Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting June 13

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: June 13th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00-Mercy Contract

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from June 4 and June 7

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June 7, 2019                                                             Friday 9:30

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting to discuss the recent emergency declaration. Present for the meeting were Lynne Oharah and Jeff Fischer (by telephone) as well as the County Clerk.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners; Lynne made a motion to appoint Will Wallis as the coordinator for the disaster relief effort, Jeff seconded and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:34 am.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

 

June 4, 2019                                                   Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Fischer present, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Jody Hoener were also present for a portion of the meeting.

Arnold Schofield met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; Arnold thanked Jody Hoener for working with Union Pacific to obtain the right-of-way for the trail. He also reported potholes on Jayhawk going east; Jim Harris said they will be back working on Jayhawk soon.

Jeremiah Hill met with the Commissioners (Steve Hill was also present for this meeting), Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned if the Commissioners had made a decision regarding work to be done to Rocher, Marco and Justice Lane. Jeff discussed the hard surface road maintenance program information they had received, he suggested prioritizing roads to be overlaid based on traffic count and pavement rating. Jeff said he didn’t think it was all of the taxpayer’s responsibility to pave roads in the subdivision, but perhaps divide the costs among the neighbors in the subdivision. Lynne said they have to be careful regarding decisions on what to do with the roads, he said they have been warned that the County has paved too much in the past, the County has approximately 140 miles of paved roads. Jeremiah questioned 125th south of Mapleton, he presented pictures that suggested there wasn’t a base under this road, he said this road looks like Eagle did, he questioned if the work that has been done to 125th will last if there isn’t a base. Jeremiah asked when the potholes would be filled going east through Garland to the Stateline; Jim said this is on the list and said he receives direction from the Commissioners on where to work. Jim said the same staff does the overlaying that does the patching so the patching will stop once the overlaying starts. The wet weather that the County has had has delayed road maintenance. Jeremiah presented a picture of fence at the intersection east of the Diamond Church that had been burnt; Jim said his employees have been directed not to burn and said he would address this issue.

Ed & Beth Guss from the City of Redfield met with the Commissioners; Bourbon County had previously agreed to donate up to $2,000 worth of culvert to the City of Redfield, Ed presented a list of culverts needed for Redfield. Ed discussed sewer manholes on the south edge of Redfield; he said they are underwater and said the water doesn’t have anywhere to drain. Jim agreed to meet with them on June 6th to determine if the roads are city or county roads. Ed requested top soil for the ball field; Jim said the County did not have any top soil and suggested they contact someone else for this. Ed requested that the County cut the shoulders of the roads inside the Redfield city limits; the Commissioners said they would have to discuss this, but suggested they contact a contractor for this.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded, motion passed, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nancy Van Etten and Mark McCoy arrived at the meeting.

Lynne asked that Jim contact Mark Stewart regarding Quail and 55th.

Jeff made a motion to approved the 2019 fireworks permits for Jake’s Fireworks at Wall & Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2322 S. Main, Crazy Debbie’s at 2500 S. Main & Hales Fireworks at 2409 S. Main, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

The Commissioners reviewed the received 2018 annual summaries from the townships, cemeteries, fire districts and watersheds; Jeff made a motion to approve the received 2018 annual summaries, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne discussed the Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; he said the Commissioners previously discussed donating this building to the City of Uniontown to be used for their maintenance building, Lynne said he felt the Commissioners want to move forward with the donation; Justin said he would do a contract for this donation. The Commissioners plan to approve the contract for the donation on June 18th.

Mark McCoy met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned why Bourbon County had not participated in a disaster declaration due to the recent 15” or more of rain and storms that the County had received. Mark said he understood there was damage in the City of Fort Scott as well; the calculated cost (in the County and the Cities in Bourbon County) to return the existing roads to the condition prior to the damage from the heavy rains could possibly be eligible for assistance from the disaster recovery, he estimated the threshold to be $56,500. Mark said the money can be recoverable if a disaster relief is declared and accepted. Lynne said he had spoken to the City of Fort Scott and said they didn’t plan to declare a disaster; the City of Bronson had no damage to declare. Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 13-19; an emergency disaster declaration for Bourbon County, Jeff seconded the motion. Jim Harris said he would pull records of work done due to the storms. Jeff made a motion to give Lynne permission to contact the City of Fort Scott regarding the storm damage in Fort Scott, Lynne seconded the motion.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 12:16, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Business

Dawson Minor: Young Entrepreneur

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Dawson Minor. Submitted photos.

This is part of a series featuring young people who found a need and are seeking to fill it with a business venture.

To nominate local young entrepreneurs, send name, phone number/email and the name of who is nominating and why, to [email protected].

Dawson Minor, 20, of Fulton is the owner of 4 Clover Mowing business.
The business began as a dream when he was a small boy.
“From the time I was very small, I have had a fondness for any kind of self-propelled equipment, no matter the size,” Minor said.
“Even before I had the concept of mowing grass, lawn mowers were the first machines that I could actually drive,” he said.
In second grade, when he could barely reach the pedals, he began mowing the family yard and farm lot.
” I loved mowing,” Minor said.  “I often dreamed of mowing for other people and having my own business.”
In early March 2013, after “a lot of thinking and discussing with my parents” Minor decided to start a small mowing business since he enjoyed mowing lawns and being outdoors.
“I started with a John Deere LA120 riding lawn tractor,” he said.
“My first year in the mowing business turned out to be a great learning experience, ” Minor said. “It helped me to understand that having the ability and chance to do something that I truly enjoy is not only measured by money.”
 “Within the second year in business, I soon realized that my role of being the kid who mows the yard was rapidly changing to the responsibility of a young businessman,” he said.
 “My number one responsibility in grounds-keeping has always been customer service,” Minor said. ” I never intend to give up quality for quantity in order to increase profits.”
” I have been blessed with the growth of my business and great customers.”
“I  currently employ two very hard working and dependable individuals, Drew Wright and Garrett Thompson, which I value and trust impeccably,”  he said.
His service area includes Bourbon, Linn, and Vernon counties.
“I have learned customer satisfaction is not only the success of a business, but it is also truly the reward of a business,” Minor said.
Minor can be reached at 620-238-9613 or  [email protected]
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission To Meet At Jail June 11

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: June 11th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: ____________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _____________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:30-Commissioners to meet at Law Enforcement Center to discuss about the jail.

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County, Government, Uncategorized

Bourbon County Commission June 11 Agenda: Evening Hours Scheduled

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: June 11th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

1:00-1:30-County Disaster Declaration

1:30-1:40-Health Department

1:45-2:00-Lora Holdridge-Budget Question

2:00-2:30-Jody Hoener- Tabacco Cessation-Employee Policy

2:30-3:00-Jerad Heckman

3:00-3:30-Jacqie Spradling- Attorney Budget

3:30-4:15-Justin Meeks

3:30-3:40-Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

3:40-4:15-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

4:15-4:30-Clerk and Election Budget

**Evening Commission Meeting: 5:30-7:30**

5:30-6:00-Jim Harris

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County, Business

New Union Station Owners Welcomed by Ruritan

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Uniontown Ruritan sponsored a ribbon cutting for Union Station Convenience Store on May 11. From left: Ruritan member Joe George, Ruriteen member Luke George, Ruritan members Lawrence and Raymond George, owners Ronni and Dane Clayton, Ruritan members Henry Homan and Mark Warren and community member Linda Wilson.

Uniontown Ruritan sponsored a ribbon cutting to welcome the new convenience store owners, Ronni and Dane Clayton.

The Clayton’s took over ownership of Union Station Convenience Store from Ron and Susan Eldridge in April 2019.

The store sells gasoline, food, and beer and is located on Hwy. 3, one mile south of the Hwy. 54 junction.

The store is a gathering place for locals in the morning, unofficially called “The Liars Club.”

Hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information: 620-756-4884.

 

Bourbon County, Sports

National Bike Race Coming To Fort Scott

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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND CHEER RIDERS ON AS THEY PASS THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY!

History
RAAM is an annual event that has been held every year since 1982. Cyclists from around the world compete to see who will be the fastest to pedal 3,000 miles coast-to-coast across the USA. The clock never stops during the race. There are solo and team divisions. Each participant is required to have a support crew. The winning solo riders will cross the country in less than 9 days, cycling over 300 miles per day, and teams will do it in 6 days, riding over 500 miles per day.

The Route
RAAM starts in Oceanside, California and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland. The route passes through 12 states: California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland

Estimated Arrival Times
The estimated arrival times for riders to pass through Fort Scott are:

Women: 6/17 05:32 through 6/18 20:23
Men: 6/15 23:02 through 6/18 08:34
Eight racer teams: 6/18 16:32
Four Racer Teams: 6/19 03:07
Two Racer Teams: 6/19 15:21
All Teams: 6/20 16:15

Need More Information?
To learn more about RAAM go to their website: www.raceacrossamerica.org

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Get Ready for the Bagworm Invasion

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! Now is the time to get your treatment game plan ready.

Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.

Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.

The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.

There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms. Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color. Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.

Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. Now is the time to find the correct insecticide and get the sprayers out and ready for the job ahead.

For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott This Week by the Chamber of Commerce

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Kids Eat Free Lunch At The Keyhole, noon to 1pm, Mon.-Fri., now through July 26th!! 10th & Main St., across from the Fort Scott High School

Sack lunches will be provided to those under 18. Children check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals. Open to all kids, regardless of income; no need to reside in Fort Scott
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
Hedgehog.INK now has gardening books on the sale rack in the front of the store – These books are FREE, for a donation to Fort Scott High School Thespians. Funds raised will help send students to the international competition in late June
Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)
7-8
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
7 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League of Bourbon County) – Papa Don’s,
10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization
7 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

This Friday’s show will feature the local favorite band “The Eastsiders”. The band does Christian, gospel and classic rock. Many of the songs are originals written by lead singer Danny Brown. The crowd loves this band!

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of rain, we will move to Common Ground Coffee Co., at
116 S. Main St.
8 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
8 Kiwanis 3-Person Scholarship Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, 9am-2pm

Contact Shannon O’Neil for more information/registration: 620-223-5060
8 Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 10:30am

Join Addisyn for a celebration of fairy tales! (See flyer below)

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/hedgesbookstore/
8
5th Annual Fire Department Benefit Ride – this year’s ride will benefit local family, Jack & Stephanie Lockwood. Stephanie is battling leukemia (See flyer below)

Schedule:
12pm – register at Fire Station 1
1pm – 100 mile ride begins at Fire Station 1 (1604 S. National Ave.), ends at Holmtown Pub (206 N. National Ave.)
5pm – Live music by Royce Hyer
6pm – Live music by the Dirty Bourbon Band

There will be a gun raffle inbetween bands. Come on out and help support the Lockwood family!

To watch a Dirty Bourbon Band video, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyBourbonBand/
8
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
8
Barks & Brews at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave.

Join Paws and Claws as we celebrate the release of the Farm Dog Pils from The Boiler Room Brewhaus. In addition to a great, local craft beer, there will be sodas, food, and live music. A portion of proceeds from Farm Dog sales will be donated to Paws and Claws. Hot dogs and sides available for a free will donation. We will even have a few furry critters available for adoption and some great pet products to raffle off!
8 BBQ Fundraiser for Hammond Community Center Maintenance – Hammond Community Center, 2275 Soldier Rd., 5-7pm

Please help us maintain our beloved community building!

Free Will Offering * Take Out Available

Menu: Smoked Ham/Pulled Park, Baked Beans,
Coleslaw, Bread, Dessert, Tea/Water/Lemonade
9 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National,
3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Flood Resources

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Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director & Agent

 

 

While it is common for Southeast Kansas to receive quite a bit of rainfall in the spring, 2019 has gone a bit overboard! Recent weather has caused damage to our communities, and kept area farmers out of their fields. In an effort to continue to be a trusted and reliable resource, K-State Research & Extension in the Southwind District has updated our website with information that can be of assistance if you are trying to manage your home or garden after the flood waters recede.  Please visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to find links to the most up-to-date resources on managing after a flood.

 

After a flood has devastated your home or business, food safety is one of the many things to be considered. Flood water should generally be considered contaminated, as it is difficult to determine what it has contacted on its way to your property. Water from floods can be contaminated with sewage or animal waste, particularly if they occur in areas near wastewater treatment facilities or livestock operations. Raw sewage and animal waste contain bacteria that can cause illness if contaminated foods are eaten. Flood waters that cover roads, vehicles, solid waste facilities, or pass by manufacturing and business sites can carry heavy metals and other industrial contaminants, which can also be hazardous to human health.

 

Mildew may develop on damp or wet items in your home. Mildew is a gray-white mold that leaves stains and rots fabric unless it is removed promptly. Mold and mildew are problems after the type of weather we have had lately. Resources for managing mold and for cleaning up, can also be found on at www.southwind.ksu.edu

 

If you have a sump pump, we offer a link for details about making informed decisions about back up pumps and various home systems.

 

We provided links to local emergency management resources in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties along with state websites such as KSReady.gov, the state’s portal to information and resources on emergency planning and preparedness for the public, businesses, schools, children, elected officials and first responders.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S.. We cannot always be prepared for the worst, but Extension is here to help you when recovery is the only option. K-State Research & Extension invites you to explore the links on www.southwind.ksu.edu and let us know if we can answer your questions. Above all, please be safe during this period of bad weather.


Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

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Bourbon County Local News