Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for April 9 Uniontown City Council Meeting and Minutes of Prior Meeting

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Unapproved minutes:

The Regular Council Meeting on March 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, the PSU Nursing Students Anthony Arulzu, Shannon Kalgreen, Mia Perez, Cora Simpson, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing–not in attendance, Mitchell Trenching submitted a bid for replacing lines from main through building.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept Mitchell Trenching bid of $900.

 

SEED Grant bid opening–one bid was received by Terry Nading for all SEED projects total material and labor $14,440.

Terry Nading provided 2 sizes for the bullet proof glass window: 58 ¾” x 29 7/8” for $1,600 or 36” x 29 7/8” for $800 and labor $1,260.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Terry Nading bid proposal for all but the window at this time.

 

FEMA Flooding bid opening–2 bids were received for all 4 components by Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on theses bids at this time as Council is waiting until after the FEMA meeting on 3/18/25.

 

2 Sidewalk bid opening-2 concrete bids were received. Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on the 2 concrete bids at this time as Council is waiting on response from business owner.

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2025 financial reports.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for February was $306,769.02, Receipts $37,051.18, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $59,968.41, Checking Account Closing Balance $280,827.79. Bank Statement Balance $289,529.93, including Checking Account Interest of $58.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,702.14, Reconciled Balance $280,827.79.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,042.59, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $2,2822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,871.48, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $386,564.12. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $119.73, and Utility CDs $581.65 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $701.38.  Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of February $25,941.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $16,964.05.  Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $50,641.45

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second byKelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for February 2025 and the Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Tractor-tractor repair completed, Brad Stewart delivered and picked up tractor with his trailer and fuel, please compensate him for

wear and tear on equipment and fuel costs for $500

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain) to approve payment.

 

Mosquito Workshop-superintendent requested workshop attendance.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve Mosquito workshop attendance.

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online update-started the Jayhawk software requirements and have not started Quickbooks online.

Telephone/Blue Tooth Ear Headset/Monitor-asked Council for 2 new monitors, new updated telephones, and blue tooth headset

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve requested equipment.

 

Reminders for upcoming events for the City of Uniontown:

Rabies Clinic will be on 3/29/25 @ 1:30pm to 3pm with Dr. Lora Holeman

City Office will be closed on March 19, 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2025

CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan

KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan

Dogs at large-Dog catcher has been unable to catch the dogs at large in the City. Council advise to send 2 citations for repeat offenders, and a certified letter to the other offender.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –none

Councilman Kelly – none

Councilwoman Pemberton – are we are still needing and accepting book donations? Treasurer Johnson said yes.

Councilwoman Pritchett –letter needed to tenant and landlord regarding trash on front porch and now in back yard

Councilman Stewart– none

Mayor Jurgensen –none

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse Building Electric update-have electricity installed and have rollup doors programed

Council stated to get a bids for the foam installation for the warehouse building.

 

Motion by Pritchett, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to get bids for the foam installation of the Warehouse.

 

Park electric –electrician is waiting for boring to be completed

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00 PM.

 

Johnson called in at 8:45, out at 9:00.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:15 PM.

 

Esslinger called in at 9:03, out at 9:20.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:30 PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:30.  No action from executive session.

 

City Clerk asked the council if need to send a debtor to collections with CBK, Inc. Council agreed to send.

 

Council member stated need to change the next month meeting from April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to move date and time of next month meeting to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

ADJOURN Time 9:45 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Kelly, Approved 5-0

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Warehouse Insulation bid opening-

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. March Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & March Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Trash complaint – 301 1st St #1

Dogs running at large-call or Text Betsie

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Public Restroom-trenching

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software-started utility billing with Jayhawk software

Quickbooks Online-has been ordered by Sally

EMC-Loren Korte expressed he will come to May meeting if council needs him to attend

Rabies Clinic – had 15 city dogs and 5 total cats

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – update

 

FEMA Flooding– update

 

Public Restroom toilets-

 

Sidewalk-

 

Park electric –

 

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

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

New Farm and Ranch Supply Store Is Open In Bourbon County

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A new ranch and farm supply store opened on April 1, two miles south on Hwy.69 at 2187 Hackberry Road.

Producers Cooperative Association, of Girard, is the owner of the store.

Inside the new PCA Store on Hackberry Road, just south of Fort Scott, off of Hwy. 69. Submitted photo.

“All of your farm and ranch retail supplies, along with livestock feed, vaccines, pet food, fencing supplies, livestock equipment, and more,” will be offered at the store,” said Manager Kaylee Johnson.

Submitted photos of the Producers Cooperative Association’s new store in Bourbon County.

“There was a soft store opening on April 1st with a Grand Opening to follow on May 8th,” she said.

Left to right: Brock Howser and Will Wunderly, two of the employees at the PCA Store in Bourbon County. Submitted photo.

 

The Location Supervisor is Will Wunderly, with three other employees.

In August 2024, the Producers Cooperative Association leadership began the process of expanding into Bourbon County, Wunderly said.

He said that the building was previously a tractor dealership.

Submitted photo of the PCA store.

Why a store in rural  Bourbon County?

“With our main office being located just to the south, in Girard Kansas, we chose to expand with our growth into Bourbon County,” Johnson said. ” We have multiple customers in Bourbon County and saw it as an opportunity to expand our services for our customers.”

For more information: 1-800-442-2809 (option 8 for Fort Scott) or

https://www.facebook.com/pcacoop

The PCA Store as seen from Hwy. 69, south of Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite Family Community Education Meeting Minutes, March 2025

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The March meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Seven members and one guest were in attendance.  The members reported eight hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled seventy pounds.

 

Glenda Miller gave the treasurer’s report in Doris Ericson’s absents.  She also announced that April 1st is the Spring Fling.  Doris, Deb, Karen and Glenda are planning on attending.  The Area Recognition Day will be May 1st in Parsons.  Doris, Glenda and Karen will be attending.  Bourbon County will be responsible for the decoration at the Area Recognition.

 

Glenda Miller reported on the Congressional Medal of Honor for our citizenship minute as well as presenting the Myth of Hospice “You have given up.”

 

New business consisted of learning about Care to Share.  Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, shared with the members about their mission and way that we could assist the Cancer Support group.  Teresa presented upcoming opportunities to help including donating baked goods for the home show and Livestock Show.  Glenda reminded members to bring candy to fill Easter eggs for Tri-Valley to the April meeting.

 

Letha Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on “Sifting Though the Flour Bouquet.”  Refreshments of Quinoa flour cookies, Almond flour brownies, Coconut flour blueberry muffins, oat flour pancakes and water were provided by Betty Johnson and Terri Williams.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Government/Education Entities Updates at Community Connection on April 9

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION PANELIST LUNCHEON

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
11:45am to 1pm

Empress Event Center
7 N. Main St.

_____

An event to connect the community to happenings in the
City, County, School Districts, Community College, and more!

7-minute updates from each of the following entities,
ending with Q&A:

City of Fort Scott
Bourbon County Commission
FSCC
USD-234
USD-235

Lunch may be ordered on fortscott.com/events by Monday, April 7th, 10am.
Sandwich lunch for $10, choice of ham, turkey, or roast beef ~ gluten free available.


Sponsored by:  Davis Accounting, Inc.

Bourbon County, Government

The City of Bronson Receives Grant for Waste Tire Product Recycling

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KDHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Product Grants

33 grants distributed to recipients across Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

The grants totaled $460,973.24 and were awarded to the following organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products like playground surfacing and picnic tables.

  • City of Effingham, $1,086.00
  • City of Blue Rapids, $1,094.00
  • USD 247 Southeast Middle School, $1,100.00
  • City of Oswego Police Department, $1,890.00
  • McKinley Intermediate School, $2,386.50
  • Graham County Community Development, $2,836.00
  • City of Ottawa, $2,867.00
  • Fontana Recreation Committee, $3,661.00
  • City of Bennington, $5,000
  • City of Bronson, $4,256.00
  • City of Yates Center, $4,306.00
  • City of Belle Plaine, $5,000.00
  • City of Alta Vista, $5,162.00
  • City of Sabetha, $5,510.00
  • City of Palmer, $6,277.00
  • City of Roeland Park- Public Works, $7,225.00
  • City of Lyons, $8,097.50
  • City of Haysville, $8,508.00
  • USD 252 Southern Lyon County, $10,880.00
  • USD 368 Hillsdale Learning Center, $10,880.10
  • City of Pleasanton, $11,411.50
  • Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, $12,043.00
  • Axtell Public School, $17,078.49
  • USD 226 Meade Schools, $26,958.50
  • City of Hesston, $31,629.44
  • USD 366 Woodson, $35,584.62
  • USD 380 Vermillion, $36,315.92
  • Osborne County Memorial Hospital, $38,665.44
  • Wallace County, $43,000.00
  • City of Scott City, $50,076.61
  • USD 363 Holcomb School District, $60,187.62

Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants.

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Bourbon County, Government

County Commissioners discuss zoning, tax sales, auctions

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Two commissioners, Brandon Whisenhunt and David Beerbower, met to conduct county business, as District 3’s, seat is currently vacant.

Old Business

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Govdeals.com

Beerbower brought up a complaint he had received from a local auction service regarding the commission’s decision to use Govdeals.com to sell the used medical equipment from the old hospital. He expressed concern about following due process to find an auctioneer for the proceedings and give local businesses a chance to earn the county’s business. Originally, the auction for the old hospital equipment was going to be conducted by the county, but at the last commissioners meeting, they voted to use the online auction service.

Govdeals.com charges a buyer premium, offering their services at no cost to Bourbon County.

“We might also owe it to the constituents of our county to get the most bang for your buck,” said an audience member at the meeting.

Whisenhunt who had also spoken to the local auction service provider, wants to get the sale done as soon as possible, and not take the time to publish for bids, which would add at least two weeks to the current timeline for the sale of the equipment. “So I guess we’re at a stalemate.”

Bob Johnson, county counsel said that a lot of counties just use an online auction service.

After going over the last meeting’s minutes and confirming the commissions decision to hire Govdeals.com at that time, Whisenhunt made motion to sign the MOU with Govdeals.com to sell the old hospital equipment, less the items going to the Mapleton clinic. Beerbower seconded and the motion passed.

Regarding local businesses working with the county, Whisenhunt said, “I would recommend that anybody that has a small business that thinks they might ever do business with the county bring their contact information to the courthouse so we have a list.”

Greg Post, representing Friends of Mapleton and the clinic there, spoke to the commission. There are six small items in the hospital equipment sale that they want to lend-lease from the county, which would be a benefit to Bourbon County residents.

Whisenhunt and Beerbower both said they would be glad to donate the items to the clinic. They instructed Johnson to draw up a donation agreement with the clinic, which will state that the items will be returned to the county if the clinic ever doesn’t need them.

Fence viewing discussion

Beerbower said that since initial discussion a few weeks ago, other citizens have contacted him about it. The statute shows that the commissioners do owe some kind of service. He suggested a designee from the county be assigned to the job. There has to be one designee per commissioner, per the statute, according to Johnson.

Beerbower said the parties asking for the commission to view their fences are in his district. Whisenhunt needs to direct someone to go in his stead, because if they both go it’s a open meeting which must be published, said Johnson.

“I’ve been representing counties for 25 years and I’ve never had this come up,” said Johnson.  He offered to put a memo together to help inform the commissioners fully of their obligations.

The item will also be on the next commission agenda.

Sheriff’s Tax Sale

Michael Hoyt spoke to the commission as a member of the Fort Scott Land Bank board. He encouraged the commission to use the services of attorney Christopher McElgunn with the firm of Klenda Austerman to conduct the county’s sales of properties with delinquent taxes.

He also advised the commission to have regular tax sales to incentivize citizens to pay their taxes and avoid loss of their property.

Susan Walker, County Clerk said that right now the county has about 150 properties ready for tax sale.

Whisenhunt made a motion to hire Klenda Austerman, an attorney at law, to handle the tax sales of properties. It was approved.

New Business

Zoning Discussion

Beerbower took over the handling of county zoning from Leroy Kruger when Kruger resigned two weeks ago. He said the county currently has two staff members, assigned by the previous commission, working on a plan. They also have some Allen County zoning examples to look at.

Beerbower has also met with a couple of citizens about the topic. “I’d like to see us go ahead an panel a group of citizens.” Preferably from each of the districts, depending on the letters of interested received. This would not be a voting panel, but for research to present a working plan to the commission. There will be zoning, this is to inform what kind of zoning it will be.

Whisenhunt asked the county was ready for this step. “I think we need to wait until we have a third person on the commission.”

An audience member spoke up to say this is only exploratory, information gathering step. It’s not an item to be voted on. Once a third commissioner is on there, then the zoning decisions can be completed. She is frustrated that no progress has been made on zoning since the new commission began.

Johnson pointed out that county employees have been working on this, it just hasn’t been public record.

Beerbower said that the work of the county employees will be a part of the information the panel uses to make their recommendations and he wants a commissioner to be on the panel as well.

“The panel would be the buffer before it comes to the commission,” said Beerbower.

Another audience member spoke up asking, “Are we doing codification or zoning?” He is against codification and wanted to know what the commissioners expect to come out of this. He also expressed concern about the scuttlebutt is that there’s a 100+ page document out there. which would indicate codification.

“Coding is not even on the table,” said Beerbower. “Zoning at its most basic is what we want.”

He said the citizen panel will provide transparency. The purpose of the zoning is to deal with industries that aren’t regulated by federal or state government and therefore need county regulation.

Beerbower made a motion to post for letters of interest to form a panel to discuss zoning research and review proposals for Bourbon County to be received by April 14. Motion was approved.

Department Updates

Laura Holdridge, Register of Deeds

The Hidden Valley Roads neighborhood wants Bourbon County to now maintain their roads. However, there is no record of an agreement with the county for that maintenance. They have done their own maintenance for at least the past 21 years. The area consists of 9 miles of roads.

The commission did not agree to take on the roads of Hidden Valley.

Land locked property

At an unspecified location in the county, J&M Land Company is denying a Mr. Cook access to his landlocked field. The original road records show a road there, but in the 1987 records they’re not there.

Cook called Whisenhunt Friday, saying he can’t get equipment through on the railroad right of way that J&M Land Company offered as access because it’s severely overgrown.

Holdridge, suggested that the county keep one small section of the road open so he can get to his property. J&M Land Company, LLC is opposed to reopening road.

Johnson said that if he’s been accessing it for more than 15 years, he has a prescriptive easement. It’s a civil matter and he will talk to the parties involved this week.

Eric Bailey from Public Works said that Cook couldn’t access it last year and it became a civil matter then.

County Cemeteries

Holdridge said there are 37 cemeteries in the county, only 2 file deeds with her office. Those cemeteries include the fees in the cost of the plots. Fees are listed on the county’s website. Statues require charging for deed filing. It is the public’s responsibility to file their deeds themselves. Her office doesn’t hold original deeds, but copies.

“There was a misunderstanding between Ms. Ethridge and myself” regarding the storage of old cemetery plot deeds, she said.

Whisenhunt says the big problem is that current cemetery boards are aging and records aren’t being kept well. They need to organize and get together to work out a system to keep track. They do need to add the cost of filing the deed to the cost of the plot. We’ve got to help some of them get updated, he said.

As the county government, we can’t make them, said Beerbower. It’s not our responsibility. The county does collect taxes for 16 of the cemeteries in the county, amounting to approximately $60,000 per year that is distributed to those cemeteries.

Eric Bailey, Public Works

60th and Grand Bridge: time to choose the construction engineer. Schwab Eaton was the bid received. They did this same job for the bridge at 160th and Fern. They helped the county apply for the grant and did the design for it. Commission gave approval to send an email to KDOT to approve Schwab Eaton. KDOT will pay for that service as part of this grant.

Good Old Days committee have a meeting coming up and want approval for the county to fetch golf carts from Lamar for the June event. Commission gave permission.

Bridge at 130th is repaired.

Elm Creek roofs had a volunteer group come forward and offer to do the roof if the county will provide the materials and a couple of employees. Approving that would bring them in under budget. Cost for material is $5,409.71. Bailey said he will find a way to make it with their budget. “We have to do something with those roofs. We’ve put it off and they’ve been neglected long enough,” he said.

Whisenhunt asked about the ditch project. “They made great progress on it,” said Bailey. It will be better when the rain lets up.

Beerbower asked about dust control service from the county. Requests must be for a minimum 300 ft, and last year the cost was $1.75 per foot. Those interested can call the office and get on the list. The county will go out with flags to mark area, then work the gravel road as best they can to get it compact and then put the oil down on it. Longevity of the dust control depends on traffic and amount of turning done on the surface.

Commissioner comments

Beerbower

Asked to attend the Fort Scott Chamber community connection panelist luncheon on April 9 at 1 pm at Empress event center.

KCCA Annual Conference in Manhattan, April 21-23, Beerbower cannot attend due to medical issues. Whisenhunt has to work. They both expressed hope that the new commissioner can go.

He added two budget discussion requests to next week’s agenda regarding juvenile detention and Kansas Mental Health. He wants to discuss what was budgeted for them and discuss amending it.

Whisenhunt

A family member expressed to him that the county should have an animal shelter. Whisenhunt suggested a partnership with a shelter that’s already in place, as it’s cost-prohibitive to start one up for the county.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Uncategorized

Highschools Add “Pirate Talk” As Foreign Language Option

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As high schools around the country look for ways to help students meet the two-year foreign language requirement, Fort Scott and Uniontown have come up with an innovative way to offer a new exciting option by pooling their resources to hire a new teacher for “pirate talk” classes at both highschools.

“It was really hard to find a teacher qualified to teach pirate speak,” said a school administrator who was hard to identify on this particular date. “Especially because most people who are good at speaking pirate, are usually looking for watery waves and less amber grain. But we are proud to announce that we’ve managed to procure the services of Captain Barnaby Blackwater as a teacher for the 2025 to 2026 school year.”

When asked about the compensation package offered Mr. Blackwater, the administrator seemed a big hesitant and mumbled something that sounded like “rum, doubloons, and more rum…” but it wasn’t clear exactly what they were trying to say.

Mr. Blackwater agreed to a short interview to answer some questions.

Captian Barnaby Blackwater, what convinced you to give up the high seas to come teach our high school students how to speak like a pirate?

Arrr, that be a fine question, matey! Truth be told, sailin’ the high seas be grand, but when the good folk o’ Bourbon County waved doubloons and barrels o’ their finest rum under me nose, ol’ Barnaby couldn’t resist!

Mind ye, I’m still scratchin’ me beard ’bout the notable absence o’ oceans ’round Kansas—makes sailin’ me ship, the Salty Grammar, mighty tricky—but the thought o’ teachin’ landlocked lads and lasses the sweet tongue o’ piracy warmed me black heart. And between you an’ me, I’ve a notion to recruit a few sturdy seniors to crew me ship once their diplomas be in hand! Harrr-harr-harr!

Some people say that learning pirate speak isn’t comparable to learning a foreign language and students should be required to learn more traditional languages. What do you think of those claims?

Arrrr, poppycock and bilgewater, says I! Pirate speak be as foreign as any tongue sailed across the seven seas. Why, me hearties, Pirate speak is brimmin’ with culture, tradition, and adventure—enough to put French or Spanish to shame!

Besides, when was the last time ye heard o’ French helpin’ ye find buried treasure, or Spanish teachin’ ye how to properly swing a cutlass and shout fearsome insults at yer foes, eh?

Will Pirate Speak help students get positions in the job market?

Arrr! A wise query indeed, matey! O’ course Pirate speak be useful in the job market—more useful than a parrot that can recite poetry, I’ll wager!

Think o’ the skills these young buccaneers’ll master: assertive communication (“Hand over the doubloons, ye scallywag!”), leadership (“Hoist the mainsail and ready the cannons!”), negotiation (“Five barrels o’ rum or I be walkin’ away!”), an’ teamwork (“All hands on deck, ye salty seadogs!”).

Plus, should traditional jobs fail ’em, there’s always plenty o’ room aboard me ship, the Salty Grammar. Ol’ Captain Blackwater always be lookin’ for hearty new recruits with a flair fer proper Pirate speak! Harrr-harr!

Painting of Captain Blackwater’s ship, the Salty Grammar
Bourbon County, Entertainment

Pike Creek Reservoir To Be Funded By Wind Power

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In response to local concern that the Pike Creek Reservoir couldn’t be properly paid for by the proposed funding mechanism, state leaders have come up with a contingency plan that should alleviate all concerns.

Artist conception of what the Pike Creek Reservoir will look like with the integrated wind turbines.

As an additional source of income to fund the project, large wind turbines will be built in the lake which will produce power that can be sold to the local power companies in order to fund development at the lake.  If there are extra funds, the state has some exciting ideas for additional amenities for the area.

“We’d really like to build an alligator petting zoo to help promote tourism,” said an official who asked not to be named because he only exists one day each year. “Neighboring states are seeing a massive increase in tourism with these petting zoos, and there is no reason Bourbon County couldn’t do the same.” The official also noted that most of the places that have built these tourist attractions have also seen a massive increase in the sustainability of their local emergency rooms. “In some places, they have gone from a five-bed facility to 50 beds to meet the increased demand. The growth in scale has made a lot of them able to operate profitably in areas where they have been losing money for years.”

Architectural drawing of proposed alligator petting zoo. (Alligators not to scale.)

Asked about what might might be the link between alligator petting zoos and an increase in the ER visits the official said he wasn’t sure. “I think it might have something to do with people spending more time in the area, so instead of going back home to deal with an emergency, they choose to do it near the place where their family can enjoy petting their reptile friends.”

The official said that the idea for the petting zoo came to him when reading about the snake pit in Gunn Park that was announced exactly one year ago on April 1st. “It just made me realize how important it is to people to be up close and personal with reptiles.”

He also said other potential ideas include a cannon that will launch tourists across the lake into a net on the other side, a “build-a-sub” attraction where you can try your hand at making a functioning sub to test on the deepest part of the lake, and adventure hang-gliding where you can try your skills at flying through the blades of the wind turbines.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Uncategorized

Vacant Commissioner District Convention on April 5

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Representation from each district is desired for the redistricting. Map from the Bourbon County website.

The Convention to replace and appoint the District 3 County Commissioner for Bourbon County will be April 5th at 9am in the Ellis Fine Arts building meeting rooms. The precinct men and women from the old District 3 will be the voting delegates.

A letter of resignation was submitted to Bourbon County by Leroy Kruger on Tuesday, March 18,  and forwarded to the Kansas Governor’s Office.

According to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, the Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the day they receive the notice of vacancy from the Governor’s Office to appoint someone to the seat.

The Bourbon County District 3 Appointment Area is defined as the area designated as District 3 (prior to the geographical redistricting done to increase the Bourbon County commissioner total from three to five). District three is the pink district on the map.

Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 3 seeking to fill the county commission seat should send a letter of interest with qualifications, rationale, and reasons why they should be selected to: Kaety Bowers, Chairwoman, email bourbon.county.republicans@gmail.com. The deadline is Thursday, April 3, 2025 by 5pm.

Any questions regarding your address and its location within the district should be directed to Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk; phone 620-223-3800 ext. 191.

The Republican Party will certify the appointment with the Governor’s Office who will then approve the appointment and issue a certificate of office to the new appointee.

The individual appointed will not be able to conduct business as a County Commissioner until they receive their certificate from the Governor’s Office.

Hawkins has been keeping a file of resignations for the past two years, and remembers other resignations of commissioners during her 11 years of working for the county. Most recently, Nelson Blythe, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 4-1-2024 and Brandon Whisenhunt was appointed to fill the vacant seat.

Lynne Oharah, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 7-13-2022 and Nelson Blythe was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Nick Ruhl, 3rd District Commissioner, resigned 8-26-2020 and Clifton Beth was appointed to fill his vacant seat.

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on March 31

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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, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Vacant
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
March 31, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – Susan Walker
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 03.17.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 03.21.25 Payroll Totaling $302,476.86
b. Approval of 03.21.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $323,049.49
c. Approval of 03.28.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $84,814.71
d. Tax Roll Corrections
e. Signature of Contracts – Special Legal Counsel Professional Services Agreement
V. Old Business
a. MOU Gov Deals
b. Fence viewing discussion
c. Tax Sale
i. Michael Hoyt
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Zoning discussion
b. Department Update
i. Lora Holdridge – Hidden Valley Roads & Cemeteries & Land Locked Property
ii. Eric Bailey – 60th & Grand Approval of Construction Engineer
c. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Job Performance
d. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2)
e. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
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 _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Bourbon CountyPayroll Fund Appropriation Report
Payroll Date: 3/21/2025 Using All Accounts
Fund Number Fund Name AmountDept
001 GENERAL FUND $155.6500
001 GENERAL FUND $2,855.6901
001 GENERAL FUND $4,757.6702
001 GENERAL FUND $4,765.0703
001 GENERAL FUND $13,024.4604
001 GENERAL FUND $5,105.0005
001 GENERAL FUND $1,977.5007
001 GENERAL FUND $2,131.1910
001 GENERAL FUND $1,845.3711
001 GENERAL FUND $5,173.4415
001 GENERAL FUND $3,692.3199
001 $45,483.35Total Fund:
016 APPRAISERS $8,143.6300
016 $8,143.63Total Fund:
052 COUNTY TREASURER MOTO $2,937.1600
052 $2,937.16Total Fund:
062 ELECTION $1,432.6900
062 $1,432.69Total Fund:
064 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT $97,594.0500
064 $97,594.05Total Fund:
108 LANDFILL $5,798.4200
108 $5,798.42Total Fund:
120 COUNTY SHERIFF/CORRECTI $55,450.9400
120 $55,450.94Total Fund:
220 ROAD AND BRIDGE $49,637.7000
Page 1 of 23/19/2025 8:28:48 AM
SalvaradoOperator:Report ID: PRCK65A
Fund Number Fund Name AmountDept
220 $49,637.70Total Fund:
375 AMBULANCE SERVICE $102.3700
375 AMBULANCE SERVICE $35,896.5524
375 $35,998.92Total Fund:
$302,476.86Total Appropriation:
Page 2 of 23/19/2025 8:28:48 AM
SalvaradoOperator:Report ID: PRCK65A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Property Change Refund Tax Year Trucks Change Refund Tax Year
Robinson, Michael (9.58)$ 9.58$ 2024
Snyder Revocable Trust (3,067.78)$ 222.27$ 2024
Smith, Michael J (966.00)$ -$ 2020
Bolinger, Wayne (203.10)$ 203.10$ 2024 (3,636.04)$ 3,636.04$
Forester, Robert (64.10)$ -$ 2024
D&D Farms (31.84)$ -$ 2024
(4,342.40)$ 434.95$
Real Estate Change Refund Tax Year
2220 Soldier Road (587.64)$ -$ 2024
524 250th St, Garland (411.42)$ 134.94$ 2023
190 145th St FS (25.68)$ -$ 2024
320 Circle Drive, FS (169.42)$ 169.42$ 2024
114 S Judson (229.80)$ -$ 2024
114 S Judson (209.44)$ 209.44$ 2023
818 E Wall (442.38)$ 131.56$ 2024
1904 Maple Rod (313.74)$ -$ 2024
625 Fairway Lane (809.50)$ 809.50$ 2024
525 Meadown Lane (542.02)$ -$ 2024
720 S National Ave (1,084.44)$ -$ 2024
740 S Eddy (174.20)$ -$ 2024
2064 Hwy 54 (3,340.18)$ 1,261.29$ 2024
1807 Valley Rd (1,177.44)$ -$ 2024
277 Juniper Rd (389.66)$ 389.66$ 2024
1711 E 1st St (603.64)$ 603.64$ 2023
1300 135th St (725.02)$ 725.02$ 2024
675 160th St (874.36)$ -$ 2024
(12,109.98)$ 4,434.47$
-$
Tax Roll Corrections for Personal Property, Special Assessments, and Trucks
Special Assessments
Meeting Date 03.31.25

 

 

 

GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 1
Liquidity Services Operations LLC dba
GovDeals
Online Auction Memo of Understanding
This Online Auction Memo of Understanding (MOU) is between Liquidity Services Operations
LLC dba GovDeals, a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 6931
Arlington Road – Suite 460 – Bethesda, Maryland 20814 and the Bourbon County(“Client”),
having its principal place of business 221 S Judson St – Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.
1.0 Description of Services: GovDeals provides a means for Client to post assets for sale
and for potential buyers to bid on these assets via an online auction system. Although
GovDeals provides system access for Client to list assets, GovDeals is not a party to the
actual sale and has no control over the listed information or the ability of the buyer and
Client to complete the transaction.
2.0 GovDeals’ Responsibilities: In addition to maintaining and operating an online auction
system, GovDeals will provide Client with the following services for the period agreed to
in 5.0 below:
2.1 Access to a GovDeals online “Seller Asset Management” (SAM), which will allow
Client to load assets to the online auction system, maintain information about assets
and view and run reports. The SAM will provide Client with the following capabilities:
 Accept descriptive information concerning an asset including unlimited photos
 Allow different auction phases based upon dates and times
 Allow Client to set minimum starting prices, bid increments and reserves
2.2 Training and support services to assist Client in implementing the GovDeals online
auction system, which will include:
 Familiarization with the nature and operation of SAM
 Guidance in the posting of assets and provide ongoing support
 Procedures for taking and posting pictures of assets
 Based on mutual agreement between GovDeals and Client, training and support
services will be provided on-site or via telephone or Internet
2.3 Help Desk support available via telephone or email during normal business hours,
except announced holidays.
2.4 Provide marketing of assets posted to the online auction site and promote use of the
site to potential buyers.
 Work with Client to identify items that may benefit from marketing attention.
 Provide documented proof of all marketing efforts made on behalf of Client.
 Assist in determining values and starting prices for unique and high value assets.
3.0 Fees: The Client pays 0% and the winning bidder pays a 12.50% Buyers Premium.
4.0 Payment:
4.1 GovDeals will collect auction proceeds electronically via PayPal, credit card or wire
transfer please review and complete Exhibit A.
4.2 Client shall promptly, but no more than fifteen (15) business days after the auction end
date, notify GovDeals of any transaction that was not completed. The fees for said
transaction shall be credited to Client during the next invoice period.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 2
5.0 Term of MOU: This MOU shall commence on the date it is signed by the second party
and will continue for a period of twelve months unless otherwise terminated upon sixty
days written notice by either party. This MOU shall automatically extend for additional
one-year periods, unless either party notifies the other in writing of its intent not to renew
at least sixty days prior to the anniversary date.
6.0 Terms and Conditions: Please find Exhibit B attached as an example of suggested
Client Terms and Conditions. At any time during the term of this MOU, Client may
modify the Terms and Conditions. Any substitutions or modification must be submitted
to GovDeals in writing before posting assets to the GovDeals auction site.
7.0 Governance: This MOU will be governed, interpreted, construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the state of Kansas.
8.0 Non-Exclusive Engagement: This MOU is not exclusive. Client may utilize other
approaches, including traditional auctioneer services or sealed bids. However, it is
understood and agreed that Client will not utilize other disposal approaches for an asset
at the same time the asset is listed on the GovDeals online auction site or sell by some
other means to a prior bidder any item currently or previously listed on the GovDeals site
for the purpose of avoiding payment of the GovDeals fee. Client agrees to not
manipulate or interfere with the bidding process on the GovDeals site.
This online auction memo of understanding is agreed to by:
GovDeals Client: Bourbon County
Signature: ___________________________ Signature: ___________________________
Print Name: __Scott Starcher___________ Print Name:__________________________
Title: Vice President of Operations Title: __________________________________
Date: __________________________________ Date: ___________________________________
Memo of Understanding Contact:
Attention: Sales Support
6931 Arlington Road – Suite 460
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Telephone Number: 866.377.1494
Fax Number: 334.226.4415
Email: [email protected]
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 3
EXHIBIT A – Online Auction Memo of Understanding
Financial Settlement Services (FSS)
It is understood the Client elects GovDeals to collect all proceeds due the Client from the winning bidder
and remit the proceeds to the Client less the GovDeals fee
GovDeals will charge the winning bidder a “Buyer’s Premium”, therefore, the Client is not allowed to charge
the winning bidder an additional “Buyer’s Premium”.
GovDeals will collect all proceeds from the winning bidder, including the “Buyer’s Premium” through PayPal,
credit card or wire transfer. This is the only means of payment by the bidder.
The Client will not release an asset to the winning bidder until the Client has received verification from
GovDeals that payment has been received from the winning bidder. Prior to an item being released to the
winning bidder, the Client will ensure the winning bidder or his/her agent has signed a “Bill of Sale”
containing the following notation: “Asset is sold as is, where is and without warranty. Once the asset is
removed from the seller’s premises there is no refund of monies previously paid”. The Bill of Sale must be
printed from the Seller Asset Management (SAM). Any other “Bill of Sale” used by the Client must be
submitted to GovDeals for approval.
No proceeds will be remitted to the Client for any asset sold without verification of payment from GovDeals
and verification from the Client the item has been picked up by the winning bidder. Approved payment from
the winning bidder through PayPal, credit card or wire transfer will be noted in SAM. It is the Client’s
responsibility to notify GovDeals when an item has been picked up, which is accomplished by the Client
accessing SAM and selecting the “Picked Up” option from the “Paid, not picked up” report.
GovDeals will remit all proceeds collected, less the “Buyer’s Premium” and the GovDeals fee to the Client
on a weekly basis for all assets marked in SAM as ‘Picked Up’. All proceeds will be remitted electronically
by Automatic Clearing House (ACH). A detailed backup will be submitted to the Client to support the
amount remitted.
Under no circumstance will the Client collect any proceeds directly from the winning bidder and if requested
to do so, the Client should refer the winning bidder directly to GovDeals for payment instructions.
GovDeals will absorb all costs of Charge Backs by PayPal or a credit card company where an item is
released to the winning bidder after the Client receives proper payment notification from GovDeals,
GovDeals receives proper pickup notification from the Client and the Client obtained and retained a signed
“Bill of Sale” from the winning bidder.
GovDeals will refund proceeds collected to the winning bidder in those rare occasions where the winning
bidder pays for an asset but never picks it up and subsequently convinces PayPal or the credit card
company to withdraw the amount from GovDeals’ bank account. It is the Client’s responsibility to request a
credit on the asset paid for but not picked up as soon as the allowable pick up time passes. By taking the
credit, it insures GovDeals will not charge the Client a fee and will allow the Client to resell the asset. If the
asset is mistakenly placed in ‘picked up’ status by the Client and GovDeals has remitted payment, the
Client agrees to refund this amount back to GovDeals.
A GovDeals’ Client Services Representative or a GovDeals Help Desk Representative will train the Client
on how to effectively use the Financial Settlement Services feature and provide ongoing support as needed.
There are no additional costs to the Client for training and support.
GovDeals is covered by a Crime Insurance Policy with a limit of $5,000,000, which will protect the Client
against any loss of funds.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 4
Financial Settlement Services (FSS) Remittance Information
Please complete information below:
This section must be completed when submitting the signed MOU back to GovDeals, as this is where GovDeals
Payments to the Client will be made.
Accounting Contact: _________________________________________
(Person to receive invoices) Name and Title
E-Mail Address: _________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Please provide the required information:
Name of Bank
County of Bank
Name of Client: (Name on bank account)
Bank Routing Number
Bank Account Number
Checking/Savings
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 5
EXHIBIT B – Online Auction Memo of Understanding
Bourbon County
Fort Scott, Kansas
Online Sales – Terms and Conditions
All bidders and other participants of this service agree they have read and fully understand
these terms and agree to be bound thereby.
Guaranty Waiver. All assets are offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Bourbon County
(Seller) makes no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the
merchantability or fitness for any purpose of the property offered for sale. The Buyer is not
entitled to any payment for loss of profit or any other money damages – special, direct, indirect or
consequential.
Description Warranty. Seller warrants to the Buyer the property offered for sale will conform to
its description. Any claim for misdescription must be made prior to removal of the property. If
Seller confirms the property does not conform to the description, Seller will keep the property and
refund any money paid. The liability of the Seller shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the
property. Please note upon removal of the property, all sales are final.
Personal and Property Risk. Persons attending during exhibition, sale, or removal of goods
assume all risks of damage of or loss to person and property and specifically release the Seller and
GovDeals from liability therefore.
Consideration of Bid. Seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to withdraw from
sale any of the assets listed at any time until the Seller has received payment in full for the assets
and Buyer has removed the assets from the Seller’s premises in their entirety.
Buyer’s Certificate. If applicable, successful bidders will receive a Buyer’s Certificate by email
from GovDeals as their notice of award.
Buyer’s Premium & Additional Fees. If a Buyer’s Premium and/or Additional Fees are shown
on the auction page Bid Box, then that amount (expressed as a percentage of the final selling price
or a specified amount) will be added to the final selling price of all items in addition to any taxes
imposed.
Payment. Payment in full is due not later than 5 business days from the time and date of the close
of the auction. Please refer to the payment instructions listed on the auction page for complete
payment terms and methods. Please refer to the Bid Box for all fees and taxes that may be
associated with the auction.
State/Local Sales and/or Use Tax. Buyers may be subject to payment of State and/or local sales
and/or use tax. Please review the Payment Instructions for all information related to Sales Tax and
Tax Exemptions.
GovDeals Memo of Understanding – V16 11.27.2023 6
Removal. All assets must be removed within ten (10) business days from the time and date of the
close of the auction. Purchases will be released only upon receipt of payment as specified.
Successful buyers are responsible for loading and removal of any and all property awarded to them
from the place where the property is located as indicated on the website and in the Buyer’s
Certificate. The Buyer will make all arrangements and perform all work necessary, including
packing, loading and transportation of the property. Under no circumstances will Seller assume
responsibility for packing, loading or shipping. See instructions on each auction page for complete
removal details. A daily storage fee of $25.00 may be charged for any item not removed within the
ten (10) business days allowed and stated on the Buyer’s Certificate.
Vehicle Titles. Seller will issue a title or certificate upon removal of the vehicle. Titles may be
subject to restrictions as indicated in the asset description on the website.
Approval. Some Auctions/Sales are subject to Seller approval prior to award to the high bidder.
Please review the auction/sale page for full terms of the sale and whether the final bid/sale is
subject to approval.
Default. Default shall include (1) failure to observe these terms and conditions; (2) failure to
make good and timely payment; or (3) failure to remove all assets within the specified time.
Default may result in termination of the contract and suspension from participation in all future
sales until the default has been cured. If the Buyer fails in the performance of their obligations,
Seller may exercise such rights and may pursue such remedies as are provided by law. Seller
reserves the right to reclaim and resell all items not removed by the specified removal date.
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions. By submitting a bid, the bidder agrees they have read,
fully understand and accept these Terms and Conditions, and agree to pay for and remove the
property, by the dates and times specified. These Terms and Conditions are available for review in
the bid box at the top of each page of each asset listed on GovDeals. Specific Instructions
(Payment, Removal, and Special) appearing on the asset page will override certain sections of
these Terms and Conditions.
Sales to Employees. Employees of the Seller may bid on the property listed for auction, so long
as they do NOT bid while on duty.