Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of November 29
Gordon Parks Museum Receives Portrait Taken by Parks’ son
Marcia McCoy, photographer and longtime friend of Gordon Parks, has donated an iconic portrait of the celebrated Fort Scott native taken by his son, David, to the museum that bears his name.
Now on display in the museum, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, is the photo of Parks shown in
1973. The photo, titled “Trailblazer,” captures the image of Parks riding horseback and smoking a pipe while directing a
film on location in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
“Gordon Parks was a trailblazer from Fort Scott, a true ‘Renaissance’ man, and my father,” said David Parks.
McCoy, who also worked with Gordon Parks as curator of his signature collection, “Images from the Soul,” teamed with
Parks and Robert Erlichman of Art Guild Press to create an edition suite of “Trailblazer.”
“(Gordon) loved this image his son captured of him, out in the Flint Hills of Kansas – his homeland,” McCoy said. “Mr.Parks is a national treasure and has inspired creators globally to have the courage to create and express their voices and visions. We are delighted to share this powerful and inspiring portrait with you and the world.”
For more information or to schedule museum visits and tours call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email
[email protected].
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Jingle Bell Mart 2022
Bourbon County Christmas shoppers, here is a stop.
The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street. The event is hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association.
Discovery Music Studio students will be playing throughout the day for your listening enjoyment
The list of vendors includes:
| Vendor | Person | Products |
| Returning | ||
| Happy Little Candle Factory | Lori Craig | Homemade Candles, Wax Melts, Chapstick |
| Flying P Ranch | Abbie Powell | Jewelry and Western Accessories |
| Micki Kraft | Home Sewn Items | |
| Tessie’s Nails | Tessie Tucker | Color Street Nails |
| Blue Dog Winery | Sarah Johnson | Bottles of Wine and Wine Related Merchandise |
| Locust Hill Lamancha | Sue | Goat Milk Products |
| New | ||
| Plexus | Samantha Bauman | Health and Wellness Products |
| Tupperware by Melinda | Melinda Miller | Tupperware, and wood craft items |
| Scentsy | Lakin Brittain | Scentsy Products |
| Donna Jo’s | Donna Jo Beerbower | Homemade Fudge and Baked Goods |
| Be-You-Tiful Designs | Kristi Beene | Vinyl and Sublimation |
| ButterBone Bakery, Paolo, KS | Randi White | Home Baked Dog Treats |
| Buckin’ A Ranch | Karleigh Arndt | Clothing, décor, accessories |
| 2 Crafty Twisted Sisters | Shawna Holstine | Crafts, Tumblers, Christmas Décor |
| Twigs and Berries | Suzanne Griffin | Cotton Candy and more |
| Mmm Flavor Shop | Emelia Whiteaker
Addi Foster |
Hot Beverage Bar |
| Discover Music Studio | Audry Eberhard | Music throughout the day |
There will be a tasting of Blue Dog Winery samples (with valid identification).
MMM Flavor-Emilea Whiteaker will be hosting a hot cocoa and tea bar with other products.
Locust Hill Lamanches, which sells goat products, will be hosting the goat cheese tasting table.
Also fudge, cotton candy and other food items will be available for sale.
Dog treats from Butter Bone Bakery will also be available for furry friends.
AD: Lost Wheaten Terrier Dog
She ran from the 800 block of National Ave in Fort Scott.
She is a Wheaten Terrier, 35 pounds, named Callie. She was rescued from a neglectful situation only 1 month ago, which is why she is very skittish and typically runs from humans.
Last seen near Presbyterian Village and the Golf Course at 2:00 AM on 12/3/2022 wearing only a collar (she is not wearing the sweater or harness as in the pictures).
If seen, please call with time and location of sighting.
There is a $500 reward for her safe return.
620-215-0637 or 620-215-6046
Bourbon County REDI Completes Workforce Assessment
An in-depth assessment of the workforce in Bourbon County has been completed and it offers a series of recommendations for BCREDI to work on immediately and for the long term. That’s according to Executive Director Robert Harrington. The workforce assessment was one of three studies BCREDI has undertaken since early spring, with the other two focused on retail opportunities and housing needs.
Along workforce study included one-on-one interviews with key employers as well as a survey that provided input from more than sixty-four employers in the county. Residents also had their input, with more than 440 people providing input. More than 80% are currently employed, including a sampling of those who commute into the county for work. In addition, nearly 130 Ft. Scott and Uniontown school students gave their thoughts on their education and careers.
“This workforce assessment provides a lot of on the ground input from companies, employees, those that might want to come back to a job and students that will help our staff and board develop ways to improve our overall workforce,” said Harrington. Harrington noted the input from surveys helps fill in the gaps that the extensive statistical data in the report doesn’t address. “The data can tell us a lot about how we are doing in Bourbon County, how we compare to our surrounding counties and other areas on things like wages and how many people commute in and out for work. But it doesn’t tell us things like how employers view the skills of the workforce and what skills they think are important and, on the other side, how satisfied employees are with their current work and their own levels of skills,” noted Harrington.
The workforce assessment was conducted by O’Brian & Associates, an economic and workforce development consulting firm based in Joplin, MO. Along with the on-the ground input and statistical data, the firm’s report also provides a series of recommendations as a starting point for action. “They gave us good observations on where we are today and what our employers and employees, including our future workforce, needs to be successful. From that they gave us a variety of recommendations on improving training, connecting students to employers, better supporting existing employers and engaging those not currently in the workforce,” said Harrington. “Now it’s up to our staff and board to look at priorities as well as key partners such as the school districts, Ft. Scott Community College, Chamber of Commerce and others to start the work in the new year,” he added.
“It was a pleasure working with the Bourbon County REDI team and having such great response from companies, residents and students,” said Rob O’Brian, founder of O’Brian & Associates. “Bourbon County has strong manufacturing, health care, education and agriculture sectors that have provided good job opportunities and good education options for many years. This study gives REDI a starting point for improving what it has, adding new options and ensuring residents have good jobs and companies have skilled employees into the future.”
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Bourbon County Coalition Agenda for Dec. 7
The Bourbon County Coalition will meet on Wednesday, December 7, in the Conference Room of the Scottview Apartments at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
December 7, 2022
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Ronda Hassig – Lowell Milken Center
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 4 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes from Joint Work Session Nov. 22
November 22, 2022, Tuesday 12:00 p.m.
There was a joint work session between City and County Commissioners. There were several members of the community present. There was no action taken.
Topics of Discussion:
- Rock for Cooper Street
- Transient Guest Tax
- Shared Services between City and County
- Tourism – REDI
- Area Agency on Aging
- North end of Lake Rd.
- Land Bank
- Airport Expansion
- Housing Study
- Negativity on Facebook
- Town Hall meeting in January
- Sidewalk on north side of Courthouse
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission from Nov. 22
November 22, 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous week. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated that the sidewalk project was underway. They had to dig a little bit deeper than originally planned to find a solid sub-base. Will try to get the pour done this week if possible. We are in the final stages of getting the bean pad built. Had a meeting with representative from ADM to look at our area and waiting to hear back. Eric stated they had a dump truck tip over on its side. The operator was unhurt. We set the truck back up ourselves and added fluids and were able to drive it off. A little bit of cosmetic damage. Eric requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for preliminary discussion for acquisition of real property including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Dustin Hall, and Justin Meeks for five minutes returning here at 9:09 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric Bailey to pursue some road right-of-way with 3 different owners around 160th between Fern & Grand on a bridge we got a grant to redo the bridge so it’s approximately 3/4 of an acre. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Dustin Hall for ten minutes returning here at 9:21 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Section 1 Handbook – Discussion of approval. Discussion regarding Mission/Vision statement ended with decision to exclude statement. Ashley suggested references to the Mission/Vision statement throughout Section 1 be removed. Commission agreed.
Jim asked for an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individuals nonelected personnel to protect their privacy job performance including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for 15 minutes returning here at 9:38 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved.
An amended copy of Section 1 of the handbook was presented to the commission. Clifton made a motion to approve. Nelson seconded. Clifton stated he had some issues with the history part of this section. The statement “it is 638 square miles with open prairie comprising 90% of the area. The native forest comprised of remaining 10% of timber belt contains hackberry, hickory, oak, pecan and walnut trees.” Clifton stated he feels this is an untrue statement and should be removed. Clifton made a motion that part be redacted. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks was contacted by an attorney yesterday regarding assignment of lease for the hospital building. Justin requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for three minutes returning at 9:47 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to do the leases to finish up the lease assignment for the hospital building. Justin stated he is working on the deeds for the property of 201 S. Crawford. We are working on the deeds now and should be done next week and should be transferred into the county. I’ve been in it and it is in very bad shape. I think it should be scrapped. With your permission I’ll get with Eric to get in his que to get that ready to be torn down. Discussion regarding the future of the lot was had. A parking lot with a possible basketball hoop to give the youth a place to play. Justin continued with discussion of the Land Bank with shared services in that the person would work for the land bank but also help with tax sales. The Land Bank is requesting that the county supply an office space in the courthouse. I’m asking permission from the commissioners to allow this person to use office space and will also make it convenient to be close to the Deed’s office as deeds and abstracts are worked on. They plan to open this position in a few days. Jim made a motion to allow the Land Bank Manager to share Justin’s office with him. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker – No Comment.
Public Comment: No comment
Commission Comment: Jim stated that he would like to schedule a town hall meeting in the River Room in January. One of the topics will be housing. I’m going to invite the city commissioners, contractors and real estate people. The public is encouraged to attend. Other topics can be included as well. Clifton made a motion to allow all three commissioners to attend a work session with the city commissioners. It will be an open meeting. It will be at noon with public welcome. There will be no action taken. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Brian Allen announced from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital in the McAuley Room and discuss the flood plain maps for Bourbon County. Anyone who is concerned about their property are encouraged to attend. All public is welcome. This is Federal and State not Bourbon County.
At 10:01 a.m. Clifton made a motion to adjourn.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Dec. 6
Agenda (see attachments below)
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 6, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• KDOR PVD Compliance (via phone at 9:15am)
• Renodry Representative
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o 2022 Budget Amendment
o Financials Ending 10/31/22
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Attachments:
Compliance Statistical Measures Explained
Child Court Advocates: Voice of Neglected or Abused Children
As of November 2022, there are 36 Bourbon County children who have been abused or neglected and need a volunteer to advocate for them in the court system.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate.
” Bourbon County CASA has been providing CASA volunteers to the children of Bourbon County for over 32 years,” said Christa Horn, director. “CASA Volunteers undergo extensive background checks and over 30 hours of training to become certified. CASA’s are assigned by the court to advocate for and be the voice of children who are involved in the court system due to abuse and neglect, through no fault of their own.”
“Currently 36 children who have been victims of abuse or neglect are assigned CASA Volunteers,” Horn said. “Over 980 children here in Bourbon County have benefited from having a CASA volunteer by their side, fearlessly advocating for their needs. Sadly there are at least 36 more children who need a CASA volunteer.”
“Children can be referred by interested parties, attorneys and DCF/or it’s private contractor and then are assigned by the Court,” she said.
“CASA volunteers meet with their assigned child(ren) on a consistent basis getting to know the child and their circumstances perhaps better than any other professionals involved in the case,” Horn said. “They gather information from all individuals involved in a child’s life, from parents, foster parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, family members, case worker. CASA then submits written reports to the court at each court hearing detailing events and facts in a child’s life and case and makes recommendations on what is believed to be in the child’s best interest. CASA volunteers remain assigned to their child until the child is reintegrated back home or reaches permanency through adoption, permanent custodianship.”
The amount of time spent as a CASA volunteer varies.
“Hours vary case by case, but on average a volunteer will spend 6 to 8 hours a month devoted to their assigned case,” she said.
“Currently Bourbon County CASA has 23 certified volunteers,” she said. ” Volunteers are assigned only one child or sibling group at a time, allowing them the time to focus on only one case at a time.”
Contact Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott. Phone: 620-223-2407 or 620-215-2769; Email: [email protected]; Program Director Christa Horn
Tomorrow is the deadline for an annual fundraiser for CASA.
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You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration
to benefit Bourbon County CASA on Friday, December 9th, 2022
7-9 pm.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full bar will be provided.
The holiday party fundraiser will be at the Cullor Lake Home
810 195th Street, Fort Scott.
Reservations are requested by Friday December 2nd. |
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Giving Levels:
Sponsor: $25 per person, $50 per couple
Guardian: $50 per person, $100 per couple
Guardian Angel: $75 per person, $150 per couple
Friend: $125 per person, $250 per couple
Benefactor: $500 and over
Mail your RSVP and giving level payment to:
Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott, KS 66701
or call Christa Horn at 620.215.2769 with any questions.
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Grand Ole Opry Veteran Daryl Mosley comes to Ft. Scott!
Waverly, TN – The community is invited to attend a concert by singer, songwriter, and storyteller Daryl Mosley on Wednesday, December 7 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main Street, Ft. Scott, KS.
From countless appearances on “The Grand Ole Opry” to classic shows at the famous Bluebird Cafe to a touring schedule of over 150 concerts per year, singer/songwriter Daryl Mosley has been sharing his songs and his stories with America for over 30 years. Daryl has written three Song of the Year award winners, eight of his songs have made it to number one, and he has twice been named Songwriter of the Year! His songs have been recorded by dozens of artists ranging from bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne to country star Lynn Anderson to Southern Gospel’s The Booth Brothers, and have been featured on television shows ranging from “American Idol” to “The View.” One of his best-known songs, “(Ask the Blind Man) He Saw It All,” was named one of the top Southern Gospel songs of all time!
Gospel music legend Bill Gaither calls Daryl “a poet-and we don’t have many poets left!” Daryl says, “I just write and sing songs about real life and real people; songs about faith and home and community are the foundation of my music because those are the things that are most precious to me.” Daryl’s concert is an intimate opportunity to hear his songs of life and faith as well as the entertaining stories of the people and events that inspired them.
The concert is free to the public but a love offering will be taken. For additional information, contact Patty Lindley at 502 262-0428.