Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 31

January 31, 2022                                 Monday 8:35 am

 

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

 

Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication.  One on 240th north of Limestone for fiber optic.  The other is on Kansas west of 230th.  Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St, Fort Scott.  Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St., Fort Scott, KS.  Jim Harris seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report.  This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12.  Those turned in are on budget.  These reports are sent to the state.  Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Susan discussed sick leave.  We had our first department head meeting and it went well.  The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.

 

“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave.  One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire.  If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment.  Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position.  Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”

 

Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back.  And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half.  The department heads felt this was fair.  As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated.  Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes.  Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am.  No action.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health.  Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day.  Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice.  It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on.  If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.

 

Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function.  No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.

 

Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.

 

At 9:08am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

February 8, 2022, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 15

Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 15, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Resolution for Liquor Sales in the County
• Bob Reed – Resolution regarding Housing of Parole Violators
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o BB County Representative for Lake Advisory Board
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials 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

Agenda Request – Lake Advisory Board

Agenda Request – Housing of Parole Violators

Resolution – Maintenance of Prisoners

“The Learning Tree” Trail Project Selected For National Humanities Alliance Foundation Initiative

Kirk Sharp is the director of the Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo

The Gordon Parks Museum has become a part of a National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative,  Fort Scott’s Gordon Parks Museum Director Kirk Sharp told the Chamber members attending last week’s coffee.

The National Humanities Alliance (NHA) is a nationwide coalition of organizations advocating for the humanities on campuses, in communities, and in Washington D.C., which was founded in 1981.

“We received word on January 10th that The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail is being considered to be selected and would make a compelling profile on the NEH for All (NHA’s initiative) website,”  Sharp said in an interview with fortscott.biz. “Further discussion soon followed.”

To learn more about The National Humanities Alliance Foundation’s initiative, NEH for All,  view the profile website https://nehforall.org/projects/gordon-parks-fort-scott.

“This means everything to the museum, as this is an excellent opportunity to help further our outreach of this project nationwide and to keep the legacy of The Learning Tree film and Gordon Parks alive,” Sharp said. “This will also help tremendously to bring more visitors from across the nation, to not only to visit the trail and the Gordon Parks Museum but to spend time in Fort Scott and possibly visit other great attractions within our community.”

“The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail project is just one of six profiles selected in the state of Kansas and is one of the 260 profiles thus far, selected nationwide, that the (organization) spotlights as exemplary projects,” he said. “We are very honored, thankful, and thrilled that the National Humanities Alliance Foundation selected our Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail as one of the spotlight projects across the nation.”

“With funding from Humanities Kansas, the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Gordon Parks Museum set out in 2019 to create The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail.  Based on Gordon Parks’ semi-autobiographical novel about growing up in Fort Scott, The Learning Tree was also the first major motion picture directed by an African American. This historic sign trail celebrates Parks and commemorates the filming of The Learning Tree in the city,” according to the website.

 

Increase Healthier Food Options

Time is running out to take the HBCAT Food Pantry Survey!!! Please take two minutes and fill out the short survey RIGHT NOW!!!  This will inform our work with food pantries!! Please share!!

 

Do you donate to a food pantry?  Do you want more information? Guide our work to increase access to healthier options!! It only less than two minutes!!  The #HBCAT and #BCBSKSPathways Healthy Choices at Bourbon County Food Pantries survey is open today!!   PLUS Enter for a chance to win a Fitbit!! https://forms.gle/QR7SdJG4UmF4dEuq6

 

Submitted by

Jody Hoener

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.

President and CEO

Freedom Farm Is Working Towards Agri-Tourism and Collaborations

Kylene and Gary Palmer with their family. Submitted photo.

As a family unit, Kylene and Gary Palmer and their daughters, are in the process of turning their farm near Fort Scott into a business model that is a resource for consumers and producers.

Many of the plans on Freedom Farm are “projects in motion”, said Kylene.

“We haven’t ‘arrived’ yet, she said,  but they do have thoughtful plans and projects that they are currently seeking grants to build.

“We want to build a resource and outlet for local farmers that have sustainable practices to sell straight to consumers,” she said.” We are working on formulating the structure for a co-op that is both beneficial to the consumer and producer.”

“We are constructing a central hub at our farm to host farm tours, educational programs, a small market for local farmers and a certified kitchen as a resource for farmers, among other things,” Palmer said.

“We are super excited about the grant we received from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team,” she said. “We plan to use those funds to build a freezer/cooler in order to have space to ramp up production of our meat and eggs.”

They have dreams of a small, by appointment only, on-farm restaurant.

“The idea there is less about a restaurant and more about connecting consumers to local farmers,” she said. “We would love to have guest chefs from our local community and surrounding areas to keep things new and exciting and really make it a community offering.”

Agricultural bus tours are on the horizon for Freedom Farms.

“We have been doing much building and property maintenance to work towards that goal of hosting agriculture bus tours as one of the stops here in Bourbon County,” she said. “We are signed up for the Big Kansas Road trip in May for anyone wanting to stop by and visit or ask questions.”

“One of the many ways the certified kitchen would be put into use would be to offer on-farm lunch to the bus tour participants,” she said. “We would love to work together with local farms to achieve that goal.”

Currently, Freedom Farm produces and sells eggs, pastured poultry, lamb, and a minimal amount of goat.

Chickens at Freedom Farms. Submitted photos.

“It is a family affair, ” she said. “I do most of the day-to-day chores along with help from our children. My eldest daughter has started her own lamb herd and another daughter is in the beginning stages of growing her goat herd. Gary oversees the planning and marketing and is involved every day after work hours. Everyone is involved at many different levels and we hope to employ others as we grow.”

Lambs at Freedom Farm. Submitted photo.

 

Chamber Coffee March 10 at Ellis Arts Center

Join us for this week’s
Chamber Coffee and 30th Annual
Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit
Hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council
Thursday, March 10th, 8am
Coffee and Exhibit Location:
Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center
on the campus of Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton St.
Arts Exhibit:
Thursday, March 10th & Friday, March 11th from Noon to 7pm
Saturday, March 12th from 9am to 1pm
Artist Reception:
March 10th from 6pm to 8pm
Community is especially welcomed at the Artist Reception!
Categories include Best of Show 2D and 3D, Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil and Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Watercolor.
Like the Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook page here.

Raffle to Benefit Uniontown High School Seniors

Uniontown High School Senior Parents are selling raffle tickets for three different items.

There will be a beef raffle where five winners will be drawn.

Each winner will receive 25 pounds of ground beef.

There will also be one winner drawn for a quilt and another winner for a tailgate bench.

Tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5.

Winners will be drawn on March 27.

You do not have to be present to win.

Proceeds benefit the UHS Send-Off-Senior Event.

Tickets are available from UHS senior parents or you can text or call (620) 704-4248.

Lassoed Memories Opens New Studio:Grand Opening March 12

Lassoed Memories-Erica George Photography is located at 116 S. Main. Submitted photo.
Erika George, 26, owner of Lassoed Memories – Erika George Photography has opened a new studio in downtown Fort Scott.
Erica George. Submitted photo.
She started her business in 2016 and provides portraits, family photos, headshots, children, newborns, boudoir, Western lifestyle, and weddings photo sessions.
She chose the new location for her business, at 116 S. Main because of the ambiance.
Lassoed Memories-Erica George Photography is located at 116 S. Main Submitted photo.
“It is the old Common Ground Coffee Company and the old Hound Nutrition location,” she said. “I loved all of the different walls and aspects of the building. There is lots of room for different types of sessions within the area.”
George will be hosting a  grand opening at the studio on March 12 from 2-4:30 p.m.
As a part of her grand opening, she will be offering $30 mini-sessions, local vendor shopping booths, and giveaways, she said.
“I love to connect with other people and capture memories that they can hold onto forever,” she said. “I especially love kid’s sessions and to interact with all of the different ages! I meet all different types of people and get to interact with all ages through many steps of life and love every minute of it!”

To contact George,  phone: 620-381-4783  her Facebook page: Erika George Photography  or by  email: [email protected]

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meeting Minutes of March 2

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

March 2, 2022

  1. Welcome: Billie Jo welcomed ten members representing eleven agencies. She shared that applications for the 2022 Family Swim Pass program would be available at Buck Run and Beacon within the next week. She also noted that the Coalition Board was seeking a volunteer to fill the board position left open by Nancy Van Etten’s resignation.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Michelle Stevenson sent word to the group that FSECP was thriving and growing; she now has ten pre-natal clients participating. She continues to accept referrals to her programs.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP, announced that she had just received word that her grant had been extended for three additional years; her grant goals continue to be focused on food distribution and opioid cessation; she is also looking into partnerships with area museums as a place for seniors to volunteer.
  • Sandy also updated the group on the Recovery House in Iola, SEK Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition project spearheaded by April Jackson.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works, reminded members that she has funds available to help 16-24 year old young adults with GED funding, work experience, etc.; there are public computers available for use at the Fort Scott office.
  • David Gillen, Beacon, noted that they were gearing up for an inspection from the food bank organization; he also invited members to come view the new concrete drive on the west side of the Beacon building.
  • Allen Schellack, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, mentioned that he is able to help with emergency lodging, taxi passes, etc. He also has heaters, bedding, towels available.
  • Hannah Geneva, SEK Multi-County Health Department, shared that the department had received a generous donation of diapers from the Nazarene Church. They had also received a Tiller grant that allows them to provide birth control for uninsured women. Hannah also reminded members that Holly Fritter continues to hold “Mommy and Me” classes on the third Thursday of each month.
  • Gabby Gier, CHC, 620-223-8015, is partnering with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to work on tobacco cessation in Bourbon County. Gabby will present our May program to give details.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, does have vacancies for two bedroom apartments; there is a waiting list for other units. If members have clients who might qualify for the KERA program, Patty is willing to help with those applications.
  • Tonya Cliffman, Evergy, shared that LIEAP applications can be found at Evergy.com; deadline for applications is March 31.
  1. Program: Tanya Cliffman with Warming Hearts. Warming Hearts was organized by a group of caring individuals who have a heart for the homeless community. Through research and word of mouth, they were able to secure initial funding, gain permission from the City Commission, and build and place one “pod.” The group’s goal was to keep the homeless person off the ground, dry, and out of the weather. Although they were not able to place a homeless person this winter, they have learned about the obstacles and are working to eliminate those obstacles in order to grow the program.
  1. Open Forum: Nothing further was discussed; Billie Jo reminded members to sign the attendance sheet.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be April 6, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. The program will be presented by Josh McCloud, Donor Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator, Comm

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 8

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 8, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• 2022 Noxious Weed Management Plan
• 2022 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report
• Mowing & Snow Removal Bids
• Discussion of Liquor Sales in the County
• Lora Holdridge – Discussion of 17 County Meeting (Date to be determined)
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials 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.

2022 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report

2022 Noxious Weed Management Plan

Knights of Columbus Annual Friday Fish Fry Starts Today

The men of Knights of Columbus Council #796 serve the Lenten meal in February 2020.

The Knights of Columbus will host their annual Lenten Fish Fry each Friday starting today.

The March 4th & 11th meals will be drive-thru only.

“The first two (Friday meals) will be a practice run since we only did two last year,” Mark McCoy, spokesman for the group said. The COVID 19 Pandemic prevented more meals served.

The drive-thru starts at 5 pm and serves until 6:30 pm.

The ladies of Mary Queen of Angel parish bake wonderful desserts and many varieties of cakes, pies, and cookies will be offered.

A row of homemade desserts are offered at the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2020.

The menu is:

1 – Catfish, French fries, and coleslaw
2 – Catfish, cod, French fries, and coleslaw
3 – Cod, French fries, and coleslaw
2020 Lenten Fish Fry at Kennedy Hall.