Agenda for the City Council of Uniontown on September 10, 2024 at 5.30 p.m.
Personnel interviews followed by regular council meeting.
ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Interview non-elected personnel –
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Bill Martin
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of August 13 Regular Council Meeting and September 3, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
Uniontown held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for the Uniontown Community Pickleball Court on September 1. Pictured are Councilwoman Danea Esslinger, Levi Ervin (cutting the ribbon), son of Councilman Jess Ervin, Councilwoman Mary Pemberton, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
The court was completed with the help of the entire community, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, Uniontown City Council, and Uniontown Ruritan Club. A grant facilitated by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas contributed to the cost of the court; the equipment and benches were donated by community members; and Uniontown Ruritan Club is donating fencing for the north and south ends. The City of Uniontown wishes to thank all those involved with this project. The court is being used daily by the community.
Cherri Walrod, K-State Research and Extension Office Community
Health Worker, is providing an opportunity for parents of special needs children.
Cherri Walrod is a new K-State Research and Extension Community Health Worker (CHW), photo from her Facebook page.
“I am a mom to special needs kids myself…being a parent to a special needs child can be a special kind of isolation and hurt.”
She said another mom asked her to start a support group for parents of special needs kids.
“Throughout the spring of this year, I hosted a few meetings for special needs parents in the area, just as a personal service to the community,” Walrod said.
Walrod began a new job as a community health worker for K-State Research and Extension Southwind District on August 1.
The Community Health Worker project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.
“Since I am part of the community of parents of special needs children myself and support groups fit in the role of a CHW, the timing was perfect to form this group officially.”
The first meeting will be September 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Splash Pad and Gathering Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. on Fort Scott’s north end. It is a come-and-go event opportunity to connect with other parents of special needs children.
Bring your kids, lawn chairs, snacks, and water to drink, she said.
The Gathering Square Pavilion, the splash pad is behind the pavilion on North National Avenue.
“This first meeting is just a meet and greet time for area parents of special needs kids to come together for some fellowship time,” she said.” I hope to gather enough names and contact info of families interested and then try to determine which day and time might work for families to gather on a regular basis. All of the logistics for future meetings are to be determined based on the feedback from the parents in attendance. I hope to talk to enough parents to get an introductory idea of what they may need in the way of support. “
“Based on what I’ve heard so far, many parents of special needs kids feel very isolated, alone, overwhelmed, defeated and just surviving from one day to the next. Many feel judged by their parent peers due to some of the behaviors of their children.”
“This first meet and greet is just that. A chance to meet other parents in an environment of non-judgment so that we can begin to make plans to help support each other in the future.”
“I will be the lead facilitator for the time being and responsible for the majority of the logistics planning right now. Eventually, as we form a more organized group, we may have more involvement from the parents themselves and also invite community partners to join us to address special topics, needs or to provide educational or training opportunities.”
This is for parents who have wished to get together with others who are in the same situation and understand some of the stresses.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
The following were bike winners at the Old Settler’s Picnic in Uniontown yesterday afternoon, as submitted by Mary Pillion, one of the organizers of the event.
The AR-15 300 Blackout Rifle raffle winner was Heath Lord. Not pictured
Winners of bikes: (Submitted photos)
(Names were not provided to fortscott.biz)
Longest Beard Contest
Longest beard contest winner is Ray Taylor, middle. Submitted photos.Longest married couple Coach and Mrs. Walker. Submitted photos.Becky Shinn won for the longest resident with a Uniontown address. Submitted photos.Oldest women was Babe Goodbody, 80 years old. Submitted photos.Oldest man was Leo Hartman, 95.Longest mullet, unknown winner. Submitted photos.Even the young enjoyed the bingo game on Sunday afternoon. Submitted photo.
The 2024 Old Settlers Picnic had dancing, running/walking, fishing, church, bingo, pickleball, kids games, and rodeos that all led up to the highlight event of the parade at Uniontown on Labor Day.
The community and surrounding areas enjoyed the food, crafts, vendors, car show, and parade on Labor Day. People picnicked in the park, enjoyed the baby parade, recognition of old settlers, kids games and raffles/contests.
The Holt family were the grand marshalls of the parade, with Marilyn Holt, the matriarch, sitting front and center on the float, along with three of her children Debbie Likely, Randy Holt and Susan Eldridge,their spouses,their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her oldest son, Kenny, died in 2019, and her husband Kent, “Poke”, died in 2021. The Holts have been bankers in Bourbon County since 1901.
Horse riders bring up the tail of the parade on Sept.2 at the Old Settlers Picnic.The class of Uniontown High School 2026 in the parade.The U.H.S Freshman Class.The alumni Class of 1959.The U.H.S Class of 1964.The U.H.S. Class of 1974.Fort Scott Community College students in the parade.Members of Bethel Community Baptist Church in the parade.The younger Uniontown foot players in the parade.The U.H.S. Football Team.Uniontown Cheerleaders.The Marching Eagles Band.The Holt family with Marilyn (center, right in blue shirt) and her descendants on the float.The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office leads the parade.
We will be meeting at the Keyhole this week for our September 4 General Meeting. The Keyhole is located at the corner of 10th. and Main Street across from the south end of the Fort Scott High School. See you Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at The Keyhole
Welcome:
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Program: Judy Hood will give us an update on The Keyhole.
October program will be by Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS.
Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be October 2, 2024.
The annual Fort Fest is September 27-29 at Riverfront Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue.
Blues singers entertain during the Fort Fest 23 event.
The event is an entertainment weekend that features Blues Music and brings in donations for a local cancer survivor group, Care to Share.
Care to Share/ Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer, with financial or emotional support, and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.
Teresa Davenport is the President and can be reached at
(620) 238-0902
Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, and Cory Bryars, vice president, hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area for the organization at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Music begins at 6 p.m. on September 27 with Two Lane Highway, Linn County; and at 8 p.m. with Tim Hoggard and the Two-Legged Rooster, Jonesboro, AR.
On Saturday, singing starts again with Big Luke and the Soul Disciples at 1 p.m.; Alyssa Galvan, from southwest Missouri at 3 p.m.; Hamilton Loomis from Louisiana and Texas at 5 p.m., and the Divas on Fire from northwest Arkansas at 7 p.m.
In addition, there will be food and art/craft vendors, a corn hole tournament, and an ax throwing area around the park.
“There is also a MUCH IMPROVED Kidz Korner including the train that Lavetta Simmons (one of the founders of Care to Share) used to have at her house, bouncy houses, the petting zoo again, giant jenga games, a cakewalk, face painting, and much much more,” Cory Bryars said. “We did a poor job last year, and we want the community to know that we are taking huge steps to have a great kid component of the event, We have a dedicated volunteer already rounding everything up and a PLAN!!! Last year we slipped in the kid area, and we would love the community to know that we know it and are correcting it.”
The organizers are asking that no pets be brought to the festival.
Please bring chairs/blankets/bug spray/small coolers for the event and there will be shuttles to the parking areas nearby.
New this year is the addition of another day with a switch of music genre.
“Sunday is a Gospel celebration and car show, Cory Bryars, spokesman for the Care To Share organization
Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, there will be biscuits with gravy, donuts, coffee, juice, pop, and water available until 1 p.m.
At 1 p.m. the gathering will hear local choir musicians, soloists, and piano musicians along with prayers, a Scripture reading, a speaker and testimonies of cancer survivors interspersed in the event.
The event will end at 2:30 p.m. and the car show will start in the park at 3 p.m.
The car show was Saturday last year, and there was no Sunday activity, Bryars said.
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
August 30, 2024 9:00 a.m.
A special meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission meeting room of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Call Meeting to Order
Flag Salute
Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(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
The Dare to Dream: Collective Impact event occurs from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Fort Scott Community College’s Ellis Center, 2108 S. Horton. Check-in begins at 8 am.
Fort Scott Community College Bailey Hall.
Women business owners can be inspired and network with like-minded people during the event. Provided for attendees is a free lunch and child care.
“Our event kicks off with a dynamic pre-conference session on “The Entrepreneurial Mindset,” setting the stage for a day of inspiration and collaboration,” according to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
The event will allow women to converse with like-minded individuals during the networking event, forging connections that extend beyond the conference, according to Jody Love, President and Chief Executive Officer for HBCAT.
Jody Love. Submitted photo.
The main event features a keynote address and a variety of breakout sessions tailored to diverse interests, ensuring a customized and enriching experience, according to Love.
Mary Ricketts is the keynote speaker.
Turning Point CEO and founder, Mary Ricketts, began her leadership path in 1990 in the telecommunications industry, according to a press release from HBCAT. Her natural coaching and leadership abilities led her to increased leadership responsibilities in the telecommunications space, and eventually into insurance and financial wellness.
Partnering with John Maxwell’s team helped her sharpen her training and development abilities.
Turning Point Training and Development was founded in 2019 in response to requests from community partners that needed a professional and experienced resource to ensure organizational success.
“We understand the importance of accessibility, which is why we provide complimentary lunch and free childcare, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this empowering journey,” she said.
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach) Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, Alexa Ellis, Kyser Nemecek, Reegan McDaniel, Emery Yoho, Tate Crystal, Marley Sutton, MaKinlee Bloesser, and Jewel Endicott, (Byron Fry not pictured).
The Southwind Extension District 4-H members delivered a remarkable performance at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes held on August 17-18 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. In an unprecedented achievement, the Southwind team won four separate state contests, solidifying their status as the 2024 Champion State 4-H Sweepstakes Team.
The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, and Byron Fry. These 4-H members, hailing from Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and livestock skills throughout the competition.
The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests, with scores blended to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners. The Southwind team emerged victorious in all four contests, a first in the history of the event, and were named the Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the Southwind 4-H members.
The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, which began with a qualifying exam. Southwind #3 (Crystal, Nemecek, McDaniel, Fry) won four matches to claim the title of Champion Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (Sutton, Shadden, Yoho, K. Bloesser) also performed admirably, finishing as the 6th best team.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #3 (McDaniel, Crystal, Yoho, Nemecek) dominated, winning 1st in Sheep, 1st in Cattle, 4th in Hogs, 1st in Reasons, and earning the title of Champion Team Overall for the second consecutive year. The team is now qualified to compete at the American Royal this fall. Individual highlights include:
Reegan McDaniel – 5th in Reasons, 5th in Cattle, 3rd in Swine, 5th Overall; Kyser Nemecek – 4th in Reasons, 2nd in Sheep, 8th Overall; Tate Crystal – 8th in Reasons, 4th in Sheep, 9th Overall; Emery Yoho – 7th in Cattle
The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #3 (Sutton, Fry, Shadden, Crystal) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance in Retail Identification (1st), 5th in Placings and 6th in Reasons. 59 Senior Individuals and 13 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #1 (K. Bloesser, McDaniel, M. Bloesser, Nemecek) were 4th in Placings, 7th in Reasons, 3rd in Retail ID and 4th Team Overall. Southwind #2 (Yoho, Ellis, Endicott) were 10th in Reasons, 9th in Retail ID, 9th Team Overall. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:
Marley Sutton – 2nd in Retail ID, 3rd Individual Overall; Hailey Shadden – 4th in Retail ID
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and demonstrating proper cattle breeding techniques. Out of 29 teams and 154 individuals, Southwind #3 (Crystal, McDaniel, Nemecek, Shadden) once again emerged as the Champion Team Overall, excelling in both the Exam and Practicum components. Southwind #1 also performed well, securing a place among the top teams. Individual Skillathon results include:
Reegan McDaniel – 1st in Exam, 1st in Practicum, High Individual Overall; Tate Crystal – 4th in Exam, 3rd in Practicum, 3rd Overall; Emery Yoho – 2nd in Exam, 9th Overall; Hailey Shadden – 6th in Exam, 7th in Practicum, 7th Overall
This historic sweep is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of the Southwind 4-H members, who pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District extends its gratitude to the parents, supporters, coaches and past team members for their continued support and guidance.
__________________________
K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
