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Support To Build Infrastructure For Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
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Fort Scott National Historic Site Welcomes 96 New Citizens
Special Naturalization Ceremony
Fort Scott Kan. – Thursday, September 14, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony. Check-in for new citizens begins at 8 am and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the historic grounds of the Fort.
The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, welcoming remarks by Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner and Mayor Matthew Wells, and an address from Mark McCoy, former city manager for the City of Fort Scott.
Approximately 95 applicants will be naturalized from 36 different countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, South, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam) at the ceremony, which is open to the public. There will be seating for the applicants, but other seating will be limited. Friends, family, and guests are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Credit Photo: NPS Photo
Governor Kelly Announces Funding to Grow Small Business Exports
Governor Kelly Announces Funding to Grow Small Business Exports
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded $200,000 to the Kansas Department of Commerce to expand the state’s robust export sector, which hit an all-time high of $13.97 billion in 2022.
The agency’s International Division oversees the administration of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) award, enabling eligible businesses to leverage these funds for conducting focused activities that promote export growth. The STEP program plays a crucial role in equipping Kansas’ small businesses with the necessary resources and knowledge to excel in export-related endeavors, assisting existing exporters and companies venturing into international markets for the first time.
“Consumers around the world continue to find that made-in-Kansas products simply are the best,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This support from SBA will help our outstanding small businesses continue to grow, something my administration has prioritized since taking office.”
The SBA began administering STEP in 2011 as part of federal legislation encouraging trade. Through STEP, states competitively apply for and receive financial awards to assist small businesses with export development. The award will allow Kansas to assist small businesses with foreign trade missions and foreign market sales trips, obtaining services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, accessing expertise in designing international marketing campaigns and export trade show exhibits, participating in training workshops, and more.
“Investing resources to help broaden the Kansas exporter base is good for these small businesses – and the entire state economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As the global marketplace continues to present new opportunities for Kansas companies, our International Division will provide whatever support we can to help our exporters take advantage.”
Since the program’s inception in 2012, more than 220 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved more than $44 million in actual export sales.
“Many Kansas small businesses have insufficient resources to venture into new markets or have uncertainty about how to begin exporting their products,” Randi Tveitaraas Jack, Deputy Director of the International Division, said. “The STEP funding allows us to tackle those challenges and help them succeed.”
To learn more about the STEP program, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce website or the SBA website.
Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission
Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced she has appointed former longtime State Representative Annie Kuether and reappointed Andrew French to serve on the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). These appointments will be submitted to the Kansas State Senate for confirmation.
“Representative Kuether brings experience to the Kansas Corporation Commission from her 25 years in the Legislature, where she served as a ranking minority member on the energy, utilities, and telecommunications committee,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am pleased to appoint her and reappoint Andrew French to serve the people of Kansas on this vital commission.”
The KCC is one of the first state regulatory bodies in the nation, originally formed in 1883, and has five main divisions: Administration, Conservation, Utilities, Transportation, and Energy. The KCC consists of three members appointed by the Governor to overlapping four-year terms.
Kuether was previously a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1997-2022, representing a central portion of Topeka in District 55. Kuether’s appointment replaces Susan Duffy, who decided not to seek reappointment when her term ended on March 15, 2023. If confirmed, Kuether would begin on October 3, 2023.
French was originally appointed to the commission in 2020. He currently serves as the Kansas representative to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the 2023 SPP Regional State Committee President. If confirmed again, his new term will begin on March 16, 2024.
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Uniontown City Council Agenda for Sept. 12
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING
Page 1 of 2
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
2024 Budget Hearing
Dangerous and Unfit Structure Hearing – 404 Washington St
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating
to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of August 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Citywide yard sales – Sept 23???
KMU Regional Meetings – already registered
KDHE Kansas Drinking Water Application Portal
KMGA Fall Conference, October 19-20, Wichita – already registered
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park –
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING
Page 2 of 2
Street project –
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2 nd ___________________,
Attachments:
Resolution 2023-0912-1 RNR Exceed
Budget Attachments for Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Hearings
Unapproved Minutes of The City of Uniontown Meeting on August 8
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
AUGUST 8, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley
Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary
Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes
Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk
Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park
for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put
on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will
flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing
Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs
$331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer
Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for
Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget
vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue
$21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures
$68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special
Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount
of $40,651.43 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships,
trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen
asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July.
Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405
Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-
grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September
12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration
cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas
Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to
restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for
the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.
NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle,
as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority
now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to
refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 8
KS To Promote Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health
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New Bo Co Undersheriff: Kevin Davidson
Kevin Davidson, 50, will step into new duties officially as the Bourbon County Undersheriff on September 18.
As the next in line, under Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Davidson’s duties are monitoring the day-to-day activities of the sheriff’s office, along with scheduling of personnel.
“Generally, keeping the train on the track,” he said.
There are currently 19 employees in the sheriff’s office.
Davidson enjoys “getting to make a difference in the community, bringing a positive attitude in law enforcement. Trying to make the community a safe place for our kids.”
He became a narcotics detective in October 2021.
He says he works with some good colleagues, and they “have been able to eliminate a lot of narcotics in the community. Recently they helped take out 10,000 fentanyl pills in Crawford County that had connections to coming back to Bourbon County.”
Davidson’s office is at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E. 20th, Fort Scott. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office phone number is 620 223-1440.
He graduated from Pleasanton High School, attended Highland Junior College where he played football, and attended Pittsburg State University for a period.
Davidson has been in law enforcement since June 2014 at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, then the Fort Scott Police Department, then returned to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.
He has five children.
Davidson is replacing Ben Cole as the undersheriff.
KS High School Athletics Adopted New Policy in Response to Fairness In Women’s Sports Act
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The Blending of America by Patty LaRoche
A visiting pastor attended a men’s breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area. The group had asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.
“Lord, I hate buttermilk,” the farmer began. The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going. The farmer loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I hate lard.” Now the pastor was growing concerned. Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, “And Lord, you know I don’t much care for raw white flour.” The pastor once again opened an
eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn’t the only one to feel uncomfortable.
Then the farmer added, “But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits. So, Lord, when things come up that we don’t like, when life gets hard, when we don’t understand what you’re saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen.”
I have to wonder if God isn’t doing a little blending in America. A country that started off so strong has taken a turn that (hopefully) is teaching us much, mainly that God remains in charge. He is fully capable of making warm, fresh biscuits out of some pretty unpalatable ingredients, and yes, some of us require a little more kneading than others. So, if we agree that this blending is our answer, then 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV gives us instructions on our goal: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear.
To do that, we need to make Ps. 139:23-24 our daily/hourly prayer. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.
Examining our own hearts is pointless, no doubt because we will find a way to justify our evil actions/attitudes. After all, we haven’t killed anyone. We didn’t loot stores or throw iced water at the police officers. We merely sat in our comfy living rooms and watched on television as the wickedness of someone else’s heart played out. But that’s not what God calls us to do. He wants us to lay our ugly hearts at His throne and ask Him to reveal any wickedness in us (even though it is so much more our nature to find the wickedness in others).
Get that? Any wickedness. Any times when we have remained silent and not spoken out against bigotry and violence. Any times we have secretly celebrated payback between our race and theirs. Any times we have allowed others’ prejudiced behavior to affect ours. Any times we have not asked God to help us examine our hearts, to call our wickedness into account and to change our ways.
Last year I watched Just Mercy, the true story of Harvard law school graduate Bryan Stevenson’s defense of wrongly condemned Walter McMillian who was sentenced to die for the murder of an 18-year-old girl. Stevenson quickly learned that in the South, he, a black man, was himself a target, simply because of the color of his skin.
Refusing to return hate for hate, he founded the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. He and his staff have won reversals or release from prison for over 135 wrongly condemned death row prisoners and won relief for hundreds of others wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced. Black and white. Blending at its finest.
If God is stirring something in your heart like He is mine, then we need to agree to be part of the blending process. Granted, we’ve come a long way, but until we determine what we can do to make a difference, we will have a long way to go.