Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 20, 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
• Susan Bancroft – Road Closure
• Bill Martin – Vehicles
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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.
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Fall – Time to Tidy Up, Store Summer Bulbs and Plan for Next Year
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
The change from summer to fall – I always look forward to it. However, the drought conditions this fall doesn’t have me very excited. I typically enjoy decorating with some mums and pumpkins, but I’m dragging my feet on it this year because I dread the thought of keeping the mums watered. We need rain so bad! But, fall does bring the time to do some tidying up around the home, storing summer bulbs, and yes – making plans for a better growing season next year.
Don’t forget to dig your summer flowering bulbs and store those that will not survive Kansas winters. Bulbs such as gladiolus, caladium, dahlia, tuberous begonia, calla lily, and canna lily need to be dug and stored so they can be planted next year.
All of these plants should be dug after frost has browned the foliage. They should be allowed to dry for about a week in a shady, well-ventilated site such as a garage or tool shed. Any excess soil should be removed. The bulbs should be packed away in peat moss or perlite. When packing, make sure the bulbs don’t touch each other. That way if one decays, the rot won’t spread onto neighboring bulbs. Dusting the bulbs with fungicide before storing will help prevent them from rotting.
Caladium should be stored between 50 and 60 degrees F. The rest of the bulbs mentioned should be stored near 40 degrees. Finding a good storage spot may be tricky. A basement wall away from a furnace is often a good location.
As for spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, allium) fall is the time to establish into the landscape. Planting this fall may be a bit tricky with the extremely dry soil. If we can catch some decent rainfall, consider planting right after that.
It is also time to fertilize spring-flowering bulbs. With an established bulb bed that has been fertilized in the past, there is probably plenty of phosphorus and potassium present in the soil to grow the plants next spring. If you’re not sure, take a soil test. A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 9-9-6 at the rate of 2.5 pounds per 100 square feet should be used if the soil needs phosphorus and potassium. This would also equal 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot.
While you’re out and about in your yard this fall fertilizing bulbs, you may want to take the time to clean up the iris beds as well. Iris are known for a couple of very common problems: a fungus known as iris leaf spot and an insect named iris borer.
Though both cause problems in the spring, now is the time to start control measurers. Both the fungus and eggs of the borer overwinter on old, dead leaves. Removing iris leaves and other landscape debris from the iris bed this fall will significantly reduce problems next spring.
On a side not away from flowers, thinking ahead to October – it is a good time to plant garlic if you want large cloves next summer. The soil should be fertilized before planting with three pounds of a 10-10-10 fertilizer, per 100 square feet, and mixed into the soil. Cloves should be planted point up and spaced three inches apart and one to two inches deep. The larger the clove planted, the larger the bulb for harvesting next summer. Once planted, water in well and mulch with straw to conserve soil warmth and encourage good establishment. The garlic will be ready for harvest next summer when most of the foliage has browned.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Do You Know A Health Champion?
The Governor’s Council on Fitness is seeking nominations for its annual Health Champion Award program. This recognizes those community champions across the state who work hard to improve the health and wellness of your community.
“We are seeking individuals AND organizations that go above and beyond for the health and well-being of communities, residents or worksites,” Jody Hoener, said. “Please consider nominating today!”
Hoener was appointed by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Fitness board.
“This year I am the chair for the awards committee,” she said. “I am a previous honoree of this award as well.”
What does this champion look like?
Any Organization or Business: Anything from a company that takes pride in its robust workplace wellness program to a city municipality that prioritizes complete streets and active infrastructure. We want to hear about that non-profit who feeds the hungry, or the school who implements a vaping prevention program.
Anyone: A public official, a community leader, a concerned citizen, a health or human serve worker, or a volunteer who works hard to improve the quality of life for residents.
Community First: Whether it’s an organization or an individual, these champions think of the greater good first; they’re committed to making things better for everyone.
Candidates will be selected based on their exemplary work to promote the health and wellness of Kansans. Individual and organizational awards will be presented at the Community Health Promotion Summit held on January 26, 2023, in Wichita, KS.
There is a champion in all of us, nominate an individual or an organization today! Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.
For easier access to the form, here is a direct link: http://www.getactivekansas.org/Documents/Health_Champion_Nomination_Form_2023.pdf
or visit http://www.getactivekansas.org/gcof.html or contact Alyssa Nava at [email protected].
or contact Jody Hoener
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
President and CEO
104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
1-620-215-2892 Mobile
[email protected]
HBCAT.org
Heart of FCE Award: Doris Ericson
Heart of FCE Award
Doris Ericson, rural Hiattville, has been notified that she is the State winner of the Heart of FCE Award for 2021.
She was nominated by the Starlite FCE (Family and
Community Education) and represented Bourbon County.
After winning the District level, Doris was then declared winner at the State level. She will receive the state award for the
Heart of FCE at the October KAFCE State Conference in Newton, Kansas, October 3-5, 2022.
Doris Ericson has lived in Bourbon County since 1957. In 1962 she and her late husband Henry bought a farm, Cloverdale Angus, at Hiattville. Doris and Henry have six children who were members of the Hiattville 4-H Club. The first one entered 4-H in 1964
with the last child entering in 1980. 4-H was a major part of the children’s upbringing.
Their projects were livestock, cooking and sewing. Mom and dad were involved supporters of the 4-H program. Doris was a sheep leader for many years. If there was a 4-H event in the county the Ericson family was represented.
In 1990 Doris and Henry were inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Homemaker group for their Extension, Agriculture and Community involvement.
In 2007 the Ericsons were awarded the title of “4-H Family of the Year”, in the State of Kansas.
Whatever happens in Hiattville, Doris is always ready to help. Building a fire station was one of the biggest projects. They provided food and labor. Doris and Henry were honored for their community service by being selected to be parade marshals for
the Hiattville Homecoming.
Doris joined the Bourbon County Garden Club after she became a Master Gardener. She says she has weeded, watered, and planted all around the pool of Fort Scott. She has helped beautify Heritage Park and downtown Fort Scott, filling planters and hanging baskets and taking her turn at weeding and deadheading the plants to make
sure they stayed healthy.
Doris volunteered to manage the dining room at the Bourbon County Fair. She bought supplies and ran errands. Cooking, making the early coffee and setting out things for the 4-H club that had breakfast duty; she was always busy. She held this
position for over 20 years. As a member of the Starlite FCE, Doris helps to clean and set up before the Fair. She has worked in the Prepared Foods Division for over 30 years,
entering exhibits and assisting the judge. She represents the FCE at the baked goods sale. This money funds the County FCE scholarship. For over 40 years Doris has taken entries to the Bourbon County Fair. She has collected many top ribbons and awards.
When the Fair closes Doris can be found helping to clean and put things up for next year.
Doris joined the Hiatville EHU in 1967. She was President and Secretary and then back to President when it dissolved in 1981. Joining The Starlite FCE in Fort Scott, she has been president twice , and in her words, “treasurer forever.” She is currently the
County Council representative and treasurer. For more than 45 years she has presented a lesson at the meetings. Doris takes an active part in the projects and meetings of the Starlite FCE donating her time and talents. She never misses an FCE gathering and
especially enjoys attending the Fall Follies and Spring Tea.
Doris is a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church of Savonburg. She has served on the church board two times, and belongs to the womens’ organization,
Doris is an active member and helps make quilt tops and tie quilts for the Lutheran World Relief. Her group of 4 women made and sent 15-20 quilts last year.
I am proud to present Doris Ericson, my neighbor of 53 years, for the Heart of FCE Award. She is a full time mother, farmer’s wife, and helper to anyone in need. She has done house and farm chores, raised children, and worked livestock, worked in the fields,
and then fed the harvest crews. Doris is always working. She is dedicated to her church ,family and community. She is a woman worthy of the Heart of FCE Award.
Submitted by :
Glenda Miller
President
Starlite FCE
1236 Fern Rd.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
[email protected]
620-547-2401
Family and Consumer Week is Oct. 13-19
KAFCE WEEK – October 13-19, 2022
What is KAFCE you ask ? Kansas Association for Family and
Community Education. FCE was founded in 1936 under the name of
National Home Demonstration Council (HDU) during an international women’s conference held in Washington D.C. It became the driving force in providing rural women with education in basic life skills.
Today FCE continues to stress education, concerns of family and
communities.
This organization worked to promote public opinion for investing
funds to establish public health services, County Health Departments.
In the 1940s members prepared hot meals and took them to local classrooms.
They worked to raise public awareness to establish a school lunch
program.
Fostering rural reading programs, members took carloads of books into rural communities and supported bookmobiles.
Using easy to understand and easy to teach lessons named , “The
Hearth Fire Series,” rural women learned about a variety of topics ranging from consumer issues such as buying safe food, to health lessons, learning about mammograms and the pap test, to public policy areas, the Judicial System, to media awareness topics.
FCE is a recognized leader in the areas of children. The
organization was a force in getting rating symbols displayed at the
beginning of television programs. Addressing media sources – video
games, the internet, music, books, magazines, etc. – FCE tries to help
parents make purchasing and viewing choices appropriate for
their children by educating adults and youth to the pros and cons of
various media sources that the youth are exposed to in the 21st
Century – books, video games, cyberspace, music, movies, cell
phones and sexting.
FCE also works to instill values in elementary children to
build and promote character using storybooks to teach children
character values. Volunteers present these lessons in the schools at
the fourth grade level.
Leadership through education is the key, volunteerism is the
means. The mission of the FCE – past, present and future – connects
with families. FCE looks to the future to empower women to change
their lives, their families and their communities for the better with
three main goals in mind:
CONTINUING EDUCATION
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP
COMMUNITY ACTION
Kansas FCE Creed
I believe in the principles of the Kansas Association for Family
and Community. Education which strives to promote a better way of
life for all families and communities in making the world a better place in which to live. Through leadership, may we have pride in our role as volunteer educators, be conscious of the needs of others, and be strengthened by our unity.
There are 82 Family and Community Units in the Southwind
District. Two of these units are in Bourbon County – Starlite FCE,
which meets at 2:00 on the third Thursday of each month in the
Yeager Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds (for more
information call Glenda Miller 620-547-2401) and Thursday Night Live FCE, which meets at 5:30 on the third Thursday of the month at
various locations (for more information call Lori Nelson
620-215-9373.) An educational lesson is presented at each meeting,
with refreshments and lots of good fellowship.
Come join us! Consider this your invitation to drop in and find
out for yourself what FCE is all about. Join with us as we strive to
strengthen families, through continuing education, leadership
development and community action. We welcome you !
Flu Shot Drive-Through Sept. 17 at CHC
CHC/SEK-FORT SCOTT SCHEDULES SATURDAY SEPT. 17 DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC
By getting a flu shot now, you can protect yourself and your family and friends!
Flu season is coming, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is offering a “drive-thru” flu shot clinic on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9AM – 2 PM. The event will be held in the parking lot at 2322 S. Main Street, the future location of CHC/SEK’S new clinic, presently under construction.
The drive-through flu clinic is recommended for everyone six-months of age and older, because it effectively decreases flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants. It only takes a few minutes to get vaccinated. To help keep the vaccination line moving, please wear clothing where your shoulder is easily exposed.
By getting a flu shot now, you will protect yourself and your family and friends!
Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it is just as important to contain the virus, which means staying home when you are sick.
Flu shots are also available at all CHC/SEK clinics on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
###
Local 4-Hers Win Third Place at Kansas State Fair Crops Judging
Southwind District 4-H Crops Judging Team Wins 3rd Place at the Kansas State Fair
On Saturday , September 10, 4-H’ers from the Southwind District 4-H program participated in the Kansas State Fair Crops Judging Contest. They competed as both individuals and as a team in the Senior Division. The participants were Carly Kramer, Abigail Meiwes, Henry Kramer, and Kason Botts. Carly and Abigail are seniors and to make a senior team, Henry and Kason agreed to judge in the older division. These members did a great job at the contest winning as the 3rd place team. Individually, Carly Kramer was 8th, Abigail Meiwes was 10th, Henry Kramer was 11th, and Kason Botts received 21st. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers!
Pictured left to right: Carly Kramer, Abigail Meiwes, Henry Kramer, and Kason Botts.
Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation 3rd Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic Results
Saturday, September 10th was a perfect day for the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to hold their 3rd Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic. Our 2021 tournament was canceled due to a COVID outbreak, but this year we had no problem. The Tournament was held at the beautiful Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott. It was fantastic golfing weather; the day started in the 60’s but quickly warmed to 80’s.
Play began at 9 am with 19 teams. Prizes were given out to 1st and 2nd places in A, B, and C Flights. The winners were: A Flight 1st Place went to the team of Tarrell Vann, Danny Brown, Jarod Brad, and Tim Bradbury; A Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Michael Harper, Shawn Marshall, Travis Schilling, and Chris Harper; B Flight 1st Place went to the team of Trentyn Moore, Tim Moore, Brett Scott, and Mark Bruder; and B Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Dustin Hall, Matt Wheeler, Clint Lawrence, and Ryan; C Flight 1st Place went to the team of Wally Maples, Mike Prince, Jake Scott, and Michael Hatcher; and C Flight 2nd place went to the team of Marcus Alexander, Michael Alexander, Larry Alexander, and Landon Bennett.
Along with the two flights, prizes were handed out for the Longest Drive which went to Steve Sewell and Closest to the Pin which went to Dustin Fowler. Players were also given the opportunity to try their chances with the “Trouble” Hole in One game on hole 11.
At the end of the tournament, door prizes were given out to several lucky golfers. The door prizes included: garden decor and gift bag from Heidrick’s True Value, coffee mugs and ballcaps courtesy of Kale Nelson State Farm, and Gift Certificates to G & W, Miller Feed, The Butcher Block, Sharky’s, Luther’s BBq and tickets to Grand Country Music Hall in Branson courtesy of Fort Scott Broadcasting.
Along with the door prizes, a silent auction was held for a fire pit courtesy of Niece Products of Fort Scott.
All money raised from the event goes toward the Foundation’s mission of providing quality and affordable homes for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the eight counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
“Without the generosity of our communities, this fun event could not have been held. Thank you to all the golfers who participated as well as to our event sponsors: corporate, hole, and in-kind. This tournament would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to Heartland HomeCare; Ashcraft Pest Control; Atkins Insurance; Bourbon County Cars; Brigg’s Auto of Fort Scott; Cheney Witt Chapel; Don’s Spirits and Wines, LLC; Diehl, Banwart, & Bolton; H & H Agency; Heidrick True Value; Kansas Teacher’s Community Credit Union; Konantz-Cheney Chapel; John & George Masterson; Medicalodge of Fort Scott; Mertz Tax Service; Microtronics; Peerless Products; SEK Financial; Stewart Realty Co; Young’s Welding; and Wise Accounting. It is friends like you that allow us to provide services to our neighbors with I/DD and to help them achieve the quality of life they seek. Thank you.” stated Special Projects Coordinator, Tricia Campbell.
Arkansas Family Purchases Safe Valley Outfitters
Craig Whitmire and his son, Caleb, have been coming to Safe Valley Outfitters, Uniontown, since 2015 to hunt.
Craig is a businessman and farmer from Strawberry, Arkansas.
He and his son liked it so much they came every year since, Craig said.
The Whitmire’s purchased the business from Ron Eldridge and Terry Kirby in January 2022.
“We feel fortunate to purchase it,” Craig said.
For those who don’t know, a hunter outfitting business provides equipment, supplies and guides for hunting trips, according to Webster Merriam Dictionary.
Caleb takes the hunters to the sites on the approximately 8,200 acres they have leased from local landowners for hunting.
“I show them where they (the wild game) are and let them have at it,” he said.
“The landowners and farmers are a vital part of the success of this business,” Caleb said.
Caleb gets help from his brothers-in-law, Will Smith and Tyler Murphy to prepare the land for hunting.
Craig has three daughters ranging in age from 25 to six years old.
“Caleb and the boys (son’s-in law) do scouting, they put up blinds, tree stands and cameras and put out corn (for the deer),” Craig said.
Whitmire said the family business is contributing to the local economy.
“We buy corn from local guys,” Craig said
They also have a bank account in town, eat in local eateries in Bronson and Fort Scott, which also adds to the local economy, he said. They will also pay taxes on the several buildings on the property site, on Uniontown’s square.
The Whitmires are farmers, and Strawberry, Arkansas is about the size of Uniontown, both with a population 300 people Craig said.
Whitmire has several other businesses.
“We run 1.2 million broiler chickens through the year,” Craig said. “We are contract growers through Poultry Egg Company.”
He also has a commercial hay business and a chicken litter business and in addition, a fabrication shop.
But the father and son enjoy hunting and are looking forward to having a successful outfitters business in Kansas.
First Hunt This Season
They had their first Youth Hunt starting on Labor Day.
A Kansas Youth Hunt is for 17 year olds and younger, who possess a valid deer permit and may hunt while under the immediate supervision of an adult 18 or older, according to Kansas Wildlife and Parks online information.
“We had seven hunters with their dads,” Craig said. “From our hometown area in Arkansas.”
They will have hunts until December, then turkey hunting season starts in April-May, he said.
They have packages for archery, muzzle loader, and rifle hunts that include lodging, meals and the guide service.
The lodge has six recently-remodeled bedrooms and an on-site processing building for hanging up the deer for butchering, Craig said.
The Whitmires purchased the building just north of the lodge for a home while they are here running the business.
Craig and wife, Reina, along with Caleb’s wife, Kortni are the cooks for the groups. Caleb and Kortni were married this last March.
Parts of the family will live on-site during the hunting seasons.
Upcoming hunters are coming from Alabama, New Jersey, Mississppi, Louisiana and Georgia, Craig said.
Most of their clientele have heard of the business through their Facebook page and some are repeat clientele.
“This area is a premier hunting location,” Craig said. “The area has a potential for trophy white tail deer. The ratio between bucks and does is really good.”
“The deer are bigger here,” Caleb said.
Contact information: 870.844.1898.
Spyder: Informational Sessions Offered
Come learn about Spyder!
Spyder will be hosting information sessions open to the general public to learn about Spyder and how we will help the Fort Scott/Bourbon County community. We invite you to see our offices and learn what we are all about.
These 45 min sessions are informational only with light refreshments served. We have limited seats (12 per session) so interested people may reach out to [email protected] to reserve your seat.
Session dates & times:
Thursday, Sept 29th 11am & 1pm
Friday, Sept 30th noon
Location: Spyder Headquarters – 102 W. 2nd St, Fort Scott (DMV building)
What we will discuss:
Who are we?
What do we do?
Why are we important to the community?
How can we assist the community to attract a hospital?
How will we impact the local economy?
| www.spyderloop.com | Nedra Barr
CEO at Spyder, Inc (816) 820-8579 (voice / text) |
Southwind District Compete at Hutchinson
Southwind Extension District 4-H members from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson County’s competed Sunday, September 11 at the Kansas State Fair Photography Judging Contest in Hutchinson.
The intermediate team included Jackson Han, Austin Maycumber, Derek Jones, and Jeremiah Jones placed 8th in the state.
The senior team included Abigail Meiwes, Grant Stockebrand, Josiah Stockebrand, and Judah Stockebrand placed 8th in the state.
They were accompanied by their coach Terri Kretzmeier.
Friday Night Free Concert: A Local Trio
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by a musician-friends trio, Ralph Carlson, Stephan Moses, and Carolyn Tucker. The program will feature vocal and instrumental music of southern gospel, country, blues, songs of Elvis, and Latin-American light-classical tunes. Carlson provides harmony and keeps the rhythm on Martin acoustic guitar, Moses sings and plays Gretsch electric lead guitar, and Tucker provides vocals and fills in the gaps on keys.
“All three of us began studying music as youngsters. When you combine our years of playing experience, it’s 191! Through the years, we have all played individually in church, our communities, and diverse venues,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We appreciate the opportunity to play for the loyal folks who attend this seasonal Friday event. Bring a neighbor and join your friends for a fun evening.”
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The event is free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.