The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 33rd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 6th, through Saturday, March 15th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A “Theme” category has been added; this year’s theme is “Bridge the Gap”. \
An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.
PLEASE NOTE: In the past, artists were permitted to enter a total of five pieces, with 3 pieces allowed in any one category. Due to space limitations and the growth of this exhibit, artists now may submit a total of FOUR pieces, with 3 of those allowed in a single category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 28th, 2025.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by contacting Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650 or [email protected], or Deb Halsey at 620-224-0684 or [email protected] .
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows: Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 28th. No late entries will be accepted.
Artwork will be received at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday, March 2nd, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday, March 5th; this is closed to artists and the public.
Artists are invited to attend the Chamber Coffee hosted by the BCAC on Thursday, March 6th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.
A reception will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00 pm for participating artists and the Jurors; this reception is open to the public as well.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th, as well as Monday, March 10th-Friday March 14th from noon until 7:00 pm.
It will also be open Saturdays March 8th and March 15th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Artists may pick up their work on Saturday, March 15th between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Two new commissioners began their duties at the Jan. 13th meeting, wrapping it up by voting unanimously for a 48 month moratorium on solar projects.
The new commission consists of Brandon Whisenhunt for District 1, David Beerbower for District 2, and Leroy Kruger for District 3.
The meeting began with a Flood Plane Management Public Hearing.
Brian Allen of Bourbon County Emergency Management explained that every time the federal government changes the flood maps, the county has to redo the resolution to allow those who live in the flood plane to have flood insurance.
Regarding the changes to the maps, he said that more territory went out than came in to the flood plane.
The new maps will be available for public viewing at the courthouse until the next commissioner meeting on Jan. 20.
The commission tabled the flood plane resolution until the Jan. 20 meeting.
Brian Allen also reported on a study from Texas A&M about the dangers of lithium ion battery fires associated with solar projects, but said he was still searching for information on panel fires.
During public comments, Pete Hornsby asked the commission to consider all the citizens of Bourbon County. He expressed faith in the commission.
Nick Grand spoke about the commissioners’ time. “I have full faith you’re going to do your jobs to the fullest…You got a lot on your plate,” he said. He encouraged them not to devalue their time in light of the importance of family and the brevity of life. Grand claimed that Bourbon County commissioners are already underpaid, compared to nearby counties and should consider, if possible, giving themselves a raise to previous pay levels or even above.
Theresa Davenport, president, and Corey Bryars, VP of the board of Care to Share gave an update to the county about what their organization has been doing to help cancer victims in Bourbon, Lynn, and Crawford Counties. They were not requesting anything from the county.
Board Members: Richard Long, Leah Lewis, Clay Campbell were also at the meeting. Clay Campbell gave a brief testimony of how much Care to Share helped his family during cancer. He joined the organization as soon as he was able to retire. He asked those in attendance to please consider volunteering and donating items to fundraisers. “It’s been a good adventure.”
Care the Share was founded in 2007. It covers Bourbon, Lynn, and Crawford Counties and is 100% volunteer based. Their mission is to provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to cancer fighters and their care givers because we care to share.
Intake coordinators assess needs on an individual basis from financial help to physical help. “We want to help people financially, but we want to help them emotionally too,” said Davenport.
Davenport encouraged those present to volunteer in a number of ways. “Anybody can do anything.”
Care to Share now has a van and a ride coordinator, Dale Cathy. They also facilitate a cancer support group meeting four times a year. The next one is March 1.
Bryars reported that in 2024 Care to Share gave $100,000 back to the community, as they did in 2022 and 2023. He explained that means about 10 times per day, someone is having a need met by Care to Share.
Money is raised by donations and memorials. Largest donation was $5000, but the bulk of the $300,000 raised over the last three years was in small increments that “all add up.” Money also comes in from grants. “Timken threw a $70,000 grant our way last year,” Bryars said, earmarked for a mobile community stage, which Care to Share now has available to loan to the community for a donation.
He listed a number of fundraising events with sponsors, including FortFest, a golf event, and February Fling this Feb. 15 with a piano player who does Elton John- and Billy Joel- type tributes. He said they are hoping for more help alongside the city of Fort Scott to host events and performers from outside the area to bring in more funds as well.
Bourbon County is the largest recipient of funds from Care to Share and donations from the county match expenditures within it.
Because of God and the community’s help, “We’ve never had to turn anybody down,” said Davenport.
“We’ve given out over $1.6 million dollars back to the community since founding,” said Bryars. “$20 at a time. I mean, it’s hard for me to comprehend.”
Care to Share has moved into new office at 9 E. Wall and will have a community open house soon. They are open for walk-ins, Mon. Wed. Fri. 11-2. There is also Care to Share merchandise for sale and plans to have other vendors selling items with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Care to Share. Through subletting some of the space and donations, current rent for the space is costing Care to Share nothing out of pocket other than utilities.
The commission held three separate executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel. They also spoke in executive session with County Counselor Candidate Bob Johnson. Who lives in Humbolt and has been practicing law for 28 years, and county counselor for 24 years. No other candidates for the position attended the meeting.
No action was taken to fill the vacant position.
The monthly report from public works included annual interim bridge inspections, mandated by KDOT, with 22 structures due for inspect. Commission voted, per recommendation to hire Schwab Eton to do the inspections as they have for the last 20 years for $11,025.
The Blake Quarry blast last week produced 47000 tons. They are now waiting for weather to cooperate to start crushing the rock.
There will be a FEMA flood followup meeting Thursday to get back on track after the holidays and get funding brought in.
Ice storm went really well as far as the county’s work goes, pre-treating for faster melt-off after the event with a salt gravel mix.
Regarding the snow storm dropping 3-5 inches of wet snow, which packed down and slicked up, the county was able to clear and plow the roads by the afternoon.
Whisenhunt mention an accident on Yale Road which brought up the question of having the county grade gravel roads in snow and ice. Beerbower suggested a work session to assess what the current plan and any changes.
The commission expressed gratitude to road crews for their hard work during the storms.
County Clerk Susan Walker spoke to the commission about a number of items. She mentioned that there are lots of statutes that the commission and other elected officials are governed by, and gave the commissioners a collection of laws that apply to commission for publication, public hearings, etc.
Susan Walker said Amy Kramer said the State messed up in distributing tax funds to the county. Bourbon County received a distribution that should have gone to cities in the county, “so we’ll have to cut checks to them,” Walker explained. Then they will have to move the money that goes into public works in the public safety fund. “We have a lot of fixing we’ve got to do,” she said.
Walker explained that Freeman contract audit committee Payment of $500,000 cannot be made from sale tax, since it’s not the county’s money, they really only have $50,000, which would be the December distribution for the sales tax funds.
“What I need you guys to make a motion on is for me to reallocate the sales tax money that was already spent for Freeman to be taken out of the general equipment reserve fund in the amount of $114,837.39,” she said.
That takes the general reserve fund down to $48,517.95 as of the end of 2024.
The next hiccup, she said, is that the county has not gotten a contract back from Freeman, so the commission needs to create a point of contact for Freeman. “I’m kind of uncomfortable because we have sent money to them, so we need to get on this as soon as possible,” she said.
Leroy Kruger was made the point of contact for Freeman going forward.
The commissioners also approved a salary resolution for elected and appointed officials, the heads of departments.
Walker explained that the County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds are underpaid in Bourbon County compared to similar counties, and the new schedule brings the pay up to a more comparable pay rate. This was made possible because the various departments did a good job of keeping a carryover in their budgets this last year. The sheriff has been increased from $60,000 to $70,000. County Attorney and EMS director have received increases as well.
Beerbower asked about pay raises for corrections officers and public works employees. He also asked for another week to look at the numbers.
Whisenhunt said he had been one of those who worked hard to put together the 2025 budget, which allows for this new pay schedule and he wanted to approve it.
Kruger made the motion to approve the resolution. It carried 2/1 with Beerbower voting against.
Human Resources liaison for the county commission is now Kruger.
During commissioner comments Beerbower made a motion to discuss a moratorium on solar.
He then read a rough draft of a resolution he had written, based on a template from other counties doing the same thing, regarding a non-expiring moratorium on the construction and operation of solar projects commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek, Kingsburg, and Tennison Creek solar projects, and all other similar projects. The resolution mentioned that these cannot be effectively responded to by the Bourbon County fire department to negate such risks to the public health and welfare of the citizens of the county.
Whisenhunt explained that Bourbon Co rural fire is not equipped to fight a solar panel fire. Turnout gear alone is $3700 per fireman, let alone the pumps and equipment. The county doesn’t have the budget to bring it up to that standard.
A citizen handed out a copy of a lawyer-reviewed resolution for a 48 month moratorium.
Whisenhunt made the motion to adopt the resolution to enact a moratorium on solar projects for 48 months, good until Jan. 13, 2029, and the commission approved it unanimously.
Beerbower shared his vision statement for Bourbon County, ” I envision a board of leaders where the same old same old is not an option, where innovation and traditional values together cultivate a thriving community fostering growth in our future generations.”
Kruger said his vision is to give the voice back to the people and offer an attentive ear, doing the best he can to make a good decision that benefits the majority.
Whisenhunt thanked the county for their support and asked that the citizens would “keep letting us know what we’re doing wrong and right so we know what direction to go.”
The newly sworn-in Bourbon County officials. Submitted photo.
The newly sworn-in Bourbon County elected officials are from left Sheriff Bill Martin, District 2 Commissioner David Beerbower, District Court Judge Mark A. Ward, District 3 Commissioner Leroy Kruger, Attorney James Crux, and County Clerk Susan Walker. The submitted photo was from January 13.
County Commissioner District 1 Brandon Whisenhunt and Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge were unable to attend the ceremony and were sworn in by the County Clerk.
USD 235 and SEK Interlocal 637 offer Child Find screenings to locate, identify, and evaluate all children who may have a disability in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, communication, adaptive, and personal/social skills development.
For children ages 3-5, developmental screenings clinics will be offered at West Bourbon Elementary the morning of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Appointments can also be made as needed in the months of September, December, February, and April.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for this screening clinic, please contact either Julie Akins or Jennifer Vaughn at (620) 235-3155.
The Regular Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.
Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show
Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.
Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.
She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery. We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.
Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.
Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed. Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal
Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.
Open meeting resumed at 8:19.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.
Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:07.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart,Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.
From left: Cliff William, David Goodyear, Deanna Betts, Rachel Carpenter, Rachel Carpenter and Sarah Dorsey. Submitted photo.
The Bourbon County area will be experiencing meaningful growth and opportunity thanks to the Tennyson Creek Solar project. The project’s developer, Doral Renewables, recognizes the importance of investing in the future, particularly in the youth who will shape it. Through a series of impactful partnerships, the project is helping to enhance safety, empower families, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
During a recent visit, representatives from Doral Renewables demonstrated their commitment to the community by presenting $5,000 contribution to the Bourbon County Fire District #3, strengthening emergency response efforts and ensuring greater preparedness for the area. Core Community also received $1,000 to further their mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for local families.
“We appreciate this support from Doral,” said Shawn Wyatt, fire chief of Bourbon County Fire District #3. “The donation will go towards the purchase of new safety and turnout gear for District 3 firefighters.”
Doral’s dedication to youth development has been equally evident. The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team received sponsorship of their trip to Scotland last summer, where they proudly represented the region and the U.S. in an international competition.
Additionally, Doral has extended support to the Uniontown High School team that is preparing to compete in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which involves giving students an opportunity to become more educated about the solar industry and present what they have learned.
“These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to this community,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “The Tennyson Creek Solar project’s team is honored to play a role in fostering safety, opportunity, and sustainability for the region.”
Outside of these recent donations, Doral Renewables was also the first solar developer in the County to sign contribution agreements last year with local schools and Core Community. Over $1.5 million in total will go to each of Fort Scott USD 234, Uniontown USD 234, and Fort Scott Community College during the first 10 years after construction starts.
It is also estimated that, once operational, the Tennyson Creek Solar project will generate over $90 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project.
In June 2024, Freeman Health Systems CEO Paula Baker announced that Freeman will build a 10-bed hospital and emergency department in the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott building. They are “optimistic” for a spring 2025 opening.
Quickly Taking Shape
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Plans Under Review by State Officials
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – There’s been plenty of positive movement and momentum surrounding Freeman Fort Scott Hospital since it was first proposed to 100-plus cheering residents last June.
Freeman Health System, the region’s largest provider of healthcare services, is in the process of seeking licensure to open and operate an acute care hospital. Upon obtaining licensure, the proposed 10-bed general medical unit and 24-hour emergency department will operate within the city’s former hospital site located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Freeman will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which recently purchased the former hospital building.
According to Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operation Officer Renee Denton, the all-important planning for required renovations and the design phase has been completed. The requested renderings have been submitted to state officials, and once approved, renovations will begin. Denton offered one example of minor renovations that would be required – the need for some of the bathrooms to undergo minor renovation to assure they meet current Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards.
“We submitted those plans to the state and are waiting for their authorization,” Denton said. “Once plans are approved, we will immediately send the plans out for bid to have the required renovations completed.”
There’s plenty of “quiet” work currently underway at the former hospital building, she continued: Evaluating infrastructure capabilities that will be needed to support the overall computer system, operability and building the electronic medical record; evaluating and sorting through discarded equipment to determine what is operable; and identifying all new laboratory, radiology and pharmacy equipment needed to support the new hospital and emergency department.
“Representatives at Kansas Department of Health and Environment have been very helpful to work closely with us,” Denton said. “They have been very willing to help in whatever way they can. They, too, are supportive of the effort we’re trying to bring to fruition in Fort Scott.”
A community of roughly 7,600 residents and the county seat of Bourbon County, Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s emergency department stayed open until it, too, closed in December 2023, forcing residents to seek medical treatment 30 minutes away in Pittsburg or across the state line in Nevada, Missouri.
The emergency department will consist of six bays, with 365-day, 24/7 coverage, by licensed physicians and trained nursing staff who will be well prepared to provide emergency care. Support for the emergency department includes laboratory, radiology, computerized tomography and an inpatient pharmacy. Opportunities to have outpatient lab, radiology and CT services will also be available to the community from the hospital.
The specific opening date for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital in 2025 will crystallize as state officials review Freeman’s submitted plans and required renovations are completed. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will be prepared to undergo the state facility survey followed by the hospital licensure survey.
“We are optimistic that we can be open in the Spring of 2025, and what we continue to work toward right now,” Denton said. “There is no community that should be without emergency services, and we are committed to work as quickly as possible to bring these life-saving services to the Fort Scott community.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. A
