There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held together with the Bourbon County Commission on Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. This meeting will be held in the Bourbon County Commission Meeting Room at 210 S. National. It is anticipated that they will adjourn into an executive session to discuss personal matters of non-elected personnel.
Senator Tyson’s Legislative Update
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
May 17, 2019
2019 Session End is May 29th, known as sine-die. Every session is unique and seems to take on a personality of its own. This year was no different. The unique people involved and the different issues being worked, combine to create the ‘personality’ of the session. It can be a difficult environment and a messy process. However, during debate on a judicial appointment, we were reminded of how blessed we are to have our government process and a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Judicial Appointment: A few years ago the legislature changed the appointment process for Appellate Court Judges by adding Senate approval. Recently, the Governor submitted a nomination for Senate approval. That nominee was voted down on a vote of 0 Yes to 38 No. Some people cried foul when the appointment process was changed. However, if it would not have changed, the nominee who did not receive one Yes vote would have become an Appellate Court Judge. This scenario is an example of why the process for appointing Kansas Supreme Court Justices needs to be changed. Senate approval would be one way of giving the people a voice in naming justices.
Taxes and Expenditures: For years, there has been misinformation about the 2012 tax cuts, referred to as the “failed tax experiment”. For the record, after the 2012 tax cuts there were more cuts. In 2013 sales tax was cut from 6.3% to 6.15% and the bottom bracket of the state income tax was cut from 3.5% to 3.0% and the top bracket was cut from 6.25% to 4.9%. In 2014 the bottom bracket was cut from 3% to 2.7% and the top bracket was cut from 4.9% to 4.8%. In 2015 the top bracket was cut to 4.6%. In 2016 the bottom bracket was cut to 2.4% and the top bracket was cut to 4.6%. Tax cuts are usually good for stimulating the economy and that grows businesses and provides jobs. A good example is the unintended revenue increase the State is receiving from the Federal tax cuts. These cuts should be good for Kansas taxpayers but for this to happen the government has to be well disciplined on regulating spending. Unlike the Federal government, our State government is not supposed to go into debt. That’s in our State Constitution. But unfortunately, we are finding ways to circumvent our State’s fundamental principles.
So, when you hear about failed 2012 tax cuts, remember we also cut income taxes in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, and then President Trump cut Federal taxes in 2017. The tax cuts now are not the problem, runaway spending is the problem. Kansas tax laws were in tandem with federal tax laws before the 2017 Federal tax cuts. In an attempt to re-align Federal and State tax law, the legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 22 and then House Bill (HB) 2033. Both were vetoed by the Governor. The argument was used that it would, “decimate the state’s ability to pay our bills and invest in our people.” That is absurd. The out-of-control spending is going to “decimate the state’s ability to pay bills”. How about this, the Governor submitted her increased budget to the legislature and the legislature decided She was not spending enough so they appropriated millions more money in the budget then what was requested. I was one of the few who didn’t vote for the Budget.
In summary, according to Kansas Legislative Research, the State will be in-the-red in two years with current law. And after all the increases this budget puts the State on a path to be approximately $1.4 billion in-the-red in four years. That doesn’t take into account any increased spending in those four years. So then what? Once again, the Governor will probably pull money from KDOT and delay payments to KPERS or even raise taxes.
We need to change our laws to address the budget process and create a fair and level tax code for Kansans. I am hopeful that with due-diligence, we can still achieve this end.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Obituary of Patricia Pool
Patricia Alaine “Patty” Pool, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
She was born March 31, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Henry Eugene “Gene” Floyd and Maxine Monroe Floyd. Patty graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1969. She married Michael L. Pool on November 11, 1970, at Nevada, Missouri.
In earlier years, Patty worked at several area banks. She later worked in the Bourbon County Vehicle Registration Office for over twenty-years. Patty enjoyed playing the violin and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Mike, of the home; and two sons, Brian Pool (Jana) and Brent Pool (Tawny), all of Ft. Scott and five grandchildren; Laura, Ashleigh, Nash, Kellen and Evan. Also surviving are two brothers, Earl Floyd, of Overland Park, Kansas and Steve Floyd of Ft. Scott and two sisters, Lynette Jackson, of Ft. Scott and Bonnie George of Concordia, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation and may be left in 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.
New Uniontown Math Teacher: Mike Durnell
Mike Durnell, 51, will be teaching mathematics at Uniontown Middle School (grades 7-9) for the next school year.
In the vacancy that 50-year math teacher Alan Shinn left, the subjects are being reassigned to two current math teachers and then Durnell was hired as a new math teacher to take the junior high classes, USD 235 Superintendent Bret Howard said.
“I have been a Missouri educator for 28 years,” Durnell said. “In my career, I have taught math at the middle school and high school level.”
He and his wife, Suzan have been married 28 years.
“We have been at El Dorado Springs (Missouri) for the last 19 years,” he said. ” I taught 8th-grade math for 14 years before becoming the activities director for the last five.”
” I retired after 28 years but really wanted to get back into the classroom,” Durnell said. “If I stay in Missouri, I am limited to part-time ( 550 hours) or going to a private school. Teaching in Kansas allows me to teach full time. It is a financial decision.”
“Suzan has another two or three years before she can retire,” he said. “I plan on commuting until she retires. It will be a longer drive than my current 10-minute commute, but that has spoiled me.”
Suzan is the elementary librarian for El Dorado Springs.
Durnell earned his bachelors degree from College of the Ozarks, his masters in educational administration from Missouri State University, and his specialist in educational administration from William Woods University.
His hometown is Moundville, Missouri and he attended Bronaugh schools.
In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing, he said.
How did you become an educator?
“I was fortunate enough to have some great teachers and had a positive experience with school. I decided I wanted to be a part of that. I found that I love working with students and helping them understand difficult concepts.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“Coach Randy Roberston, my high school coach, and teacher under whom I student taught.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I like interacting with the students and realizing that I have the ability to make a difference in their lives just like Coach Robertson did in mine.”
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
“It can be frustrating when you have students who are not working up to their potential abilities. However, I love a good challenge in teaching.”
The Durnells have two daughters:
Jenna Vickers and her husband, Quade, live in Springfield, Missouri. Jenna is an accountant and Quade is an emergency room nurse, he said.
Tessa is finishing her Junior year at Ft. Hays State University and is a speech pathology major. “She runs track and cross country for the FHSU Tigers,” Durnell said.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 22
Click below:
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 23
Flood Warning In Effect For Bourbon County
National Weather Service detailed forecast through the Memorial Day weekend. From the National Weather Service website.
There is a flood warning in effect.
Bourbon County
Today
Mostly cloudy. Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms in the morning then scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall in the morning. Highs around 80. East winds around 10 mph in the morning shifting to the southeast in the afternoon. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Friday
Breezy. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday
Breezy. Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday Night And Sunday
Showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid-60s. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Memorial Day And Monday Night
Windy. Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid-80s. Lows in the upper 60s.
American Legion Post 25 Update
Post 25 Update
May 23. Thursday. 6:00 pm. Legion Women’s Auxiliary meet and greet in Memorial Hall. Open to female family members of Veterans. This meet and greet will continue the process of reestablishing the Fort Scott Auxiliary Unit 25.
May 25. Saturday. 4:00 pm. Enjoy patriotic music at The Fort National Historic Site.
May 26. Sunday. 2:30 pm. Dedication of the U.S. Navy Memorial at Fort Scott National Cemetery.
May 27. Monday. 9:30 am. Prayer at the Courthouse steps in Honor of all American War Veterans.
May 27. Monday. 10:30 am. Memorial Day services at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. This event will be moved to Memorial Hall in the event of inclement weather.
May 27. Monday. 3:00 pm. A “moment of silence” at The Fort National Historic Site.
May 31. Friday. 6 pm. Good Old Days Parade. All Post members and their families are invited to walk or ride as part of the Legion family.
June 3. Monday. 6:30 pm. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
June 3. Monday. 7:00 pm. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit or join our Post.
June 6. Thursday. Skipper Higgins, the oldest living grandson of Andrew Jackson Higgins, will be at the Milken Center throughout the day and available for visiting. At 3:00 pm will be a special Q and A time with him and Jerry Meyer. All veterans in attendance will receive a very special gift from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. See attached flyer.
June 9. Sunday. Aspen Dental is offering free dental services to veterans from fillings, extractions, to even denture repair. Veterans can call 844-277-3646 now to locate the nearest Aspen Dental office and make an appointment for free dental services.
June 14. Friday 7:00 pm. Flag retirement ceremony at The Fort National Historic Site. This event is open to the public and anyone with torn, tattered or unserviceable flags can bring them to The Fort for a dignified retirement.
VA Shuttle Service
The shuttle service is free to any Veteran who needs transportation to the VA for their medical appointments.
Mondays: Fort Scott to Topeka VA Medical Center. Stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa.
Tuesdays: Fort Scott to Topeka VA Medical Center. Stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa.
Wednesdays: Fort Scott to Kansas City VA Medical Center. Stops in Pleasanton and Louisburg.
Veterans must have an appointment scheduled between 9 am and 1 pm on the day they ride the shuttle.
The shuttle will depart from the Fort Scott’s Pete’s 66 service station on Main Street and will return to Fort Scott after the last Veteran has completed their appointment. The departure time is based upon the time of the first appointment of the day at the VA Medical Center day. Riders will be notified of the shuttle departure time the evening before their ride.
Veterans living along Highway 69 or near Louisburg and Ottawa can also schedule a ride to the VA by following the below process. Veterans scheduling rides must be at one of our predetermined stops to ride the shuttle. This is a shuttle service, not a taxi service.
The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area Veteran on a first come, first served basis.
The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.
Family members may not ride with the Veteran on the shuttle. However, those Veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the Veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.
To register for a shuttle seat, the Veteran must
· Have an appointment at a VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 pm for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.
· Call 785-925-0261 or email [email protected] to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 pm, the day prior to their appointment.
Please don’t hesitate to call or email me with any questions you might have.
Carl Jowers. Commander
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25
American Legion Member Verification Needed
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Free Friday Evening Concert: David Prickett
The Chamber of Commerce sponsored program at The Heritage Park Pavilion, First and Main Streets will feature David Prickett on guitar and vocals.
“David performs gospel, classic country and traditional music,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator. “He is a regular contributor to our Pavilion music. I am quite pleased to get him back. Also performing will be Marilyn Adcock and other musicians.”
The concert starts at 7 p.m. In the event of foul weather, the concert will move indoors at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop.
Come early and bring your lawn chairs as seating is limited.
Bourbon County Leadership Class Graduates
Chamber Celebrates LEAD Bourbon County Class with Graduation
The 2018-2019 LEAD Bourbon County group wrapped up their training with a graduation ceremony at Liberty Theatre Thursday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. The group consisted of individuals nominated by their employers to participate in the leadership training program called “LEAD Bourbon County.” They have been meeting every month, starting back in September of 2018.
Trainers/Facilitators for the Lead Bourbon County Training were:
Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Deb Needleman, SPHR, IPMA-SCP, Director of Human Resources, City of Fort Scott
Robert Uhler, IOM, CAE, Community Development Director, City of Fort Scott
Participants in the LEAD Bourbon County Program included –
- Zach Adams, Marketing and Customer Service Manager, Craw-Kan Telephone
- Kellye Barrows, Culture and Customer Experience Officer, AVP, Marketing, Landmark Bank
- Thomas Cook, Production Scheduler, Timken
- Lewis Dunkeson, Site Coordinator, Fort Scott High School (Communities in Schools)
- Scott Flater, Superintendent, Water Production, City of Fort Scott
- Daniel Koppa, USD 234 Facilities Director
- Dustin McClure, Vice President of IT, Union State Bank
- Virgil Peck, Pastor, Fort Scott Nazarene
- Allyson Turvey CVB, Group & Convention Sales, City of Fort Scott
- Hope Workman, SAP Data Clerk, Timken
- Russ Souza, Director of Advising and Retention, Fort Scott Community College
During each monthly session the LEAD Bourbon County group learned new techniques and models of leadership, that leadership is not a position but an attitude, and that everyone can lead. The purpose of the curriculum was to stretch the boundaries of thought regarding leadership and to help each individual learn how to get the most out of meetings, individuals, resources, and circumstances.
The past few months the group has also been working on a community project collecting donations towards purchasing park benches for key locations in the area. The group collected a total of $2,687.50, which was enough to purchase 5 park benches for the following locations: three benches in Fort Scott at Riverfront Park and two benches in Uniontown at the Walking Trail.
The LEAD Bourbon County group would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their most generous donations towards the purchase of these benches –
- City of Fort Scott
- Cheney Witt Funeral Home
- CrawKan
- Kiwanis
- Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial Chapter 514
- Timken
The plan is to have the installation of the new benches completed by the end of June.
City of Fort Police Department: Have A Safety Plan
Fort Scott has been put under a Tornado Watch until 11:00 P.M. That being said, please make sure that you have a plan in place and follow your Tornado Safety precautions in the event that we do go under a Tornado Warning. The City of Fort Scott does not have a designated tornado shelter, therefore we urge you to make proper arrangements.