Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit Award Winners
2025 Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit Award Winners
The Bourbon County Arts Council would like to congratulate the following artists for being selected as award winners at this year’s Fine Arts Exhibit:
CERAMICS
1ST PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE BEAUTIFULLY BLUE
2ND PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE CINDERELLA’S TEA SET
DRAWING & GRAPHICS
1ST PLACE** RIPP HARRISON WE THREE
2ND PLACE WHITNEY POWELL “HOW STELLA GOT HER BARK BACK”
FIBER ARTS
1ST PLACE NANCY KREIBACH REFACTERY
2ND PLACE** PATRICIA NEELAND SILK AND WOOL
GLASS
1ST PLACE** PATRICIA NEELAND CHINESE TEAPOT IN BLUE
2ND PLACE** KAITLYNN SAMPSON BLOOMING
BEST OF SHOW 3D CARLEEN SHATTO CONNECTED
JEWELRY
1ST PLACE NICOLE MEYER-FORESMAN flORO
2nd PLACE NO ENTRY
MIXED MEDIA
1ST PLACE* LEE NORMAN PAPER REFLECTIONS
BEST OF SHOW 2D** RIPP HARRISON MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN GOTHIC
2ND PLACE* JIM MILLER BURLY MAPLE/RESIN VASE
PAINTING
1ST PLACE KAREN CASE ALLEY SUNSET
2ND PLACE CARL BROTHERS BACK ROAD FIND
PASTEL
1ST PLACE JEAN TERRY “CAFÉ CONDIMENTS”
2ND PLACE STEVE FLOYD MAJESTIC NEW MEXICO
PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE ORIAH FREEMAN HARD WORKING
2ND PLACE MERL HUMPHREY WINTER WONDERLAND
PRINTMAKING
1st PLACE LORI STANZIOLA MOMENTS
2nd PLACE DAIN REILING IMMUTABLE NUISANCE
SCULPTURE
1ST PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE SNAP, CRACKLE POP
2ND PLACE AL LETNER “PORTAL” 23
THEME-BRIDGE THE GAP
1ST PLACE TOM ALTENBURG COWBOY CHEE
2ND PLACE KATIE WENDEL MAJESTIC
WATERCOLOR
1ST PLACE SANDRA SHUMAKER BELLS KOI
2ND PLACE** KAITLYNN SAMPSON DAD
**MORE THAN ONE AWARD
The “People’s Choice “Award will be determined on March 15th at the end of the exhibit. The BCAC appreciates and thanks all of the artists participating in this event, and encourages the community to visit the exhibit Monday–Friday from noon to 7pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Cente
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes From March 5
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2025
- Welcome: Thirteen members representing twelve agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Ana Salas- Safe House Advocate in Pittsburg. Safe House is hosting a Bags to Riches fundraiser on March 29 at the Crimson & Gold Ballroom at PSU.
- Jannelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant
- Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center – This week is Dr. Seuss and Read Across America week.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program- Michelle works with families prenatal-6 years old. She is a resource for the parents. Michelle has a caseload of 30 families right now and will need more families once kids graduate to preschool later this summer.
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority- The Housing Authority has an income-based application. There is a short waiting list for all units, but this constantly changes. If you have families in need of housing, send them to Patty. Individuals with felonies are not necessarily disqualified for receiving housing, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison- Greenbush is doing some realigning. Dee Dee is working with CHC Inspire Health on a stuffy clinic project. Dee Dee also helps with the Greenbush autism team. If you need any kind of educational resources, let Dee Dee know.
- Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Department – Tammy collaborates with multiple counties. The breastfeeding program in the area counties has been successful. Programs include teen pregnancy, tobacco cessation, and much more. A Zoom prenatal class starts Monday at Bourbon County Health Department.
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers Bourbon County
- Lora Wilson – CHC/SEK – Community Health Workers
- Robin Paulie- Healthy Heart Ambassador with CHC/SEK – Robin leads the Food is Medicine programs.
- Dustin Emmett- SE KANSASWORKS – Emporia job fair coming up in April because of the Tyson plant closing. Still need employers to attend. Employers around the Emporia area are preferred, but will take any employers as some job seekers will have to relocate.
- Nick Johnson – USD 234 – Fort Scott Preschool Center is hosting their annual Spring Fling family night on April 3. Area organizations are invited to set up a table, host an activity, and connect with families. Preschool Round-Up will be April 11. Any child who will be 3 or 4 years old on August 31, 2025 is invited to attend.
- Program: Sarah Poteat, Regional Manager, CarePortal
CarePortal has been active in Bourbon County since 2017. They work in most counties in Southeast Kansas. CarePortal is a care-sharing technology that drives action for vulnerable children and families. Designated agencies can enter requests for families in need. Churches who want to help families enroll in CarePortal, then requests are sent out to church members who may be able to meet the need. Child welfare agencies are struggling more now than ever before, this has led to fewer requests being entered. Schools can also be enrolled to request for vulnerable families. CarePortal can help coordinate for any tangible need. Requests must be child-centered, children in the home must benefit. Churches interested in outreach ministry are encouraged to get in touch with CarePortal. They would like to add two or three more churches in Bourbon County. Historically, the Bourbon County requests have been met at a rate near 90%, higher than many nearby counties. For more information and testimonials, visit the Care Portal SE Kansas website or Facebook page. Call or email Sarah if you know of churches interested in signing up or if you would like more information about CarePortal.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be April 2, 2025.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council on March 6
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Uniontown Will Get New Preschool Building, Fire Alarm System, and ADA Front Entrance
Voters yesterday approved an improvement plan for USD 235.
In 2021, Uniontown’s school district board of education had an engineering study in which they identified needs to be addressed, Superintendent Vance Eden said.
In November 2023 there was a bond issue put before the patrons of the district. That bond proposal failed, but the board felt that they still needed to address the issues pointed out in the 2021 study.
“The board came up with the money in the capital outlay fund to improve the agriculture department at the high school,” Eden said. “That took the majority of what they had in capital outlay.”
“The board didn’t have the cash to take on the other needs,” he said.
Yesterday, March 4, another bond issue was presented to the patrons for approval, that has a $1,250,000 price tag with no annual tax rate increases for property owners.
It passed, with 67 percent of “yes” votes
“I’m glad the community had some consensus,” Eden said.
The next step in the process is that the finance team works with the Kansas Department of Education, with engineering and architectural work being approved, he said. Then contractors are sought for the construction and bids are let.
There are three components to the project: a new preschool building, a new fire alarm system at the high school, and a new front door area at West Bourbon Elementary School that is ADA and security compliant.
The fire system and front door areas should be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, Eden said.
The build of the preschool will take from 6-12 months and will likely start in the fall 2025.
The preschool program will continue in temporary accommodations until the new building is completed, he said.
The Preschool Building
The current modular preschool building, which is nearing the end of its usable life, will be replaced with an on-site built facility that will house the preschool and two offices.
Kansas law requires the district to provide special education services for children ages 3 and 4. Slots not filled by special education students are funded by Kansas law for at-risk children.
“After that, we fill with other students, most commonly referred to as model students,” he said.
Up to twenty students for the morning session and twenty more in the afternoon can be served in the district.
Also housed in the new building will be the speech therapist and the school psychologist, “who spend the majority of their time in that classroom,” he said.
The High School New Fire Alarm System
The new high school fire alarm system will replace the outdated one that operates by manual pull stations, which does not notify the fire department should a fire occur while no one is in the building. The new fire alarm system will have heat and smoke detectors and notify the fire department immediately.
The New Entrance Doors At the Elementary School
The current doors do not always close and latch, in spite of frequent repairs, and are a security risk. In addition, they are not in compliance with Standards for Accessible Designs.
Bourbon County Arts Council 33rd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit Starts This Thursday
The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 33rd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit from March 6th through March 15th, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Arts Council will host the Chamber Coffee at 8:00am on Thursday March 6th, at the Ellis Center. The Exhibit will be open to the public beginning Thursday March 6th through Saturday March 15th, weekdays from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, and on Saturdays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. A reception to honor this year’s Juror and artists will be held on Thursday the 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm; the public is invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.
Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, in categories including Ceramics, Drawing & Graphics, Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor. A “themed” category was added to the Exhibit, with this year’s theme being “Bridge the Gap”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above categories, in relation to the theme. This year, artists from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma will participate in the Fine Art Exhibit. Local artists entered include Kathy Allen, Cally Bailey, Elaine Buerge, Steve Floyd, Oriah Freeman, Katie Hueston, Merl Humphrey, Bobbi Kemna, Julie Kibble, Dorothy Kivett, Terry Koester, Kadra Nevitt, Eric Popp, Elizabeth Ross, Kaitlynn Sampson, and Addison Smith.
Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses: The Artificers, Buerge Art Studio, City State Bank, Citizens Bank, Edward Jones-Jamie Armstrong , Front Door Realty-Diane Striler and Crystal Mason, H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, Mid-Continental Restoration, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.
Joe Summers will serve as Juror for this year’s exhibit. He remembers the day he “became an artist” at the age of five and has pursued his passion for art since. His interests include drawing and painting, printmaking, and pottery. Joe attended Fort Sott Community College as a theater major. He received his Bachelors Degree from Pittsburg State University in 2003, and earned his Masters Degree in Ceramics from PSU in 2011. He is also a mural artist. Joe has been an art educator since 2003, teaching at Prairie View High School in LaCygne, KS for 18 years, and Royster Middle School in Chanute, KS for 3 years. In 2024 he was awarded the KAEA Middle Level Teacher of the Year. In the Fall of 2024, he became an art instructor at Neosho Community College.
Joe and his children started “Robot Art Across Kansas” in 2018; they created ceramic robots, and took them to cities and towns across Kansas “for others to find, keep, and enjoy.” He has continued this project with his students, and so far there have been over one hundred robots placed throughout Kansas, and as far away as Nashville, Tennessee. Joe and his family reside in Chanute, Kansas.
The Bourbon County Arts Council encourages everyone to come and enjoy an exciting collection of original artwork. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., in Fort Scott, Kansas. There is no admission charge for this event.
The Bourbon County Arts Council is hosting their 33rd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit!
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Bourbon County Coalition Meeting Agenda For March 5
The next Bourbon County Coalition General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
March 5, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Sarah Poteat, Regional Manager, CarePortal
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be April 2, 2025.
Measles Outbreak in Texas and Beyond: What You Need to Know
A measles outbreak in Texas is raising concerns as cases continue to rise, spreading beyond state lines. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 124 confirmed cases as of February 25, 2025, with 18 hospitalizations. Of those infected, five were vaccinated, while the rest were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. The outbreak has now reached New Mexico, and additional cases are expected in surrounding areas.
This outbreak marks a serious public health concern, especially with the first measles-related death in at least a decade reported in Texas. The child who passed away was unvaccinated, emphasizing the importance of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination in preventing severe illness and complications.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, infecting 90% of unvaccinated people who come into contact with it.
Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that spreads across the body. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Why is Measles Making a Comeback?
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination. However, in recent years, vaccination rates have declined, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
In 2024, the U.S. reported 16 measles outbreaks, compared to only four in 2023. Global measles cases have also been increasing, making it more likely that unvaccinated travelers bring the virus back into the U.S..
The Best Protection: MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
✔ First dose at 1 year old
✔ Second dose between 4-6 years old
The vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles with two doses. However, infants under 1 year old cannot yet receive the vaccine, making them especially vulnerable.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Community
✔ Check your vaccination status – Make sure you and your children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.
✔ Know the symptoms – Early detection and isolation of measles cases can help prevent further spread.
✔ Stay informed – Follow trusted sources like the CDC and state health departments for updates.
Measles outbreaks are preventable with high vaccination coverage. If you are unsure about your vaccination status or need to schedule an MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.
For more information, visit the CDC’s measles at www.cdc.gov/measles
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda and Packet For March 3
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
March 3, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – David Beerbower
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 02.24.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 02.28.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $78,657.98
V. Old Business
a. Approval of 2024 Inventory List per K.S.A. 19-2687
b. Tax Roll Corrections
c. Hospital Equipment Disposal
d. Area on Aging Board Member
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Marion Township Treasurer Recommendation
b. John George – Housing Development
c. Carey Welsch – Gov Deals – Auctions 913-424-2482
d. Peggy Jackson Fence Viewing Request
e. Brad Matkin, Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(4)
f. Department Update
i. Susan Walker – 2024 End of Year Financial Review
ii. Lora Holdridge – Roads & Legacy Deed
g. Bob Johnson, Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(2)
h. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
A work session for the County Commissioners will be held on March 10th, at 5:30 PM in the Bourbon County
Commission Room. This meeting is open to the public and the topic of discussion will be Zoning. They will
also be holding a work session on March 12th at 4:00 PM regarding the budget process.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Wednesday, March 19th, 5:30 PM work session regarding solar
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
March 3, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – David Beerbower
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 02.24.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 02.28.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $78,657.98
V. Old Business
a. Approval of 2024 Inventory List per K.S.A. 19-2687
b. Tax Roll Corrections
c. Hospital Equipment Disposal
d. Area on Aging Board Member
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Marion Township Treasurer Recommendation
b. John George – Housing Development
c. Carey Welsch – Gov Deals – Auctions 913-424-2482
d. Peggy Jackson Fence Viewing Request
e. Brad Matkin, Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(4)
f. Department Update
i. Susan Walker – 2024 End of Year Financial Review
ii. Lora Holdridge – Roads & Legacy Deed
g. Bob Johnson, Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(2)
h. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
A work session for the County Commissioners will be held on March 10th, at 5:30 PM in the Bourbon County
Commission Room. This meeting is open to the public and the topic of discussion will be Zoning. They will
also be holding a work session on March 12th at 4:00 PM regarding the budget process.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Wednesday, March 19th, 5:30 PM work session regarding solar
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to 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
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at
West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March
A screening clinic for 2025-2026 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 24 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025.
Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 24. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.
Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Girard Medical Center is available for immunizations and physicals; if you would like to contact them for a coinciding appointment call 620-756-4111.
Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 24th.
For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.
To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-224-2350, option 1, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2025WBEK-Roundup.
On March 5 KCC Holds Hearings On Evergy’s Request to Recover Costs
KCC schedules public hearing and comment period on Evergy’s
request to recover costs for new gas plants and solar facility
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a virtual public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. on March 5th to provide Evergy Kansas customers across the state with information about three proposed new generation investments (two combined cycle gas-fired generating turbine plants and one solar facility). One gas plant would be located near Evergy’s Viola Substation in Sumner County and the second near Hutchinson in Reno County. The Kansas Sky solar facility would be located in Douglas County. The Commission will also provide an opportunity for public comments during the hearing.
Evergy filed an application with the KCC requesting a predetermination of the prudency of the investments and whether the company would be entitled to recover the costs of the investments and under what terms. Evergy has asked to recover the cost of construction work in progress (CWIP) and in a future rate proceeding will ask for recovery of the investments after they are in service, which is expected at the end of 2026 for the solar facility and 2029 and 2030 for the gas plants.
To participate in the virtual hearing via Zoom and make a public comment, advance registration is required by noon on March 4. For persons wishing to watch, but not comment during the public hearing, a live video stream will be available on the YouTube channel. The hearing will also be recorded for later viewing.
In addition to the hearing, the Commission will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on April 7. Comments may be submitted online, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.
To register for the virtual hearing, make a public comment online or find additional information on the application, go to the Commission’s website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” tab.
The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before July 7, 2025.