Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes for July 17

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 17, 2018 Regular Meeting #14

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Nichols was absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, James Collins, Larry Gazaway, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Chad Brown, Mike Embry, Alek Shelden, Rachel Pruitt, Ken Wheeler, Bill Boge, Shawn Pritchett & Mozzie, Dawna Maloney, John Maloney, Deb McCoy, Jerald Mitchell Randy Page, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of Drug Dog, Mozzie – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, introduced Officer Shawn Pritchett and his drug dog, Mozzie. Mozzie is a two year old Dutch Shepherd dog. He has already assisted in over 20 drug arrests and is doing a great job. He and Officer Pritchett have really bonded well together.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 3rd, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1219-A totaling $375,841.80.

Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer 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) –

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 31-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 608 S. Broadway Street – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had issues with codes since 1999. The porch is in bad condition and the roof of the porch is in disrepair. The roof of the porch has a hole in it by the ceiling that is covered by a tarp. The fascia and guttering has damage and the foundation of the structure is cracked and open to the elements. The structure is vacant and belongs to William Wiggans. She asked for this structure to be repaired or removed in a short time period.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 10 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 31-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 608 S. BROADWAY STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY AUGUST 3rd, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 32-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she has no photos to share of this structure but has been in contact with the owner. This is an old 1940’s motor court hotel. The owner is planning to put a new roof on as well as windows to renovate this structure. He has already removed a lot of brush from this structure. She asked that this be delayed for 30 days.

City Attorney recommended continuing the public hearing in 30 days.

Parker moved to approve to continue the public hearing on the structure at 1914 E. Wall for 30 days. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON 1914 E. WALL FOR 30 DAYS.

Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:23 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Wastewater Facility Inspection Review – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that an inspection was held at the Wastewater Treatment Plant facility on May 18th, 2018 by K.D.H.E. There were no issues or deficiencies found during the inspection. Michael introduced Mike Embry, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Mike Embry thanked his team of employees: Alek Shelden, Randy Page, Bill Boge, John Maloney and Ken Wheeler. He also thanked the City Commission for their support when improvements are needed at the plant.

  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that at the last meeting he brought up the issue of the Wastewater Treatment Plant receiving grease and oil from septic haulers. He drafted a letter that he will mail to all septic haulers notifying them that the plant will not accept any grease or oil as the plant cannot process it. He did discuss this issue with personnel at the State. He talked to Terry Lawrence, who is one of the biggest haulers and he was understanding of the change. This change will be effective August 20th, 2018.

Parker moved to approve the change in policy for the septic haulers effective August 20th, 2018. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CHANGE IN POLICY FOR SEPTIC HAULERS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 20TH, 2018.

  1. Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Public Library Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that three letters of interest were received for the open position vacated by Tracy Homan on the Fort Scott Public Library Board. Yvonne Holloway, Amanda Collins, and Maybelle Mertz submitted letters of interest. These letters were sent to the Library Board and they have recommended the appointment of Yvonne Holloway to this position.

Parker moved to approve to appoint Yvonne Holloway to the Fort Scott Public Library Board. Adamson seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

APPROVED TO APPOINT YVONNE HOLLOWAY TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD TO REPLACE THE VACATED POSITION OF TRACY HOMAN.

  1. Adoption of 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3536 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, asked the Commission to approve the Standard Traffic Ordinance which allows the City to enforce all traffic stops.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3536 approving the 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3536 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE 2018 STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

  1. Approval to solicit bids for a mower at Airport/Lakes – Kenny Howard, Airport/Lake Director informed the Commission he is requesting to go out for bid for a mower with a blower attachment for mowing at the Lakes and the Airport. This will also be used to clean the ramps at the Airport. This will be a 72” mower with a fold up deck with a blower that will blow debris off the runway. As the airport grows, other attachments could be purchased for the mower such as a power broom and a snow blower. The estimated cost is $24,000 and this is a budgeted item.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to solicit bids for a mower at the Airport. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR A MOWER AT THE AIRPORT AND LAKES.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Deb Needleman – Deb gave an update on the Healthy Bourbon County Grant the City was recently awarded. The City received $6,850 and she shared photos of the desk risers, a treadmill, and an elliptical that was purchased with these funds. The desk risers were purchased for City Hall, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Communications Manager at Dispatch. The treadmill is at the Police Department for the dispatchers and the elliptical is at Fire Station #2. In August, a workshop will be held on nutrition that the committee will plan to attend. She shared a graph with the Commission on Physical Activity for City employees.

Larry Gazaway – Larry shared photos of the remodel at the CVB. He gave several updates on the CVB. They have installed Rec Trac, which is a point of sale system. They are installing their own telephone system, which will have a different number than the Chamber. They have installed a door chime with a counter. Since July 1st, they have had 775 people come into the CVB. He is busy marketing Fort Scott. He gave them each a copy of the Southeast Kansas Tourism Guide, where Fort Scott is advertised. They are active on facebook, Instagram, and twitter. He will be attending Tour Kansas on August 7th. He is the President of Tour Kansas. He had a bus tour today with about 30 people. He is marketing the LaRoche Baseball Complex. He is working on a big Veteran’s Day weekend and has invited 217 V.F.W. and American Legion organizations to this event which will be held November 9-11. He shared a photo of a troop banner which will be 30X60 and can be purchased with a Veteran’s photo. They hope to sell enough to hang these all down Main Street and even National if needed. The CVB is marketing that they will book rooms for upcoming events for individuals coming to Fort Scott. The Trolley is being marketed also and tickets printed now. Any organization or restaurant can include a coupon to their establishment if desired to be included in the envelope with the ticket. He gave updates on the Biking Across America event, the Lavender Fest, the Waterways Exhibit and movie nights. There is a Welcome Back to Fort Scott event which will be held on August 11th at the River Room. He also updated the Commission on geo fencing and advertising that can be sent to a smart phone through this.

Dave Bruner – Dave shared two items with the Commission. The first item he showed the Commission was something new that he checked into called Project Breathe. It is a pet oxygen mask. They have three sizes. So many times when a fire occurs, an animal is in the house and they assist with the animals also. He showed how the mask works and how it hooks up with a hose to the oxygen bottle to help resuscitate animals. The next item was the announcement of a grant that the Fire Department received through A.F.G. for the purchase of air packs. The grant is for $104,500 with a City match of $4,976 to purchase 16 air packs and 32 bottles. He thanked Doug Bartlett with the Linn County Fire Department who assisted with the grant application and also Sheriff Martin who assisted also.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Not present.

Parker – Thanked Jon Garrison for his hard work in completing the 2019 Budget documents. She thanked all the departments including the Wastewater guys for their inspection accomplishment. She thanked all departments who help keep spending under control.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Dave gave an update on several projects:

  1. Moving forward with the possible sale of 2nd Street Park to an entity who would still allow the City access to the trails for Gunn Park and Riverfront Park.

  2. Pool – Dave said that this has been a rough year at the pool. He thanked Chasity Ware and the pool assistants and lifeguards. They have had to send kids home this year.

  3. Court – Dave said that staff is looking at Municipal Court and Deb is taking this project on.

  4. Budget – Dave said that the budget is complete and will be on the next agenda for approval.

  5. Airport expansion – Dave said that funding is still being researched for this project.

  6. Tourism – Dave said that all the marketing that the CVB is bringing in is new revenue to the City.

  7. Fire Department – Dave thanked Dave Bruner and Paul Ballou on receiving the Air Pack grant.

  8. Fort Scott Lofts – Dave said that Fort Scott Lofts owner is trying to work out something with the owner of the Stout building.

  9. Comp Plan – Dave said that the Planning Commission wanted to make sure that the City Commission understands that the Comp Plan is a work in progress. It will be moving forward soon.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:58 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 7th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda For Aug. 7

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Fort Scott City Commission agenda for August 7 at 6 p.m.at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Community Christian Church Minister

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.

  1. Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street

  1. Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

VI. SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate only)

Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course

Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall

Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department

Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance

Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk

Chad Brown, Public Works Director

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living at the commercial business at 2149 Highway 54

  1. Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition

  1. Consideration of three year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex

  1. Consideration for Housing Authority Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment of $30,000 – Patty Simpson

  1. Consideration of Airport Mower Bid

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. 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:

  • 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

Uncategorized

Liquor By The Drink: On The November Ballot in Bourbon County

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Barbara and Bryan Ritter chat before Bryan spoke at the 2018 Candidate’s Forum July 31, about changing the liquor by the drink law in Bourbon County.

Bryan Ritter, the brewer of Boiler Room Brewhaus Microbrewery, who along with wife, Barbara, run the establishment, lobbied for a change in local law, so they won’t have to have 30 percent of their profit in food sales at the microbrewery.

The question will be put to the public on November 6 in Bourbon County.

This map shows the current counties that allow liquor by the drink in Kansas. Bourbon County is one of the medium-pink shaded counties on this map that require 30 percent of business sales must be from food. The map was provided by the Ritters to FortScott.Biz.

These are the comments Ritter made at the forum:

“As a business owner and a citizen of Bourbon County I’m here today to ask for your support and a yes vote in November,” he said. “By voting yes, you are voting in support of new business and new visitors to our great city and county.”

” My wife and I own and operate the new microbrewery in town, let me quickly tell you about two of our customers.  Jim, who has been traveling to our area for many years, has always stayed in Nevada, once he heard that there was a microbrewery in Fort Scott he now stays at the Sleep Inn.”

“Another customer drove over a 100 miles just to visit our microbrewery,” Ritter told the candidate forum audience. “He suggested that for us to comply with the dated law we should sell a hot dog with every beer. ”

“Over 30% of the counties in Kansas have already done away with this dated law and with your support so will Bourbon County.”

” Let’s change the narrative from ‘here’s your hot dog that comes with a beer’ to ‘here’s your beer would you like a hotdog’?   We make great craft beer and we don’t want to make food,  your yes vote will help support us,  Fort Scott and Bourbon County.”

Government, Kansas

Treasurer, Senate District 13 and Commissioner of Insurance Comments At Candidates Forum July 31

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The candidates for  State Treasurer, Senate District 13 and Commissioner of Insurance were among the 25 candidates to speak at the July 31 Candidate Forum at Fort Scott High School.

Following are excerpts from their responses to questions submitted to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and read to the candidates by the moderator, Tim McKenney.

Marci Francisco, a candidate for state treasurer, said she received a warm welcome from Fort Scott when she completed the Bike Across Kansas this summer.

Marci Francisco speaks about the state treasurer position she is vying for.

Francisco is a 4th generation Kansan,  had a career at KU,  was on the  Lawrence City Commission in 1979, mayor of Lawrence from ’81-’83, has non-profit involvement,  serves as a tax partner for a small business, State Senator from 2004-2018 serving on the ways and means and assessment and tax committee.

“The state treasurer has the responsibility for overseeing the receipts and expenditures of the state. We should ask for those reports to be placed on the website and ….provide search tools for those reports.”

She said the recent governors have spent more than the state took in. She wants to promote financial literacy and also help return unclaimed property.

 

Commissioner of Insurance: Two candidates answered questions at the forum.

Although not present, candidate Clark Shultz sent a spokesperson to say to the forum that Schultz is pro-life, pro 2nd Amendment and has Insurance experience, served in the  House and Senate and is currently the state assistant insurance commissioner.

Candidate Vickie Schmidt is married, has two sons and two grandsons, has been a pharmacist for 40 years, and is a Kansas Senator representing Shawnee County and Wabaunsee county. “I know first hand what our rising health care costs have done to our families and our seniors.

Nathaniel McLaughlin said he came to Kansas in 1983…The Kansas State emblem caught his attention..a picture with a man with hands on the plow. His background is hard work, faith in God and respect for neighbor.

Vickie Schmidt answers a question from the moderator, while Nathaniel McLaughlin listens.

The moderator asked the candidates to tell what the position does, with the following responses:

Schmidt: The Insurance Commissioner enforces the regulations that insurance companies are required to abide by and should be an advocate for citizens. She has a track record of fighting for taxpayers, she stated. She said she has the support of Bob Dole.

McLaughlin: Regulate, advocate and educate is the mission statement of the insurance commissioner.  McLaughlin has a business background with Marriott. He has a concern with the way Medicare is spent and said he would promote for private insurance.

Two candidates are in the Kansas Senate District 13 primary, Richard Hilderbrand and Bryan Hoffman.

Following is excerpts from their opening remarks at the forum:

Richard Hilderbrand has been the District 13 Senator for two years. There needs to be a fiscally accountable representative, and he believes he has been.

Bryan Hoffman said he was raised on a farm, is a carpenter,  is a rancher with100 head of cattle and has never been in politics.

Question 1: Funding the educational system?

Hoffman: Adequately fund the education system but hold them accountable.  We have been dismantled by the Brownback administration.

Hilderbrand:  The biggest cuts were pre-Brownback. There was a 13.5- percent cut in k-12 education by the governor at the time. We have to make sure the funding is going into the classroom. We have to improve our economy.

Question 2: Anything that can be done to lower property taxes?

Hilderbrand: The legislature must stop passing unfunded mandates to schools, cities, and counties, which puts the burden farther down the road.

Hoffman: We have given away 2.5 billion dollars that the citizens… have paid in federal taxes. We can use that to fund these things and still lower our property taxes. Better-paying jobs are needed in Kansas.

Question 2: Are you in support of funding abortions?

Hoffman: No

Hilderbrand: Absolutely not.

Closing remarks:

Hildebrand: The right to vote shouldn’t be taken for granted.  I do appreciate your vote. Look at previous voting records.

Hoffman: I will fight hard for Southeast Kansas, if I have a question about teachers, I’m going to call a teacher, etc.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Secretary of State Candidates Speak July 31 On Issues

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Craig McCullah answers questions while Keith Esau and Dennis Taylor listen.

The following are comments from the Kansas Secretary of State candidates at the forum held July 31 at Fort Scott High School.

Opening remarks:

Keith Esau: He has been a State Representative for six years from Olathe. He has a carerr of developing and designing comupter software. He believes  the position requires technology expertise and he would bring that.

Dennis Taylor: He is a businessman, was a county commissioner, ran the state dept. of labor and state dept. of administration, and ” nobody else in this race has those credentials.”

Craig Mccullah: Has been the deputy secretary of state.” we’ve saved the agency $400,000 a year.”  He made it “easier to start operating and growing your business in Kansas.”

Question 1: What is the extent of voter fraud in Kansas and what can be done about it?

Esau: Voter fraud is less frequent in Kansas.  Voter ID stopped much of voter fraud. There is prosecution now to deter voter fraud.

Taylor: No one really knows, because nobody checks.  We need to audit eligibility.

McCullah: He went through the 2016 Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center to become the first voter fraud investigator in the history of the secretary of state’s office, and found that there is some malicious double-voting.  Voter education is key.

Question 3: What can be done to streamline business filings in the state?

Taylor: Work on each agency doing ” its own thing.” More cooperation between agencies, less infighting.

McCullah:  He built a system form finder to simplify.  If elected he is going to streamline it further to where one only has to fill out a name once and pay all fees in one spot.

Esau:  He will make forms easier to use and share info between agencies. This is where his expertise lies. He wants to improve interface on the web.

Question 3: What is the most important function of the Secretary of State?

Craig:  Leadership to make it easier, and get out front of the problem before it happens.

Esau: Keep accurate records and make them accessible. He got a bill through to audit electronic ballot machines with a paper trail.

Taylor: Management and he has 30 years of management experience in private business and county and state government.

Closing remarks:

Esau: He is a software engineer, has been in the state legislature where he sponsored election bills for fair elections. A technology professional, he knows how to work with government and citizens.

Taylor: There is a need to audit elections, and back it up with paper ballots, and to verify systems security.

Mccullah:  He will  protect the electoral process. He sees the opportunity to make the state the best to do business in. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of the job and loves the agency.

Obituary

Obituary for Debra Lynn Dohle

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Debra Lynn Dohle

Debra Lynn Dohle, age 62, a resident of Arcadia, Kansas, went to be with the Lord at 12:20 AM, Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

She was born March 9, 1956, in Hayward, California, the daughter of Jess H. Thompson and Beverly L. Titze Thompson. She grew up and attended school in Canon City, Colorado. Her family moved to Englevale, Kansas in 1972. She graduated from Northeast High School in Arma, Kansas in 1974.

She married Ronald Swezey in 1974, and they had three children together. They later divorced. She married Robert Bechdolt in 1991, they too divorced. She then married Marion “Jerome” Dohle on August 10, 2001, in Arcadia, Kansas. He survives of the home.

She enjoyed fishing, camping, crocheting, and cross stitching. She also loved the mountains in Colorado and family get-togethers. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #35 of Cherokee, Kansas and the Order of Eastern Star, Olive Chapter #13 of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

She has worked as a housekeeper for Crestview Nursing Home and Arma Mobile Transit. She had also worked as assistant city clerk for the City of Arcadia and medical records clerk for Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.


She is survived by her husband, Jerome; a daughter, Angela (Swezey) Salts and her husband, Mike; and two sons, Chad Swezey and Brad Swezey and his wife, Stephanie, all of Franklin, Kansas; five grandchildren, Dylan Salts, Evan, Mason, Madelyn and Weston Swezey, all of Franklin; four step-children and ten step-grandchildren, all of Pittsburg. Also surviving are two brothers, Jerry Thompson and wife, Sharon, of Ft. Scott and James Thompson of Selma, California; three aunts, Jane Burns and June Bloomfield, both of Ft. Scott and Caroline Titze of South Dakota and several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts, and uncles; a niece, Terry Prestley and a great-niece, Alivia Prestley.


Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday evening with Eastern Star services at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Bourbon County

Local Woman In Story Of San Antonio’s Stolen Shark

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Jamie Shank is surrounded by media after arriving back to the San Antonio Aquarium Saturday from getting the shark, “Helen” from the thief’s home. The next step was to acclimate the shark into a quarantine pool. Submitted photo.

2008 Uniontown High School graduate Jamie Shank was in the national news this week.

As the assistant husbandry director at the San Antonio Aquarium Shank was responsible for getting a shark back after it was put into a  baby stroller and stolen from the aquarium last Saturday.

“I wasn’t on duty when the shark was stolen but was involved in getting the shark back,” Shank told FortScott.Biz. “I went with the police to bring the shark back.”

“She is still in quarantine for observation to make sure she is eating right,” Shank said. “She was stored with other fish in  (the suspect’s) garage.”

The shark, Helen.

Click below to see the whole story:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/31/us/shark-stolen-san-antonio-aquarium-trnd/index.html

Shank, whose parents, Mark and Lisa, still live near Redfield, said she wanted to be a marine biologist since she was nine years old and continued her education to do so.

After many opportunities, she ended up at San Antonio Aquarium two and a half years ago.

“I love my job,” Shank said. “I love what I am doing.”

 

 

 

 

Government

Make Your Voice Heard:Vote Aug. 7

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Submitted By: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, and Shirley Palmer
Phone: Lindsay (620) 223-3566 or Shirley (620) 223-4105
Email: lindsay.madison

People Are Urged To VOTE

Election Day is a few short days away on Tuesday, August 7th and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear – but only you can make that happen. Only you can cast your vote!

In order to help you, here are some quick answers to your possible questions.

Can I vote in the August 7th Primary if I am registered as unaffiliated/independent? Yes, but when you go to your polling place, you must declare a party by filling out a voter registration card at that location as either Republican or Democrat. After you vote, you can always go to the courthouse at a later time and change your registration back to unaffiliated/independent.

Where do I vote? To find your polling place, please check with your county clerk or visit https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/PollingPlaceSearch.do

How do I know if I am able to vote in this election? Visit https://myvoteinfo.voteks/org/VoterView/RegistrantSearch.do and look up your name.

May I still vote early? Yes. Voting early will end at noon on Monday, August 6th.

Where do I vote early in Bourbon County? At the Courthouse, 2nd floor by the County Clerk’s Office.

Why should I vote early? You can avoid crowds and long lines. It’s generally a quick and easy process. No need to worry about last-minute emergencies deterring you from getting to the polling place on August 7th. You don’t have to worry about maybe being bad weather on Tuesday, August 7th. Bragging rights. It feels good.

If you still have more questions. Your best resource for all election questions is your local election officer or County Clerk’s office. Give them a call and they will help!

In an election like this Primary, one vote really can make all the difference! A handful of votes could very well determine the course of our state for years to come.

The Primary Election in Kansas this year is expected to be the biggest turnout in the past 10 years. The high primary turnout prediction is also keyed by Advance Voting before Tuesday’s election day which is setting records each day.

Kansas has a very unique situation this year for a Primary Election. In many of the races, there are several good candidates for each office on both sides of the ticket (Republican and Democrat). Therefore, each vote is very important. Please exercise your “God-given Right” and Go Vote Tuesday, August 7th or before!

Area News

Grants To Local Non-Profits Available

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The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is making available grants to local non-profit groups.
 
Please see below for 2018 FSACF Grant Cycle
information and the FSACF Newsletter.
 
FSACF Grant applications are now being accepted
through August 28, 2018.
 
What is the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation?
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
 
2018 FSACF Grant Cycle Now Open
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce that the amount of grants available for the upcoming 2018/2019 cycle totals $32,000, exceeding last year’s total by $2,000 and $11,000 more than the previous year. Thanks to the generosity of all who contributed to the FSACF general fund, the interest accrued will allow the grant committee more opportunities to benefit the 501c3 applicants who meet the qualifications.
Monies granted to the 18 beneficiaries from last year’s cycle were used for a variety of causes, including helping to purchase medals for Special Olympics’ Bourbon County participants, providing benefits to cancer patients, assisting the Beacon to meet family needs, funding classes for CASA volunteers and purchasing lights for the local pickle ball courts. A full listing of the 2017 grantees may be found here.

The FSACF 2018 Grant Applications was released on Wednesday, August 1, and is now available on the FSACF website, www.fsacf.com, or may be picked up in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Nonprofits such as churches, governmental entities, or organizations with a 501c3 status are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by Tuesday, August 28. Acceptance and declination letters will be mailed on Tuesday, October 16. Grants will be awarded at the Foundation’s Chamber Coffee held in the Landmark Bank lobby at Third and Main at 8 A.M. on Thursday, November 1.

You may click here for the 2018 Grant Application.

You may click here for the FSACF website and to learn more about YOUR Community Foundation.
FSACF Welcomes new board members: 
Craig Campbell, Sheryl Bloomfield,
Travis Shelton, and Janet Braun.
Departing board members:
Blake Hudson, Lindsay Madison, Dr. Randy Nichols, Dave Martin, and Steve Buerge served their terms with much dedication to our community.
Ask any current or former FSACF board members about the “Good Works” of this foundation,
there’s much to share.
2018-19 Board of Directors
 
Stephanie Witt, Chair
Barbara Albright, Vice-Chair
Melissa Wise, Treasurer
Sheryl Bloomfield
Janet Braun
Craig Campbell
Mike Emerson
Frank Halsey
Dick Hedges
Patty LaRoche
Gregg Motley
Beth Nuss
Bob Marshall
Gary Palmer
Dr. Larry Seals
Travis Shelton
Otie Thomas
Opinion

Pride By Patty LaRoche

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James 1:19-20— My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

When I am involved in a disagreement (argument?), the common denominator in every one of them is always…well, me. Or you, if you are the one involved. Actually, the root of all my problems is me. Or you, if you are the one involved. Think about it. All of us live on a continuum somewhere between gratitude and entitlement with most of our teeter-totters heavily favoring the entitlement side. Maybe not the government-handout entitlement, but just that part of our self-esteem that somehow thinks WE matter most. People should treat us special. Good things are due to us. After all, we work hard. Most people don’t hate us. We’ve never murdered anyone. Surely we deserve some perks for our efforts. Um-hmm. Keep talking.

Pride at its finest.

I imagine it’s thoughts like this that prompted atheist-turned-Christian C.S. Lewis to call pride the “root of all sin.” He’s right. Who of us doesn’t stubbornly want our way? I try not to, but usually, I’m right, so it’s hard to back down. And yes, I am kidding (sort of). Whoever wrote the adage “You can be right, or you can be married” understood the difficulty in two disagreeing people working toward compromise. Pride makes us want to be right. Like I said, we are entitled.

Lord, help us!

Fortunately, He does, and He used Paul to write to the Romans to explain how we adjust on our temperamental teeter-totter. The first eight chapters give us clear instruction that we are saved by faith. The next three chapters are about God’s mercy that we don’t deserve.

Then we hit Chapter 12: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Notice the first word of verse one: “Therefore.” In other words, “Because of what you have just read about God’s mercy and provision in the first eleven chapters, it’s time to do something. For starters, change your stinkin’ way of thinkin’. Stop putting yourself first.

I know that’s possible, but sometimes it is really, really hard.

While I am writing this article, my phone is on hold with Frontier Airlines. For thirty-five minutes I have been listening to classical music while I stew because, after a month of phone calls (always being told they have “higher than normal hold times,”), they disconnect me. My emails have been answered with an “automatic reply,” promising a response within seven days. Not happening.

The problem? The airline canceled Dave’s flight to attend our granddaughter’s June 8th wedding, offering instead to put him on another flight that would get him there seven hours AFTER the wedding started, AND since they have no reciprocal agreements with any other airlines, that was “the best” they could do. Are you feeling my frustration?

And yes, I know that how I handle this phone call (if I don’t die first while listening to Bach) will indicate my level of pride. Will I chew out some poor, underpaid customer service agent or “renew my mind” and be a witness for Christ?

You will be pleased to know that during this incessantly long delay, I am praying for some Godly intervention. I’m pretty confident I know what my choice will be.

Bourbon County Local News