Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of June 14

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Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Regular Council Meeting on June 14, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (6:04), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George, KDWPT, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George – Mr. George was unable to attend.  The concrete for the bathroom has been poured with floor drains.  Anticipate pouring the concrete for the sidewalk on June 17 or 18 depending on help available.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the May 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $374,736.00, Receipts $44,285.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,948.52, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,297.29. Bank Statement Balance $343,897.73, including Checking Account Interest of $30.53, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $600.44, Reconciled Balance $343,297.29.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $420,273.56. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $146.56, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $221.40.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of May $31,438.71, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,553.79.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $45,047.13 (42.7%), Expenditures $44,930.06 (34.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,459.23 (40.5%), Expenditures $18,189.7 (44.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $79,699.68 (57.1%), Expenditures $63,501.51 (25.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $69,133.52 (53.8%), Expenditures $64,719.69 (39.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,578.39 (52.2%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The June 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $35,545.46 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Ordinance-ARPA Worksession
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that a freeze proof hydrant was installed at the fire station for the automatic watering system that is to be installed.  Fire District #3 wants to know who is paying for that (approximately $140).

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to see if Park Committee will pay and if not pay out of Parks and Recreation line of the General Fund

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that a certified letter has been sent to owner of 404 Washington.  Clerk Johnson reported that the letter has not been picked up yet and is on its way back. She will send another to owner in care of partner in rehabbing property.  202 Fourth St. had a “Mow Your Yard” sign posted. Tenant came in angry and stated he wouldn’t mow the ditch.  A certified letter was sent to property owner.  They refused to pick up.  Bobby mowed/trimmed, an invoice was sent with the original certified letter enclosed.

Coyan will draw up specs for the ADA bathroom at City Hall and try to find a contractor.  He will also gather some quotes for reskinning the warehouse and putting in the rollup door on the south end.

Draft ordinances for fence regulations, accessory buildings regulations, and establishing trash and physical waste service were presented for first reading.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to pass and approved Ordinance No. 197 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Fences within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, Ordinance No. 198 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Accessory Buildings within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, and Ordinance No. 199 An Ordinance Establishing Trash and Physical Waste Service within City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions.

 

Council asked for an invitation for bids or request for proposals be drafted for the trash service by next meeting.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and City of Uniontown for Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

Copier maintenance agreement annual renewal was presented; $25 increase this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept the annual renewal of copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems for $325

 

Budget worksession was scheduled for June 29, 6PM, food will be provided.  Clerk Johnson will send out text reminder.

Independence Day Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, will be held on July 1 this year instead of July 3.  Portapotties have been ordered.  Clerk Johnson said she ordered them for Old Settlers also, just in case the new restrooms are not finished.

Citywide yard sales date was set for Saturday, August 20.  Clerk Johnson will put flyer in with billings.

Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting authorization for legal action for collection of utility account 1017005.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to authorize Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action for collection of utility account 1017005

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – four-wheelers are speeding and tearing up the railroad right-of-way.

Mayor Jurgensen – Gas Liaison meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, 5PM, at community center.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations for bids were mailed to seven contractors on May 25 and published on May 28 to be received by noon, June 14.  No bids were received.  Some of the contractors wanted some clarification of specifications in the bid.  Don George, KDWPT, advised us on some more specific specifications for the project – 4”-6” riprap, 1’ deep, 8’ wide with 2-3’ below waterline, riprap and weed barrier will be provided on site, designated area to haul excess dirt will be railroad right-of-way at First and Clay Streets, and remove broken part of splashblock and riprap below tube instead of concrete repair of splashblock.  Pond level can be pumped or siphoned down, if needed.  A new invitation for bids will be written and sent out.  The rock the county had already delivered is too large for riprap; although, some could be used to build a shelf for the riprap.  There is plenty of time.  We can ask for an extension, if necessary.  There is some moss on the pond.  Mr George will check if there are any grass carp available to put in the pond.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The second tranche of $20,144.41 was received on June 13, making the total received $40,288.82.  This will be used to upgrade the warehouse or an ADA compliant restroom at City Hall.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen spoke with the county June 14; per the county counselor, they cannot asphalt our streets as they are not allowed to compete with private industry.  Killough will be working in the area in the fall.  We will contact them, Bailey’s Asphalt (did school parking lots), and Bettis for quotes.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:47PM

Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Adds Staff

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Left to Right: Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Suzette Torres

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc (BC REDI) staff is growing. The organization has added three new positions in the last few weeks. New employees include the following.

  • Emily Diebolt – Grants Manager, has a 20-year background in not-for-profit administration. She researches funding opportunities and writes grants to improve existing local assets and finds funding for new opportunities in Bourbon County on behalf of BC REDI.
  • Suzette Torres – Projects and Marketing Assistant, worked in hotel administration in Hawaii, before joining the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce as Communications & Events Coordinator (exchanging her “alohas” for “howdies”). She also has municipal administrative assistance experience with the City of Fort Scott. Suzette will be working on economic development and tourism marketing as well as administrative support.
  • Tayton Majors – Special Projects and Marketing Intern, is assisting REDI in building a new website and social media platforms to better communicate the organization’s mission to the public and with potential community investors.

Also on the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development staff is Mark McCoy, Small Business Development Director, who has a lifetime of business building experience and organizational management. Mark will work with new prospective businesses to discover potential opportunities and incentives for local entrepreneurs.

Jackson Tough, who works for the City of Fort Scott as Public Relations and Tourism Director also shares the office space to work closely with the economic development staff. Tough has been in business and organizational management for over 30 years and brings a vast knowledge of marketing as well.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “Because of growth and the need to expand our efforts in so many areas we welcome these new members to our team. Emily Diebolt is focused on finding more funding for Bourbon County through federal, state, and local grants. Tayton Majors will be with BC REDI through the summer then he will attend Lead for America in Washington, DC before returning to Kansas to work in Economic and Tourism Development. We recently brought Suzette Torres aboard to assist Jackson, Mark, and me in our marketing efforts as well as special projects. We look forward to the contributions these team members will make in our mission to increase economic development and tourism in Bourbon County.”

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.

 

Bourbon County

Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries

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Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.

Allen Schellack has a problem.

He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.

Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.

Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.

“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.

These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact  Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.

The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.

In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with  a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.

Walkers are available for free through the ministry.

In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.

In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.

At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.

Additional services are through partnerships with job search  assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.

FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.

Baby diapers are also available.

Volunteers are welcome.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.
Bourbon County, Church news, Youth

VBS: Uniontown Baptist Church July 18-22

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This is part of a series featuring local VBS’s in the county. Please send information and a photo to help tell the story of your event.

Uniontown Baptist Church is located on Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.

The First Missionary Uniontown Baptist Church invites community children to their Vacation Bible School from Monday July 19 to Friday July 22 with the closing program on Sunday July 24 at the 10 a.m. church service.

It is presented from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through fifth grade at the church. The church is located at the intersection of Hwy. 3 and Maple Road (Fifth Street in Uniontown.)

The Armor of God is the theme this year.

There will be Bible stories, fun games, yummy snacks and great songs.

A drawing for five Silver Dollar City Tickets will happen at the closing program.

For more information or to register, call Elaine Ledford at 620-756-4924, text at 620-215-6963 or email [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County K-39 bridge replacement project starts next Monday

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.

 

K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.

 

KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace crossroad pipes on K-31 in Bourbon County

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. The work will take place between reference points 128-133, from the east junction with K-7 east to the community of Fulton.

 

The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Traffic should use alternate routes. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Area News, Bourbon County

2022 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Cruise Night Raises $12,000

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Dave Petersen during the live auction portion of the evening. Submitted photo.

A crowd of 170 people attended the 2022 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Cruise Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, June 14th.  This evening was the Foundation’s first in-person Cruise Night since 2019 Cruise Night was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute and began at 6 pm.

Approximately $12,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent and live auctions.

 

Attendees were treated to a delicious three course meal furnished by Dalton’s Back 9.  Members of the Neosho Valley Busy Bee’s 4H Club were servers for the evening.  Door prizes were courtesy of Tri-Valley’s Fort Scott Greenhouse.

Jeff Ports holds one of the two door prizes given out during the evening. Submitted photo.

 

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  For 2022, we had a new item courtesy of Monarch Cement Company; Wichita Thunder Hockey Tickets and use of Monarch’s 12-person suite at INTRUST Bank Arena.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison; and a seven day Cruise from Holland America courtesy of Monarch Cement Company.

 

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired six additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to sixty-four of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.  The Foundation is currently remodeling homes in Humboldt and Neodesha.

 

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2023.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Lido Level:  Community National Bank; Home Savings Bank; Monarch Cement Company; Newkirk, Dennis & Buckles; and Steve Faulkner Ford.

Promenade Level: Ash Grove Cement Company; Heartland Homecare; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; and IMA

Mezzanine Level: Ashley Clinic; Landmark National Bank; Neosho County Community College;

Neodesha Family Dentistry; and Sonic Drive Ins of Chanute and Iola.

Riviera Level:  Donald Davis CPA; Hi-Lo Industries; Cheney Witt Chapel; and H & H Agency of Bourbon & Linn Counties.

Special thanks go to Dave Petersen who served as Emcee; Larry Holman for photography; and John Graham for sound and lighting.

 

 

Bourbon County, Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Weekly Food Distribution Offered Through Assembly of God Church Plant

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Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott is the distribution site for free food for children under 18 years old, until August 18.

A new Assembly of God Church plant is receiving food to distribute to Fort Scott children under 18 years of age, until school starts in August. The food will be distributed at the Fort Scott Cinema.

Family Life Assembly of God volunteers will be distributing the food, with Grady Proffitt the facilitator here in Fort Scott.

“We have started a distribution that partners with Life 360 Church out of Springfield, MO,” said  Proffitt, who is planting a new church called Family Life Assembly of God in Fort Scott. “They have received government funding that is able to feed kids in communities that are ages 18 and under. They are serving the Southeast Kansas area places like: Baxter Springs, Galena, Girard, Garnett, Ottawa, Humboldt, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott. There might be more, but I know those cities for sure!”

“This partnership is not FLAG Church this is Life360 Church reaching out to our churches in our different communities,” he said.

“For us here in Fort Scott, they serve us every Thursday from 11am-12:30pm in the Fort Cinema parking lot. This will go until school starts with the last Thursday, August 18,” Proffitt said.

“This is for students and children ages 18 under,” he reiterated. “Supplies include lunches and dinners for each child. Milk, dry foods, canned foods, and some frozen meals. The only criteria is that each child must be in the vehicle to receive meal packages while supplies last.”

“This is not FLAG Church, this is Life360 Church out of Springfield, MO that is partnering with local churches to bless communities in the Southeast Kansas area. We are grateful for this opportunity to add to the needs of so many here in Fort Scott!”

Grady Proffit, is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor of Family Life Assembly of God.

To learn more about the church:

New Church Plant Starting in Fort Scott In September

For more information:

www.flagchurch.com

(620) 232-FLAG

Grady Proffitt is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor for Family Life Assembly of God. Pictured is his wife, Jacque and son. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Fair, K-State Extension

County Fair: Bringing Communities Together

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

The County Fair is an exciting time for 4-H and FFA members and the surrounding community.  It is an opportunity to showcase the handiwork they have made and show the animals they have worked with for months leading up to the fair season.

Through their various projects with these youth programs, the members have “learned by doing.”  They have learned how to work with others, learned to make decisions, and take responsibility to complete their projects.  At the county fair, their projects are judged on their quality of workmanship, ingenuity, and skills learned throughout the project.

While competition is an important part of the fair, the real experience for these youth members lies in competing to better their own skills.  It is exciting to win ribbons and trophies, but sometimes the lessons learned by those who don’t win are the most valuable.  Not only are important things learned about their projects, they learn more about themselves.  Growth takes place by learning from mistakes.  Being a good sport when you don’t quite make the mark you would have liked, is often one of the best life lessons that can be learned.

Sometimes we forget that the County Fair is not just for the youth.  Most of our county fairs offer an open class division with divisions similar to those offered for 4-H and FFA – open to all ages.  Some county fairs allow open class entries from adjacent counties.  This is a great way for adults to show off their talents and directly participate in the county fair.

One of the take-aways for county fair spectators is a better sense of the talent and creativity of those around you.  I’m always amazed with the originality and intricate work our youth and adults bring to the area fairs.

The county fair brings locals together for a celebration of their community and offers something for everyone.  It is a unique experience that can really bring out the best in communities.

The Southwind Extension District fairs will be taking place this month.  Bourbon County begins the circuit in Fort Scott on July 16 and runs through July 23.  Woodson County’s fair in Yates Center also starts July 16 and continues through July 20.  Neosho County fair in Erie takes place July 21-July 25.  Allen County fair in Iola is slated for July 28-July 31.  For individual county events and rules, check out the county fair books online at www.southwind.ksu-edu.

See you at the fair!

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

 

 

Bourbon County, History

Marmaton River Massacre-Payback History Tour

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BOURBON COUNTY

CARPOOL HISTORY TOURS

ARE BACK!

“The Marmiton Massacre – Payback”

Saturday, July 9th

8:30am to approx. 10:30am

Leaves from Memorial Hall

$5 per person, register here!
 

More about this tour:

Guerilla’s from Cow Creek, Crawford County, Kansas rode their horses to Marmiton, Bourbon County, Kansas for the sole purpose of payback. The guerrillas lost a battle early in the Civil War and wanted payback which was to get even with the soldiers who were returning home to their families. The guerillas snuck into town about midnight October 22, 1864 to kill the military men who embarrassed them. The result was the burning of a church, 2 stores and 2 homes but worst of all, the killing of 6 men of the community. The story of the raid and of Marmiton will be told by the current owner of the old site.

Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701