not his understanding. He said that we would review and see if we could help them or not. Justin said we can’t do that without an interlocal agreement. We can’t compete with private business.

Justin stated that there are two more trestle bridges in the county that are becoming a problem. We’ll have to make some big
decisions on probably three of them. Eric stated working on the area Lynne mentioned is go on each side of the bridge and put barricades up stating “bridge out” and put a dead end sign. We
will be working on correcting this in the very near future.

Lynne mentioned that on Unity between 95th and 105th there is an area that washes a trench out every time we get a few inches of
rain. I think it might be a ditch problem. Jim asked what Eric needs to be really aggressive with ditching? Jim asked Eric to bring a plan. Jim said it was no reflection on Eric’s operation because we had the same issues when he was in the position.


Ashley Shelton presented fireworks permits that need signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris and Ashley to sign the fireworks permits. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated there would be one more next week.

Ashley spoke on Preservation of Ballots and
Election Records per KSA 25-2708 states the records shall be destroyed after 22 months from election. When the ballots are destroyed, I have to have two witnesses, one from each party. I
have reached out to Carol MacArthur, chairperson for Democratic party and also reached out to Mark McCoy who is the chairperson of the Republican party who recommended Anne Dare.
Those two people have to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to appoint Carol MacArthur and Anne Dare to witness the 22 month destruction of election
material. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Ashley stated that there have been complaints from
the people that the building at 108 W 2nd. There was work done last year and paid for but it is not completed. Jim asked if there is a check-off process for projects to make sure they are
completed prior to payment. Ashley said when we received the invoice and it has been signed, we assume the work is done.

Ashley asked if any of the commissioners planned to attend the
KAC conference on October 17-19. Jim asked that Ashley make reservations for him. Clifton and Lynne will be attending, also.


Bill Martin stated that over the last 5 years there have been 90 employees go through the jail as correctional officers. In the last week we’ve had four correction officers turn in their
resignations. That brings us down to 8 to operate the jail. I’m here to inform the commissioners that I’m shutting the jail down. We’ll be transferring the inmates out until we can figure out
what we can do in regards to the employees. We’ve had Facebook posts, job announcements by word of mouth to get people to come in and haven’t gotten one application. This is being done
for inmate and correction officer safety. Bobby Reed did everything he could do.

Jim
mentioned that this is a nation-wide issue. Your situation is not unique. People don’t want to work. Bobby stated that this is a very difficult decision. I have 16 positions that are under my
control for correction staff, not including myself, my caption or my secretary. Next Tuesday, I will have 8 of those employees out of 16. Those 8 employees, if they stay, I have been told that
another one may be coming; I have another one coming at the end of August. Those 8 employees are staying on because we are not shutting the facility down completely. We are
moving all of the inmates out that we can to surrounding areas. I’ve been in contact with several sheriffs throughout SEK as far as Fredonia and we are going to have to keep those 8 people on
and figure out some sort of schedule so that when arrests are made they are still going to be booked into our system. They will then be transferred to another county. We still have to have
daily operations, depending on the court systems, we are still going to have to get the inmates to court. We will have to go get them from where they are being held to get them there. We will
still be responsible for their medical. This morning I have 62 inmates that are ours. Some counties are going to charge us $35.00/day/inmate, some counties will charge $40.00/day/inmate
and some will charge $45.00/day/inmate plus medical. Jim asked Bobby what he thought was contributing to the turnover. I

n the last couple of months, everyone that has resigned has filled
out the exit interview paperwork. I ask for details. Several years ago we opened our job pool to hire outside of Bourbon County. I had an employee who left two weeks ago that was driving from El Dorado Springs, MO. He found employment closer to home making more money. Gas prices are also playing a roll. I’ve contacted Cherokee, Crawford, Allen, Linn, Anderson and
Miami. Everyone, but Miami and Anderson County start out at $15.00/hr. They are struggling to stay fully staffed. When asked if they would take some of our prisoners they said in an
emergency they would but they are trying not to because they are short staffed as well. Miami and Anderson’s starting wage is $17.00/hr. Jim stated that according to records, their budget was
increased $48,000.00 for 2022. Bobby said back in 2018 we started out at $10.17/hr. In 2018 we got a $1.50/hr raise that brought us up to $12.17/hr. With the 3% that we got in 2022 that
brought the starting wage to $12.50/hr. Bobby stated that even if we brought the starting wage up to $15.00/hr., there is no guarantee it will bring us applicants. Bill asked about the increase
for 2022. Jim stated that there was an additional $48,000.00 for the correctional facility and an additional $50,000.00 for Sheriff’s side. When we did the budget last year we tried to address it