Category Archives: Uniontown

USD 235 Preschool Building: Upgrade For the District

 

A sign in the preschool.

The new USD 235 Preschool building, at the southeast corner of the West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown, is 99 percent complete, said Superintendent Vance Eden.

The school held an open house on Labor Day, alongside the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, in the small town of almost 300 people.  The town celebrated its annual Old Settlers Picnic.

 

The new preschool serves 32 three-year-old and four-year-old students and is free, regardless of income. Up to 20 students are allowed in each age group.

 

A view of the new USD 235 preschool classroom.

The preschool is funded through the Kansas Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program.

The new building includes a large classroom, a child-sized bathroom, and a food preparation area, along with two offices.

The oversized preschool classroom for 3 and 4-year-old students.

The school Psychologist Shelby Reichard, and Speech Therapist Kayla Collins also have dedicated office space in the new building.

The preschool building also houses the school psychologist’s office, Mrs. Reichard.
The preschool also houses an office for the speech therapist, Mrs. Collins.

 

The building was made possible through a successful bond election in March 2025 in the school district, and it replaces an old modular unit.

 

Uniontown City Council Meeting – Sept. 8, 2026, 7 PM

The Uniontown City Council will hold its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Uniontown Community Center.

The agenda document is attached below. Financial reports will be distributed separately.

August 11, 2026 – Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Summary)

The 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting on August 11, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations / Projects

2027 Budget Hearing – No citizens were in attendance. Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adopt the 2027 Budget as presented. Budget Hearing closed.

Tree Removal Bids – Bids were received from Knights Tree Service ($2,650.00) and Miller’s Tree Service ($2,350.00) for removal of trees at 204 Fulton, 201 3rd St., and 303 Washington. Fence repair was also discussed; Knights Tree Service had included fence repair in its previous bid. Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 (Knight abstain), to accept the tree removal and fence repair bid from Knights Tree Service.

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the July 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,800.06; Receipts $29,459.26; Transfers Out $3,025.25; Expenditures $47,256.02; Checking Account Closing Balance $228,979.05. Bank Statement Balance $229,270.86, including Checking Account Interest of $52.56; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $291.81; Reconciled Balance $228,979.05. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,707.59; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,599.14; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,241.51; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $348,527.29. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $359.56; Utility CDs $1,401.25; Total Year-to-Date Interest $1,760.81. Projects Checking Account for July 2026: Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Total Transfers $3,024.25. Net loss for July $20,821.01; Year-to-Date Net Income $28,233.59.

Budget vs. Actual YTD: Gas Fund Revenue $89,501.13 (69.2%), Expenditures $59,915.45 (45.4%); Sewer Fund Revenue $24,467.82 (67.8%), Expenditures $18,515.28 (43.4%); Water Fund Revenue $70,927.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $60,285.32 (42.3%); General Fund Revenue $94,718.21 (64.3%), Expenditures $95,923.68 (40.8%); Special Highway Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $4,857.41 (43.4%). August 2026 payables to date: $30,119.79. (KMGA invoice not received by meeting day.)

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • July Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & August Accounts Payables

Executive Session

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for a non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 7:45 PM. Arnold called in at 7:38 PM. Meeting resumed at 7:44 PM. No action from executive session.

Department Reports

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported overgrown vegetation on an empty lot at 6th and Washington; Treasurer Johnson will contact the property owner. Coyan reported 201 Fulton Street beginning to become overgrown and will contact the property owner. Lots between 101 and 107 Washington also reported with overgrown vegetation; Arnold will attempt to identify and contact the property owner. Coyan will send a special notice regarding unregistered vehicles at 202 4th Street.

Mayor Jurgensen received a complaint regarding an unregistered vehicle on the west side of 305 Fulton Street; Coyan will investigate.

Arnold informed the council of the court outcome and update on 202 4th St.

Superintendent Bobby Rich stated he has completed the cold patch and needs help exercising the valves on the meters.

City Clerk Haley Arnold reminded the council of the city-wide cleanup at the end of the month and presented a client approval letter. Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the client approval letter. Arnold also informed the Council of an upcoming training session on utility rates.

Council Reports

  • Councilman Knight – None
  • Councilwoman Kelly – Reported an increasing number of stray cats around her residence; stated the issue needs to be addressed by Animal Control Officer Betsie Binford.
  • Councilwoman Pemberton – None
  • Councilman Stewart – None
  • Mayor Jurgensen – None

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion – Arnold presented a draft of the revised dog ordinance. Council members will take the draft home for review and email Arnold with proposed changes. Suggested changes will be discussed at the next Council meeting.

Waterway Project – Larry Jurgensen reported he met with Mitch Crystal (USDA) regarding the waterway project but has not made further contact. He also spoke with Jared Polleck about possible grant opportunities. Amounts available through various funds and potential out-of-pocket expenses were discussed along with other grant options.

Adjournment

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:40 PM.


City of Uniontown – Draft Audit (Year Ended December 31, 2025)

DBB Inc., Certified Public Accountants, prepared an Independent Auditor’s Report and Regulatory Basis Financial Statement for the City of Uniontown, Kansas for the year ended December 31, 2025 (dated August 14, 2026). The document is marked DRAFT.

Auditor’s Opinion: The auditors issued an adverse opinion under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and an unmodified opinion on the Regulatory Basis of Accounting, consistent with the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide (KMAAG). The City has an approved resolution waiving the GAAP requirement per K.S.A. 75-1120a(c).

Fund Summary – Year Ended December 31, 2025

Total Reporting Entity beginning unencumbered cash balance: $339,605.71; Total Receipts: $551,711.81; Total Expenditures: $617,180.71; Ending Unencumbered Cash Balance: $274,136.81; Ending Cash Balance (including encumbrances/accounts payable): $318,892.45. Composition: Checking Accounts $200,745.46; CDs $118,146.99; Total $318,892.45.

Selected fund ending unencumbered cash balances: General Fund $91,656.12; Special Streets & Highways $4,527.97; General Bond & Interest $19,523.66; Sewer Loan Payment $5,622.94; Capital Improvements $130,458.04; Gas Utility $11.14; Water Utility $20,365.74; Sewer Utility $1,761.00; Utility Meter Deposits $0; Donations/Fundraisers $210.20.

Long-Term Obligations (as of December 31, 2025)

  • General Obligation Bond Series 2014 (issued 2/12/2014, matures 2/12/2054, 2.50%, original $489,000): Balance end of year $398,459.00; interest paid $10,193.10.
  • Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan (issued 3/1/2007, matures 9/1/2026, 2.57%, original $271,080): Balance end of year $16,503.38; interest paid $734.88.
  • Total Long-Term Obligations: $414,962.38; Total Interest Paid: $10,927.98.

KPERS Pension

City contributions to KPERS for year ended December 31, 2025: $10,722.20. The City’s proportionate share of the collective net pension liability reported by KPERS was $90,331 (as of December 31, 2025).

Documents:

CFSEK Local 2026 Grants: Gordon Parks Museum, Ft.Scott Compassionate Ministries, SparkWheel Uniontown, Bourbon County Core Community

Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas logo.

 

CFSEK Awards $185,000 in 2026 Community Impact Grants

Since 2001, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) has been making a difference in the region through its Community Impact Grants (formerly known as the General Funds Grants). This year is no different, with $185,000 granted to 73 projects in the focus areas of Arts & Culture, Basic Human Needs, and Youth Activities. Since 2001, the CFSEK Community Impact Grants have awarded over $2.2 million in competitive grants throughout Southeast Kansas.

“This year was particularly competitive, with over $770,00 requested from 100 applicants,” said Kara Mishmash, CFSEK Program Coordinator. “It was really humbling to see the deep need in our communities, and it’s motivating us to keep growing our capacity to say ‘yes’ more often.”

The 2026 recipients are:

Arts & Culture – $10,000

  • Caney Valley Agape Network, Inc. – Art in the Garden
  • City of Pittsburg, Memorial Auditorium – Music Under the Stars (Hispanic Music Festival)
  • First Baptist Church Riverton – BE THE ART
  • Gordon Parks Museum Foundation – Historic Yearbook Preservation, Digital Access, and Exhibit Enhancement Project
  • Josiah Fletcher Foundation – Scholarships for Jazz Camp
  • Pittsburg State University Foundation, Inc. – 2026 Hispanic Music Festival
  • USD 250 Pittsburg – Dragon Academy Global Explorers, Spanish Immersion Program

Basic Human Needs – $75,000

  • Building Health, Inc – CareVan: General Public Transportation
  • Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry – Hygiene for Hope (Hygiene Outreach Promoting Equity)
  • Catholic Charities Inc. – Housing and Homeless Services
  • Catholic Diocese of Wichita, The Lord’s Diner, Pittsburg – Healthy Bodies, Healthy Living: Ensuring Essential Nutrition in Every Meal Served
  • City of West Mineral Kansas – Encouraging Physical Activity and Hydration for Healthy Families
  • CLASS LTD – AED Access for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
  • Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation – Caring Through Communication
  • Community Food Pantry – Milk Money
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Baby’s Basic Needs
  • Crosstimbers Food Pantry Association – Pantry Pathways
  • DBLO Association – Restoring Comfort and Rest for Children in Southeast Kansas
  • Dream Center of the 4 States – Help and Hope: Food Pantry Expansion
  • Erie Area Community Christmas Basket Fund – Christmas Basket Program
  • Erie Senior Center – Heart Safe Senior Center Initiative
  • Families and Children Together Inc. – Essentials for Stability 2
  • First Baptist Church Riverton – SHARE WITH LOVE FOOD PANTRY
  • First United Methodist Church Wesley House – Cold Weather Survival Items for Those Experiencing Homelessness
  • Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries – Restore
  • Foster Adopt Connect, Inc. – Family Stabilization Assistance
  • Hamilton Chapel United Methodist Church – Community Food Pantry
  • Humanity House Foundation – Assisting Allen County residents
  • Labette County Emergency Assistance Center – Investing in our neighbors in Labette County
  • Live Healthy Montgomery County, Inc. – Laundry Love
  • Mosaic – Ensuring Quality of Life for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States – Meeting Basic Human Needs for Families with Hospitalized Children
  • Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc – Home Essentials for Survivors
  • SE Kansas Women Helping Women – “Smile Again” Dental Assistance
  • SEKMA Thrift Store and Food Pantry – Bridging the Gap: Supporting Local Food Access and Family Needs
  • Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – TC Fund all counties
  • SparkWheel – Sparking Success for Students in Uniontown
  • Stay Strong Live Long Wilson County – Wilson County FREE Community Baby Shower
  • The Foster Closet, Inc. – Personal Care Items for Teens in Foster Care

Youth Activities – $100,000

  • Bourbon County Core Community – New Class for Core Community
  • Caney Valley Agape Network, Inc. – Backpack Program
  • Cato Historical Preservation Association, Inc. – Cato Celebration for Kids (Also called Cato Kids’ Day)
  • Cherry Street Youth Center, Inc. – Gaga Pit
  • City of West Mineral Kansas – Encouraging Physical Activity in our Youth
  • Compass Academy Network Inc – ICAN and iLead at Compass Academy Network in SEK, 2027
  • Cornerstones of Care – Connected Kinds, Stronger Families: Youth Activity Support Fund for Family Preservation Families
  • Crawford County Fair Association – Thanking 4-H Youth
  • Families and Children Together Inc. – Healing through Play at the FACT Nature Preserve
  • Family Resource Center, Inc. – AAC Playground Communication Boards
  • Fostering Connections – Adoption Celebration Program
  • Girard Lions Club – Disability-Friendly Musical Playground Area
  • Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland – First Aid and Safety Fair
  • Integrated Behavioral Technologies, Inc – Sensory-Friendly Community Inclusion Events
  • K-State Extension Council – Money Habitudes
  • Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush – Career Exploration Tools: Clay Anatomy Models
  • Miners Hall Museum Foundation – Franklin Community Park: Enhancing Community Spaces for Youth and Families
  • Our Lady of Lourdes Parish/St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic Schools – Photography
  • Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America – Cub Scout Pack Enhancement and Recruitment Initiative
  • Partnership for all Cherokee County Children – Empowering Cherokee County Students to be Vape-Free Through Art and Education
  • Pittsburg Area Chamber Foundation: Pittsburg Area Young Professionals – PAYP Bike Drive
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States – More Comfortable Play for Youth
  • SEK Running Camp – SEK Running Camp
  • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center – Ready, Set, Regulate!
  • Special Olympics Kansas – Unified Sports in Southeast Kansas
  • Spring River Mental Health and Wellness – Building Strong Foundations: A Lifespan Approach to Youth Behavioral Health
  • Mary’s Catholic School – Connected Classrooms Initiative: Technology & Infrastructure Modernization
  • Paul Schools Alumni & Friends Association – Miles to Go: Investing in Our Home Field
  • The Foster Closet, Inc. – Family Enrichment Events: Christmas Party
  • The Salvation Army – Sharing the Spirit of Christmas
  • USD 257 – Out of the Margins: A Walk-Through Youth Mental Health Campaign

CFSEK also granted $5,000 to each of its affiliate foundations in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard to use for granting related to youth activities.

CFSEK would like to congratulate the recipients and thank them for their charitable work across Southeast Kansas.

Uniontown Council Meeting July 14 | Draft June 9 Minutes

Uniontown City Council – Regular Meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Uniontown Community Center

The Uniontown City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

For more information, contact City Clerk Haley Arnold at cityofuniontown@ckt.net or 620-756-4742.


Minutes: Regular Council Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Regular Council Meeting on June 9, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart, and Kyle Knight. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, Loretta George, Betty Dennis, Michael Ramsey, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Citizens Requests

Betty Dennis addressed the Council and requested that it consider adding a leash law to the current dog ordinance following a recent incident. Councilmember Kelly asked Ms. Dennis to clarify what she meant by a leash law, and she explained her interpretation. The Council also discussed previous incidents involving Ms. Dennis and Loretta George. Stewart informed Ms. Dennis that the Council would discuss the matter further later in the meeting as part of its review of the current dog ordinance. Stewart also asked for her opinion regarding the outcome of a previous court case she attended involving a dog attack. Ms. Dennis stated that she was satisfied with the outcome.

Michael Ramsey thanked the Council for its timely approval of his stone engraving proposal. He noted that due to inclement weather, he was unable to have the engraving completed.

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the May 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $254,331.85; Receipts $34,290.91; Transfers Out $12,899.25; Expenditures $27,550.76; Checking Account Closing Balance $248,172.75. Bank Statement Balance $251,348.31, including Checking Account Interest of $54.99; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $3,175.56; Reconciled Balance $248,172.75. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,676.39; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,599.14; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,210.31; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $367,658.59. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $251.56; Utility CDs $1,338.85; Total Year-to-Date Interest $1,590.41.

Projects Checking Account for May 2026: Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.

May Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from Gas Utility $3,750.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $3,750.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from Sewer Fund $375.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from Water Fund $2,000.00; Total Transfers $12,899.25. Net loss for May $6,159.10; Year-to-Date Net Income $47,427.29.

Budget vs. Actual YTD: Gas Fund Revenue $81,676.79 (63.1%), Expenditures $45,742.14 (34.7%); Sewer Fund Revenue $16,885.22 (46.8%), Expenditures $13,671.21 (32.0%); Water Fund Revenue $51,284.02 (41.2%), Expenditures $40,739.63 (28.6%); General Fund Revenue $60,540.15 (41.1%), Expenditures $57,983.33 (24.7%); Special Highway Revenue $3,968.83 (54.4%), Expenditures $3,499.79 (31.3%). June 2026 payables to date: $12,983.51.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda including: Minutes of May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting; May Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class; and June Accounts Payables.

Mayor Jurgensen asked Treasurer Johnson when she planned to hold the City’s budget work session. Johnson stated that budget workbooks had not yet been created due to a recent change in state law. The Council discussed possible dates for the workshop.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Knight, Approved 4-0, to set the budget work session for July 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Department Reports

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that the property at 201 Fulton Street had significant overgrown vegetation in the ditch behind the residence. He stated he would contact HB Mowing to determine whether it is responsible for maintaining the property this year. Coyan provided an update on 202 4th Street, noting improvement; 101 Washington Street had also shown improvement; and 303 Washington Street is now in compliance.

City Clerk Haley Arnold informed the Council that the City had received a $3,000 donation to be allocated to the Christmas in the Park Fund. Arnold presented two bids for the replacement of a memorial stone in City Park.

Moved by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-0 (one abstention), to accept the bid proposal from Bandera Stone.

Clerk Arnold presented a proposal from TextMyGov, a mass text messaging service provider. The Council discussed the cost, need, and potential uses for the service, and directed Arnold to contact other companies offering similar services to compare costs. Arnold also informed the Council that a basketball backboard in the park had been damaged and required replacement.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to replace any components of the basketball goal deemed necessary.

Council Reports

  • Councilman Knight – none
  • Councilwoman Kelly – asked Superintendent Rich if he had begun fogging; Rich reported weather conditions had delayed efforts. Kelly asked about food trucks for the July 4th celebration; Johnson reported that USB handles all vendor obligations.
  • Councilwoman Pemberton – none
  • Councilwoman Pritchett – absent
  • Councilman Stewart – none
  • Mayor Jurgensen – A map outlining a proposed option to address flooding on the north side of town was presented. Discussion followed regarding water runoff patterns and a waterway solution identified as the most viable option. The Council reviewed required steps, estimated costs, and appropriate agencies to contact.

Old Business

FEMA Flooding: Mayor Jurgensen stated that he had spoken with Marbery Concrete Inc., and they are awaiting favorable weather conditions before beginning work.

Kelly reported concerns about a clogged drain at the bus barn entrance and exit. Rich said he would inspect when time permits. Discussion also covered ditches needing cleaning throughout the city, the ditch at 302 Hill St. and a section of sidewalk that has fallen into the ditch, and possible methods for cleaning ditches including involvement of the fire station.

Review of Dog Ordinance No. 85: The Council discussed the ordinance and its current condition. Members will review the ordinance individually and submit suggested changes via email.

New Business

Motion by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), to discuss matters affecting a minor; open meeting to resume at 8:55 PM.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), to discuss matters affecting a minor; open meeting to resume at 9:05 PM. Haley Arnold called in at 8:57; Bobby Rich called in at 8:59, out at 9:04.

Meeting resumed at 9:05 PM. No action from executive session.

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:06 PM.

Documents: