In mid-December, a Pittsburg company was cited in northeast Bourbon County for not complying with Kansas laws on solid waste disposal. In 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued five stream advisories in the State of Kansas.
“Radell Underground, Inc. was issued a Notice of Non-Compliance by KDHE, citing violation of K.S.A. 65-3409(a)(1) Disposal of solid waste by open dumping, on Dec. 13, for dumping the bore tailings and bore gel compound (containing bentonite and silica) as a slurry into the waterways shown on the attached map,” according to Jill Bronaugh, KDHE Communications Director in an email.
Radell bore dumping site in northeast Bourbon County. Submitted map.
“We do telecommunication (fiber optic cable) for CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative). One of our guys dumped mud where he wasn’t supposed to,” said Anthony McNeely a manager with Radell.
Organically modified bentonites effectively reduce the consumption of drilling fluids, conserve resources, and lessen environmental effects, according to https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10707903/
Industrial sand and gravel, often called “silica,” “silica sand,” and “quartz sand,” include sands and gravels with high silicon dioxide (SiO2) content. These sands are used in glassmaking; for foundry, abrasive, and hydraulic fracturing (frac) applications; and for many other industrial uses, according to https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/silica-statistics-and-information
Radell Underground Inc. is a utility contractor that specializes in horizontal directional drilling, also known as boring. Their clients include AT&T, Evergy, CrawKan, and many more, according to their website.
“We met with Radell representatives to discuss the clean-up of the dumping sites and established a date of Jan. 10, to obtain the proper permits and approvals from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have jurisdiction over waterways. The clean-up is required to be completed by Jan. 20; at which time, the stream advisory will be rescinded,” Bronaugh said.
Stream Advisory Issued for an Unnamed Tributary North of Fort Scott, Kansas
“Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the unnamed tributary near 185th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.
The stream advisory is a result of multiple disposal sites from a boring operation that contained silica, bentonite, and a gel polymer near 185th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.
The advisory has been issued because of potential sediment and unknown contaminants being present in the unnamed tributary. If you live or have activities near this area, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.
KDHE will rescind the advisory once secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.”
Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a unicameral (one-chambered) legislature composed of 125 representatives across the state. SHL delegates are 60 years or older and are elected from their county of residence.
SEK Area Agency on Aging is seeking candidates to serve a two-year term representing their county. SEKAAA covers a 9-county area: Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson.
The legislature provides an educational experience in the political process and provides an opportunity to identify priority concerns of Kansas’ older adults.
The SHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and the governor as recommendations for state policy.
SHLs were created by Congress in 1969 when each state was encouraged to create a body of older adults who would identify issues important to older adults 60+ and educate their state legislatures about those issues.
The Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature was created by a 1982 Senate resolution. The website for Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature is www.Kansas-shl.org
“It is important that the voice of older Kansans is heard,” says Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “there are constant changes that have an impact on individuals 60 and older that can be overlooked. It is important to have this group that is solely focused on issues that impact older Kansans.”
If anyone is interested in being a delegate, they can request an application packet by emailing [email protected] or calling 620-431-2980. Applications must be received by February 3, 2025. If more than one person is interested in a position an election will be held on February 21, 2025. The term is for two years. March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027.
Commission approves map making five commissioner districts of Bourbon County.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The meeting opened with a full audience.
Dustin Lewis spoke to the commission regarding a potential housing unit Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He expressed a desire to build a 20-30 2000 sq. ft. single home housing development. He said they were looking for right location to bring it into the area in the next year. He was not asking county for anything at this time.
Commissioner Harris said he was very excited about this opportunity and asked if there was anything the county to do to help. Nothing needed at this time.
A Legacy property MOU was also discussed. Commissioner Clifton Beth said, “We need development.”
The property under discussion is located near the hospital, and has a call back on it and the county must release it in order for Legacy to develop said property. Commissioners Beth and Harris said that Legacy has fulfilled it’s contract in light of the call back on the lots near the hospital. Wisenhunt said he’s never seen the contract. Beth read out some information from the MOU stating, “Lots one and two are transferred to KRI, already. Lot five would be transferred back to Bourbon County for EMS services.” Legacy will provide the quit claim deed to the county for filing before the year end. Legacy paid for the survey for lot 5.
Beth said, “I would like to see the land developed…Maybe this would be one that they could do.”
A citizen requested that the commission to wait to release the call backs on the 11 acres directly south of the hospital until Freeman opens the hospital in June to be sure Legacy has fulfilled their contract with the county. Beth expressed concern over losing the housing project to Crawford County.
Wisenhunt expressed his belief that it will take time to create the development, anyway and waiting until June isn’t a big deal.
Harris suggested tabling it for a week. Wisenhunt offered to do some research.
Kaety Bowers spoke to the commission as Republican County Chair, thanking Harris and Beth for their service and wishing Wisenhunt a successful completion of his term.
She then spoke “as a concerned citizen of Bourbon County.” She expressed desire to start the year off in a positive manner, then asked the commission to alleviate concerns she’s heard for a number of citizens by signing an affidavit, which she offered to read. Harris immediately asked for a week to review it. Bowers said, “perfect.” Upon looking over the document, Harris said, “I take this as an insult.”
“I apologize. It’s not meant that way,” she replied, reiterating that her intention is to be positive and not to tarnish anyone’s reputation. Harris expressed that any of his constituents could talk to him directly if they have questions. He asked where the Democrat Party chair was. Bowers said she had not been able to get a hold of him or her.
Beth agreed with Harris and asked why no one came to him directly with questions.
Harris said his reputation was tarnished when people lied about him in the newspaper and on Facebook.
Beth laughed at the idea that Facebook would be the place for him to answer questions.
Wisenhunt weighed in, addressing Beth: “First of all, there’s been several people stand at that podium and ask you questions, and you get exactly like that, Clifton. You are the most disrespectful commissioner I’ve seen in ANY committee meeting. I will sign it for you, Kaety, because I’m ___________ honest.” Citizen’s in attendance clapped at the end of his remarks.
“My intent with this was just to give you guys a chance in a public form,” said Bowers.
Beth and Wisenhunt began an argument about accusations of dishonesty and disrespect. Harris intervened and stopped the argument to continue the meeting.
Next, Mark McCoy with Bourbon County REDI addressed the commission regarding funds for work REDI had done in 2024.
Harris said that after looking at the budget, he doesn’t see any funds for them. He suggested that REDI regroup and start a new relationship with the new commission.
Wisenhunt: “I agree that we need economic development in our county. I think, money-wise, right now it’s a bad time. I would like to see REDI regroup, come back together and maybe start letting us know at least monthly what we’re working on, working towards, so we can get you the help from the County Commission if need be. We can reach out and get the community more involved in it.”
McCoy mentioned that communication between the county and the city should probably increase for successful of economic development. “Without everybody working together, it’s never going to happen.”
Justin Meeks, in his final acts as county counselor, reported that he hand-delivered the original Freeman agreements to Patrina Richards, general counsel for Freeman, and she expects to have them back by Jan. 3. “Once those are done, I think everything on the county’s end will be satisfied and we’ll be good to go down the road…. I’m excited to have them here. I think it will be good.”
Redistricting talk was the final agenda item. Commissioner Harris invited the citizen’s committee members to pull up a chair. He indicated that the maps had been available for viewing in the foyer before the meeting. Everyone then took about 6 minutes to look go to the foyer and look over the maps during the meeting.
Clifton Beth preferred map Number 2, as did the rest of the commission and those members of the committee that Harris heard from. Harris made the motion to accept Map 2, and the commission voted unanimously to do so.
Wisenhunt then made motion to adopt the resolution 15 for 2024 establishing commission districts for Bourbon County changing the number of commission districts from 3 to 5, per the vote of Nov. 5, 2024.
There was not further discussion from the audience or commission and the motion carried.
Another motion to create a special election on or before April 15, 2025 to fill the new districts was also carried unanimously.
Commission comments wrapped up the meeting. First, Wisenhunt apologized for his attitude and losing his cool earlier in the meeting. Next, Jim Harris mentioned, regarding his response to Katie Bower’s affidavit, “Please don’t question my integrity, my honestly, and my love for Jesus Christ. I’m going to walk away in a week with a good conscience.”
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Heather Ethridge, Deb McCoy, Mike Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Marita Meech, Elizabeth Meech, and Kaety Bowers 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 12-19-2024 and approval of November financials. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Heather Ethridge, President of West Plains and Centerville Cemeteries stated she has a problem with the cemetery plot deeds. Heather stated they have several deeds that have not been registered with the county and that she doesn’t need them filed, only scanned in. Heather said the Register of Deeds office informed her it would cost $23.00 per deed to file. Heather asked for the fees to be waived. Clifton said we would have to waive for all cemeteries and questioned if it was a state requirement to charge the fee. Brandon stated Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, text him and said it is a state statute that requires them to charge the fee. Jim suggested letting them talk to the Register of Deeds office and putting the matter back on the agenda in two weeks.
Deb McCoy asked the Commissioners if we follow state guidelines for the abatement process as she was informed that Bourbon County doesn’t have any policies or procedures in place. Deb stated that Legacy Healthcare notarized their abatement application in March 2024 and chose the exemption reason of KSA 79-201b which is for hospitals. Deb stated they have not been operating as a hospital and questioned why they were allowed to use that exemption and who knew about the application as she does not remember it being discussed in open meeting. Deb asked if the Commissioners would do the same with the lots that Legacy broke off from the original parcel that the county donated to them in 2022. Jim stated it is hard to explain how helpful Legacy was with getting KRI and Freeman here and that the state forgave the tax dollars.
Anne Dare said she did some digging in her documents and that BEDCO hired Rob Harrington in 2021 and the name of the organization was changed to REDI. Anne expressed her concerns regarding the amount of county funds that were being spent so quickly at the end of the year. Anne stated she has not filed a KORA request yet but questioned where the spending for this year is in relation to the past few years at the end of year. Anne said she received a report through a KORA request for the amount that Bourbon County has paid to REDI and it is $630,000 total and she implored the Commissioners not to fund REDI and if they do to have a written contract going forward. Anne stated she wished the Sheriff could use the in person in house for budget help instead of paying $34,000 for a financial advisor. Anne said she remembers when the survey for the lot behind the EMS building was approved in open session and she requested the invoice for the services and was informed that Bourbon County has not received an invoice. Anne closed her statement urging the Commissioners to be careful with tax dollars.
Michael Hoyt said he would speak later about the redistricting and said that he thought there was some confusion about him circulating a petition and leading the redistricting committee and asked why it was a bad thing.
Pete Owenby asked if REDI requested the $75,000 during budget time. Clifton stated they put the money for REDI in a contingency fund along with the soil conservation district. Pete asked if we had a contract with REDI and Jim stated no, it was just a verbal vote for funding. Pete asked if the City of Fort Scott or USD 234 were supporting REDI. Jim stated he was unaware of anybody supporting REDI.
Kelly Perry stated she is a small business owner in Bronson. Kelly said that there is an organization at Kansas State University that could redistrict the maps and possibly save some tax dollars. Kelly stated she does not think that funding should be spent on REDI. Kelly stated that REDI is a 501(c)(3) and that due to their stated charitable purposes she does not think it allows them to bill us for economic development. Kelly stated she served on the REDI board and that she had to sign an NDA but suggested looking at their by-laws and charters as well as looking into if they are legally able to bill us for economic development. Kelly stated she tries to be non-biased and to be good to people while not being self-serving and that she has not spoken out due to the fear of backlash. Kelly stated if anybody had any questions to reach out to her.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated he has a utility permit application for Dale Jackson for 160th Street south of Wagon Road. Eric said a few years ago the utilities were run but were not in conduit and now is asking to redo and put the utilities in conduit. Brandon asked if they would bore or trench the road. Eric said they would trench the gravel road and that Mr. Jackson owns the parcels on both sides of the road. Brandon made a motion to give Dale Jackson a utility permit for 160th Street south of Wagon road for utilities across the road since both parcels are his. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked to amend the agenda to speak about an invoice. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow the County Clerk to speak. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated she received an invoice this afternoon from KWORCC who is our workers compensation insurance. Jennifer explained that the way we are billed is an estimated premiums amount is sent at the beginning of the year then our account is audited and any additional premiums will be billed. Jennifer stated the estimated premiums invoice for 2025 is $111,375.00 which is $27,488.00 more than last year. Jennifer stated the additional premiums over the last few years have been anywhere from $6,000 to over $21,000. Jennifer said the total amount of premiums paid to KWORCC in 2024 was $92,443.00, so during the budget process a total of $110,000 was budgeted for 2025. Jennifer stated she wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the increased amount due.
Jim asked if the Commissioners had any questions regarding the Freeman agreements that were passed out during last week’s meeting. Clifton made a motion to accept the MOU and to allow the Chairman to sign it with Freeman of Fort Scott. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he would sign the agreement and told the County Clerk that Justin would like a copy. Jim said they went over the equipment list with Dr. Nichols, Justin, and Freeman and that it is listed in the equipment agreement handed out last week. Brandon made a motion to approve the equipment list agreement with Freeman of Fort Scott and to allow the Chairman to sign it. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he needs to amend the agenda to talk about a letter that Freeman needs for the IRS. It was determined that the letter would fall under Freeman agreements, so the agenda was not amended. Brandon asked if the letter is for their tax exemption. Jim said the letter states that Freeman intends to be operation by 6-1-25 and Clifton added it says funding is contingent upon the 6-1-25 date. Clifton made a motion to approve the letter Freeman needs for the IRS and to allow Chairman Harris to sign it. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Sheriff Bill Martin was back with Ben Hart from Baker Tilly. Jim asked the other Commissioners if they had any questions after the discussion at last week’s meeting. Jim said that Susan sent them reports that showed the County Counselor had $21,800 left in his budget, there is $64,000 in the courthouse maintenance fund, and $50,000 in the Commission contingency fund. Brandon said he doesn’t know why we need to pay for two bookkeepers. Jim said that next year the CFO position will go away. Bill asked Ben Hart to explain the reasoning. Mr. Hart said there are two ways of looking at budget numbers and that he would handle things a different way and will have input from the elected official. Mr. Hart said that the levy for the Sheriff’s budget has gone down the last few years even though operations go up. Jim said that County Counselor Meeks has informed him that Bill can enter into a contract without the Commission’s approval. Clifton made a motion to transfer $36,000 to Sheriff Martin out of the Commission contingency fund by the end of business tomorrow. Jim asked Clifton to add to his motion that if for some reason that money has been moved to take it out of the building maintenance fund as well as the counselor fund. Clifton added “that if the money is mysteriously missing then that money be taken out of the building maintenance fund to transfer to Sheriff Martin to pay Baker Tilly for services and/or the county counselor fund.” Brandon said he had a question. Jim stated he had a motion and Clifton added “ so, anyway $36,000 transferred to Sherrif Martin not out of his accounts out of the accounts I stated so that he can hire Baker Tilly to assist him in 2025, by the end of business day tomorrow.” Jim asked if the contract will be December to December? Ben Hart stated that was correct. Jim seconded the motion. Brandon questioned why the amount requested this week was $36,000 when last week it was stated $34,000? Mr. Hart said the agreement you have has never changed it is $3,000 per month. Brandon opposed the motion. The motion passed 2-1.
Jim requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and Patty Love and will return at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:32 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said he had a contractor call today and they want to be on the agenda next week for a possible housing development for. Jim handed out an MOU for the other Commissioners to review for next week and said it pertains to the possible opportunity for some new housing south of town. Jim said it is estimated 20 to 25 houses and that the company will be here next week to do a presentation. Samuel Tran asked if the name of the company could be released and Jim stated it is Middle Water LLC out of Overland Park.
Michael Hoyt said he received letters of interest for those who wish to be on the redistricting committee. Mr. Hoyt gave the list of names to the Commissioner and said he would like to step back from the committee. Clifton said that SAM will do the redistricting and present the Commissioners with three maps for them to choose from. Jim said he would like the committee to get together for the redistricting. Brandon asked why not do it all at once have the committee present when the maps are given next Monday then open it up to the public. Kay Tran asked if the public would be allowed to speak and Jim said yes, they would. Pete Owenby asked what the state statute outlines for the process. Brandon said it is the Commissioner’s decision and then it will be sent to the state to file the new map. Jim said he is confident that they can make a decision next week. Brandon read the list of names provided by Michael Hoyt and they are: Kelly Perry, Jim Sackett, and Ron Miller for district one, Josh Jones, Don and Jean Tucker, and Pete Allen for district two, and JD Handly for district 3. Kaety Bowers asked to be added to the list.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:42. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Freeman of Ft. Scott and funding for a Sheriff’s Department Financial Advisor top commissioner meeting activity on Dec. 23.
The commission dealt with several business items related to the re-opening of a hospital in Bourbon County and the county’s relationship with Freeman of Fort Scott. The approved a memorandum of understanding between Bourbon County and Freeman Fort Scott. This is to understand the way they’re going to spend the sales tax dollars they receive and let the county know how their going to spend it. Commission voted to sign in.
An agreement for equipment list that Freeman of Ft. Scott wanted from the hospital building was approved and signed.
The commission also approved and signed a letter to the IRS on behalf of Freeman of Ft. Scott, explaining that the hospital is committing to be open by June 1, 2025 and asking for patience regarding paying taxes.
Sheriff Bill Martin, presented his request for funding for a financial advisor again. Since the Dec. 19 commission meeting, financial information for the county was collecting showing $21,800 from county counselor’s budget that could be moved to the Sheriff, and $64,000 in the courthouse maintenance fund which could also be moved, as well as $50,000 in the commissioner contingency fund. This protects the $250,000 cash carryover from 2024 going into 2025.
Mr. Hart from the firm of Baker Tilly explained his approach to financial advising and how he can help the Sheriff’s office.
Beth made motion to transfer $36,000 to pay Baker Tilly from the commissioners contingency fund and that if the funds are not available, the money be moved from the county counselor or courthouse maintenance fund. The agreement is for $3000 per month. Beth and Harris voted for it, Wisenhunt against.
During the public comments section of the meeting, Heather Ethridge, president of West Plains and Centerville cemetaries presented an issue regarding recording deeds of burial sites. She presented a thick stack of deed papers and asked if there is a way to have them scanned in to the county’s records for future reference. “They don’t need to be registered,” she said, just recorded for access by those who purchased them, should they loose their own records. No taxes are paid on the deeds, but the current cost is $23 to register each deed, and the cemeteries don’t have the budget for that. Taxes for maintenance of cemeteries are paid by residents of towns served by cemeteries. Some donations as well as perpetual care funds help with improvements and maintenance such as surveys and maps.
The commissioners are in favor of waiving the fees, but will have to research it to be sure to follow all regulations before taking any further action.
Deb McCoy brought up her concern regarding California Legacy Healthcare’s tax abatement situation. McCoy claims the county doesn’t have a standard policy and procedure when it comes to submitting applications for tax exemptions and so should follow the state guidelines. California Legacy Healthcare completed the tax exemption application and had it notarized on March 11, 2024. State statutes provide for tax exemptions for hospitals. However, the building and land was not a hospital from 2022-23 and Legacy has not paid the $400,000 tax bill for that time. McCoy maintains that Legacy has taken advantage of the community “at every twist and turn,” and asked the commission if they are going to allow Legacy to walk away from their outstanding tax bill. Her main contention was that the county doesn’t have it’s own procedures for filing for tax exemptions.
Legacy was helpful in getting KRI and Freeman to begin re-opening a hospital in Bourbon county, claim commissioners Beth and Harris. Harris also stated that the state has forgiven the $400,000. “Legacy did a good job,” said Harris.
“It’s not an opinion, actually. KRI is here strictly because of Legacy and only because of Legacy. That’s the facts,” claimed Beth.
Anne Dare stated, “My main concern is that county funds are being doled out so quickly at the end of the year.”
She also mentioned payments made to REDI, per her records request: in 2021, $174,500; in 2022, $300,500; in 2023, $155,000. All of which is well over the $130,000 promised at the beginning. “I would implore you to defund or not use REDI anymore.”
Beth responded that regarding the funding the county gave REDI, “A large portion of that went for grants.” It didn’t go directly into REDI’s pocket.
Another citizen asked if the county budgeted to fund REDI in 2024. Commission Beth answered they did budget for it by putting the money in the commissioner contingency fund.
Kelly Perry, a small business owner in the Bronson area, asked that regarding REDI, the commissioners would install some “checks and balances.” Regarding her own business, she said she hasn’t received any services from REDI but has done all her own grant writing and searching for help for her small business.
She also mentioned that in order for REDI to maintain its charitable status, it cannot bill for services.
Perry concluded that she has been afraid to speak up because of backlash and consequences for her family business. She claimed there are other violations of rules that REDI has committed, but because she served on the REDI board in the past and signed a non-disclosure agreement, she cannot give particulars. She ended by asking the commissioners to do their research before going further with REDI and received applause from citizens at the meeting.
Michael Hoyt presented letters of interest received over the last weeks after he was asked to head a citizen’s committee on redistricting. Hoyt expressed that he did not wish to chair the committee anymore due to negative feedback from the community.
Beth reminded everyone that the company SAM has been hired by the county and is in the process of creating the three maps that the commission will then select from for the new 5-commissioner-district county. Harris expressed the desire for the citizen’s committee to get together and weigh in on the redistricting decision.
A citizen asked for a town hall meeting about the redistricting. Commission states that citizens can come to the commission meeting on Dec. 30 to discuss it at that time.
The committee members are: for District. 1: Kelly Perry, Jim Sachet, Ron Miller; district 2: Josh Jones, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Pete Allen, and district 3: JD Handley. Katie Bowers, who was at the commissioner meeting, asked to be added to the committee and was.
Bourbon County Core Community exists to help with solving poverty in Bourbon County.
“We are a donor-supported 501(c)3 organization that offers an effective, data-backed program that walks people who are struggling in poverty through a 22-week course that helps them learn the mindset of poverty, the mindset of middle-class, and the steps it takes for them to move from one to the other,” said Deana Betts, the community liaison for the organization.
Bourbon County Core Community is hosting a fundraising event called Reza Live! on February 8th at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
About REZA
“More than a magic show, Reza infuses stage of the art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and numerous interactive & inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand, according to a press release fron Core Community. Perhaps Reza’s greatest secret is his uncanny ability to communicate his performance art on such a personal level.”
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
Tickets are on sale now and available at rezalive.com.
“All proceeds will be used to fund our efforts to help people of Bourbon County move out of poverty,” Betts said.
About the program
“We meet every Tuesday night, begin with a donor-provided meal, and eat together as families. The children then move onto their programming while the adults work through class content, set goals met with their Core Friends (volunteers from the middle-class who help them and encourage them), etc.” she said.
Volunteers with Core Community provide meals, childcare, speak on specific topics, and be Core Friends.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Deana Betts 785-488-8411.
This is a copy of the report Mark McCoy, Chairman of Regionial Economic Development Incorporated, gave to the county commissioners this week.
Report to the Bourbon County Commission
Introduction
Chairperson and Members of the Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to present an update on the accomplishments and ongoing initiatives of Bourbon County REDI. Over the past year, REDI has remained steadfast in its mission to drive economic development, enhance community well-being, and create opportunities for growth across Bourbon County. Below, I provide an overview of our key activities and achievements.
Comprehensive Studies and Reports
Bourbon County REDI has conducted several targeted studies to inform strategic planning and decision-making. These include:
Labor Market Trends:
Data shared with State officials to assist in site selection projects for potential business locations.
Information provided to local businesses to support HR teams in marketing their companies to prospective employees.
Retail Sector Performance:
This study supported downtown businesses, including The Kitchen Collective, Bids and Dibs, The Artificers, and Bourbon County Clay.
Data was instrumental in grant applications, resulting in multiple successful awards.
Housing Needs Assessments:
Utilized in marketing materials for external and local developers to promote housing initiatives.
Integrated into multiple Moderate-Income Housing (MIH) grant applications to support development projects.
Sales Tax Revenue Analysis for the South Development Project:
Provided to the State to support the STAR Bond project and shared with developers to attract potential businesses to Fort Scott.
Business Retention and Expansion Efforts:
Conducted three years of Business Retention visits since 2021.
Assisted Niece Products in resolving a stormwater issue that impacted their manufacturing operations.
Advocated for infrastructure improvements near Peerless, leading to the completion of a road project that supports future expansion opportunities.
These studies have proven invaluable in guiding county-wide planning and fostering informed economic development initiatives.
Grant Funding Achievements
Over the past year, REDI successfully secured over $2 million in competitive grant funding, with $200,000 already disbursed. These grants are funding transformative projects throughout Bourbon County, including:
The $900,000 Horton Street Grant
Grants for local organizations such as The Kitchen Collective, The Artificers, and Bourbon County EMS
REDI’s ability to secure external funding has greatly enhanced our capacity to support local priorities.
Economic Development Projects
REDI continues to collaborate with the State of Kansas on business attraction projects, providing information and site options for potential investors. Key locations under consideration include:
The Value Merchandiser building
Property in southern Fort Scott for a large manufacturing facility
While these projects are managed primarily by the State, REDI remains engaged and prepared to support when Bourbon County advances to the final stages of selection.
Community Grant Support
REDI distributed over $150,000 in community grants to fund critical development projects across the county. These funds, provided by the County, have been invested in:
Baseball field upgrades in Redfield and Bronson
Park improvements in Uniontown, Fort Scott, and Mapleton
A new playground at Kansas Rocks
$17,000 for Bourbon County EMS to purchase AEDs
These investments directly improve the quality of life for residents throughout Bourbon County.
Local Project Participation
REDI has played an instrumental role in several community-based projects, demonstrating our commitment to partnering with local organizations. Key projects include:
The Splash Pad project
The First Kansas Mural
The USD 235 pond project
Sidewalk construction in Mapleton
The Gathering Place Pavilion
These initiatives underscore our dedication to enhancing community assets and fostering civic pride.
Housing Development
REDI continues to work with local and external developers to address critical housing needs, with ongoing initiatives totaling over $5 million. Highlights include:
Smaller developments using Landbank properties
Larger projects on Richards Road and other high-priority areas
REDI is actively engaging developers to expand both single-family and multi-family housing options across the county.
Strategic Planning
In the fourth quarter of 2022, REDI successfully organized Bourbon County’s first-ever County-Wide Strategic Planning session. This collaborative effort brought together stakeholders from school districts, Fort Scott Community College, community organizations, and local businesses to identify and address regional challenges.
Community Leadership
REDI has taken a proactive role in addressing critical issues facing Bourbon County. Our leadership has focused on key areas, including:
Housing: Driving initiatives to expand and improve housing options.
Childcare: Working to address gaps in affordable and accessible childcare services.
Tourism: Promoting attractions to increase visitation and economic impact.
Healthcare: Supporting efforts to improve access and services for residents
Closing Remarks
Bourbon County REDI remains committed to serving as a trusted partner and catalyst for growth within our community. We value the support and collaboration of the Bourbon County Commission as we work together to achieve shared goals. Thank you for the opportunity to present this update, and I am available to answer any questions you may have.
