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Category Archives: Bourbon County
The Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission This Evening
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
- Public Comments
- Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 2022 Audit Letter
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Sept. 7 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission
September 7, 2023 Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present for a special meeting to hold a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing and a budget hearing.
Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Anne Dare were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Jim made a motion to open the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, explained the changes to the RNR stating the revenue neutral rate is 56.586 mills and the proposed budget would exceed that at 59.907 mills.
Jim opened the floor for comments for any citizen that would like to speak. Michael Hoyt stated that RNR is smoke and mirrors and that it sounds good but is not. Clint Walker said it is admirable that you are trying to keep taxes lower.
Jim made a motion to close the RNR hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton read resolution 15-23 a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 15-23 and exceed the revenue neutral rate. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. All three Commiossioners filled out the roll call form and indicated how they voted as well as signed resolution 15-23.
Clifton stated he felt that the RNR process is absurd and ridiculous. Jim agreed and said it felt like a dog and pony show.
Jim made a motion to open the budget hearing. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, discussed the proposed 2024 budget. Susan put together a chart that showed the funding we receive as a county entity with 60% of that being from property taxes.
Jim opened the floor to comments for the budget hearing for any citizen that would like to speak.
Michael Hoyt spoke of the money that we disperse to other entities and stated we need to hear from them more often and asked if they know what our expectations of them are. Clint Walker said everywhere he has been departments come in and gave reports and updates on measurable things. Mr. Walker also stated that an entity refuses to go to bulk fuel when you can save 45-85 cents per gallon that adds up to a lot of money. Nelson stated he disagrees with appropriations on a principal level and he would defund a lot of things but the state mandates we have to fund them. Clifton said the majority of our budget is road and bridge and the Sheriff’s department and the appropriations are minimal and that to make a difference you would have to cut everybody 15-20% across the board. Clifton said that it had been previously looked into and to have our own health department would cost us $200,000-$300,000 per year and we currently pay $90,000 to the SEK Multi-County Health Department. Jim said he agrees with Clifton and that the appropriations only equal approximately ¾ of a mill. Jim stated he is from a school where sometimes people need help and he will help people as long as he sits here. Jim reiterated that the PILOT funds were used for Bourbon County REDI not taxpayer dollars. Clifton suggested showing Nelson the presentation Susan created before he was Commissioner that shows this Commission has done their job and lowered taxes.
Jim made a motion to close the budget hearing. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to pass the 2024 budget as presented. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
All three Commissioners signed the 2024 budget certificate.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
9-11-2023 Approved Date
August 28 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission
August 28, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $336,998.21, and approval of accounts payable totaling $401,487.67. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker stated that Kansas is receiving $451,000,000 to allow for better cell phone service and computer service and he hopes Bourbon County receives their fair share of it.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the chip and seal project which Eric said is currently on hold due to the chip spreader breaking down last Friday. Eric stated they are taking the machine to G.W. Van Keppel for repairs. A blast is scheduled for Thursday at Thomas Quarry and the crusher is being moved there from the Beth Quarry. Eric said the crew is out patching potholes, mowing right of ways, and getting rock on the roads. Nelson said he received a call from Brent Smith and spoke to Eric about the status of a project on 115th Street. Eric stated he would check into this as he thought the tubes had been installed. Jim asked Eric if his budget was doing ok and receiving reports, and Eric said he has been crunching numbers with Susan.
Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, stated he was here on behalf of Legacy Health Leadership Team to update the Commission on emergency services in Bourbon County. Mr. Harrington said Legacy Health is moving forward with a strategic partner to solidify emergency room services in Bourbon County. More information on a timeline and the partners will be announced in the next few weeks. Jim asked Rob to share with Legacy that he appreciates Legacy providing us an ER. Rob asked for a 3-minute executive session to update Commissioners on another project.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to go into a session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 3-minutes returning at 5:41. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim said he likes we are getting some roads done. Jim stated there will not be a Commission meeting on Monday due to Labor Day, but a meeting will be held after the budget hearing on September 7th. Jim said the City of Fort Scott is meeting tonight to discuss the water situation and make a declaration since Bourbon County is in the emergency drought area declared by the state. Jim explained the Governor’s emergency drought declaration and how the state is allowing individuals permits to obtain water from state fishing lakes, however; Bourbon County does not have a state fishing lake. Jim said the city owns all the water, and they are taking notice and taking action.
Nelson said he has heard talk of mask mandates coming back and that he remembers when we had someone at the door checking temperatures and handing out masks and stated he will not have anything to do with that. Jim said if we have to go in that direction, Nelson would be allowed to vote. Jim said before he would entertain considering a vote, he would want to hear more from Clifton who is our health representative, Becky Johnson from SEK-Multi County Health Department, and have several health officials to talk to us and give us guidance. Anne Dare said we have learned a lot and that needs to be taken into consideration and that the monthly meeting of the SEK-Multi County Health Department will be held tomorrow in Garnett but she is unsure if that topic will be discussed. Jim said it is something we will have to watching going forward and see what happens.
Clint Walker questioned if the Commissioners have heard anything from the state about West Nile Virus that has been detected in surrounding counties. Jim stated he has not heard anything regarding West Nile Virus in the area.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
9/11/2023 Approved Date
Work Session Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept.18
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 18, 2023 4:00 p.m.
A work session will be held to discuss health insurance benefits with Don Doherty.
Austin Maycumber Places in Photography at KS State Fair
Southwind Extension District 4-H members from Bourbon and Neosho Counties competed on Sunday, September 10 at the Kansas State Fair Photography Judging Contest in Hutchinson.
In the intermediate age group Austin Maycumber, Bourbon County, placed 32nd, and Jackson Han, Neosho County, placed 33rd and in the state.
They were accompanied by their coach Terri Kretzmeier.
Post visit from the American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer
Who: Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25
When: September 20th, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. There will be a Reception for the Commander. Refreshments and light snacks will be available.
Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The General Public is encouraged to attend.
Daniel J. Seehafer was elected national commander of The American Legion on Aug. 31, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C., during the 104th national convention. Seehafer likes to say, “It’s personal,” when it comes to The American Legion’s mission of serving veterans and their families. He is continuing the theme of “Be the One,” to prevent veteran suicide.
An ordained minister from Wisconsin, he earned his American Legion eligibility through service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, where he served as a military chaplain. A member of American Legion Post 157 in Horicon, Wis., Seehafer served in a number of American Legion offices at every level, including national chaplain and commander of the Department of Wisconsin.
Born and raised in Merrill, Wis., he lettered in cross-country track while in high school and later received a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Concordia University and a Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Seehafer was installed as assistant pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon in 1997 and continues to serve as administrative pastor of the church and its school. His American Legion post was recognized for “100 percent” and “All-Time High” in membership during his terms as commander and adjutant. Other honors include District Commander’s New Post Achievement Award, Silver Brigade, and Post 157 Legionnaire of the Year.
In 2023, Seehafer earned an Outstanding Heroism Award for administering the Heimlich maneuver to a choking victim at an American Legion dinner.
National Commander Seehafer and his wife, Stacey, who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, live in Beaver Dam, Wis. Dan’s son, Jacob, and daughter, Emma, are also members of the Post 157 family. Dan is the son of the late Lester Seehafer and Jean Sabatke.
Media Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25. 620-224-4733, [email protected]
CHC/SEK’s CareVan Transportation Program Expands to Bourbon County
Bourbon County residents now have additional access to transportation through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas CareVan program.
The ride service officially will roll out on Sept. 15, with a van featuring an accessible wheelchair lift designed to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities. Plans call to increase the
number of vehicles as they become available.
The project is funded by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.
Ride services are available 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Rides are scheduled by calling 833-228-7433. There is no charge to
patients for the service. Donations to the program are accepted.
“In rural communities, we understand that transportation is critical to an individual’s independence, so we do our best to get residents where they need to go,” says Dee Yount, CHC/SEK’s Transportation Program Manager. “We provide in-county trips to doctor’s
appointments, grocery shopping, work locations, social outings, and more, we want to remove the barriers that the lack of transportation can cause so our communities have every opportunity to thrive.”
Although CareVan provides rides to anyone in need of transportation services, Yount reminds potential riders that unlike an on-demand taxi service, reservations must be made and rides are
available on a first come, first served basis.
Riders who need additional support when traveling receive help from trained drivers who will escort riders with door-through-door service, Yount says. Dispatch and drivers are trained to provide more than just safe transportation, but positive social interactions and sense of community with each ride, Yount added. “Our mission is to provide our guests and the communities we serve with dignity, respect and compassion,” he says.
Former Mercy Building Now SEK Mental Health and Ashley Clinic
Yesterday, September 11, a mental health and medical care clinic opened in the former Mercy Hospital building.
“All services with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center will now be offered at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.,” said Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC Manager of Prevention and Promotion. “We are very excited!”
The center will be serving from Suites B and C and hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact: 620.223.5030.
Crisis services are available 24/7 at 1-866-973-2241.
The Ashley Clinic has had two doctors seeing patients in Suite A since the summer.
Dr. Jason Robinson, a urologist, has been seeing patients in Fort Scott since 2016. Starting in August, he has seen patients on the first Wednesday and the second Friday of each month.
Dr. Yi Ying Law, a general surgeon, started seeing patients in July in Fort Scott in the afternoon on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Contact information for them is: 620-431-2500
Partners in Health Care
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Ashley Clinic joined to create a more accessible, efficient, and effective model of care for the citizens of Kansas, according to a previous press release. The focus: leading integrated, whole-person care and breaking down barriers for patients.
One of the most challenging aspects of whole-person wellness is that individuals often see providers for their physical and mental health in different locations with different systems of care, according to a prior press release. With this partnership, there can be continuity of care where all providers can work as a team to help people achieve better health outcomes.
In the ever-changing healthcare environment, SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic are committed to providing resources to their employees and becoming a preferred employer in the community, according to the release.
Ashley Clinic
Ashley Clinic, founded by Dr. Samuel Ashley and his son Dr. George “Ed” Ashley in 1938, has a long-standing history of making quality healthcare accessible in Southeast Kansas. Services provided include e-visits, convenient care clinics, laboratory services, imaging services, immunizations, diabetes education, specialty clinics, sneak peek 3D/4D sonograms, and a pharmacy with locations in Chanute and Humboldt.
SEKMHC
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, established in 1961 as a non-profit organization, employs evidence-based practices and a whole-person approach to provide individualized treatment to clients for better overall health. They offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. SEKMHC has offices in seven southeast Kansas communities: Iola, Chanute, Humboldt, Fort Scott, Pleasanton, Garnett, and Yates Center.
Core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, addiction counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.
SEKMHC became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in 2022. Find more information at sekmhc.org
Bo Co Amended Agenda for Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Today at 5:30 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
New WBE Part-Time Principal: Anita Lightcap
Anita Lightcap is the new part-time West Bourbon Elementary School Principal in Uniontown.
“I started at WBE the first week of August,” she said. “I work Thursday and Friday and every other Wednesday. Mr. Tracy Smith works Monday and Tuesday and every other Wednesday.”
She retired in July 2021 from Tahlequah Public Schools in Tahlequah, Oklahoma as the Executive Director of Elementary Education. Tahlequah is a 6A school district and home to the Cherokee Nation.
Lightcap received her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City and a master’s from Arkansas State University.
She taught school in Dodge City USD 443 at the high school level and the elementary level before returning to her hometown of Tahlequah to finish her career.
“I believe the best thing about a career in education is knowing that you are helping educate the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “Few things in life compare to seeing a child’s eyes light up in that moment that they understand a concept that’s being taught.”
Another great thing is “helping students see themselves as learners and having a growth mindset, believing that they can improve through effort and persistence,” she said.
The greatest challenge in education is meeting the needs of all students with the available resources, she said.
Lightcap lives just outside Kincaid.