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Category Archives: Bourbon County
December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Ascension Via Christi will cease operations at its emergency department in Fort Scott on Wednesday, Dec. 20. This decision was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility.
Over the past several years, a multidisciplinary team that includes Ascension Via Christi clinical and operational leaders have been working together to understand the current operating environment at the Emergency Department in Fort Scott. This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census. These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.
“After exploring the options available, it was clear that this was the only option for us. There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities. These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Ascension Via Christi is committed to supporting associates, patients and community members through this transition.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for December 18
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 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- 2023 Budget Amendment Hearing
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
- Heartland Member Application
- REDI Gala
- Future Meetings
The Commission will reconvene at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd at 6:00 p.m.
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/11/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,776.36
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $448,457.08
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Lamb and Cattle Show is March 2024
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Canceled for This Evening
The special meeting of the Bourbon County Commission on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 has been cancelled due to the unavailability of multiple individuals.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for a Special Meeting on December 13 at 402 Woodland Hills Blvd.
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
December 13, 2023 5:30 p.m.
A special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on December 13, 2023 at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- 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.
Elected Officials for the New Year Will be Sworn-In This Month
Those elected in the last November election will be sworn in sometime in December, because of their duties starting in January, said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.
Also in January, the Bourbon County Commission will choose a chairman for the year amongst themselves, she said.
This year the county elections were done on newly purchased election equipment, Hawkins said, with few glitches.
“We had a representative from the company on site, Clear Ballot, of Boston, Massachusetts,” she said.
The prior county clerk purchased all new equipment before she resigned, Hawkins said.
The following are the newly elected officials from the November 7, 2023 election:
For the City of Fort Scott Commission: Tracy Dancer, Matthew Wells, and Dyllon Olson.
For the Bronson City Council: Michael Stewart, Christy O’Brien, and Kayla Greenway.
As Mayor of Fulton: Misty Adams
On the Fulton City Council: Lawrence Paddock, Ronald Marsh, and Stephanie Smith.
On the Uniontown City Council: Danea Esslinger, Bradley Stewart, and Mary Pemberton.
On the the Redfield Council: L.D. Morrison, Brandy Corriston and Mel Hunt.
On the Mapleton Council, Michael Hueston, Tayler Northcutt* and Woody Brown*.
*These candidates were chosen by lot on November 20, 2023
to break a three-way tie, with the Bourbon County Chairman Jim Harris pulling a name out of a hat, supervised by the county clerk, she said.
For the Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education:
Position 1: James Wood
Position 2: Mike Miles
Position 3: Doug Hurd
At-large: Stewart Gulager
For the Uniontown USD235 Board of Education:
Position 1: Troy Couchman
Position 2: Rhonda Hoener
Position 3: Seth Martin
At-Large: Matt Kelly
For the Southwind Extension District: Trent Johnson and Deb Lust.
For the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees: Ronda Bailey, Douglas Ropp, and Chad McKinnis.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for December 4
December 4, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Vance Eden, Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Mary Pemberton, Anne Dare, and Rachel Walker 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.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of payroll totaling $287,844.75, approval of accounts payable totaling $430,050.06, and approval of minutes from 11/27/23. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
During public comments Clint Walker stated his daughter had an accident near Uniontown and thanked Bourbon County EMS, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Rural Fire for their quick response to the scene. Mr. Walker also questioned the process of counting provisional ballots. Jennifer Hawkins, County clerk and Election Officer, stated the canvass was published in the newspaper for any of the public who would like to attend and view the process of counting the provisional ballots by the Board of County Canvassers. Due to a three-way-tie for the Mapleton Council race there had to be another meeting of the Board of County Canvassers, which was also published in the newspaper, to determine by lot the winners of that race and to finalize the General Election. Michael Hoyt stated he saw the notices of the meeting of the Board of County Canvassers in the newspaper and did not attend the first meeting, but attended the final meeting where the tie was broken. Mr. Hoyt said he had multiple questions that evening and the County Clerk answered them all and explained processes to him. Mr. Hoyt discussed the Juneteenth holiday and told the Commissioners he felt they were on the cusp of a problem to not observe the Juneteenth holiday. Anne Dare asked about the tax statements and questioned if there was a state statute mandating when they have to be mailed. Patty Love, Treasurer, said she received her numbers late from the Clerk and the statements were mailed on November 30th and by statute they do not have to be mailed until December 15th. Anne stated that no matter who she talks to they always pass the buck. Anne asked for an update on the emergency room. Rob Harrington discussed meetings that have taken place between the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Brad Matkin, himself, and Justin Meeks regarding Timken and how the State is trying to work on a solution to keep them in Fort Scott. Mr. Harrington said the Lieutenant Governor’s office asked for a small committee and that they won’t be able to comment on Facebook, but will come and update the Commissioners as he has information.
Vance Eden, Superintendent of USD 235, met with the Commissioners to ask for a letter of support for a grant they are applying for. Mr. Eden stated this is an 85/15 grant with Covid relief funds through the Department of the Treasury. Mr. Eden stated a few components of the grant are childcare, broadband, and workforce development. Mr. Eden explained the 4-year-old at risk program and stated with the grant they would be able to move to a full day and would have the room in a new facility to accommodate 3 year olds as well. Moving the current fitness room and case management offices for the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Communities in School representatives to the new facility was also discussed. Mr. Eden stated they don’t know an exact dollar amount as they are still working with an architect but estimate the total project being 3 ½- 41/2 million dollars with USD 235’s portion being paid from lease purchase. Clifton made a motion to support USD 235 with their grant opportunity and that all Commissioners sign a letter of support. Nelson seconded the motion with discussion. Nelson questioned not knowing the final cost to be able to state what USD 235’s 15% match would be. Mr. Eden stated the top range would be $600,000 paid over 10 years. Nelson asked if they would be able to do the match without raising taxes and Mr. Eden stated they could. All Commissioners approved the motion and signed the letter of support.
Jim made a motion to move Public Works Department updates to after Justin Meeks on the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton questioned the Contribution Agreement with Hinton Creek and stated she was not speaking against the project as she felt there could be great benefits within the county. Mary asked the Commissioners if they would use the PILOT funds from the solar farms to lower taxes. Jim stated he would like to use a percentage but cannot commit to all as it is only for 10 years. Clifton said if he ran and won, he would love to see 60-70% be used to lower the mill levy but they don’t know for sure how much we will receive in PILOT funds. Nelson stated he would love to but hates to commit to something we can’t guarantee. Mary said her main concern is the process and asked if the Commissioners took an active role or if Justin and Rob were the only ones negotiating. Jim stated Clifton was involved in the process. Mary asked if anybody did research on what the PILOT was and Jim stated he fully understood what was going on. Mary stated the contract says it can be in multiple layers at the developer’s discretion and questioned the total of 400 MW. Jim stated it will be 400-600 MW. Mary said she did research and was able to gather numbers from projects in Michigan and that those PILOTS are $2500-$4000 per MW and questioned why we settled for $1500 per MW? Clifton stated they didn’t have to pay us anything that they didn’t even have to notify us they planned on building. Jim agreed and stated that Heartland didn’t let us know they were building a solar farm and that since we aren’t zoned, they don’t have to. Jim thanked Rob and Justin for negotiating since we could have received nothing. Nelson asked Mary if the places with the solar farms in other states she was discussing were zoned. Mary stated she did not check for solar but stated with the wind projects most weren’t zoned. Jim said we could have received nothing but negotiations started at $900 per MW and we were able to get $1500 per MW. Mary asked when Next Era approached about this and Rob stated it was over a year ago.
Susan Walker, CFO, stated it is the time of year that we need to adjust a few budgets and that most are due to revenue coming in over what was anticipated. Susan requested permission to publish in the newspaper a notice for a budget amendment hearing to be held on December 18th at 5:30. Clifton made a motion to allow Susan to publish the budget amendment 2023 notice in the newspaper. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a letter submitted by the Marmaton Township notifying the Commissioners of the passing of Wilma Graham who was their Treasurer. The Marmaton Township board met and are requesting that Janice Fewins be appointed to fulfill Wilma’s term. Clifton made a motion to appoint Janice Fewins to the Marmaton Township Treasurer to fulfill Wilma Graham’s term. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks requested three executive sessions.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:20. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:20 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under 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 to include Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe, Justin Meeks, Eric Bailey, and Matt Quick and will return at 6:37. Jim seconded the motion and he and Nelson approved. Clifton Beth abstained. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 6:37 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and he and Jim approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated he was put on noticed by Mrs. Beth that they would like to us to pull out of the quarry. Eric recommended respecting her wishes of nullifying the contract and pulling out of the quarry. Jim made a motion to accept Eric Bailey’s recommendation to nullify the contract with Beth Quarry. Nelson seconded the motion and he and Jim approved. Clifton abstained.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for a third executive session for Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-mnute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Eric Bailey, and Matt Quick and will return at 6:47. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:47 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert approval form from last month and stated the fuel report will be emailed. Eric presented a risk avoidance grant that KCAMP emailed him. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the risk avoidance grant with Eric Bailey. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are surveying the roads for Blackberry Transmission line to replace electric lines. Eric said they are out taking pictures and that a county employee is with them. Eric stated they are finishing up mowing and hauling rock to some soft spots due to recent moisture. Eric said he and Dustin Hall will be attending the Kansas Association of Counites meeting this week in Wichita and that Chad will be in charge while they are gone.
During Commission comments Jim asked Clifton to give an ER update. Clifton stated the Emergency Room is going to close on December 20th and they are still pursuing every avenue to have and ER but it goes back to licensing issues. Clifton stated the legislatures and the state are aware but there are federal regulations and that there cannot be a stand-alone ER unless 35 miles from the “parent” parent location. The 2020 date for REH may be moved back to 2018 but again goes back to federal regulations. Clifton said they have been in contact with more than one organization. Jim said Clifton has been in contact with those in Washington to try to make things happen. Jim stated we’re working 24/7 to try to make this happen. Clifton agreed and said there are no less than 15 people in the industry working on this on a daily basis. Clifton questioned where the lack of respect has come from regarding public outbursts stating you can’t raise your voice in the stands during meetings in Topeka or you will get kicked out and asked why we allow it. Clifton said he is tired of it and has put up with it for three years. Clifton stated he wouldn’t vote to take away public comments but, in his opinion, you should be asked to leave and not come back in the future. Jim said he gives stiff warning tonight and to sign up for public comments to speak.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, reminded the Commissioners of the holiday dinner that will be held on Friday. Clifton made a motion that all three Commissioners may attend a holiday dinner for our employees on Friday and no business will be conducted. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
12-11-2023 Approved Date
REDI Gala Is Planned for December 30
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Amended Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission Meeting Today at 5:30 p.m.
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.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/4/2023
- Public Comments
- Special Guest-Senator Tim Shallenburger
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director- Information for the Community
- Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Help Count Birds for Science during the 124th Annual Christmas 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
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.
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.