Join them for an entertaining and informative afternoon. Anyone in the community is invited to join, as this is a social event.
Category Archives: Bourbon County
AD: Nelson Blythe For Bourbon County Commissioner District 1
Hello Bourbon County residents, my name is Nelson Blythe and I am running for County Commissioner District 1 as a Republican. I am a lifelong resident of the area and am dedicated to this community. When considering who to vote for August 2, this is what you should know about me.
- First and foremost I’m a devout Christian. What I mean by that is I believe the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he is King of the universe, and that reality has political ramifications. I would dare to say most people in Bourbon County would identify as Christian, and I think it’s important for people in government to act like they are.
- I’m very conservative in my politics. I believe the role of government is to promote the general welfare of the people, not by constant regulating and steering economy, but by removing barriers and allowing people the freedom to work and conduct business, which will in turn, help economic development. I understand that what this county needs is more industry so the tax burden is spread over more tax payers, rather than a smaller group bearing the brunt of it. I am a firm supporter of property rights and would work carefully to protect them against certain policies that may threaten them, such as zoning.
- I worked for the county for approximately four and a half years. I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the County Attorney’s Office. I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission. The areas of county government that I am less familiar with, I have made efforts to learn. For example, meeting with public works personnel and taking a tour of public works.
4. I take my job, whatever it may be, extremely seriously. As a Sheriff’s Deputy in Bourbon County, I was relentless in pursuing methamphetamine related crimes and other criminal activity, while at the same time, honoring the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I did my best to treat all people with respect and to keep in mind the principle of innocent until proven guilty. That being said, I am not wishy washy, I do not cater to whining and complaining from people I have caught engaged in criminal activity. One of my main duties as a Sheriff’s Deputy is to detect and deter criminal activity, and to prepare solid cases for prosecution. If you are good at a job like that, there will be some people who do not like it and will try to slander you. I never apologize for being good at my job. I have taken that same mindset and work ethic to Linn County where I currently work as a Deputy. By the grace of God, if I were to be elected, I would take that work ethic to the Bourbon County Commission.
I would appreciate your vote August 2.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 11
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 11, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 11TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• District Court Budget Request
• Judge Ward–Executive Session 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
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Bob Reed – Fair Board Budget
• Kelley Zellner–Discuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion
o Resolution on Hours for Benefits
o EMS Collections Process
o Budget Presentation
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)
▫ Register of Deeds
▫ Sheriff/Corrections
▫ Public Works
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to prote
Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend
Uniontown City Council Agenda for July 12
The Uniontown City Council will meet July 12 at 7 p.m. in city hall, on the east side of the square.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Open bids for School Pond Improvement Project –
2022 Audit presentation, Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton –
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Worksession
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDOT Safety Inspection –
Lead & Copper Testing
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMU Water Training @ Uniontown
LKM request to send thank you to legislators for their support of local government
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act update–
Street Repair –
NEW BUSINESS
2023 Budget –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Attachments:
Uniontown City Council Work Session Minutes of June 29
Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.
The Council Worksession on June 29, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.
Three proposed options for the general fund budget were discussed – leave the mil the same, lower the mil, or use the revenue neutral rate mil. A proposed budget of all other budgeted funds was discussed. The council will decide at the July 12, 2022 regular council meeting to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2023.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:15PM
Uniontown City Council Minutes of June 14
Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on June 14, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (6:04), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George, KDWPT, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George – Mr. George was unable to attend. The concrete for the bathroom has been poured with floor drains. Anticipate pouring the concrete for the sidewalk on June 17 or 18 depending on help available.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the May 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $374,736.00, Receipts $44,285.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,948.52, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,297.29. Bank Statement Balance $343,897.73, including Checking Account Interest of $30.53, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $600.44, Reconciled Balance $343,297.29. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $420,273.56. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $146.56, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $221.40. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of May $31,438.71, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,553.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $45,047.13 (42.7%), Expenditures $44,930.06 (34.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,459.23 (40.5%), Expenditures $18,189.7 (44.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $79,699.68 (57.1%), Expenditures $63,501.51 (25.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $69,133.52 (53.8%), Expenditures $64,719.69 (39.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,578.39 (52.2%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The June 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $35,545.46 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Ordinance-ARPA Worksession
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reported that a freeze proof hydrant was installed at the fire station for the automatic watering system that is to be installed. Fire District #3 wants to know who is paying for that (approximately $140).
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to see if Park Committee will pay and if not pay out of Parks and Recreation line of the General Fund
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that a certified letter has been sent to owner of 404 Washington. Clerk Johnson reported that the letter has not been picked up yet and is on its way back. She will send another to owner in care of partner in rehabbing property. 202 Fourth St. had a “Mow Your Yard” sign posted. Tenant came in angry and stated he wouldn’t mow the ditch. A certified letter was sent to property owner. They refused to pick up. Bobby mowed/trimmed, an invoice was sent with the original certified letter enclosed.
Coyan will draw up specs for the ADA bathroom at City Hall and try to find a contractor. He will also gather some quotes for reskinning the warehouse and putting in the rollup door on the south end.
Draft ordinances for fence regulations, accessory buildings regulations, and establishing trash and physical waste service were presented for first reading.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to pass and approved Ordinance No. 197 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Fences within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, Ordinance No. 198 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Accessory Buildings within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, and Ordinance No. 199 An Ordinance Establishing Trash and Physical Waste Service within City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions.
Council asked for an invitation for bids or request for proposals be drafted for the trash service by next meeting.
Clerk Johnson presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and City of Uniontown for Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.
Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan
Copier maintenance agreement annual renewal was presented; $25 increase this year.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept the annual renewal of copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems for $325
Budget worksession was scheduled for June 29, 6PM, food will be provided. Clerk Johnson will send out text reminder.
Independence Day Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, will be held on July 1 this year instead of July 3. Portapotties have been ordered. Clerk Johnson said she ordered them for Old Settlers also, just in case the new restrooms are not finished.
Citywide yard sales date was set for Saturday, August 20. Clerk Johnson will put flyer in with billings.
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting authorization for legal action for collection of utility account 1017005.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to authorize Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action for collection of utility account 1017005
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – four-wheelers are speeding and tearing up the railroad right-of-way.
Mayor Jurgensen – Gas Liaison meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, 5PM, at community center.
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project – Invitations for bids were mailed to seven contractors on May 25 and published on May 28 to be received by noon, June 14. No bids were received. Some of the contractors wanted some clarification of specifications in the bid. Don George, KDWPT, advised us on some more specific specifications for the project – 4”-6” riprap, 1’ deep, 8’ wide with 2-3’ below waterline, riprap and weed barrier will be provided on site, designated area to haul excess dirt will be railroad right-of-way at First and Clay Streets, and remove broken part of splashblock and riprap below tube instead of concrete repair of splashblock. Pond level can be pumped or siphoned down, if needed. A new invitation for bids will be written and sent out. The rock the county had already delivered is too large for riprap; although, some could be used to build a shelf for the riprap. There is plenty of time. We can ask for an extension, if necessary. There is some moss on the pond. Mr George will check if there are any grass carp available to put in the pond.
American Rescue Plan Act update – The second tranche of $20,144.41 was received on June 13, making the total received $40,288.82. This will be used to upgrade the warehouse or an ADA compliant restroom at City Hall.
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen spoke with the county June 14; per the county counselor, they cannot asphalt our streets as they are not allowed to compete with private industry. Killough will be working in the area in the fall. We will contact them, Bailey’s Asphalt (did school parking lots), and Bettis for quotes.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:47PM
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Adds Staff
Left to Right: Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Suzette Torres
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc (BC REDI) staff is growing. The organization has added three new positions in the last few weeks. New employees include the following.
- Emily Diebolt – Grants Manager, has a 20-year background in not-for-profit administration. She researches funding opportunities and writes grants to improve existing local assets and finds funding for new opportunities in Bourbon County on behalf of BC REDI.
- Suzette Torres – Projects and Marketing Assistant, worked in hotel administration in Hawaii, before joining the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce as Communications & Events Coordinator (exchanging her “alohas” for “howdies”). She also has municipal administrative assistance experience with the City of Fort Scott. Suzette will be working on economic development and tourism marketing as well as administrative support.
- Tayton Majors – Special Projects and Marketing Intern, is assisting REDI in building a new website and social media platforms to better communicate the organization’s mission to the public and with potential community investors.
Also on the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development staff is Mark McCoy, Small Business Development Director, who has a lifetime of business building experience and organizational management. Mark will work with new prospective businesses to discover potential opportunities and incentives for local entrepreneurs.
Jackson Tough, who works for the City of Fort Scott as Public Relations and Tourism Director also shares the office space to work closely with the economic development staff. Tough has been in business and organizational management for over 30 years and brings a vast knowledge of marketing as well.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “Because of growth and the need to expand our efforts in so many areas we welcome these new members to our team. Emily Diebolt is focused on finding more funding for Bourbon County through federal, state, and local grants. Tayton Majors will be with BC REDI through the summer then he will attend Lead for America in Washington, DC before returning to Kansas to work in Economic and Tourism Development. We recently brought Suzette Torres aboard to assist Jackson, Mark, and me in our marketing efforts as well as special projects. We look forward to the contributions these team members will make in our mission to increase economic development and tourism in Bourbon County.”
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team June Newsletter
Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries
Allen Schellack has a problem.
He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.
Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.
“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.
These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.
The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.
In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.
In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.
In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.
At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.
Additional services are through partnerships with job search assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.
FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.
Volunteers are welcome.
VBS: Uniontown Baptist Church July 18-22
This is part of a series featuring local VBS’s in the county. Please send information and a photo to help tell the story of your event.
The First Missionary Uniontown Baptist Church invites community children to their Vacation Bible School from Monday July 19 to Friday July 22 with the closing program on Sunday July 24 at the 10 a.m. church service.
It is presented from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through fifth grade at the church. The church is located at the intersection of Hwy. 3 and Maple Road (Fifth Street in Uniontown.)
The Armor of God is the theme this year.
There will be Bible stories, fun games, yummy snacks and great songs.
A drawing for five Silver Dollar City Tickets will happen at the closing program.
For more information or to register, call Elaine Ledford at 620-756-4924, text at 620-215-6963 or email [email protected]
Bourbon County K-39 bridge replacement project starts next Monday
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.
K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.
KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.