Tiana McElroy, the Bourbon County Attorney submitted her resignation as county attorney to Governor Laura Kelly on July 31, 2024. The letter did not state her reason for resigning.
“Tiana is working part-time with the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. “I received her resignation letter on July 29th. The Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the date they were notified by the Governor’s office to appoint an attorney to fulfill the remainder of Tiana’s term.”
An email to McElroy from fortscott.biz went unanswered about why she resigned before the election.
Bourbon County Republican Chairman Mark McCoy announced to the local Republicans that they will meet to interview candidates wishing to fill the position until the November 4, 2024 election, when a new county attorney is elected.
The meeting to select a county attorney is August 29 at 6 p.m. at Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Road, Fort Scott.
A majority of precinct people must be in attendance, or a proxy form may be signed with the name of the person seeking the county attorney position and the name of the precinct person representing that absent precinct person.
All interested Kansas licensed attorneys may email their information/resume to McCoy at [email protected]
Our Bi-partisan Citizens Group which worked on a petition to place the question of increasing our Commissioner Districts from three to five, would like to thank all of the participants who voiced their concerns and signed the petition.
621 signatures were required to get this placed on the November 2024 ballot. We collected over 500 signatures as of August 20, 2024.
Michael Hoyt, a member of our group attended the August 20th, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting to encourage them to sign a resolution that will allow the citizens “to vote on expanding the commissioner districts in Bourbon County to give more opportunity for constituents to have more representation and better collaboration.”
The Resolution was voted on and signed, so that the question will be placed on the ballot on November 5th, 2024 eliminating the need to complete the petition.
If the voters approve the increase in the number of county commissioners the following will occur:
1) The Commission will notify the Kansas Secretary of State who will then provide an outline of the five (5) Commissioner districts in Bourbon County, Kansas, that are as equal and compact as possible in population and area.
2) An election will occur in April 2025 to elect two (2) additional Commissioners to terms as specified by the statute to stagger the terms.
It takes a spark to initiate an idea, then come together, work together, and succeed together in moving our community forward. Thank you for your support.
Thank you county commissioners for doing the right thing in giving the people in our community a voice in this matter. Just VOTE!
We were an informal group that worked together to put the petition together and gather signatures.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.
Jennifer Hawkins, the Bourbon County Clerk said there was a 22% turnout rate for the primary election on August 6.
Hawkins said her office follows clear guidelines that the State of Kansas provides for removing people who have died from the voter registration list.
This was in response to Michael Hoyt’s quote “He said this is a state-wide problem of the registered voters roll not being “cleaned up” when people die. He said there is no clear way to get deceased people off the roll,” in a prior story.
“The State of Kansas has clear guidelines, which are listed below, that list how we can remove a deceased individual’s name from the voter registration list,” said Hawkins. “The Clerk’s Office follows the guidelines and diligently checks obituaries and monitors the weekly reports sent out by the state of those who have passed away for Bourbon County residents. Individuals who pass away in a state other than Kansas, however; will not show up on the report issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.”
Here are the state guidelines:
“Except as otherwise provided by law, when a voter dies or is disqualified for voting, the registration of the voter shall be void, and the county election officer shall remove such voter’s name from the registration books and the party affiliation lists.
“Whenever
(1) an obituary notice appears in a newspaper having general circulation in the county reports the death of a registered voter, or
(2) a registered voter requests in writing that such voter’s name be removed from registration, or
(3) a court of competent jurisdiction orders removal of the name of a registered voter from registration lists, or
(4) the name of a registered voter appears on a list of deceased residents compiled by the secretary of health and environment as provided in K.S.A. 65-2422, and amendments thereto, or appears on a copy of a death certificate provided by the secretary of health and environment, or appears in information provided by the social security administration, the county election officer shall remove from the registration books and the party affiliation lists in such officer’s office the name of any person shown by such list or death certificate to be deceased.”
Hawkins provided the following 20 pages of official results of the August 6 election. with write-ins.
Starlite had their August meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting room. Vice President Joyce Allen opened the meeting with the Flag Salute, Taylor Bailey led the Club in reciting the Club Collect. Twelve members were in attendance. They reported that they had volunteered one hundred and eighty-five hours since the last meeting and that they had recycled three hundred and eighty-five pounds. Joyce recognized Taylor Bailey as our August Birthday.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Karen Peery presented the Council report. She reported that registration for the State Meeting is due September 1st and that each of the counties in Southeast Kansas will need to provide six dozen cookies for the State Meeting. Claudia Wheeler and Taylor Bailey volunteered to provide three dozen cookies each. Karen also informed the Club that we will need to provide candy for the table decorations. Bernita Hill volunteered to provide the candy. Karen also asked that we come to the next meeting with ideas for the gift basket.
Doris Ericson gave the Treasurer’s report, she announced that our Club and won 1St place in the Hay Bale Contest and 3rd place in the Scarecrow contest for a winnings of $130. She also announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair raised $309 which goes toward a Scholarship present by the Bourbon County FCE Council.
Old business consisted of Joyce reminding the members that they will need to bring their Operation Christmas Boxes to the October meeting.
New business consisted of choosing a member to represent our Club for the Heart of FCE award. Terri Williams nominated Jackie Warren, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried. It was also decided to provide cookies to our first responded on September 11th LeAnna Taylor volunteered to take them to the Fire Department, Taylor Bailey – the Police Department, Karen Peery – the EMT’s and Deb Lust – the Sherrif Department.
Karen Peery moved that the meeting be adjourned, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Letha Johnson presented the Lesson of “Managing the Strein of Stress.” She informed the club that stress can affect you physically, emotionally and socially and that there are several ways you can try to help manage it, like by journaling, breathing deeply, exercise and a healthy diet, and many others. The members enjoyed cookies, sherbet mint and water provided by Karen Peery and Betty Johnson.
Voters in a prior election vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Michael Hoyt has been seeking signatures of Bourbon County residents who would like to see the county move to a five-commissioner board instead of the current three commissioners.
He has 500 signatures as of today and believes he will get the required total of 621 in a month, however, the county election officer has a date of August 21 for getting the signatures in, so they can be validated before the November general election.
Hoyt will be asking the three commissioners to sign a resolution that he is presenting at this evening’s commission meeting that will help the petition move forward to be put on the November 5 election, which would not require the signatures.
He said there are 14,900 people in Bourbon County according to the 2020 census, and there are 12,500 people registered to vote.
He said this is a state-wide problem of the registered voters roll not being “cleaned up” when people die. He said there is no clear way to get deceased people off the roll.
If the resolution is put on the ballot this November, it would save the cost of a $10,000 special election later, Hoyt said.
The need for five commissioners is to bring better government to the county, he said.
“We seem to be stalled with three commissioners,” he said. “Two commissioners talking outside of an open meeting is an open meetings violation. It’s an unfair disadvantage with only three commissioners.”
“Out of 105 counties, 35 have gone to five commissioners, 30 are moving towards this,” he said.
Michael Hoyt. Submitted photo.
The following is a press release Hoyt sent:
A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”
As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused representation on their respective districts. As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).” Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability; since it is apparent the Chairman is reluctant to have material meetings that do not include all the Commissioners. That is why there is a quorum call; as long as two Commissions are present all business may go forward.
Signatures have been collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the last few weeks, and we have over 550 of the required 621 to place the question on the November ballot. This will prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election. Further discussion on a Resolution by the County Commission to remove the risk of the special election fees will be discussed at Monday, August 19, 2024, meeting; only two Commissioner signatures are required, the resolution has been written for them, and a copy has been provided to the County Counselor over a week ago for review. Not to mention the time required by the clerk’s office to verify all signers of the petition. THE PETITION DECIDES NOTHING other than to place the question on a ballot. The people will have a voice to vote FOR or AGAINST the ballot question in the November election.
To view the resolution that Hoyt is asking the commissioners to sign:
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff share information on women’s health services and health education materials at the Women’s Health Fair in Fort Scott in April.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is hosting a Women’s Health Fair on Sept. 7 at its Fort Scott clinic. The event is an opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) disease, and the importance of getting screened.
The fair will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CHC/SEK clinic located at 2322 S. Main St. Fort Scott. Participants aged 21 through 65 can get a cervical cancer screening during the health fair. To be screened during the event, an appointment can be made by calling 620-231-9873. Walk-in screening appointments will also be welcomed on the day of the event.
CHC/SEK staff at booths will provide health information on mammography, colorectal health, vaccines Early Detection Works and more. Mammography screening will be available at the event.
According to the CDC, each year in the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and about 4,000 women die of this cancer.
For women aged 21-29, it is recommended to have a pap smear every three years if the results are normal. For women aged 30-65, providers recommend a pap smear with HPV testing every five years if results are normal. For women over age 65, the decision to stop screening depends on history and should be discussed with their provider.
Early detection is key, CHC/SEK Physician Holly Gault, MD, said, adding that she can’t stress enough how much better it is to find out early.
“We’ve seen several cervical cancer cases in young people that could’ve been prevented or caught earlier in the disease progression with proper screening,” Gault said.
CHC/SEK also participates in the Early Detection Works Program, which is a breast and cervical cancer screening program for Kansas women, and the clinic offers other financial assistance programs. Patients can learn more about Early Detection Works during the fair.
Another way CHC/SEK is helping prevent cervical cancer is by talking to parents about getting their children immunized for HPV. High-risk HPV infection is associated with nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
“There is a rise in cervical, head, and neck cancer, caused by HPV,” Gault said, adding these cancers could be prevented with immunizations for HPV.
The CDC and the American Cancer Society recommend HPV vaccination (Gardasil) for females and males as early as 11 years of age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Gardasil three-dose series for individuals up to 45 years of age.
For more information about the upcoming event people can call the clinic at 620-231-9873.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is a mission-focused, patient-owned, federally qualified health center (FQHC), Kansas not-for-profit corporation, and a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. CHC/SEK provides quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. CHC/SEK has 39 registered sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, providing approximately 60 services, including walk-in care, primary care, women’s health, mammography and prenatal care, pediatrics, school-based health services, vaccinations, dental care, behavioral health and addiction treatment, and chronic disease management. To learn more, visit www.chcsek.org.
Shanna Stone and Dan Duling will be the featured musicians at this week’s Friday Night Free Concert at 1st and Main Street’s Heritage Park at 7 p.m.
Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs as benches are limited.
In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Co. at 12 E. Wall.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor and Ralph Carlson is the organizer of the event.
Shana Stone grew up in Southeast Kansas and has been a lifelong staple of the local music community, having performed with country music legends such as George Jones, T. G. Sheppard, Merle Haggard, and more.
Dan Duling, a member of the musically prolific Duling family, spent many years in education and has long been at the forefront of the Southeast Kansas country music scene.
Cost: $240 per team, includes green fees, golf cart & lunch
Deadline to enter: September 8, 2024
Why: To help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.
For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7655,
Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be performing this Friday evening in downtown Fort Scott at 1st and Main Street.
“One of our best,” said Ralph Carlson, organizer of the free concerts. “They are pretty eclectic and have a lot of variety. We are glad to have them.”
The concert starts at 7 p.m., and the audience is asked to bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.
The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and organized by Carlson.
Hollister Wildlife Area photo credit, Jackson Tough.
Bryan Buchta is the president of Old Fort Sharp Shooters Club, a gun club. That club volunteers at a local wildlife area, Hollister Wildlife Area and Shooting Range, eight miles southwest of Fort Scott.
The Hollister Wildlife Area has been a state wildlife area since 1978, when it was purchased by the Kansas Fish and Game, according to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks website. The wildlife area includes 2,432 acres of rolling range and pasture land, interspersed with native woodlands.
The shooting range, within the wildlife area, is operated solely by volunteer Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) who adhere to National Rifle Association range safety guidelines, Buchta said.
There are always two Range Safety Officers on duty during the times of the shooting range events.
Firearm safety and knowledge are the club’s main goals.
Bryan Buchta. Submitted photo.
“There are about 250 memberships,” he said. “There are about 50-75 regulars. Although it’s never crowded there.”
“During hunting season, hunters come out to sight their rifles,” Bryan said. “There are also shooting competitions.”
There was a 22 caliber rife competition recently and there is an upcoming pistol competition, he said.
“Pistol competitions; “Steel Challenge” and “Action Pistol”, are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays respectively each month at 8:00 am,” he said. ” Everyone is welcome to compete in the matches including new shooters as the RSOs and competitors are always happy to teach new shooters how the competition operate.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Scott Police Department also do training at Hollister Shooting Range.
In 1994, the Old Fort Sharp Shooters (OFSS) signed a “Friends Group” agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks outlining the operation and management of a shooting range, according to the group’s Facebook page. Persons utilizing the range are required to pay a maintenance fee to help cover Old Fort Sharp Shooters’ costs for range operation.
“Hollister Shooting Range is a very economical training facility that’s just a few miles outside of town,” said Julie, his wife.
Veteran’s Benefit: A Place to Stay in K.C. For Medical Visits
Submitted photo.
The Buchta’s also wanted veterans to know of Fisher House in Kansas City, which is accommodations provided for vets receiving medical care.
“My husband is a veteran and he’s had multiple procedures at the Kansas City Veterans’ Administration Hospital hospital and if an overnight is needed for the procedure, or if it’s early in the morning, even if it’s outpatient, you can request to stay at the Fischer house. It is a 100% free ‘hotel room’.The people in the Fort Scott and the surrounding area qualify for this benefit because we are more than 50 miles away from the hospital,” Julie said.
Julie and Bryan Buchta. Submitted photo.
“It has a fully stocked amazing kitchen, with snacks and food options in the fridge and freezer, free of charge.… although the procedures can be at any area hospital, it does not have to be at the VA hospital,” she said.
“They are very kind and accommodating,” she said. “The Fisher House was built approximately 3 or 4 years old and is a gorgeous facility.”
The address of the Fisher House is 4801 E. Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO64128, which is near the VA Hosptial.
The manager is Mike Peters who can be reached at [email protected] or (816) 714-8697
