Downtown Store To Be Converted To A Residence

 

9 North Main, Fort Scott

Long-time Fort Scottians Jerry Witt and his wife, Judy are trading in suburbia for living downtown.

“Judy and I used to live in the Carriage House, at Third and Main, that Cheney Witt (Funeral) Chapel owns, while our house was being built…We loved living downtown,” Witt said.

“My great-grandfather owned the Witt’s Chili Parlor downtown. I played on the old fort grounds as a kid,” he said.

This summer he has been working with the Fort Scott Planning Commission and also the Codes Department to get plans finalized for the renovation of the downtown building. Recently he got approval from the city to proceed with the project.

“I’m currently working with contractors,” Witts said. “I’ve got to get the interior demolished. The architect is Zingre and Associates. Dave Irwin helped on the project.”

Currently, there is no projected timeline for the renovation, Witt said.

 

 

Friday Night Free Concert Sept. 21

 

There is a free concert each Friday night at Heritage Park.

This Friday show will feature David Prickett, vocal and guitar, Marilyn Adcock vocal, autoharp and guitar, Mike Lundeen, keyboard, Floyd Feezell, vocal and others.

There will be a open mike period for vocals from the audience.

Showtime is 7 p.m.  Bring your lawn chairs as seating is limited. In the event of rain, the show will move 1/2 block south to the Common Grounds Coffee shop.

Ballot Educational Event

REMINDER OF EVENT THIS SATURDAY!
See information below. It is requested you purchase your tickets by Wednesday either from the Chamber, from Bill Brittain 620-224-8657, or online here.
YOU ARE INVITED!
On the November election ballot for residents of Bourbon County there will be a question to pass what is called “Liquor by the Drink”.
A “YES” vote simply means that existing and future establishments will not be bound by the current requirement in Bourbon County that 30% of annual sales need to be from the sales of food.  Repeal of this requirement has already been passed in many counties in Kansas as the art of craft beer is growing and makers desire to focus on their craft and not be in the food/restaurant business.
Following is how the question will read on the ballot:
“Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Bourbon County, Kansas, be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross sales be from the sales of food?”
This passing will benefit a number of businesses and organizations in Bourbon County to not have the food sales requirement.
You are invited to a Ballot Educational Event
to hear why so you can be informed when you go to the polls.
Enjoy a fun evening and filet dinner for only $20
featuring Guest Speaker Bryan Ritter of
The Boiler Room Brewhaus.

You may purchase filet dinner tickets at the Elks Lodge, Boiler Room Brewhaus, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, or click below to purchase online ($2 credit card processing fee per ticket applies).
Dinner is limited to 100 tickets, get yours today!
Filets are from The Butcher Block ~ yum ~ don’t miss out!

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Sept. 18

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 18th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-2017 Audit

10:30-11:00-Don Doherty

11:00-11:15-Dewayne Allen-Drywood Township

11:15-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-10 min.

Economic Development-30 min.

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-2:00-Judge Harth-Executive Session-30 min.

2:00-4:30-Commissioners are packing to move to 1st floor.

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

Lowered Flags for Sheriff Deputy

Governor Jeff Colyer orders flags flown at half-staff in honor of Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags in Sedgwick County to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately at the request of Sedgwick County officials, until sundown tomorrow, September 18, 2018, in honor of Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday.

 

In addition, as is customary, Governor Colyer will be ordering flags to be flown half-staff statewide from sun up to sun down on the day of Deputy Kunze’s funeral, details of which will be announced at a future time.

 

“My deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Robert Kunze, who lost his life yesterday in the line of duty,” said Gov. Colyer. “We honor him for his bravery and send our thoughts and prayers to all his fellow deputies during this difficult time.”

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

 

Obituary of Sylvia Shepard

SYLVIA A. SHEPARD

Sylvia Artila Shepard, 91, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away at her home in Opolis, Kansas, Friday evening, September 14, 2018.

She was born November 29, 1926 in Milo, Missouri the daughter of Doris Sylvester and Beulah Ethel Chadd McClellan. She married Charles Allen Shepard January 24, 1942 in Nevada, Missouri, he preceded her in death, November 23, 1993.

She was a homemaker and during her life she lived for 25 years in Mapleton, Kansas and in Fort Scott for 21 years. She also worked for Keys Work Clothes. She loved gardening, fishing, camping, bowling and dancing.

Sylvia is survived by a son, Wayne Shepard and wife, Cheryl of Kansas City, Missouri, two nieces whom she cared for when they were younger, Clara Williams of Lamar, Missouri and Mary Sue Pirkl and husband Jim of Belle Plaine, Iowa; two granddaughters, Angel and Victoria Shepard, a step-grandson, Levi Morris and a great-grandson, Ryker Morris, as well as several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Allen, she was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Jack, Rufus, and Robert McClellan.

Graveside services will be held at the Olive Branch Cemetery near Milo, Missouri at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 18, 2018 under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home of Fort Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends will meet at the Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and leave for the Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.

The family suggests memorials to the Hospice Compassus of Pittsburg, contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

A Beautiful Day For Art In The Yard

Tents and booths were set up in the shade of trees on the Kemna property Saturday for the public to view and buy the wares of artists.

The weather cooperated and the beautiful September day was enjoyed by attendees of the Art in the Yard festival at local artist Bobbi Kemna’s property northwest of Fort Scott on Saturday.

Local and area artists of all styles set up booths and tents in the shade to sell their wares.

Pottery, woodwork, fabric, painting, metal, photography, furniture, food, theater, music, jewelry and lavender artists were placed around the acreage for the public to visit with and buy their wares.

The City of Fort Scott provided a  free trolley from downtown to the site, located on 215th Street, rural Fort Scott.

There was no official headcount, Kemna said, but approximately 200 people is her estimate.

She said she welcomes feedback from attendees.

For more information click below:

Something New: Art In The Yard Sept. 15

Following are photos that were taken during the morning of the event.

The public is free to add their photos in comments.

Festival creator and host Bobbi Kemna, left, visits with Arnold and Clara Schofield and granddaughter on Saturday morning at the Art in the Yard Festival.
Barb McCord visits with an attendee while demonstrating how to weave in the nature tapestry she bought to the Art in the Yard Festival. The natural material was provided and the attendees were invited to weave the material through a giant loom, with the intent of a finished tapestry by days end.
Carol George admires Paul Milk’s Hardanger embroidery. Milk also sold photography and cross stitch articles at the Art in the Yard Festival Saturday.
The Fort Scott Community Orchestra, under the direction of Carson Felt, entertained the art festival attendees.
Sydney and Hannah Ramsey added final touches to Nick Magee’s artwork Saturday at Art in the Yard. Their mother, Emily Ramsey, right, supervises. Magee, in the background, had his paintings for sale at the Art in the Yard Festival.
The Fort Scott High School Thespians entertained the attendees with improv comedy Saturday. The group also sold soft drinks to further their cause of attending an international theater event in Scotland next summer.
Bobbi Kemna, event organizer and host, visits with attendees on the porch of her pottery workshop Saturday at  Art in the Yard.

Northeast Scott 4-H Club Makes Hand-Made Blankets for Mercy

Back Row: Ella Maher, Dalayni Foulk, Jasper Allison, Reegan McDaniel, Joe Foulk (tall in the very back), Lily Westoff, Alisa Popp, Sierra Wright, Brennon Popp, Brody Wright. Front Row: Landon McDaniel, Korbyn Allison, Rydale Hereford, Avery McDaniel, Ana Christy, Maverick Wright and Karlee Hereford.

Mercy Home Health and Hospice Receives Gift

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Sept. 17, 2018) – Members of the Northeast Scott 4-H Club donated hand-made lap blankets to Mercy Home Health and Hospice to be given to patients.

I was so excited to receive the call about the donation,” said Tabitha Stults, Mercy Home Health and Hospice community relations coordinator. “The blankets are beautiful and so soft. Our team look forward to sharing the blankets with our hospice patients.”

The blankets were made during a crafts class under the direction of the craft leader Destiny Foulk.

 

 

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission For Sept. 4

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 4, 2018 Regular Meeting #17

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 4th, 2018 at 6:00 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: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Dave Bruner, Michael Mix, Mike Billings, Kenny Howard, Darrell Parker, Kenneth Rood, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 21st, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1222-A totaling $1,650,284.63.

  1. Resolution 34-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 15 S. Crawford Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Review of Water Plant KDHE Inspection – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the Water Treatment Plant recently had an inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. He is happy to report that no deficiencies of any kind were found. He is very proud of his Water Treatment Plant crew and recognized them for their hard work.

  1. Letter of Conditions – USDA – River Intake Structure Grant – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, introduced to the Commission Michael Billings, Area Specialist, with Rural Development of Iola, Kansas.

Mike Billings informed the Commission that he was present to go over the Letter of Conditions for the Water Treatment Plant and Dam Improvements project. The loan application has been received by R.D.A. and is in the amount of $4,925,000. This loan will be administered by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and area staff of USDA Rural Development. All conditions set forth under Section III must be met within 280 days of the date of this letter. He did state that this time frame can be extended if needed. He briefly went over all eight sections of the Letter of Conditions and 46 items on it. He did highlight on a few of the items.

Project Description: Funds will be used to make improvements to the Intake Facility, SCADA, and the water treatment plant clearwell and will provide an opportunity to further investigate the dam design and construction. Development items include: improvements to access road, emergency pump connection, water transmission main condition assessment, replacement of intake gates and actuators, replacing mechanical and intake screen, repairing intake pumps, replace pump motors and install VFD’s, replacing check valves and insulation valves, installing a new mixing system in the wetwell, install grout in the corners of the wetwell wall, installing a sump pump, providing davit cranes, replacing the roof, tuck pointing and sealing the brick structure, provide internal roof access, replacing old heating and ventilating equipment, modifying the existing power feed, providing a stationary standby generator, surge protection, RTU and radio system, security monitoring, SCADA improvements, temporary dam access, and abutment analysis.

The project is budgeted as follows:

Construction $3,132,000

Contingency $ 469,800

Engineering Fees $ 848,300

Includes:

PreDevelopment $ 114,000

Design $ 344,300

Construction Administration $ 390,000

Interest – Interim $ 199,900

Legal & Administrative Fees $ 275,000

Total Project Costs $4,925,000

Loan Terms: The interest rate will be the lower of the rate in effect at the time of loan approval or at the time of loan closing, unless otherwise requested. The loan is for a period of 40 years. Payments will be equal annual amortized installments, beginning one year after closing. A 3.125% interest rate and an amortization factor of 44.15, which provides for an annual payment of $217,439 is used. This amount could be slightly different based on the interest rate at which the loan is closed.

Mr. Billings asked for approval of four items:

  1. Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions

  2. Request for Obligation of Funds

  3. Certification Approval

  4. RD Staff NPA Certification Checklist

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Mayor sign all these documents after they have met the approval of the City Attorney. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 1) LETTER OF INTENT TO MEET CONDITIONS; 2) REQUEST FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDS; 3) CERTIFICATION APPROVAL; 4) RD STAFF NPA CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST. CITY ATTORNEY AUTHORIZIED ALL FORMS ARE APPROVED FOR SIGNATURE. – USDA WATER TREATMENT PLANT RDA LOAN – $4,925,000.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

Director Updates: Paul Ballou and Dave Bruner – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, gave the Commission an update on the calls they have taken so far in 2018. As of today, they are at 1,116 calls. In 2017, the calls totaled 1,594 so they are very consistent with last year. In addition to all the calls they attend to, they also conduct inspections in accordance with the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. The Fire Department inspects all schools, restaurants, motels/hotels, nursing homes, health care facilities, and any public facility.  The State Fire Marshal’s office inspects Fort Scott Community College and the health care facility.  The Fire Department does over seventy inspections a year. With their volume call, starting an inspection, and then getting called away on a call, it is becoming increasingly hard to finish inspections as they should be. He asked the Commission to approve for the State Fire Marshal’s office to take over inspecting all of the hotel/motel facilities in the City which will alleviate that from their inspection list. The Fire Department will continue to go in there once a year for a pre-planning inspection at the hotels/motels to prepare in case of a fire.

Mitchell moved to approve to allow the State Fire Marshal’s office to begin inspecting all hotels/motels in the City of Fort Scott. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE TO BEGIN INSPECTING ALL HOTELS/MOTELS IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

B. City Commission:

Adamson Echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.

Bartelsmeyer Nothing to report.

Nichols Also echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.

Parker – Recognized the Water Plant personnel for their excellent inspection results. She also recognized the Fire/EMS for their excellent service. She stated that the average citizens do not understand what all goes into running a City.

Mitchell Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Changes at City Hall – City Manager announced that Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, has retired. There will be a reception held for him on Friday, September 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the great job he did while he was here.

With the retirement of Jon Garrison, became an opportunity to make changes. The following changes have been made:

Rhonda Dunn will move from Community Development Director to Finance Director/Codes Director. Rhonda will keep the Codes position as well for now. Resources may need to be added in that department if needed.

Marlene Braker had the title of Assistant to the Finance Director. This position is not needed so her title will change to Financial Analyst.

Paul Ballou has been promoted to Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief. He will be the second in command when the City Manager is unavailable.

Community Development Director – This position will be posted on the City’s website today.

Kenny Howard is retiring effective December 31st. This position is open on the City’s website and will now report to Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director.

Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, will begin overseeing the IT position and taking over the City’s insurance which Kenny Howard has overseen.

Dave Martin will supervise Larry Gazaway now and the new Community Development Director.

ADJOURNMENT:

Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:45 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on September 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda For Sept. 28

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMS BARTELSMEYER MASON NICHOLS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: First Church of the Nazarene Pastor

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Valetta Cannon – Southeast Kansas Library System Excellence Award presentation

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 4th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1223-A totaling $406,758.85.

  1. Resolution 35-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 302 S. Lowman Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 36-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 421 W. 5th Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 37-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1110 Scott Avenue – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 39-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Accessory Structure located in vacant lot south of 711 S. Barbee Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Tom Robertson – October 26th, 2018 – Zombie Run – 5K Race – Gunn Park

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – Public Hearing – Vacation of Street – Barbee Street – between 10th & 11th Street between Barbee and Little – Fort Scott Christian Heights c/o Terry Chance and Cecil J & Cynthia K Feagins, Jr. – (Jerry Witt) – Approval of Ordinance #3539

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 38-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 111 S. Little Street

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Riverfront Grant submittal update

  1. Comprehensive Plan update
  1. Consideration of Bids – Waterway Mowing

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager: Introduction of Community Development Director

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of 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 or representatives 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

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Howard To Retire As Airport Director

 

Retiring Fort Scott Airport Director Kenny Howard, left, and Economic Director Rachel Pruitt, at the Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning at the airport.

Kenny Howard, Fort Scott’s Airport Director for the last 18 years, is retiring.

“I can’t say enough about Kenny’s leadership,” City Manager Dave Martin said at the Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday at the airport. “We’re definitely going to miss him.”

Howard will retire December 31 and the city is currently interviewing for the position, Martin said.

Howard told about some of the planned events in his tenure which included clinics and fly-in breakfasts.

There have been increased fuel sales at the airport, since changing fuel vendors, he said.

Last year approximately 77,000 gallons of fuel were sold there, and as of August 2018, approximately 92,000 have been sold thus far, he said.

Fort Scott Airport has two onsite fuel tanks: a 10,000 gallon Jet A gas tank and a 9,000 gallon AV gas tank.

Agricultural flying operations, corporate flights, medical emergency flights and more recently a request from the parents of some St. Martin’s Academy students for charter flights, are a part of the job.

His additional duties are overseeing the mowing of 190 acres of grass and overseeing the insurance piece for the airport.

He said he was able to drop the premium for the insurance coverage in the last few years.

Two recent grants for improvement were received: a grant that will upgrade the Automated Weather Observation Station, and one for improved runway lights.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said there is currently a Federal Aviation Administration opportunity for rural airports.

“I submitted an application in August…there is no matching grant required…to expand the runway,” Pruitt said.

“The last six years, the airport has seen 60 percent growth,” she said.

The Fort Scott Airport entrance at 187th and Indian Road.

 

For more information click below:

Airport Receives Two Grants To Update

Bourbon County Local News