Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Food

Food Drive to Help Local Limited Resource Families Has Started

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It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.

Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.

Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”

The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall,  is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.

 

Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event

Saturday, November 9,  Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.

There are several options for those who want to help the cause.

  • Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
  • Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
    • 5 Corners Mini Mart
    • Bourbon County Courthouse
    • Bourbon County EMS
    • Buck Run Community Center
    • Citizens Bank
    • City Hall
    • City State Bank
    • Community Health Center of Fort Scott
    • Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
    • Fort Scott Christian Heights
    • Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
    • Fort Scott Police Department
    • Guest Home Estates
    • Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
    • Kansas Renewal Institute
    • HBCAT – 104 N. National
    • The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
    • Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
    • Papa Don’s
    • Peerless Products
    • Perry’s Pork Rinds
    • SEK-Mental Health
    • The Artificers
    • Union State Bank
    • Uniontown Spark Wheel
    • Ward-Kraft
  • Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
  • Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
  • Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
  • Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main,  created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.

The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED,  has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.

“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said.  “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
  • The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
  • Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
  • Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
  • Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
  • Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
  • Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
Submitted poster.

 

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Interagency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes   November 6, 2024  

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Bourbon County Interagency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

November 6, 2024

 

 

  1.  Welcome:  Seventeen members representing sixteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Craig Campbell- Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) – Volunteers provide light handy work and yard clean-up. Have become more involved in ramp building.  Currently building a ramp once every 7-10 days.  Can also help with 504 grants and LIEAP application assistance.  Can help other organizations by providing volunteers.  Call Craig at 620-224-0167.
  • Cherri Walrod KSU – Community Health Worker fills in gaps for anyone who needs it. Whole person, family, and community approach.
  • Janelle Tate Early Childhood Block Grant – Winding down fall testing window. She covers early childhood in 6 counties to support home and school education.
  • Michelle Stevenson -Fort Scott Early Childhood Program Coordinator – The program has 1 or 2 openings for prenatal through age 6. Michelle works with families to get children ready for preschool or kindergarten.
  • Christine Abbott – SE KANSASWORKS – Located in the HBCAT office one day per week, Tuesday 10-3. The new phone number is 620-224-2563 Ext 2.  The youth program works with clients aged 16-24.  KANSASWORKS can help pay for training, GED, and arrange work experience.  If you have clients needing assistance finding a job, please send them to SE KANSASWORKS.
  • Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison – Work in 4 counties in SEK. Dee Dee works to recruit and retain families in early childhood programs such as Parents as Teachers, and Infant-Toddler Services.
  • Tori White – Multi-County Health Dept. – COVID shots are available for infants, children, and adults. Public flu shot clinics have wrapped up, but RSV shots are available.  Holly Fritter is now a certified breastfeeding specialist.  A new peer counselor will begin working with clients soon in Woodson and Bourbon County.
  • Lora Wilson – CHCSEK Community Health Worker supervisor- CHCSEK provides tobacco cessation.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint- KSU SNAP-Ed Educator – Lea Kay will be leading a once-a-month class for seniors focused on nutrition, health, and physical activity. The class will meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00, beginning on Nov 19.  Lea Kay also leads the Woodson County Walk With Ease class.
  • LHEAT – Bourbon County Wide Gratitude Challenge food drive is currently taking place. This program will benefit all pantries and blessing boxes in the local area as well as Compassionate Ministries and the Beacon.  There are 26 drop-off sites around town.  Can also accept monetary donations.  The program runs through November 25.
  • Heather Shepherd – CHCSEK Community Health Worker – Heather covers all USD 234 schools working with families and students to provide resources. Bed bugs are currently the biggest issue.  Heather has been working with Ben Lyons to provide lower-cost treatments for families dealing with bed bugs.
  • Stephanie Breckenridge- Family Resource Center – Stephanie can work with any family as long as they have a child in the home. She works to address family issues in order to prevent possible abuse.
  • Dave Gillen Beacon – The Beacon is celebrating 40 years in Bourbon County. The Beacon provides food to families twice a month.  They also provide hygiene products and baby formula.  Walmart food drop-offs are  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The Beacon can help with the financial needs of families, particularly utilities.  Enrollment for 2025 is underway.  Adopt a child sign-up begins November 18.  Dave is looking for funding for bicycles.  The Beacon served 399 families in October, 32 of those were new families.  They served 593 adults and 346 children for a total of 939 people.
  • Tammy Alcantar-Crawford County Health Dept- Prenatal classes began in August with good results. The next round will start in January.  Tammy also provides teen pregnancy and baby and me tobacco-free services.
  • Sandy Haggard AmeriCorp Seniors- Tammy organizes senior volunteers They have volunteered at the Beacon, blood drives, and other community projects.  They have approximately  200 volunteers in 4 counties.
  • Kathy Brennon- SEK Area Agency on Aging – Congregate meals at Buck Run are taking place for seniors 60 or over. They request a $2 donation, and participants must call ahead at 620-305-1539.  Medicare open enrollment is underway.  SEKAAA can help with Part B enrollment.  They are also partnering with Greenbush to provide Techwise, a computer education for adults 60+.

 

 

 

  1.  Program:  Jenna Stout, SEK Area Director, Safe Families for Children

 

Safe Families for Children works with churches and community members to recruit vetted, background-checked volunteers who can host vulnerable children to support families while they are facing a crisis. Safe Families for Children’s goal is to keep families together. Safe Families can help parents in jail, those receiving mental health services, addiction treatment, etc.  Safe Families works to prevent child abuse, child welfare deflection (approx. 50% of referrals come from DCF), family support, and stabilization.  Safe Families is a faith-motivated, family-focused organization.  They partner with local organizations, keep a database, and can provide liability insurance for volunteers. Safe Families for Children is a national organization which began in 2003. Local efforts have picked back up after Covid.  This program is not foster care. It’s not court-ordered, it is completely voluntary, and parents must request Safe Families services.  Parents don’t lose custody while their child is with a host family. The Safe Families program has an approximate  95% reunification rate.  While children are with a host family, Safe Families tries to coordinate parental in-person visits at least weekly. The average placement is 2 weeks, but placements can be as short as day hosting.  If you have a family in crisis, they can call the intake line.  A 24-hour notice for placement is preferred, but exceptions can be made.

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be on December 4, 2024. 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Uniontown City Council Meeting on Nov. 12

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City of Uniontown will meet for a council  meeting on November 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Siren maintenance agreement

2025-2026 Projected Gas Schedule

KMGA prepay project

Progress on warehouse

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets/FEMA –

 

Sale of Property –

 

SEED Grant –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10

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The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Christina Miller, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,284.75, Receipts $26,524.95, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $43,856.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $272,926.87. Bank Statement Balance $277,322.90, including Checking Account Interest of $58.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,396.03, Reconciled Balance $272,926.87.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $371,469.64. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $526.69, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,970.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of September $20,357.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $37,447.67.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $85,303.47 (69.1%), Expenditures $91,153.26 (56.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,081.71 (70.6%), Expenditures $22,478.11 (53.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $96,558.19 (65.9%), Expenditures $82,294.82 (46.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $159,408.25 (81.5%), Expenditures $145.554.58 (47.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.2%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.0%).  The October 2024 payables to date in the amount of $23,176.99 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St sold, utilities will not be turned on until new sewer and/or gas service lines have been installed.  He spoke to owner of 107 S Washington.  They will be demolition the structure.  He requested a “Mow Your Grass” door posting for 406 Fulton.  He also sent a letter to 303 Washington regarding dogs at large.  He will not be checking for ordinance violations through the winter.  He will be back in attendance at the April 2025 meeting.

 

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a proposal from TextMyGov.  After discussion, Council decided not to take action at this time.

She informed Council of an educational opportunity for the new clerk and provided information about .gov websites and email addresses

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Trunk or Treat will be on October 31.  Council directed Clerk Johnson to provide candy to FFA.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Mary Pemberton reported will try to get fence up in next few weeks.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen reported that a site inspection was conducted by FEMA on drainage ditch.  Clerk Johnson reported that Janelle Phillips with KDA/DWR was notified of culverts that we wish to increase in size.  No permitting is needed at this time.

An email was received from Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt, that they will be here as soon as they complete work on US 54 late this week or early next week.  The S Washington extension will need prepped before they come.  Quotes were received from Marbery Concrete, Inc ($1,375) and Bloesser Outdoor Services ($750).

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to accept quote from Bloesser Outdoor Services

 

Sale of property – No comments were received.  Union State Bank has offered $1,000 and pay all closing costs to purchase the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, Uniontown.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2024-1008-1 to sell the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, City of Uniontown as is by accepting offer of $1,000 plus all closing costs

 

NEW BUSINESS

SEED Grant – We can apply for a $10,000 to $25,000 grant to make improvements to the library/clerk’s office/park amenities.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to apply for grant.

 

Councilman Ervin will write the grant with the assistance of Clerk Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to hire Christina Miller to replace Clerk Johnson

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:07

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:07.  No action from executive session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:08PM

 

Bourbon County, Elections

What Is Next After Election For School District and County Commission Questions

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

On the November 5 ballot, The Fort Scott School District 234 and the Bourbon County Commission had the following questions about who/how many can serve as representatives of their constituents in their respective entities.

 

USD 234 Question

“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?

The vote was 3,515 yes and 1,578 no, on November 5.

What’s next?

“We have advertised for an open board position,” said USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown. “We will repost the position for at-large candidates now that it has passed. Next year, when we have four positions open for election, anyone can file for the open positions. Then, voters will see the whole group of candidates and vote for their top four. The four candidates with the most votes then become board members.”

The Bourbon County Commission Question

“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?

3,769 voted yes and 2,238 voted no.

According to Kansas Law, this is the process of moving from three to five commissioners:

Sec. 5. K.S.A. 19-204a  reads as follows: 19-204a.  When the voters of a county approve a change in the number of county commissioner districts at an election held under K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, the board of county commissioners, on or before January 1 immediately following such election, shall adopt a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by the voters. If the board of county commissioners fails to adopt such resolution within the time prescribed, the chief judge of the district court of the county, on or before the following January 31, shall order the county divided into the appropriate number of districts, according to https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/register/Volume-43/Issues/Issue-16/04-18-24-52068.html#:~:text=(c)%20The%20board%20of%20county%20commissioners%20of,of%20the%20county%20are%20entitled%20to%20vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

DCF Fort Scott Service Center Moves to 10 S. National, Opens on November 12

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DCF Moves Fort Scott Service Center to New Building
Building Opens Nov. 12, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned for Nov. 19

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is moving its Fort Scott Service Center to a new office building. The new location, 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, will open to the public Nov. 12.

The new building is a modern workspace designed with comfort and convenience in mind for DCF employees and clients.

The central location provides convenient access to residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

About 29 staff members will be based out of this office. DCF is leasing the building through SilverRock Ventures, LLC, based out of
Junction City.

Phone and fax numbers for the Fort Scott Service Center will remain the same and are being transferred to the new location.

DCF will continue doing business at its current location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. Eighth St., through
Thursday, Nov. 7.

Both locations will be closed to the public Friday, Nov. 8, as staff complete the move process. Clients can still call the local
phone number, fax, and use the drop box at the Eighth Street location through Friday.

DCF offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The new office will open for business
Tuesday, Nov. 12.

DCF will celebrate the opening of the new location with a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and will include remarks from DCF Secretary Laura Howard and a ribbon-cutting followed by refreshments and guided tours. The service center will remain open for business during the event.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of our new Fort Scott Service Center. While our previous office served us
well, this new location puts us back in the heart of downtown Fort Scott and provides additional safety and comfort for
our staff and clients,” Howard said.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott
What: Remarks from Secretary Laura Howard, ribbon cutting, refreshments and guided tours

###

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Nov. 7

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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

 

November 7, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/31/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $442,955.86
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,687.17
  1. Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation
  2. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  4. KWORCC Voting Delegate
  5. Election Update
  • 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.

Accounts Payable 11-1-2024d

Payroll 11-1-2024

Bourbon County, Elections

Unofficial Results of the November 5 Election

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

The following are the unofficial results with all precincts reporting, as sent to fortscott.biz by the Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins at 8:45 p.m. on November 5.

“The turnout with these votes counted is 51%. We will still have provisional and ballots by mail to count at the canvass, so that will not be the final turnout,” she said.

Bourbon County, Exercise

Bronson Area Residents Encouraged To Be Part of Process For Future City Park

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A new plan for Bronson’s public park is in the works.

Bronson is a small town (population 300) in western Bourbon County.

With support from some organizations,  a community meeting to get public input on a new park has been planned.

The surrounding community is invited to the town hall kick-off for the Rural Champion and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Bronson Placemaking Project on Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 p.m. at Bronson’s community building.

The Rural Champions program is designed to create a network of grassroots individuals who possess the necessary tools to resolve critical community needs quickly and effectively, according to a press release from HBCAT. These Rural Champions will receive strategic training and compensation and be connected with resources to assist them. HBCAT (The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team) was awarded one of 14 Rural Champion’s Grants and selected Kelly Perry to lead this initiative in Bronson.

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

Rural Champion Kelly Perry (who lives and has a business in Bronson) will hold four town hall meetings.

Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson. Submitted photo.

The initial meeting on November 12 will be used to officially kick off the placemaking project and collect information from community members to create an assessment and to learn what there is to build on, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team CEO Jody Love said.

“We hope you will join us for the town hall kick-off for the RuralChampion and Healthybbco Bronson Placemaking Project!,”  Love said. “We are working to increase access to physical activity and enhance quality of life!”

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

“We will discuss the current and envision the future,” Love said. “We will brainstorm, tell stories, talk about our strengths and opportunities, and determine our priorities for the space. This placemaking project empowers community members to help develop solutions and some grant funds to see their ideas become a reality.”

 

” Residents of Bronson report safety concerns when at the park and a need for overall upgrades and improvements.” Love said.

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

“Snacks and drinks will be provided, and we want to hear from everyone, including your children, teens, and young adults. Their voice is essential,” she said.

 

The project, in collaboration with HBCAT, the Health in All Policy Task Force, the Bourbon County Local Health Equity Action Team, and the City of Bronson, has identified creating safe and healthy places and neighborhoods for families to enjoy, instilling a sense of pride, and lifting community morale as a priority, according to the press release.

 

“Anyone with ties to Bronson is encouraged to attend,” Love said.  “Teachers, relatives, community members, business owners, church leaders, and even family members who have relatives living in Bronson should attend.  We want to hear your unique perspectives, your stories, and your memories of Bronson and more!”

Bronson Park. Submitted photo.

About the Rural Community Champion Program and HBCAT’s Placemaking Project:

 

As a division in the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Office of Rural Prosperity is part of the economic development team solely focused on rural Kansas’s growth and prosperity.   The Rural Champion Program was developed by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) in collaboration with the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF) and the Patterson Family Foundation; this program will address critical public needs in rural communities and build capacity in the future.