On Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. the Bourbon County Republicans will meet at their Fair Booth at the Merchants Bldg.
Submitted by Deb Martin, Correspondence Secretary
Category Archives: Bourbon County
OFGS BROWN BAG TECH TALK
MARSHA’S DELI SANDWICHES AND COLD DRINKS PROVIDED, OR BRING YOUR OWN!
Everyone is invited to the Old Fort Genealogy Society office to discuss recent upgrades to our computers and learn about volunteer tech support now available for our researchers, visitors and volunteers.
DATE: [Thursday, July 27th, 2023] TIME: [12:00 PM-12:30 PM]
LOCATION: Old Fort Genealogical Society Office, 221 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS. In the basement of Memorial Hall.
[WEST ENTRANCE OF MEMORIAL HALL, LOOK FOR BLACK AND WHITE SIGN ON DOOR FACING NATIONAL AVENUE]
[PLEASE NOTE: WEST ENTRANCE IS NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE]
Questions, concerns? E-mail Sarah Klassen, OFGS Tech Admin, at [email protected]
Tickets Still Available for the Fort Scott Performances of Wahzhazhe
Fort Scott, KS — Time is running out to get your tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet being held at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. This memorable stage performance is being offered at 7:30 pm on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 with a matinee performance at 3:00 pm on Saturday.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service is bringing Wahzhazhe to Fort Scott. “This is the story of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation. It is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told.” stated park Program Manager, Carl Brenner. Ballet Director and Osage tribal member, Randy Tinker Smith developed the performance with the help of tribal elders and a primarily Indigenous team of professionals. Wahzhazhe has been performed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian and for the Pope in Philadelphia, PA among other places throughout the region.
“This riveting stage performance has something for everyone. If you enjoy history, this is for you, if you are curious about Native American culture, this is for you, if you love the arts and dance, this is for you.” stated Kelley Collins, a member of the Friends ballet committee. “This is an especially effective way to introduce children to the arts and history. In additional to 12 professional dancers, there are dozens of children participating in the show. Questions and answers will be fielded by the dancers following each performance making this an tremendous educational opportunity for young and old alike.”
Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children (age 15 and below). They can be purchased online from the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.osageballet.com/events. Any remaining tickets will be sold in person starting an hour before the performance. Cash purchases at the door are available. Seating will begin one half hour before the show. For additional information e-mail [email protected].
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A Local Church’s Mission Continues Years After Closing
The First Christian Church of Fort Scott closed its doors in January 2016 after 145 years of supporting and ministering to families in the Bourbon County area. The church was located most of those years at the corner of 1st and Judson.
Founded in 1871 and once one of the largest congregations in the area, First Christian Church faced an aging, declining membership with waning attendance and finally the retirement of the minister.
The Board of Trustees decided the best action would be to preserve the resources that remained and discontinue worship services. The group recognized the money was provided from Bourbon County citizens and should remain in Bourbon County to provide good works for its citizens.
After selling the church building as well as the parsonage and liquidating assets, the Board of Trustees was determined to locate the best use of their church’s remaining $250,000.
Following serious investigation and much discussion, the Trustees voted to establish an endowed fund with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF).
The earnings of this fund, managed by FSACF, are used annually through grants for worthy projects and efforts to organizations in the Bourbon County area. The principal amount of approximately $250,000 is left untouched and will continue to generate financial grants into perpetuity.
In 2022, grants through this Endowed Fund were made to a Riverfront Authority Labyrinth in honor of Allen Warren; Methodist Church Feeding Families Program; Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries; USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement; USD 234 Healthy Snacks Program and (along with other area Churches) the purchase of a used vehicle to support Afghan families who had moved to our community.
This First Christian Church Endowed Fund should generate $12,000 to $20,000 each year to be used to support worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County for many, many years to come.
If you would like to contribute to the First Christian Church of Fort Scott Charitable Endowment Fund or would like information about how an organization, individuals or families can establish their own endowed fund through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, go to www.fsacf.com for more information.
FS Quarterly Downtown Meeting: Events, Projects, Updates
There are several community projects happening in Fort Scott.
At the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greeton July 11, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, leaders of several of the projects gave updates. The event was hosted by Lyons Realty Group office.
Lindsey Madison, Chamber Executive Director, gave a summary of the upcoming events and promotions:
- July 15: Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale
- July 18: Patty LaRoche will present a book talk at Hedgehog.INK! from 7 to 8:30 p.m. LaRoche’s new book, A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection will be featured.
- August 4-6: Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, where participating businesses give customers a 9.4 percent discount on purchases.
- Sept. 8-9: Town-wide Garage Sale
- Sept. 9: Art Crawl by the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Artificers and more, from 2-6 p.m.
- Sept. 16: Author Miranda Collins, Chanute, writer of Action Detective Mystery will be at Hedgehog.INK! at 2 p.m.
- Sept. 21: Downtown Fall Fest, stores open until 8 p.m. for fall food snacks and shopping.
- Oct. 28: Halloween Parade. Festivities start at 10 a.m., children’s downtown parade on Main Street at 11 a.m.
- Nov. 9-11: Holiday Open House, kick off on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with continued open house on Friday and Saturday.
- Nov. 25: Shop Small Friday/Saturday in Fort Scott.
- Nov. 30 Candy land Christmas with parade and festivities downtown.
- Bailey Lyons gave an update on the splash pad project: Concrete is being poured this Thursday on the big splash pad. On July 15-16 volunteers are needed to help with landscaping projects: bring gloves and tools. The group has raised approximately $325,000 for the project nearing completion.
- The new historic mural that will be created on Skubitz Plaza will be unveiled in coordination with the Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 6. The mural was approved by the city’s design review board this week, Jerry Witt, owner of the mural site building said.
- The multi-purpose pavilion to be on Skubitz Plaza is in the works, Madison said. The Farmers Market group will use the facility “and anyone else.”
- The welcome arch to the city is being worked on by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and will go to the city’s design review board.
- The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday July 14 at Woodland Hills Golf Course. They are still accepting raffle items.
- The Special Olympic Golf Tournament is July 29 at the same course.
- The mountain bike race, the Marmaton Massacre Festival, will be Sept. 16 in Gunn Park.
- The annual Naturalization Ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will be on a Friday in September to be announced.
- Grants available to businesses: E-Community at http://www.networkkansas.com and Grow KS.
Updates from attendees:
Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said it is asphalt laying season in the county, “please be cautious of workers.”
“Since 2019 we’ve lowered the mill levy by 9.6%…I will not vote for a mill levy increase,” he said.
There is a new format for speaking at the commission meetings, he said: People must sign up and they get 5 minutes each to speak. “We want peoples input,” he said. “It’s OK to disagree but be professional.”
Harris said there is a request for proposals for the overpass project on the south side of Fort Scott. The commission will be applying for state and federal funds for the project.
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, said they have been working on a Star Bond and TIF project south of town, and it will be “huge to the community.” His office is at the former Mercy Hospital building, now owned by Legacy Health Foundation.
Kari West, Lead Customer Solutions Manager at Evergy, said the utility company hasn’t had an increase in five years and they are requesting one. Evergy purchased property north and west of their current location on Skubitz Plaza with plans to move to that site.
Bourbon County Dems Meet July 16
Please join Bourbon County Democrats as they hold a social meeting on Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at 702 S. Crawford in Fort Scott.
Coordinator Kelley Collins and Carl Brenner of the Fort will discuss the background of the Osage Ballet and the process of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s bringing them to Fort Scott. Guests are welcome!
Submitted by
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
The Bo Co Commission Minutes of July 3
July 3, 2023 Monday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Jim Harris and the County Clerk present in person and Commissioner Nelson Blythe attending via phone for a special meeting.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Deb McCoy, and Michael Hoyt were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting at 9:00 with the flag salute.
Jim explained the CARES Act grant was money received in 2020 from the federal government and was deposited into the EMS fund to help with COVID related costs. Due to turnover the reporting requirements were never completed, so therefore we must repay the federal grant to avoid additional fees. Nelson said if we do not repay the funds, we will not qualify in the future to receive grants. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, notified the Commissioners that as of today’s date the total Bourbon County must repay is $39,752.80.
Jim made a motion to repay the money we received from the CARES grant totaling $39,752.80 from the general fund. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Michael Hoyt expressed his frustration over the meetings not being aired on YouTube. Jim said he would discuss the matter when Justin Meeks, County Counselor, was present. Michael said he was extremely irritated from the prior budget session meeting when the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging and the Meals on Wheels program couldn’t agree on what services they provide. Michael said he came prepared to speak, but will talk another time.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:07. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 7-10-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Bo Co Commission Minutes of June 26
June 26, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Redfield Community Center.
Jason Silvers, Heather Ethridge, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Ryan Linn, Don Pemberton, Mary Pemberton and the following representatives of the Bourbon County Conservation District: Jared Pollock, Mandy Shoemaker, Preston Reeder, Deb Lust, and Ron Brown were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from the 6-19-2023 meeting. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, told the Commissioners they have asphalted on 245th Street from Valley Road to the curve at Soldier Road and they plan to continue to 235th Street then pave the other side of the road back to Valley Road. Dustin said they are using a different 64-22 oil this year that is working very well. Nelson asked if there was any update on dust control and Dustin said he has a list of residents who have applied and will spray in between asphalting projects.
Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, met to get an update on the status of the Elm Creek dam project. Jim said he has been working with Frank Young but they have not been able to get contractors who are interested in just looking at the project to give quotes. Clifton said he has spoken to two contractors and in his opinion, there is not enough clay and he has concerns on how to fix the dam correctly. Don stated when Bourbon County first applied there was clay in the rock quarries that could be used. Clifton said the scope of the project was smaller then. Jim said the county currently doesn’t have the money to fix the dam properly. Don asked if any other grant opportunities have been investigated. Jim and Nelson agreed to let Clifton check into the availability of other grants.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented five fireworks permits to be signed by Chairman Harris. The following locations have applied for permits this year: Jake’s Fireworks at 2221 S. Main and the corner of Wall Street and Goodlander, Jurassic Fireworks at 4500 Campbell Drive, Cathy Ramirez Fireworks at 840 Main Street in Mapleton, and Hale Fireworks at 2409 S. Main. Clifton made a motion to approve the permits that will expire on July 5th and to allow the Chairman to sign them. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said he had been contacted by Gary Hall who asked that the fence viewing he requested be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 28. Clifton made a motion to meet at 1023 115th Street on June 28th at 10:00 for a fence viewing with the possibility of all three commissioners being present. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer presented an invoice for the National Association of Counties and asked if the Commissioners wanted to participate this year. Clifton said they didn’t last year and Jim said he wouldn’t support paying it.
Sheriff Bill Martin and Bobby Reed were in attendance to ask the Commissioners if they had any questions relating to the 2024 budget requests that they submitted via email. Jim questioned the requested increase of $184,000 and Bill stated that he requested new cars and the records management system is increasing but he is currently working with the County Attorney to split the cost of that. Jim stated there was a $134,000 increase in Sheriff’s Office wages and another $47,000 for Correctional Center wages. Bobby stated they haven’t added anybody. Jim asked Susan Bancroft, CFO, if that could be with 2023 increases and Susan said yes. Clifton said there was a total increase of $337,000. Jim asked if the $40,000 in capital outlay is for a new vehicle and Bobby replied yes, they currently have one vehicle with 108,000 miles and another with 135,000 miles. Bill said in 2-3 years all law enforcement radios will have to be encrypted. Bill said this is to protect personal information and would include the Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and fire personnel radios. Nelson said he thinks that is a good thing. Bill agreed but stated another Kansas county similar to our size reported it will be approximately $100,00 to switch over and wanted Commissioners to keep this in mind. The loan documents for Union State Bank that were previously submitted during the meeting at Uniontown were signed by the Chairman. The Commissioners had previously approved the loan but the bank had suggested not signing until the vehicles were ready to be picked up. Bill said he had an employee who resigned as full-time and moved to part-time who will now be a full-time employee again. Bill said he is requesting the employee be given 60 hours of vacation instead of 120 hours that employees receive at the beginning of the year. Jim asked why Bill would follow this policy when not following others. Bill questioned what other policies were not being followed. Susan said the employee oath of office. Bill said when he hears oath of office, he thinks of a Law Enforcement Officer or somebody professional like a doctor or nurse not Bourbon County employees. Bill said he reached out to other Sheriffs who said they had never heard of it. Bill said if something is questioned, he seeks legal advice. Nelson questioned if he missed something and asked why is this a big deal. Susan said the oath is required by state statute and is a basic oath that has been done for years. Bill said if somebody drives a road grader, they have to take an oath and he didn’t know it was a statute and not a Bourbon County policy. Clifton said he has never agreed with our vacation policy but in his opinion, you lose service when you quit as a full-time employee. Clifton asked Susan what a new employee gets for vacation time. Susan said new hires start accruing vacation at 7 months of service. Clifton said in his opinion it is a negotiation tactic with future employees and do what you can to hire them.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow the Bourbon County Conservation District to speak before the public comments sections. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jared Pollock introduced the members in attendance and said they are a five-member volunteer board to educate and advocate. Jared said they work with Kansas Conservation Partnership, the Forrest Service, KDWP, and other non-government organizations such as Ducks Unlimited. Mandy Shoemaker is their main educator who works with schools and fairs for conservation day to try to make kids aware. Jared presented their budget and said there is a sheet that shows what surrounding counties budgets are. Jared said they are trying to do what they can but may have to cut back on services. Deb Lust said she has been spending a lot of time with local operators to help with new things such as cover crops to protect the soil base. Ron Brown said the general public thinks they just work with farms but they do urban drainage and soil samples even in city limits. Jim thanked them all for doing a good job.
Susan Bancroft presented a spreadsheet outlining the health insurance increase that will take place on July 1st. Susan said in the past rates have been given to the Board of Commissioners and there hasn’t been a vote but said there should be a vote. Susan asked if the employee of employer is going to cover the $10,000 increase. Nelson suggested the county cover the costs. Clifton said this is something the public should know and said the best plan we offer is $2301.94 per month for a family plan. Clifton made a motion to have Bourbon County pay the 2023 insurance increase. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker thanked the public works department for doing an outstanding job and thank the Commissioners for giving them the equipment to do the job.
Mary Pemberton asked how many years do we have to listen to the Commission say we hate our vacation or health insurance before it gets changed? Jim said Susan has been working with department heads to fix the handbook.
Ryan Linn asked if the road closing on 260th Street south of Deer Road was going to move forward. Jim said the applicant decided to drop their request. There was discussion of designating the road as a low maintenance road. Justin Meeks said the county has not designated roads as low maintenance in the past. Clifton said if we fix this road, we have to fix all roads.
Justin Meeks said the county is having a tax sale and will be selling 42 Hidden Valley Lake parcels this Thursday at 10:00 in the courthouse lobby.
Dustin Hall told the Commissioners he was notified yesterday the new belly dump trailer was ready.
Nelson said the $10,000 the county is covering as employers shows one of many examples where we could spend in house instead of handing out. Clifton said it was mentioned the county hasn’t done anything with health insurance and said a broker/agent is working with the county to look at other options. Jim asked Clifton to work with Susan and a committee of department heads and elected officials to work on different handbook options.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:09. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 7-10-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
, Approved Date
Special Olympics Benefit on Woodland Hills Golf Course July 29
The 6th Annual Bourbon County Special Olympics Golf Scramble is July 29.
“To date we have raised over $115,00 for Special Olympics Kansas,” Steve Anthony, tournament director said. “Because last year was such a huge hit for us we are bringing back former Major Leaguer Otis Nixon to our event.”
“Otis will be bringing with him Harlem Globetrotter Hollywood Brown, Golf Trick Shot Artist Rocky Shipe, and Olympic Medalist Arthur Culbreath,” he said.
They have a full field of sixty-two teams with 264 players coming from seven different states.
Tee times will start on Saturday July 29 at 7a.m. with the first wave of teams. The second wave will take off at approx 1:15 p.m.
“I want to thank Andrew Defebaugh and Chase Halsey for all of their help to make this tournament a success,” Anthony said. “The community is invited to come out starting at 7 a.m. to purchase raffle tickets for $1 each.”
“We also have a golf cart we will be giving away that day to the lucky winner of one of our many raffle prizes we will have available,” Anthony said. “I can’t thank the community enough for always stepping up to raise funds for such a great cause.”
For more information please contact him at 620-215-2392.
Special Meeting Agenda for Bo Co Commission at 4 p.m. Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 10, 2023 4:00
- Call Meeting to Order
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- 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.
Free Services and Support For Families
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 10
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-583
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 10, 2023 4:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Budget Work Session from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Approval of Consent agenda
- Minutes from 6/26/2023, 6/28/2023, and 7/3/2023
- Approval of Payroll totaling $216,424.52
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $392,442.81
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- James Malveaux-Ditching Issue
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Real Property Relief Application 11 N. Barbee
- Clifton Beth-Healthcare
- Clifton Beth-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
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.