Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet on June 9

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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.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the June 3 Bo Co Commission

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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.

Accounts Payable 5-31-2024

Payroll 5-31-2024

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Office 365 Renewal
    2. KDHE Public Notice
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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.

 

Area News, Bourbon County

ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

No Bo Co Commission Meeting on May 27

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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.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

National History Day State Champions from Fort Scott Set to Present at the Empress Events Center

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Submitted photo.

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.

 

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Agenda for June 5

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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.

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  Tara Solomon Smith, QPR Suicide Prevention

August 7 program will be an update on the COPE program by HBCAT.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 7, 2024.

 

Bourbon County, Church news, Schools

St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team Claims 2nd KS State Championship

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Celebration time! Captain Joseph Moleski raises the trophy after an epic comeback victory in the KS State Final. Submitted photo.

The Kingfishers of Saint Martin’s Academy roar back in the 2nd half to claim their 2nd straight KS State Championship in Tier 1 Rugby, defeating the Saints of Thomas Aquinas 26-19 on May 11th at the KU Rugby Complex in Lawrence, KS.

A long narrative report of the match can be read here.

Highlights:

  • 2 tries, including the game-winner with time expired, by Captain Joseph Moleski.
  • Man of the Match went to Senior Outside-Centre, Ben Skinner, who scored a late try to tie the match and had multiple long runs to put Aquinas on their heels.
  • The Kingfishers went down 19-7 mid-way through the 2nd half, only to score 19 unanswered to claim victory.
The Kingfishers finish the regular season ranked #6 Nationally and are headed to Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country.
Quote from School Founder and Headmaster, Daniel Kerr: “No team works harder than our boys and when the chips were down at the end of the match, that hard work paid off.  This was the most exciting match I’ve ever been a part of.”
Senior Ben Skinner battles through a tackler en route to the match tying-score. Skinner was named Man of the Match by the hosts, KU Rugby Club.
Submitted photo.
We’re on the road right now to Nationals.  Say a prayer for the boys!
Submitted  by

Daniel Kerr

Headmaster, St. Martin’s Academy
Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Youth

4-H Spring Dog Show: May 25 at 1 p.m.

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Pictured is Ella Snider and her dog Tex earned 5th overall in their division at the Kansas State Fair last year. Submitted.

Zach Ross, Fort Scott,  is the  Kansas State University Southwind District coordinator for the local 4-H dog program. That district is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.

He and his wife, Aubrey,  will be hosting a Spring Dog Show at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on May 25 at 1 p.m.

The event is for youth participating in 4-H Clubs

“Typically (dog) handlers compete at the Bourbon County Fair to qualify to take their dogs to the Kansas State Fair,” she said. “The Southwind District has 43 handlers who have an opportunity that day, at least 10 from Bourbon County. Zach and I have been coaching the Bourbon County group for three years and we have several handlers who are looking to move up in agility and obedience divisions and need to have more qualifying scores to be able to go to state.”

“We’ve invited all regional dog show programs to attend and compete, she said. ” Handlers will be competing in Agility, Showmenship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience.”

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our handlers and want to share their hard work with the community,” she said.

The event is free for spectators and the dog handlers.

“Many of our handlers are ready to move up and our program needs to purchase advanced equipment,” she said.  “We will be accepting donations that will help fund new equipment so that handlers can compete in higher-level events in the future.”

Checks can be made to 4-H Council and in memo: Dog Program and be sent or delivered to the K-State Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, 66701.

The Bourbon County Fair Dog Show is on July 13 at 8 a.m.

 

Bourbon County, Government

The County Is Looking For In-partial Members To Serve On Solar Setbacks Committee

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Brandon Whisenhunt, Bourbon County 1st District Commissioner. Submitted photo.

At the Bourbon County Commission meeting on May 13, First District Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt told fellow commissioners he would be in favor of selecting a bi-partisan committee of five volunteers that would consist of individuals who are both pro-solar and against solar to research aspects of the solar farms that are coming to the county, according to the commission minutes.

Third District Commissioner Clifton  Beth stated those interested should submit a letter explaining why they want to be on the committee.

2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

Beth said the reality is how do you put the cat back in the bag, because solar panel farms are here, according to the minutes.

Beth said he is 100% against zoning.

Second District Commissioner Jim Harris said a special use permit is just the beginning and it could potentially expand until it is full zoning, according to the minutes.

Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.

Harris made a motion to receive applications from concerned citizens who want to serve on a committee to help the commissioners review setbacks for solar panel farms.

Whisenhunt seconded the motion.  Harris added that they would accept letters for 30 days and if the people applying are not unbiased, they would start over. All approved the motion.

The  Bourbon County Board of County Commissioners is now receiving applications from impartial citizens who want to serve on this committee to help the Commissioners review setbacks for solar panel farms.

The statute that tells of setbacks:

Kansas Statute 58-3801. Creation of solar easements; recordation. Any easement obtained for the purpose of exposure of a solar energy device shall be created in writing. The instrument containing such easement shall be recorded with the register of deeds of the county within which the property affected by such easement is situated,according to: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_038_0001.html

The Commissioners are accepting letters from citizens who wish to serve on the committee, ” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “There is not a specific application for this committee, those interested should write a letter outlining why they wish to serve on the committee and submit to the Clerk’s Office by June 12, 2024.”

Please submit a sealed letter, clearly marked “committee application”, outlining why you wish to serve on the committee to the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701 no later than June 12, 2024.

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bo Co Commission for May 13

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May 13, 2024                                                                               Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Angie Owenby, Pete Owenby, Sam Owen, Jason Silvers, Mike Wunderly, Deb Martin, Roxy Gregg, Deion Gregg, Brent Smith, Diana McKinney, and Clint Walker 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 5-6-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Sam Owen introduced himself as a candidate for Senate District 13 and spoke of his goals if he were to get elected. Jim wished him good luck.

 

 

Mike Wunderly said all the gravel haulers have done a fantastic job getting things fixed up after the storm. Mike also said the truck drivers are being courteous and moving over and stopping when they meet an oncoming vehicle. Jim and Eric both thanked Mike for the compliments and Eric said he would relay it to his crew.

 

 

Rob Harrington reminded everyone about the sales tax vote tomorrow and said many entities won’t come without some form of a subsidy. Rob urged people to go out and vote.

 

 

Pete Owenby asked the Commissioners what they thought of Mary Pemberton’s suggestion  last week of forming a committee to assist with solar panel information. Jim said he doesn’t 100% support or oppose the idea. Jim said we need to get special use permit on the ballot because nothing today makes the solar companies have to come and talk with us. Pete asked if a committee was formed who would choose the members and Jim stated the Commissioners would. Pete said he was asked why he was so against solar farms and he said he shouldn’t have to put my tax dollars up, for example subsidies and tax credits, to pay somebody to make money off my property and make my property worth less and possibly put his family at health risk. Pete asked why anybody would be for it and asked the Commissioners if they would be okay if it was by their houses. Jim said a special use permit is a tool to cover restrictions and would be for industrial or commercial purposes. Jim said the companies would have to fill out a permit and it would have to be approved by the Commissioners. Brandon said it could be a tool to make sure solar farms wouldn’t have lithium battery packs and they could put restrictions saying the energy must go directly into the grid and not a battery bank. Jim said the safety restrictions would be based upon KDHE and OSHA. It was asked if we have zoning would we have a zoning board. Jim said yes, we would have a zoning board who would review the permit and make suggestions to the Board of Commissioners. Clifton said there is no limited zoning that zoning is zoning.

 

 

Bo Casper said they have an attorney working on drawing up a petition and he asked if it was going to be limited zoning or zoning. Jim said the petition would have to say commercial/industrial and they would need to submit a copy of the permit for legal and KAC to ensure legality. Jim said once zoning is established it can grow and expand without going back to the voters. Clifton agreed and said you have to be careful with what you wish for.

 

 

Deion Gregg asked how the solar panels only have a setback of 25 feet from a boundary line when oil wells have to be at least 100 feet.

 

 

Vance Eden, Superintendent of USD 235, asked if the Commissioners have researched the contributions and PILOT funds to determine if they have to be distributed to the school districts. Jim said they are still reviewing the information and asked if the school district was working with FSCC. Vance said yes, they are working with the college regarding trades. Clifton asked if the school partnered with FSCC to get a trade program similar to STARS if they would still need to do the ag shop rehab. Vance said yes because they would still need introductory level classes for students. Clifton said he would be in support of giving money for a joint effort trade school and thinks that would be an excellent use of PILOT funds.

 

 

Brian Allen, Emergency Manager, said we do not need to extend the proclamation of local disaster and handed out the Governor’s state proclamation of disaster. Brian said he and Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated their map of road issues today to keep residents updated on the damage. Jim asked how Eric was funding the repairs and Eric said they have had to dip into their special projects fund. Eric said countywide there is major washout damage, guardrail damage, culverts washed out, and they are waiting for Schwab Eaton to finish inspecting bridges to know the extent of the damage to those. Maple Road west of 125th  Street has been closed due to a washout under the asphalt, and Eric said the crew has started working on that location today. Eric said they are having a hard time keeping cones and stated each cone is $22.00 and so far, they have lost over 100. Eric said the feet off the barricades have been stolen as well and reminded residents they are up for their safety. Brian said the Public Works crew has been working hard but they haven’t been able to get to every road yet and urged residents to be patient as they’re doing the best they can. Eric said he has a great crew who has been working a lot of hours.

 

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, said early voting ended at noon today and they had a total of 689 voters during the last week. Jennifer said this was a good turnout for early voting and explained a lot of residents took advantage of voting early while they were at the courthouse paying their taxes that were due last week. Jennifer said she received a road closure application and that Eric has viewed the sections of road they are wanting to close. Jim asked Eric his opinion and Eric stated he would be in favor of closing the road. Jennifer stated all landowners affected have signed the application and the final step is to hold a hearing that she would publish in the newspaper.

 

 

Brandon said he would be in favor of a bi-partisan committee of five volunteers that would consist of individuals that are both pro-solar and against solar. Clifton said he has stated for the last three years he is not a committee person, but he is not against this committee and stated those interested should submit a letter explaining why they want to be on the committee. Clifton said the reality of the matter is how do you put the cat back in the bag, because solar panel farms are here. Clifton said agreements have been signed and there is millions in exposure that our insurance won’t cover. Clifton said he is 100% against zoning and that nobody is going to tell him what he is going to do on his land. Jim said a special use permit is just the beginning and it could potentially expand until it is full zoning. Jim made a motion to receive applications from concerned citizens that want to serve on a committee to help us review setbacks for solar panel farms. Brandon seconded the motion. Jim asked if the other Commissioners wanted to accept the letters for two weeks, and Clifton said 30 days would be better. Jim added that they would accept letters for 30 days and if it is not un-biased, they would start over. All approved the motion.

 

 

Pete Owenby talked about the two different types of commercial, intrastate and interstate. Tim Emerson asked if the Commissioners have heard from people who are for solar, and explained not people who are receiving money from it, but people who are for the benefit of solar. Bo Casper said he is concerned about the high fences surrounding the solar panel farms and the impact they will have on wildlife. Deion Gregg asked why solar farms don’t have to have a privacy fence like junkyards do. Jim said the county has no regulations and stated the fence around junkyards is a state regulation. Vance Eden said he has spent time working with the companies for the school district and they have talked about putting shrubs or trees in to hide the panels. Pete Owenby asked about the loss of value for his property because he thinks it will go down 50%. Jim said he couldn’t get a written statement from a real estate appraiser to confirm that. Pete said he could get it in writing and Jim said it needs to be a certified land appraiser.

 

 

 

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:37. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

5-20-2024                               Approved Date