Category Archives: Bourbon County
Female Business Owners Support System: Dare to Dream Seminar
Local female business owners will be speaking on the challenges of ownership of a business or hope to help those that want to start one.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is sponsoring the Dare to Dream Seminar: The Unique Challenges of a Small Business on February 8 at 5:30 p.m. at 104 N National in Fort Scott.
“This… seminar is for ALL women of ALL ages who have a business or is interested in starting a business, Rachel Carpenter, director of the The Center for Economic Growth at the HBCAT office.
“Our goal is to bring these woman entrepreneurs together to help create a support system of women supporting women. We bring in local woman leaders to share their expertise on how they have become successful.
The keynote speaker will be Erin Vann, of Highway Three.
“She will speak on the challenges that her business had to overcome to get to the success story it is today,” Carpenter said. “We also have panel speakers Kelly Perry of Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store and Angela Simon of Bids and Dibs. They will share about managing a business banking account and how to get through the low seasons of business.”
A part of the agenda is devoted to discussion.
“We will have HBCAT and Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center staff available to answer questions about starting a business and about the grant opportunities available through HBCAT,” Carpenter said. “We will also have staff from City State Bank that will answer questions about cash flow. Our keynote speakers and panelist will be available to answer any questions at that time as well.
Free Meal, Child Care and a Raffle
Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will be catering a lasagna meal for the evening, and there is childcare available upon request.
“We will be raffling off a business starter kit and a printer,” Carpenter said. “This event is free we just ask that people register prior to the event using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dare-to-dream-unique-challenges-of-a-small-business-tickets-510878690917″
Event Funded By
The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas, she said.
Rachel Carpenter can be reached at The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, phone: 620-215-2562
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 17
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 17, 2023
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
• Signatures for Accounts Payable & Payroll
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Matt Quick – NRP Program
• Lora Holdridge – Survey Review Discussion
• Jim Harris – Organizational Changes
• Nelson Blythe – Move meeting from Feb 21st to Feb 24th
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Broker Selection
o Food Sales Tax Reduction
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor
• 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.
Attachment:
Avian Influenza “Bird Flu” in Kansas
Note from the Local Health Officer Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEK Multi-County Health Department
524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686
Avian Influenza “Bird Flu”
1/13/2023
As egg prices are skyrocketing and it may be costing you more to eat out, you may be asking yourself why all of this is happening, if you haven’t turned on the news much lately. Well, Avian Influenza is much of the cause, or otherwise known as the “bird flu”. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has continued to be detected in new locations nationwide, including new counties in Kansas.
This viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which puts Kansas’ domestic birds at risk. HPAI causes severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry and is a concern for the possibility of being transmitted to humans who are exposed.
Infected birds shed the bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces. Though rare, human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when “enough” virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled. Transmission can happen through air (droplets, dust) and in inhaled, or when a person touches something that has the virus on it then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose. Most human infections with bird flu have occurred after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with bird flu viruses.
I am probably getting an eyeroll right now from any hunters that might be reading this, but the CDC recommends whenever possible, avoiding contact with wild birds because they may not appear to be sick. You should avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that are sick or who’ve died. Do not touch surfaces contaminated with saliva, mucous or feces from wild/domestic birds. If you do or you must encounter birds (such as occupational exposure, hunters, bird owners, hobby flocks) take these precautions to prevent infection:
- Wear protective equipment such as gloves, respirators, -or well-fitting masks, and eye protection.
- Avoid touching your face!
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds and surfaces birds inhabit or frequent.
I recommend the seasonal flu shot as well, though it will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, it can help reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. We have them available at any of our 4 offices. Allen County: (620)365-2191, Anderson County: (785)448-6559, Bourbon County: (620)223-4464, or Woodson County: (620)625-2484.
See these helpful links for more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm
Thank you,
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEKMCHD Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
Reference: Centers for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Agriculture
Deloney Promoted to President at Mid-Continental Restoration
Matt Deloney Promoted to President by Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Inc.
January 13th – Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Inc., a leading provider of building restoration and preservation services, is proud to announce the promotion of Matt Deloney to the position of President and Chairman of the Board. In this new capacity, Deloney plans to utilize his experience along with that of their strong leadership team, to continue the growth of the organization, ultimately benefiting the employee-owners of the company.
Since first joining Mid-Continental Restoration back in 1990, Deloney has filled many roles, from work in the field, as a craftsman, to most recently serving as our Vice President and managing the Central Region. Since 2007, Deloney has worked to expand the company’s footprint opening offices in Kansas City and Tulsa to meet customer demand and grow the company.
This promotion is part of a strategic succession plan developed over the past several years. “We are excited about this change, and Matt has definitely earned the opportunity to lead our great team,” says outgoing President Frank Halsey, who will move into a semi-retired role while assisting with business development and marketing. “We fully expect Matt will continue to develop the culture that employee owners deserve and expect, while maintaining the professional service our customers deserve and expect.”
“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role with the management team at Mid-Continental Restoration,” says Matt Deloney. “I get the benefit of being able to step into a role that has had strong leadership for many years allowing me to focus on continual growth and delivering stronger experiences for our staff and customers.”
Local Producers Featured at Makers Market This Saturday
The first Makers Market, hosted by Mmm Flavor Shop owners Emelia Whiteaker and Addi Foster is this Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.
“This is for people who produce and make things local” to showcase and sell their products, Foster said.
They are hosting these events because they are hoping to establish a spice store and don’t have a business space, Foster said.
In addition they are sponsoring a fundraiser for a new dog agility club.
“Lunch will also be available for purchase with the proceeds going to help purchase dog agility equipment for the newly created Momentum Dog Club,” Whiteaker said. “Those youth interested in joining the Momentum Dog Club can stop by and get more information. They must be at least 7 years of age to join, and no experience is needed.”
The two sisters are planning a market each second Saturday of each month, until May. “Different vendors will be participating each month,” Whiteaker said. “There will be a variety of locally made products for sale including food, soaps, lotions, knitted items, sewed items, and starters for indoor plants.”
“The menu that will be available is chicken and noodles made with locally raised chicken from Freedom Farms in Bourbon County, Mixed Bean Soup with Grains, Butternut Squash Soup, Mediterranean Vegetable Stew with Couscous,” Whiteaker said. “For dessert offered is Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Orange Chocolate Glaze, and Carob Brownies made two ways.”
Uniontown Jr/Sr High School Honor Roll
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Jan. 4
New Electric Transmission Line Will Travel Through Bourbon County
An electric utility business wants to get feedback on a proposed transmission line that will going through the county.
NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest (NEET Southwest) is hosting a public meeting in Fort Scott on Jan. 10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main.
“A series of informational stations will be staffed by NEET Southwest employees and contractors to answer questions and provide information to attendees,” said NextEra Senior Communications Strategist Sarah Borchardt.
“The purpose of the meeting is to provide an in-person opportunity for landowners to ask questions about the transmission line project directly, as well as for NEET Southwest to obtain feedback on the proposed project route from landowners,” Borchardt said.
The Project
“NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest will develop, construct, own, operate and maintain the approximately 94-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission project that will connect the Wolf Creek Substation in Kansas which is owned by Evergy; and the Blackberry Substation in Missouri, owned by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.,” she said. “The project route traverses Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford counties in Kansas, and Barton and Jasper counties in Missouri. The transmission project is expected to be in-service in Jan. 2025.”
“The line is approximately 94 miles, with approximately 85 miles located across five counties in Kansas,” according to Borchardt. “The line was identified as being needed by the Southwest Power Pool, which plans the electric transmission system for the state of Kansas and for a larger region that stretches across the middle of the U.S. from Texas up to North Dakota.”
“SPP determined that the line would provide significant economic and reliability benefits to Kansas customers and to SPP customers as a whole, and SPP selected NEET Southwest to build the project after a competitive bid process,” she said.
“The Wolf Creek-Blackberry Project is part of Southwest Power Pool (SPP)’s 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan to address the needs for a more reliable and cost-effective grid,” she said. “SPP is a non-for-profit, regional transmission organization (RTO) mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission infrastructure in the central region of the country. The transmission line will allow power to flow more efficiently to customers in Kansas and Missouri.”
“The project is permitted by the Kansas Corporation Commission at the state level, and not by individual counties,” she said. “NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest’s proposed route is intended to minimize or avoid impacts across a few factors, including landowners, environmentally sensitive areas, other utility and public infrastructure, airports, and tribal lands, among others.”
“ Where possible, portions of NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest’s proposed route will parallel existing rights of way,” she said. “NEET Southwest is securing options for easements from landowners whose land will be crossed by the transmission line. NEET Southwest will work with landowners on an ongoing basis throughout the construction, clean up phase of the project, and beyond.”
KCC: Beneficial Effect on Kansas Customers
“The Kansas Corporation Commission agreed that the line is needed to serve the public interest in Kansas,” she said. “NEET Southwest is planning to file an application with the KCC to get approval of the specific line route.”
The Kansas Corporation Commissioners agreed the project provides benefits for Kansans, according to its website:
https://kcc.ks.gov/news-8-29-22
Here is the conclusion from the KCC:
“Based on the testimony received, the Commission finds that the Transmission Project will have a beneficial effect on customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion and improving the reliability of the transmission system,” according to the KCC website.
“The line will provide economic benefits to all of Kansas, by allowing power to be produced more efficiently and cost-effectively, which will provide access to more affordable energy for Kansas customers,” according to Borchardt. “In addition, construction jobs will be created within the communities along the proposed route, and NEET Southwest will make property tax payments to the respective counties going forward.”
https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
“The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the needs for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers,” according to the NextEra Energy website.
City of Uniontown Minutes of Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Council Meeting on December 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by President of Council Ervin. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joshua Bales and Jason Thompson-Green Environmental Services, Linda and Danny Nation-4 States Sanitation, Raymond “Skeet” George, Joe George, Mary Pemberton, City Attorney Jacob Manbeck, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service – Attorney Manbeck opened the hearing. There was discussion with the vendor representatives about services they can offer and current private residential rates. There were no comments from the citizens in attendance. Over the next three months the City will finalize the planning of the proposed trash service.
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George requested a recess for the Council to walk to the restroom to view progress.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to recess for 5 minutes to view the progress
Open meeting resumed at 7:26PM.
Mr George would like to have guttering put on the building, LACO will donate if there is a sign acknowledging the donation. A list of entities/individuals that donated time and service to the construction will be given to Clerk Johnson to send thank you notes. Clerk Johnson will research a sign for the building that acknowledges the building provided by Uniontown Ruritan and those who donated time/service to the project. Total cost of the facility is upwards of $50,000.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow signs acknowledging those responsible for the construction of the restroom building
Councilman Ervin asked to have the custodial job description amended to include the cleaning of the new restroom facilities.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance on non-elected personnel, open meeting to resume at 7:30PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:30PM. Council presented bonuses to staff.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,706.17, Receipts $37,281.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $33,573.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $354,638.51. Bank Statement Balance $356,257.28, including Checking Account Interest of $49.96, Outstanding Deposits $216.27, Outstanding Checks $1,835.04, Reconciled Balance $354,638.51. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,159.60, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,668.01, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,436.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,902.72. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $361.40, and Utility CDs $362.78 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $724.18. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November 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 November $9,067.66, Year-to-Date Net Income $30,895.01. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $108,458.97 (102.9%), Expenditures $100,869.46 (77.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,090.30 (89.9%), Expenditures $32,458.78 (79.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,457.96 (81.3%), Expenditures $144,157.30 (58.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $140,825.06 (109.6%), Expenditures $133,508.49 (80.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%). The December 2022 estimated payables, including end of year transfers, in the amount of $51,747.08 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 7, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE inspected the wastewater and water systems.
Black Hills was here last week for leak survey, no leaks found.
He spoke to someone about the tree limbs overhanging on Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. They were supposed to trim but haven’t. He will talk to them again.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is about 80% complete.
There was a complaint about the possibility of someone living in a RV at 401 Sherman. A letter was sent and owner responded that no one is living in it, he is working on it at night. He will remove from the property in the near future. Clerk Johnson also reported on a noise complaint. She spoke with the person being complained about and has since been informed that the issue has been resolved.
Clerk Johnson and Councilman Ervin reported on the KMGA Prepay Gas Supply Project. After discussion, Council asked to have KMGA representative give a presentation with more details about the project. Clerk Johnson will contact them to set up a meeting. The December KMGA member update was discussed.
She reminded Council of upcoming League of Kansas Municipalities events and trainings.
Kansas Municipal Utilities has scheduled a Special Meeting of the KMU Membership to consider amendments to the bylaws to change status from 501(c)4, for profit, to 501(c)3, non-profit. A voting delegate had not been named since 2014.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Amber Kelly as KMU voting delegate
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to designate Larry Jurgensen as KMU alternate delegate
This is the last year she and her husband will be decorating the park. She asked that the holiday decorations not be stored in the shop attic area any longer. It is too difficult to put them up and take them down from there. It was agreed they could be stored in the warehouse. It was suggested to put on the October 2023 agenda to solicit volunteers or set a workday to put the decorations out.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for their years of volunteering to decorate the park for Christmas.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – absent
OLD BUSINESS
Due to Mayor Jurgensen not in attendance,
Motion by Hartman, Second be Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to table discussion on the School Pond Project and Placemaking Project until January 2023 meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act update – three sealed bids for remodel of existing City Hall restrooms into one ADA compliant unisex restroom. Bid 1 – Terry Nading, $26,130.56; Bid 2 – French’s Plumbing, $26,575.00; Bid 3 – Karlskint & Marsh Const, $27,630.00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to award to Terry Nading in the amount of $26,130.56
Clerk Johnson will call Nading in the morning to inform of the award. She will mail a formal notice of award and set up contract signing and notice to proceed before the first of the year.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to approve 2023 CMB License for Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at 8:55PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:55PM with no action from session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:57PM
City of Uniontown Agenda for Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of December 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2012 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
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 ___________.
Attachements:
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 10
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 10, 2023
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
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Road Vacation Petition filed by Susan Bancroft
• Matt Quick – NRP Program
• Lora Holdridge – Part–time to Full–time Employee Request
• REDI Funding Discussion
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Audit Services
o November Financials
o Reconsider Main Banking Institution
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• 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.