Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:November 1, 2022 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELDAT CITY HALLIN THE COMMISSION ROOM
BEGINNINGat 9:00AM.
Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •Eric Bailey–Road & Bridge Report •Approval of Accounts Payable •Ashley Shelton–Gas Price Lock–in Contract •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer Comment oTransient Guest Tax oOpioid Settlement Funds •Shane Walker–ChiefInformation Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto 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 discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody 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.
Twenty-six recipients of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation were presented checks to further their projects during the annual award ceremony on Oct. 26 at Landmark Bank.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed those attending.
“We are so thankful for the foundation starting in 2007,” she said. “This year 26 recipients were granted $53,500 in awards.”
Before the ceremony, the Mercy Fort Scott Hospital Foundation Board, comprised of Bryan Holt, Marci Smith and Jared Leek presented a $250,000 check to the FSACF. The board closed out the foundation with this last distribution to be used for future health care needs in the community. Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its doors in December 2018.
Carla Farmer, FSACF Board Member, also presented $299, 446 to FSACF from the John and Pat Neff annuity that was originally for the Mercy Foundation, but was transferred to FSACF.
Patricia Neff. Submitted photo.
The Sisters of Mercy had assisted the Neffs in adopting two children and had wanted to give back, so they created an annuity that paid them until they died, then the funds went to the Mercy Foundation. Mrs. Neff died three months ago.
FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell sent more information, following the ceremony, on the First Christian Church of Ft. Scott Endowment Fund, which contributed over $12,000 toward this fall’s grantees.
When the First Christian Church closed, a foundation was formed to provide grants to support local needs for years to come.
The following are grants this year selected by the First Christian Church Endowment board:
Riverfront Authority Labyrinth
Methodist Church Feeding Families
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement
USD 234 Healthy Snacks
The following are the recipients and what they received the grant for:
Photos were unavailable for the following :
Bourbon County CASA received a grant to provide training and support for the organizations volunteers.
Ronda Hassig, from the Lowell Milken Center, received a grant to invest in a high-powered telescope to bring the universe closer to the community.
From left: Becky Tourtillott,Bonnie Milburn,Craig Campbell, and Jean Tucker.
Feeding Families In His Name Ministry feeds free meals to 450 people each Wednesday from the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church. Bonnie Milburn is the coordinator, who received the check along with Jean Tucker.
Lacy Nicholson and Craig Campbell.
Fostering Connections helps with integrating children into adoptive families by providing resources for them. Lacy Nicholson accepted the check.
Fort Scott Teacher Linda Minor, left with FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell.
Linda Minor accepted a check for USD234 students, who will be receiving snacks for those who don’t have the resources to invest in healthy food.
Stephanie George and Craig Campbell.
Fort Scott Middle School Teacher Stephanie George received a grant to take students to the Nutcracker Ballet in Kansas City.
Lewis Dunkeson,Winter Moore and Craig Campbell.
Communities in School is a nation-wide program to provide support for struggling youth in Fort Scott Middle and High School. Accepting the check was Lewis Dunkeson and Winter Moore.
Seth Needham and Craig Campbell.
Cubmaster Seth Needham accepted the check for the local CubScout program to support recruiting efforts.
John Crain, left, and Craig Campbell.
The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club received a grant to continue planting trees in the community, represented by John Crain.
Becky Tourtillot, Craig Campbell and Gregg Motley.
USD 235 teacher Jeff Feagins received a grant to upgrade the computer lab in his classroom, with Gregg Motley accepting the check for Feagins.
Jennifer Terrell and Craig Campbell
Jennifer Terrell received a check for Kansas State’s Southwind Extension to engage youth in the art of cooking.
Larry Amer and Craig Campbell.
USD 234 teacher Larry Amer received a grant for the Empty Bowls program which combines art, function and self-sustaining fundraising for students.
Nick Johnson and Craig Campbell.
Fort Scott Preschool Principal Nick Johnson received a grant to provide engagement activities that hopes to involve teachers and families.
Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier, Janderon Loyd and Craig Campbell.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health received a grant to bring expertise and resources to the USD 234 school district. Accepting the check was Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier and Janderon Loyd.
Josh Jones, Bailey Lyons and Craig Campbell.
Josh Jones and Bailey Lyons accepted a check for the purpose of a future splash pad for children in Fort Scott.
Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason, Becca Clay and Craig Campbell.
Fort Scott Community College received a grant to support students who are first in their family to attend and graduate from college. Accepting the grant for FSCC was Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason and Becca Clay.
Allen Schellack and Craig Campbell.
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Executive Director Allen Schellack received a grant to help the immediate and acute needs of families in our community.
Joe O’Rourke and Craig Campbell.
Joe O’Rourke accepted a check for Tri-Valley Development Services for purchase of an electric sit-to-stand machine to aid residents and caregivers.
Autumn Durrosette, Robin Webb and Craig Campbell.
Autumn Durrosette and Robin Webb, USD 234 First Grade Teachers, received a grant to provide a life science natural habitat.
Tom Havron and Craig Campbell.
Tom Havron, representing Fort Scott Community College, received a grant to display school memorabilia in display cases and shelves.
Erin Fletcher and Craig Campbell.
Erin Fletcher, representing Special Olympics, received a grant for equipment and uniforms.
Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain with Craig Campbell.
USD 234 received a grant to study Edgar Allen Poe in an electronic classroom experience. Representing the school district in receiving the grant was teachers Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain.
Cristin Stark and Craig Campbell.
USD 234 Teacher Cristin Start will lead students on a historical walking tour of Fort Scott with a grant received.
Jerry Witt and Craig Campbell.
Jerry Witt, representing the Riverfront Authority, received a grant to fund a walking labyrinth dedicated to the memory of the late Allen Warren.
From left Becky Tourtillott, Debbie Potter, Craig Campbell and Greg Post.
The City of Mapleton received a grant for a community defibrillator, along with training to a number of residents on the equipment. Accepting the check was Debbie Potter and Greg Post.
Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott, Kirk Sharp and Craig Campbell.
The Gordon Parks Museum received a grant for interactive touch screen displays from the foundation. Receiving the grant are board members Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott and Kirk Sharp.
Dave Gillen is the director for the Beacon. Submitted photo.
They are paying $500 to $600 more per month on the food they give away, but the Beacon, a local food pantry, is not low on food, said Director Dave Gillen.
The cost of adding perishables to the food pantry has risen.
“With inflation and the number of people we are getting, 10 new families a month…we are spending over our budget,” Gillen said.
“I used to give out eggs with the food basket, but I had to cut them out,” he said. “At one time just buying bread and eggs was eating 1/3 of our budget.”
Gillen said donations of food are “doing well.”
“Schools, organizations, businesses and others, we can count on them to help,” he said.
The staff started on October 24 taking appointments for the 2023 sign up for the food pantry.
Other days they will be taking the appointments for the sign up are October 28th and 31st. November 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 11th.
Sign-ups must be done by November 11, with no exceptions.
One must call in advance to make an appointment for one of these days.
The phone number is 620.223.6869.
Hours the Beacon is open are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. The agency is closed Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
If one is a member, bring a current Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) letter and proof of residency, along with a photo ID for all adults in the household, a Social Security card for all in the household and birth dates for all in the household.
All dependent children with different names must show full time parental custody, adoption papers, and must live with you.
Proof of income, pension, retirement, social security disability, VA benefits, unemployment, child support/alimony and any other income is required.
If DCF services are received, please bring the verification letter.
Adopt-A-Child
Also at this time, the Beacon will be doing sign-up for the Adopt-a -Child program and food baskets.
One family member should come for the whole family.
These will be picked up on Dec. 16 at Community Christian Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a drive-through operation.
Elk’s Christmas Basket
The Elk’s organization baskets will be delivered the Sunday before Christmas, December 18th.
Dave Gillen, director, and Patty Mowen, co-director, of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County. Submitted photo.
MEETING HELD IN THE COPURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING at 7:45 AM.
THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE
Call to Order
Flag Salute
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
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 disc
Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward. Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
American Legion Riders Post #25 Sponsor Wreaths Across America
The American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott, under the leadership of Rider Director, Tom Metcalf, held a “Dragoon Ride” on August 20, 2022, with all proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Approximately 44 riders participated in the ride that included several destination stops over a 143 mile route. A raffle with various prizes took place alongside a pulled pork dinner. The event resulted in over $5500.00 in sponsorships. The money will be used to sponsor Wreaths for soldiers at The Fort Scott National Cemetery. December 17 The American Legion Riders will lead the truck escort as they deliver the Wreaths to the soldiers and their family members. When the escort reaches The Fort Scott National Cemetery they will participate as volunteers for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Tom Metcalf, on behalf of the American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott is presented sponsorship proceeds to Diann Tucker, Local Project Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery. Anyone wishing to donate to sponsor wreaths for the current year can contact Diann Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700. There are nearly 7000 sites at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Only those grave sites who receive donation sponsors by November 22, 2022 will receive a wreath.
Plans are underway for a similar ride to be held at a later announced date in 2023, for another ride to benefit Wreaths Across America. Anyone interested in riding can contact Tom Metcalf, 620-224-7951.
Do you have a passion for food? If so, consider joining the Master Food Volunteer (MFV) program! You will meet others who also share a passion for food; participate in classes, by either leading or assisting, to teach others about food; learn up-to-date practices on food safety and nutrition; and take your knowledge of food to the next level. To join, you must complete a 40-hour training course which costs $120. This course will be offered online from January 17th to February 25th with three days of hands-on training. Interested applicants must apply by December 1st to be considered. You can find the application online here or you can call 620-365-2242 to receive a copy.
Wondering what current MFVs have to say about the program? According to MFV Susan Stich: “Being a Master Food Volunteer has taken my love for food and nutrition to new levels of knowledge and fun. With the Master Food Volunteer training and university resources, I can feel confident in sharing with the community safer and fun ways to preserve, prepare, and serve food. The MFV program gives me the opportunity to help others of all ages learn better ways to eat healthier and safer. The camaraderie I have with other Foodie Friends is a special plus.”
Some of the educational programs which our current MFVs have hosted or assisted with in the past year include our kids’ cooking classes, a pressure-cooking class, a program on cooking with herbs, and a hands-on breadmaking class. The possibilities are endless!
If you have any questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Join Miss Val for a costume parade, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 am, followed by storytime immediately after. Adults & kids alike are invited to dress up (family-friendly costumes only, please). Kids will trick or treat at both the downstairs and upstairs circulation desks.
Middle & High School Halloween Party
Dress up if you want and join Miss Valetta to decorate cookies, play games, sew monsters, and more for the 6th-12th grade Halloween Party, this Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4:30.
The library holds weekly meetings for middle & high school students on Wed. at 4:30 pm.
Announcing the Winners of the Yellow Brick Road Challenge
The Fort Scott Public Library and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team are proud to announce the winning team for the Yellow Brick Road Challenge:
The Reading Rangers!
While both teams reached the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the Reading Rangers got there first. Congratulations to the Reading Rangers!
Together, participants have walked more than 45 million steps since the contest began on June 15.
ALL participants will be invited to a wrap-up reception and to a Wizard of Oz-themed book club, which will take place approximately one month from today. Dates for both will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for the next contest, to be announced soon.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System
Funding for this Story Telling Project is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).
Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.
Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.
