Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from June 4 and June 7

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June 7, 2019                                                             Friday 9:30

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting to discuss the recent emergency declaration. Present for the meeting were Lynne Oharah and Jeff Fischer (by telephone) as well as the County Clerk.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners; Lynne made a motion to appoint Will Wallis as the coordinator for the disaster relief effort, Jeff seconded and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:34 am.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

 

June 4, 2019                                                   Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Fischer present, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Jody Hoener were also present for a portion of the meeting.

Arnold Schofield met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; Arnold thanked Jody Hoener for working with Union Pacific to obtain the right-of-way for the trail. He also reported potholes on Jayhawk going east; Jim Harris said they will be back working on Jayhawk soon.

Jeremiah Hill met with the Commissioners (Steve Hill was also present for this meeting), Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned if the Commissioners had made a decision regarding work to be done to Rocher, Marco and Justice Lane. Jeff discussed the hard surface road maintenance program information they had received, he suggested prioritizing roads to be overlaid based on traffic count and pavement rating. Jeff said he didn’t think it was all of the taxpayer’s responsibility to pave roads in the subdivision, but perhaps divide the costs among the neighbors in the subdivision. Lynne said they have to be careful regarding decisions on what to do with the roads, he said they have been warned that the County has paved too much in the past, the County has approximately 140 miles of paved roads. Jeremiah questioned 125th south of Mapleton, he presented pictures that suggested there wasn’t a base under this road, he said this road looks like Eagle did, he questioned if the work that has been done to 125th will last if there isn’t a base. Jeremiah asked when the potholes would be filled going east through Garland to the Stateline; Jim said this is on the list and said he receives direction from the Commissioners on where to work. Jim said the same staff does the overlaying that does the patching so the patching will stop once the overlaying starts. The wet weather that the County has had has delayed road maintenance. Jeremiah presented a picture of fence at the intersection east of the Diamond Church that had been burnt; Jim said his employees have been directed not to burn and said he would address this issue.

Ed & Beth Guss from the City of Redfield met with the Commissioners; Bourbon County had previously agreed to donate up to $2,000 worth of culvert to the City of Redfield, Ed presented a list of culverts needed for Redfield. Ed discussed sewer manholes on the south edge of Redfield; he said they are underwater and said the water doesn’t have anywhere to drain. Jim agreed to meet with them on June 6th to determine if the roads are city or county roads. Ed requested top soil for the ball field; Jim said the County did not have any top soil and suggested they contact someone else for this. Ed requested that the County cut the shoulders of the roads inside the Redfield city limits; the Commissioners said they would have to discuss this, but suggested they contact a contractor for this.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded, motion passed, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nancy Van Etten and Mark McCoy arrived at the meeting.

Lynne asked that Jim contact Mark Stewart regarding Quail and 55th.

Jeff made a motion to approved the 2019 fireworks permits for Jake’s Fireworks at Wall & Goodlander, Jake’s Fireworks at 2322 S. Main, Crazy Debbie’s at 2500 S. Main & Hales Fireworks at 2409 S. Main, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

The Commissioners reviewed the received 2018 annual summaries from the townships, cemeteries, fire districts and watersheds; Jeff made a motion to approve the received 2018 annual summaries, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne discussed the Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; he said the Commissioners previously discussed donating this building to the City of Uniontown to be used for their maintenance building, Lynne said he felt the Commissioners want to move forward with the donation; Justin said he would do a contract for this donation. The Commissioners plan to approve the contract for the donation on June 18th.

Mark McCoy met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman; he questioned why Bourbon County had not participated in a disaster declaration due to the recent 15” or more of rain and storms that the County had received. Mark said he understood there was damage in the City of Fort Scott as well; the calculated cost (in the County and the Cities in Bourbon County) to return the existing roads to the condition prior to the damage from the heavy rains could possibly be eligible for assistance from the disaster recovery, he estimated the threshold to be $56,500. Mark said the money can be recoverable if a disaster relief is declared and accepted. Lynne said he had spoken to the City of Fort Scott and said they didn’t plan to declare a disaster; the City of Bronson had no damage to declare. Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 13-19; an emergency disaster declaration for Bourbon County, Jeff seconded the motion. Jim Harris said he would pull records of work done due to the storms. Jeff made a motion to give Lynne permission to contact the City of Fort Scott regarding the storm damage in Fort Scott, Lynne seconded the motion.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 12:16, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded, motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/11/2019, Approved Date

Art, Fort Scott

Preservation Program Comes to Gordon Park Museum

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GORDON PARKS MUSEUM FOUNDATION TO PARTICIPATE IN COLLECTIONS ASSESSMENT FOR PRESERVATION PROGRAM

Fort Scott, KS Gordon Park Museum Foundation announces that it is 1 of 79 institutions in the United States selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.

CAP helps museums improve the care of their collections by providing support for a conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. The museum will work with a team of preservation professionals to identify preventive conservation priorities. Museum specialist, Karen Butler-Clary from Highlands Ranch, Colorado is the Collection Assessor and architect, Craig Patterson from Lawrence, KS is the Building Assessor. The final assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years.

“The CAP program will help the Gordon Parks Museum to further enhance our collections care. Our goal is to preserve the collections for future generations. We are very excited and thankful to be part of this unique program and looking forward to getting started with the program right away to help ensure the preservation of the great collections we have here in the Museum for others to enjoy and study” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.

The CAP program is administered by FAIC through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services; a federal grant-making agency that supports museums and libraries.

# # #

About the Gordon Parks Museum Foundation The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives. The Gordon Parks Museum Foundation is located at 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS 66701 and specializes in collections of Gordon Parks. It is open from Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Learn more at www.gordonparkscenter.org

About FAIC The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation saves cultural heritage for future generations, protecting it from decay and destruction. Learn more about FAIC at www.culturalheritage.org/foundation.

About IMLS The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Acapella Choir: Friday Night Free Concert

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This Friday Night Concert Series, sponsored by the Fort Scott  Chamber of Commerce,  will feature The Acapella Choir from the Apostolic Christian church, Aleta Banwart director.

The concert is located at First and Main Street and is free to the public.

“The group is popular with our crowd,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator said. “The crowd sings along as the songs are old familiar hymns. I am looking forward to their appearance.”

In the event of foul weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Common Grounds Coffee shop, just down the street

Bring chairs as seating is limited.

Uncategorized

Trailblazer Program Offered to Community Youth

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Photo submitted by NPS.

“Hey Kids,” Come Explore Fort Scott National Historic Site as a “Trailblazer”

Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is pleased to announce the 20th year of its fun-filled Trailblazers program. This program is open to youth ages 9-12 and will be held August 6 – 10. It will begin at 8:30 am and end at noon each day and there is no charge for the day camp. Registration will open June 17. To sign-up, contact Fort Scott National Historic Site at (620) 223-0310 or email [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Trailblazers is a workshop to introduce children to the National Park Service and its mission of caring for the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. They will search for treasure in a mock archaeological dig, explore the prairie, and discover how we care for the buildings and artifacts of the fort. The students will participate in living history, be trained in flag protocol, and will work on a play that they will present at the end of the week.  Also, there will be activities to teach children how to use resources wisely.

Participants must be between 9 and 12 as of the beginning day of the camp. Participants will be sent an informational packet after registration is complete. Space is limited to 12 participants so priority will be given to youth who are first time attendees.

The National Park Service protects many of America’s most valuable natural and cultural resources and tells its’ most compelling stories. Many would argue, however, that America’s most treasured resource and its best hope for the future are its children.  This summer you are invited to introduce your child to the resources and stories of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Flag Disposal Ceremony June 14

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Bring your Worn Flags to the Fort for a US Flag Disposal Ceremony

Fort Scott Kan. – This Friday, June 14, 2019, at 7 pm., Fort Scott National Historic Site (the Fort) and American Legion Post 25 will be hosting an official US Flag Disposal Ceremony. Bring your: United States, POW/MIA, State, and Service (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard) flags to the fort at or before 7 pm Friday and we will properly and respectfully dispose of them.

“4 U.S. Code § 8k (Respect for the flag) states that ‘The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.’” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “As with celebrating this countries newest citizens at our Naturalization Ceremony and honoring those we have lost through the ‘Field of Honor’ during Symbols of Sacrifice, we are proud to be a part in honoring this country’s flag by hosting this ceremony.”

To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Jack Scott

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Jack Edward Scott, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

He was born January 22, 1925, in Ft. Scott, the son of William Marcus Scott and Mary Frances Buchanan Scott.

Jack attended Fort Scott Schools.  His senior year of High School, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps.  During World War II, Jack was stationed in the South Pacific and served on the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.  He was in special troops. On invasion, his regiment would separate native people from the Japanese.  He also served on military police duty.  Following his time in the Marine Corps, Jack returned to Kansas and continued his education at Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg.

This is where he met the love of his life, Pauline Louise Moody.  Jack and Pauline were married December 21, 1947, at Cherokee, Kansas.

Jack went on to earn a Master’s Degree and Education Specialist Degree.  He served as principal in several Kansas school districts, primarily Burlington, for twenty-seven years.  Following his career in education, he served for three terms as the Coffey County Clerk; this was during the construction and completion of the Wolf Creek Power Plant.

Jack and Pauline later moved to Ft. Scott and spent winters in Texas.

  Jack was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #8 A.F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite Consistory and the Mirza Shrine.  In earlier years, he was involved in Cub Scouts and later served as Scout Master.  He attended the Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Rhynerson and husband, Charles, Jr., of LaCygne, Kansas; and three sons, Jack Gregory Scott, of Colville, Washington, and David Louis Scott, of Thornfield, Missouri and Steven Edward Scott (Dunn) and wife, Kathi, of San Diego, California; a granddaughter, Kaysie Rhynerson; five grandsons, Rob and Matt Scott and Andy, Tim and Danny Dunn and two great-grandsons, Kia and Allen.

His wife, Pauline, preceded him in death on December 3, 2014.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn Oliver Scott and Frank William Scott.

Graveside services with Military honors and Masonic rites will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business

Dawson Minor: Young Entrepreneur

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Dawson Minor. Submitted photos.

This is part of a series featuring young people who found a need and are seeking to fill it with a business venture.

To nominate local young entrepreneurs, send name, phone number/email and the name of who is nominating and why, to [email protected].

Dawson Minor, 20, of Fulton is the owner of 4 Clover Mowing business.
The business began as a dream when he was a small boy.
“From the time I was very small, I have had a fondness for any kind of self-propelled equipment, no matter the size,” Minor said.
“Even before I had the concept of mowing grass, lawn mowers were the first machines that I could actually drive,” he said.
In second grade, when he could barely reach the pedals, he began mowing the family yard and farm lot.
” I loved mowing,” Minor said.  “I often dreamed of mowing for other people and having my own business.”
In early March 2013, after “a lot of thinking and discussing with my parents” Minor decided to start a small mowing business since he enjoyed mowing lawns and being outdoors.
“I started with a John Deere LA120 riding lawn tractor,” he said.
“My first year in the mowing business turned out to be a great learning experience, ” Minor said. “It helped me to understand that having the ability and chance to do something that I truly enjoy is not only measured by money.”
 “Within the second year in business, I soon realized that my role of being the kid who mows the yard was rapidly changing to the responsibility of a young businessman,” he said.
 “My number one responsibility in grounds-keeping has always been customer service,” Minor said. ” I never intend to give up quality for quantity in order to increase profits.”
” I have been blessed with the growth of my business and great customers.”
“I  currently employ two very hard working and dependable individuals, Drew Wright and Garrett Thompson, which I value and trust impeccably,”  he said.
His service area includes Bourbon, Linn, and Vernon counties.
“I have learned customer satisfaction is not only the success of a business, but it is also truly the reward of a business,” Minor said.
Minor can be reached at 620-238-9613 or  [email protected]
Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Youth Theatre Camp

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2019 Youth Theatre Camp

Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate

picture of a pair of ballet toe shows hung up against a wooden wall with "To Be a Star by D.M. Larson" written beside it

Nearly everyone wants to be a star, right? And, everyone – in his or her own way – can shine brightly.  That’s the central message of D.M. Larson’s “To Be a Star.”

 

The 40-minute play will be presented Aug. 1 and 2 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center as the culminating event of a four-week children’s summer theater camp, conducted by FSCC theater director Allen Twitchell with assistance from FSCC students and staff.

 

The camp is free to all area youth ages 6 to 17 and runs from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday beginning with introductions and auditions July 8. Speaking roles are available for 26 young actors, but everyone attending the camp will be utilized.

 

The script is available to read at freedramaplays.blogspot.com/2016/06/to-be-star-play-for-kids-and-best.html.

 

Enrollment is open by attending the first day of camp July 8. Late enrollees also will be accepted the first week of camp only.

 

In addition to rehearsing the play, camp participants receive instruction in theater basics and the chance to engage in theater exercises.

 

Campers are encouraged to bring snacks and indoor activities for a 15- to 20-minute break time each session.

 

For more information, contact Twitchell by phone at (620) 218-2147 or by email at [email protected].

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission To Meet At Jail June 11

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: June 11th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: ____________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _____________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:30-Commissioners to meet at Law Enforcement Center to discuss about the jail.

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County Local News