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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission For May 20
May 20, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Mike Wunderly, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Jason Silvers, Emily Franks, Michael Hoyt, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-13-2024, approval of payroll totaling $298,201.43, and approval of accounts payable totaling $408,894.66. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, and Patty Love, Treasurer, updated the Commissioners on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program errors they had found. Susan said the application states if the homeowner has delinquent property taxes, then they forfeit NRP from then on, however; this has not been enforced in the past. Susan asked if we move forward following how the application reads or do we change the application. Jim said he is ok with how it is as long as people understand up front that they will forfeit the program if their taxes are delinquent. Brandon said he thinks taxes should be delinquent one year before they forfeit their place in the program. Clifton asked if this would apply to personal property tax such as boat trailers, and Susan stated it only applies to delinquent real estate tax. Jim asked how taxes are determined to be delinquent and Patty explained the first half of the taxes are due December 20th each year, so if you have not paid by close of business then on December 21st your taxes are delinquent. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed there should be a grace period for the homeowners to pay their taxes without forfeiting the program. It was determined if the taxes are not paid by December 20th of the following year, then their taxes would be considered delinquent and they would forfeit NRP. Susan said there will need to be an addendum to the program so she will work with Matt Quick, Appraiser, who will have to contact other entities who participate in the program and they will present it at a future meeting. Susan said that she has continued checking NRP applications for accuracy and at this point has made it through 2020 applications and so far, there is approximately $13,000 owed to residents. Susan said it is a very time-consuming process, but she will keep working on checking the remainder of the applications.
Emily Franks, Auditor with Jarred, Gilmore, Phillips, PA, presented the fiscal year 2023 audit report. Emily went page by page to explain each section of the audit report to the Commissioners. Emily stated we were in compliance, however; she stressed the decrease in cash balances and said the general fund has decreased a few hundred thousand from 2022 to 2023 and stated the Commissioners need to keep an eye on this to keep expenses under control and keep this in mind going into the budget process of how to get more receipts into the General fund. Emily went over all of the different funds and said the overall ending unencumbered cash balance was decreased by about $700,000. It is recommended to have three to six months of operating expenses in cash balance. Emily stated the only things she wanted to discuss regarding Bourbon County was the need to complete a resolution outlining elected officials’ salaries and the need for detailed credit card receipts. Some credit card receipts do not show detailed explanations of what was purchased and Emily stated for transparency a copy of the itemized receipt should be obtained. Emily said there is a management letter enclosed in the packet that states there are no issues or violations and requested the Treasurer, Clerk, and CFO to sign and send back to their firm.
Sage Hall discussed his health concerns relating to solar panels and read multiple studies regarding what he discussed. Mr. Hall said he is all about freedom and constitutional rights and said he has a problem when his tax dollars are used as federal and state subsidies to produce energy sent elsewhere. Mr. Hall also discussed the potential decrease in property value he will be facing due to the solar panel farms next to his home.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the committee members listed on the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan needs to be updated. Eric recommends Jim Harris, Clifton Beth, Brandon Whisenhunt, himself, and Frank Young be listed as committee members of the Bourbon County 5-Year Solid Waste Plan. Jim asked if there would be any other changes to the plan, and Eric stated the only change is the committee listed on the plan. Clifton made a motion to update the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan committee members to those listed in Eric’s recommendation. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said the estimate of Bourbon County’s share to fix bridge #518 would be closer to $600,000 instead of the $300,000 that was originally estimated. Eric stated with the disaster damage we currently have he is not sure we would have the funds available to fix the bridge if we were to win the grant funds. Eric asked if the Commissioners wanted to postpone applying for the grant until next year. After discussion it was agreed to wait until we get past the disaster damage to apply for the bridge grant. Eric said they are almost done driving every road to locate storm damage and that he must have estimates turned into KDEM by Friday. Eric stated that each day they are finding more damage undermining the roads and bridges within the county. Brandon asked Eric to tell his crew they are doing a good job. Eric said that they have added gravel on Yale Road by the Stevenson Cemetery so that residents could enter the cemetery.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners would like to hold a meeting next Monday since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. The Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting next week since the courthouse would be closed. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to add a reimbursement request form that must be signed by all the Commissioners. The request form is for the state-ran Presidential Preference Primary Election that happened in March and Bourbon County is asking for a reimbursement of $11,320. Clifton made a motion to sign the reimbursement request form. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for a 5-minute executive for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include the three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks who will attend via phone and will return at 6:23. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:23 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said he has traffic concerns regarding the solar panel projects and said it looks like stormwater permits will have to be obtained from the State and Jim agreed. Brandon discussed zoning and stated the Clerk cannot find a statute outlining the number of signatures needed on a petition and that she provided him a copy of the statutes that state the Commissioners can pass a resolution for zoning. Jim said he would be in favor of it going on the ballot if they receive a petition signed by residents. Clifton said a lot of the people he has spoken to do not want zoning and Brandon said he has heard from people both for and against zoning. Jim asked for more research to be done regarding the number of signatures needing for a zoning petition. Clifton said he talked to Destry Brown, Rory Chaplin, Jason Kegler, and Vance Eden about trade school opportunities and he said his wish is to be able to help fund that. Brandon said he is all for tech schools and Clifton said he would be ready to make a motion tonight. Brandon suggested working on the budget first and Jim said a lot of kids are wanting to go into trades.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-3-2024 Approved Date
Amended Agenda for This Afternoons Bo Co Commission Meeting
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Address EMS Questions
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Office 365 Renewal
- KDHE Public Notice
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Bourbon County Arts Council Patio Concert is June 21
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Heartland Rural Electric Coop Provides Grants for Capital Improvement Projects Available Now
Applications for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Concern for Community program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, will be accepted June 1—July 31.
To qualify for a grant, a project must fit within one of the following categories:
- County fairs: Projects related to county fairs in the Heartland service area, with a focus on infrastructure projects and other projects that are not supported by normal fair sponsorships.
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Schools: Schools within the cooperative’s service area that have capital campaigns for facilities that would positively impact Heartland members.
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Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations undergoing capital campaigns with facilities that focus on education, environment, culture and the arts, and civic and community development that would positively impact Heartland members.
- Other: Other projects that better the communities in or surrounding the cooperative’s service area, as authorized by the board.
In keeping with Heartland’s goal of encouraging sustainable development, preference will be given to collaborative projects receiving support from other sources. Awardees will be selected by the Heartland Board of Directors in August, and funds will be distributed in September.
Funds for Heartland’s Concern for Community Grants come from the cooperative’s unclaimed capital credit retirement checks. Because that money was intended to support the local community, Heartland’s Board of Directors has decided to use those funds for community grants.
Grant money does not come from cooperative revenues and the issuing of grants will not impact future rates or capital credit allocations.
More information and a link to the online application form can be found online at https://www.heartland-rec.com/
Bo Co Democrats Meet on June 9
Bourbon County Democrats will hold a working meeting on Sunday June 9th from 2 – 4 p.m.
We will meet in Zimmerman Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Please enter using the south doors.
The meeting will consist of an overview of the field plan for this election year as well as the assignment of voter lists and preparation of mailings. Please come ready to work–and to have fun. We have enough of both for all of you!
For information, contact chair Carol MacArthur by text or phone call at 620 215 1505.
Agenda for the June 3 Bo Co Commission
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Office 365 Renewal
- KDHE Public Notice
- Commission Comments
- 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.
ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
“HUGE SUCCESS”
Submitted by Marilyn Flagg
Even though Arcadia High School closed its doors at the end of the “1965” school year, the annual alumni banquet is still being held on memorial week-end every year in Pittsburg, Kansas. The membership also includes the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class of 1965. The banquet was held at the Lamplighter Inn on Saturday afternoon, May 25th and was catered by Gebhardts and served by the Stansbury
brothers of Arcadia, Ks. Open Door Mission Church Youth.
Enclosed with the invitation to the banquet this year was the 2023 Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer. The 2023
Minutes were enclosed also prepared by Virginia Smith, Secretary.
These were included in the mailing to provide more time for visiting.
Social hour was 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by lunch and business meeting. President Pat Morris of Arcadia welcomed the 42 Alumni and 25 guests. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle. The invocation was by Larry Shead
At the opening of the business meeting, Pat introduced alumni officers Vice President, Tom Watt; Secretary, Virginia Smith; Treasurer, Shirley Landon; and Marilyn Flagg, Historian.
There were no objections or corrections to the 2023 Minutes or the 2023 Treasurer’s report. They stand approved as presented.
Larry Shead made a motion to move next year’s banquet to the Community Center in Arcadia. Helen Nichols and Merle Engle
seconded and motion passed. This action was taken because our attendance is getting smaller every year, cost involved, and other reasons.
Michael Sheffield led the nominations and election of officers. There were no nominations from the floor and the following officers will remain for 2025: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian.
Special recognition was given to members of the 60th (1964);
70th (1954); and 80th (1944) this year.
Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Virginia
Harris Smith; Ronnie Kellogg and guest Barbara Kellogg; Terry
Kunstel; Steve Morris and guest Raymond Kalm; Peggy O’Dell Worsley
and guest Paul Worsley; Ronnie Portwood and guest Mary Portwood; Pat Smith Morris; and Sherry Swafford Page.
Attending from the 70th. were as follows: Esther (Engle) Cousins
and guest Janice Crooks; Yvonne (Garrett) Beck and guest Susie
Arvidson; Gary Peterson and guest Patricia Peterson.
Marilyn Flagg spoke in behalf of her Aunt Mary Coonrod Bournonville who resides in Hurst, Texas with her daughter and husband. If
Mary had been able to attend, it would have been her 80th.
Fred Dixon was recognized as being a teacher in the Arcadia Grade School. Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.
All 25 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.
Pat Morris, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2024 A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Trenton
Siemens. Trenton and his father attended and Trenton gave a speech expressing his appreciation for the scholarship. He is the grandson of Tom Watt. Trenton received $1,000. Andrew Bossung was awarded an additional “AHS” scholarship in the amount of $500. Andrew is the youngest grandson of William and Louise (Opitz) Hughes. Because this day was Andrew’s graduation, Andrew was unable to attend. His Uncle David Hughes spoke in Andrew’s behalf. David talked of Andrew’s accomplishments and how worthy that he was to receive a scholarship from Arcadia High School. David also talked of his late mother’s passing, Louise Opitz Hughes, and how the Arcadia alumni banquet was her greatest event to attend every year. Louise’s 80th was last year and she was so looking forward to the 2024 banquet.
Pat Morris introduced the officers who served on the scholarship committee. They were Shirley Landon, Marilyn Flagg, Virginia Smith and herself. There was also help from 3 other individuals from outside of our alumni. One is presently a teacher, another was a retired teacher, and the third one was a highly respected individual.
Any child, grandchild, or great grandchild of Arcadia High School Alumni may apply for a scholarship.
Marilyn Flagg led the memorial service for alumni deceased since the last meeting. Those remembered were: Lorraine (Bean) Starks; Louise (Opitz) Hughes; Marie (Hoover) Marshall; Robert W. Hamilton; Lavon (O’Dell) Rons; Joe Morris; Dr. Retha (Hoover) (Kilpatrick) (Gries); Richard Coonrod; John A. Swezey; Pauline (Coonrod) Hart; Mary (Panizzi) Granon; Gary Cambers; Carol (Morris) Davis; Merle Mayfield; Melvin Nichols; Orville Allen Darnaby; Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace; Charles Morris; and Lynda Lou DeNeve (Teacher).
Jerry Skidmore (Class of 1949) was given an award for being the “Oldest” alumni. Esther (Engle) Cousins (Class of 1954) was awarded for traveling the “Most Distance”.
The school song was led by Mary Lee Payne.
The Benediction was led by Ralph Shead.
The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1944, 1954, and 1964 classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.
1949 – Jerry Skidmore
1950 – Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore
1951 – Bertha (McClendon) Hencey and guest Dickie Hadley
1952 – Don Kauble and guest Cynthia Kauble Kreisel
1953 – Bobby Harris and guest Alisha Harris
1955 – Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne
1956 – Shirley (McKinstry) Landon
1957 – Merle Engle
Francis M. Jones and guest Karen Kay Tripp
Lilly (Turner) Sheffield
1958 – Fred Dixon
Sandra Sue Stelle
1959 – William Page
Michael Sheffield
Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers
1960 – Hilda Cockman Page
Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele
Joyce (Page) Wilson and guest Sheila (Page) Hale
1962 – Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg
Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen
Joyce (Elliott) Maycumber
Helen (Morris) Nichols
Ronnie Smith
1963 – Richard Page
1965 – Betty (Jack) DeLoach
1966 – Jerry Morris
Larry Smith
1968 – Don Schaub
Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead
Sherry Sisney
Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt
Other guests were David Hughes and Ardis Jefferies; Trenton Siemens;
and Austin Siemens.
The servers were the
Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Timothy), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.
County Courthouse and Landfill Closed on Memorial Day
The Bourbon County Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day.
No Bo Co Commission Meeting on May 27
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
May 27, 2024
There will not be a Bourbon County Commission meeting held on Monday, May 27, 2024, due to the Courthouse being closed in observance of Memorial Day.
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.
National History Day State Champions from Fort Scott Set to Present at the Empress Events Center
Southeast Kansas will send one project to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland June 9-13. Two groups from the Bourbon County community attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.
The Fort Scott State Champion group who will compete at Nationals in June will present their performance project at 6 PM on May 28th at the Empress Event Center, 7 N Main, Fort Scott. A second group will also present their documentary that received third place at the state competition in June. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support these students.
The following students are the State Champions and will be sharing their projects on June 1st:
Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Junior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Tillie Anderson and Her Bicycle: the Picture of Free, Untrammeled Womanhood. Their project is a performance based on Tillie Anderson, one of the first professional female athletes. As the world champion cyclist from 1895-1902 Tillie Anderson was a turning point for women’s athletics, fashion, exercise, and freedom.
Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Documentary category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells. Their project is titled Etching Voices: A Turning Point in the Recording and Music Industry. The documentary is based on the inventions of Emile Berliner specifically the impact of the gramophone. Due to the invention of the gramophone, recordings and music were made more accessible to all people which would revolutionize the mass production of music.
History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.
The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete in order to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Turning Points in History.”
The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.
Bo Co Coalition Agenda for June 5
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda for June 5.
1:00 p.m. in the conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.
Travis Wilcoxsen will be chairing the meeting. Remember, that there is no meeting in July.
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Tara Solomon Smith, QPR Suicide Prevention
August 7 program will be an update on the COPE program by HBCAT.
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be August 7, 2024.