Category Archives: Bourbon County

Help Count Birds for Science during the 124th Annual Christmas Bird Count

 

 

Credit Photo as: Tufted Titmouse. Photo: Michele Black/Great Backyard Bird Count

Fort Scott National Historic Site (park) and Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) are setting up a trial run for a new Christmas Bird Count “Circle” with the National Audubon Society.

The park and refuge invite birdwatchers to participate in the longest running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

Saturday, December 16, birders and nature enthusiasts should meet at the park’s Visitor Center in Fort Scott at 7:30 and/or 10 am. No experience is necessary to participate in the count.

 

Counts will be led by Fort Scott National Historic Site Park Ranger Jessica Nielsen and US Fish and Wildlife Visitor Services Coordinator Nova Clarke.

“Currently, there is no data being collected for the Christmas Bird Count in Bourbon County,” said Jessica Nielsen. “To establish a new count location, the Audubon Society recommends holding a trial count. This event will serve as Fort Scott National Historic Site’s trial run, with staff hoping to establish an official count for 2025.”

 

This year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone.

 

When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds, and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.

 

-NPS-

 

Salvation Army Needs Your Help To Help Those In Need

Fort Scott Fire Fighters bell ring for the Salvation Army at the Christmas on the Bricks, December 1, 2023, taken from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Facebook page.

All the money given to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers in our ,stays in Bourbon County to help those in need.

The needs provided: utility, rent, prescriptions, temporary lodging, gasoline for work/doctor appointments, eyeglasses, “basically financial aid,” Allen Schellack, Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, said.

“Since 2016, we are the service unit of the Salvation Army in Bourbon County,” he said.

“Things happen in life,” he said. “Someone has lost their job and never had a need before, or the death of the breadwinner in the family. I have clients who need gas to go to Pittsburg for a doctor’s appointment. They need proof of need (to receive help).”

He said there is a great need for volunteers to ring bells to raise funds for those needs,  stationed at the entrances of the local Walmart store.

“A lot of times there are just one to three people a day, somedays there is no one to bell ring,” Schellack said.”I can always use bell ringers.”

“Today I have a fifth-grade class from Eugene Ware (Elementary School) coming for an hour to Walmart,” he said. “Kiwanis has come in for a day to bell ring. Last week for two days,  one-half day each, the Fort Scott High School FFA came. That was good for us.”

Individuals, families, groups, and organizations have helped in the past.

“I would like for a group to come in and perform music (while bell ringing),” he said. “That would be neat.”

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center also offers free space heaters, blankets, bedding, towels, homeless/transient assist packs, Christmas for teens and families, and school supplies for middle/high school students as some of its outreaches.

To bell ring, calll Schellack at 620.223.2212.

If you would like to donate directly, a check can be sent to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 774, 2nd Floor Suite, Fort Scott, KS 66779, and write Salvation Army in the memo part of the check.

Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, at his desk in the outreach center at 26 N. Main, 2nd Floor Suite.

About the ministry:

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is a 501(C)3 volunteer organization. There is no paid staff. Services are provided through the generosity of local churches, grants, and community partners.

The ministry started in January 2014, under the name of My Father’s House. In October 2016 the ministry became a joint effort of community leaders and area churches and is sponsored by Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Among the services provided are family outreach services with CarePortal, homeless outreach services, hygienic services, medical supplies (diabetic and durable medical equipment), and fellowship.

 

 

  Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s First Annual Match Day Exceeds Expectations

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Match Day, raising an impressive $89,551 for 11 of its community funds.

The community’s response to the new fundraising event was truly incredible. FSACF pledged to match $25,000 in community donations this year, facilitated by a matching grant opportunity from the Patterson Family Foundation. The FSACF funds and organizations involved with the event received a total of $64,551 in community support. This shared generosity and dedication to Bourbon County and the Fort Scott area are set to make a lasting impact on the community!

“We appreciate the strong response from our community members and local businesses,” stated Craig Campbell, President of FSACF. “Their support has allowed us to provide funding for a range of initiatives that address important needs and contribute to the betterment of our community.”

Match Day proceeds will be distributed to:

  • Anna Fay Steele Memorial Fund
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group
  • First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment
  • Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment
  • Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment
  • John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Healthcare Fund
  • Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Fund
  • Shepherd Family Endowment Fund
  • Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation

The success of Match Day paves the way for an even more impactful Match Day 2024, slated for December 3rd. FSACF encourages everyone to mark their calendars and join the movement to amplify the power of giving back.

“We sincerely appreciate the trust and generosity extended to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Campbell remarked. “Working together, we can continue to create a lasting impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

To learn more about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and its philanthropic initiatives, please visit FSACF.com!

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for December 11

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

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

December 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/4/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Special Guest-Senator Tim Shallenburger
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Audit Proposals
  • Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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.

 

 

Uniontown City Council Minutes of the Special Meeting Held on November 27

A Special Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM.  Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM.  Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council Meeting on November 14

The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650.  Bid tabulation attached.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430

 

Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return

 

Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6,680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024.  Bid tabulation attached.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680

 

Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier.  She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%).  The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.

 

Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52.  Open meeting resumed at 8:52.  Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can.  They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely.  He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running.  He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking.  Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve.  We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace.  Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.

 

Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction.  102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush.  201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure.  The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue.  After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.

KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025

 

Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.

KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM.  She has registered to attend.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council.  He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St.  He will ask Animal Control to followup.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project – work is completed.  Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern.  Work is warranted until October 27, 2024.  Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.

 

Procurement Policy –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM

Uniontown City Council Meets on December 12 at 8 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Uniontown City Council will meet on December 12 at 8 p.m.

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

404 Washington repair followup

 

 

USD 235, Vance Eden –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Sewer issue at 100 Second St –

Water valve update –

Water Meter Replacement Plan –

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

SOS donation request

Zoom subscription renewal

LSLI update

LKM Economic Development Survey and services/resources

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

2024 CMB off premises renewal – Union Station

 

Procurement Policy –

 

Financial/Utility Software –

 

Employee Benefits – Health Insurance –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved

Attachments:

12-23 Informational items

2023 Financials – November

12-23 Fin & UB software – Tyler Tech

12-23 Fin & UB software – Munibilling

12-23 Fin & UB software – gWorks

12-23 Health Ins – KMIT

12-23 Health Ins – Chamber

12-23 Health Ins – KRWA

Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday December 9 at the Fairgrounds

 

The Bourbon County Fair Association’s 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is this Saturday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emelia Whiteacker is the organizer of the event for the fair board that raises funds for maintaining the fairgrounds year-round, said Addie Foster, one of the vendors.

Foster is a sister to Whiteacker and they have spice products to sell in their M M Flavor booth.

Leanna Leatherman, who had organized the event in the past, died earlier this year and the fair board asked Whiteacker to take over the duties, Foster said.

The event is in two buildings: the Cloverleaf Event Center and the Yaeger Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. The Yaeger Building is adjacent to the poultry building and the Cloverleaf is where meals are served during the fair.

There will be food,  clothing, crafts, and other possible Christmas present items to purchase.

Foster and her sister Emelia Whiteaker are the owners of MMM Flavor Shop which sells spices.

In addition,  Care to Share, a local helping organization for cancer survivors,  will have pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a baked potato bar available for purchase in the Cloverleaf Event Center.

Housed in the Yaeger Building will be Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen featuring:  Mrs. Claus’s Coffee Shop, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, Donna Jo’s Homemade Fudge, Peace Acres Freeze Dried Candy, and Mmm Flavor Shop.

The Cloverleaf Event Center will have vendors:  Locust Hill Lamancha Goat Milk Products, Sally Kraft, Tessie’s Trendy Nails-Color Street, Flying P Ranch, Write On, Bear’s Nectar LLC, Mary Kay-Lauren Wagner, Scentsy-Laken Brittain, Happy Little Candle Company, All Things Cute and Cuddle, On the Farm, Kitty’s Kitchen, Turkey Forge, Gyp and Jo, Cattywampus Creations, and Art by SueP.

Blue Dog Wine Co. will also be in the Cloverleaf Event Center with their locally made wines.

“There are more vendors this year with many hand-crafted items under $10 for the tight budgets,” Whiteacker said.

Wreaths Across America in Two Locations in Bourbon County in 2023

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

Two Bourbon County cemeteries will be a part of Wreaths Across America, a national program to honor U.S. Military Veterans with wreaths on their graves.

According to its website, the mission of Wreaths Across America (WAA) is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Volunteers work year-round to share this mission and inspire others to join.
Submitted graphic.
Diann Tucker is the WAA Location Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Tucker said for the last five years, there have been enough funds raised to place wreaths on all the veteran’s graves at the national cemetery.
A submitted graphic from Tucker telling of the speaker and the agenda for the ceremony.
“About 6,800 wreaths will be placed on December 16,” she said. “The ceremony starts at 10 a.m., immediately followed by the laying of the wreaths.”
“A youth group will be driving golf carts to pick up and take them back to their cars,” she said.
The Wreaths Across America transport truck will arrive from Columbia Falls, Maine, at 8 a.m. driven by a veteran.
“We can always use volunteers to off-load from the truck,” Tucker said.
Fundraising for the project is all year round.
“At $17 a wreath and 6,800 graves, it is $115,600 (in funds raised) this year,” Tucker said.
For more information contact Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700.
Uniontown Ruritan Club has initiated a project this year to place wreaths on the veterans in the Uniontown Cemetery.
“We began discussing this in the summer and a couple of months ago decided to move forward with it,” Mary Pemberton, spokesperson for the club said. “It is headed up by Mark Warren, Larry and Judy Jurgensen and myself.”
“Wreaths Across America started in 1992 in Arlington Cemetery and expanded from there,” Pemberton said. “Local cemeteries can participate as well. Funding is from donations and volunteers do the ceremony and lay the wreaths.”
The Uniontown ceremony will be on December 15 at 1:30 p.m.
“Schools gets out early that day and several students will help lay the wreaths,” Pemberton said. “The Uniontown High School band and choir will perform. Mark Warren will be the speaker.”
The names of the veterans will be read as the wreaths are laid.
“The public is invited and encouraged to attend,” Pemberton said.
“If any relative of a veteran in Uniontown Cemetery would like to lay the wreath on their vet’s grave they just need to let us know before to that.”
For more information contact Pemberton at 620-224-9654.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes  

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

December 6, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Billie Jo welcomed twenty members representing thirteen agencies.  She informed the members that the board had approved an expenditure for bicycles for the “Adopt-a-Child” program at Beacon.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP: The next Bourbon County Red Cross blood drive will be December 21 and 22 at Buck Run Community Center.  Sandy needs a few more volunteers.  Billie Jo will forward Sandy’s schedule to the membership; contact Sandy if you are available to help.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: In November Beacon had 325 families, including 11 new families, utilize services; they served a total of 749 people.  All 79 families for the Adopt-A-Child program have been adopted!
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: Always looking for partners to supply space for her nutrition programs.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis, CASA: These programs need volunteers!
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Tammy reviewed classes she is able to provide in Bourbon County; contact her if you have clients who would benefit from participating.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: There has been a change of appointment hours in the Fort Scott office:  Monday through Thursdays, 10 a.m. until 3p.m.  Walk-ins should come before or after those hours.  The Youth Summit was held in November with a few more than 150 young adults participating.  Chelsea Walker is the new Career Advisor; she will begin coming to the Fort Scott office soon.
  • Tess Watson: Tess’s program, based in Columbus, has recently expanded to include Bourbon County.  The program provides beds for children who are sleeping on the floor or on a couch.  To date, Tess has been able to provide 1500 beds for children.
  • Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant and Dee Dee LeFever, Greenbush Community Liaison, are in the process of planning a training event for the Early Childhood Coalition to be held in April alongside the Child Care Aware program. They will provide specific details at a later date.
  • Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health: They provide skilled nursing to clients in their homes; sixty of their present clients (30%) are in our Bourbon County area.
  • Travis Wilcoxsen, Angel Care Home Health: The focus right now is upper respiratory; they will serve patients with Covid.  Goal is to them better, off service, and back where they want to be.
  • Heather, Walker-Shepherd, CHC and USD 234:  Heather goes into the homes to work with the families in USD 234.  She is also a certified tobacco treatment specialist.
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Pre-School Center: She is a resource for the parent; she has begun screening for next year.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: Screenings are held every month; contact the Pre-School with referrals.

 

  1. Program:  CHC: Tobacco Cessation presented by Brenda, Stokes Lisa Wells, and Jennelle Knight

 

Tobacco usage for Bourbon County residents over eighteen years of age is much higher than the state average.  CHC offers individual and group programs to help participants free themselves from tobacco use and has recently been able to pilot these cessation classes in Bourbon County.  Jennelle is now able to train tobacco treatment specialists; all participants in her first class were Bourbon County residents.  CHC will soon be implementing a program, including the dangers of vaping, to work with students in the schools.  Their grant also allows CHC to work with employers to help them provide tobacco free work spaces. Currently, the programs have no fees if the participant’s insurance does not pay.  Often participants need to repeat the class in order to become completely tobacco free.  CHC patients are able to get low-cost or free medications to help the process so cost should not be a negative factor for the participants.

 

  1. Open Forum:
  • Billie Jo reminded members of the inclement weather policy; she will send a message before 9:00 a.m. if a General Meeting needs to be cancelled due to weather.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be January 3, 2024.
  • The program will be presented by Tess Watson on her bed project.

 

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for November 27

November 27, 2023                                                                                                            Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.

 

Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, Mary Pemberton, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 11/13/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clint Walker talked about the process of the canvass committee after an election and spoke of the process of how provisional ballots are counted. Mr. Walker spoke about a program he heard about on the radio that is for rural communities. Mary Pemberton spoke about the ER situation and questioned stationing an ambulance in the western part of the county and suggested expanding the ambulance service.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, says Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th  Street is now complete and the road is open. Eric stated they have had to rent a rubber tire roller for their chip and seal program and he has located a rubber tire roller for sale for $19,900. Eric stated that he could purchase for 36 months with 0% interest which would work with his budget. Eric said last year they rented a roller for a total of $6873.55. Eric said he has looked at used rubber tire rollers on Purple Wave but they have all sold for over $20,000. The rubber tire roller is a 2018, has 1578 hours, and is being sold by Berry Tractor. Jim stated it is very good price a no-brainer since our payment would be approximately what we have spent renting a roller. Eric stated he needs approval since it would be purchased with a contract. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to enter into a contract for 0% interest for 36 months for a Bomag 9Wl roller for $19,900. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Shepard Quarry for a blast. Eric presented a contract for the first engineering phase with Schwab Eaton for bridge 5.0-S.9 for the grant received from KDOT. Eric stated they would have to pay a total of $74,000 in match for the project of $916,000. Clifton made a motion to enter into a contract for engineering services for project # 5.0-S.9. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the motor graders have been delivered and the company will be here tomorrow to do some training on them. Eric asked permission to sell unit #9 and unit #36 on Purple Wave as those are the machines that are being replaced. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric #9 and #36 from the road grader fleet on Purple Wave to be sold. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they have plows and spreaders installed and the salt storage building is full in anticipation of winter weather. Jim asked if they still plan on applying brine and Eric said yes, but the conditions have to be right and if rain is in the forecast first they cannot. Eric informed Nelson that he spoke with the gentleman that Nelson requested him to at the previous meeting.

 

Amber Page, Deputy Clerk, stated Jennifer was ill and could not be here tonight. The Kansas Association of Counties meeting is next week, December 5-7, in Wichita and Amber questioned if the Commissioners still plan on having a meeting Monday evening. Jim stated he would like to have a meeting that night to have a budget amendment discussion. It was discussed and decided a meeting will be held next week as regularly scheduled.

 

During Commission comments Jim asked Susan and Justin into the meeting and said it was just one Commissioner speaking and that he would then get input from the other two. Jim stated that in the past Justin has worked on the handbook and then Susan worked on the handbook and that it seems like there has not been cooperation with elected officials on input for whatever reason and he said, as only one Commissioner speaking, that it is time to finish the employee handbook to meet what we need for the employees the Commissioners are in charge of or everybody, whatever the law says. Jim said this protects employees and us if we have any problems. Nelson said he would like to make it as simple as possible so that any employee can read and understand in 20 minutes. All three Commissioners agreed to finish the employee handbook. Jim said the City of Fort Scott has invited the County to a luncheon on December 8th. Susan said the county holiday dinner is on December 8th.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:53. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-4-2023                         Approved Date