Category Archives: Fort Scott

Airport, Fort Scott, Government

Airport Receives Two Grants To Update

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Airport runway.

In June, the Fort Scott City Commission approved a Kansas Department of Transportation grant in the amount of $109,600 for the Automated Weather Observation Station upgrades at the airport with the city match of $12,118.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt, along with Fort Scott Airport Director Kenny Howard informed the commission that the city received this and another grant from K.D.O.T.

Howard stated that the A.W.O.S. upgrade is badly needed at the Airport as the current system is about 19 years old, according to the meeting minutes.

“The A.W.O.S. is the on-field reporter of weather, visibility, etc.,” Howard said.

Fort Scott Airport Office.

The other grant received from K.D.O.T. is for lighting the runway, Howard said.

The PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicators) and REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights) Grant from KDOT is for runway lighting at the airport in the amount of $177,462. The city match for the grant is $19,718.

The commission discussed the airport 2,100-foot runway extension and how this lighting would be affected, according to the minutes.

Kenny stated that the grant can be delayed if the runway extension occurs within the next two years.

“We are waiting for more grant money for the extension,” Howard said.”The design for the runway extension is not completed yet.”

Pruitt stated that she is applying for another grant for the extension July.

The office and pilots lounge of the Fort Scott Airport.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Downtown Business Meet and Greet July 10

Leave a comment
Join the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday, July 10th
for the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at Papa Don’s 10 N. Main from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet is hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.
Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with questions
or for more information.
See you there!
Special thanks to Brita Rygmyr, Tom Rygmyr & staff for hosting!
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Burke Street Parade

Leave a comment

A large crowd attended the annual 4th of July Burke Street Parade.

“We had a huge crowd,” Deb Halsey, a resident on the street said.

Deb and husband Frank Halsey hosted the cookie reception that always follows the parade each year. The reception is hosted by a different family each year.

The following are submitted photos.

Uncle Sam is portrayed by Merle Humphrey in the July 4th Burke Street Parade.


A miniature white convertible is driven by Ella Walker and Olive Ellis.

Susan Foster, Margaret Humphrey, and two young girls walk Burke Street in the 4th of July Parade.
A synchronized mowing team was in the parade consisting of Ralph Hall, Chad Cosens, Tom Gorman, Jason Gorman and Frank Halsey. Together the team mowed Ralph Hall’s property.

 

 

Fort Scott

One Extraordinary Neighborhood Party

Leave a comment

The Burke Street residents know how to throw a good party.

Following their annual 4th of July Parade, the group offers cookies and drinks to the visitors, then later they pull together a potluck for their neighborhood and friends.

Deb Halsey, who with husband, Frank, hosted the Burke Street Parade reception, hands out drinks along with cookies from a tent set up on their front lawn.
The Frank Carlson family remain in their parade viewing seats following the parade and converse with passersby on Burke Street.
Bob Masters, left, waits for a hot dog to be served by Shane Walker, right and John Kerr, background facing away. Hot dogs and brats plus a potluck meal were served to residents and friends following the 4th of July Burke Street Parade.
Kendra and Heather Bahr give rides on their horses following the parade. The two girls were in the Burke Street 4th of July Parade.
Youngsters enjoy the empty Burke Street following the parade on July 4th.
Area News, Entertainment, Fort Scott

July 7: Family Fun at Gunn Park

Leave a comment

Fort Scottians are invited to join in the fun and entertainment Saturday, July 7 for a local mountain bike race, that this year includes the Kansas championship race and live music in the evening.

“The 5th Annual Marmaton Massacre Festival / Kansas State Mountain Bike Championship starts Saturday at noon with our Marathon Race, a 4-hour endurance event,” Frank Halsey, who originated the race several years ago, said. ” At about 6:30 pm, the Kid’s Race is free and open to kids 10 and under.  This race is not on the trails, rather we cut a trail out in the open field, to avoid the exposure of wooded trail riding.”

The volunteers at Gunn Park Trails, as part of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, would like to invite the public to the shade of Gunn Park on Saturday, July 7, for the evening of free entertainment, according to a press release from the volunteers.

The 10 years of age under Kid’s Mountain Bike Race will begin about 6:30 pm, followed by a  performance of balance and agility, by Ryan Braxton and Ed Schilling on their trials bike.

“A free concert will follow by Paul and Leslie from En Power & Light. They’re really good!” according to the release.

Bring your lawn chairs and coolers and take advantage of this relaxing evening in the park.

“It’s free, and we’d love to see you there!”

Fort Scott, Government

New Trucks Being Considered For Fort Scott Fire Department

Leave a comment
Firefighter Travis Mewhinney stands next to the ladder truck that is to be replaced in 2019 if the city commission approves it this month.

The 1993 model ladder truck the Fort Scott Fire Department has is in need of replacement.

“We have to worry about the liability of that truck,” Fire Chief Paul Ballou said. “It’s past 25 years old…The ladder truck passed its’ certification, but it’s past its’ 25 years life…We are trying to get everything out of them that we can.”

Ballou expressed concerns about getting replacement parts for vehicles that old.

Newer models have longer ladders and more seats for firefighters

“This (ladder) is 75 feet,” Firefighter Travis Mewhinney said. “The one we are looking at (for replacement) is around 100 feet.”

“It seats three firefighters and a driver,” Mewhinney said. “The new one seats five firefighters and a driver.”

The ladder truck has been used to assist with training and fires with multi-story buildings.

“Like Victorian homes,” Ballou said. “Where you can’t get a ground ladder up to the roof.”

“It was used on the downtown fire (in 2005), and has been used in Nevada and Pleasanton in mutual aid (to their firefighters),” Mehinney said.

While the ladder truck is used less, the pumper truck is used virtually every day.

“The E1 pumper truck, a 1997, is used all the time,” Mewhinney said.

Jon Garrison, Fort Scott Director of Finance gave a preliminary budget update for the 2019 budget at the city commission meeting June 19, according to the unapproved city minutes.

Garrison stated there are two big projects coming up for consideration: the River Intake Structure which will cost approximately $5,000,000 and the purchase of two fire trucks – a  ladder truck and a pumper truck which will amount to approximately $1,500,000, according to the unapproved minutes.

“A ladder truck averages close to $800,000 to $1 million,” Chief Ballou said. “A pumper truck is $305,000 to $450,000.”

Garrison desires to have a budget work session before the July 17 city commission meeting, with the 2019 budget being approved at the August 7 meeting, according to the unapproved minutes.

Fort Scott Fire Department’s E1  pumper truck, used virtually every day, is also in need of replacement.
Fort Scott

Skilled Nursing: Transition From Acute Care to Home

Leave a comment

Mercy’s Skilled Nursing Services Help Patients Transition Between Acute Care and Home

 Patients who have a need for short-stay rehabilitation or IV medications after being discharged from acute care may find the skilled nursing services at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott tremendously beneficial. Skilled nursing services are for patients meeting certain criteria as determined by their insurance or Medicare.

Skilled nursing is a short-term stay which helps a patient transition between acute care to home or other long-term living arrangements. The length of stay is determined by the patient’s diagnosis, medical needs and rate of progress.

Benefits to skilled nursing services at Mercy:

  • Patients are closer to home and loved ones so they recover faster
  • Timely admission process
  • 24-hour physician and nursing support plus readily available lab and diagnostics
  • Low patient-to-nurse ratio offers more individualized care for skilled nursing patients
  • Pastoral Care available
  • A consistent therapy team which customizes physical, occupational, and speech therapy based on the patient needs
  • A well-equipped rehabilitation gym and outdoor therapy courtyard
  • Private rooms and individual bathrooms
  • Onsite pharmacy staff
  • In-house registered dietitian and meals that are customized to the patient’s dietary needs
  • Wound care support
  • Social services available to assist with the transition to home care and other support services
  • Robust, multi-disciplinary discharge planning team which involves the family in the process
  • Zero facility-acquired infections
  • Friendly and local providers who care for you like you’re one of the family

Patients needing the following types of care may qualify for Mercy skilled nursing services:

  • Skilled nursing
  • IV medications
  • Pain control (IV or Intramuscular medications)
  • Wound care
  • Medication management
  • New diabetic teaching
  • New colostomy teaching
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech therapy

For more information about Mercy Hospital Fort Scott skilled nursing services, contact Carol Sinn, RN, at [email protected].

Fort Scott, Government, Uncategorized

Fort Scott Commission Minutes June 19

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 19, 2018 Regular Meeting #12

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 19th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Nichols, and Parker were present with President of the City Commission, Bartelsmeyer, presiding. Mayor Mitchell was absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Steve Cole, Bobby Duncan, Alyssa Rice, Deb Needleman, Kenny Howard, Darrell Parker, Kaylea Manwiller, Spenser Johnson, Rachel Pruitt, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Travis Shelton, Lynne Oharah, Lindsay Madison, Rhonda Dunn, Steve Buerge, Jana Walker, Paul Ballou, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 5th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1217-A totaling $309,518.34.

  1. Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2018

  1. Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2018

  1. Cereal Malt Beverage Application – Lady Elks Lodge #579 – June 23rd, 2018 – Briggs Car Show

Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Jana Walker – Closure of Burke Street – Jana Walker appeared before the Commission to request Burke Street be closed on July 4th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive. They plan to have a big block neighborhood party. She has visited with Chief Shelton, Chad Brown and also the City Manager about this. They plan to have activities all day after the parade in the morning and then a cookout in the early evening and ending with fireworks.

City Manager asked the Commission to allow City staff to work with the organizers to close the needed streets for this event.

Nichols moved to approve the closure of Burke Street and allow City staff to work with the organizers to close any other needed streets on July 4th, 2018 from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the closure of Burke Street AND allow City staff to work with the organizers to close any other needed streets on July 4th, 2018 from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 A.m.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – Bobby Dennis – Mr. Dennis appeared to speak on behalf of the Beaux Arts Center and the code footprint and the closing of the business which they chose to do. He asked the City to retract the code footprint which was not needed.

City Manager said that the City did not close the business or shut them down. The City has been willing to work with them. The City will not retract the code footprint.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:22 p.m. Nichols seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:22 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 30-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street – Rhonda Dunn, Code Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had a fire in it in the past. The property owner has been very cooperative and informed her that they are not able to make repairs to the structure. The house has significant termite damage. There has been no water to this structure since February 2016 and the house is vacant. She recommended allowing 30 days to repair or remove this structure.

Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 30-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 10 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 30-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 211 N. LINCOLN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 6TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Code Director, informed the Commission that this property was on a contract to sell from the owner to another person. That person attempted to put a roof on the structure. The back of the structure is in bad condition and the roof in the back is in disrepair. The eves and soffits on the house are in disrepair. The back yard is a mess and if this structure is removed the mess that was left will be cleaned up also.

Adamson moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 30 days. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 26-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1306 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 27TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:27 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:27 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of placing stone at Heritage Park in front of rose garden in memory of Dola Cress – Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, informed the Commission that back in 2007 the Bourbon County Garden Club recognized community member Dola Cress for her years of service in leading the PRIDE organization in Fort Scott and other community volunteer efforts. This recognition was done thought a wooden marker that was staked in the flower bed area at Heritage Park, located at 1st and Main dedicating the rose bushes in her name. It was noted a few years ago that this marker was missing. A metal plaque was then engraved with the following: In honor of PRIDE – Community – Dola’s Rose Garden – Dedicated 2007 – Dola Cress. Dola and her daughter were not pleased with the metal plaque and further asked if they could have her name etched in the limestone at the park with Geneva & Sons doing the etching work which would be paid for by Dola’s daughter.

City Manager cautioned the Commission that they could be setting a precedence with other individuals wanting the etching in limestone there also.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that she has seen some really nice brass plaques.

City Manager asked for approval for he and Lindsay Madison to work together to find a nice plaque to place in the rose garden area.

Bartelsmeyer moved to authorize the City Manager and Lindsay Madison to work together to find a nice plaque for the rose garden area. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

authorizeD the City Manager and Lindsay Madison TO work together to find a nice plaque for the rose garden area.

  1. Consideration of appointment – Fort Scott Housing Authority Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that two letters of interest were received for the open position vacated by Dan Meara on the Housing Authority Board. Darrell Parker and Deborah Apfel both submitted letters of interest. These letters were sent to the Housing Authority and they have recommended the appointment of Darrell Parker to this position.

Nichols moved to approve to appoint Darrell Parker to the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board. Adamson seconded. Adamson, Nichols and Bartelsmeyer voted aye. Parker abstained. Motion carried.

APPROVED TO APPOINT DARRELL PARKER TO THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD TO REPLACE THE VACATED POSITION OF DANIEL MEARA.

  1. Consideration of OCR Letter – City Manager said that he has been working with Bob Beckham, Superintendent, U.S.D. 234 on the Title 9 complaint. Mr. Beckham needs to send some documentation to the State. This letter, compiled by the City Attorney, states that the City has no plans to building a club house or dressing room at this time at Fisher Park as there are no funds available for this. The City is not involved in the Title 9 complaint.

Parker moved to approve the OCR letter to USD 234. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED OCR LETTER TO USD 234.

  1. Consideration of approval of AWOS upgrade grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, along with Kenny Howard, Airport Director, informed the Commission that the City has received a grant from K.D.O.T. for AWOS upgrades at the Airport in the amount of $109,060. There is a 10% match from the City which would amount to $12,118. This is a budgeted item.

Kenny stated that the AWOS upgrade is badly needed at the Airport as the current system is about 19 years old.

Parker moved to approve the K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $109,600 for the AWOS upgrades at the Airport with the City match being $12,118.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved the K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $109,600 for the AWOS upgrades at the Airport with the City match being $12,118.00.

  1. Consideration of approval of PAPI & REIL grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, along with Kenny Howard, Airport Director, informed the Commission that the City received a K.D.O.T. grant for the PAPI & REIL upgrades at the Airport in the amount of $177,462. The City match is $19,718. The PAPI and REIL is runway lighting.

Discussion was held regarding the expansion of the Airport and how this lighting would be affected.

Kenny stated that the grant can be delayed if the expansion occurs.

Rachel stated that she is applying for another grant for the expansion in July.

Nichols moved to approve the PAPI and REIL runway lighting grant in the amount of $177,462 with the City match being $19,718 for the Airport. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the PAPI and REIL runway lighting K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $177,462 with the City match being $19,718 for the Airport.

  1. Consideration of Change Order #1 – Regional Tourism Center – $1,315.00 – Rachel Pruitt, informed the Commission that this change order is for an additional $1,315.00 which is due to an additional piece of countertop, the unexpected stripping of wallpaper and skimming the wall and power sanding. Approval was recommended.

Adamson moved to approve the Change Order #1 in the amount of $1,315.00 to Great Expectations. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 IN THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $1,315.00 TO GREAT EXPECTATIONS.

  1. Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3535 adoption

  • Appointment of Land Bank Manager

  • Approval of Establishment of Land Bank Board of Trustees

Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval of the Ordinance to adopt the Land Bank. She told them that the Land Bank is a special purpose governmental entity that focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax delinquent, and foreclosed properties into productive use. There are currently 11 land banks in Kansas. She explained the goals and strategies of a land bank. She explained reasons why a land bank can be effective. She checked with the City’s insurance carrier, KCAMP, and said that if the City moves forward with the establishment of the Land Bank, the Land Bank does not need to be insured separately from the City. She asked the City Commission to approve the Ordinance adopting the Land Bank, authorize the City Manager to appoint a Land Bank Manager, and approve the organization of the Land Bank Board of Trustees which is seven members. She recommended the City Commission serve as the Land Bank Board of Trustees and that their terms run consecutively with their terms of office. She also recommended a representative from Bourbon County Board of Commissioners, and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.

Nichols moved to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 3535 creating a Land Bank for the City of Fort Scott, approving the Land Bank Manager as Rhonda Dunn, and approving the Land Bank Board of Trustees as the five City Commissioners along with a representation of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the adoption of Ordinance No. 3535 creating a Land Bank for the City of Fort Scott, approving the Land Bank Manager as Rhonda Dunn, and approving the Land Bank Board of Trustees as the five City Commissioners along with a representation of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3535 CREATING ARTICLE 14 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING THE FORT SCOTT LAND BANK, AND DETERMINING THE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FORT SCOTT LAND BANK.

8. Consideration of changing FSA (Flexible Spending Account) vendor – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the current vendor for the City’s flexible spending account is TASC and the cost is $5.99 per participant per month plus a $169.00 annual renewal fee. She proposed that the City change to HelloFurther who has a relationship with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. This would streamline our process by having the FSA and HAS with the same vendor. The price would drop to $4.50 per participant per month with no annual renewal fee or set up charge. This change in vendor would save the City $619.00 per year.

Adamson approved to change the flexible spending account vendor from TASC to HelloFurther saving the City $619.00 per year. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT VENDOR TO HELLOFURTHER SAVING THE CITY $619.00 PER YEAR.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Jon Garrison – Mr. Garrison gave a preliminary budget update for the 2019 budget. He relayed the increase in costs in KPERS and KP&F benefits and the Work Comp increased expense. There is a 3% increase currently budgeted for employee salaries. There are two big projects coming up: River Intake Structure which will cost approximately $5,000,000 and the purchase of two fire trucks – an aerial ladder truck and the pumper truck which will amount to approximately $1,500,000. He is looking to have a budget work session before the July 17th City Commission meeting with the 2019 budget being approved at the August 7th, 2018 meeting.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Not present.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. City Manager informed the Commission that U.S.D. 234 school will begin on August 23rd, 2018. He asked the Commission to approve the closing of the Aquatic Center on August 12th.

Parker moved to close the Aquatic Center for the summer on August 12th, 2018. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE AQUATIC CENTER FOR THE SUMMER ON AUGUST 12TH, 2018.

  1. Unemployment rate – City Manager stated that our unemployment rate is currently 3.8%. There are only 271 people not employed.

  1. Project List – Rachel Pruitt gave the Commissioners a project list of all the completed projects that have been completed through June 13th, 2018.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:27 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK