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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Minutes of the Nov. 14 Bourbon County Commission Agenda
November 7, 2024 Thursday 9:00 a.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Harris and Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Casey Brown with SEKCAP, Jamey M. Whitney with SEKCAP, Anne Dare, Jean Tucker, Marla Heckman, Jason Silvers, Brent Smith, Mike Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Mary Pemberton, Debbi Shepard, Deb Martin, Scott Christensen with SEKCAP, Samuel Tran, and Kay Tran were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting and led the flag salute.
Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 10/31/2024, approval of accounts payable totaling $442,955.86, and approval of payroll totaling $306,687.17. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Casey Brown, Community Engagement Coordinator with SEKCAP, distributed a handout to the Commissioners that outlined the transportation services they offer within Bourbon County. General public transportation services are offered in all towns throughout the entire county with riders in Fort Scott totaling 81% of the rides. Mr. Brown stated they are applying for a Kansas Department of Transportation grant and asked Bourbon County to submit a letter of support for their transportation services that they could submit with the grant application. Jim made a motion to approve the support letter for SEKCAP. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Mr. Brown stated Bourbon County previously contributed $3,000 to SEKCAP to help with the transportation costs and he asked that we match the City of Fort Scott’s $5,000 contribution. Brandon asked if the CFO should be consulted before we approve any type of contribution. Jim stated the Commissioners have $70,000 in a discretionary fund. Susan Walker, CFO, stated there are funds in the discretionary fund, however; she is concerned where we may end up at the end of the year. Mr. Brown said they only need a letter to submit to the state with the amount we would contribute next year, and do not need the cash in hand until their fiscal year of 7-1-2025 to 6-30-2026. Susan asked if they are associated with the Area Agency on Aging and suggested tabling the discussion until next week so they can determine who all they contribute to for transportation services. Brandon agreed to wait until next week to agree to a dollar amount for the SEKCAP transportation services.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated FEMA was here Tuesday to review roads that haven’t been completed and they will be back today to drive roads north of 54 Highway. Eric said that the core drilling at Elm Creek has been completed and he will have a representative from the company do a presentation next week. Eric asked for a 7-minute executive session for acquisition of real estate to include the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and himself. Brandon made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property to include both Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Eric Bailey and will return at 9:16. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 9:16 with action. Brandon stated a low water crossing at 60th Street and Grand Road needs to be replaced and he made a motion to allow Public Works to spend up to $2,200 to purchase land to complete the project. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a form for KWORCC to nominate a voting delegate for the upcoming Kansas Association of Counties conference. Jim made a motion to nominate Jennifer Hawkins as Bourbon County’s voting delegate for KWORCC. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer said they had a total of 6508 voters during the General Election which equals a 51.04% turnout. Jennifer stated they have 163 provisional ballots that were cast. Jennifer said they have had questions about the election results reports where invalid is listed by write-in. Jennifer explained that for federal, state, and county offices an affidavit of write-in candidacy had to be filed in order for the write-in votes to count, so anybody who did not file an affidavit is listed under the invalid section. Jim said he would like Eric to be his canvassing delegate.
Susan handed out a report to the Commission for next week that she said was emailed that shows if every department spends all their budget the contingency will not be available.
Brandon said he has a statement that he would like to make and to not be interrupted until he is finished saying what he has to say. Brandon said he “is extremely concerned with the behavior of the two of you and County Counselor Meeks. Last week’s meeting is an embarrassment to the democratic process. When you do not allow the citizens of our county to participate and actually listened to during important decisions like what you pass last week with solar agreements, without discussion I might add, makes many people question your motives. It is very clear that you moved the meetings to a day and time to make it difficult for me to participate. I was outnumbered in the vote so I’m stuck with this until January. I do not buy it that Harris and Meeks had conflicts on Monday evenings and Meeks does not need to attend the meetings anyway. If we have legal questions, we can call him or get answers for the next meeting time. I spoke with the County Clerk and we have always had the meetings in the Commission room during early voting week. Moving the meeting to the commons area was an attempt to not have the meeting recorded. The County Clerk and I were set up to fail last week. Mr. Meeks you are to blame. Counselor Meeks the lack of professionalism and courtesy to alert us with a phone call about the addition to the agenda is par for the course with you. A call would have been an appropriate gesture knowing I work evenings and Jennifer was in the middle of an election. I find it interesting that we receive agreements hours before our meeting on Thursday, but the schools agreed to donation agreements at their meetings before ours and the representatives from Advance Power had booked flights 10 days prior to our meeting. Leaves me to believe this was all part of the plan, the underhanded tactics you use to literally screw the taxpayers of our county, and not as you stated Mr. Harris in the paper that you are looking out for all taxpayers. You were only looking out for those families that will benefit millions of dollars each year. Commissioner Beth, Harris, and Counselor Meeks obviously had all met prior to this meeting as they discussed nothing during the Commission meeting and had no questions about the agreements. This is why you were voted out in August and it is clear since the two of you lost in the primary you are making sure those who follow are left to clean up the mess of poor decisions you have made over the past three to four years.” Jim said he was going to respond to everything Brandon said. Jim said “I don’t know who told you what I do on Monday nights but it’s really none of your business if I don’t want to be there on Monday nights. I did have a conflict of interest, I met with Counselor Meeks and it was in his best interest also on Thursday mornings. I don’t know what you do on Monday night, I don’t care what you do on Monday nights, it’s none of my business what you do on your personal time so to insult me like this is ridiculous you have no idea what I do on Monday nights with my family. I really take offense to your comments what I do in my personal time. You can tell it pissed me off I haven’t been pissed off here before this year but you just pissed me off. Furthermore before moving the meeting my understanding the County Clerk asked us if she could use this room and we can move it to the foyer, she asked us that and you can check the minutes and I said yes and everybody else said yes so that is why it was moved. I’m hiding nothing I sent the updates to the agenda to the County Clerk at 3:40 and she said she had some personal things going on nothing in hiding. Me and Commissioner Beth had no meetings I talked to Justin Meeks, Counselor, and the counselor for the solar panel people several times that week trying to get better agreements for the people. Where you’re wrong Brandon is my job and your job, that you seem to forget, you haven’t protected all property rights of the people that’s taken those solar panels have just as many rights as the people that don’t like them and you’ve forgot that. You said I didn’t represent all the people and I do represent all the people and that’s why I got in trouble because I represent all the people every one of these people have rights by the Constitution and you have failed to notice that. What did you do to help protect the people that’s getting the solar panels? Nothing.” Brandon said he has talked to them several times and that he got cut out of the entire conversation. Jim said that Brandon has talked to the solar companies on the phone because they told him they did and that you had supper with them. Brandon said ”I he did I didn’t hide that fact to anybody but all of a sudden we’re voting on it without discussion on the council, we didn’t even have an executive session about it, Jim, you guys decided to pass these damn things and let these things come in without a discussion with the Commissioners.” Jim said, “that is right, we discussed it a little bit that morning, and we’ve been talking about it for a year how much longer do we need to talk about it?” Brandon said, “you just cut the county out.” Jim said, “that was interesting for the donation agreements, I don’t know what you mean, but God bless us for not helping the kids in Bourbon County.” Brandon said, “no, I’m not mad that the schools are getting some money but yet they’re getting all of it you could have helped the entire county out. We could have got that money and lowered property taxes the next two or three years and still gave the school money.” Jim said, “it would have been dangerous to lower very much because in 10 years you’d have a problem because the depreciation might come in at zero and the Commissioners in 10 years might have to raise it up.” Brandon said, “maybe we couldn’t have lowered property taxes but we could have maybe taken care of some business.” Jim said, “I appreciate your comments, that’s why we’re here today. I disagree with 99% of what you said and again what I do on Monday nights is nobody’s business in this room including yours so keep that in mind if you stick your nose in Jim Harris’ business cause it ain’t none of your business what I do and you need to remember that.” Brandon said, “ I don’t care what you do Jim on your spare time.” Jim said, “you brought it up, you said you knew what I did I had no reason not to come to any meetings. How in the world do you know my personal business?” Brandon said, “I just think it’s funny that we had these meetings on Monday night at 5:30 for four years now.” Jim said, “No, we changed it we had I think Monday morning for a long, long time and we decided we’d open it up to evenings for public comments and we didn’t get many comments we just kept getting the same people. The public didn’t really attend. I’ve got like four more meetings and I can’t resign because if you want to know my business is because my life insurance won’t carry over if I leave early so that’s everybody else’s business.” Brandon said, “that’s fine.” Jim said, “well you stuck your nose in my business let’s just go all the way here.” Brandon said, “I didn’t ask you to resign, did I ask you to resign in what I read?” Jim said, “no, I want to let you know why I’m not but you stuck your nose in my business when you said I have no right to change my meeting on Monday to Thursday. That’s my business. I made the motion and it was seconded. When you’re sitting here the next guy can make what motions you want but until then you keep your nose of out of my person business and furthermore, my turn if you’re done. We need to remove the burn ban someone said last week it didn’t have any validity in it anyway as far as the Sheriff couldn’t do anything so I’ll make a motion to remove the burn ban.” Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said all the hospital equipment has had the repairs needed and are up and running and that Freeman is very happy. Freeman said they’ll be putting up some nice signs hopefully this week saying welcome to Bourbon County and I think they posted some jobs for the Fort Scott facility.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:29. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________,Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
11-14-2024 Approved Date
Grief Share Offers Encouragement Through the Holidays, Starting Dec. 3
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is once again hosting a non-denominational event to help those grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season.
The Surviving the Holidays Grief Share event is Tuesday, December 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the church at 705 S. Holbrook St.
A book is provided, as well as lunch for each one attending. There is no cost.
Laura Meeks is the facilitator.
“What I have experienced through GriefShare is the comfort of a journey with others,” she said. “The root meaning of comfort is to call alongside, to speak tenderly, to speak to the heart, to give encouragement. This program is a blessing to us.”
“The purpose of attending the December 5, two-hour Surviving the Holidays is to connect with a small group of others who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who may be facing this holiday season feeling hurt and sad,” Meeks said. “They face social gatherings, holiday cheer, and traditions enjoyed with their loved ones. This loss may be recent or years ago, but the holiday season is a painful reminder that a loved one is missing.”
“GriefShare Surviving the Holidays is a professionally developed path to help provide a comforting place with others who are also on this path of grieving during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. “This nationally recognized program contains three components including a 35-minute video, small group discussion, and a personal reflection guided through a workbook.”
GriefShare is facilitated by area leaders who follow structured training to help bring reassurance, practical advice from national professionals, and guidance to find a way forward through the season. Information about content is easily found through griefshare.org
Past participants in GriefShare ‘s 13 sessions are also encouraged to attend this focused session.
“My involvement began two years ago when I was encouraged to receive training by Father Yancey Burgess who had GriefShare at his former Kansas parish,” Meeks said. “His suggestion was to host a non-denominational group. Since then, our community has hosted GriefShare with two of the offerings being held at Mary Queen of Angels. One last year was a 13-week session on Tuesday mornings and the other session is being held now as a 13-week program over this year meeting the last Monday of each month.”
“The one evening each month Grief Share is going well now with twelve participants,” she said.
On January 7, 2025, the third 13-week session at Mary Queen of Angels will be held each Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Amended Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission Nov. 14
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
November 14, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 11/7/2024
- Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation Funding Request
- 9:15-James Krstolich-Ideatek Broadband Letter of Support
- 9:30-Tara Albin-Cox Broadband Letter of Support
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Discussion of Rock Quarry at Elm Creek
- Jennifer Hawkins-Holiday Dinner
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- 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.
Fort Scott Community College Hosts a Women’s Self-Defense Class This Evening, Nov. 13
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, will host a Women’s Self-Defense Class. this evening Wednesday, November 13, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the gym area of Arnold Arena.
Jill Leiker, Kansas City, will be the instructor.
“This is the same instructor that came to Fort Scott in 2019 and was sponsored by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office,” said Vanessa Poyner, FSCC Dean of Students and a criminal justice instructor.
“I wanted to offer this to our female students, but decided it is needed for everyone,” she said. “It’s part of the safety and well-being initiative.”
“We have invited junior high and senior high students along with the FSCC students,” she said. “I’ve been told that we’ll have some from Presbyterian Villiage (an assisted living facility).”
A waiver will need to be signed for everyone under 18, by a parent, she said.
This is a FREE event for all FSCC female students/employees, and community members over the age of 12.
The class is provided by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation™
The tragic murder of his daughter spurred Roger Kemp and his wife to action.
Ali Kemp was 19 years old in 2004 when she was raped and murdered in Leawood, a Kansas City suburb. Her father, Roger then helped facilitate a self-defense class for females that continues to this day.
To see a story on a prior class in Fort Scott:
Female Self Defense Class Coming To Fort Scott
For more information on being a participant or a sponsor of the event, contact Vanessa Poyner [email protected] (620) 223-2700 ext. 3500
Blood Drive at Uniontown High School Today until 3 p.m.
Mapleton Medical Clinic: Providing Care For The Rural Community
Tiffany Yowell, 42, and her parents opened Mapleton Medical Clinic in December 2023.
Yowell has a Master’s degree from the University of Saint Mary and is an Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner.
She works beside her parents, Fred and Cindy Larson, who are registered nurses, with over 25 years of nursing experience.
“I have been in healthcare for 22 years and have watched a significant decline in the quality of care,” Yowell said. “I have worked in multiple clinic settings and have a strong background in emergency medicine and family medicine. The clinic is a family operation. Cindy and Fred Larson are registered nurses with a solid clinical background and a wealth of knowledge.”
“The clinic is a private practice,” she said. “I do not have a collaborative. I have been waiting for Kansas to pass the law that allows nurse practitioners to practice independently of a physician, and now I have finally got my wish.”
Since 2005 she has been dreaming of working as an independent provider.
” I wanted to be independent because we can provide better healthcare,” she said. “If I worked within a healthcare system, I would have a lot of background noise distracting providers from high-quality and personalized healthcare, such as patient volume, time constraints, and meeting quotas. As a patient, you can rarely speak directly to your provider, every process seems to take too long, and let’s be honest, most of us avoid the process altogether because it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and less than satisfactory.”
“Our philosophy is patient-centered care, striving to provide care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences,” she said. “I believe in helping individuals, educating them about their health conditions, and empowering them to collaborate with me to develop the best treatment plan. We believe in treating the WHOLE person, not just their symptoms. I do not believe in cookie-cutter medicine. I believe in listening to patients and allowing them the time they deserve to tell their stories. People are often misdiagnosed and overmedicated just because healthcare providers do not give the patient enough time to work through their concerns.”
For her community, she provides tailored medical care and telehealth services, lab services and on November 12 they are starting monthly education classes.
“On Nov 12 we have a Medicare representative coming in to talk with residents about Medicare services, and a question and answer session,” she said.
There is a fee for service to uninsured patients, with
concierge care also available- a monthly membership fee for uninsured patients or patients requiring frequent contact with the provider.
“Radiology services are not available at the clinic,” she said. “Orders can be sent to a local hospital or diagnostic center.”
Hours of operation vary.
“The goal is to be open every other week on Thursdays and Fridays, but it is best to check our Facebook page or the website for days the clinic is open. I want to be full-time in the next 5-10 years.”
Contact info.
The Mapleton Medical Clinic is located at 171 Sixth Street, Mapleton, Kansas 66754.
Office and Fax: (620)743-3049 (Limited hours of operations) If you have a medical emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Agenda and Oct. Meeting Minutes for the U235 Board of Education This Evening, Nov. 11
Editor’s note: this could not be copied and pasted in the format sent, please click to see the agenda.
Food Drive to Help Local Limited Resource Families Has Started
It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.
Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.
Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”
Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event
Saturday, November 9, Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.
There are several options for those who want to help the cause.
- Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
- Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
- 5 Corners Mini Mart
- Bourbon County Courthouse
- Bourbon County EMS
- Buck Run Community Center
- Citizens Bank
- City Hall
- City State Bank
- Community Health Center of Fort Scott
- Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
- Fort Scott Christian Heights
- Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
- Fort Scott Police Department
- Guest Home Estates
- Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
- Kansas Renewal Institute
- HBCAT – 104 N. National
- The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
- Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
- Papa Don’s
- Peerless Products
- Perry’s Pork Rinds
- SEK-Mental Health
- The Artificers
- Union State Bank
- Uniontown Spark Wheel
- Ward-Kraft
- Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
- Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
- Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
- Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED, has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.
“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said. “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
- The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
- Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
- Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
- Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
- Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
- Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
Bourbon County Interagency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes November 6, 2024
Bourbon County Interagency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024
- Welcome: Seventeen members representing sixteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Craig Campbell- Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) – Volunteers provide light handy work and yard clean-up. Have become more involved in ramp building. Currently building a ramp once every 7-10 days. Can also help with 504 grants and LIEAP application assistance. Can help other organizations by providing volunteers. Call Craig at 620-224-0167.
- Cherri Walrod KSU – Community Health Worker fills in gaps for anyone who needs it. Whole person, family, and community approach.
- Janelle Tate Early Childhood Block Grant – Winding down fall testing window. She covers early childhood in 6 counties to support home and school education.
- Michelle Stevenson -Fort Scott Early Childhood Program Coordinator – The program has 1 or 2 openings for prenatal through age 6. Michelle works with families to get children ready for preschool or kindergarten.
- Christine Abbott – SE KANSASWORKS – Located in the HBCAT office one day per week, Tuesday 10-3. The new phone number is 620-224-2563 Ext 2. The youth program works with clients aged 16-24. KANSASWORKS can help pay for training, GED, and arrange work experience. If you have clients needing assistance finding a job, please send them to SE KANSASWORKS.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison – Work in 4 counties in SEK. Dee Dee works to recruit and retain families in early childhood programs such as Parents as Teachers, and Infant-Toddler Services.
- Tori White – Multi-County Health Dept. – COVID shots are available for infants, children, and adults. Public flu shot clinics have wrapped up, but RSV shots are available. Holly Fritter is now a certified breastfeeding specialist. A new peer counselor will begin working with clients soon in Woodson and Bourbon County.
- Lora Wilson – CHCSEK Community Health Worker supervisor- CHCSEK provides tobacco cessation.
- Lea Kay Karleskint- KSU SNAP-Ed Educator – Lea Kay will be leading a once-a-month class for seniors focused on nutrition, health, and physical activity. The class will meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00, beginning on Nov 19. Lea Kay also leads the Woodson County Walk With Ease class.
- LHEAT – Bourbon County Wide Gratitude Challenge food drive is currently taking place. This program will benefit all pantries and blessing boxes in the local area as well as Compassionate Ministries and the Beacon. There are 26 drop-off sites around town. Can also accept monetary donations. The program runs through November 25.
- Heather Shepherd – CHCSEK Community Health Worker – Heather covers all USD 234 schools working with families and students to provide resources. Bed bugs are currently the biggest issue. Heather has been working with Ben Lyons to provide lower-cost treatments for families dealing with bed bugs.
- Stephanie Breckenridge- Family Resource Center – Stephanie can work with any family as long as they have a child in the home. She works to address family issues in order to prevent possible abuse.
- Dave Gillen Beacon – The Beacon is celebrating 40 years in Bourbon County. The Beacon provides food to families twice a month. They also provide hygiene products and baby formula. Walmart food drop-offs are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Beacon can help with the financial needs of families, particularly utilities. Enrollment for 2025 is underway. Adopt a child sign-up begins November 18. Dave is looking for funding for bicycles. The Beacon served 399 families in October, 32 of those were new families. They served 593 adults and 346 children for a total of 939 people.
- Tammy Alcantar-Crawford County Health Dept- Prenatal classes began in August with good results. The next round will start in January. Tammy also provides teen pregnancy and baby and me tobacco-free services.
- Sandy Haggard AmeriCorp Seniors- Tammy organizes senior volunteers They have volunteered at the Beacon, blood drives, and other community projects. They have approximately 200 volunteers in 4 counties.
- Kathy Brennon- SEK Area Agency on Aging – Congregate meals at Buck Run are taking place for seniors 60 or over. They request a $2 donation, and participants must call ahead at 620-305-1539. Medicare open enrollment is underway. SEKAAA can help with Part B enrollment. They are also partnering with Greenbush to provide Techwise, a computer education for adults 60+.
- Program: Jenna Stout, SEK Area Director, Safe Families for Children
Safe Families for Children works with churches and community members to recruit vetted, background-checked volunteers who can host vulnerable children to support families while they are facing a crisis. Safe Families for Children’s goal is to keep families together. Safe Families can help parents in jail, those receiving mental health services, addiction treatment, etc. Safe Families works to prevent child abuse, child welfare deflection (approx. 50% of referrals come from DCF), family support, and stabilization. Safe Families is a faith-motivated, family-focused organization. They partner with local organizations, keep a database, and can provide liability insurance for volunteers. Safe Families for Children is a national organization which began in 2003. Local efforts have picked back up after Covid. This program is not foster care. It’s not court-ordered, it is completely voluntary, and parents must request Safe Families services. Parents don’t lose custody while their child is with a host family. The Safe Families program has an approximate 95% reunification rate. While children are with a host family, Safe Families tries to coordinate parental in-person visits at least weekly. The average placement is 2 weeks, but placements can be as short as day hosting. If you have a family in crisis, they can call the intake line. A 24-hour notice for placement is preferred, but exceptions can be made.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be on December 4, 2024.
Agenda for Uniontown City Council Meeting on Nov. 12
City of Uniontown will meet for a council meeting on November 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Siren maintenance agreement
2025-2026 Projected Gas Schedule
KMGA prepay project
Progress on warehouse
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball court project –
Streets/FEMA –
Sale of Property –
SEED Grant –
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, 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 ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10
The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Christina Miller, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,284.75, Receipts $26,524.95, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $43,856.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $272,926.87. Bank Statement Balance $277,322.90, including Checking Account Interest of $58.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,396.03, Reconciled Balance $272,926.87. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $371,469.64. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $526.69, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,970.62. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of September $20,357.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $37,447.67. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $85,303.47 (69.1%), Expenditures $91,153.26 (56.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,081.71 (70.6%), Expenditures $22,478.11 (53.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $96,558.19 (65.9%), Expenditures $82,294.82 (46.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $159,408.25 (81.5%), Expenditures $145.554.58 (47.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.2%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.0%). The October 2024 payables to date in the amount of $23,176.99 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St sold, utilities will not be turned on until new sewer and/or gas service lines have been installed. He spoke to owner of 107 S Washington. They will be demolition the structure. He requested a “Mow Your Grass” door posting for 406 Fulton. He also sent a letter to 303 Washington regarding dogs at large. He will not be checking for ordinance violations through the winter. He will be back in attendance at the April 2025 meeting.
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson presented a proposal from TextMyGov. After discussion, Council decided not to take action at this time.
She informed Council of an educational opportunity for the new clerk and provided information about .gov websites and email addresses
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Trunk or Treat will be on October 31. Council directed Clerk Johnson to provide candy to FFA.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Mary Pemberton reported will try to get fence up in next few weeks.
Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen reported that a site inspection was conducted by FEMA on drainage ditch. Clerk Johnson reported that Janelle Phillips with KDA/DWR was notified of culverts that we wish to increase in size. No permitting is needed at this time.
An email was received from Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt, that they will be here as soon as they complete work on US 54 late this week or early next week. The S Washington extension will need prepped before they come. Quotes were received from Marbery Concrete, Inc ($1,375) and Bloesser Outdoor Services ($750).
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to accept quote from Bloesser Outdoor Services
Sale of property – No comments were received. Union State Bank has offered $1,000 and pay all closing costs to purchase the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, Uniontown.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2024-1008-1 to sell the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, City of Uniontown as is by accepting offer of $1,000 plus all closing costs
NEW BUSINESS
SEED Grant – We can apply for a $10,000 to $25,000 grant to make improvements to the library/clerk’s office/park amenities.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to apply for grant.
Councilman Ervin will write the grant with the assistance of Clerk Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to hire Christina Miller to replace Clerk Johnson
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 position, the open meeting to resume at 8:07
Open meeting resumed at 8:07. No action from executive session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:08PM