Graphic from the National Weather Service, Springfield, MO, which monitors Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford Counties in Southeast Kansas. The Bourbon County flood warning is on the left in the graphic.
Storms this weekend included a tornado and major flooding in Bourbon County.
Because of almost 10 inches of rain, area rivers have gone out of their banks.
The Marmaton River crested at 47 feet on April 28, and is predicted to go back down to 30 feet by Tuesday afternoon, according to Peyton Camden, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service at Springfield, Mo, which monitors conditions in Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford Counties in Kansas.
Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week.
“Depending on how much rain we get, there could be a second crest,” she said.
County roads and city streets in low-lying areas were flooded, but as of today, almost all are passable.
Tornado
A tornado touched down in rural Bourbon County on the evening of Friday, April 26.
“It touched down at about 85th and Poplar Roads on Friday evening,” Bourbon County Emergency Management Director Brian Allen said. One home near Quail Road was also affected, he said.
The Clare George property on Poplar Road. Damage to the roof and windows of the house, left, and several outbuildings, middle and right, in the photo, were affected by the tornado. Photo by Susan George.
Clare George’s home, northeast of Uniontown, had the windows blown out on three sides and some roof damage, plus outbuildings damaged.
Flood damage
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager said most city streets are reopened following the floods this weekend.
“20th Street from Hwy. 69 to Cooper Street is still closed because of road destruction,” Matkin said on the city’s Facebook page. Clark Street from Wall Street to Third Street is still closed until the manhole flooding stops, and the Fort Scott Lake road by the spillway is still closed, he said. Fort Scott Lake homeowners can access via Hwy. 69 to Hackberry Road.
The city crews are out working to get things back to normal, Matkin said.
This is a drone photo of Gunn Park as of this morning.
Eric Bailey, Bourbon County Public Works Director, referred road condition questions to Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch.
The dispatcher said all roads in the county are open now, but people should be aware there is some damage to the roads.
Local Ponds Were Built to Help With Floods
Dams were built in the 1980s for helping to alleviate the excess water from floods.
Frank Young, the contracting officer for both the Marmaton and Mill Creek Watershed Districts, stated “the watershed dams aren’t constructed with the capacity to totally control runoff from extremely large rainfall events covering the drainage areas above each structure (pond). They will totally control the runoff from a 25 year storm which is around 4.8 inches of rainfall in a 6-hour period. The rest of the runoff from a larger rainfall event than 4.8 inches in 6 hours, will pass through the dam’s emergency spillway with some, but not total, control of that extra runoff”.
” Marmaton WSD has 28 completed structures that control roughly 25% of the total drainage area of the Marmaton River above Mill Creek. Mill Creel WSD has 14 completed dams that control roughly 28% of the Mill Creek drainage area. The two districts together control roughly 27% of the total drainage area above Ft. Scott,” Young said.
“When a huge rainfall event occurs over the entire river drainage area of just over 240,000 acres, over 70% of this area is uncontrolled,” he said. “The combined districts have plans to build structures that would control around a total of 60% of this area when completed.”
“Both Districts have planned structures awaiting permits to construct more dams from the Corps of Engineers,” Young said. Ever since Hurricane Katrina.. permits to construct dams have become increasingly difficult to obtain from these federal agencies. The last major dam construction ended for the Marmaton District in 2015. Since then no permits have been issued by the Corps to allow these Districts to continue their flood protection program.”
“The existing dams were constructed with state of Kansas grant money along with local cost share money raised from mill levies and landowner participation,” he said. “The districts both inspect their dams annually for damage caused by natural and or man-made events and conduct repairs and maintenance as needed to keep them in shape for service during flood events. The districts will again have to inspect the existing structures soon for damage caused by this flood with repairs, if needed, conducted throughout the coming months,” Young said.
Tetanus Shots For Flood/Tornado Workers
Brian Allen said he is working on getting tetanus vaccines from the State of Kansas for any workers who have worked in the flood waters that have inundated the county.
SEK Multi-County Health Department is offering free tetanus shots for individuals affected by the recent flooding. Tetanus shots will be available to impacted residents as well as first responders, volunteers, or any others who have been or will be assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts.
Free tetanus shots will be available by appointment at the SEK Multi-County Health Department in Iola, Garnett, and Fort Scott while flood response continues.
Bourbon County (Fort Scott): 524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tetanus vaccines are recommended for people of all ages. Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, but health care providers may recommend a booster sooner due to an injury or other health concerns.
Tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure. Tetanus is most commonly caused by the bacteria getting into the body through broken skin, usually through injuries from dirty objects. During evacuation and flood cleanup, residents affected by flooding, emergency responders, cleanup workers, or volunteers may be at increased risk for these injuries. For this reason, these people should be sure that they are up to date with tetanus vaccination. This can be done by talking with your health care provider or reviewing your vaccination record.
Tetanus is commonly known as “lockjaw,” and is a serious disease that affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus can cause severe breathing problems and in serious cases, lead to death. There is no cure for tetanus.
This is the east entrance to the lake, below the spillway. The road has broken out and there’s a lot of traffic, submitted by Jason Tourtillott.
Bourbon County experienced flooding rain on Saturday evening, 10 Inches, said Brad Matkin.
This is the view towards Wall Street from Hwy.. 69 bypass, in front of Fort Scott Munitions.
In a Facebook post on the city’s page, he said the north end of town is flooded. He contacted fortscott.biz and asked to make this known.
“It’s a bad situation,” he said. “Water rescues are going on,” he said.
Please don’t be out unless absolutely necessary, Matkin said.
Third Street, at the Hwy. 69 bypass, by the railway, is flooded.
The safety of the residents and the public safety personnel is of utmost importance. Sightseeing is not encouraged.
The Marmaton River, which is located on North National Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, is expected to crest at 45 feet, possible tomorrow.
“That’s one of the highest in history,” he said.
Looking south on NATIONAL Avenue towards the bridge over the Marmaton River.
In addition, the forecast is for more rain this week.
Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!
Encore from
Jill Williams: Watercolorist!
Thursday, May 9th, 2024 Two exciting Classes!
Watercolor Landscape
Watercolor Landscape Clinic
For experienced beginners and intermediate watercolorists, Jill will lead you step by step into the anatomy of a landscape, establishing a strong composition, and using value & visual textures to create depth, space, and emotive impact. You’ll also learn to capitalize on the characteristics of your pigments and to serve your painting by maintaining loose, fresh brushwork. Join Jill for this half day workshop to develop new techniques and skills while creating 2 beautiful landscapes. Supplies are included!
Whether you’re new to watercolor. or painting in general, you’ll love this fun and engaging exploration that will jumpstart your affinity for watercolor! Join Jill for this half day workshop to quickly hone your painting skills with step by step instruction to create a beautiful series of tiny paintings, perfect for gift giving, or adding a personalized touch to your own decor.
Simply arrive with your expectation and enjoy the wonderful nature themed creations you’ll produce with Jill’s expert guidance. All skill levels welcome and supplies are included!
The Crane home was a pocket garden winner of the Bourbon County Garden Club in 2023. Submitted photo.
Plant Sale and Pocket Garden Contest
The Bourbon County Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on the opening day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. until noon. Proceeds from the sale support beautification efforts throughout the community. The garden club partners with Tri Valley Developmental Services to sell a wide variety of plants, all of which are geared to our area’s weather challenges. Club members offer plants freshly dug from their own gardens, plus unique plant-filled pots. Tri Valley provides annuals, herbs, and both blooming and foliage hanging baskets. Among the variety of annuals this year are geraniums, calibrachoa, and begonias which are in bloom and ideal for Mothers’ Day gifts. Knowledgeable members and Master Gardeners will be available to offer advice and answer questions about plants during the sale.
A new feature this year is a children’s free activity area. There will be garden-related coloring sheets and crayons, plus rocks that children can decorate with acrylic paint markers. They may take the rocks with them or leave them around town for other children to find. The garden club will also be selling decorative rocks that Fort Scott Middle School students have painted.
In addition, Bourbon County residents will have the opportunity at the plant sale to register for a free pocket garden. A club committee will collaborate with the winner to create a small garden with drought tolerant plants. Look for Garden Club Pocket Garden signs throughout Fort Scott to see what can flourish in small areas with challenging conditions. County residents can also enter to win on the Bourbon County Garden Club Facebook page now and until Tuesday, May 7.
Corner gardens designed by plant enthusiasts have existed in Fort Scott for years, Instead of trying to grow grass in adverse conditions where sidewalks intersect, gardeners have improved these areas by adding colorful, drought-tolerant plants. Bourbon County Garden Club members voted last year to extend the club’s beautification efforts beyond downtown, the city pool islands, and Riverfront Park to provide two pocket gardens in the county. Club members Sheryl Bloomfield, Maggie Davenport, Martha Jane Gentry, Janet Irvin, and Leah Lewis worked with the winning homeowners to develop the gardens. Two different gardening situations were addressed. A new garden by the front door was created at the Martin residence on Main Street. Perennials were planted last fall after the site was prepared. Cool season annuals were added this spring. At the Crane residence on Crawford, the committee added to an existing garden space at the corner by adding colorful annuals and perennials last summer. Spring-blooming bulbs were planted last fall, and annuals were added recently. With time, perennials will fill in at both pocket gardens, and some will reseed.
Support community beautification by shopping at the Bourbon County Garden Club Plant Sale at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 4. Register to win a pocket garden at the plant sale or on
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.
Brandon Whisenhunt, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy and 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. The executive session will be for one hour and be held at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd and include Jim Harris, Clifton Beth, and Justin Meeks and will return back in this room at 11:00. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 11:00 am in the Commission room at the courthouse. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 am. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.
Cherri Walrod, Michael Hoyt, Jason E. Silvers, Jon Lowery, Charles Gentry, Debra Martin, Larry Martin, Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, David Beerbower, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 4-8-2024 and approval of accounts payable totaling $13,848.18. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Katie Casper met with Commissioners to discuss her concerns regarding solar farms. Katie stated her farm has been in her family since 1948 and she and her husband built their dream home on the property in 2011. Katie talked about enjoying the view and same sunrises and sunsets her grandparents did and stated there will now be a solar panel farm installed on the 470 acres across the road from her home, with the owner of the property not even residing in the area. Katie talked about neighbors who have constructed four other homes in the area in the last ten years and stated they are all contributing to taxes. Last week a citizen came in and discussed the benefits of solar and how it could lower taxes and Katie said she would like taxes to go down because she pays $5,000 a year in taxes as well. Katie stated she has a business degree in Agribusiness and has spent her entire career in economic development in rural Kansas. Katie said she isn’t against solar, but questioned what happens if 640 acres of solar panels catch on fire. Katie stated the Commissioners have the power to help and asked them to help maintain what they built and establish setbacks.
Nick Graham talked about property rights and the Hinton Creek project where only landowners were affected. Nick discussed Crawford County who is meeting to discuss zoning areas of their county that is currently not zoned and suggested Commissioners reach out to them. Nick stated he isn’t against solar and stated there must be a way to have balance for property owners to earn money while still accommodating their neighbors.
Mary Pemberton asked Clifton about a statement that was made regarding consulting four attorneys who said we don’t have a right to negotiate contracts. Clifton stated he said the attorneys informed them they could put zoning terminology in but as he said at last week’s meeting that landowners and the parent companies of the solar farms could sue the county. Jim said they signed four agreements with Hinton Creek after property owners signed with them. Mary said that the Commissioners could establish reasonable setbacks.
Clint Walker discussed how in 2006 the legislatures voted not to tax pipelines running through Kansas and we lost 6-8 million dollars and how they now want to go back to collect but are unable to. Clint talked about the opening of a bridge in his area and how he was thankful to have gravel on his road and stated that the workers were very professional and are doing a good job.
David Beerbower talked about how nothing can be done after contracts are signed and asked if companies must have a right of way agreement with the county. Clifton stated that is for anything over 80,000 pounds. David discussed the basic rights of landowners and stated the active use of one individual’s land shouldn’t violate anybody else’s use of quiet land. David implored the Commissioners to come together to figure this out.
Michael Hoyt stated he was out of town during the April 1st meeting and said a handout was distributed and his name was mentioned during the meeting. Mr. Hoyt said he has been scolded for mentioning names in the past and is here to scold the Commissioners for allowing his name to be mentioned.
Cherri Walrod came tonight to present a CORE Communities update. CORE Communities began in November of last year in Bourbon County to address the poverty issues in our county. Cherri stated the first class will graduate on April 22, 2024 at 6:30 pm and encouraged community leaders to attend. CORE Communities is a 501-C3 nonprofit chapter affiliate of YouthCORE Ministries. Cherri stated in CORE Communities they focus on resources and relationships to help get families in a better place because poverty makes children vulnerable. Cherri stated that she has seen some great transformations of the individuals involved in the program and that they are providing hope, help, and healing. Jim thanked Cherri and her committee for what they are doing. Clifton said he wanted people to know that CORE Communited is privately funded and they do not charge their participants a fee.
Charles Gentry stated he is here on behalf of Citizens for an ER. Mr. Gentry stated in the long run they are hoping for the development of a rural hospital and that the sales tax revenue, if passed, will help entice a successful ER operator. Mr. Gentry said they are asking that special attention be spent on the ER sales tax money fund and that reports will be generated periodically and given to a committee appointed if or when the sales tax is passed. Clifton said he doesn’t have a problem with that and the fund will be audited by many. Clifton addressed concerns he has heard of some that think the Commissioners can steal the money, and said they cannot the fund will be audited and that he would be more concerned about the ER giving correct numbers. Jim said he would encourage a committee to monitor the money and receipts. Clifton made a motion to create a committee consisting of Craig Campbell, Dr. Nichols, and Charles Gentry and that he would want them to look at the company that is there to make sure they are not cheating the county. Charles stated they would do that to the extent that the data could be obtained. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim reminded everybody of a meeting regarding the sales tax on April 24th at Uniontown City Hall.
Jim made a motion to issue a moratorium effective immediately regarding solar panel farms. This will apply to any solar panel farm that does not have a signed contract by both parties and notarized at this time and date of 5:30 pm on April 15, 2024. The intent of the Commission is to begin the process of reviewing setback requirements of the solar panel farms from adjoining properties and establish guidelines. We do support property owner’s rights to use their properties as desired. This moratorium will remain in place until revoked by the Commission or January 1, 2025. Jim said if Clifton would allow it, he would go to the state and talk to other counties who have solar farms. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Pete Owenby questioned if this would impact the Hinton Creek project and Jim said if contracts aren’t signed and notarized, they can’t move forward. Mary Pemberton said the motion mentioned setbacks but there were many other issues that need to be addressed and asked if the Commissioners are going to limit it to setbacks only. Jim said going forward they will share information to those involved on both sides of the fence and wants to visit with other counties. David Beerbower discussed Senate Bill 481 and said that would be a good template as it covers more than just setbacks.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said he received a call from the Fort Scott Community College truck driving program who wants to make a promotional video and asked to have Public Work’s trucks in the background. The Commissioners decided this would be okay to allow the trucks to be used as they would be parked and not in use during the video.
Eric and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the 2024 asphalt plan at a previous meeting to the Commissioners and asked tonight what their thoughts were. Eric said they are concerned with sales tax coming in low this year. Jim said he is happy with he plan as is. Clifton said he has no problem with the plan and asked how the base is on Yale Road. Eric said they will bring in more rock to Yale Road and compact it. Jim said he has a wish list of chip and seal for Locust Road from the city limits going east and Limestone Road from the city limits to 255th Street. Jim also discussed the low area on 240th Street south of Limestone Road and said he knows this will be a 2-4 year project for extra pipes but stated the road is narrow. Clifton discussed how chip and seal won’t work on some roads in his district and asked if Eric has checked into a polymer and what his thoughts were on the product. Dustin stated the Onyx that was used on 235th Street is holding up well. Clifton said he doesn’t want to dismiss the product but also doesn’t want to throw good money at a bad road.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for 7 minutes to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:42. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 6:42. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
A short break was taken with the Commissioners returning at 6:46.Clifton announced that he had a family issue and needed to leave. Clifton told Jennifer to talk to Justin with her issues. Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:46. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
