Category Archives: Bourbon County
Delinquent Taxes Dilemma
A recent publication of Bourbon County Delinquent Taxes prompted a citizen’s inquiry to fortscott.biz.
An update from the Bourbon County Treasurer: “Liberty Savings was listed with a delinquent tax. They had been mortgage holder on that property but they no longer hold the mortgage so are not responsible for those taxes.”
The question was why the total amount due on properties isn’t listed with all years the taxes haven’t been paid by an owner. The citizen noted a large amount of money not being collected that could benefit county revenues.
Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love responded with a PDF of a list of delinquent taxes that goes back for approximately eight years.
Love also answered the following questions:
What is the total of all year’s delinquent taxes due?
“As of 8/24/2020, the day I printed this report it was $2,405,683.28.”
Are people set up on a payment plan?
“We do not have any payment plans set up.”
What are the efforts the county does in trying to collect these taxes?
“We mail out statements advising when taxes are due. We have no recourse to collect unpaid taxes, the only tool we have is the tax sale of delinquent taxes after they are 3 years delinquent.”
Are people put on a payment plan of some sort?
“We have no payment plans. We do take partial payments at any time and apply them to the oldest taxes due. Some people will send in a payment amount weekly or monthly to try to get caught up, but we do not have payment plans because we would have no way to enforce them.”
How could the county have property eight years delinquent if there is a tax sale every three years?
“If they do not sell at the tax sale, the county retains the property and they go on the next tax sale, or if there is a lien of some kind against the property we cannot sell it so it stays on this list. Also, (Bourbon Commissioner)Lynne Oharah and (Bourbon County Legal Counselor)Justin Meeks met with Sugar Valley Lakes on the Hidden Valley properties and were going to work with them about getting them paid… a lot of the small ones are part of that plan, so were not put on the tax sale. I think that plan has fallen through.”
When is the next sale?
“I want to have a tax sale the first part of next year, selling all properties that are eligible to sell. Due to the large amount, we will probably sell everything 2015 and older in the first tax sale (this is to keep from overwhelming the title search company) and I hope to have one later in the year for the 2016 taxes.”
“The tax sales are the only recourse we have to get people to pay their taxes so I feel we need to get caught up then go back to a tax sale every year.”
Click below for the list of delinquent taxes that have the total amounts that Love provided.
No Old Settler’s Picnic Event This Weekend
Despite many months of planning, the Old Settler’s Picnic event is a no-go.
Late last month the planning committee met to discuss the plans for the annual event that has happened every year since 1905.
Uniontown, with a population of 300 people in western Bourbon County, usually sees a large crowd visit the event each year.
Traditionally, it is a weekend of rodeos, a fishing derby, a community church service, a baby contest, craft and food vendors, parades, family picnics, and games in the town park.
“We decided we couldn’t go ahead with our plans because of Gov. Kelly’s COVID-19 restrictions,” said Becky Shinn, secretary/treasurer of the planning committee said.
“The committee was unsure what we could and couldn’t do,” she said. “If she declared only 45 people could be in an area, we couldn’t do it.”
Many of the key people were not comfortable coming to the event which is normally held on Labor Day weekend, the first weekend in September, Shinn said.
The grand marshalls of the parade, the car show organizer and in addition, the Uniontown High School student organizations would not be there.
“The FFA students were not going to be able to do their BBQ dinner, the band wasn’t going to be able to be 6 feet apart in marching, and the Methodist Church wasn’t sure they were going to (supply their chicken dinners),” Shinn said.
“Only one or two food trucks were coming,” she said.
The final decision was because of the lack of these key components for the weekend activities.
The committee is comprised of Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Nancy Holt and Shinn.
Rodeo Events Still On
There are still rodeo events this weekend at the Uniontown Rodeo Stadium, west of town on Hwy. 3.
A team roping event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4; a co-ed ranch rodeo at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, and the 53rd Annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo which starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Health Dept. COVID-19 Update
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
August 31, 2020
Allen County
| Current Active Cases | 3 |
| Presumptive Cases | 3 |
| Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County | 3 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 30 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives ) |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 33 (Allen County + out of state) |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Active Cases | 6 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 1 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 31 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 37 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Active Cases | 11 |
| Presumptive Cases | 14 |
| Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon | 14 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 9-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 97 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives) |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 96 (Bourbon County + out of state/county) |
| Deaths | 2 |
Woodson County
| Current Active Cases | 0 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 1-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 12 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 12 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Handle Emergencies: Prepare Kansas
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]
Prepare Kansas online challenge offered to get yourself, family better prepared.
Prepare Kansas is a free, easy way to ensure you’re better equipped to handle emergencies.
Whether it’s reviewing insurance coverage or putting together a grab-and-go kit, preparing for any kind of disaster will make recovery easier. And Kansans know a thing or two about disasters. Flooded basements, fires, tornadoes or ice storms, we have them all and much more.
To help Kansans become as prepared as possible for emergencies, K-State Research and Extension is offering the Prepare Kansas Annual Preparedness Challenge. It’s a free weekly online challenge through September that includes activities individuals and families can accomplish each week. By the end of the month, participants will be better prepared to withstand and recover from emergencies.
Prepare Kansas aligns with National Preparedness Month, with a theme in September this year of “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”
The weekly activities this year revolve around:
- Making a plan – talking with others about being prepared, updating the family communications plan and reviewing plans for shelter and/or evacuation, including pets, taking COVID-19 into account.
- Building a kit – build a kit of basic emergency supplies plus grab-and-go backpacks for family members and pets.
- Preparing for disasters – know the difference between watches and warnings, sign up for emergency alerts and participate in an emergency drill.
- Talk to your kids – seek information on preparedness.
- Get financially prepared – set aside money for an emergency, review insurance coverage, build or maintain a financial grab-and-go box, and complete a home inventory.
For more information about the weekly challenges, go to the Prepare Kansas blog https://blogs.k-state.edu/preparekansas/ or on social media at #PrepareKS and #BeReady. Follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict or Instagram @southwind_ext. For more information, please contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 1
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: September 1, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:15 Jayhawk Wind, Road Use Agreement
9:15 – 9:30 Lynne Oharah, Bond Refinancing Options
9:30 – 10:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Comm to review Road & Bridge
and Janitorial Applications)
10:00 – 10:30 Jody Hoener, CDBG Grants
10:30 – 10:35 June Bloomfield, Centerville West Plains Cemetery
11:00 – 11:15 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)
11:15 – 11:30 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)
11:30 – 11:45 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)
Sharkey’s Gets A Facelift
David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.
The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.
“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said. “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”
“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”
The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said. “But possibly some outside seating.”
“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said. “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”
Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777
The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday, close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13
August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.
The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.
Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.
Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.
At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
August 18, 2020, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Aug. 26
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 26, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:30 Special Meeting, Road & Bridge Sales Tax Resolution
9:35 Discussion about future meetings
9:40 Accepting an elected officials resignation
Presbyterian Village All Clear For COVID-19
Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor says all clear
following additional testing for COVID-19
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor has good news to share following a second wave of testing for COVID-19 at the community. All residents and employees have tested negative for the virus.
“We’re glad to have this round of testing behind us and we’ll keep our focus on resident and employee safety,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s infection preventionist and vice president for health and wellness.
Because all residents and employees tested negative for the virus, the Bourbon County Health Department is not recommending further testing at the community at this time.
The residents and employees who tested positive for the virus earlier this month will remain in isolation until cleared to return to work by the Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, team members may return to work once they have been symptom free for 72 hours without the aid of a fever reducer and demonstrate improvement in respiratory symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.
Presbyterian Manor implemented a strict no visitor policy at the community and discontinued group activities and communal dining for the entire campus per guidelines released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CDC on March 13.
All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.
For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, Presbyterianmanors.org/Media- room.
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USD 235 Reopening Guide
From the USD 235 Facebook page
SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN STATE 4-H LIVESTOCK SWEEPSTAKES
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District competed in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 22-23. These events were like nothing the teams had competed in before because normally, the teams would have been in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall, but due to COVID-19 all contests were held virtually. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Sadie Marchiano, Clay Brillhart, Brody Nemecek, Carly Dreher, Aidan Yoho, Emery Yoho, Kristy Beene, Gwen Fry, Byron Fry, Taylor Elsworth, Leah Mueller, Trey Sommer and Haleigh O’Brien. Southwind District 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon Neosho and Woodson Counties.
4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2020 Champion Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Team. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 4th and Sadie Marchiano, 3rd overall.
The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The eight teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Dreher, G. Fry, Sommers, O’Brien) was seeded 3rd after the test, and was named Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Nemecek, Brillhart, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3rd best team.
The Livestock Judging contest consisted of seven judging classes, three questions classes and then two sets of reasons that were presented live to officials via zoom. Out of 163 contestants and 37 teams from across Kansas who judged livestock by online video, Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Marchiano, Beene) was 3rd in Swine; 4th in Sheep/Goats; Reserve Team Reasons; Reserve Team Cattle and 3rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (B. Fry, O’Brien, E. Yoho, Elsworth) was 10th Team Overall, and Southwind #1 (Sommers, G. Fry, Mueller) was 11th Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:
- Emery Yoho – 10th Swine
- Aidan Yoho – 7th Swine
- Carly Dreher – 9th Reasons
- Sadie Marchiano – 2nd Reasons; 2nd Cattle; 2nd Sheep/Goats; 6th High Individual Overall
The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and two sets of questions. Southwind #2 (Brillhart, Nemecek, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was 1st in Retail ID; 4th in Placings; 5th in Questions; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:
- Clay Brillhart – 1st Retail ID; 3rd High Individual
- Sadie Marchiano – 5th Placings; 9th Questions
- Brody Nemecek – 9th High Individual
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. Just like the rest of the weekend activities, this contest was offered virtually using Qualtrics with a timed and extensive exam. Southwind #2 (Marchiano, A. Yoho, Dreher, O’Brien) was 3rd in Exam; 2nd in Practicum and Reserve Champion Team Overall.
- Aidan Yoho – 4th Practicum, 5th High Individual
- Sadie Marchiano – 3rd Exam, 5th Practicum, 4th High Individual
This group was limited in the amount of time they could meet and work together because of the pandemic. Their story is a remarkable testament to how to overcome a challenge and make the most of it. There is no question they would have preferred to have traveled to Manhattan, KS and compete with their peers in face-to-face competition, but like so many others from across the state, they made the most of the situation and turned a challenge into an opportunity to learn and try new technologies. A different set of life skills were acquired because we competed in a platform like nothing we have ever experienced before. Reserve Champion Team in Meats, Reserve and 3rd Quiz Bowl Teams, Reserve Skillathon Team, and Reserve Livestock Judging Team did add up to the Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team and for an Extension District is our biggest goal because the Southwind is able to serve as the vehicle that brings motivated and competitive youth from four counties together, and allow them to accomplish big goals as a team. They are an example we should all learn from during this difficult time because they have shown us how to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.
K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Submitted by:
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749