Click below for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports. They can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Sept. 1- 4
Click below for the Fort Scott Police Department daily reports. They are located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Free Band Concert Sept. 7 at Heritage Park Pavilion
The featured band this Friday night is the “Takin’ Notes Band”.
The concert is free and held at the Heritage Park Pavilion, First and Main Streets.
The band includes a variety of genre from old country, bluegrass gospel, and rock.
Terri Louk on lead vocals and guitar, Randy Maples lead guitar and vocals, Lane Steiner on drums and harmonica, David Shelby on vocals and guitar, Jeff Deal on bass, Brian Crites dulcimer, Bill Buck on mandolin and Dr. Larry Buck vocals and mandolin.
The program starts at 7 p.m. The audience is asked to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited.
In the event of foul weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, one-half block south of the pavilion.
Recommendations To Address Addiction
Substance Use Disorders Task Force Submits Recommendations
Governor Colyer receives 34 high-priority recommendations to address addiction
TOPEKA – A task force established in March, by a Governor’s Executive Order has finalized and submitted a list of recommendations to address substance use, including opioid addiction. The recommendations were submitted to Governor Jeff Colyer ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline.
“I appreciate the time, effort and expertise the task force members brought to this important initiative,” Governor Colyer said. “The recommendations I have reviewed are clearly well thought out, thoroughly discussed and considered, and will be used going forward to shape discussions on substance use in Kansas.”
The Governor’s Task Force to Address Substance Use Disorders was led by Dr. Greg Lakin, State Medical Officer, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Membership on the task force included medical professionals, Cabinet-level Secretaries and various stakeholders.
“We each have a desire and duty to promote the health and well-being of Kansans, particularly those affected by addiction. I am thankful to be part of such an important task force, involving this urgent cause,” Dr. Lakin said. “The members all worked well collectively, putting together high-impact recommendations. I also appreciate the great work of the Opiate Prescription Abuse committee that contributed to the discussion.”
To address substance use issues across the state, the group was tasked with, among other things, to utilize existing resources to identify best practices and offer recommendations for a statewide response to the opioid crisis. The group focused on five specific areas: provider education; prevention; treatment and recovery; law enforcement; and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
The task force received testimony from 86 individuals and organizations as it conducted its work, which involved regular meetings between April and August, at the Kansas Health Institute, Topeka.
A complete list of the recommendations can be found on the KDHE website. For more information about substance use in Kansas, visit http://www.preventoverdoseks.org/.
As has been previously reported, the vote to recommend Medicaid expansion was not unanimous. A breakdown of how each task member voted on this issue, can be found beginning on page 39.
Bourbon County Arts Council Patio Concert Sept. 15
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Join us Saturday, September 15th at the Liberty Theatre Patio to watch EN Power & Light in concert!
Tickets for this event are $10 for BCAC member and $15 for non-member.
You may purchase tickets from Terri Floyd at 224-7221, Deb Anderson at 224-8650, or Bre Martin at 644-8703. You may also call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 223-3566
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Kansas Revenue Up
August revenue receipts exceed previous year
TOPEKA—Fiscal year tax collections exceeded previous year’s totals by $79.49 million according to data from the latest revenue report released Tuesday.
Fiscal year 2019 collections so far total $993.36 million.
August tax collections were up $33.99 million, or 7.38 percent over last year.
Individual income tax collections totaled $220.78 million which is $25.09 million or 12.82 percent above the same time last year. August sales tax collections exceeded last August’s collections by $537,427.
Governor Declares Flood Disaster Emergency
Gov. Jeff Colyer MD has issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for five Kansas counties affected by flooding over the weekend. Named in the declaration are Jewell, Kingman, Marshall, Pratt, and Riley Counties.
Damages in these counties included washed out roads, bridges, culverts and flooding to some businesses and residential properties.
“Here in Kansas we make it a priority to take care of our neighbors,” said Colyer. “Those impacted by the recent flooding have our full support and we will continue to do whatever is needed to help during this time of emergency.”
The state declaration may be amended to include any additional counties that declare due to flooding as damage assessments are conducted. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 4
Obituary of Mary Helen Green
Mary Helen Green, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday morning, September 4, 2018, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.
She was born June 8, 1933, in Callao, MO, the daughter of Floyd and Crystal Blackburn Ham. She graduated from Arcadia high school with the class of 1951. She worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott. She married Johnnie Bean on June 26, 1951. Together they owned and operated Fort Scott Beverage and Beverage Express. From 1954 to 1999, they were the local distributor for Anheiser Busch.
Johnnie preceded her in death on June 4, 1998. She married Harvey Green on July 22, 2000.
Mary Helen was an extremely giving person who went out of her way for anyone in need. She loved to travel if even for a local sightseeing ride. She enjoyed meeting daily with her friends at the donut shop and other restaurants. She was a former member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include her husband Harvey of the home; a brother, Richard Ham; a sister, Geneva Sue Ham; step-children Tim Green, Harvey Green, Jr., Susan Leichter, Robert Green, Karen Winters, Darlene Atkinson, and Janice Zickefoose; numerous grandchildren, special niece, Melinda Goff; special great-niece Jamie Graham; and special great-great-niece Blakely Graham.
Besides her first husband, Johnnie, she was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Bean; two step-daughters, Deborah Jones and Ida Rene’ Davis; two brothers, Howard and Dale Ham; and a sister, Dorothy Moore.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Doug Bean Scholarship Fund – FSCC or the Blakely Graham College Fund and may be left in the 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.
2018 Old Settlers Picnic
For 113 years people have been gathering on Uniontown’s square to celebrate Labor Day.
Vendors dot the treed park, children and adults play games, groups sell food and drink for the annual picnic. There is also recognition of the oldest present at the picnic, the longest residency in Uniontown and who drove the farthest to attend.
Through the years other events have been added, a children’s fishing derby, a talent show, rodeos, and community church service.
And there is a parade.
The 2018 Old Settler’s Picnic was September 3 this year.
Mary Bruner was honored as the grand marshall of the parade, which always fills the town square perimeter with visitors.
The parade was filled with children, past and future Uniontown High School graduates, fire volunteers, motorcycles, old machinery, floats, politicians, and horses.
Prior Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission, August 21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 21, 2018, Regular Meeting #16
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 21st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adamson was absent.
INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, 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, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Jean Tucker, Janet Davis, Paul Rooks, Patience Richwine, Miriam Mix, Dave Bruner, Michael Mix, Emma Mix, Jordyn McGhee, Angela Mix, Jerry Witt, Larry Gazaway, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 7th, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1221-A totaling $273,230.48.
Commissioner Bartelsmeyer asked about the minutes in reference to the Conditional Use Permit and if they should read the Witt family instead of Jerry and Judy Witt.
Commissioner Parker said that was her intent.
City Attorney informed them that the Conditional Use Permit is just a draft for them to review. He mentioned discussing Item #4 at this time.
Approval of Conditional Use Permit – 9 N. Main – Witt Family Rentals, LLC – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Conditional Use Permit is a draft based on the minutes from the previous meeting. She researched the International Zoning Code and explained to the Commissioners how the permit works. The Conditional Use Permit is not activated until the building permit is issued. If the conditions are not complied with, the permit can be revoked. Rhonda went over the general terms of the permit which are as follows:
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This permit is issued to Jerry & Judy Witt, as the Managers of the Witt Family Rentals, LLC with the specific stipulation that the exterior plans approved by the City Commission at its meeting on August 7, 2018, be complied with. These plans have been approved by the City Commission and the Design Review Board.
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The Conditional Use Permit will allow Jerry and Judy Witt to live in the above-referenced building as their residence. The property is to be used exclusively for the residence of Jerry and Judy Witt and cannot be used for any other uses nor can it be rented to anyone.
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This permit will extend to and during the lifetime of the survivor of Jerry Witt or Judy Witt and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Upon the death of the last survivor of Jerry Witt and Judy Witt, the permit will be revoked. Any additional permits for that location must be applied for through the City of Fort Scott, Kansas.
City Manager stated that Jerry Witt wants his family included in this permit and the ability for his heirs to live there.
City Attorney remarked that the permit needs to be limited as far as children and grandchildren.
Commissioner Nichols shared his views regarding if the City wanted a filled commercial building versus a residential building. If the downtown starts to boom that building could be used for commercial retail purposes. We need to allow the commercial district to develop to its fullest.
Commissioner Bartelsmeyer suggested hearing from Jerry Witt on his thoughts on the draft of the Conditional Use Permit.
Jerry Witt said that he doubted if his children would want to come back before the Design Review Board and City Commission to get the permit in their names after he or his wife’s death.
City Manager stated that we just can’t predict what the market will do in the coming years in the downtown area.
Jerry Witt stated that he would like to see the Conditional Use Permit with his sons listed on it as well so they would not have to come and ask for a Conditional Use Permit upon their deaths.
City Attorney said that the Conditional Use Permit can be drafted to include Jerry, Judy, and their five sons if the Commission desires.
Bartelsmeyer made a motion to revise the Conditional Use Permit on Section A, to include Jerry & Judy Witt and their five sons and that this permit will apply to the first generation only. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
Approved to revise the Conditional Use Permit on Section a, to include Jerry & Judy Witt and their five sons and that this permit will apply to the first generation only.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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Appearance:
Miriam Mix and Patience Richwine – FSHS Mentoring Program – These two young ladies presented a program to the Commissioners on the Fort Scott High School mentoring program which was put into place last year. Hunter Adamson was also involved in this project but was unable to attend due to school functions. Their program matches up Freshmen students with Junior students and Sophomore students with Senior students. They are encouraged to spend time with the younger classmates and hang out with them and help answer questions they may have. This is a voluntary program.
Commissioners thanked them for their great idea.
Kevin Wagner, 2018 Wreath Ride – Mr. Wagner was unable to attend.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:46 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
Opened PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:46 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Update on alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street (On July 17th was continued for 30 days) – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this property is an old 1940’s motor court. It is located at Wall and Brown Streets. She met with the owner and showed him all the improvements that needed to be made. He has boarded up one window in all he has done in 30 days. She shared pictures of the roof, the siding, the facia at the top and bottom of the house, all which are in disrepair. She recommended moving forward with the condemnation of this structure in the next 30 days.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 33-2018 authorizing this structure to be repaired or removed in 30 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 33-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1914 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:48 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:48 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
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Discussion of 13 N. Holbrook demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this property burned about two years ago. The property owner was going to pay Saker Demolition to clean up this debris. Now he has decided otherwise. She informed the Commission that she will award this already received bid to Saker Demolition and have them pick up the debris and bill the property owner.
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Consideration of fencing ordinances in the downtown historic district – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Design Review Board reviewed the fencing guidelines for the historic downtown district and came up with these guidelines. They will apply to the Commercial Zoning Regulations with Ordinance No. 3537 and Design Review Board guidelines with Ordinance No. 3538. Approval was recommended.
Nichols moved to approve Ordinances No. 3537 and 3538 in regards to fencing in the downtown historic district. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3537 AMENDING ARTICLE 24 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE ZONING REGULATIONS TO ADD SECTION 24-7, FENCING REGULATIONS, FOR THE HISTORIC CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT (HC-O) FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3538 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.08 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 17.08.110, FENCING REGULATIONS, FOR THE HISTORIC DISTRICT FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.
Rhonda also gave an update on the sale of the chairs in Memorial Hall. Bids will be accepted tomorrow for these floor seats.
She also gave an update on 310 N. Cleveland. The Next Steps program, as well as the Good Neighbor Action Team, are both assisting this homeowner. These groups have asked for more time to work with the property owner to make repairs.
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Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commissioners of the staff that would be attending the League Annual Meeting. She said that voting and alternate delegates for the Annual League of Kansas Municipalities meeting need to be selected:
Voting Alternate
Dave Martin Rachel Pruitt
Diane Clay Rhonda Dunn
Rhonda Dunn Deb Needleman
Mitchell moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED VOTING AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES FOR THE ANNUAL LEAGUE OF KANSAS MUNICIPALITIES MEETING TO BE HELD OCTOBER 6-8, 2018.
- Item #4 was already discussed.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates: Larry Gazaway, Director of Tourism, shared with the Commission that the Convention and Visitors Bureau will be hosting a Veterans Day Weekend on November 9-11, 2018 in the City of Fort Scott. A reception will be held on Friday evening, a parade of Veterans will be held on Saturday, with the Grand Ball held on Saturday night at Memorial Hall. Community Christian Church is hosting a church service which will be followed by a ceremony at the National Cemetery and then a lunch at the VFW Post #1165. He has invited 55 marching bands to come for the parade and he has invited 217 American Legions and VFW organizations to attend. Peerless has donated $1,500 for the Friday evening reception. He also shared a display of the troop banner which is 30X60 and can be purchased for $200.00. There are 43 brackets in the downtown area to hang the banners. He would love to see National and East National lined with additional banners. These will be available for order very soon.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Not present.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Parker – Asked for an update on 1601 E. Wall, the old Sugarfoot and Peaches restaurant.
Rhonda Dunn said that she talked to the property owner today. He has arranged with Kevin Allen to demolish the structure. Kevin has one other job ahead of this one and then will start to demolish this structure.
Commissioner Parker also thanked the two young ladies who presented their mentoring program tonight.
Commissioner Parker also asked if there were dog disposal bags in the downtown area for when residents walk their dogs.
Rhonda said that they are located in a tube on the side of the City’s trash cans.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
C. City Attorney: Remarked that he is proud of the City Commission and how they approached this tough issue in good fashion tonight.
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Director of Finance: Not present.
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City Manager: Stated that he appreciated the City Commission on looking at all options on this tough issue tonight.
ADJOURNMENT:
Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:07 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on September 4th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
The Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission Sept. 4
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
September 4, 2018
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE:
III. INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 21st, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1222-A totaling $1,650,284.63.
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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.
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE:
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None
VII. CONSIDERATION:
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Review of Water Plant KDHE Inspection
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Letter of Conditions – USDA – River Intake Structure Grant
VIII. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Paul Ballou & Dave Bruner
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- Director of Finance:
- City Manager:
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:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL