The Bourbon County Democrats will hold a general meeting on Sunday, April 16th, at 2:00 p.m., in the Ellis Center, Room H121, on the Fort Scott Community College Campus.
After a brief business meeting, we will meet aspiring candidate Eli Woody.
Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.
There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.
USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.
“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school, a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it. Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary. One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students. With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well. There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms. Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces. However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety. These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment. Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating. In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes. We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority. There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent. These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs. We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers. Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for. We are hoping to get a response any day. Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information. We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
Chad . His email is [email protected] District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management Submitted photo.
The Southwind Extension District, in partnership with the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is hosting the 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School in Bronson, Kansas on May 5 and 6.
The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School will be two-day workshop for beginning and experienced grazers, focusing on management-intensive grazing (MiG). MiG is a flexible approach to using a rotational grazing system where paddock size, stocking density, and grazing timing is adjusted based on available forage. Attendees will learn how MiG could benefit their operation, and how to implement MiG to their farm.
Day 1 topics will focus on agronomic principles to maintain healthy pastures using MiG. Attendees will learn how to correctly calculate stocking rates, how to match animal needs to available forages, and how to properly manage their grass pastures.
Day 2 topics will focus on using modern technology to build the infrastructure needed to practice MiG. Attendees will learn how to build and use electric fence, how to implement and manage water resources, and will get a glimpse of how using E-collars on grazing cattle could work in Southeast Kansas.
The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools will focus on sound grazing practices that can be implemented into any grazing operation, regardless if rotational grazing is being practiced. The program will focus on grazing cattle, but practices can be easily adjusted for any grazing animal.
Register now! The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools is limited to 35 farms/location. To register, contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720, or check out our website at www.southwind.k-state.edu/agriculture and click on the “Events” tab.
Connie McKee, Devlin Cole and Vicki Waldron in the ViCom Creations building on Maple Road, west of Fort Scott.
Connie McKee and her daughter, Vicki Waldron started a business together in 1996 called ViCon Creations LLC, and have done a variety of handiwork.
“We started with alterations (making clothes fit, that don’t fit), then moved into interior decorations…awnings, horse stuff,” Waldron said. “A lady asked us to manufacture bra liners for Pam’s Bra’s. We worked about 10 years on that.”
They still do alterations, as noted on their Facebook page, which is a valuable service during prom and wedding season.
She does work for J & W Sports and Twister Trailers as well.
For the last seven years, Waldron has worked at Common Ground Coffee Shop in Fort Scott.
“I decided I’m done standing on my feet,” she said. “I decided to expand my sewing business.”
In August 2022 she started to revamp her sewing business.
Vicki Waldron shows one of her women’s fishing vest creations.
She creates purses, women’s fishing vests, and does machine quilting.
“Most people will make quilt tops, but need them quilted,” she said.
This year her granddaughter Erin Camp started making t-shirt quilts.
“She is paying off her college tuition (Northwest Missouri State) by making quilts. She makes the quilt tops and I bind and quilt it,” Waldron said.
Another granddaughter, Lauren Schalk, makes jewelry: Western style earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Schalk is attending Oklahoma State University. She is working with her grandmother for this business venture.
These two granddaughters are her information technology help, she said.
Her mother, Connie McKee makes toddler girl’s clothing.
“Mom comes in when she wants to work,” she said. McKee is retired.
Vickie Waldron shows toddler girls clothing that her mother Connie McKee makes.
Vicki prepares to attach an achievement badge to a letter jacket.Vicki shows one of the purses the business makes.Connie McKee works on a leather apron for her grandson, Devlin Cole.
A grandson, Devlin Cole, has shown an interest in creating leather items, she said
On the horizon for ViCon Creations is building a new work building to replace the remodeled chicken house the current business is located in.
She would like to teach sewing to young girls in the future, and “how to cook good meals,” she said.
“If young women come out here and learn to sew, I’ll give them a job,” she said.
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition met Aug. 7 with Board President Billie Jo Drake leading the meeting.
Welcome: Billie Jo welcomed seventeen members representing twelve agencies. She noted that the applications for the Family Swim Passes to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center were now available at Buck Run and The Beacon. Applications must be completed and returned to Buck Run by April 28. She also recognized Key Charitable Trust for their continued support of the Coalition Board’s projects.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: Eating Smart and Saving More class will start in Bronson, Kansas, on April 20; the class will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays through May 11 at the Bronson Community Building.
Dawn, Cubbison, Aetna Better Health of Kansas: Reminded members that Medicaid redetermination packets will be mailed later this month and stressed that clients need to make sure their contact information is correct. Dawn can also present programs on the benefits and programs available through Medicaid.
Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis and CASA: CASA will be starting a six-week program to train new CASA volunteers; contact Elizabeth for further information; CASA needs more volunteers!
Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant: Spring Fling at the FSPSC will be tomorrow, April 6, 5:30 – 7:00. All preschools and several childcare providers will be in attendance.
Kaytlyn Hazen, Career Navigator with DCF: Helps with work programs and employment.
Christine Abbott, SEK Works: Reminded members about the virtual job-fair on the Kansas Works website and introduced John Willey who is the75% youth, 25% adult advisor in the Chanute office. Christine and John reported that there were eighty venders at the FSHS job fair this morning. She also reminded members that the office in Fort Scott is open five days each week; Christine is in the Fort Scott office two days each week. They will soon be piloting Workshop Wednesdays which will feature fifteen minute prerecorded workshops. Christine is always looking for 16-24 year old clients to help them with GED and supportive services.
Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department: Continuing to do Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy classes at the Health Department or wherever the client feels most comfortable.
Kelli Mengarelli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Kelli’s main focus is on providing quality childcare for working parents.
Shanna Willy, CHC Community Health worker: Connects clients/patients with resources in the community. She can also help with the Medicaid recertifications.
Amy Hagan, Family Resource Specialist, CHC: Amy introduced Megan Smith, also with CHC. While Amy’s focus is on out-clinic addictions, Megan will be focused on in-clinic situations. Amy also shared that they recently returned from a state conference and will be working on some grant opportunities. Amy is also car seat certified. Challenges with her programs are transportation, child care, and overcoming trust issues. Child care is a problem that our community needs to tackle. Grant allows Amy to work with more people. CHC will be in the new building on April 17.
Maggie Young: CHC, Tobacco Cessation Grant: Maggie is willing to volunteer with any organization or agency in order to learn about our Fort Scott community so she can effectively help people overcome tobacco addictions.
Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice of Cherokee, Bourbon, Linn, and Crawford counties: Melanie is willing to present programs to educate people on the nuances of hospice care. The Crawford County resource fair is Friday, April 7 in Pittsburg. She plans to do other resource fairs in Fort Scott and Riverton in the near future.
Dee Dee LeFever, Early learning services through Greenbush: Resource for any question or concern about children birth to five. The Bourbon County Early Childhood Coalition will be meeting this Friday.
Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Sandy was unable to attend in person but wanted members to know about volunteer opportunities at the next Red Cross bloodmobile on April 19 and 20; contact Sandy to sign up for a two-hour shift.
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Sent word that they continue to take applications but are completely full and have waiting list for all size units at this time.
Program: Carson Felt and members of the USD 234 Orchestra: Felt and ten students from the Fort Scott High School Orchestra entertained the members with various selections. The May program will be presented by COPE, LHEAT, and SEK-CAP; they will be discussing a transportation program in Bourbon County. Dawn Cubbison will explain KanCare/Medicaid for our June program.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be May 3, at 1:00 p.m.
The Regular Council Meeting on March 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:10PM by Mayor Jurgensen due to lack of quorum until then. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (7:49), and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Danny and Linda Nation (4 State Sanitation), Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Matt Quick (Bourbon County Appraiser), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for Citywide trash service – City Attorney Vaughn explained that this hearing was to select a vendor. A proposal was presented by 4 State Sanitation and Green Environmental Services. Review of proposals and discussion ensued.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-1 (Ervin) to accept Green Environmental Services as the vendor to develop citywide trash service
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick explained the changes to the program effective January 1, 2023 and the City needs to sign a new interlocal agreement to continue participating in the program.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to authorize Mayor to sign Interlocal Agreement to participate in the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program effective, retroactively, January 1, 2023.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton asked if the Ruritan could have permission to use temporary sidewalk chalk paint on sidewalks in park for summer events and to install a couple permanent tether ball poles near the basketball court.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to allow use of temporary sidewalk chalk paint and install tether ball poles in park
She also would like to have a mural painted on the side of their building at 103 Third St. A grant is available through the Kansas Department of Commerce but would require the city or a 501c3 non-profit to sponsor the grant. She is asking for the City to sponsor the grant. She would fill out the application and submit and do all paperwork for the project.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to sponsor the Kansas Department of Commerce grant application for a mural project at 103 Third St with Mary Pemberton assisting Clerk Johnson with paperwork
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $372,900.60, Receipts $52,647.39, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,804.62, Checking Account Closing Balance $349,967.37. Bank Statement Balance $361,106.48, including Checking Account Interest of $71.94, Outstanding Deposits $997.19, Outstanding Checks $12,136.30, Reconciled Balance $349,967.37. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,218.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,494.13, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $436,521.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $149.28, and Utility CDs $153.11 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $302.39. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February 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 Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $22,933.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $6,415.40. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $34,307.86 (21.9%), Expenditures $36,475.15 (16.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,771.49 (15.7%), Expenditures $4,272.23 (10.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $18,906.33 (15.5%), Expenditures $20,506.69 (12.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $46,670.92 (31.2%), Expenditures $28,433.11 (15.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The March 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $58,768.71 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
City Superintendent Rich asked if he should seed the area around the new public restroom. Council said yes
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported an accessory building permit application was received and approved. Certified letters were sent to 404 Washington, 202 Fourth, and 308 Union. One of the letters was not claimed but they have started on compliance. He will follow-up on the one that has not responded. There was discussion on other properties that need attention for debris, brush piles, etc. He will make contact with those property owners. He will write up something for the newsletter.
Clerk Johnson asked the Council to consider implementing a succession plan for City Superintendent and City Clerk positions. Both will be retiring in the next few years. She also requested they consider new software for fund accounting and utility billing that will be compatible with auto read meters and a link on the website to pay online. They will have those discussions at the budget worksession in a couple months.
2023-2024 Insurance renewal quote was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023-2024 EMC insurance renewal quote of $17,513 and add the public restroom to the property coverage
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Don George was here and picked up the final paperwork for submission. It has been submitted and we received an email that it was being processed for payment. Project came in under budget and the amount from KDWPT will be the percentage requested, not the dollar amount of the original application.
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson asked if members filled out the community perception survey which is a component of the grant requirements from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Mayor Jurgensen is still working on convening a committee to recommend exercise equipment.
American Rescue Plan Act update – the bathroom upgrade is finished and came in under budget. We expended $19,135 of the $40,288.82 of the ARPA funds and the $5,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI. Clerk Johnson would like the can lighting added to the Clerk’s office and Mayor Jurgensen would like mini blinds on the west windows of the community center. The remaining $21,153.82 will be discussed at budget worksession.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to give Clerk permission to have can lighting installed in Clerk’s office and get mini blinds for the west windows of the Community Center
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – legal counsel has approved the ordinance to authorize participation and the participation agreement.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 200 an Ordinance authorizing execution of the Natural Gas Prepay Participation Agreement with the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency and all other necessary documents with respect thereto and providing for the pledge of the revenues of the natural gas utility system of the city to secure such agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign documents
NEW BUSINESS
None
Mayor Jurgensen started a discussion on street repair planning for this year. He will gather and bring more information on milling and asphalt to the next meeting
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:32PM
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, and Michael Hoyt were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute, followed by a prayer by Mark McCoy.
Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting. Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and David Singmaster, Noxious Weed Director, met to discuss an invasive weed they would like added to the county’s list of noxious weeds. They presented the Commission a packet of information about the common teasel and cut leaf teasel including pictures and a list of other Kansas counties who have added the weed to their list. Clifton explained to Nelson about how doing this would mandate landowners to spray to eradicate the weed. After some discussion it was decided to wait until the State of Kansas declares teasel as a noxious weed. Eric presented a report that detailed the final cost of the sidewalk and parking project at the courthouse. The total final cost including the labor of the county crew who performed the work, equipment costs using the FEMA rate, and all materials was $39,256.72. The Commissioners discussed how by the county performing the work there was a savings of $30,000-$40,0000 to the taxpayers based upon the bid amounts we received. Eric said he wanted to give credit to Chad Brown and his crew who worked very hard on the project. The Commissioners said the sidewalk and parking area looks great and the crew did a good job. Eric talked about going out for bid for the hay ground located at the old landfill, Elm Creek, and the radio tower on 250th Street. Nelson questioned how this worked and it was explained that individuals will submit a bid with a check and the highest bidder will win the hay rights for the year. Nelson made a motion to put out bids for hay on the various properties owned by the county. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said they purchased a used mower off Purple Wave for $6,700 and said that a new mower is $35,000. Jim explained how there is 1,100 miles of roads to mow in Bourbon County and that they try to mow two passes on each road. Eric said they have the sidearm mower out and are they are trimming in the southeast part of the county right now. Eric talked about a compost turner that they are watching on an auction site to possibly purchase for the landfill. Eric said they looked at the compost turner and even though it is used it is in very good condition. A new compost turner is over $100,000. Eric said they are also looking at used end dump trailers to haul chips to the asphalt plant which would save wear and tear on the dump trucks and save time and money. Eric attended the District 4 KDOT meeting in Chanute yesterday and said that KDOT has a lot of projects coming up in southeast Kansas this year. Clifton questioned the project on the highway in town and asked if KDOT had explained why the work is not progressing. Eric said that he had asked the local KDOT engineer that question and it was said that it is the contractor they have completing the work and several factors are affecting this. Eric said the rock crusher is working well and they are running five dump trucks and the belly dump trailer to try to get as much rock on the roads as possible. The new ditching machine is used daily, and they are around 255th and Native now. Clifton asked how we were doing on budgets? Jim asked if Eric had received his reports and Eric responded he had not received a report yet. Jim asked for Susan and Patty to join the meeting to explain the situation. Susan said she had finally interjected herself on Monday and found where we were off and that she had been working with Patty the past few days. Susan stated Patty did the final journal entry last night to get in balance. Susan said she now has to do adjusting entries which is the final piece to get in balance. Susan said that there are multiple items listed that they are carrying each month and she said she thinks that it may be a training issue. Patty said CIC is here today to do training on bank reconciliation with her office and the Clerk’s office. Patty said they are working on January right now and then they will proceed on to the next months. Jim questioned if after all the entries are done if Eric will be able to receive budget reports next week. Jim asked about the additional accounts that were found that Terry Sercer had recommended auditing the past seven years and Patty stated she had not received receipts yet. Jim asked if we could move forward without the receipts and Susan said you would have to talk to the auditors about this. Jim said it’s time to wrap it up, close it up, and move on. Patty was told that a KORA request could be submitted to obtain the receipts. Nelson said he had received a call about several potholes on 75th Street south of Maple Road on the gravel road. Nelson also said that on Kansas Road between 85th and 95th Streets there several potholes and there is not much gravel on the road. Eric said they are having injector problems on the grader in that district, and they are working on getting it back up and going but they will get another grader over to get it taken care of. Jim said that on 230th Street where it meets Kansas Road the water line cut has settled.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege with possible litigation.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under 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 to include the three commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Matt Quick and will return at 9:39. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:39 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and both approved.
A five-minute break was taken.
Justin said he is helping Matt’s office with sanitation specifically lateral lines located in the county and that they need some additional funding to obtain training. Justin said the codes were last updated in 1998, but they are following KDHE minimums and need to look at bringing the codes into 2023. Nelson questioned how sanitation enforcement works. Matt stated they write a letter of violation to the individual that outlines how long they have to correct the issue and if that is not completed then KDHE is contacted. Jim asked if Matt’s office speaks to the individual who is out of compliance before a letter is sent, and Matt said yes, they do talk to the individuals. Clifton wanted to reiterate that the codes that we are enforcing are mandated by the state. A copy of the codes can be obtained from Matt’s office, and they are also available online. Justin said that there used to be a full-time position for sanitation, and that Matt’s office has saved the county money by taking over the sanitation duties. Matt said he will do some research to find out how much training will cost and bring that information back to the Commissioners.
During the public comments section Michael Hoyt discussed the 3-20-23 work session and questioned why only three minutes were available online. Mr. Hoyt said that Eric recapped some of the work that is planned during the next commission meeting, but that they didn’t get a full view of the work that is going to be done in District 3 or the work that was completed in 2021 or 2022. Michael said that the commission minutes are not posted online for residents to be able to read what happened during the work session. Nelson said he was informed that the minutes had not be posted but that has since been corrected. Mr. Hoyt said that it would be beneficial to have a written program of what was completed in 2021 and 2022 and what is proposed to be done in 2023. Jim said that Eric has a ten-year road plan and that is updated every year and then they project work out for the next eight years. Eric gave a copy of the 2023 hard surface road plan to Mr. Hoyt and explained that he went over the entire plan during the 3-23-23 commission meeting as it was brought to their attention that the full 3-20-23 work session was not available on Youtube due to the courthouse losing internet. Eric said that he can provide numbers for all the asphalt that was laid in 2021 and 2022. Mr. Hoyt stated that the 2023 hard surface road plan should be posted online. Eric said that anybody can reach out to him, and he would be happy to visit and answer any questions residents may have. Michael spoke about a bridge over Wolverine Creek that he said he can see through to the water below. Eric said he has looked at the bridge and did not see any holes in the bridge and that our bridges are all inspected by licensed engineers, but that he would go back out and suggested meeting with Mr. Hoyt there to review the bridge together. Michael questioned if the soybean hulls that are going to be accepted at the landfill have been tested to see what all they contain. Clint Walker said that the proactive stance Bourbon County is taking with their sanitation codes just makes sense. Mr. Walker also said he was recently made aware of a solar farm coming in around the Devon area. Mark McCoy, Lake Advisory Board representative for the county, spoke about the last Lake Advisory meeting and said residents questioned the speed limits on 190th and 195th Streets. Mr. McCoy said he spoke to Eric Bailey and Tom Graham and there are 20 mph signs posted, but that he wanted to inform the county of what he was doing and is going provide the information to Nancy Maze who is the Chairman of the Lake Advisory Board.
Nelson Blythe asked Matt Quick back into the meeting to discuss Yale Road and explain the process of property taxes when a road is currently pavement and then milled and turned into a gravel road. Matt explained that residents can do a payment under protest when they receive their tax bill in December, and that they can come in and discuss the property and how it is valued and if adjustments need to be made then they will. Nelson said he understands that Matt has to follow state rules. Matt said anybody can come in and discuss the values of the property, but once the values are locked in, he cannot adjust them unless a payment under protest form is completed when the first half of the taxes are paid.
Clifton said he went to a presentation on a poverty program last week and that he asked them to make a presentation to the county. Clifton said it is called CORE Communities and that feels the county should support it. Jim said he has been invited to the Community Connection event on April 5, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and that a presentation of the program will be given then. Clifton said the presentation will not be at an open meeting the public can attend as it is just for elected officials. Justin explained the best practice of how to proceed if all three Commissioners may attend the meeting on April 5. Clifton made a motion to allow all three Commissioners to attend the Community Connection event on April 5. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. The Commissioners spoke about having Core Communities come and do a presentation during a normally scheduled meeting so that residents can be informed on the program. Michael Hoyt asked if he could make a few additional comments, so Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow public comments again. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Michael Hoyt spoke about the presentation of the LUCAS machine and said that he saw on the news the FDA is allowing Narcan to be sold over the counter. Michael asked Nelson what type of Narcan he as a law enforcement officer carries, and Nelson stated the nasal spray. Mr. Hoyt spoke about the benefits of injectable Narcan and thinks the county should carry that form. Clifton said that EMS all have Narcan on board. Michael spoke about AEDs and Clifton said there is funding from the state available for Narcan and they are looking expanding that for other things like AEDs.
Nelson said he was contacted by an individual in town who was upset about the recent publication in newspaper about the tax sale because her deceased husband’s name was listed. Justin said in order to obtain a clear title to sell the property at a tax sale that the county has to list every name that has ever owned the property. Nelson said that it turns out it was a different individual with the same name but since there was no middle initial listed, she felt it made her deceased husband look bad, so Nelson stated that Donald V. Cummings never owned the property nor was he late on his taxes. Justin said he is hoping the tax sale at Hidden Valley will happen soon. Nelson wanted to clarify that the new vehicles purchased by the Sheriff’s Department are not why taxes are high in Bourbon County as has been stated in posts online, and that the vehicles were purchased with sales tax money.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:25. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Kayla Greenway, Bronson resident, took this photo at 12:36 a.m. on April 5 of her back yard. There is what appears to be a funnel cloud in the background. Photo taken from her Facebook page.
A storm passed through western Bourbon County in the early morning on April 5, 2023.
“I heard a roaring outside,” resident Kayla Greenway said. “My window was open and the air was going in and out, suctioning. The wind had dust in it.”
When the storm abated she went out side and took pictures.
Bronson City Clerk Danielle Minor said there were trees toppled over, all across the small town of approximately 300 people.
“There were power poles down,” Minor said. “There was a lot of electrical issues.”
The City of Bronson purchases electricity wholesale from Evergy (an electric utility company), but runs its own utility.
“Our superintendent, John Stokes, (was) out since 12:30 a.m. trying to restore electricity,” Minor said. “The Bourbon County Public Works helped remove debris from the streets.”
“The Bourbon County #3 District Fire Department was here making sure all the electric wires were OK,” Ellen Harper, a resident said.
“Two firetrucks and a Bourbon County Sheriff’s car were going around town assessing power line damage and making sure everyone was OK,” Minor said.
In addition, there was a reported gas leak, because of the storm.
“There was a gas leak at Charles and Wright Streets,” John Stokes, maintenance superintendent for the City of Bronson said. “The Bourbon County Fire Department tried to patch it and evacuated residents around that area. They called the Kansas Gas Service and they came and fixed it.”
Bronson City Councilwoman and business owner Kelly Perry heard a sound about 1 a.m.
“I thought it was a water line burst,” she said. “We knew we had multiple power lines down and could smell the rotten egg smell outside.”
“The crews went out and made repairs on a regulator setting that was damaged by a fallen tree, due to bad weather,” Kansas Gas Service Manager of Public Relations Dawn Tripp, said.
Other residents had first hand knowledge of the storm.
“We had a tree hit the window and broke it and woke me up,” Harper said.
Resident Helen Bolling said “The wind shook our house like a cracker box.”
Greenway said before the storm, the family turned the children’s trampoline upside down and put logs on it in hopes of making it secure.
“My trampoline flew into a neighbors tree, and I don’t know where the logs went,” she said.
Kayla Greenway’s trampoline blew into her neighbors yard.From her Facebook page.
Bronson Locker had its roof torn off, Bolling said.
The Bronson Locker had the roof blown off their business. From Kayla Greenway’s Facebook page.
As of this morning, April 6, the town still has clean-up going on, Perry said.
“The street in front of City Hall and the Bronson Locker is still closed,” Perry said. “But there is good headway on the clean-up.”
Dacia Clark, Bradie Terry, Jody Hoener, Noah Terry, Rachel Carpenter and Lindsay Madison pause for a photo at the grant award ceremony on March 22.
Noah, 25, and Bradie Terry, 24, purchased their Bourbon County property in December 2020, after moving from Oregon.
“We were motivated to look further into the homestead lifestyle and wanted to take the knowledge we gained to pass it on to others in the community,” Bradie said. “We quickly realized the importance of knowing where your food comes from and how it is raised or grown. We both did not grow up with any background in agriculture or farming, so everything that you see us doing is learning-as-we-go and applying our time we spent studying these things to gaining hands-on knowledge.”
The name of the homestead business is The Shire, LLC.
“The name, The Shire, derives from a region in J. R. R. Tolkien’s fictional book, The Lord of the Rings,” Bradie said. “In this fictionist world, The Shire is a peaceful, fruitful, community that focuses on agriculture. Which is symbolism of the type of community that we want to build upon in Bourbon County. We are also both pretty short, so we also have the whole ‘hobbit’ thing going for us.”
Submitted photo. Cucumbers.Submitted photo. Home canned pickles.
“Currently, we have a flock of free-ranged chickens that allow us to sell delicious eggs to the community,” she said. “We are also growing cucumbers to produce pickles for a local restaurant.”
Submitted photo. A hen looks over eggs at the Shire.
The farm is located on the southeast side of Fort Scott near Ellis Park.
“We both work on the farm when time allows,” Bradie said. “Currently, my husband is in school and I work a full time job from home. Our goal is to transition one or both of us to working full time on the farm as we grow.”
They are the recipient of a Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) $10,000 Farmer/Rancher Grant.
“Our plans for the $10,000 farmer/rancher grant is to expand to our bee and dairy cow operation as well as expanding our garden for produce,” she said. “We will have bee hives and will breed our Jersey dairy cows by April of 2023, which will produce honey and raw milk by fall of 2024. The expansion of our garden operation will be done over the course of a couple of years and we hope to have a big greenhouse built by that time. The grant funds will also help us expand our chicken operation in order to have more eggs available to sell.”
One of the Shire cows. Submitted photo.
“We will jump into the world of beekeeping and milking our dairy cows within a year, which are two huge farm changes because we haven’t experience this before,” she said.
The Bourbon County courthouse and transfer station will be closed Friday, April 7, 2023 in observance of Good Friday. The transfer station will be open 8:00-12:00 on Saturday.
