Category Archives: Bourbon County

Lamb and Cattle Show Sponsors Wanted for Spring Show

 

Hannah and Adam Montee. Submitted photo.

A couple with young children has taken on facilitating a youth livestock show. This spring is their third show.

Adam and Hannah Montee hosted a youth livestock show in the spring of 2021 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds to offer kids an opportunity to showcase their animals.

This was because so many livestock shows had been shut down due the COVID 19 Pandemic.

“We have 3 kids who are in 4-H now and show lambs, goats and calves, plus a 2-year old who can’t wait to show,” Hannah said.

At that 2021 show, 100 calves were shown by 60 exhibitors from six states, and $1,000 in cash and prizes were given away, according to Hannah.

“Our goal the first year was to raise $2,000 for updates to wash racks at the Crawford County Fairgrounds,” she said. “With help from sponsors, we are hopeful the project will be completed soon.”

In 2022, the Montees changed venues for the show to Fort Scott and had over 70 kids showing 150 animals.

It will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds again this year on March 17 -18.
“We changed venues because the (Crawford County) fair board did not want to work with us,” Hannah said. “The Bourbon County fair board wants show, clinics, etc. there and doesn’t care when others are scheduled.”

“We also needed full use of the fairgrounds – exhibitors able to stall in the barns, inside space, etc. and we did not have access to that at the Crawford County fairgrounds,” she said.

This year they are adding lambs to the livestock show: a prospect and possibly a progress lamb show on Friday night, March 17.

The Montees are looking for more business sponsors for this year’s show. There are different level of sponsorships from $100 to $500.

“Any sponsorship money goes directly to prizes for the kids,” she said.

Contact her at 620.704.4196 or email [email protected]

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 24

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: January 24, 2023

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes

Approval for Accounts Payable

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

Shane Walker Chief Operating Officer

Justin Meeks County Counselor

Bill Martin Discussion of Investigation by County Attorney

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Uniontown Homecoming Candidates Announced

Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right:  Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
Submitted by  Rebecca Sutterby
West Bourbon Elementary Secretary
and UHS Student Council Advisor

Program Sign-Up to Help Low Income Homes with Energy Costs

SPECIAL SIGN UP DAY FOR LIEAP JANUARY 25TH

 

 

Persons wishing to sign up for the 2023 LIEAP Program are encouraged to attend a special sign up day Wednesday, January 25th from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center, 26 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS.

 

A representative from Evergy will be available to assist in the sign up process  and determining eligibility.

 

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one time per year benefit.

 

The one time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and source of heat.

 

Individuals must bring:

  • All proof of income for the past 30 days
  • Utility account numbers for Evergy & KS Gas Service
  • Security #’s for everyone in household

 

Persons eligible:

  • An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs.
  • Applicants must show a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
  • Must meet income guidelines.

 

Those who cannot attend the special sign up on January 25th can still apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.gov by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person at the DCF Office and be eligible according to the guidelines by 5 pm, March 31st.

 

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council for Jan. 10

The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions.  We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency.  MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay.  If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project.  The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2012 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays.  The park looked really good over holidays!

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting.  Discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger

 

Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing.   He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1.  Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project.  He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing.  Discussion ensued.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to a

Shelton Resigns as Bourbon County Clerk, Hilderbrand as Kansas Senator

Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.

Two local government positions that effect Bourbon County are open, with the resignation of Ashley Shelton and Richard Hilderbrand.

Ashley Shelton resigned as Bourbon County Clerk on Jan. 12, after two years working with the county government.

“She sent her resignation letter to the governor on January 12 and notified me that she is resigning and her last day of employment is Feb. 3,” Mark McCoy,  Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman, said.

When contacted, Shelton said “The Bourbon County Courthouse is not a good environment. I don’t feel I am able to do the job to the best of my ability.”

Within her clerk office she feels “We have a good group.”

In addition to her resignation, another county clerk office person has resigned and another is transferring to different department.

“There is a lot of transition going on in the courthouse,” Shelton said.

The Republican Party will hold a convention on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.  at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main in Fort Scott to select a replacement for Shelton.

“We have 21 days to set a convention to select someone to be approved and their name sent to the governor for appointment,” McCoy said.

The county currently has 34 committee members and during the convention they will interview the candidates,  then have a question and answer session with them.

The candidates will have about 10 minutes to say why they should be selected, he said.

Following this, the party will meet  privately to discuss the candidates and a decision will be made by secret ballot and sent to the governor, McCoy said.

State Senator Richard Hilderbrand converses with the audience following a legislative coffee in Bourbon County.

U.S. Senator Richard Hilderbrand

In addition to Shelton, local Republicans will go through the established process of selecting a new Dist. 13 Kansas Senator.

Richard Hilderbrand resigned on Jan. 4, just before the Kansas legislature was set to start. He has served since 2017.

He represented Bourbon, Cherokee and Crawford Counties.

The local committee members from each county will meet on Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Columbus High School auditorium.

Crawford County is in charge until a chairman is selected from those attending the convention, McCoy said.

Once again, candidates will be given a certain number of minutes to tell the group why they should be selected, followed by a question and answer time, then private discussion by the group and a vote taken.

That name will be sent to the governor and wait for appointment.

“Three people have placed their name for this position, Tim Shallenberger, Keri Jensen and Dan Muter,” McCoy said. “Ken Collins was interested, but decided to remove his name.”

McCoy said Hilderbrand resigned to focus on his insurance business and his family.

Female Business Owners Support System: Dare to Dream Seminar

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue. Submitted photo.

Local female business owners will be speaking on the challenges of ownership of a business or hope to help those that want to start one.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is sponsoring the Dare to Dream Seminar: The Unique Challenges of a Small Business on  February 8 at 5:30 p.m.  at 104 N National in Fort Scott.

“This… seminar is for ALL women of ALL ages who have a business or is interested in starting a business, Rachel Carpenter, director of the The Center for Economic Growth at the HBCAT office.

“Our goal is to bring these woman entrepreneurs together to help create a support system of women supporting women. We bring in local woman leaders to share their expertise on how they have become successful.

The keynote speaker will be Erin Vann, of Highway Three.

Erin Vann is the keynote speaker at the Dare to Dream Seminar on Feb. 8. Submitted photo.

“She will speak on the challenges that her business had to overcome to get to the success story it is today,” Carpenter said. “We also have panel speakers Kelly Perry of Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store and Angela Simon of Bids and Dibs. They will share about managing a business banking account and how to get through the low seasons of business.”

Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store. Submitted photo.
Angela Simon, owner of Bids and Dibs. Submitted photo.

A part of the agenda is devoted to discussion.

“We will have HBCAT and Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center staff available to answer questions about starting a business and about the grant opportunities available through HBCAT,” Carpenter said. “We will also have staff from City State Bank that will answer questions about cash flow. Our keynote speakers and panelist will be available to answer any questions at that time as well.

Free Meal, Child Care and a Raffle

Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will be catering a lasagna meal for the evening, and there is childcare available upon request.

“We will be raffling off a business starter kit and a printer,” Carpenter said. “This event is free we just ask that people register prior to the event using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dare-to-dream-unique-challenges-of-a-small-business-tickets-510878690917″

 

Event Funded By

The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas, she said.

Rachel Carpenter can be reached at The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, phone: 620-215-2562

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 17

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: January 17, 2023

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes

Signatures for Accounts Payable & Payroll

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Matt Quick NRP Program

Lora Holdridge Survey Review Discussion

Jim Harris Organizational Changes

Nelson Blythe Move meeting from Feb 21st to Feb 24th

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

o Broker Selection

o Food Sales Tax Reduction

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer

Justin Meeks County Counselor

Public Comment

Commission Comment


Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Attachment:

doc03510320230113164959

Avian Influenza “Bird Flu” in Kansas

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

Note from the Local Health Officer Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686

[email protected]

 

Avian Influenza “Bird Flu”

1/13/2023

As egg prices are skyrocketing and it may be costing you more to eat out, you may be asking yourself why all of this is happening, if you haven’t turned on the news much lately. Well, Avian Influenza is much of the cause, or otherwise known as the “bird flu”. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has continued to be detected in new locations nationwide, including new counties in Kansas.

This viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which puts Kansas’ domestic birds at risk. HPAI causes severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry and is a concern for the possibility of being transmitted to humans who are exposed.

Infected birds shed the bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces. Though rare, human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when “enough” virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled. Transmission can happen through air (droplets, dust) and in inhaled, or when a person touches something that has the virus on it then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose. Most human infections with bird flu have occurred after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with bird flu viruses.

I am probably getting an eyeroll right now from any hunters that might be reading this, but the CDC recommends whenever possible, avoiding contact with wild birds because they may not appear to be sick. You should avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that are sick or who’ve died. Do not touch surfaces contaminated with saliva, mucous or feces from wild/domestic birds. If you do or you must encounter birds (such as occupational exposure, hunters, bird owners, hobby flocks) take these precautions to prevent infection:

  • Wear protective equipment such as gloves, respirators, -or well-fitting masks, and eye protection.
  • Avoid touching your face!
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds and surfaces birds inhabit or frequent.

I recommend the seasonal flu shot as well, though it will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, it can help reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. We have them available at any of our 4 offices. Allen County: (620)365-2191, Anderson County: (785)448-6559, Bourbon County: (620)223-4464, or Woodson County: (620)625-2484.

See these helpful links for more information:

https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm

Thank you,

Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEKMCHD Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

Reference: Centers for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Agriculture

Deloney Promoted to President at Mid-Continental Restoration

Matt Deloney Promoted to President by Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Inc.

January 13th – Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Inc., a leading provider of building restoration and preservation services, is proud to announce the promotion of Matt Deloney to the position of President and Chairman of the Board.  In this new capacity, Deloney plans to utilize his experience along with that of their strong leadership team, to continue the growth of the organization, ultimately benefiting the employee-owners of the company.

 

Since first joining Mid-Continental Restoration back in 1990, Deloney has filled many roles, from work in the field, as a craftsman, to most recently serving as our Vice President and managing the Central Region. Since 2007, Deloney has worked to expand the company’s footprint opening offices in Kansas City and Tulsa to meet customer demand and grow the company.

 

This promotion is part of a strategic succession plan developed over the past several years.  “We are excited about this change, and Matt has definitely earned the opportunity to lead our great team,” says outgoing President Frank Halsey, who will move into a semi-retired role while assisting with business development and marketing.  “We fully expect Matt will continue to develop the culture that employee owners deserve and expect, while maintaining the professional service our customers deserve and expect.”

 

“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role with the management team at Mid-Continental Restoration,” says Matt Deloney. “I get the benefit of being able to step into a role that has had strong leadership for many years allowing me to focus on continual growth and delivering stronger experiences for our staff and customers.”

Local Producers Featured at Makers Market This Saturday

The first Makers Market, hosted by Mmm Flavor Shop owners Emelia Whiteaker and Addi Foster is this Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.

“This is for people who produce and make things local” to showcase and sell their products,  Foster said.

They are hosting these events because they are hoping to establish a spice store and don’t have a business space, Foster said.

In addition they are sponsoring a fundraiser for a new dog agility club.

“Lunch will also be available for purchase with the proceeds going to help purchase dog agility equipment for the newly created Momentum Dog Club,” Whiteaker said.  “Those youth interested in joining the Momentum Dog Club can stop by and get more information.  They must be at least 7 years of age to join, and no experience is needed.”

The two sisters are planning a market each second Saturday of each month, until May. “Different vendors will be participating each month,” Whiteaker said.  “There will be a variety of locally made products for sale including food, soaps, lotions, knitted items, sewed items, and starters for indoor plants.”

“The menu that will be available is chicken and noodles made with locally raised chicken from Freedom Farms in Bourbon County, Mixed Bean Soup with Grains, Butternut Squash Soup, Mediterranean Vegetable Stew with Couscous,” Whiteaker said. “For dessert offered is Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Orange Chocolate Glaze, and Carob Brownies made two ways.”

Citrus Olive Oil Cake, pictured, will be offered for sale at the Makers Market.Submitted photo.
Addi Foster is co-owner of MMM Flavor Shop. Submitted photo.
Emelia Whiteaker is the owner of Momentum Indoor Training and also co-owner of MMM Flavor Shop. Submitted photo.