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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Women’s Agriculture Risk Management Program
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Fundraiser for Accident Victim Dec. 17
On Sunday evening, November 7th, Nelson and his wife, Euna, were driving in a car east of Uniontown on Hwy. 54.
They struck a cow in the road.
“Nelson sustained minor injuries, however, Euna wasn’t as lucky,” Bourbon County Sheriff’s Deputy Trey Sharp said. “She was life-flighted to Kansas University Medical Center and has been there since the night of the accident. Nelson has been by her side throughout this whole time. We were told it may be up to a year before we will know the significance of her brain injury.”
“Nelson started his career with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and is currently working for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Bill Martin said. “Nelson has assisted the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office since he has been with Linn County. Deputies and support staff with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office still consider Nelson as part of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office family.”
The sheriff’s department has organized a benefit event to help defray the costs of the catastrophic accident to the Blythe family.
“Nelson and Euna have medical insurance, but we all know insurance will not always cover all medical bills,” Sharp said. “We also have to think about their everyday life and how they are going to pay their normal bills that come with life. Nelson has been off work since the night of the wreck, which creates financial stress. This event is simply to raise money for them to hopefully relieve some of the financial stress and so they can focus on helping Euna recover and come back home.”
The fundraising event is Friday, December 17th, 2021 from 6 pm – 11 pm at The Liberty Theater, downtown Fort Scott.
Following the event, either Nelson or a family member will be provided a check of the money that has been raised, Sharp said.
“Up to this point, we have had multiple different items donated to us and we are still gathering items as we speak,” Sharp said. “Organizing this event just shows us how a community will truly gather together to help someone in need. We have had people reach out to us who do not know us or Nelson, they just want to help. Some of the items we have are guns, grills, fire pits, certificates to different area businesses, sports memorabilia, and multiple different items. If you look at our Facebook page ‘Blythe Family Benefit’ it will show you every item we have had donated. We update the page daily.”
“I would like to give a huge shout-out and thank you to Fort Scott Munitions,” Sharp said. “They have donated an extremely rare gun that has raised a tremendous amount of money so far. That gun is on an online raffle on their website. The link is also on our Facebook page as well.”
Latest News On Euna
“Euna has …been moved to a KU Med rehab center where she has made extreme strides throughout this recovery process,” Sharp said. “She still has a long road ahead of her. But the process she has made is nothing but a miracle. I had recently Facetimed her and Nelson. Euna was able to talk to me, she is sitting up, and is even walking with assistance.”
Press Release on Bourbon County Tax Statement Error
| The Bourbon County Commission, Treasurer, Clerk, and Appraiser are providing this statement to inform taxpayers that the most recent tax statement mailed had an error on the USD 234 Recreation levied amount.
USD 234 Recreation published a levy of 2.612. When the abstract was produced the actual levy used was 4.437. The increase in the USD 234 Recreation levy will affect only those residents residing in the USD 234 school district. Why did this happen? Unfortunately, the increase in the levy was due to a clerical error when completing the levy abstract and the timing of notice from the State of Kansas. The budget and levying process involves many units of government at the local and county levels. Senate Bill 13 and Senate Sub for House Bill 2104 changed the way that tax entities in the state of Kansas were required to report budgets for 2022. Generally, County officials have from August 25th to November 1st to work through budgets, assessed valuation changes, mortgages, levied funds and any changes from the taxing entities. With the new law, county officials lost 30 working days as they only had October 1st to November 1st to work through changes of entities exceeding the revenue neutral rate and get a certified approval from the State. Below is a recap of the changes in the law:
Once budgets are forwarded to the county, the county clerk enters each taxing entities levies and budgets to be certified to the State of Kansas. Unfortunately, in order to get tax statements processed, statements were sent to the printers before hearing back from the State of Kansas. Bourbon County received notice of the error on December 6th. At this point in the process, tax statements had already been mailed and unable to be corrected. What does this mean for taxpayers? Bourbon County will collect the taxes at the higher rate and make a distribution to USD 234 Recreation. USD 234 Recreation will hold these funds in their account until the next taxing year. The additional revenue generated will be considered cash carryover and will automatically reduce the amount of taxes levied during the next budgeted year. The amount of taxes levied for the 2023 budget year will result in a levy lower than the adopted levy of 2.612 for 2022. How much will my taxes increase? A house that appraises at $50,000 will see an increase of approximately $10 for the year. A house that appraises at $150,000 will see an increase of approximately $31 for the year.
Contact Information 620.223.3800 County Commissioners: Lynne Oharah – 1st District Jim Harris – 2nd District Clifton Beth – 3rd District County Clerk: Ashley Shelton County Treasurer: Patty Love County Appraiser: Matt Quick |
Brian Allen’s New Book: Murder & Mayhem II
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: December 14, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Lynne Oharah – Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Representative
- Ashley Shelton – Vacation Carryover
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
- 9:30am – Lawn Care/Snow Removal Bids
- County Counselor Comment
- Finance Director Comment
Publish Budget Hearing
Abstract Process
Vacation Carryover – Covid Time
-
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
12:00 Noon – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (To be held offsite at 200 S Main, Suite 2)
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.
Uniontown 4-H Club Reporter’s Report
By Marley Sutton
The Uniontown 4-H Club met on November 7th, 2021 at the FSCC Agriculture Building.
Many of the club members attended the Southwind District 4-H Achievement Banquet at the same location prior to the meeting. Many members and leaders of the club were recognized for their achievements throughout this past 4-H year. The club received the Purple seal itself, the high award the club can receive.
The club also participated in the Fort Scott Christmas parade on December 7th in Fort Scott. The club teamed up with the Barnstormers and Northeast Scott 4-H clubs to represent Bourbon County 4-H.
Uniontown 4-H will meet again on December 12, 2021 at the Uniontown Community Building.
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council Meeting Nov. 9, 2021
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Gabby Gire, CHCSEK, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Gabby Gire, Tobacco Program Manager– here to introduce herself and the tobacco program. She is conducting a survey of the county on tobacco issues and starting a coalition to address those issues.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $339,187.45, Receipts $71,384.70, Transfers Out $19,026.00, Expenditures $41,331.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $350,214.68. Bank Statement Balance $351,061.91, including Checking Account Interest of $29.58, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $847.23, Reconciled Balance $350,214.68. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,009.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,298.34, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $417,990.22. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $312.18 and Utility CDs $242.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $554.81. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $3,523.50, Expenditures $3,327.75, Ending Balance $195.75. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from Water Utility Fund $750.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $19,026.00. Net Income for the month of October $11,027.23, Year-to-Date Net Loss $50,883.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $93,904.59 (94.1%), Expenditures $93,148.69 (75.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,022.57 (89.3%), Expenditures $30,413.06 (69.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $127,500.65 (98.7%), Expenditures $235,478.85 (71.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $126,203.02 (110.2%), Expenditures $125,758.08 (76.6%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $11,678.90 (78.2%). The November 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $27,107.72 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed the council that he picked up the culverts today and they are stored in the warehouse.
The repairs of the bulletin board are almost finished.
Only one quote was received for the shop insulation. He requested quotes from Gage Chiartano, Murphy Roofing, Abernathy Roofing, and Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors Inc. Quote from Gage Chiartano is for $5,000, Abernathy chose not to submit a quote due to travel distance.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to accept quote of $5,000 from Gage Chiartano to insulate the shop ceiling
He reported that KDHE was here last week to inspect the water system. No deficiencies were found and they will be back for the next inspection in three years.
The cost of the gas valves to be replaced have doubled since this time last year. He would like to also remove a service line at 405 Washington, a vacant lot. It has a low cathodic protection reading. Clerk Johnson will contact property owner to see if they want to retain service to that lot.
He reported that CDL Electric did the fall inspection of the storm siren and two batteries and two chargers are bad. CDL has ordered chargers. Rich will get the batteries locally.
He contacted Traveling Trees to price new trees for the park and/or pond. Most of the trees except for oak are $250 to plant a 12’ tree with ball, stake and mulch. Clerk Johnson will contact the school and Park Committee to see if they will contribute either funds or people to water the new trees. Placement of new trees was discussed, leading to a discussion concerning the proposed splashpad.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 201 Washington said they no longer had pets but still receiving sporadic complaints about dogs; 306 Union moved to 104 Washington but dog still running at large; 303 Washington dogs running at large, but no reports of aggressive; Animal Control Officer Binford is relocating stray cats out of town; 202 Third have registered three adult dogs, but haven’t supplied rabies certification; owner of 401 Sherman has moved back in, renter moved to 301 Second #2; 202 Fourth, 201 Fulton, and 204 Fulton are no longer vacant; 306 Washington ditches have been mowed/trimmed; 505 Washington has been mowed.
Clerk Johnson updated Council on the response from insurance agent regarding the Building Code Effectiveness Grading.
A letter requesting a donation to the Send Off Seniors after graduation party was received.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2022 Send Off Seniors after graduation party
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting a client authorization addendum in order to be compliant with new federal Regulation F, requiring a specific date for the final bill and track payments/adjustments from that date. Option 1 is to allow CBK to send final statement once they receive the file from us. Option 2 we would send final statement and have to notify CBK of the date of the final statement and any payments/adjustments to the final statement balance to date and in the future.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to adopt option 1 of the client authorization addendum for implementation of Regulation F with Collection Bureau of Kansas
She visited with Mr Kite regarding the legal description of the property he is donating to the City – Lot 58 less east 22’, Lot 59, Block 11, Original Town, Uniontown, commonly known as 112 Second St. She will contact the attorney to get the warranty deed drawn up and the title insurance company.
The realtor for HB Salon inquired as to whether that building could be residential. Clerk Johnson sent minimum housing standards ordinance to realtor and to her knowledge there is not an ordinance that does not allow a commercial building to become a residential building.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
HBCAT – Health in All Policies Partner Pledge – after discussion, no action was taken.
Pond Improvement Project – The contractor for the walkway turned in a timeline for getting it fabricated and installed. Should be installed by end of November.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – As of October 31, City has collected $50,527.25 principal and interest and has paid $43,335.51 principal and interest. Unpaid principal is $36,740.36. 57.6% of gas customers have paid their gas surcharge in full.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Some cities chose not to accept ARPA funds. Those funds were then divided up among the cities that did accept funds. We received an additional $119.14. The second payment will go up by that amount also.
FEMA project update – We have received 75% reimbursement from FEMA and 10% reimbursement from KDEM for approved repairs. We have also received $195.75 from FEMA for approved management costs.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:37PM
Open meeting resumed at 9:37, no action taken
Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Dec. 14
Uniontown City Council Agenda For Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at city hall.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Kandyce Cox – rescue dog
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Thank you gift for Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Low Income Water Assistance Program –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal – Union Station
Water Rate Increase –
The following are attachments for the Dec. 14 meeting:
Chili Cook Off To Benefit Care to Share
Finding Inner Peace
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is here! Some people thrive on the extra hubbub and can’t wait to be a part of the goings-on of the season. On the other hand, some individuals don’t enjoy the season at all. To them, all of that bustle just creates a dizzying array of demands.
Whether we enjoy the added demands or not, a lot of those stresses are based upon expectations we place upon ourselves and those perceived expectations we feel others have of us. It’s no wonder it’s often difficult to experience true ‘peace’ – a term that is a wish for all this time of year.
So, what does peace look like? Think of the “P” as a reminder to spend time with the “people” who mean the most to you. That may include close family and a few special friends. When was the last time you called or wrote a card to your grandparents or a distant family member? A personal handwritten note represents a lot of thought and care for those loved ones. Let’s hope we are able to get back to family traditions with gatherings this season.
Did you know the breath cycle actually begins with an “exhale” (for “E”)? The longer the exhale, the deeper the inhale will be. Deep breathing will often aid in relaxation and reducing stress. So if things begin to get tense at your perfect family gathering, practice your deep breathing – especially before you choose to respond.
Consider “anticipation” for the letter “A”. There is usually a lot of anticipation associated with the holidays. Research has shown that the part of the brain responsible for feeling pleasure is activated when we think about doing something we enjoy or anticipate it. Daydreaming about favorite things is actually good for you. Remember when you were young you probably looked forward to Christmas morning with great anticipation. Now that you are older, find new ways to look forward to the holidays.
Make a list and “check-off” (“C”) items as you finish them. Completing items on a list (be it a written list or one put in your handheld device) brings success. It often reduces the overwhelming feelings that go along with many tasks to be done. Choose one system for tracking and stick with it.
Let go of your “expectations” — the final “E”. The passage of time brings change. Families evolve, babies are born, people pass. Accepting the reality that time changes holiday traditions can help you overcome feelings of stress. Begin to look for exciting new things for the season instead of focusing on days past. Start new traditions while sharing your own treasured holiday memories. It’s okay to miss what was, but do not let your focus on the past steal the joy of the present.
Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Do some preparation to prevent the stress that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, before they seem to take over. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
For more information and guidance on managing holiday stress, contact a Southwind District Extension Office.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Dec. 1
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2021
- Welcome: Twelve members representing thirteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared the following announcements from members who could not attend:
- Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Coordinator, has openings in her home visitation program.
- Cinda Reynolds wanted members to know that the American Red Cross is seeking a volunteer to manage the Bourbon County blood drives due to the retirement of Ruth Waring from the position. The next Bourbon County drive will be December 14 and 15.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has some rental units available now and a few more will be available soon. Rent is based on income; a single person can earn up to $36,500 to qualify.
- Elizabeth Schafer noted that the Pioneer Kiwanis chili feed was a huge success; she thanked everyone who participated.
- Nancy Van Etten, SEK Multi-County Health Department, announced that COVID boosters and vaccines can be scheduled by calling the Health Department. The department also has Pfizer vaccines for children, as well as, flu and pneumonia shots.
- Christine Abbot, SEKansasWorks, introduced Ashley Finnie who is the new Adult Career Advisor. Christine continues to be in the Fort Scott office on Mondays; Ashley will be in Fort Scott on Fridays. They will be conducting a food drive for December; donation box will be located at Luther’s; all donations will go to the Beacon. They will collect food items until January 7.
- Ashley Finnie works with individuals aged 18 and older; she can assist with going back to school, on the job training, child care, transportation, and temporary housing. She now has 62 participating in “on the job” training at the present time.
- David Gillen, Beacon, was pleased to announce that all 77 families have been adopted for the Christmas season. Beacon and Elks will be working together to provide food baskets to those in need.
- Megan Rogers, Safehouse shelter advocate, can be reached at 620-231-8251. They are currently collecting Christmas gifts for their clients; instructions for donations can be found on the Safehouse website.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP, shared that she is seeking someone in Crawford County to write a grant application in order to start an RSVP program in that county. She also is looking for a Bourbon County event/venue to hand out medicine disposal bags.
- April Jackson, Thrive Allen County and SEK SMP Coalition, is seeking some Bourbon County representation for her coalition that meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Her coalition has received a sizeable federal grant to work on treatment and recovery services.
- Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, reminded members of the programs she has going in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Teen Pregnancy, and Pre-Natal classes (held in Pittsburg).
- Program: Update on Communities in Schools presented by Rhonda Hoener:
After 31 years as teacher and counselor, Rhonda is now the Communities in Schools student support coordinator for USD 235. She gives support in school so the student can become a productive citizen. She works on a multi-tiered system which ranges from speakers and attendance incentives for all students, to specific one-on-one problem solving to provide support for specific obstacles for identified students. Parental consent has to be obtained in order for a student to be on her caseload.
- Open Forum: Although Allen Schelleck was not able to attend, Billie Jo reminded members that Allen could still use more volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army; all monies raised in the campaign will remain in Bourbon County.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.