Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 22

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April 22, 2019                                                 Monday 9:00 am

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

Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman met with the Commissioners; Jim reported they are ditching at the Industrial Park, drilling at the Beth Quarry and blasting there next week. Jim said they will not have much rock surplus from the Thomas Quarry since they are hauling rock out as fast as they are producing it.

Jeff Fischer reported a call from the USD 234 school district bus superintendent with a safety concern on 195th near Rock Creek, Jeff said the base to the road is gone and there are potholes and drainage issues there. Jeff made a motion due to a safety concern and due to the base failure to reclaim from the bridge on 195th south to approximately Jayhawk Road for approximately ¼ mile, Jeff said they are not committing to repave this road this year, but may consider at a later date, Lynne seconded and all approved.

There was a discussion over who is responsible for maintaining Justice Lane, Marco Estates & Rocher Addition (on 225th). The Commissioners met with Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge and asked her to review if and when the County had accepted a road dedication and the maintenance responsibility of the following roads… Justice Lane, Marco Estates, Rocher Addition, Williams Street (near the Fort Scott Middle School), Ironwood and Golf view.

Lynne discussed a portion of Unique Road between 85th & 95th; he said the prior minutes did not reflect this as a closed road. Lynne said he felt they should close the road since it is not a through road. Jim Harris said according to the 1929 & 1933 maps this is not a road to close. Lynne made a motion to go into a10 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Shane Walker, Justin Meeks, Jerad Heckman, Jim Harris and Kendell Mason). No action was taken. Jim Harris said he goes by Shane Walker’s maps when reviewing roads. Shane Walker suggesting using a road classification system by population when maintaining gravel roads.

Matt Crystal met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed County-wide NRP program; Justin Meeks told him the program is still pending. Matt asked if he started construction today would he be grandfathered in the program, Justin said yes; Justin said once it is setup he hoped all of the entities would be participating in the County-wide NRP program, but said it could be setup with just the County participating.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 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 11:48, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Nick made a motion to go into a 10 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.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale; he said he has had several people contact him wanting to donate their property to the Land Bank.

At 3:37, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

04/30/2019, Approved Date

Entertainment, Kansas

Plan Your Kansas Getaway

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National Travel and Tourism Week is May 5-11

 

TOPEKA – When we stop at our favorite travel destinations in Kansas we may not think about how our visit supports our state. Our attractions, restaurants, hotels and historical sites are the backbone of Kansas and an important part of the state’s economy. They help define our state, provide our families with jobs and have given us and 35.5 million visitors a lifetime of memories. It’s so important to keep welcoming visitors to Kansas that Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed May 5-11 National Travel and Tourism Week in Kansas.

 

Travelers in Kansas have a wide-reaching impact. Travel supports over 96,000 jobs in Kansas and it has an impact that we do not always see: travel can strengthen families, foster hometown pride, and build bridges that connect us with one another. Travel is a powerful economic driver and Kansas is no exception. In 2017, the total economic impact of travel on our state was $11 billion. Traveler spending generated $616 million in state and local government revenues. Without these travel-generated tax revenues, each household in Kansas would pay an additional $545 every year to maintain the same level of services.

 

Take time this week to plan your summer and fall travels in the Sunflower State. There’s no better place to start than by going online to TravelKS.com where you’ll discover a treasure trove of ideas and information to chart your journeys. In addition –

 

  • Get social and engage with the #NTTW19 and #NoPlaceLikeKS hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
  • Share with friends and family how travel matters in your community.
  • Contact your legislator and member of Congress and tell them why travel is important to Kansas.

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite

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The Friday Night Free Concert Series will feature Rick Hite, this Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

Rick Hite is a native of Fort Scott and since moving home after a 38-year absence, he has been active in the music scene both here and during his travels.  In addition to playing locally, he has played at Mildred Store, in Mildred, KS, The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, NC, and most recently at venues in Jekyll Island, GA.  Rick loves all genres of music and provides a selection of entertainment from country, folk, Bluegrass, oldies and Gospel.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce sponsored show will be at the Heritage Park Pavilion, First and Main Streets, unless bad weather drives inside.  The alternate site is The Common Grounds Coffee Shop. 

“I am really pleased to get Rick to perform,” Ralph Carlson, concert coordinator said. “Rick made his career as a college professor and has retired back home in Ft. Scott.”

 

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

TUCKER MUSIC STUDIO PRESENTS RECITAL

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Front Row L to R: Benjamin Banwart, Josiah Banwart, Carolyn Tucker (teacher) Garren Tucker, Noelle Banwart, Abigail DeLoera. Back Row L to R: Abbigail Collins, Hannah Peck, Kelcie Bailey, Breisen Keller, Austin Sinn.

Piano students of Carolyn Tucker presented their annual recital, April 26, at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. Mrs. Tucker welcomed the guests and Rev. James Collins offered the invocation.

Benjamin Banwart performed “Carol Ann” by Michael W. Smith and “Lean on Me” as a duet with Tucker. Josiah Banwart played “Ballade” by Friedrich Burgmuller, and “She‘ll Be Comin‘ ‘Round the Mountain” as a duet with his teacher. Noelle Banwart performed “The Wild Horseman” by Robert Schumann and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as a duet with Tucker. Their parents are Mr. & Mrs. Trenton Banwart.

Abbigail Collins, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. James Collins, played “Theme from Trumpet Concerto in Eb” by Franz Joseph Haydn, and “Stars and Stripes Forever” as a duet with her teacher.

Abigail DeLoera, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mario DeLoera, performed “Largo” by Antonin Dvorak and “Love Me Tender” as a duet with Tucker.

Hannah Peck, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Virgil Peck, played “Waltz Op. 39, No. 15” by Johannes Brahms, and “Dixie” as a duet with her teacher.

Austin Sinn, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Doug Sinn, performed ”Roses from the South” by Johann Strauss, Jr.

Garren Tucker, son of Mr. & Mrs. Seth Tucker, performed “Quiet River” by Willard A. Palmer. Due to a scheduling conflict with state competitions, Gregg Tucker was absent

Former student Kelcie Bailey, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric Bailey, played “Spinning Song Op. 14” by Albert Elmenreich.

Former student Breisen Keller, son of Mr. & Mrs. Landon Keller, performed “Sonatina in C Major” by Muzio Clementine. Keller currently studies with Mr. Seth Ernst.

The students were awarded Certificates of Excellence, gift packets, and their favorite candy. An Elvis Gospel CD was awarded to Garren Tucker as a door prize. Amanda Collins and former student Kelcie Bailey served as guest book and program hostesses. Diane Spencer served as sound technician, and photography was provided by Michelle Harrison.

The recital concluded with a musical wrap-up by Ralph Carlson on guitar and Carolyn Tucker on piano. The instrumental selections were: Blue Tango, If, St. Louis Blues; Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing; There is a Fountain, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and There is Power in the Blood. Rev. Jimmy Tucker offered the benediction. Appreciation is extended to Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church for the use of their sanctuary. The Tucker Music Studio has been sharing the joy of music with area students for over 24 years.

Obituary

Obituary of David Eugene Gonzales

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David Eugene Gonzales

David Eugene Gonzales, age 63, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at K.U. Medical Center.

He was born January 4, 1956, in Las Cruses, NM, the son of Mary Bellman. He lived in Ft. Scott since 1980. David had a larger than life smile and never met a stranger. His passion was God and family. He enjoyed country cruising and cutting others hair, usually for free. David loved life and made those around him feel valuable.

Survivors include two sons, Mikhail Gonzales and wife LaKeisha, and Jason Martinez and family, all of Ft. Scott; two daughters, Danica Gonzales, Gardner, KS, and Chasidy Sharp and husband Michael, Louisburg, KS; three brothers, Tudy Bernal and wife Maryann, Donnie Gonzales and wife Delores, and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruses, NM; three sisters, Lisa Bernal, Rachel Flores and husband Eddie, and Christina Archuleta and husband Ruben, all of Las Cruses, NM; 12 grandchildren, Mannie, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Jeremiah, Hallie, Marcus, Marissa, Maxwell, Miya, Alexis, Alianise, and Anastasia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Rev. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 9th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Dayton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the David Gonzales Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda May 7

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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: May 7th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:10-Wellness

9:10-10:10-Jim Harris

10:10-10:30-Bill Martin-Signage issue

10:30-11:00-Larry Sharp-KCAMP Insurance

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:20-Executive Session-Attorney Client Privilege

11:20-11:30-Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

Commissioners will be gone in the afternoon

Obituary

Obituary of Ralph “Pete” Barr

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Ralph Edward “Pete” Barr, age 97, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 06, 2019, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born May 23,1921, in Ft. Scott, the son of Ed and Pearl Lowe Barr. Pete worked for the railroad early in his career before entering the service. He served in the Army during WWII. He married Mary Blanche Shankles on June 21, 1947, in Ft. Scott. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1997. He eventually began working for KG&E as a lineman and later as a sub station operator for a total of 36 years. He was a member of the IBEW union. Pete enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially quail. He always had a birddog. In later years, he was a regular for afternoon coffee at 5-Corners. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Lynn Barr and Genea Bruner, Ft. Scott; one grandson, Hayden Barr and fiancé Katie Brown, Lincoln, NE; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Joe Barr; and a sister, Grace Herwig.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Monday, May 13th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Military honors will be provided. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

May 1, 2019

Kansas Farm Bureau Health Coverage:  While the legislature was on break,  the Governor signed several bills into law.  However,  The final version House Bill (HB) 2209 became law without the Governor taking action.  When the Governor does not sign or veto legislation within 10 days of receiving it, the legislation becomes law.  Interestingly, HB 2209 would amend the Insurance Code by adding Kansas Farm Bureau to the list of entities allowed to provide healthcare benefit coverage.   I voted Yes to provide health coverage options for people who cannot afford other health plans or health insurance.  The bill passed the Senate and House with veto-proof majority.  Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise the Governor didn’t veto the bill.

Pro-life:  It was disappointing the Governor did veto Senate Bill (SB) 67.  The legislation would require notifications regarding the abortion pill RU-486.  It is not always effective at ending pregnancy and it may be possible to reverse the abortion by not taking the second pill.  The legislation passed the Senate with 26 Yes votes and the House with 86 Yes votes. I voted Yes.  The Governor vetoed the bill.  The Senate picked up a vote to 27 for the veto override.  However, the House lost votes and the override failed by one vote.

The Kansas Supreme Court overstepped AGAIN!  In 2015 SB 95 created the Kansas Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act.  The Legislature passed with 31 Yes and 9 No votes.  I voted Yes.  The House passed it with 98 Yes and 26 No votes.  A supermajority of Legislators voted to stop this horrific practice to cause the death of an unborn child, “knowingly” dismembering the “child one piece at a time…” K.S.A. 65-6742(b)(1).  It was signed into law by the Governor.  However, the majority of our activist KS Supreme Court ruled it to be unconstitutional April 26, 2019.  The ruling reads at times like a fractured piece of fiction.  The Court disregarded the Legislature, the Governor, Kansas history, and our Constitution and again enacted its own agenda.  This is not the first time the KS Supreme Court has overstepped.  An egregious example would be the U.S. Supreme Court overturning three of the Kansas Supreme Court rulings on the death penalty,  most notably, the Carr brothers’ death sentence.

The ruling is a slippery slope.  The dissent in the Court’s opinion states it best, “Today we issue the most significant and far-reaching decision this court has ever made… Today’s decision is a textbook case of unexplainable results.  To be sure, the majority [of the KS Supreme Court] attempts a rational explanation.  To no avail.  The majority misunderstands and misuses history; bolsters its rejection of Kansas law with factually unsupported allegations of prejudice…”  Can you believe that when our Constitution, reads “equal and inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, it’s used to support an argument to cut up our unborn babies?  The Court opinion can be found at http://www.kscourts.org/Cases-and-Opinions/opinions/SupCt/2019/20190426/114153.pdf.

Going forward there are actions that can be taken.  The most talked about, at this point, is a Constitutional amendment.  The amendment must pass the Legislature by super-majority and then Kansas voters would decide.  I will fight for you to have an opportunity to send a clear message to the Kansas Supreme Court.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Bourbon County Local News