Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Oct. 23

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 23rd, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-Audit letter and 2018 budget balances

10:15-Budget Discussions

10:30-10:45-Bill Martin-Executive Session

10:45-Discussion about Fencing

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matters of non-elected personnel-30 min.

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

2:30-2:40-Future of Bourbon County Health Care Updates

Updates of Meetings

2:45-3:15-NRP

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual 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(s) 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

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Obituary

Obituary of Mabel Miller

Leave a comment

Mable L. Miller, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018, at Via Christi in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Mabel Ladena Miller was born at home in the Hiattville area on June 29, 1927, to Roy and Bessie (Eisenbrandt) Ater. She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1945.

She was married to Elmer Miller Jr. on July 11, 1946. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, homemaker, and worked on the family farm.

Mabel was an active member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church and member of United Methodist Women. She also worked as a volunteer at Beacon for many years and the Hiattville Election Board.

Survivors include her sons: Robert “Bob” Miller and his wife Glenda, Roger Miller and his wife Lori; daughter Sandra Ellis and her husband Carl, all of the rural Hiattville area; two sisters Arla and husband Leo of Fort Scott, and Evelyn Shull of Kechi, KS; ten grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Elmer, parents Roy and Bessie Ater, sisters Thelma Buntain, Maxine Peel, Waneta Ater, and baby brother Ellwyn Ater.

Following cremation, a Memorial Service celebrating Mabel’s life will be announced at a later date. The family requests memorials be made to Hiattville United Methodist Church and Beacon of Fort Scott, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott

Cannon Receives Library Excellence Award

Leave a comment
Valetta Cannon with her recent awards from the Southeast Kansas Library System and the City of Fort Scott.

A local librarian recently received a recognition by the state library system and the City of Fort Scott.

Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public  Library’s Youth Librarian and Assistant Director received a trophy from the Southeast Kansas Library System, along with a $1,000 check from SKLS for the library.

“The award was first publicly announced at the Southeast Kansas Library System’s annual meeting at Iola High School on June 1,” Cannon said. “The trophy, certificate, and check were presented to me at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting on September 18.
“A traveling plaque will be moved from the other staff excellence award winner’s library to ours at the end of the year. This is the first year these awards have been offered by SEKLS.”
According to the SEKLS website,
“Decisions will be based upon the extent to which a nominee exceeds the norm and provides excellent service or support, with consideration to the size and type of library of the nominee.
The committee’s decisions are subject to the approval of the Director.
Library staff: Any employee of an SEKLS library other than the director
Considerations: Excellent library staff provide quality service, seek to promote and improve library service, collaborate well with the director and other staff members, and make an important contribution to the functioning of the library.”
The $1,000 donation to the library will be used for services and programming
“I have submitted several ideas for investing the money into improved young patron services and programming to our library board,” Cannon said. “All purchase ideas for the award money are currently pending approval or revision.”
A trophy, a City of Fort Scott Certificate of Recognition, and a $1,000 donation to the public library were awarded Cannon.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Gilligan’s Island at FSCC

Leave a comment
Castmembers sing the opening song, “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Island” Saturday night at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. From left: Jasper Dunn, Katie Button, Jared Oshel, Fayelyn Kmiec, Aiden Ballinger, Karri Johnson, and Harold Hicks.

Oct. 19-21, Fort Scott Community College Theatre members presented the musical version of “Gilligan’s Island”.

“Gilligan’s Island”  was a comedy TV program from the mid-1960s.

Any musical is a challenge for a small department, director  Allen Twitchel, stated in the bulletin for the show.

“We are attempting to produce a professional-quality show with cardboard and crepe paper while juggling everyone’s busy schedules,” Twitchel said.

The group of students and college staff worked diligently to exceed all expectations, Twitchel said.

Listening to the audience chuckle and clap, the audience seemed to agree.

The setting is a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean, where seven people are stranded during a shipwreck.

They come to grips with the situation, work on schemes to get off the island and are visited by a visitor from outer-space.

Gilligan was portrayed by  FSCC student Aiden Ballinger, Skipper by former FSCC student Jared Oshel, Mr. Howell by FSCC English IntructorHarold Hicks, Mrs. Howell by FSCC Office Assistant Karri Johnson, Ginger by FSCC student Fayelyn Kmiec , Professor by FSCC student Jasper Dunn, Mary Ann by FSCC student Katie Button, and Alien by FSCC student Marcus Robinson.

Several solos were performed by  Ballinger, Button, Kmiec, Dunn, and Hicks.

Gilligan and Ginger both have an emotional meltdown when the castaways learn they are stranded on a deserted island.
The group ties itself together in preparation of a hurricane.
The outer-space alien, played by Marcus Robinson, left, aims a weapon at the Skipper and Gilligan.
The group sings “Worlds Apart” in one of the final scenes of the play.
From left: Marcus Robinson, Karri Johnson, and Harold Hicks wait in line to greet the audience following the musical play Saturday night
Area News

American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

Leave a comment
Installation of SAL Squadron Officers Commander Jeff Norris and Adjutant Carl Jowers by 2nd District Executive Committeewoman Myra Jowers, with SAL Department Adjutant Don Culver observing.

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25 was chartered Saturday, October 20 with 10 members. Squadron Commander is Jeff Norris. Adjutant is Carl Jowers. SAL members are invited to attend the Post 25 general membership meetings. SAL members are not allowed to vote on Legion issues.

 

October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 23. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.

 

October 25. Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 members.

 

October 27th. 2nd District Commander Homecoming in Blue Mound. All Post 25 Legionnaires are invited to attend.

 

October 30. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 30. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.

 

November 2. Post 25 general membership meet and greet. Light refreshments will be available. Starts at 6:30 pm.

November 5. Post 25 general membership meeting. Starts at 7 pm. The meeting is held at the Memorial Hall at National and 3rd in downtown Fort Scott. All Post 25 members, eligible Veterans and guests are invited to attend the meeting. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.

 

November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.

November 9. Friday evening, 5pm:  Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.

November 9. Saturday, 10am:  Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.

November 10. Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. “A Gathering of Veterans” at VFW Post 1165 for fellowship and camaraderie.

November 10. Saturday, 5 pm:  Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Fort Scott.  All Veterans are encouraged to participate. Transportation will be available for those unable to walk in the parade.

November 10. Saturday, 7pm:  1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.

November 11. Sunday, 9am:  Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton S

November 11. Sunday, 11am:  Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.

November 11. Sunday, 12pm:  Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

 

Post members Darrell Spencer and Marvin Taylor prepared to carry the colors at the recent Fort Scott Pioneer Harvest Parade.

Submitted by Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Debate Wins Big

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott High School Debate team was successful this weekend:

At the Field Kindley debate tournament, Coffeyville:
4th in Open Kaden Kiwan /Jade Russell
4th in Novice  Kris Patel/Shekhar Gugnani
3rd in Novice Takia Page/ Ivy Baily
FSHS takes 2nd in Sweeps!
Elizabeth Ngatia and Zoe Self take first in open debate at Olathe South!
Submitted by Angella Curran
Recipes

From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . . Martha Meinsen Scott

Leave a comment

One of my favorite restaurants in Kansas City was Stephenson’s Apple Farm.     We celebrated many grand occasions there. One of my favorite dishes was their baked chicken ‘n’ butter and cream.   It’s a great company dish or even a family dish. The original recipe calls for a whole chicken but I often make it with chicken breasts — sometimes bone in and sometimes boneless.    If you like thighs, it would be good with those too! For a grand meal, serve it with Stephenson’s Green Rice; for an everyday meal, a box of white and wild rice works well!

 

STEPHENSON’S BAKED CHICKEN ‘N’ BUTTER AND CREAM

 

8 pieces frying chicken
2 cups flour
1 T. salt
1 T. pepper
2 t. paprika
1 stick butter, cut into 8 pats
2 cups half and half or cream

 

Dip chicken in cold water.    Mix together flour, salt, pepper and paprika.    Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in flour mixture.    Place pieces skin side up in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake uncovered at 450 for 30 minutes or until brown.   (Recipe may be prepared ahead up to this point.) Pour cream around chicken, place 1 pat of butter on each piece and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
(*Note: This time I used chicken breasts — with boneless and skinless)
Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing The Candidates: Jake LaTurner

Leave a comment

This is part of a series featuring candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Jake LaTurner

Age: 30

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Topeka, Kansas

Current occupation: Kansas State Treasurer

Community involvement: Various church and community-related activities.

Party affiliation: Republican

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it:

Having served as State Treasurer for the last year and a half, I am proud to say that we improved the services offered to all Kansans while saving the taxpayer’s money.

I have taken the time to analyze agency operations, allowing us to find innovative solutions, efficiencies, and streamline processes.

For example, this last fiscal year we set a record for the most unclaimed property returned to Kansans’ in a single year by more than 12%. We have put over $37 million back into the pockets of Kansans.

Our Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Accounts were ranked Top 5 in the nation by Forbes.

We also launched the ABLE savings program for individuals living with a disability and enhanced it with legislation.

Additionally, we launched a brand new, user and mobile friendly website that improves the claims process and allows for direct deposit.

All of these things have been accomplished while decreasing the square footage of the office and reducing the budget.

I list these things because not only am I running for State Treasurer, but I have a proven record of success in the office. If elected to a full-year term, I will continue to look for ways of providing a better service at the best possible cost.

Give your views on food sales-tax:

Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I was honored to represent Fort Scott in the Kanas Senate. While in the legislature, I repeatedly voted to remove and/or reduce the sales tax on food.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

While in the legislature, I voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid:

Access to quality healthcare is a critical issue to Kansans, especially in our rural areas. Costs continue to increase and many Kansans are struggling to pay their bills. This is something families across our state grapple with daily, specifically, my heart goes out to the Ft. Scott community as they cope with their recent decrease in healthcare access. I believe we can find Kansas based solutions that increase access and affordability.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life and have a 100% pro-life voting record with Kansans for Life. My wife Suzanne and I are proud members of the pro-life generation because we believe women and their unborn children deserve better than abortion.

The vast majority of Kansans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars going to subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. My voting record on this issue is clear.

Bourbon County Local News