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Category Archives: Bourbon County
FS National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Tickets Next Tuesday
Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season
Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward. Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
NPS Photo: C. Brenner
American Legion Raises $5,500 for Wreaths Across America
American Legion Riders Post #25 Sponsor Wreaths Across America
The American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott, under the leadership of Rider Director, Tom Metcalf, held a “Dragoon Ride” on August 20, 2022, with all proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Approximately 44 riders participated in the ride that included several destination stops over a 143 mile route. A raffle with various prizes took place alongside a pulled pork dinner. The event resulted in over $5500.00 in sponsorships. The money will be used to sponsor Wreaths for soldiers at The Fort Scott National Cemetery. December 17 The American Legion Riders will lead the truck escort as they deliver the Wreaths to the soldiers and their family members. When the escort reaches The Fort Scott National Cemetery they will participate as volunteers for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Tom Metcalf, on behalf of the American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott is presented sponsorship proceeds to Diann Tucker, Local Project Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Anyone wishing to donate to sponsor wreaths for the current year can contact Diann Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700. There are nearly 7000 sites at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Only those grave sites who receive donation sponsors by November 22, 2022 will receive a wreath.
Plans are underway for a similar ride to be held at a later announced date in 2023, for another ride to benefit Wreaths Across America. Anyone interested in riding can contact Tom Metcalf, 620-224-7951.
Become a Master Food Volunteer
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Halloween Fun at Fort Scott Public Library
Halloween Costume Parade & Storytime
Join Miss Val for a costume parade, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 am, followed by storytime immediately after. Adults & kids alike are invited to dress up (family-friendly costumes only, please). Kids will trick or treat at both the downstairs and upstairs circulation desks.
Middle & High School Halloween Party
Dress up if you want and join Miss Valetta to decorate cookies, play games, sew monsters, and more for the 6th-12th grade Halloween Party, this Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4:30.
The library holds weekly meetings for middle & high school students on Wed. at 4:30 pm.
Announcing the Winners of the Yellow Brick Road Challenge
The Fort Scott Public Library and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team are proud to announce the winning team for the Yellow Brick Road Challenge:
The Reading Rangers!
While both teams reached the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the Reading Rangers got there first. Congratulations to the Reading Rangers!
Together, participants have walked more than 45 million steps since the contest began on June 15.
ALL participants will be invited to a wrap-up reception and to a Wizard of Oz-themed book club, which will take place approximately one month from today. Dates for both will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for the next contest, to be announced soon.
#WalkIntoBooksBourbonCounty #WIBBC #GetFit #FitnessChallenge #WalkingContest
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System
Funding for this Story Telling Project is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
K-7 pavement repair project to start at Girard into Bourbon County
In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).
Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.
Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.
Bo Co Commission Revised Agenda for Oct. 25
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Burn Ban Discussion
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• North Parking/Sidewalk Project
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
o 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
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
o 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.
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• 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.
The November 2022 Election Voting Starts This Week
The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.
Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7th at noon.
People may vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.
To view the sample ballot:
“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”
In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.
Taken from the ballot:
County Sheriff Question
This amendment would preserve the
right of citizens of each county
that elected a county sheriff to continue
electing the county sheriff. The
amendment would also provide
that a county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office
pursuant to either a recall election
or a writ of quo warranto initiated
by the attorney general.
A writ of quo warranto is a common law remedy which is used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public or corporate office, according to https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/quo_warranto
A yes vote for this proposition would
preserve the right of citizens of
each county, to
continue electing the county sheriff
via popular vote. The amendment
would also direct that a county
sheriff only may be involuntarily
removed from office pursuant to
either a recall election or a writ
of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.
A no vote against this proposition
would not make any changes to
the constitution and would retain
current law concerning the election
of a sheriff and the procedures for
involuntary removal of a sheriff from
office.
The amendment states:
County and township
officers. (a) Except as provided
in subsection (b), each county
shall elect a sheriff for a term of
four years by a majority of the
qualified electors of the county
voting thereon at the time of voting
designated for such office pursuant
to law in effect on January 11, 2022,
and every four years thereafter.
(b) The provisions of subsection
(a) shall not apply to a county
that abolished the office of sheriff
prior to January 11, 2022. Such
county may restore the office of
sheriff as provided by law and such
restoration shall be irrevocable.
A county that restores the office
of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a
majority of the qualified electors
of the county voting thereon for a
term of four years. Such sheriff shall
have such qualifications and duties
as provided by law. The time of
voting for the office of sheriff may
be provided for by the legislature
pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of
this constitution.
(c) The filling of vacancies and the
qualifications and duties of the
office of sheriff shall be as provided
by law.
(d) The legislature shall provide for
such other county and township
officers as may be necessary.
§ 5. Removal of officers. (a) Except
as provided in subsection (b), all
county and township officers may
be removed from office, in such
manner and for such cause, as shall
be prescribed by law.
(b) A county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office by
recall election pursuant to section 3
of article 4 of this constitution or a
writ of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”
The Question of Legislative Oversight
The purpose of this amendment is
to provide the legislature with
oversight of state executive branch
agencies and officials by providing
the legislature authority to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations.
A yes vote for this proposition would
allow the legislature to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations that are
adopted by state executive branch
agencies and officials that have the
force and effect of law.
A no vote against this proposition
would allow state executive branch
agencies and officials to continue
adopting rules and regulations
that have the force and effect
of law without any opportunity
for the legislature to directly
revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.
Legislative oversight of administrative rules and
regulations.
Whenever the legislature by law has
authorized any officer or agency
within the executive branch of
government to adopt rules and
regulations that have the force and
effect of law, the legislature may
provide by law for the revocation
or suspension of any such rule and
regulation, or any portion thereof,
upon a vote of a majority of the
members then elected or appointed
and qualified in each house.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 25
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Transient Guest Tax
• Susan Bancroft – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• 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.
Bank Reconciliation Ending September 30, 2022.22.10.21
Thirty-five Properties Sold At The County Tax Sale, 36 Go To Land Bank
The second property tax sale this year added over $86,000 to Bourbon County treasurer’s funds, with the unsold properties deeded over to the Fort Scott Land Bank.
The Bourbon County treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes. The tax districts that receive this are the City of Fort Scott, the Bourbon County government, and the county’s two school districts- USD 234 and USD 235.
“There were 35 properties that sold at the October 13, 2022 tax sale for a total of $86,514.09,” said Patty Love, Bourbon County Treasurer. “The 36 properties that did not receive a bid are all properties inside Fort Scott that have City special assessments on them. These properties are being deeded over to the Fort Scott Land Bank. The money collected from the tax sale will be distributed to the various tax districts just like the regular tax collections.”
“Once the property has been sold and Register of Deeds issues the new deed they become like any other property of the tax roll and the new owners will be responsible for the 2022 taxes,” Love said.
To see info on the prior 2022 tax sale:
Bourbon County Tax Sale Nets $129K
The function of the Fort Scott Land Bank Board is as an independent agency with the City of Fort Scott that acquires, holds, manages, transforms, and conveys surplus city properties and other abandoned, tax foreclosed, or otherwise underutilized or distressed properties in order to convey these properties for productive use, according to a prior city press release.
Currently serving on the Land Bank Advisory Board are Craig Campbell (Chairperson), Gregg Motley, Bailey Lyons, Tim VanHoecke, Robert Coon, Patrick Wood and Jim Harris.
To learn more about Fort Scott Land Bank:
Landmark Bank Has Raffle in Support of Wreaths Across America
Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of Oct. 11
The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), 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, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week. He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering. Hopeful to have it finished by next month. Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm. Signage for the doors needs to be ordered. Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.
Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.
CITIZENS REQUEST
East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023. They are asking for donations to defray the cost. The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%). The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received. KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results. They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan. KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation. Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM. Council gave permission for both to attend.
The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced. Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.
Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM. Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.
Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.
Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area. RSVP by 10/10/22. Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend. Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed. She will also RSVP even though date has passed.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix? Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.
Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.
Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away. He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54. We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again. Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360
Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.
American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall. Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.
Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31. Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops. Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City. Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center. November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM