According to Bourbon County Undersheriff Bill Martin, old patrol cars that have been totaled out by insurance will be removed by KCAMP, the county’s insurance provider. According to Sheriff Ron Gray and Martin, the remaining older patrol vehicles have been paid off and will be sold at auction, and bids for 2 new pickup trucks for the department have been offered by Shepherd Team Auto Plaza.

According to Sheriff Gray, the bid from Shepherd’s is $26,382 for the two vehicles. Gray said, “I am very pleased,” regarding the bid for the vehicles from the local dealer. “They actually came in almost a thousand less [than competitors], so they are the low bid.”

Regarding the sale of the four remaining aged vehicles, Gray said, “What you have to sell at auction would be my pickup, the Tahoe, the emergency preparedness truck and Tom Davis’s truck.” Commission Chairman Warren asked for a “ballpark” figure on the price these vehicles might bring, to which Gray replied that they might bring $500 each if sold at local auction, and at a larger auction, the amount would depend on the market the day of the sale. “I think your best option is probably to send them across the auction block,” Gray said.

The commissioners then went into a 15-minute executive session with Gray and Martin present to protect the privacy of non-elected personnel.

In other business:

• Bourbon County Emergency Manager Terri Coop shared an update on the first Bourbon County Long Term Relief Committee. “I am super impressed,” Coop said of the volunteers’ work on the first committee project. “The church kind of adopted this family,” Coop said of the Presbyterian Church’s work with the first project. Coop said that the Bourbon County Long Term Relief Committee portion of the project, the roofing of the house, is now finished. Commissioner Albright said that she had been questioned about the committee working on a home that the individual considered “unoccupied,” to which Coop replied that the house had been used, but that the home was rendered “uncomfortable” for use after the April hailstorm. Coop also brought an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) application forward for the commissioners to sign.
  Coop also announced that Bourbon County is scheduled to host Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) training in September and October. “It’s taken me about 3 months to get it organized,” Coop said. According to Coop, the training will be held on the campus of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott. “I’m hoping to be able to bring more of the state-sponsored training to Bourbon County,” Coop said.
• Phil Gonzalez of Source One Restoration, a local contracting company, attended the meeting in order to request permission to turn in a late bid on the courthouse roof. “If we could get you something by Monday, would you at least entertain it?” Gonzalez said. Commissioners Coleman and Warren explained that the county had made a “verbal commitment” to another company chosen by the insurance company. “Since no one bid, we went back to the insurance company for help,” Warren said. Warren said that the commissioners would contact the insurance company to see if KCAMP would allow a late bid.
• David Stewart of Heartland Propane presented a proposal to the commissioners involving the conversion of county vehicles to dual propane/gasoline capabilities. Stewart said that if the propane conversion were implemented, it would “reduce operation costs.” Stewart cited several reasons that make propane a wise choice for fuel, including the fact that it burns cleaner, is cheaper per gallon than gasoline ($1.80 for propane vs. $3.65 for gasoline), that there are tax rebates (50 cents per gallon) in place, and that using propane for vehicle fuel reduces dependence on foreign oil.
  Stewart outlined the cost of implementing the system, which would include a dispenser and cost for conversion of vehicles. Stewart said that a top of the line dispenser with digital readout would cost the county around $15,000, but a lower-end dispenser would cost closer to $8,000. A representative from Fuel Conversion Solutions put the price of conversion at $7-9,000 per vehicle.
• Carolyn Flynn of EnBridge Pipeline came to the meeting to finalize permits involving culverts and right of way for the new crude oil pipeline.Commissioners added up the cost, which totaled $2,163.76 for two entrances, including 24 inch culverts for each site.

 

While Mercy Auxiliary workers quietly work in the background much of the time, their efforts provide a valuable service to the community. Carolyn Crystal of the Mercy Auxiliary stepped forward at today’s Chamber Coffee to make a request of the community. Crystal highlighted the fact that the Auxiliary needs more volunteers to step forward. The pool of volunteers is running a bit low, and the service the Auxiliary provides much-needed services to patients, such as mail delivery, running the gift shop, assisting William James Schafer with pastorial duties, and assisting incoming patients and families. Volunteers also sew stuffed bears to give away to children that come in for shots and emergency visits, in addition to caps for cancer patients and pillows for outpatient surgery patients. “We have workers in here 5 days per week,” Crystal said.  Crystal said that the Auxiliary is looking for volunteers of all ages. “I don’t want to put anyone out [of consideration] that wants to volunteer,” said Crystal.

Crystal explained that volunteers work in two shifts, 5 days per week. The morning shift lasts from 8:30AM-1:00PM, and the afternoon shift, from 1:ooPM-5:30PM. For each shift, the worker earns 5 hours of credit. The Auxiliary does request a $5 donation from each worker every year, but that during the first year, it can be waived.

Crystal also pointed out that the volunteer work does have some unique benefits. For each hour that volunteers work, they have 1 hour of credit (1 hour=$1.00) to apply to hospital visits, medications, Health for Life or doctors’ appointments. Additional benefits include a free beverage at the cafeteria during the worker’s shift, a discount at the hospital gift shop and cafeteria, and an annual flu shot and TB test. Crystal also mentioned that the hospital puts on a special banquet every year for volunteers and presents each one with a small gift. “The appreciation dinner is very nice,” Crystal said.

Other activities Auxiliary workers are involved in include the annual gift shop Christmas Show, which is usually held the 1st of November in the MacAuley Room.

In other news:

• The Chamber Golf Classic will be held Friday, July 26th from 11:15AM-12:15AM at the Woodland Hills Golf Course. Bryan Holt of Union State Bank mentioned that the weather was predicted to be unusually nice for the event. “The high is supposed to be about 88 degrees,” Holt said. Other chamber announcements included new Rural Opportunity Zone legislation and the Chamber’s interest in the tax break opportunities contained in that legislation.
• Tina Rockhold, Regional Marketing & Communication Manager and Philanthropy Director for Mercy Hospital announced the upcoming Mercy Day Run to be held September 28th. According to Rockhold, the proceeds from the event, which will feature a half-marathon, 5K and 1 mile run/walk, will be put toward the purchase of equipment for pediatric therapy.
• Lindsey Madison, Executive Director of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Tax Holiday” to be held August 2-4. Participating businesses will be able to offer a reduction in the price of their products thanks to a temporary exemption in local sales tax. In order to participate, businesses should contact the Chamber of Commerce.
• Katherine Richards of the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University announced that the organization’s Leadership Academy is now accepting applications. “Several from Bourbon County have been through that,” Richards said. According to Richards, the Academy allows local business owners to network with other like-minded individuals in the area.
• Gina Findley announced the upcoming United Way fundraiser Zombie Run 5K to be held September 13th. “It’s going to be really fun–it’s at nighttime,” Findley said. According to Findley, the runners will be chased by costumed “zombies.”
• Allen Warren of the Bourbon County Fair Board announced the tractor pull rescheduled for August 23rd. “We tried with the grader to move the mud off the track–there was too much mud,” Warren said of the track’s condition the week of the fair.
• Mercy Hospice Case Manager Kim Toff announced several Mercy Hospice-related items. “We have grown considerably over the last year,” Toff said. According to Toff, Hospice has assisted over 70 patients and their families. Toff explained that after the passing of a loved one, Mercy Hospice stays in contact with the family for 13 months afterwards to help them deal with the grieving process. In addition, the Hospice has helped several terminally ill patients experience their hobbies once again. Workers made it possible for one patient, a former racing driver, to get back on the track at a Kansas City Speedway for a day.

Award-winning cowboy author Mike Prince will be visiting Fort Scott Saturday July 27th. According to a press release from the Bourbon County Review, Mr. Prince authors Western fiction and cowboy poetry. The release reveals that Prince certainly has the knowledge and experience to write with authenticity of the life of a cowboy, as his family has operated a ranch in Nevada for three generations. Prince will be promoting his newly published book Flint Pierce: The Adventures of a Young Nevada Cowboy.

The event will be held at the offices of H&H Publishing, LLC and The Bourbon County Review at 14 S Main in downtown Fort Scott from 11:00 AM to 1:oo PM. Prince will have books for sale and will also sign autographs at the event.

School may be out for the summer, but Fort Scott area kids still have opportunities to enjoy a good book and time spent learning. Angie Bin, Theatre Director at Fort Scott High School, filled in as storyteller for Angie Kemmerer at today’s story hour. Today’s theme was “pirates,” and Bin spoke to an eager audience of children who listened intently to her expressive reading of the stories, including character-specific voices.

The story hour is part of a weekly summer program called “Dig Into Reading” put on for area children. According to Julie Townsend, the story hour is split up into two groups, one on Wednesdays for younger children, and the other on Saturdays for older children. “We get twice as many kids involved that way,” Townsend said.

Angie Bin emphasized the importance of literacy and learning for children. “It’s extremely important to read to kids every day,” Bin said. Bin said that the Parent Teacher Organization got involved with the story hour program 3 years ago. “It’s a fun way to get them interested in reading,” Bin said of kids’ involvement in story hour. Bin mentioned that activities for the younger and older kids’ groups are tailored to the age of the children involved. In order to cater to effective learning styles for younger children, Bin said that the younger group does “hands on” learning in the form of crafts projects that are designed to go along with that day’s story theme.

Upon walking into Everything Pets, a customer is met with the clean environment for the animals that is no doubt the work of owner Dawn Bryant and her family. Birds chirped happily in one corner, while several playful kittens and puppies enjoyed the company provided by visitors to the store.

Bryant began her business to better serve pet lovers in the community. She said that her family has lots of animals, and that they were “just tired of going to the city for things.” Bryant said, “A hermit crab actually started it.” Since the crab needed a bigger shell and the then existing pet store did not have the shell available, Bryant realized that there existed a need in the community for a pet store that served a wider variety of customers.

When asked what her favorite part was of being a business owner, Bryant said, “We love working with the animals. Playing with the puppies and birds is therapeutic. Interaction with people just makes it better.”

Though Everything Pets is a business, it does an important humane service to the community by finding homes for local kittens. The kittens are housed safely in a clean environment and provided with fresh food, water and other necessities while they wait to find a home.

The store offers more than puppies and kittens, however. The newest addition to the line-up is micro mini pigs. These tiny pigs grow to be just 20-30 pounds rather than the several hundred pounds a full-sized pig would weigh.

Bryant also wanted readers to know that Jenny Guilfoyle is now grooming for Everything Pets.

As the name of her shop implies, Mary Eastwood has been in the upholstery business for quite some time–37 years, in fact. “It has a double meaning,” Eastwood said of the name. “Here we go again moving, and here we go again furniture.” The Eastwood family returned to Fort Scott about 4 years ago, and are now sharing their talents with the community once again. Customers may recognize Eastwood’s work, as it has been featured in the Vintage Junk Trunk in the past. The new shop is located at 9 N. Main in downtown Fort Scott. Her unique blend of the classic and modern makes her furniture appeal to a wide variety of decor styles, including shabby chic, Western and patchwork.

Eastwood began to do upholstery work when her mother purchased an existing business from a friend. Eastwood said she learned how to upholster by doing. “Tear it up and put it back together–that’s the only way to learn,” Eastwood said. When asked about her decision to locate her business downtown, Eastwood said that she had started out with the Vintage Junk Trunk and had done well in the downtown area. “I love to see the business doors opening,” Eastwood said. Eastwood added that her favorite part of being a downtown business is “just seeing the people all day long.” “I love it!,” Eastwood said.

Here We Go Again Upholstery sells a variety of items, from re-purposed furniture to handmade scarves, purses, and affordable clothing and jewelry. The shop also features the work of Marion Eastwood, Mary’s husband, who creates whimsical light fixtures from mason jars, colanders, and other re-purposed household items. One charming chandelier currently in the shop is comprised of a mason jar and an old bicycle wheel.

One of the best things about the shop is that the merchandise is largely, if not completely, of local origin. “We want things [in the shop] that local people have made,” Eastwood said. In addition, Eastwood also repairs furniture out of her shop, and even makes house calls to repair larger items that cannot be moved.

In the future, Eastwood said she would like to expand the floor space in her shop and get involved in the Good O’l Days. Eastwood said Dusty James, who sells items in her shop, suggested expanding into the room in the back of the building.

The friendly atmosphere and unique affordable products available from Here We Go Again Upholstery make for a very pleasant shopping experience. Be sure to stop by and look around!

 

 

County Commissioners met with County Attorney Terri Johnson today in order to discuss upcoming budget-related issues generated by recent concealed carry legislation. House Bill 2052 amends several longstanding statutes, and these statutes present budget quandaries for Kansas counties.

Bourbon County recently applied for and received a 6 month exemption from HB 2052, but beyond that point, the county will have to implement potentially costly measures to remain exempt for the next 4 years.

Several suggestions were made to help solve the problem at hand, whether to implement adequate security to remain exempt from concealed carry in county buildings or let the law take its course. In any event, County Attorney Terri Johnson reported that concealed carry would be in effect with no exemptions in January 2018, unless legislation is reversed.

In the meantime, Bourbon County Commissioners must decide whether to implement security measures in the interim or take no action. “The way the law is written, you either take the signs down, allow the concealed carry in, or if you don’t wish to do that, then you have to provide adequate security,” Johnson said.

These security measures, however, would require additional staff and scanning equipment. Discussion centered around the expense that would be generated in securing the entire courthouse versus securing only one floor of the building. County Custodial Supervisor David Neville pointed out that the most effective way to prevent unlawful weapons from entering the courthouse would be to secure the front door of the building. “That would be the most effective by far,” said Commissioner Harold Coleman, “but it would also be the most expensive by far.” Despite the expense, Johnson reported that both Lynn and Miami Counties have implemented building security at the entrances for their buildings.

Johnson suggested securing just the 3rd floor of the courthouse, which contains the courtroom.“We as a county are responsible for the safety of the inmate, and for others,” Johnson said. If commissioners were to adopt this strategy, Johnson said that the county would “probably need another person” on duty, which would be less of an expense than the original proposal of hiring 3 new personnel, one for each courthouse floor. Johnson brought forward the idea that a deputy hired for courthouse security could also work for the Sheriff’s office when court was not in session. “If it’s going to cost taxpayer dollars,” Warren said, he would like to meet with the Chief Judge to discuss adequate security measures before any decisions are made.

Commissioner Barbara Albright brought up a logistics issue involving vacation time for the proposed deputy position. Sheriff Gray said that the county would be looking at a minimum of two armed guards for the 3^rd floor, but that arming an existing county security official would reduce spending. “If you could incorporate the Bailiff, that would take away half of that cost,” said Gray.

According to Johnson, the county is exempt from any liability associated with the implementation of concealed carry in county buildings should the county decide to forgo the 4-year exemption. In addition, the bill states that jails, other law enforcement agencies and schools still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry in their buildings.

In addition, commissioners also met with County Public Works Director Marty Pearson in order to address ditching work. Warren suggested parking graders during dry weather in order to put those employees on other currently pressing tasks. “If we’ve got a grader just running his grader up and down the roads so he can keep his job, we’re not doing the right thing,” Warren said. “Dry weather’s the time that you ditch. I think we need to look at how we use our graders and maybe emphasize that we need to be ditching.”

Commissioner Harold Coleman asked about the process for ditching, to which Pearson replied that the county must report the coordinates at which they will be digging before they begin. “It would be great to see some ditches cleaned out,” said Commissioner Barbara Albright. Albright pointed out that the ditch by the Shead farm is one that needs to be done soon, to which Pearson agreed.

In other business:

• Terry Sercer presented a rough version of the county budget,“For the most part I’ve used the 2013 budget to create the 2014 budget,” Sercer said.  “I have nothing on my agenda except to finish the budget in the next two weeks,” Sercer said. Sercer also mentioned that at the start of the process for last year’s budget, the mill levy was projected to rise 7+ mils, but the budget was pared down until there was no change in the mill levy from the past year. Sercer reported that the projected increase in the mill levy for 2014 was 6.7 mil, but that this number was expected to drop drastically as the budget nears its final form. “One year we started 10 mils, 11 mils over. This is a real rough,” Sercer said of the budget and current projected mill levy increase. “It’s always a heart attack when you first look at it.” Sercer reported that 4.6 mil of that projected rise was due to increased spending mandated by changes in expenses, such as KPERS going up 10% and an 8% projected rise in the cost of health insurance.
  However, Sercer reported that some areas of possible revenue that could reduce the estimated mill levy had not been factored in, such as revenue from tax delinquent properties.

Bourbon County Fairgoers may have been disappointed to find that Saturday’s tractor pull event had been cancelled. However, the Missouri State Tractor Pullers have been rescheduled and will make an appearance at the fair grounds Friday evening August 23rd. The event will begin at 7:30 PM, and according to Allen Warren of the Fair Board, advance tickets that had been purchased for last Saturday’s event are still good for the 23rd.

Bourbon County 4-H’ers competed in all kinds of barnyard-inspired games this afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair. Olympics teams consisted of 4-H members, community members “over 40” and one celebrity member from the community for each team. Clubs represented were Barnstormers, Northeast, Northwest, Uniontown and Hiatville 4-H clubs.

Events included balloon herding, wheel barrow barrel races, an Oreo eating contest and relay races involving fly swatters, a course, water, sponges and balloons. Needless to say, peels of laughter rang out from both spectators and participants as each competition presented them with a new challenge. Events were officiated by Drew George, a former member of Uniontown 4-H. The Northwest 4-H club ended up with the cumulative high score for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Sheriff Ron Gray tendered his resignation, effective August 9th, at today’s commissioners’ meeting. “I’m conflicted and heartbroken. It’s killing me because this is my dream,” Gray said. Gray said that his reason for leaving involved time with family, and that he had been offered “other opportunities” elsewhere. “Being away from your family has kind of a toll on you,” Gray said. Gray mentioned that he has only been able to see family on a limited basis in recent years.

“Who knows, someday I might come knocking on the door asking to come back. I didn’t sleep much last night. My heart’s with this county and this town,” Gray said, citing 23 years of service with the county. “Things change, plans change—my family needs me,” Gray said. Gray added that someone once told him he had to choose what is important to him in life, and Gray said that 15 years later, he is taking those words to heart.

Of the situation that he leaves behind, Gray said that he had not been vocal on certain issues because he knew taxpayers could not afford a mill levy increase, but that there have to be “other ways to deal with them.” “I have an excellent jail staff and second,” said Gray.

“Ron was the first Republican sheriff in 73 years in this County,” said Commissioner Harold Coleman. According to Kendell Mason, Gray was in the first year of his second term, and the process for electing a new sheriff will depend on party guidelines.

According to Kansas State Election Director Brad Bryant, the Bourbon County Republican party chairperson will call a party district convention, and the precinct man or woman will receive a notice from the county party chairperson. The precinct will then hold a convention within 21 days of the notice, and will select a candidate at that time. The governor will then issue an appointment letter following the candidate selection.

“You always hate to lose experienced people,” Commission Chairman Warren said. “It’s not a good time—talking about security of the courthouse and the jail. He’s one that we counted on. “Sherrif Gray will be missed. He’s been very conscientious,” added Commissioner Barbara Albright.

In other business:

• Sheriff Ron Gray brought forward his department’s proposed budget for the coming year. “You’ve done a great job in putting this together,” Warren said of Gray’s work on the budget. Gray said that the department is asking “only $400 more” than last year. This new figure includes the purchase of eight new vehicles for the Sheriff’s department, and also leaves room for the “high side” on payments. The amount allotted for the 2013 budget was $532,583, and the request for 2014 is $532,987. The budget includes new bullet-proof vests for officers. “[Vests] only have a 5-year life expectancy,” said Gray.
• County Clerk Kendell Mason presented the Clerk’s Office budget proposal, as well as the budget proposal for elections. “I cut $2,400 out of the clerk’s budget,” Mason said. “I may be a little close, but I think that’s doable.” Mason requested $84,600 for 2014. With regard to the Election budget, Mason said that she had reduced it by $11. However, Mason did say that “what’s happened this morning could change my budget for election. That may be one I have to adjust later on.”

 

 

 

 

A number of 4-H contestants competed in Junior, Intermediate and Senior showmanship with their pigs this afternoon. Contestants wowed the audience with their demonstration of confidence and control over their animals. Judges quizzed participants and gave constructive feedback to each class that entered the arena, and bystanders enjoyed a cool drink along with the afternoon’s entertainment.

At today’s Chamber Coffee, attendees found themselves surrounded with cut flower displays, contest-winning food and photographs, as well as colorful quilts crafted by area fair participants. The meeting, which was held in the Myers Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, centered around announcements of several upcoming events in the area.

Lindsey Madison, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Arts off the Junction” Art Crawl, which will be held Friday, July 16th from 5 PM until 8 PM. Madison explained that the Crawl will showcase local artist’s work, in addition to the talent of local Fort Scott entertainers. According to Madison, this first Art Crawl will be located mainly on the block containing City Hall and the Liberty Theatre. Booths will be set up along this block of Main Street to house merchandise, from which the public will be able to purchase locally created items. Madison said as of today, there was one booth opening left, and that interested parties should contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce. Madison also mentioned that those planning to display artwork or entertain attendees should register with the Chamber by 5 PM on Thursday, July 25th.

Madison encouraged area artists to participate, but emphasized that artwork does need to be authentic, original artwork. “It does need to be true art–not a craft,” Madison said. In addition, Madison said that for those selling artwork, the Chamber has a sales tax form to be filled out and sent to the State of Kansas.

Scheduled entertainment includes performances by local musician Ralph Carlson, and musical entertainment from the Cherry Jammers from 7-8 PM in the Heritage Park Pavilion.

Art Crawl Registration Form

In other news:

• David Shepherd of Shepherd Team Auto Plaza announced the company’s 61st year as a Bourbon County car dealer. Shepherd said that he still had discounted, hail-damaged vehicles available at savings of $50-$75-$100 per month on payments.
• Don Miller of the Historical Preservation Association (HPA) announced the need for a volunteer to help with the Homes for the Holidays Tour. Miller said the HPA needs to add two more historic homes to its tour this year to make the event possible, and the association also needs a volunteer to co-chair the event. Miller mentioned that the Homes for the Holidays Tour had been going on for 33 years, but that “we are in danger of not having one this year.” According to Miller, the tour brings hundreds of people to our city every year during the tour, which helps stimulate economic growth and revenue of city businesses. Lindsey Madison added that 1-2 bus tours have already scheduled their trip to attend the tour in December.
• Jerry Dorsey of Ward Kraft announced that the company has 2-3 open positions in production for press and machinery operators. Dorsey added that the company also has 2 open positions for customer service representatives. “It looks like we’ve got some pretty solid opportunities for WK holdings [to offer job openings],” Dorsey said.
• City Manager Dave Martin announced that an award, Newest Pool Built within Historical Reference, had been given just this past week to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. Martin said that the pool had generated some extra revenue, but that the extra money had to be used on pool-related projects. In addition, Martin said that the city had recently seen several new people move to town, and that the city wanted to keep people moving to the area in order to get the Bourbon County valuation “turned around.”
• Allen Warren announced that the fair had experienced growth in the goat projects being presented at the fair, and that the George family had donated a 40 ft addition to the goat and dairy barn on the fairgrounds. “In this day and age, who thought we would have added on 40 ft and filled it up,” Warren said.
  Warren also reminded attendees about Thursday evening’s entertainment at the Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Center, the Friday evening Garden Tractor Pull and the 4-H Livestock Sale Friday night at 7:00 PM. “Some of them vet pretty creative things,” Warren said of the garden tractor pullers, including dropping a 350 car engine into a garden tractor. Warren also encouraged the public to attend the Livestock Sale and support the efforts of the 4-Hers. “This is the climax of the year for these kids,” Warren said, highlighting the hard work the 4-Hers have done in raising and training their animals.