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Crooners & 56J Productions are Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party at The River Room!
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Come celebrate with us on Monday, December 31st, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the
historic River Room
3 W. Oak, Fort Scott
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Daily Reports December 17
Help With Mental Health Disabilities
KDADS, Valeo Behavioral Health Care to Kick Off Operation Red File Partnership Dec. 20
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with Valeo Behavioral Health Care to distribute Operation Red File folders to participants in the mental health center’s psycho-social program. Operation Red File is designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities keep their critical health information accessible if needed in an emergency.
“We look forward to sharing with all those in Valeo’s program how important it is to keep copies of key medical records at hand in case of an emergency. Operation Red File makes those records instantly recognizable to first responders,” said KDADS Medicare Grants Director Irina Strakhova. “This is life-saving information that provides an extra level of protection for vulnerable Kansans when it is most critical.”
Strakhova, along with other members of the KDADS staff, will introduce Operation Red File at an event scheduled for December 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Valeo Behavioral Health Care, 2401 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka.
Participants in Operation Red File receive a large, red, magnetic folder that they can place on their refrigerator for instant access, where first responders will know to look for it. Participants are encouraged to put copies of their medical information and other critical documents in the folder, such as a clear, current photograph of the participant; a medical form with all current medical information; a medication list that can be updated as needed; and medical coverage information.
First responders and emergency staff can use this information to:
- Instantly access medical history and medication records in an emergency
- Avoid delays caused by trying to get information from a confused patient
- Ensure that the family/responsible party will be notified quickly
- Have a photograph available in the case of a Silver Alert
Operation Red File, a medical information initiative that is part of the agency’s Senior Medicare Patrol program, inaugurated in Shawnee County in 2016 and has continued to grow statewide. More kick-off events are scheduled in the coming months.
If you or a loved one is interested in Operation Red File, contact Strakhova at 800-432-3535 for more information.
City Offices Closed For Christmas Holiday
The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th, 2018 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Wednesday, December 26th, 2017.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 and Tuesday, December 25th, 2018 for the Christmas holiday. It will be open again on Thursday, December 27th, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mercy Hospice volunteers make annual cookie trays
Every December Mercy Hospice volunteers take time out of their schedules to give back by baking cookies and making cookie trays for the patients that are served by Mercy Hospice.
Since July of 2012 Mercy Hospice has served patients and families within a 50-mile radius needing end of life care. Each December volunteers take time to bake and or purchase cookies and prepare cookie trays. All kinds of cookies from no bake, sugar, snickerdoodle, oatmeal and chocolate chip to name a few that are brought in to make a great assortment for the cookie trays for our patients and families. This year, 57 dozen cookies were donated.
Along with the cookies, patients are given a blanket and a copy of the holiday edition of The Daily Bread. When delivered. “This is one way that all of our volunteers can participate and give back to the patients,” said LaShawn Noel, Volunteer Coordinator and Social Worker.
“As we move forward in the coming months our name will soon change, as we have partnered with Integrity Home Care + Hospice to continue to provide end of life care in our community. Although the name will be different our staff and our service will continue to be the same.” Rebecca Davied, Director of Mercy Home Health and Hospice. “We want to thank the community for its ongoing support this last six year.”
Would you like to be a volunteer?
Mercy Hospice is always looking for volunteers age 18 or older. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer or would want more information they can contact Mercy Hospice at 620-223-8090 or volunteer Coordinator LaShawn Noel at 620-223-8532 to learn more.
Obituary of Charles Maurice Blevins
Charles Maurice Blevins, age 86, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, peacefully passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Country Place Memory Care in Ft. Scott.
He was born April 20, 1932, in Foster, Missouri, the son of Maurice Blevins and Hazel Hooper Blevins.
Charlie graduated from the Hume High School with the Class of 1950. He married Arlone Lee on February 23, 1952. They were married for sixty-six years. To this union two daughters, Ronda and Robin were born. Charlie served in the Korean War with the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.
Charlie was a caretaker of the soil; he raised corn, soybeans and wheat on farms in both Kansas and Missouri. He also operated several Grade A dairies. In addition, he always raised beef cattle and enjoyed every minute of caring for his cattle. He pulled a team of small horses at several pulling matches and even took them to Kansas City to be in the American Royal Parade. He also owned a matching pair of Belgian horses. Charlie owned and operated Blue Stem Cattle Company, a trucking business, hauling cattle to and from local sale barns.
Survivors include his wife, Arlone, of the home; two daughters, Ronda Hastings and husband, Bradley, of Grants, New Mexico and Robin Miller and husband, Stephen, of Ft. Scott; five granddaughters and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Eddie Blevins and a sister, Pat Edgeman.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Betty Keiser and Joan Blevins.
Rev. Bradley Hastings will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 20 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.
New Craw-Kan Main Hub Begins on South Judson
Excavation work can be seen at the property just south of the Family Video Store on South National Avenue.
“Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative is putting in a small office (at the site),” Bob Guilfoyle, Craw-Kan Plant Manager, said. “It will be an office, the main hub, for our electronics. It will be unmanned.”
“It is mainly for the internet (service), but we offer cable TV and telephone also.”
The building will be approximately 800 square feet facing Judson Street, he said.
“Ken Clary is doing the dirt work and Luke Thomas the concrete,” Guilfoyle said. “We hope to have the building done by the middle of January.”
Currently, there is a “node” or spot for internal traffic for the surrounding service area located in the Bourbon County Courthouse in the old jail section, he said.
“There will be three nodes total,” Guilfoyle said. “One on the east side of town, one at the golf course and one at the jail. The main core will be at the 1729 S. Judson, the new location.”
FSHS Prom Fundraiser: Sticky Buns, Order by Dec. 19
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From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . .By Martha Meinsen Scott
It seems that this time of year there are a lot of “come and bring” parties. The trick of lining a small bundt pan with Saran to form your “cheeseball” works with other recipes — as long as you use two 8 ounce packages of cream cheese. This recipe is festive for this time of year, but good at any time — just form it into a ball if it is not December!
HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces Cheddar, shredded
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
½ c. pickled Peppadew peppers*
Salt and pepper to taste
½ c. freshly chopped parsley
¼ c. freshly chopped chives
Line small bundt pan with Saran Wrap. Mix cheeses, add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Fold in all but 2 T. of the peppers. Pat into lined mold and refrigerate at least overnight. Next day unmold and pat parsley and chives around the outside. Use the reserved 2 T. of peppers to decorate the top of “wreath”.
*If you can’t find Peppadews, plain old pimentos would work well.
Eurgene Ware Students Christmas Carol Downtown
Ali Simhiser, Grace Anderson, Delci Tucker, Delaney Tucker, Keith Tucker, and Dana Tucker singing downtown carols during Mistletoe on Main December 13.
Submitted by Mary Jo Harper.
Obituary for Shirley Ann Remby
Shirley Ann Remby, age 72, a former resident of Pleasanton, Kansas, and more recently of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018, in Bentonville, Arkansas.
She was born May 27, 1946, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Malcom and Hattie Louise Noel Malcom.
She graduated from the Hume High School with the Class of 1964. She later attended beauty school. Shirley worked as a beautician and was also was half owner of G & S Sales in Pleasanton.
Survivors include her daughter, Tina Remby, of Rogers, Arkansas and her son, Jesse “JR” Remby, Jr., of Canton, Ohio and three grandchildren, Madeline, Jaxon and Ethan. Also surviving are a brother, Jerry Malcom and wife, Linda, of Grove, Oklahoma and Sylvia McAllister and husband, Russell, of Arkansas City, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Holmes and a brother, Tommy Malcom.
There was cremation. A memorial service with burial in the Holmes Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Minutes of the Fort Scott Commission from Dec. 4
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 4, 2018 Regular Meeting #23
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 4th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Brian Rhoades, Rhonda Dunn, Todd Burrus, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Rachel Pruitt, Shaun West, Chad Brown, Robert Uhler, Christy Keating, Justin Meeks, Nick Ruhl, Jeff Fischer, Dave Bruner, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that Shaun West, Captain, will be retiring on December 20th, 2018. There will be a reception at Buck Run Community Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. held that day in his honor. Jason Pickert was recently promoted to fill his position as Captain.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 20th, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1228-A totaling $420,838.57.
Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Resolution No. 46-2018 authorizing the financing for the City’s water intake project – Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that this is the first step in financing the River Intake Structure Project.
Todd Burrus, George K. Baum & Company, informed the Commission that he is representing the City as their financial advisor on this project. The permanent financing will be done by U.S.D.A.’s Rural Development Loan Program. The projects will need to be completed first and then the U.S.D.A. will purchase long term bonds issued by the City. The City will need to issue short-term notes to pay for the costs of the project and then the notes will be paid off from proceeds of the long term bonds. Hopefully, a local bank will be interested in purchasing the notes from the City. The first step is approval of the resolution to authorize the improvements for this project.
Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 46-2018 authorizing the improvements to the City’s river intake structure project. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 46-2018 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE COSTS THEREOF.
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Consideration of Resolution No. 47-2018 authorizing the Redemption and Payment of the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Price Chopper and the sale of property to Super Market Developers, Inc. – Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that the City authorized and issued taxable bonds so the developers could get an advantage on materials. The City issued bonds for this project. This resolution calls for the redemption of the bonds.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 47-2018 authorizing the redemption and payment of the bonds for Price Chopper. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 47-2018 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2018, (PRICE CHOPPER PROJECT), AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO SUPER MARKET DEVELOPERS, INC.
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Consideration to set Budget Amendment Hearing date for December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a public hearing needs to be held to amend the 2019 budget to include and create the new Emergency Medical Service Fund. The public hearing will be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Approval to publish the public hearing was recommended.
Mitchell moved to approve to publish the budget amendment public hearing to be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE BUDGET AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2018 AT 6:00 P.M.
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Consideration of Kansas Gas Service Franchise Ordinance No. 3543 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the Kansas Gas Service franchise is up for renewal. This new agreement is a ten (10) year agreement with a 5% franchise fee which remained the same as the previous agreement.
Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3543 approving the Kansas Gas Service Franchise Agreement. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3543, GRANTING TO KANSAS GAS SERVICE, A DIVISION OF ONE GAS, INC., AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE, PRESCRIBING THE TERMS THEREOF AND RELATING THERETO, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS OF TERMS, PRESCRIBING A FRANCHISE FEE, PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY, REQUIRING ADVANCE NOTICE OF WORK AND DUTY TO REPAIR, PROVIDING FOR INDEMNIFICATION AND A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR RULES AND REGULATIONS, PRESCRIBING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, RESERVING CERTAIN RIGHTS, PROVIDING FOR REVOCATION AND TERMINATION, PROVIDING FOR AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE, PROVIDING FOR A REOPENER, PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF ANNEXATIONS, PRESCRIBING RELEVANT GOVERNING LAW PROVIDING FOR TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF THE FRANCHISE, PROVIDING FOR POINTS OF CONTACT AND NOTIFICATIONS, PROVIDING FOR AN AGREEMENT TO RENOGOTIATE, AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH OR IN CONFLICT WITH THE TERMS THEREOF.
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Consideration of consolidation of natural gas billing to Constellation Energy Resources to include Memorial Hall and the Public Works building in addition to the Airport – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he is looking to expand our current service provided by Constellation Energy Resources from the Airport to add Memorial Hall and the Public Works building. This will save the City approximately $3,000 annually.
Adamson moved to approve to consolidate Memorial Hall and the Public Works building to Constellation Energy Resources. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADD MEMORIAL HALL AND THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING TO CONSTELLATION ENERGY RESOURCES ALONG WITH THE AIRPORT SAVING THE CITY APPROXIMATELY $3,000 ANNUALLY.
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Consideration to waive the bid process for the repair/restoration of the rock retaining wall north of 206 N. National and approve the low quote from Midland Restoration Company – Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that the rock retaining wall north of 206 N. National has been damaged by storm water runoff and is in bad need of repair and restoration. He received quotes from two local contractors and asked to waive the bid process due to the condition of this retaining wall. The low bid is from Midland Restoration Company, Inc. in the amount of $11,850.00. He asked for approval of this bid.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to waive the bid process and approve the low bid from Midland Restoration Company, Inc. in the amount of $11,850.00 for the retaining wall rock at 206 N. National. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO WAIVE THE BID PROCESS AND APPROVE THE LOW BID FROM MIDLAND RESTORATION COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,850.00 FOR THE RETAINING WALL PROJECT AT 206 N. NATIONAL.
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Approval of Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service Agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, informed the Commission that he first wanted to thank the City Attorney, Justin Meeks, Rhonda Dunn, Christy Keating, and the Bourbon County Commission for their assistance in the development of this agreement. It is a one (1) year agreement and a partnership between Bourbon County and the City. The City will provide ambulance service with the approval of this contract. The City will do all we can to rehire the current EMS Mercy employees.
City Manager said that this could not have been done without the City and County working together on this project. He also said he appreciated Dave Bruner’s leadership. He said that the City will also hire an EMS Director who will report to Dave Bruner. Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, will handle all of the EMS hiring for the County.
Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the estimated budget is $1,086,000, but this does not include insurance yet so it will raise. Some of the City’s current firefighters who also are employed by Mercy will become Bourbon County employees to assist with overtime. The County will send the City a check for $90,000 each month for the ambulance costs. If there are surplus funds, these will go back to the County; if there is a shortage of funds, the City will be reimbursed. The County will hire a third party to do the ambulance billing. The Bourbon County Commission approved the agreement this morning at their meeting.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services agreement with the County for a one year period beginning January 1st, 2019 until December 31st, 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED BOURBON COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BOURBON COUNTY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2019 UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST, 2019.
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Approval of Christmas bonus for City employees – City Manager asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and himself. He recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. Estimated amount is $9,850.00.
Nichols moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
Approved the annual Christmas bonus of $100.00 for all full time employees, $50.00 for regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This bonus will exclude Dave Martin, City Manager, AND Bob Farmer, City Attorney.
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Approval of Salary Ordinance No. 3544 – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the 2019 Salary Ordinance is before them to approve. There are some changes including the addition of the EMS positions and some small changes to the high end of some of the pay ranges.
Parker moved to approve the 2019 Salary Ordinance. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3544 PROVIDING FOR THE SALARIES OF THE APPOINTIVE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3529.
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Consideration to approve Work Order #7 – Revision of Airport Layout Plan – Olsson Associates – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City has hit a snag in the environmental assessment at the Airport for the expansion project. The City has completed Phase I and Phase II of the environmental assessment and it was determined that a Phase III is needed. The estimate for Phase III for the cost of an archology survey is around $50,000. Discussions were held with the City’s engineering firm, Olsson Associates, about shifting the runway plans to avoid having to complete a Phase III environmental. She asked approval for Work Order #7 to revise the Airport Layout Plan to a proposed length of 5,500’. The cost for the revision of the layout is $4,000. The F.A.A. supports the 5,500’ length of the runway. The City should know in the first or second quarter of 2019 if the grant was awarded or not.
She reminded them that Kenny Howard is retiring at the end of December and Seth Simpson is replacing him. An Airport Advisory Board meeting will be held on Monday, December 10th, 2018, at 12:00 noon if you would like to come and meet him.
Parker moved to approve the Work Order #7 to revise the Airport Layout Plan with Olsson Associates. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED WORK ORDER #7 WITH OLSSON ASSOCIATES TO REVIEW THE AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN TO MAKE THE RUNWAY AT 5,500’.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates:
Health Care Update – Robert Uhler – Robert informed the Commission a reminder of our core mission when we started this process 65 days ago. Secure and retain Primary Care, Emergency Room, and EMS service.
Primary Care: CHC/SEK continues to work through the process. In a meeting last week, Krista Postoi, continued her commitment to the community and is working very hard to make things happen in a very quick time frame. It looks like all Fort Scott locations are on tap to transition to CHC on February 1st, 2019.
Emergency Department: Dave Martin has stayed in constant contact with Via Christi officials and it is still moving forward. Via Christi visited with a group of City, County, and community leaders just last week regarding their vision for the future.
EMS Service: Dave Bruner has just updated the Commission on this part. It is a very important lesson on when the City and County work together, great things can happen.
The working group has continued to meet several times a week on healthcare and will continue to meet regularly in the future. The City is very focused on the next 24 days and beyond to see what health care will look like for our great community in the future.
B. City Commission:
Nichols – Thanked the City and the County for their efforts to move forward on the ambulance agreement. Kudos to all involved.
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Parker – Remarked that it is amazing what we can do when we all work together.
Bartelsmeyer – Thanked all who worked on this project.
Mitchell – Asked if people would remember to pray for her nephew tomorrow as he was involved in a bad car accident and would be having surgery tomorrow.
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
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City Manager:
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City Employee Christmas Dinner – City Manager reminded the Commission of the City’s Christmas party at Buck Run on December 11th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
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Christmas in the Park – City Manager thanked all who worked and volunteered for this event.
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KSN-TV Interview – City Manager said that he did a television interview with Jeremiah Cook of KSN TV today and he was amazed at what the City has accomplished since the hospital announced they were closing.
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Hospital Task Force – City Manager announced that the Task Force will not go away even though the ambulance contract is approved. We will keep working towards the best model of health care for our community.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 4:45 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY: