Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah Resigns

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Lynne Oharah
Lynne Oharah resigned  from the Bourbon County Commission as the District 1 Commissioner on July 13, 2022.
“I served seven and one-half years as commissioner,” Oharah said. “I enjoyed being a commissioner and I feel we did a lot of good things. I want to thank all of my constituents for putting up with me…and I sincerely wish Bourbon County the best of luck in the future.”
The resignation came about because the commission could not find a person to fill the position of Bourbon County Medical Facility Director at the former Mercy Hospital building which the county now owns, Oharah said, so he applied. The facility now houses Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinic and Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, I Am Rehab and a beauty salon.
Oharah started as the new director on July 13, 2022.
“The reason I resigned was that we could not find anyone to fill the Bourbon County Medical Facility Director position,” he said. “Some of my background was managing central offices, telephone switching offices in Western Kansas, for 10 years. Larger offices in places like Dodge, Garden City, Scott City and Liberal. The medical facility is the same concept, just more regulations, so it’s a good fit.”
The facility is 177,00 square feet and there are two other employees who work to keep the building maintained.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinic, 401 Woodland Hills, just off Hwy. 69 south of Fort Scott.
Ascension Via Christi operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building.
The Bourbon County Republican Committee will meet on  Thursday, August  4 from 6 to 8 p,m.  at the Empress center, 7 N. Main St. to decide on a new county commissioner.
“Voting is by committee members, one man and one woman from from the 18 different precincts,” Mark McCoy, chairman, said. “We will select one person that night and send to the governor’s office for approval. To be eligible the candidate must reside in the first commission district and be a member of the Republican Party.”
The first district is north and west of Fort Scott to the Allen and Linn County lines.
Bourbon County Commission Districts map taken from the county’s website.
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Eco Devo Looks at Housing Issues

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County REDI Conducts Housing Study

The third step in a three-part process to look at how Bourbon County can improve its local economy is about to get underway.

The entire process has been led by the team from Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Incorporated (“REDI”) and has already looked at the workforce and retail industry in the area. Now, the REDI team, with the help of Goldstone Consulting Group is conducting a housing study.

“Housing is a key factor in helping our community thrive,” said Robert Harrington, President of Bourbon County REDI. “Housing is a major driver of economic growth, generating higher property values, which in turn allows for more services and support for the community on many levels.”

The Community Housing Needs Assessment done by Goldstone Consulting Group will look at the various types of housing in the community. “Our team looks at the demand for housing across all spectrums in a community,” says Traci Anderson, Manager of Consulting Services for Goldstone. “Without good housing choices in a community, it can be a challenge to increase economic opportunity.”

Bourbon County residents have an opportunity to provide input in the housing needs assessment. An online survey is now available for residents to provide information regarding their current and future housing needs. “No personal information will be collected that can be used to identify residents,” said Harrington. “This information will benefit us in planning the future of Bourbon County.”

Residents can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BourbonCoHousing

Data from the survey, along with the sources, will be compiled to determine future trends and needs in the community. “When completed, the assessment will be shared with developers, builders, realtors, and the general public,” said Harrington. “The final report will be used to guide new and renovated housing developments in Bourbon County.”

Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. and is located at 200 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Government, K-State Extension

K-State Extension Offers Bread Basics Class August 18

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Bread Basics Class

Thursday, August 18th, 6pm

Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church

1818 N. Main St.

Interested in breadmaking?

Join the Southwind Extension District’s Master Food Volunteer Terri Williams and Agent Clara Wicoff for “Bread Basics” on August 18th at 6 PM at the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott. Terri will lead you in baking (as well as tasting!) Italian bread, no-knead bran rolls, and whole wheat pizza crust. Breadmaking techniques will also be discussed. This class is free, but an RSVP is required by calling us at 620-365-2242. If you have questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at that same phone number or via email at [email protected].

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for all of your support!
Bourbon County, Fair

Merchant’s Building at the Fair Features Local Cottage Industry Businesses

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The Merchants Building at the Bourbon County Fair, is air conditioned and features local organizations/businesses. Submitted photo.

 

The Merchant’s Building at the Bourbon County Fair is open this evening and is AIR CONDITIONED.

“Always, in years past, we have tried to get local cottage industry vendors,” Leanne Leatherman, coordinator of the vendors, said.

This year is no exception with the additions of some local organizations.

This year 9 Acre Farms will be dispensing literature on homesteading, Uppa Creek Ranch-honey, Circle P Ranch-jewelry, Buckin A Ranch-home decor, MM Creations-spices, and Carolyn Crystal-jewelry.

The Merchant Building is on the north side of the fairgrounds, near the restrooms. Submitted photo.

In addition, the Bourbon County Conservation Office  and the Museum of Creativity will have activities for the kids.

Joining these, will be Miller Farm and Seed, T-Mobile, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fort Scott Community College, Bourbon County Democrats and Bourbon County Republicans, who will all have booths.

KOMB, the local radio station will be broadcasting live from the building, with interviews of local fair participants.

The  building is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21.

In addition, the rest of the fair includes animals, produce, crafts, and other departments for both 4-H youth and community members.

For the latest info, see the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/bourboncountyfair

 

 

Bourbon County

KDOT to replace crossroad pipes on K-31

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace two crossroad pipes. K-31 will be closed between the east K-7 junction and the community of Fulton on Thursday, July 21, and again on Monday, July 25. Traffic should use alternate routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

 

Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Bourbon County

Care to Share Bike Run Fundraiser August 13

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CARE TO SHARE
BIKE RUN FUNDRAISER
August 13th, 2022
Registration: 8:30-10:30am
Kickstands up at 11am at 5 Corners
1122 Clark St., Fort Scott Kansas
$10 meal tickets available at registration
Meal provided by Luther’s BBQ
Bike Route
– Everybody’s: 534 E. Main St, Mound City KS
– Lucy’s Bar & Grill: 19394 KS-152 La Cygne KS
– Sunflower Saloon: 305 E. Main St, Blue Mound KS
FINAL STOP
– Sharky’s Pub & Grub: 16 N. National, Fort Scott KS
Bourbon County, Fair

Bourbon County Fair Begins With a Couple of New Offerings

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Kort Stock looks at the chickens in the poultry section of the Bourbon County Fair on Monday evening.

The Bourbon County Fair runs until July 22 at the fairgrounds on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

The 4-H Building was quiet on Monday evening, but entries had been judged and many young people went home with a ribbon for their entries in a variety of departments.

Meanwhile, animals were being weighed in the Show Pavilion on the fairgrounds.

Carson Wunderly and her dad, Fred, line up a cow to be weighed on the first night of the Bourbon County Fair.

The community is encouraged to come to see the results of the work that 4-H Club youth have completed for the year.

“I know it’s going to be warm, but I hope everyone comes out to support the kids,” Mark Crystal, vice president of the Bourbon County Fair Board, said. “There are a lot of nice looking animals, and they have put a lot of work into getting the animals ready for judging.”

In addition to animals, produce, crafts, and other departments can be viewed for both 4-H youth and community members.

Temperatures are forecast to be over 100 degrees for the next week.

“It wouldn’t be the Bourbon County Fair if is wasn’t the hottest days of the year,” he said.

Rachel Martin, who has two daughters in 4-H, Juley and Katie, puts up a fan in the cattle area at the Bourbon County Fair.

Animal owners keep fans on them and provide water to keep the animals from overheating.

New this year is the Chicken Mary’s Dinner that will be served by the Fort Scott Future Farmers of America Organization.

“It’s $9 for a chicken dinner on Thursday night, July 21, at the Huebenet Pavilion,” he said. Chicken Mary’s is located in Yale, near Pittsburg and is well known for its’ chicken meals.

Also new this year is a circus for the community on Thursday, which will be set up in the grandstand arena, he said.

The King Ryder Circus will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and includes jugglers, daredevils on motorcycles and a clown, according their information on Facebook. Cost is $5 to $15.

“They called and wanted to know if they could come,” Crystal said.

The fair schedule:

 

The Barnstormer 4-H Club won overall grand champion in table display.
Dakota Foulk won the 4-H Woodworking Top Exhibit and also the Woodworking Overall Champion.
Macie Hueston won 4-H grand champion in flower arrangements.

 

Rachel Martin, who has two daughters in 4-H, Juley and Katie, puts up a fan in the cattle area at the Bourbon County Fair.
Lexi Marchiano won overall champion and 4-H Photography Top Exhibit With 8 or More Years in the Project.
Davina Foster won overall champion with her health and wellness exhibit.
Hailey Shadden won 4-H Misc. Overall Champion Reading Notebook.
Kristy Beene won 4-H Misc. Overall Champion Club Officers Notebook.
Gwen Fry won 4-H Fiber Arts Overall Champion.
Macie Hueston won Overall Champion Junior Age 7-9 in Constructed Clothing and Textiles.
Gwen Fry won Clothing Construction Senior Overall Champion.
Makiah Woods won Constructed Clothing and Textiles Over All Champion, Intermediate Age 10-13.
Alexa Fuhrman won 4-H Visual Arts Overalll Champion, Senior.
Davina Foster won Overall Champion in Energy Management.
McKinley Sutton won the 4-H Visual Arts Over All Champion Intermediate Age 10-13.
Davina Foster won 4-H Home Environment Over All Champion.
Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Uniontown School District Minutes of July 11

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UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235, unapproved.

Uniontown, Kansas 66779

REGULAR MEETING                                                   11 JULY 2022

 

The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, July 11, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE room in Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Board members present:  Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Brian Stewart, Troy Goodridge,

Mike Mason and Tyler Martin

 

Board members absent: Josh Hartman

 

Others present for all or portions of the meeting:  Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tammy Townsend, Tema Gilion, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune, Scott Sutton and Tim Endicott

 

Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute.

 

Eden read the District Mission Statement.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes: Consent Agenda Item C; Vance Eden as Title IV, Title I and Title II Administrator.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2022 Regular meeting and Special (Republished Budget) meeting.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Goodridge, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to nominate Jason Sutterby for President.

Motion passed 5-1. (Sutterby abstained)

 

Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to cease nominations.

Motion passed 5-1. (Sutterby abstained)

 

Johnson, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to nominate Mike Mason for Vice-President.

Motion passed 5-1. (Mason abstained)

 

Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to cease nominations.

Motion passed 5-1. (Mason abstained).

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the Consent agenda as amended.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 2

 

  1. Approve and pay bills on the computer printout $487,808.56.
  2.   Approve the June 2022 Treasurer’s Report.
  3. Approve the following appointments for 2022-2023:

Clerk of the Board:  Sherri Hartman

Deputy Clerk of the Board:  Charlene Bolinger

Treasurer:  Chad Holt

Attorney:  KASB

Ex-officio member of Vocational Agriculture Advisory council:

Jason Sutterby

Elementary attendance officer and Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113):

Tema Gilion

Secondary attendance officer, Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113):

special project director and Title IX Coordinator:

Tracy Smith

KPERS Representative and Freedom of Information Officer:

Sherri Hartman

School lunch Hearing Officer:  Vance Eden

Homeless/Migrant Liaison:  Vance Eden

Foster Care Liaison:  Tema Gilion and Tracy Smith

Title IV, Title I and Title II Administrator: Vance Eden

Bank Depository:  Union State Bank

District Newspaper: The Fort Scott Tribune

Governmental relations contact: Mike Mason

  1. Adopt the waiver of generally accepted accounting principles

including fixed asset accounting for 2022-2023. (KSA 9-1401)

  1. Adopt 1,116 hours as the minimum school-in-session criteria for 2022-2023.

(KSA 72-1106)

  1. Adopt the resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes

in 2022-2022.  (Resolution 2-2023)

  1. Approve the adoption of policies and governance rules of USD 235 per

Existing Board policies and rules.  (Resolution 3-2023)

  1. Adopt the Home Rule Resolution.
  2. Approve no charge for textbook rental for 2022-2023. (KSA 72-4141)
  3. Establish mileage reimbursement rate at .44 cents per mile. No mileage will

be paid if a district vehicle is available. (KSA 72-8208a)

  1. Approve resolution to establish the following petty cash limits for 2022-2023:

(Resolution 4-2023)

Uniontown High School                      $1000.00

BOE                                                       $500.00

  1. Adopt the resolution to establish activity funds (Resolution 5-2023)
  2. Adopt the resolution giving permission to destroy school records for

2017-2018 year. (federally supported program records only) (Resolution

6-2023)

  1. Adopt an early payment request policy. (KSA 72-12-105b)

 

 

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 3

 

  1. Set Board of Education meeting dates of 08/08/2022, 09/12/2022,

10/10/2022, 11/14/2022, 12/12/2022, 01/09/23, 02/13/23, 03/13/23,

04/10/23, 05/15/23, 06/12/23 and 07/10/23. (KSA 72-8205).

 

No patron asked to speak to the board.

 

Associate Superintendent Eden gave the board an update on the budget, Health Insurance Renewal, KASB Policy updates, ESSER III Plans, surplus property, Needs Assessment and the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Resolution.

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the June 2022 KASB policy updates.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Mason, made a motion to approve the disposal of Surplus Equipment.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to notify the county clerk that we will exceed and will hold a Revenue Tax Rate hearing.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume at 8:40 p.m.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.

Eden was invited into session.

Out of Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

 

Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the Boardroom at 8:55 p.m.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

Eden was invited into session.

Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 4

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to accept the resignation of Robyn Ayers effective immediately.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to hire Pam Kimrey as UHS secretary for the 2022-2023 school year.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to approve Bret Howard as the Superintendent of Record for 2022-2023 under the terms of agreed upon contract.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Date minutes approved ______________________

 

 

 

______________________________

President, Board of Education

 

 

__________________________________

Attested:  Clerk, Board of Education

 

The next regular board meeting is Monday, August 8, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Food

Bo Co Dems Serve Breakfast at Farmers Market July 23

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The Bourbon County Democrats will be serving breakfast and brunch at the Farmers Market on Saturday, July 23rd.
Please join them between 8 a.m. and noon for breakfast casserole, coffee cake, and fruit.  Ham sliders will also be offered after ten!

Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Reading suggestion: They Want to Kill Americans by Malcolm Nance
History of White Supremacy and current state of it.
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
Bourbon County, Fair

Two New Youth Programs Offered at Bourbon County Fair

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Southwind Extension District Announces
Youth Programs at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Junk Drawer Robotics
Thursday, July 21st, 12pm-3pm
*Youth of all ages
Next Level Photography
Thursday, July 21st, 2-4pm
*Youth in 5th-8th Grade, Registration is Required
Youth of all ages are invited to attend this come-and-go program which will be offered by K-State Research and Extension Intern Josie Plumlee at each of our county fairs, including at the Bourbon County Fair on July 21st from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Youth will build their own robots and develop robotics knowledge and skills using supplies you can find in your junk drawer! If you have questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Come join us to learn about the rule of thirds, viewpoints, and candid photos! This free program for youth in 5th through 8th grades will be offered by K-State Research and Extension Intern Tori White at each of our county fairs, including at the Bourbon County Fair on July 21st from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is required. Youth are encouraged to bring their own camera. If your child does not have a camera, we will have a limited number of cameras available for youth to borrow. Contact Clara at 620-365-2242 or [email protected] with questions. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Bourbon County

Agenda For the Bourbon County Coalition Meeing on Aug. 3

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The Bourbon County Coalition will meet on August 3, 1:00 pm., in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Plan on the meeting lasting somewhat longer than the usual hour.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

August 3, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program: Officers Davidson and Metcalf, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will speak about the drug investigation grant they received.

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be September 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 18

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Please note this meeting will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 with no meeting on Tuesday.

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 18, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 18TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Jim Harris – Appointment of Commissioner to Bourbon County REDI Board
• Matt Quick – Hours of Operation
• Bourbon County – Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate
• Clifton Beth
o Corrections Update on Staffing
o Sheriff Budget
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o CHC Land Exchange
o Financials
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
o County/City Contract for Landfill
• 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.