Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Letter to the Editor: Citizens Group Thanks Those Who Signed Petition To Increase Number of County Commissioners

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Our Bi-partisan Citizens Group which worked on a petition to place the question of increasing our Commissioner Districts from three to five, would like to thank all of the participants who voiced their concerns and signed the petition.

621 signatures were required to get this placed on the November 2024 ballot. We collected over 500 signatures as of August 20, 2024.

Michael Hoyt, a member of our group attended the August 20th, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting to encourage them to sign a resolution that will allow the citizens “to vote on expanding the commissioner districts in Bourbon County to give more opportunity for constituents to have more representation and better collaboration.”

The Resolution was voted on and signed, so that the question will be placed on the ballot on November 5th, 2024 eliminating the need to complete the petition.

If the voters approve the increase in the number of county commissioners the following will occur:

1) The Commission will notify the Kansas Secretary of State who will then provide an outline of the five (5) Commissioner districts in Bourbon County, Kansas, that are as equal and compact as possible in population and area.

2)      An election will occur in April 2025 to elect two (2) additional Commissioners to terms as specified by the statute to stagger the terms.

It takes a spark to initiate an idea, then come together, work together, and succeed together in moving our community forward.  Thank you for your support.

Thank you county commissioners for doing the right thing in giving the people in our community a voice in this matter.  Just VOTE!

We were an informal group that worked together to put the petition together and gather signatures.

Sincerely,

Bi-Partisan Citizens Group

Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy and Janice Allen

Bourbon County, Elections

Safeguards In Voting In Kansas, August 6 Official Primary Election Results Provided by Bourbon County Clerk

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Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

Jennifer Hawkins, the Bourbon County Clerk said there was a 22% turnout rate for the primary election on August 6.

Hawkins said her office follows clear guidelines that the State of Kansas provides for removing people who have died from the voter registration list.

This was in response to Michael Hoyt’s quote “He said this is a state-wide problem of the registered voters roll not being “cleaned up” when people die. He said there is no clear way to get deceased people off the roll,” in a prior story.

To view that story:

https://fortscott.biz/news/hoyt-will-ask-bourbon-county-commission-to-sign-resolution-for-a-five-person-commission-vote-today

 

“The State of Kansas has clear guidelines, which are listed below, that list how we can remove a deceased individual’s name from the voter registration list,” said Hawkins. “The Clerk’s Office follows the guidelines and diligently checks obituaries and monitors the weekly reports sent out by the state of those who have passed away for Bourbon County residents. Individuals who pass away in a state other than Kansas, however; will not show up on the report issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.”

Here are the state guidelines:

“Except as otherwise provided by law, when a voter dies or is disqualified for voting, the registration of the voter shall be void, and the county election officer shall remove such voter’s name from the registration books and the party affiliation lists.

“Whenever

(1) an obituary notice appears in a newspaper having general circulation in the county reports the death of a registered voter, or

(2) a registered voter requests in writing that such voter’s name be removed from registration, or

(3) a court of competent jurisdiction orders removal of the name of a registered voter from registration lists, or

(4) the name of a registered voter appears on a list of deceased residents compiled by the secretary of health and environment as provided in K.S.A. 65-2422, and amendments thereto, or appears on a copy of a death certificate provided by the secretary of health and environment, or appears in information provided by the social security administration, the county election officer shall remove from the registration books and the party affiliation lists in such officer’s office the name of any person shown by such list or death certificate to be deceased.”

 

 

Hawkins provided the following 20 pages of official results of the August 6 election. with write-ins.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes August. 2024

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Starlite had their August meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting room.  Vice President Joyce Allen opened the meeting with the Flag Salute, Taylor Bailey led the Club in reciting the Club Collect.  Twelve members were in attendance.  They reported that they had volunteered one hundred and eighty-five hours since the last meeting and that they had recycled three hundred and eighty-five pounds.  Joyce recognized Taylor Bailey as our August Birthday.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She reported that registration for the State Meeting is due September 1st and that each of the counties in Southeast Kansas will need to provide six dozen cookies for the State Meeting. Claudia Wheeler and Taylor Bailey volunteered to provide three dozen cookies each.  Karen also informed the Club that we will need to provide candy for the table decorations.  Bernita Hill volunteered to provide the candy.  Karen also asked that we come to the next meeting with ideas for the gift basket.
Doris Ericson gave the Treasurer’s report, she announced that our Club and won 1St place in the Hay Bale Contest and 3rd place in the Scarecrow contest for a winnings of $130.  She also announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair raised $309 which goes toward a Scholarship present by the Bourbon County FCE Council.
Old business consisted of Joyce reminding the members that they will need to bring their Operation Christmas Boxes to the October meeting.
New business consisted of choosing a member to represent our Club for the Heart of FCE award.  Terri Williams nominated Jackie Warren, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.  It was also decided to provide cookies to our first responded on September 11th LeAnna Taylor volunteered to take them to the Fire Department, Taylor Bailey – the Police Department, Karen Peery – the EMT’s and Deb Lust – the Sherrif Department.
Karen Peery moved that the meeting be adjourned, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Letha Johnson presented the Lesson of “Managing the Strein of Stress.”  She informed the club that stress can affect you physically, emotionally and socially and that there are several ways you can try to help manage it, like by journaling, breathing deeply, exercise and a healthy diet, and many others.  The members enjoyed cookies, sherbet mint and water provided by Karen Peery and Betty Johnson.
Prepared by
Erri Williams
Bourbon County, Government

Hoyt Will Ask Bourbon County Commission to Sign Resolution for a Five-Person Commission Vote Today

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Voters in a prior election vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Michael Hoyt has been seeking signatures of Bourbon County residents who would like to see the county move to a five-commissioner board instead of the current three commissioners.

He has 500 signatures as of today and believes he will get the required total of 621 in a month, however, the county election officer has a date of August 21 for getting the signatures in, so they can be validated before the November general election.

Hoyt will be asking the three commissioners to sign a resolution that he is presenting at this evening’s commission meeting that will help the petition move forward to be put on the November 5 election, which would not require the signatures.

He said there are 14,900 people in Bourbon County according to the 2020 census, and there are 12,500 people registered to vote.

He said this is a state-wide problem of the registered voters roll not being “cleaned up” when people die. He said there is no clear way to get deceased people off the roll.

If the resolution is put on the ballot this November, it would save the cost of a $10,000 special election later, Hoyt said.

The need for five commissioners is to bring better government to the county, he said.

“We seem to be stalled with three commissioners,” he said. “Two commissioners talking outside of an open meeting is an open meetings violation. It’s an unfair disadvantage with only three commissioners.”

“Out of 105 counties, 35 have gone to five commissioners, 30 are moving towards this,” he said.

Michael Hoyt. Submitted photo.

The following is a press release Hoyt sent:

          A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”

          As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused representation on their respective districts. As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).”  Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability; since it is apparent the Chairman is reluctant to have material meetings that do not include all the Commissioners. That is why there is a quorum call; as long as two Commissions are present all business may go forward.

          Signatures have been collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the last few weeks, and we have over 550 of the required 621 to place the question on the November ballot. This will prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election.  Further discussion on a Resolution by the County Commission to remove the risk of the special election fees will be discussed at Monday, August 19, 2024, meeting; only two Commissioner signatures are required, the resolution has been written for them, and a copy has been provided to the County Counselor over a week ago for review. Not to mention the time required by the clerk’s office to verify all signers of the petition. THE PETITION DECIDES NOTHING other than to place the question on a ballot. The people will have a voice to vote FOR or AGAINST the ballot question in the November election.

To view the resolution that Hoyt is asking the commissioners to sign:

RESOLUTION 24 for Petition question on a ballot 8-19-2024

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Today, August 19

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 19, 2024 4:00 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Don Doherty and Cristy Mitchell-Insurance
  1. Budget Discussion
  2. Signing of Official Election Results
  3. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8/12/2024
  • Public Comments
  • David Beerbower-Solar/Advisory Committee/State Statutes
  1. SEHP Contract Renewal
  2. Emergency Management Performance Grant Application
  3. Discussion of Resolution Changing Commission Seats
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Women’s Health Fair: CHC/SEK focuses on Cervical Health Awareness

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff share information on women’s health services and health education materials at the Women’s Health Fair in Fort Scott in April.

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is hosting a Women’s Health Fair on Sept. 7 at its Fort Scott clinic. The event is an opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) disease, and the importance of getting screened.

The fair will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CHC/SEK clinic located at 2322 S. Main St. Fort Scott. Participants aged 21 through 65 can get a cervical cancer screening during the health fair. To be screened during the event, an appointment can be made by calling 620-231-9873. Walk-in screening appointments will also be welcomed on the day of the event.

CHC/SEK staff at booths will provide health information on mammography, colorectal health, vaccines Early Detection Works and more. Mammography screening will be available at the event.

According to the CDC, each year in the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and about 4,000 women die of this cancer.

For women aged 21-29, it is recommended to have a pap smear every three years if the results are normal. For women aged 30-65, providers recommend a pap smear with HPV testing every five years if results are normal. For women over age 65, the decision to stop screening depends on history and should be discussed with their provider.

Early detection is key, CHC/SEK Physician Holly Gault, MD, said, adding that she can’t stress enough how much better it is to find out early.

“We’ve seen several cervical cancer cases in young people that could’ve been prevented or caught earlier in the disease progression with proper screening,” Gault said.

CHC/SEK also participates in the Early Detection Works Program, which is a breast and cervical cancer screening program for Kansas women, and the clinic offers other financial assistance programs. Patients can learn more about Early Detection Works during the fair.

Another way CHC/SEK is helping prevent cervical cancer is by talking to parents about getting their children immunized for HPV. High-risk HPV infection is associated with nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

“There is a rise in cervical, head, and neck cancer, caused by HPV,” Gault said, adding these cancers could be prevented with immunizations for HPV.

The CDC and the American Cancer Society recommend HPV vaccination (Gardasil) for females and males as early as 11 years of age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Gardasil three-dose series for individuals up to 45 years of age.

For more information about the upcoming event people can call the clinic at 620-231-9873.

###

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is a mission-focused, patient-owned, federally qualified health center (FQHC), Kansas not-for-profit corporation, and a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. CHC/SEK provides quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. CHC/SEK has 39 registered sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, providing approximately 60 services, including walk-in care, primary care, women’s health, mammography and prenatal care, pediatrics, school-based health services, vaccinations, dental care, behavioral health and addiction treatment, and chronic disease management. To learn more, visit www.chcsek.org.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Shanna Stone and Dan Duling: August 23 Friday Night Free Concert in Downtown Fort Scott

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Shanna Stone and Dan Duling will be the featured musicians at this week’s Friday Night Free Concert at 1st and Main Street’s Heritage Park at 7 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs as benches are limited.

In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Co. at 12 E. Wall.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor and Ralph Carlson is the organizer of the event.

Shana Stone grew up in Southeast Kansas and has been a lifelong staple of the local music community, having performed with country music legends such as George Jones, T. G. Sheppard, Merle Haggard, and more.

 

Dan Duling, a member of the musically prolific Duling family, spent many years in education and has long been at the forefront of the Southeast Kansas country music scene.

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 19: Election Canvass At 1 p.m.

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The canvass for the August Bourbon County Primary Election will be held on 8/19/2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the County Commission room.

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 19, 2024 4:00 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Don Doherty and Cristy Mitchell-Insurance
  1. Budget Discussion
  2. Signing of Official Election Results
  3. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8/12/2024
  • Public Comments
  • David Beerbower-Solar/Advisory Committee/State Statutes
  1. SEHP Contract Renewal
  2. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County

Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic is September 14

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Save the date:

September 14, 2024

2024 Friends of

Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic

Save the Date:

2024 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024 with 8am registration and shotgun start at 9am

What: 4-Person Scramble

Where: Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Cost: $240 per team, includes green fees, golf cart & lunch

Deadline to enter: September 8, 2024

Why: To help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.

For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7655,

or [email protected]
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Free Friday Night Concert: Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival August 16

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Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be performing this Friday evening in downtown Fort Scott at 1st and Main Street.

“One of our best,” said Ralph Carlson, organizer of the free concerts. “They are pretty eclectic and have a lot of variety. We are glad to have them.”

The concert starts at 7 p.m., and the audience is asked to bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.

The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and organized by Carlson.

 

Area News, Bourbon County

Hollister Wildlife Area and Shooting Range: Gun Practice Area

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Hollister Wildlife Area photo credit, Jackson Tough.

Bryan Buchta is the president of Old Fort Sharp Shooters Club, a gun club.  That club volunteers at a local wildlife area, Hollister Wildlife Area and Shooting Range, eight miles southwest of Fort Scott.

The Hollister Wildlife Area has been a state wildlife area since 1978, when it was purchased by the Kansas Fish and Game, according to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks website. The wildlife area includes 2,432 acres of rolling range and pasture land, interspersed with native woodlands.

The shooting range, within the wildlife area,  is operated solely by volunteer Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) who adhere to National Rifle Association range safety guidelines, Buchta said.

There are always two Range Safety Officers on duty during the times of the shooting range events.

Firearm safety and knowledge are the club’s main goals.

Bryan Buchta. Submitted photo.

“There are about 250 memberships,” he said. “There are about 50-75 regulars. Although it’s never crowded there.”

“During hunting season, hunters come out to sight their rifles,” Bryan said. “There are also shooting competitions.”

There was a 22 caliber rife competition recently and there is an upcoming pistol competition, he said.

“Pistol competitions; “Steel Challenge” and “Action Pistol”, are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays respectively each month at 8:00 am,” he said. ” Everyone is welcome to compete in the matches including new shooters as the RSOs and competitors are always happy to teach new shooters how the competition operate.”

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Scott Police Department also do training at Hollister Shooting Range.

In 1994, the Old Fort Sharp Shooters (OFSS) signed a “Friends Group” agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks outlining the operation and management of a shooting range, according to the group’s Facebook page. Persons utilizing the range are required to pay a maintenance fee to help cover Old Fort Sharp Shooters’ costs for range operation.
“Hollister Shooting Range is a very economical training facility that’s just a few miles outside of town,” said Julie, his wife.
OFSS also has a blog located at http://oldfortsharpshooters.proboards.com/
PRICES: OFSS members are not required to pay daily use fees (does not apply to trap-see below)
•$20- Individual yearly OFSS maintenance fee
•$30- Family yearly OFSS maintenance fee
•$10 – Daily shooting range fee (non-member)
The shooting range area is open from March through November:
on the 1st FULL weekend of each month and the
3rd FULL weekend of each month on Saturdays from  11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Sharp Shooters meet the first Wednesday of each month at the fire station on 54 Hwy. east of Fort Scott and the public is welcome.

Bryan Buchta can be reached at 913-368-8811.

To learn more:

 

Veteran’s Benefit: A Place to Stay in K.C. For Medical Visits

Submitted photo.

The Buchta’s also wanted veterans to know of Fisher House in Kansas City, which is accommodations provided for vets receiving medical care.

“My husband is a veteran and he’s had multiple procedures at the Kansas City Veterans’ Administration Hospital hospital and if an overnight is needed for the procedure, or if it’s early in the morning, even if it’s outpatient, you can request to stay at the Fischer house. It is a 100% free ‘hotel room’.The people in the Fort Scott and the surrounding area qualify for this benefit because we are more than 50 miles away from the hospital,” Julie said.

Julie and Bryan Buchta. Submitted photo.

“It has a fully stocked amazing kitchen, with snacks and food options in the fridge and freezer, free of charge.… although the procedures can be at any area hospital, it does not have to be at the VA hospital,” she said.

“They are very kind and accommodating,” she said.  “The Fisher House was built approximately 3 or 4 years old and is a gorgeous facility.”

The address of the Fisher House is 4801 E. Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO64128, which is near the VA Hosptial.

The manager is Mike Peters who can be reached at
[email protected]
or (816) 714-8697

To learn more:

https://fisherhouse.org/about/our-history/

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 29

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July 29, 2024                                                                                                        Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Glen L. Wolfe, Rachel Walker, Clint Walker, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, Jason Silvers, Kyle Parks, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-22-204, approval of payroll totaling $291,738.49, and approval of accounts payable totaling $850,070.41. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Mary Pemberton said she spoke with the zoning officials in Linn County and they comply with the agriculture exemption. Mary stated she discussed limited zoning and outlined special use permits last week and that it isn’t about taking away property rights but will give the Commissioners a backbone to get better contracts. Mary said she is not opposed to solar and wind projects but feels the residents need protected and they should pay taxes.

 

Michael Hoyt said they are about halfway in their attempts to obtain the needed signatures for a petition to change the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Jim stated it would cost more in benefits to increase the number of seats by about $16,000 in benefits.

Michael discussed the census reports for Bourbon County and questioned why there were so many registered voters. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, explained that there are many students who attended the community college that registered as voters. Jennifer explained how a person must not vote in two federal elections, which is eight years, before the process can be started to remove them from the voter registration list. If a former resident has registered to vote in another jurisdiction, we will receive a notice to cancel the Bourbon County registration. Jennifer went on to explain that while she could not speak for how it was done in the past, her office monitors the newspaper and local websites to obtain obituaries to remove those who have passed away from the registration list. A report from KDHE is also sent weekly, however; that only lists individuals who have passed away in Kansas and being so close to Missouri a lot of residents pass away in other states. Jennifer stated they have a report of the oldest registered voters in the county and are working through the list to try to determine if any have passed away. A copy of the death certificate or an obituary listing the date of birth of the individual are the documents that can be used to cancel a deceased individual’s registration.

 

Glen Wolfe said his truck broke down on Highway 54 near 35th Street when he was bringing livestock to the Friday sale. Mr. Wolfe said he was able to get his truck pulled off the highway several hundred feet from the intersection and into the ditch. Mr. Wolfe was able to find someone with a trailer to help him haul his truck home and when he went back on Saturday afternoon his truck was gone. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke to the Sheriff’s Department and his truck was towed on Saturday morning even though the sticker that was on it when he picked it up from the tow company said he had 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said he is asking for a refund of the $460 tow fee he had to pay to get his truck back. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke with the Sheriff who said he should have given the department a courtesy call that his truck was broken down, and when pressed the Sheriff said it was not a state law to request a courtesy call and that he would not give him a refund on his tow fee. Clifton asked if his truck was in a dangerous place and said he has seen vehicles sitting broken down for longer than 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said it was sitting 300-400 yards down from the corner. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to speak. Bill said that Mr. Wolfe came in last week to speak about the situation and that his deputy received a tip of the truck sitting for several days so it was towed. Mr. Wolfe said the earliest it could have broken down was 10:00 Friday morning and he has two witnesses to that. Jim asked Justin’s opinion and he replied it was no concern of the Commissioner and that Mr. Wolfe can seek legal counsel to try to get a refund.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a KONE agreement for elevator work. Clifton said it includes installing a pit ladder and asked if we have one currently. Brandon asked how much a ladder was and if someone spoke to David regarding this. Brandon made a motion to accept the agreement, pay KONE, and have the Chairman sign the agreement. Clifton seconded and all approved.

Jennifer said today was the first day of early voting and they had a good turnout. Early voting will be from 8:30-4:30 through Friday, 8:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 p.m. on Monday. Polling places will be open on Tuesday from 7:00-7:00. Jennifer reminded anybody who needed an advance ballot by mail that tomorrow, July 30th, is the last day to turn in your application.

 

Brandon said he received a phone call from the president of a cemetery board about a situation where someone claims to have plots and neither party has proof. Brandon suggested anybody who purchases cemetery plots to register those with the Register of Deeds office. Brandon also said that you can register your DD214 with the Register of Deeds Office. Clint Walker said that you could lose data such as social security number but Brandon assured him that the Register of Deeds office redacts any identifiable information such as that.

Clifton said that the Commissioners can’t take the green energy abatement passed by former Governor Brownback away. Clifton said he doesn’t know any of his friends who want zoning. Jim said there are a lot of questions moving forward about zoning and that people should speak at the ballot. Jim said you must have a comprehensive plan and would have to hire a person and have a vehicle for zoning. Clifton said it would cost 2-3 mills for zoning. Jim said once zoning is in other Commissioners could add more to it.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

8-12-24                            Approved Date