Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, MO. Services for Tom Jones will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
USD234 Meets on March 31
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 31, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Other Business – Time ______
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Agenda for the April 1 FS City Commission Meeting
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 1, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1381-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of March 12 – March 25, 2025 – $ 696,826.18
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 18, 2025
- V Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Shawn O’Brien – Good Ol’ Days – Street Closures, Memorial Hall reservation, Pavilion Reservation and Parade Permit
- Representative of USD 234 – Color Run– Temporary Street Closure (road south of Riverfront Park) & Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – April 25, 2025 – 5:00PM until 8:00PM for the safety of participants and their families.
- Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – Wastewater Update
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Approval to honor demolition bid previously awarded for 323 W. Wall
- New Business
Public Hearings
- Consideration of Vacation of Street and Alley at approximately 123 McCleverty by the request of Alyssa Green and Derrik States – N. Nation
Action Items:
- Status of 118 E. Wall St. – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 10-2025 Project Authorization of the East National Improvements– G. Herrmann
- Consideration of Plow Truck Purchase – B. Matkin
- Food Trucks – N. Nation
- E. Request for Gun Purchases – J. Pickert
- Consideration to sign letter to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – M. Wells
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
The March 18 FS City Commission Unapproved Minutes
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 18, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Pickert/Chief FSPD, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director (officiating the meeting) Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Cory Bryars/Care to Share, Becky Johnson/SEK Multicounty Health Department (SEKMCHD), Michael Hoyt, and Anne Dare.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the citizens, and our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda (3:37)
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to amend the agenda with the addition of Item D – New Business – Temporary Street Closure Application for Prom. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the agenda. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Approval of Consent Agenda (5:01)
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1380-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of February 27, 2025 – March 11, 2025 – $1,061,286.37
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025
- February Financials
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Consent Agenda minus Item C to be moved under New Business.
MATKIN stated that $600,000.00 of the $1,061,286.37 is the amount paid to Freeman Hospital.
DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Public Comments (6:54) – None
Appearances (6:57)
Cory Bryan – FortFest 2025 – Park Closure request – Riverfront – Sept. 24 – 29, 2025
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Park Closure request for Riverfront Park and reserve the Pavilion for FortFest 2025 from Wednesday, September 24th through Sunday, September 29th . SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business (9:52)
Consideration of Letter of Interest for Planning Commission Vacancy – Danny Brown had submitted a Letter of Interest for the Board of Zoning Appeals and was not selected. The City Commission asked the City Clerk to reach out to those who were not selected and ask if they were interested in the vacant position on the Planning Commission. Danny Brown submitted a Letter of Interest to be considered.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the appointment of Danny Brown to the Planning Commission. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
New Business
Public Hearings
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2025 – DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 301 N. Jefferson (10:49)
MOTION: OLSON moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED.
KRUGER: “Basically to reiterate, on this structure, we did make contact with the owner, the owner doesn’t want any part of the house, says it’s nothing but bad memories and wants it tore down, doesn’t care anything about it.”
DANCER: Did the owner by chance indicate that they might be willing to sign the property over to the land bank with a clear title?
KRUGER: I didn’t ask about that. My feeling was it would be that she might but she’s really hard to get a hold of and hard to keep on the phone.
DANCER: Is she current on taxes on that property?
KRUGER: I don’t know.
VAN HOECKE: Is there anyone here tonight representing 301 N. Jefferson? Any other questions for Codes on this property?
DANCER: Do you think you could reach out to her and find out if she’d be willing to sign it over, if we could get a property with a clear title?
KRUGER: I’d be willing to try for you. It took (20) or (30) calls to get as much as I got out of her, but I’ll sure give it an effort.
DANCER: I’ve seen the pictures, and it’s got fairly recent siding.
KRUGER: Actually, the siding is a complete band-aid for a mess.
DANCER: Okay, even so, if we could get a clear title on that one, even if we had to knock it to the ground, we could possibly make good on another recent promise we had.
KRUGER: I do know that several people in the neighborhood, once that property becomes clear of the house, are willing to buy it as is. I’ve been approached by (2) people from that neighborhood, that once that house is gone, they’re very interested in that property with or without title.
DANCER: I’d be interested to see if you could get a clear title on that. If we could get something into the Land Bank with a clear title, that’s usable property.
KRUGER: I will definitely make the attempt.
DANCER: Unless somebody objects?
VAN HOECKE: Any other comments or questions on this property?
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing (14:42). DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to table the item until Codes had a chance to reach the owner to consider transferring to the Land Bank with clear title. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 501 S. Osbun – (15:26)
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing (15:39). SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
VAN HOECKE: Is there anyone here representing 501 S. Osbun?
KRUGER: I do not have anything new to add to this one.
WELLS: They’re wanting to build a new house or bring in a double-wide or something?
KRUGER: The last that I talked, she basically was in between jobs, couldn’t meet the deadline to tear it down herself; that was her intention to tear down the house and put something new there. Her intentions were to pay the City back once she gets back on her feet, but I don’t have anything new other than that.
VAN HOECKE: How long ago was that conversation?
KRUGER: Probably a month.
WELLS: What was her timeline for being able to tear it down herself.
KRUGER: I gave her a complete year. Basically, if she couldn’t tear it down by the first of this year, that would exceed her deadline. So, I gave her a year, she lost her job, so she can’t meet any kind of deadline.
VAN HOECKE: Any other questions on this property?
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing.
Inaudible questions from the audience.
WELLS: Apparently, she doesn’t want to donate the property, she wants to build a new house on the property, she wants us to tear it down.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2025 directing the removal of the alleged unsafe dangerous structure at 501 S. Osbun.
DANCER asked for clarification from KRUGER if the house was currently occupied. KRUGER stated that the house is not livable.
DANCER seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. Scott – (19:21)
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
VAN HOECKE: Is there anyone here representing 314 S. Scott this evening that would like to make a public appearance?
KRUGER: I don’t have anything new to add on this one. Basically we have never made contact with this gentleman. I will remind you that this is the structure that people were having campfires in the garage and flopping in, so just food for thought in your consideration.
VAN HOECKE: And you’ve presented this one to us before?
KRUGER: Yes.
DANCER: Have we used any kind of service like skip tracing, private eye, or something like that. You have your hands full doing Codes stuff, but somebody specialized in finding people?
KRUGER: I know how to do that kind of work, that’s just not part of our procedure. I know where this guy’s at, he’s in the county out by Fulton, it’s just he didn’t make contact with us.
DANCER: Again, hope for a clear title?
KRUGER: This one I don’t know. Like I said, I never made any kind of contact with guy. I do know this one is behind on taxes and it’s a real mess.
DANCER: I think County typically serves by mail. If we had personal delivery, personal service and that would constitute, right?
KRUGER: Yes. We meet our standard.
DANCER: Right, but if we had personal service, then we could get a clear title.
OLSON: When you say clear title, what are you meaning? Because all we’re doing is tearing it down and applying a special assessment and the rest is out of our control.
Inaudible comments from the audience.
WELLS: We found this stuff out from the lawyer that came to the meeting the other night.
KRUGER: That would be the same with 301, that might be the easier round.
SALSBURY: That’s different, we had been told that if we were torn down we couldn’t get clear title very easily.
WELLS: The lawyer that was here the other night, I believe we live streamed that, he had some very interesting information to provide for us.
VAN HOECKE: Are there any other questions for Officer Kruger?
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing (22:37). OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Request for Temporary Street Closure for Prom Walk Up on April 5, 2025
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the request street closure of Judson and Oak for April 5, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Action Items:
Consideration of Bids for Easement Machine – (25:28)
MATKIN left the room at (25:30)
LEMKE explained Wastewater Collections Department has been looking to purchase an Easement Machine to be used for flushing the sanitary sewer and mains. It will work with the Vactor truck. Currently a manual line must be used to flush the lines. The hard, physical work has the potential for operator injuries. The easement machine allows the crew to get into places they would normally not be able to easily to flush the lines.
MATKIN returned to the meeting (27:18)
LEMKE went out for bids for an easement machine and (3) companies responded. The low bid was $71,100.00 and the highest bid was $93,874.52. He is requesting approval to accept the low bid from Key Equipment. MATKIN confirmed that it was budgeted for $100,000.00 in 2025.
MOTION: WELLS moved to purchase the Key machine that has been presented by Mr. Lemke for the easement machine in the amount of $71,100.00. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MATKIN asked to return to Item C to complete the motion on 314 S. Scott.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. Scott – (30:59)
MOTION: DANCER moved to proceed with Resolution No. 8-2025 for the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 314 S. Scott. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MATKIN asked the Commission if they would reconsider visiting Item A at 301 N. Jefferson.
WELLS left the meeting (31:55)
MOTION: DANCER moved to reopen the consideration of Resolution no. 6-2025 – directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 301 N. Jefferson. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS was not present for the vote.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
WELLS returned to the meeting (32:55)
MOTION: DANCER moved to direct the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 301 N. Jefferson. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Ground Lease Bids – Field A (33:24)
MATKIN stated (2) bids were received. $14,250.00 and $12,852.00. He is recommending acceptance the high bid for the 85-acres of land on the west side of Field A.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the bid for $14,250.00 a year (2025 Lease) for the 85-acres. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Greens Mower Purchase – (34:14) WYATT stated there were (3) bids submitted in the packet for the purchase of the greens mower. She stated that last year they had agreed not to purchase a new greens mower but decided on (2) used mowers; only (1) was purchased last year. It is currently operating well. There is another greens mower they wish to use as a backup because it does have an issue with the starter and is not always reliable. They have one other greens mower that scalps the greens. She is recommending approval to purchase the 2021 Eclipse model 322 with 980 hours giving the department (2) operating greens mowers that are reliable with (1) backup.
Discussion was had about the bid discount.
ACTION: WYATT to get clarification on the purchase price.
MOTION: WELLS moved that we buy the Eclipse mower based upon the price presented unless the John Deere comes back at $21,000.00. If it does come back at $21,000.00 then the Commission would request an opportunity to re-evaluate. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Status of 323 W. Wall – (40:47)
WELLS stated that the lady is willing to donate it to the Land Bank per Pat Bishop/Land Bank Manager who has made contact with her. He stated that he has made contact with her as well as KRUGER and she is willing to donate the house to the Land Bank and we are waiting to hear back from her on the donation process.
KRUGER stated the only contact he has had recently was a set up for Commissioner Wells to speak with her. KRUGER did get a phone call last week from the granddaughter who advised him that the mother and grandmother asked her to try to secure a loan for repair of the house. He stated that she asked about the condition of the house. KRUGER took photos and sent them to her via text for her to make her own decision. He stated that her response was that she wanted no part of taking a loan out on the house and that she was going to speak with the mother and grandmother to inform them that the house was not worth saving. KRUGER stated those are the only conversations he has had.
WELLS stated he spoke to her about a week and a half ago and he did not ask Mr. Bishop when his last conversation was with her. WELLS stated that BISHOP told him that the mother and grandmother told him they were looking to donate it to the Land Bank.
Discussion was had about what would happen if it was donated to the Land Bank and the contractors who have shown interest in saving the home.
KRUGER stated that we have already had the public hearing.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to go forward with bids for demolition of 323 W. Wall. SALSBURY seconded.
MATKIN suggested that if the interested contractors come forward, the Commission might want to reconsider. VAN HOECKE stated to get the process started and it can be halted if that happens.
DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 9-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE (45:39) – KRUGER presented the property and asked for approval of the resolution to proceed with the demolition process. WELLS stated that he is the current property owner. Discussion was had about the condition of the structure and the intentions to refurbish the home.
WELLS agreed to abstain from any vote on this property.
MOTION: OLSON moved to table this item until the second meeting in April.
KRUGER asked WELLS for a timeline on securing the bank loan. WELLS stated he would reach back out to him next week.
WELLS clarified that the title was transferred to one of his companies. He stated that he did not know that this home was up for demolition when he started the process.
Further discussion was had on how WELLS acquired the property.
MOTION: DANCER moved to table Resolution No. 9-2025 regarding and alleged unsafe or dangerous structure at 121 S. Margrave until the second meeting in April of 2025. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Lease Agreement for LaRoche Baseball Complex, City of Fort Scott, and Mid America Baseball League – (54:34)
MATKIN stated that MidAmerica Baseball League would like to sign a (5)-year, rent-free lease with the City of Fort Scott for the use of LaRoche Baseball Complex. The City would receive $.50 per ticket sold and they would help with some additional upkeep of the stadium and payment of the groundskeeper.
Discussion was had regarding the cost of upkeep verses return as well as damage and liability.
MOTION: WELLS moved to sign the lease agreement for the LaRoche Baseball Complex between the City of Fort Scott and Mid America Baseball League. OLSON seconded.
VAN HOECKE thanked MATKIN for his hard work of bringing this to our City.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Monetary Partnership agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Mid America Baseball League – (59:24)
MATKIN requested approval of $50,000.00. He stated that $30,000.00 would come from the Economic Development fund and $20,000.00 would come from the Tourism fund.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the monetary partnership agreement between the City of Fort Scott and the Mid America Baseball League with $30,000.00 coming from Economic Development and $20,000.00 coming from Tourism. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration for the City to write a letter to Congress or issue a resolution to send to Congressional Representative to Protect SNAP/No Kid Hungry – (1:01:55)
MATKIN left the meeting (1:02:02) and returned (1:04:43)
WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:01:56)
MOTION: WELLS moved that a letter be presented for Commissioners to sign using their title on the issue to send to Congress, Congressional Representatives to protect SNAP. OLSON seconded.
OLSON, WELLS and SALSBURY voted yes. DANCER and VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
ACTION: WELLS will present a letter for review of the Commission.
Consideration for approval for Commissioner Wells to sign a letter to Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem to immediately restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program
WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:20:00)
MATKIN clarified that the letter will not be written on City of Fort Scott letterhead.
MOTION: WELLS moved for approval to sign a letter to Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem to immediately restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program with his Fort Scott City Commissioner title.
FARMER left the meeting (1:28:51) and returned (1:30:51).
OLSON seconded.
WELLS clarified that his motion was that he will be signing (with his title of Fort Scott City Commissioner) a letter that has already been signed by over (200) other elected nonpartisan City Commissioners and City Mayors.
OLSON, and WELLS voted yes. VAN HOECKE, DANCER and SALSBURY voted no.
MOTION FAILED 2-3.
Consideration to sign a letter to save our historic site from the damaging impacts of the mass firings
WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:35:32)
MOTION: WELLS moved that the City Commissioners join him in signing this letter to be sent to our local representatives. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to approve installation of Family Station(s) in public areas – (1:49:16)
JOHNSON submitted a proposal and asked for permission to install the station(s). Discussion was had regarding possible locations. The Multi-County Breastfeeding Coalition is looking for collaboration with entities in the community and grants to help fund the project. They are asking the City for in-kind donation. She also wanted to inform the public of a Lactation Tent that they will be seeing within the counties.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve installation of a Family Station in a public area determined mutually by SEK Multi-County Health Department and the City of Fort Scott. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Addendum No. 4 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contractor for Davis Lift Station Project – (1:58:42)
DICKMAN stated that this lift station is very large, mostly underground and in a flood plain. Underneath the station are piers that go down to bedrock which was discovered only recently. Initially they considered having those as part of the new wet well that would house the pump for the storm water overflows because it would be the same depth and would be on piers as well. He stated that they overestimated (possibly overdesigned) and received quotes from contractors in the $200,000.00 range. The intent of this addendum is to have a geotechnical engineer do a boring at the location of the wet well, design the piers, and supply a report with recommendations. The addendum includes the cost of the drilling, report and recommendation as well as updating the plans. The final cost estimate as it sets now (without the addendum) is $200,000.00 to complete the project. However, with the report and findings it could potentially cut the cost in half; the intent is to save $100,000.00 on the final build to do the wet well.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Addendum No. 4 for the wastewater evaluation and design contract for Davis Lift Station project. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Request to Pay – Schneider Electric – Annual Renewal of Service Agreement – $12,894.00 (2:03:06)
Discussion was had regarding the history of the contract and the future benefits of continuing this service agreement or exploring other options.
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to not proceed with the Schneider contract again. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: MATKIN will look into wireless options for thermostat controls.
Reports and Comments
CITY MANAGER (2:09:35)
– Dance Party at Memorial Hall, Saturday at 7:00PM
– Designing and going out for bids for updating Memorial Hall bathrooms
– Marquee sign will be moved from Buck Run to Memorial Hall
CITY ENGINEER (2:11:39)
– Horton Street update – grinding is complete, fog seal weather permitting, cure for (14) days before striping can be done. Speed limit is temporarily lowered to 30 mph for friction factor of fog seal. Substantial completion date, based on contract days is 3/24/2025 – will do walk through. Punch list to be completed. Final closeout change order to come and final completion should be April 13, 2025.
– 17th and Eddy concrete completed – MATKIN
– CCLIP due March 28, 2025
– KDOT Wall Street field check March 26, 2025 – asking for new schedule for construction beginning next year.
CITY ATTORNEY (2:17:26) – No comments.
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY (2:17:47) – inaudible
COMMISSIONER WELLS (2:18:03)
– Crossing light on 6th St. and Horton St.
– Work Session for storage containers rescheduled
– New ordinance for Land Bank to add County Commissioner
MATKIN left the meeting (2:20:55) and returned (2:22:49)
– Permission to go to County Commission for TEAP study discussion – no objections
COMMISSIONER OLSON (2:26:09) – No comment
COMMISSIONER DANCER (2:26:13) – No comment
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE (2:26:15)
– New baseball team
– Bids for 118 E. Wall
– Lenten Fish Fry – Mary Queen of Angels – Fridays 5-7PM – Cost is free will donation
– Dance Party at Memorial Hall – 7PM – Friday
– Bike sidewalk signs for Main Street
Adjourn
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:31PM (2:31:48). SALSBURY seconded.
MARCH 18, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:31PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Bo Co Coalition Agenda for April 2
The next Bourbon County Coalition general membership meeting will be next Wednesday, April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
April 2, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Jenni Simhiser – Path of EASE Association
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be May 7, 2025.
KS 2025 Agriculture Commodity Safety Net Programs Enrollment Is Down, Deadline April 15
Agricultural Producers Have Until April 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2025 Crop Year
Kansas Enrollment Currently At 70% of Expected
Manhattan KS, March 27, 2025 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year. In Kansas, producers have completed 72,222 contracts to date, representing 70% of the more than 104,500 expected contracts.
“Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer,” said Joshua Ridder, deputy state executive director for FSA in Kansas. “If you haven’t made your program election or signed a contract, please contact your local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you don’t miss the April 15 deadline.”
Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which provide crop-by-crop protection, or ARC-Individual, which protects the entire farm. Although election changes for 2025 are optional, producers must enroll, with a signed contract, each year. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, the contract will continue for 2025 unless an election change is made.
If producers do not submit their election revision by the April 15, 2025, deadline, the election remains the same as their 2024 election for eligible commodities on the farm. Also, producers who do not complete enrollment and sign their contract by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2025 year and will not receive a payment if one is triggered. Farm owners can only enroll in these programs if they have a share interest in the commodity.
Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities: barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.
Web-Based Decision Tools
Many universities, including Kansas State University’s AgManager.info , offer web-based decision tools to help producers make informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Producers are encouraged to use the tool of their choice to support their ARC and PLC elections.
Crop Insurance Considerations
Producers are reminded that enrolling in ARC or PLC programs can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Producers who elect and enroll in PLC also have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider, but producers of covered commodities who elect ARC are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres.
Unlike SCO, RMA’s Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by participating in ARC for the same crop, on the same acres. Producers may elect ECO regardless of their farm program election.
Upland cotton farmers who enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan, or STAX, on their planted cotton acres.
Optimizing FSA Office Visits
Agricultural producers visiting FSA to complete ARC/PLC elections and enrollment are encouraged to also conduct other FSA program business during their scheduled appointment including completing farm loan applications and applying for the recently announced Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).
Sign up for ECAP began on March 19, 2025. ECAP, authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, provides up to $10 billion to agricultural producers for the 2024 crop year. Administered by FSA, ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. Congress gave USDA 90 days to implement the program, and that deadline was met. Producers of eligible commodities must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account. For more information, please visit the ECAP website or review the ECAP Fact Sheet.
More details are forthcoming on more than $20 billion to be made available through the American Relief Act, 2025, for producers who suffered losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 including $2 billion set aside for livestock producers and other funds that will be administered through block grants with states.
More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 28
Obituary of Richard Johnson
Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born April 26, 1959, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Robert Johnson and Doris Thornton Johnson.
Almost immediately after high school, Rick enlisted with the United States Navy. He faithfully served his country from 1978 to 1992.
After his service with the Navy, he became a long-haul truck driver. He frequently made trips between Oklahoma and Canada and was serving in this capacity when he became ill in South Dakota. Rick enjoyed traveling, making people laugh, and constructing model cars. Rick was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys always cheering them on for each game. One might also say he was a movie connoisseur, never missing a new film. Rick was a man of faith and a longtime Baptist.
Survivors include a daughter, Christine Johnson and her fiancée, Spencer of Perry, Oklahoma and a son, Richard C. Johnson, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Johnson of Minneapolis, Kansas and two sisters, Margaret Johnson also of Minneapolis, Kansas and Sharon Johnson of Salina, Kansas. Also surviving is his fiancée, April Panama.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A. M. Tuesday, April 1st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott March 28
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Give ‘Em Heaven by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy but much better when others are happy because of you.”
The same day I read this quote from Pope Francis, someone sent me this post: “If God is making you wait, then do what waiters do. Serve.”
The photo shows a man who stands outside the church Dave and I attend in Las Vegas. Faithfully, each Sunday he is on the corner after the service, smiling to every exiting vehicle. Granted, he’s not on the stage preaching or singing, but his service is no less appreciated.
Ephesians 2:10 (TLB) says this: God . . . has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. I have met people who say they “serve” in their church. When I ask them how, they answer “by going to church” or “attending a Bible study.” Those are good things to do, of course, but that’s not what Paul was writing to the Ephesians about.
What makes people prone to take care of their own needs and no one else’s? Fortune Magazine ran an article and referred to Faith Popcorn, a New York City marketing expert, as the “Nostradamus of Marketing.” Faith addresses a shift since Covid: “One of the major changes that is taking place in American culture is the ‘cocooning of America.’ It is ‘looking for a haven at home – drawing their shades, plumping their pillows, clutching the remotes. Hiding . . . and everybody is digging in’.” She refers to this as “hypernesting” or “reality retreat.”
Churches reflect this behavior as Christians choose to stay at home and “play it safe” on Sundays instead of obeying Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The bottom line is that we Christians must be inconvenienced for the Gospel. We must be willing to pay a sacrificial price so that others may come to know Jesus. Why is it so hard to think of others first, to remember that every person we see is someone Jesus thought enough of to die for?
Even praying for someone becomes an after-thought instead of an intentional, purposeful opportunity to bombard the thrones of Heaven to serve them. And Heaven forbid we take the time to mentor someone with the good news of eternity. In Romans 10:14, Paul asks how people will come to believe in Christ. Answer: through us.
Three Scriptures in Romans pave the road to sharing the gospel.
1. 3:23—For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
2. 5:8—God shows his love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.
3. 4:4-5—Salvation can’t be earned (or else Jesus wouldn’t have died.) We need to believe in Christ.
Reread the quote by Pope Francis and ask yourself this simple question: “What is the best thing I can do sacrificially to make others happy?” I pray that leading others to Christ is at the top of your list.
County Commissioners Withdraw Motion for Dismissal
A group of citizens is suing the county commissioners. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include both current commissioners in their capacity as individuals. On 12/30/2024, the lawyer representing the defense of the then-current commission filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that while the plaintiffs may not like agreements made by the commissioners, there is no legal basis for the lawsuit.
Click to share your opinion on this development in a Facebook Poll
Such a motion would require the judge to rule on whether or not the basis of plaintiffs’ complaints were sound and something where the plaintiffs could potentially win. Basically, a motion to dismiss says, “If we assume that the plaintiff’s arguments were all true, would they win the case? If not, then the case should be dismissed.” If there is no legal basis for the plaintiff’s claims, then there is no reason to proceed with the cost of a lawsuit. If the complaints have a legal basis and they could win, then the lawsuit would proceed.
Plaintiffs’ Petition includes many general frustrations with the terms of the Agreements but the Petition does not identify any contractual defect with the Agreements under Kansas law sufficient to set aside the Agreements.
On 3/26/25, the lawyer for the defense of the current county commission filed a new motion to withdraw the motion to dismiss, potentially extending the lawsuit.
The filing to withdraw the lawsuit is brief and gives no reason for the request to withdraw.
Click to share your opinion on this development in a Facebook Poll
Protect Your Genetic Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy
Consumer Advisory for Kansans
TOPEKA – (March 27, 2025) – Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansas resident of the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and information company. 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. The company said in a press release, “There are no changes to the way the Company stores, manages, or protects customer data.” However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Kansans’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
“Protecting Kansans’ personal information and genetic data is of the utmost importance to our office. Because of the company’s current financial situation, we encourage Kansans to consider requesting deletion of their genetic data held by 23andMe,” Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz said.
Kansas residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to their genetic data under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the Wayne Owen Act.
Since this data is incredibly personal and sensitive, it’s important to understand your rights under Kansas’s privacy laws, including how to delete your genetic data from 23andMe.
How to Take Action and Protect Your Genetic Data
If you wish to rescind access to your genetic information and request the destruction of your test sample, follow these steps:
How to delete genetic data from 23andMe
- Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
- Navigate to your profile’s “Settings” section.
- Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
- Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
- If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
- Locate the delete data option.
- Select “Permanently Delete Data”.
- Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to complete the deletion process.
How to destroy your 23andMe Test Sample
If you previously chose to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but would now like to opt-out, you can update your settings by going to “Preferences” on your account page.
To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”
Please visit the Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s website for more information on your rights under the KCPA and the Wayne Owen Act, guidance in managing your data, or to file a complaint.
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