Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Schools

Year End Activities For Bourbon County High Schools

Leave a comment
It’s the time of year where high school activities are ramping up for the end of the year: proms, graduations, senior trips.
The following are those activities of Fort Scott and Uniontown High Schools, Bourbon County’s two school districts.
Fort Scott High School.
Fort Scott High School
FSHS Prom is Saturday, May 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the River Room Event Center above Luther’s BBQ, at National Avenue and Oak Street.
Bert Lewis,  FSHS Junior and Senior Class Sponsor, said she will be asking the Fort Scott City Commission on April 20 about closing Oak Street from National Avenue to Judson Street for the prom walk-in.
Walk-in by the prom attendees will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“Masks and social distancing will be required for spectators,” Lewis said.
Lewis said dates of current juniors or seniors that don’t attend FSHS,  will need to sign up in the school office before the prom, to attend.
 
FSHS has 136 juniors and 137 seniors this school year.

Thursday, May 13 is the last full day of classes for all FSHS, including seniors.

 

Graduation is Saturday, May 15.

 

“Graduation is on May 15th at 8 p.m. at the FSHS Football Stadium,” Jeff DeLaTorre, activities director for FSHS, said. “There will also be baccalaureate in the FSHS gym at 4 p.m.  “We are also working on details for a senior parade at 10 a.m. on the morning of the 15th. Nothing official yet but we will release details when they do become official.”

 

“At this time we plan on having full capacity at graduation,” he said. “Masks will be required and social distancing expected, but no other limitations at this time.”

 

“There will be a senior trip for seniors that choose to go on May 24th and 25th,” DeLaTorre said.  “They will be traveling to Branson.”

 

“This school year has been challenging for everyone in the district,” he said. “But our teachers, staff, students, and community have done an outstanding job of following protocols and procedures to keep our distractions and interruptions to a minimum. We are looking forward to finishing this school year strong and hope to return to more of a normal school year next year!”

 

 

Uniontown High School.
Uniontown High School
Uniontown High School Prom is this Saturday, April 17 in the high school gym.
The prom lineup is at 5:15 p.m., at the junior high school entrance. The walk-in is 6 p.m. and the dance is from 7 to 11 p.m.
“We have close to 70 students signed up to come to prom, which is higher than what it usually is,” Senior Class Secretary Kristy Beene said.  “Outside visitors can come from other schools but (students) have to have a form from their dates school to make sure they are in good standings.”
“You can take pictures at walk-in of course, and if you would like to take pictures of the decorations in the gym, it will have to be when the students are not in the gym, before the walk-in at 6 p.m.” Alison Weston, class sponsor, said. “The  (pandemic) restrictions haven’t completely lifted, just a little more lax.”
The UHS seniors will be going on a senior trip towards the Branson area, April 23-25.
 Graduation will be Saturday, May 8 at 2 P.M. in the West Bourbon Elementary School Gym.
There are some pandemic restrictions for UHS graduation.
Each member of the senior class will have tickets for 14 people to attend, according to Superintendent Bret Howard and a ticket will be required for entry to graduation.
There are 43 juniors and 30  seniors at UHS.
The senior’s last day at school is May 6, and the district’s last day is May 19-with a 1 p.m. dismissal.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6

Leave a comment

April 6, 2021                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Harris present, (Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20) the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jeremy Frazier, Susan Bancroft and Nancy Van Etten.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric Bailey previously received a request to move an oversized load on the County roads; he said he has the insurance paperwork from this requestor and that Justin Meeks had reviewed and approved it.  Lynne made a motion to approve the moving permit, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Eric Bailey reported that they have finished capping the C&D at the Landfill.

 

Eric reported three trees had fallen across the road last week, which they have pushed off of the side of the road.

 

Eric said they hope to be crushing at the Beth Quarry by the last part of the week.

 

Eric reported that the burner on the oil tank quit, but the part has been ordered for repairs.  He said they are working on repairs to the laydown machine.

 

Eric reported the low water crossing at 60th & Grand had given out, he said engineer Frank Young is involved and they are putting in temporary culverts there.

 

Eric asked Jim Harris about the crossing at 115th & Range to the north; Jim suggesting asking Frank Young to pull the review of this crossing.

 

Eric briefly discussed the windfarm project; he said the contractors are 13% complete on capping the roads and said they are working on 40th & 50th and at 39 & Cavalry Road.  He said weight limit signs have been put up at a few crossings.

Continue reading Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6 →

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 16 Special Meeting

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: April 16, 2021

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.  ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING         WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK.  MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

SPECIAL MEETING BEGINS AT 8:30AM

 

Call to Order

   

  • Flag Salute
  • Executive Session – BWERKS

 

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

K-3 surface recycle to begin April 19

Leave a comment

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin work on a K-3 resurfacing project on Monday, April 19. The project starts at the west K-3/K-39 junction and continues north to U.S. 54.

 

Project activity includes a one-inch surface recycle, followed by a chip seal. KDOT awarded the $868,508 construction contract to Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. A 10-foot driving lane width restriction will also be in effect.

 

The road work should be completed in one month, weather permitting. 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. KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Wunderly Farm Business: Plants, Produce And More

Leave a comment
Kerry and Kenny Wunderly are owners of 1553 Plants & Produce. Submitted photo.
Kenny and Kerry Wunderly saw a need in the community and have started a business to meet that need.
Their business is about helping people with their garden needs.
“With the whole process of lockdown over the past year due to COVID, people seem to be more aware of where their food comes from,” Kerry said.  “Originally, we wanted to be the link for folks who have space and the desire to grow their own (garden) but didn’t know where to start. It’s very frustrating to have great goals, plant a garden, have everything come up and then quickly go downhill.”
The problems of weeds, insects, improper site preparation, improper plant selection, or the need for soil amendments can ruin the best intentions for many, she said.
Submitted photos. 1553 Plants & Produce.
“Kenny’s degrees from Kansas State (University) in agribusiness and agronomy have given a wealth of knowledge that we want to share so everyone can be successful and avoid those frustrations,” Kerry said.
The Wunderly farm business name is 1553 Plants & Produce, and it’s located at 1553 205th Street a few miles northwest of Fort Scott. To get there go west on Hwy. 54 and go north on 205th Street almost two miles.
The stand at the Wunderley farm. Submitted photos.
This is the business’s first year, although in the past they have been part of Community Supported Agriculture, she said.
“Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production,” according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/community-supported-agriculture

Kenny works full-time on the farm, and Kerry works full-time as a hospice nurse in Fort Scott.

In addition, Kerry provides all the marketing via social media as well as bookkeeping.
Kenny provides most of the labor and agricultural expertise.
Future Plans
” We have big plans for development,” Kerry said.  “Some of the things we are hoping to do this year are garden tours with discussions on appropriate up-to-date topics…(and) date night dinners with meat and produce from our farm with firepit and all.”
“A couple of years down the road we hope to be able to expand our community garden program to accommodate more local growers, expand our own garden site to be able to partner with local food banks and restaurants, and the addition of an on-site greenhouse,” she said.
The 1553 Plants & Produce stand. Submitted photos.
Not just plants and produce are sold by the Wunderly’s.
Here is a list of the other business offerings:
“1. Custom built raised beds to fit size, shape, location and budgets.
2. Garden consults- we visit your site and provide input for the best possible outcomes. The first visit is always free of charge!
3. Started plants- vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative grasses.
4. Fresh vegetables and herbs in season available at our self-serve plant stand. We also have a you-pick section in the garden if you want to pick your own.
5. Rejuvenation of flower or vegetable beds that a grower already has in place.
6. Raised bed rentals through our community garden program.
7. Lawn mowing, maintenance, and clean-up.
8. Custom raised meat chickens on request. We will raise and either deliver live birds to you or to the processor for butchering.”
Contact the business by phone at 785-422-5770
They also have a Facebook page where you can get the latest news:
https://www.facebook.com/1553-Plants-Produce-105478608035108/
Besides their farm business, their community involvement is active membership at  Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, she said.
Bourbon County, Business

Johnson’s “Super Poop” Business Began As A Hobby

Leave a comment
Submitted photo.
Clint and Angela Johnson, Bronson, are the owners of Root 54.
Their business, in layman’s terms,  produces worm poop.
“Everything a worm eats gets digested and comes out as a worm casting,” said business owner Clint Johnson.  “Worm castings are packed with minerals that are essential for plant growth, such as concentrated nitrates, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also contains manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, borax, iron, carbon, and nitrogen.”
“However, the best of all is that these minerals are immediately available to the plant, without the risk of ever burning the plant,” he said. “Remember that chemical fertilizers have to be broken down in the soil before the plant can absorb them.”
Interest started over 10 years ago when Clint read a book called ‘Worms eat my Garbage’, he said.
“I personally wanted to raise some worms because it looked like a fun hobby and wanted to use a better, more natural fertilizer for my garden,” he said.
Johnson made two eight-foot by three-foot worm beds in an old tin shed in his backyard.
He then got an idea.
” I casually posted a few ads on some social media platforms and within a short amount of time people were coming to buy our castings,” he said. ” We eventually could not keep up with demand, so after much thought, research, collaboration, and scientific testing we decided to partner with a few large worm farms we know very well.”
They have secured the rights to exclusively market their castings to make it their brand “Super Poop.”
“We sell 100% worm castings and compost,” Johnson said.  “Super Poop can be purchased in 20-pound bags at any one of our nine dealer locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.  You can also purchase large bulk amounts off of our lots here in Bronson.”
Submitted photos.
The back of a “Super Poop” bag. Submitted photos.
 “Our business is a family business, and we get a tremendous amount of support from our immediate family that lives in the area,” he said.
The Johnson family, from left Angela, Alison, Hunter, Clint, and in front, Jett. Submitted photo. The family works together on their business, Root 54.
Root 54 LLC, the Johnson business, was officially established on July 15, 2020.
“We had been selling worm castings out of our back yard for several years before opening the company,” Johnson said.
A couple of hands full of “Super Poop.” Submitted photos.
The Johnson’s grew up in the Bronson community.
“Our vision is to see it thrive for many more years,” he said. “We are always seeking ways to use the resources God has blessed us with, in the Bronson community, by lending a helping hand.  Occasionally, you will see our skid steer clearing driveways when it snows or helping our neighbors with heavy lifting and other tasks that are made easy with a machine.”
“There are several other small businesses in Bronson right now and all of them do a great job of being involved in our little town,” Johnson said.  “One of our goals here at Root 54, is to help create a better place for our children to grow up, and help out our small community the best way we can.”

The Johnson’s are looking at ways to expand and grow their brand, he said.

“First and foremost, we intend to add a bagged compost for our customers for the 2022 growing season, and have already started the process of designing a bag for it,” he said. ” The name of the compost will be kept in our back pocket until we unveil it later in 2021.”
 “Our future plans include adding super soil mixes and other high-quality soils to become a regionally/nationally recognized company,” Clint said.  “We are thankful for our loyal customers and the support the community has shown us, and look forward to serving them for many years to come.”
Contact the Johnson’s at  785-229-5217  or their website Root54.com or on their Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/Root54LLC/
The address 511 Pine St. Bronson, Ks 66716
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Container Gardening Is For Everyone

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

 

The popularity of container gardening has exploded. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I have even seen used cattle supplement lick containers used and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Containers.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

As we are just beginning of the growing season, I want to share my office rotation schedule in case you have questions that you would like to visit about in person: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Erie office; Tuesday – Iola office; Thursday – Fort Scott office. However, I can always be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

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

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

4-H Horse

Leave a comment
Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

Love horses? Then this project is for you! You will have the opportunity to learn, handle, care for and ride horses. Members may own or lease a horse, but must manage the horse 75% of the time, whether owned or leased.

Horseless horse members do not own or lease a horse. 4-H members participate by learning about horses and can participate in judging contests, quiz bowl, hippology, and give presentations. Horseless horse members may volunteer to assist with horse shows and trail rides.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the horse project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Age 7-9

  • Practice safety and proper use of equipment around horses

  • Identify horse body parts

  • Learn the breeds of horses

Age 10-13

  • Learn about grooming

  • Learn how to bridle and saddle a horse

  • Learn how to judge and give oral reasons

Age 14 and Older

  • How to detect unsoundness in horses

  • Learn to identify and treat equine diseases

  • Learn about ethics and competition

Horseless Horse

  • Learn basic coat colors, breeds and anatomy

  • Study horse health, unsoundness and blemishes

  • Visit a stable or farm

  • Participate in judging, quiz bowls, hippology and public presentation contests

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair. There are other local and state shows available to youth as well.

The horse project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For April 13

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: April 13, 2021

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.  ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING         WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK.  MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

Call to Order

   

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Lynne Oharah – Citizens Advisory Board for Quality of Life & CDBG Grant Application
    • Consolidated Rural Water District #2
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • KOMA Zoom Meeting

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 30

Leave a comment

March 30, 2021                                              Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mark McCoy, Anne Dare, Kim Simons, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Bill Martin and Ben Cole.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meetings, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric Bailey presented culvert permits to the Commissioners, which they signed; they were for Clint Hazen at 2556 Limestone, Larry Shead at 2468 Cavalry and T&C Wildlife at 2461 Arrowhead.

 

Eric Bailey said they are working on capping the C&D at the Landfill.  He said they are working on washouts around the County and are patching potholes near Garland.  Eric said they are in the process of moving from the Shepherd Quarry to the Beth Quarry.

 

Eric said regarding the windfarm that the company is moving forward with capping the roads beginning in an area at 20th & Eagle, then 39 to Eagle then 40th – 50th.  Eric said he gets a plan of the day everyday from the company that tells him the area they are working on.  He said he, Frank Young and Todd Foxx looked at bridges and culverts.

 

Jim asked Eric if he had a ditching plan for the year; Eric said he is working on it and said he would be working with the grader operators when developing the plan.

 

Maura Chambers and Harvey Felzke with KCAMP insurance met with the Commissioners; Bourbon County currently uses KCAMP for property and liability insurance, but is taking bids for insurance for 2022. KCAMP: pooling is an interlocal agency formed under Kansas statute allowing public entities to jointly self-insure their property and casualty risks. There are many advantages to pooling, such as sharing the cost of risk among similar entities, determining scope/terms of own coverage, control claims and litigation management, reaping benefits of group purchase.  KCAMP is member owned, member funded and member directed.  They said that 80% of the 90,000 public entities in the U.S. obtain coverage from a risk pool.  71 of the 105 counties in Kansas are members of KCAMP.  KCAMP offers tailored coverage, risk management services (attorney assist, Kansas legal based jail guidelines, law enforcement model policies, online university, on-site training and seminars, risk avoidance grants – if the County completes any of the criteria in this category then KCAMP will give money back to the County, risk management awards, roads scholar tuition reimbursement program, and ThinkHR). Lynne thanked KCAMP for the speediness of the process of paying claims.

 

Appraiser Clint Anderson met with the Commissioners regarding the ratio; he said the new valuation notices have been sent out and said that values haven’t been rising as quickly as the sales, he said a lot of people received substantial increases to their value.  He said owners do have the opportunity to appeal the value of their property.  It was stated that a lot of the properties on the market have contracts on them.  Bourbon County has an NRP program which offers tax refunds for new construction and remodels; anyone interested should contact the Appraisers office with any questions.

 

Lynne said the County has a radio spot on KMDO every Tuesday morning and said someone needs to do this spot to discuss what is going on in the County; he and Eric did the spot today to discuss wind generators.  Bill Martin asked if the radio time was only for elected officials or could other people from the County talk during the radio time; Lynne said if someone wanted to talk during the radio time they could contact him and he would notify the radio station of who would be speaking.  Jim made a motion that Lynne continues to manage the radio spot, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the documents from the State of Kansas – Project No. 6X-3109-01 for a crossing signal at 240 Street 3 miles SE of Fort Scott; the only cost the County will have in this project is to install and maintain advance warning signs.  Jim made a motion to approve to put in the crossing signal and to allow Lynne to sign the agreement, Clifton seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the agreement.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve Resolution 16-21, a wage resolution increasing the Assistant County Attorney’s wages, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the Resolution.

 

Justin said he had a 10 year lease ready for the City of Fort Scott to move the 911 dispatch center to the old jail facility.   He said it is $500/month for the lease and said this money would reduce what the County pays the City for dispatch.  Jim Harris asked Justin how he came up with the $500 figure; Justin said he talked to Shane and Susan about this, Justin said he thought it was a reasonable amount, Jim said he thought it was too low.  Lynne said dispatch has a $600,000 budget; Bill Martin said he agreed that dispatch needed to move and said he felt the Courthouse would be a good location, but said he would like to see a breakdown of the $600,000 budget, Bill suggested a communication board to cover dispatch.  Justin said they could put a breakdown of the $600,000 budget on next week’s agenda.  Justin said this is not a consolidation of government, but said this is a lease agreement, Lynne said the City and County are still separate entities, Lynne said there could be a shared service for an HR director.  The Commissioners will discuss the lease agreement again next week.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property to discuss additional parking areas around the Courthouse, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:34, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin).  After the session, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and back into open session, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Jim made a motion to allow Justin to meet with property owners to negotiate to purchase their property for a future parking lot, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss a possible termination and a medical issue, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:47, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 10: 44, Clifton made a motion to come out of executive session and resume their meeting with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:55, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 10:55, Clifton made a motion to come out of executive session, back into open session and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks presented a Corporate Guaranty from WEC Energy Group on behalf of Jayhawk Wind LLC regarding the windfarm road use agreement; the maximum aggregate liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty is limited to the amount of $250,000.  This will be on file in the County Clerk’s office.

 

Justin said that Community Health Center wants to submit a bid to the County to do the same thing as the Southeast Kansas Health Board does.  Justin said the renewal date for the Health Board contract is in May of 2021.  Justin suggesting inviting both entities to the County so they can talk about their functions.  Lynne made a motion to allow Clifton to contact CHC and the SEK Multi County Health Board to have them give a breakdown of services and finances, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Public Comment: Anne Dare questioned if the Commissioners signed the lease for the City to lease space for dispatch; Lynne said they did not sign the lease.  Anne asked for an update on the hospital building; the Commissioners said they had no updates, Clifton said his goal is still the same, which is to have sustainable healthcare in Bourbon County.  Clifton said the Mercy building is still owned by Mercy.  It was stated that the County had until 3/31/2021 to decide on the building; Justin said an extension was signed between CHC and Ascension and Mercy for the building and said the deadline to sign or not sign for the County to accept the building had been extended as well. Kim Simons asked if they were still trying to do a medical mall; Justin said that is out of our control, Clifton said as a private citizen he would like to see CHC stay as well as anyone else that wanted to come to town could have that ability.  He said his goal is to have an emergency room.  Clifton said he didn’t care what building they were going to be in.  Kim said if they have their own building is the County still taking the Mercy building; Clifton said he had no interest in putting a $500,000 tax burden on the tax payers, Jim said he agreed.  Justin said there are still active ongoing negotiations and said the citizens have been supplementing healthcare for years; Clifton said the County is supplementing healthcare, but said his goal is to not increase that number. There was discussion over the dialysis center closing; Clifton said he thought in 5 years the trend might change and said he hopes we get some medical services back to the County.  Clint Walker questioned how much the Assistant County Attorney would be making with the new wage resolution; Lynne said $80,000 and said they had previously approved this, but had not adopted a resolution for this.  Clifton asked to view the 1989 reappraisal map; Justin said he could see this in the Register of Deeds office.

 

Commissioner Comment: Clifton said he had heard comments about combining the City/County and said he had no intentions of doing this, he said there are shared services they can do to save money.  Lynne said the more money they save gives them the opportunity to lower taxes.  Lynne said as a private citizen he would like to see more children’s services; he mentioned poverty and said there is a need for activities for kids, he said they need things to do in a structured environment.  Jim questioned how many kids went to bed hungry each night; Justin said 87% of the students in our school district are on free or reduced lunches.  Justin said he would gather the demographics and present it to the Commissioners at a later date.

 

Justin said there are global issues that affect the County; he said the County has never had a centralized HR person and said a lot of litigation comes out of bad employment practices.  He said there is no one in place to handle the duties of exit interviews, pre-employment drug screenings, sexual harassment training, job satisfaction, job retention, yearly training, employee evaluations, etc.  Justin said these employment procedures can protect the County from future liability. Jim Harris said felt the County has needed this for many years and said his opinion was that he would like to see this as a fulltime position.  Justin said currently we do not have anyone to write a simple termination letter.  Justin said in the past he has listened and interviewed employees on issues, but said the HR director should contact legal counsel. Justin said this could be a shared service; he said another municipality has an HR director.  Justin said this person could update the job descriptions; Lynne said the County needs a new employee handbook, Lynne said this would be a function of the HR director, Justin said as the County Counselor he shouldn’t be writing it, but should review it.  Justin said he thought the County had 3 options: hire a fulltime HR person, have a shared service for the HR duties or have someone internally do it for more compensation.  Lynne said they could reorganize existing staff.

 

Clifton made a motion that Lynne and he (if available) attend the SEK 17 County meeting on April 22nd in Yates Center, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:38, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

April 6, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Housing

BEDCO Projects: Eco Devo Director, Meat Plant, Arena, Housing

Leave a comment
Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Economic Development Council is working to find a full-time economic development director, facilitate the starting of the new meat process plant, facilitate a new multi-purpose arena, and expanding housing in the area, according to Greg Motley, president.

 

Eco Devo

BEDCO began a search for an economic development director a few months ago and had one narrowed down, but that person has declined the position, Greg Motley, president of BEDCO said.

 

“The process was restarted,” Motley said.  “In the meantime, I will be acting director.”

“We will continue interviews until the position is filled,”he said.

 

“Since 1992, BEDCO has been at the center of Economic Development in Bourbon County, and under the guidance of a reconstituted board that represents the whole county, we are stronger than ever,” Motley said in a press release.

 

Economic development services provided by BEDCO are primarily matching resources to the economic needs of county entities and businesses, he said.

 

Motley gave some details of three other projects on the horizon.

 

Meat Processing Plant

The proposed entry to the micro meat processing plant south of the KDOT building on Hwy. 69, just off Hickory Road. The road will be extended to the south for access to the plant.
The KDOT building located on Hwy. 69.

 

“Since the Micro-meat processing plant was approved, we are moving forward with facilitating the land/lots swap between KW Cattle, Billy Madison and BEDCO,” he said.

The 7 acres owned by BEDCO is being traded with WK Cattle company for the site on Hwy. 69, south of the KDOT building. The parcel of land is at the corner of Jayhawk Road and Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott Industrial Park.

“KW Cattle is swapping 46 acres south of the (KDOT )State Highway facility on the east side of 69 Highway for two industrial park tracts,” Motley said.  “One is about seven acres, the other is about 18 acres, currently owned by BEDCO.  They are located on either side of the Christian Learning Center.  The new micro-meat processing facility will pay BEDCO some cash considerations, approximately equal to BEDCO’s expenses in the transaction.”

KW Cattle is doing a trade with BEDCO that is advantageous to the community, Motley said.

“They are trading 46 acres, a nice piece of flat ground, for less valuable property of rough ground of 25 acres,” he said. “They wanted to help Fort Scott and Bourbon County. In addition, they can expand the property they own, Christian Learning Center, in the future.”

“BEDCO will take possession (of the land parcel), then sell to the meat processing plant,” he said. “It should be finalized this month.”

Pictured is the other business adjacent to Christian Learning Center, Reprologix, located at 3200 Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. Behind the sign, to the south of the parking lot, is the land that will be traded. These 18 acres currently owned by BEDCO are being traded by WK Cattle company for land on Hwy. 69.

Multipurpose Arena

 

“We are also working with local investors on a potential STAR Bonds project for Bourbon County,” he said.  “Some Bourbon County citizens are proposing the issuance of Star Bonds to partially finance a new multipurpose arena in Bourbon County, along with improvements to the downtown central business district.”

“Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects,” according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/

“The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.”

“The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.”

“The bonds would cover about 50% of the project, and private investment, along with bank financing would cover the balance, he said. ” The Star Bonds would be repaid by the increase in sales tax collections in a Star Bond District, whose boundaries are yet to be determined.”

“Atchison, KS, a similar-sized community to Fort Scott and Bourbon County, issued $2.3 million in Star Bonds in 2019 to build a museum,” he said.  “Attached is a chart of all Star Bonds approved by the State of Kansas.  Preliminary estimates of the size of the Bourbon County project range from $3 million to $6 million.”

City 2019 Pop. Project Start Date Orig. Amt (000) 2019 Out. (000) Dist. Sales Tax (000) 2019 CO. Pop 10-yr Pop. Trend 2019 CO. Sales Tax (000) 2018-19 % increase 2019 Sales Tax Per Capita 2019 Pull Fact.
Atchison- AT 10,476 Aviation Museum May-18 $2,370 $2,190 $210 16,073 -5.03% $12,939 6.30% 819 0.70
Derby- SG 24,943 Dino/Sports Zone Mar-17 $20,465 $13,230 $5,701 516,042 3.55% $628,714 4.50% 1,234 1.14
Dodge City- FO 27,104 Power Center Dec-15 $28,481 $26,395 $1,512 33,619 -0.68% $37,999 5.10% 1,086 0.99
Garden City- FY 26,408 Mixed Use Mar-19 $29,540 $29,540 $2,117 36,467 -0.84% $58,841 10.40% 1,507 1.41
Kansas City- WY 152,960 Youth Soccer Aug-15 $65,138 $83,138 $1,293 165,429 5.03% $192,921 4.50% 1,119 0.96
Kansas City- WY 152,960 Mercy Park (SKC) May-10 $150,289 $0 n/a 165,429 5.03% $192,921 4.50% 1,119 0.96
Kansas City- WY 152,960 Kansas Speedway Jan-99 $24,300 $16,835 $1,326 165,429 5.03% $192,921 4.50% 1,119 0.96
Kansas City- WY 152,960 Schlitterbahn Oct-13 $85,200 $65,755 $6,514 165,429 5.03% $192,921 4.50% 1,119 0.96
Manhattan- RL 54,604 Flint Hills Discovery Dec-09 $50,000 $10,905 $5,586 74,232 4.38% $61,112 -0.20% 814 0.76
Overland Park- JO 195,494 Prairiefire Dec-12 $64,990 $64,860 $3,059 602,401 10.70% $917,056 2.50% 1,485 1.28
Overland Park- JO 195,494 BluHawk Mixed Use n/a n/a n/a n/a 602,401 10.70% $917,056 2.50% 1,485 1.28
Salina- SA 46,550 Fieldhouse Dec-18 $18,250 $18,250 $862 54,224 -2.49% $77,717 3.50% 1,380 1.31
Topeka- SH 125,310 Heartland Park Apr-07 $10,405 $5,025 $334 176,875 -0.60% $211,893 1.00% 1,178 1.06
Wichita- SG 389,938 River District Jul-15 $46,980 $42,140 $2,097 516,042 3.55% $628,714 4.50% 1,234 1.14
Wichita- SG 389,938 Greenwich Dec-13 $107,631 $59,290 $8,251 516,042 3.55% $628,714 4.50% 1,234 1.14
Fort Scott- BB 7,697 Arena Jan-22 n/a n/a n/a 14,534 -4.21% $11,778 -2.20% 795 0.70

“Bottom line, we are looking at what has been successful elsewhere,” Motley said.

Housing

“We are examining possibilities to expand housing in Bourbon County,”  Motley said. “BEDCO is in the research and discussions phase.  Common sense would dictate that we first examine where the market is hot and see what can be done about enhancing the market in those areas.”

 

“Many jurisdictions in Kansas have a property improvement tax rebate of some sort, that rebate the increase in taxes property experiences, because of a new build or significant addition,” he said.  “Many are reluctant to improve their property because of inherent tax increases…a program like this would rebate the first five years of the increase.”

 

Motley can be contacted at 620-215-6411.