Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for May 8 at 5:30 p.m.

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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 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

May 8, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/1/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $210,758.69
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $321,662.17
  1. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  2. 5:45 Public Hearing for Adoption of 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
  3. Don George-KDWP
  • Resignation of Mark McCoy-SEK Multi-County Health Department Board
  • Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds-Fort Scott Lake
  1. Susan Bancroft, CFO-Discussion of Budget Meeting Dates
  2. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of Ambulance Purchase
  3. Public Comments
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  • 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.

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Uniontown 4-H Club May Report By: Marley Sutton

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 Several Uniontown 4-H club members recently took part in the 4-H expo at Tractor Supply in Fort Scott Kansas. The purpose of the event was to promote various 4-H projects to local community members. Makiah Woods promoted the dog project, the Sutton kids promoted the swine project, and the Bloesser kids promoted sewing and foods.

     Three Uniontown 4-H club members competed in the Perry-Lecompton Junior High Aggie Day. The team ranked first overall with Hailey Shadden receiving high individual, Marley Sutton ranking 3rd, and Kendyl Bloesser ranking 11th individually.

 

Bourbon County

Starlite FCE Minutes April, 2023

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The April meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fair grounds.  Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect.  Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered forty-seven hours and had recycled 2110 pounds.

 

Doris Ericson reported that the bake less bake sale had raised $174 and that she had sent in 1000 Best Choice labels.  She also reported that she had sent $40 to the 4-H fair premiums and $50 for open class premiums.  Deb Lust moved that we accept the Treasurers report, Karen Peery seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Joyce announced that the Easter eggs had been delivered to Tri-Valley and that Jack Jackson had presented the lesson on Men’s health to the Uniontown Ruritan Club.  Twelve members and guests were in attendance.  It was also announced that at the Area Recognition Day that Betty Johnson was recognized as the area Heart of FCE representing the Southeast Kansas District.  Starlite received First Place in the District in Education with our program on Last Wishes.  We also received Second with our Community Service project.  Bourbon County FCE clubs received 100% reporting award and Starlite received a gold seal.

 

Doris Ericson announced that Aging with Attitude will be held April 28th in Parsons.  Joyce Allen passed around a Sympathy card for Helen Carson.  She will be greatly missed.

 

Jack Jackson will be presenting the lesson on Mens Health to our club on June 15th and again at the Fair.

 

Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Joyce Allen presented the program on “Healthy Body, Healthy Brain.”  Refreshment of Orange and Strawberry yogurt pie, mints, nuts and water were provided by LeAnna Taylor and Joyce Allen and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11

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Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11

2023 Financials-April

04112023 Regular Meeting(1)

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Loren Korte – Personal Service Insurance –

 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Mural Grant

Old Settlers’ insurance

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

Street repairs/resurfacing –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Agenda for May 8

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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

Accounts Payable 5-5-2023

Payroll 5-5-2023

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

May 8, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/1/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $210,758.69
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $321,662.17
  1. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  2. 5:45 Public Hearing for Adoption of 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
  3. Resignation of Mark McCoy-SEK Multi-County Health Department Board
  • Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds-Fort Scott Lake
  • Susan Bancroft, CFO-Discussion of Budget Meeting Dates
  1. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of Ambulance Purchase
  2. Public Comments
  3. 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.

 

Bourbon County, Church news

Uniontown Ladies Spring Tea is May 20

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Uniontown Baptist Church is located on Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.

Ladies in the Uniontown community are invited to the Ladies Community Spring Tea on Sunday May 21 at 2 p.m. at the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church, at the intersection of Hwy. 3 and Fifth Street.

There will be food, games, prizes-all centered around a tea cup theme.

“Please come and join us,” said Carla Shinn, one of the mission board members. “Any lady in the community is invited.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

FS Farmers Market Season Starts May 6 on Skubitz Plaza Including Breakfast on the Bricks

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Fort Scott Farmers Market begins its 2023 season on May 6, this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

“It’s going to be a great day for a farmer’s market,” Teri Hamilton said. She is the new president of the market members group.

The market is in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza.

Spring veggies, fresh bread, meat, flowers, eggs, honey, live plants and handmade crafts will be for sale from local vendors.

The group is looking to add other events to the market.

“Our goal is to connect with acoustic type music to have live music at the event, and other fun activities,” Hamilton said.

This first market of the season, the local Bourbon County Democrats are serving breakfast/ brunch on Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon.

They will serve fresh coffee or bottled water, fresh fruit, and a choice of fresh-baked coffee cake–all for $5.

“We will deliver in town,” said Carol MacArthur, Bourbon County Democrats chairperson. “For delivery or more information, call 620- 215-1505.”

“We also invite you to bring a lawn chair, if you wish to come, eat, and socialize!” she said.

Teri Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, is the president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market this year.

Teri Hamilton is the new president of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market. Submitted photo.

“Melinda Goff has been the president for the last several years and we are transitioning leadership,” Hamilton said.

The cost of booths for vendors is $10 for the first day, which includes $5 registration and $5 booth fee.

“If you sign up for the whole season, its $108 to reserve a spot,” Hamilton said. ‘We welcome any new vendors. We can have 25 percent of the booths selling handmade crafts.”

Returning vendors will be given first priority for spots on the plaza.

Some of the returning vendors are the Hamiltons , Still Waters Farm-Katie and Ethan Holly, the Little Flower Farm-Kelly Richards, Chet and Linda Bower-fresh veggies, Ron and Beverly Brown-farm produce and preserves, Tim Allison-honey, Mrs. Tibbits and Mrs. Hawkins-sellilng crafts, Nickie Kraft-home sewn items, Roger Stumfoll-farm produce and eggs, and others.

There are four new vendors who will be selling baked goods, crafts, live plants and eggs.

A National Avenue stationary pavilion is on the horizon for the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market use in the near future, following a T-Mobile $50,000 grant in 2021.

https://fortscott.biz/news/market-street-pavilion-project-kicks-off

Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown FFA Meat Evaluation Team is the State Runner-Up

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Submitted photo.

The Uniontown FFA Meat Evaluation Team was recently named as the State Runner-Up team at the Kansas FFA State Meat Evaluation contest held in Manhattan, Kansas on April 30th. With their 2nd place finish at the state competition, Uniontown FFA will represent Kansas FFA at the 2024 National Western Stock Show Meat Judging contest held in Denver, Colorado in January.

The team was led by Byron Fry, who ranked as the 2nd High Individual overall and Addisyn Hall who finished in 5th place individually. Brycen Stewart ended up in 14th and Corrynn Atkins ranked 21st. All four of Uniontown’s team members are Juniors at Uniontown High School and will have the opportunity to return to the state contest next year.

This Runner-up finish for Uniontown FFA continues an impressive run of state contest rankings for the chapter. Over the past seven years Uniontown has been named the Champion Team Overall two times (2018 and 2021) and the Runner-up team three times (2017, 2019, 2023) in the Meat Evaluation contest. Additionally the chapter was the State Champion team at the Livestock Judging event in 2016 and 2019, the State Ritual contest in 2021 and the Leadership Information contest in 2019.

The team is coached by Uniontown High School Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Scott Sutton who has been at Uniontown since the 2016-2017 school year.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of May 3

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

May 3, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-four members representing twenty-one agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that a vacancy continues on the Board of Directors.  She also noted that the Board had approved swim pass applications and would be notifying those recipients as soon as the new pool manager and pass regulations were in place.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Billie Jo shared the following information from Vicky Wright, SEK Mental Health: May is Mental Health Month.  They will be hosting their first annual “Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair,” on May 23, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., at the Fort Scott Middle School.  Seventeen vendors are currently sign up to participate, but they continue to take registrations.  This is a free event with the possibility of door prizes!  Contact Vicki for further information:  [email protected] or 620-212-9391.
  • Kathy Romero and Travis Wilcoxen with Angels Care Home Health were first time members.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool Center: Round-Up will be held on Friday, May 5.
  • Michelle Stevenson Fort Scott Early Childhood Program: Fourteen children are ready to exit her program, she now needs referrals!
  • Maggie Young, CHC Tobacco Succession: The program will be starting next month for Bourbon County.
  • Shana Willey, CHC Community Health Worker: Can help families and community members with applications and resources.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Teen Pregnancy and Baby and Me Tobacco Free programs continue to be available in Fort Scott.  Tammy also reminded members that the Bourbon County Community Baby Shower would be held on June 22, 10 a.m. until noon, at the County Health Department.  Holly could still use donations of gifts for the mothers and babies.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: All 190 units are currently full. There are already 25 on the waiting list but she is still taking applications.
  • LeaKay Karleskint, K-State Research: She has several classes in progress with another to begin on May 18.  LeaKay continues to look for partners who can supply space for her classes.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE and Lindsey McNeil, KU: The “Diabetes Education Event” will be May 10, 5:00 p.m. at 104 N. National;  a “ Self Care Mental Health Awareness” will be May 18 at HBCAT office.  Contact Lisa for more information.
  • Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: Contact Rachel for grant opportunities.
  • Cassidy Lutz, K-State Research: Will present “What the Tech?! Phone Safety for Parents” on May 31 at 104 N. National, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Megan Smith and Amy Hagan, Family Resource Specialists with CHC: They strive to connect families with resources; Megan through the office setting and Amy in the homes.
  • Christine Abbott, SEKWorks: Reminded members about Workshop Wednesdays which are 15 minute video/chats found on the website; Christine can send the QR code for those that are interested.
  • Sydney Herring, Response Advocate with the Family Resource Center: Sydney works under a grant that keeps children in their homes as long as it is safe.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Kiwanis: These organizations need more volunteers.
  • Sandy, RSVP:  Sandy matches non-profits and volunteers.  She noted that the Uniontown Teammate program is completing a successful two years.  The next Red Cross Blood drive will be June 15/16 at Buck Run Community Center.  Contact Sandy to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army/Ministerial Alliance: Allen will be working again with Evergy to distribute fans; last year the program provided seventy fans for needy persons.  Allen also informed the members that the Ministerial Alliance helps transients going through town by provided a night in a hotel and bus ticket as needed.  Bus station now is in Fort Scott at Pete’s.

 

  1. Program: Bourbon County transportation program presented by COPE, LHEAT, and SEK-CAP. The June program will be an explanation of KanCare/Medicaid by Dawn Cubbison.  April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present our August program.

 

Scott, Director of Transportation for SEK CAP, explained how the General Public Transportation works in other counties and what would be needed for the program to be implemented in Fort Scott and/or Bourbon County.  This program would be 70% grant funded with 30% matching funds from county and city governments, local programs or grants, or private support or donations.   Passengers would not be charged fares, but donations would be accepted, typically $1.00 per ride.  Bourbon County demographics certainly confirm the need for such a service.  Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, will be working with SEK CAP toward the goal of implementation.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Need monthly programs beginning in September.  David Gillen, Beacon, was not able to attend the meeting but wanted members to know that he is looking for an Assistant Director.  The job would require sixteen hours each week with an additional two hours on the third Thursday of each month; salary is $1,000 per month.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be June 7, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store: Special Breakfast and Lunch This Saturday

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store…
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store
Come fill your belly at Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store located at 702 Pine Street, Bronson Kansas, THIS Saturday, May 6th from 9am-1pm.
9am-11am – $7 Big Breakfast Bowls.
Fried Taters, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage with
Gravy or Cheese.
11am-1pm – $10 Frybread Taco Salads with 32oz drink
Kelly’s Hand Made Fry Bread, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Meat & Cheese. Black Olives & Jalapeno are optional.
Single Frybread $3. Full Order (5) $12.
Pre-orders are highly recommended.
You can call or walk in to place an order, Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store will be accepting orders until 6pm on Friday, May 5th.
Contact Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store at 620.939.4300
for more information!
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Brickstreet BBQ Opens

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Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott. Oak Street turns into Old Fort Blvd. when you cross National going east.
Brickstreet BBQ, at  the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street opened yesterday with a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
Alex and Carissa Bowman welcome the crowd that came for the ribbon cutting on May 2.
 Owners  are Carissa and Alex Bowman.
In an interview, Carissa said they are looking forward to  this new venture and “The  challenge and excitement of starting something that Alex and I can build together.”
She said they are also looking forward to bringing more job opportunities to Fort Scott.  They currently have 60 part-time and full time employees.
Brickstreet BBQ owner Carissa Bowman, left, and Shelby Burdick and Donna Hughes, servers, prepare for the first customers on this opening day.
The service they will be providing to their community is “A sit-down restaurant experience with high quality smoked meats,” she said.

 

Brickstreet hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday  11 a.m.- 9 p.m.;   Friday-Saturday  11 a.m.- 10 p.m.  Sunday 11 a.m.  – 3 p.m.
Contact them at 620-224-2425 or on their Facebook page.
In this photo of the ribbon cutting at Brickstreet BBQ, the Bowmans are pictured in the center with family, friends and staff surrounding. At left is the Chamber Chairperson Bailey Lyons and holding the other end of the ribbon is Mayor Matthew Wells.

There was much gratitude expressed in the comments for the opening of this restaurant.

Carissa welcomed and thanked all the family and friends for the support they give.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Bailey Lyons told the attendees “Thanks for bringing barbecue back to Fort Scott.”

“May this place bring you much return on your investment,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said.

The door is open at Brickstreet BBQ.
Bourbon County, Business

Fresenius Building Owner Looking For A Tenant

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Photo taken in 2019 of the Fresenius Medical Care Center at 2526 S. Main.

The  newer building just in front of Walmart in Fort Scott has been empty since 2019.

The building which housed a kidney dialysis center is still under lease, according to Mike Panek, President of Phoenix Realty Management, owner.

“We would be happy to find a new tenant so the building had some life,” Panek said. “The economics of property and the state of commercial real estate have made it challenging to find a suitable tenant with interest. Since it went dark, we have local and national brokers working on it.”

Phoenix Realty Management offices located are  at 464 Heritage Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, can be reached at (203) 262-1922 or (203) 736-4813.

 

The Closure

Fresenius Medical Care was the renter of the building at the time of closing and was the only  kidney dialysis center in Fort Scott. The doors closed  on September 30, 2019.

Patients had to make arrangements to either drive to Pittsburg, 30 miles away, or Chanute, 50 miles away, to get this specialized, life saving treatment, or do home dialysis.

The building was built in 2014 and is  over 7,000 square feet.

At the time of the closure, Panek said they would be working with Fresenius to see what their plans are for the site as there was a lease in place for that location.

Fresenius spokespeople did not give a reason for closing the kidney health care facility.

To see a prior story:

Fort Scott Dialysis Center to Close Sept. 30