Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Schools

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

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Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched

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Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.

The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.

“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”

The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.

Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:

More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

Kansas October Tax Collections Report

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October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.

“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

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Unsubscribe from emails by Pam Hutchison.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Meeting Minutes of November 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

November 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Seventeen members representing fourteen agencies attended.  Billie Jo reminded members that the board will meet next Tuesday; Nick Johnson will begin his tenure on the board as a representative of USD 234 to fill the vacancy left from the resignation of Doug Altic.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Lindsey McNeil, COPE: The COPE contingency was unable to attend today’s meeting as they were at the Washateria for the first “Wash Wednesday” event.  Billie Jo will forward informational flyers to the membership about this event.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234: Michelle sent word that everything is going well with the Fort Scott Early Childhood Program!
  • Allen Schellack: Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, etal:  In October they were able to help several people obtain identifications and birth certificates in order to get jobs.  In three weeks, the Red Bucket campaign will begin; Allen needs volunteers.  Craig Campbell will be helping Allen obtain adequate volunteers.  The Fire Department and Police Department will be manning the buckets during the “Christmas on the Bricks” celebration.
  • Dave Gillen, The Beacon: The annual Adopt a Child, Elks Christmas baskets, and Beacon sign-ups will continue until November 3.  The Beacon has served 129 new families, 329 total families, and 824 people so far in 2023.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research:  A “Walk with Ease” class will be starting on January 8 at Buck Run; Lea Kay also reviewed all classes available; more information can be found on the website.  Her greatest need is a partner with space; she brings everything else for the classes.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: The “Trunk or Treat” event was held last week with over 400 attending.  The pre-school continues to do monthly screenings.
  • Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: She works with families to ensure children are safe in their homes without DCF intervention.
  • Dee Dee LeFever, Greenbush: Resource for any early learning services.
  • Larry Jump, SEKCAP Community liaison: He covers twelve counties as a resource for early learning services.  Currently SEKCAP is hiring for all positions; check the openings on the website.
  • Brittany Trishman, SEK Multi-County Health Department: She is the breast feeding supervisor.  The Health Department is now offering flu, Covid, and RSV vaccines.  She recently received a grant to help with education; she welcomes partners to apply for additional grants.
  • Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: Star’s program is full in the USD 234 district; however, she has two openings in the USD 235 district.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Tammy reviewed the programs she works with in Bourbon County and expressed gratitude for being able to partner in Bourbon County.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: The next Red Cross blood drive is December 21 and 22 at Buck Run.  Appointments need to be made online to ensure donation status.
  • Rene’ Hibdon, CHC: Assesses family needs and connects them to the proper services.  She deals primarily with home-based cases.
  • Megan Smith, CHC: Completes in office assessments for families; her major emphasis is families dealing with pregnancies.
  • Heather Shepherd CHC Community Health worker: By working in the USD 234 school system, she is able to connect families with resources.  Her goal is to keep children out of DCF custody.

 

  1. Program:  Travis Wilcoxsen and Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health.

 

Angel Care Home Health is located in most all southeast counties of Kansas; they provide home health care for Medicare-aged individuals.  Travis explained the services they offer and the specialty programs they can provide, including psychiatric care based on a medical prescription.  The ultimate goal for Angel Care Home Health is to make the patient better and keep him/her at home as long as it is safe to do so.  Once accepted into the program, care is 100 percent paid by insurance.  At present they have 190 patients and would like to find an additional nurse for Bourbon County.

 

  1. Open Forum:  The December 6 program will be an update on CHC’s tobacco cessation program; in January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be December 6. 

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for November 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

November 7, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells

 

  1.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  M. Wells

 

III.    Approval of Agenda:

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 17, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
  4. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers – $16,600.00
  5. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion        Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
  6. Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash         Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50

 

  1. Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National – J. Dickman

 

  1. Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood

 

VII.    Appearances:

  1. Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil – LHEAT – Homeless Presentation

 

  1. Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – McDonald Hall (10 and 12 S. Main – The Kitchen Collective and Collaborative

 

  1. Splash Pad Committee – Restroom Project

 

  1. Kendall Schoenrock – Certificate of Appropriateness – DCF building plans – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023

 

  1. Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – Certificate of Appropriateness – 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main storefronts – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  None

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – J. Pickert – $11,467.00

 

  1. Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board – recommended by Park Advisory Board – B. Matkin

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park shower house contract with Hofer & Hofer – Recommended by Parks Advisory Board

 

  1. Consideration of Lake Fort Scott Boat Ramp bids – B. Matkin
  2. Consideration of City Employee Holiday Bonus – B. Matkin
  3. Consideration of 2024 City Holiday Schedule – B. Matkin
  4. Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal      with Gilmore & Bell – M. Wells
  5. Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering – $76,383.00 – J. Dickman
  6. Consideration to accept resignation of Brad Matkin, City Manager
  7. Tourism Rubric – B. Matkin

 

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:

 

  1. City Manager Comments:
  2. Engineering Comments:
  3. Commissioners Comments:
  4. VanHoecke –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Woellhof –
  7. Guns –
  8. Wells –

 

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next regular meeting scheduled:  Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM

History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Youth

Award-Winning Teacher and Students Visit the Lowell Milken Center

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Paige Franzen, Kadence Huck, and Callahan Levi, winners of the $2,500 First Prize in the Lowell Milken Center’s 2023 International Discovery Award competition, will be guests at the LMC on Thursday, November 2nd.

These 11th-grade students from Nashua-Plainfield High School in Nashua, Iowa, along with their award-winning social studies teacher, Suzy Turner, a 2022 LMC Fellow, are in Fort Scott to collaborate with the LMC staff on the production of a new exhibit panel for the Center’s Hall of Heroes.

The new exhibit will feature Unsung Hero Christine Grant, the subject of the students’ award-winning project. Their documentary, Why Not Us? Dr. Christine Grant’s Pursuit of Gender Equality, shares the story of Dr. Grant’s significant contributions to furthering gender equality in collegiate sports. As the decades-long athletic director at the University of Iowa, Grant embraced the historic passing of Title IX, building a highly recognized and unprecedented women’s athletic program.

Through their interviews with Grant’s previous students, mentees, and colleagues, the Nashua students were able to provide firsthand insight into the legacy she left behind. This information will be a valuable resource as the Lowell Milken Center staff works with Suzy Turner and her students to create a powerful new exhibit.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate for the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.

 

 

 

 

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Behind the Scenes Work Is Happening to Bring Health Care to Bourbon County: More Is Needed

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Ascension Via Christi currently operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building in Fort Scott but is closing operations on Dec. 20.
Ascension Via Christi of Pittsburg has been providing emergency services in Fort Scott since February 2019, following the closure of Mercy Hospital in 2018.

Yesterday it was announced they will be closing operations at the site, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott, on Dec. 20.

“This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census,” according to the AVC press release: Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20. “These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.”

Drew Talbott. Submitted photo.

“There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities,” Drew Talbot, president of Ascension Via Christi, Pittsburg, said in the press release. “These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure.”

Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells is thankful to Ascension Via Christi (AVC) for providing an emergency department in Bourbon County, he said.

Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.
“It is very unfortunate that Ascension is departing Fort Scott, and even more so that an emergency room operator loses over $1.5M annually to remain in a rural community,” Wells said.
“While it might seem that all hope is lost…the City (0f Fort Scott) and (the Bourbon) County (Commission) have identified a capable operator and have also agreed to provide financial support to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare in Fort Scott,” Wells said.
“The parties involved have been working tirelessly to affect a smooth transition to the new operations,” Wells said. “However, there are some regulatory challenges at the state and federal level which we are actively working to navigate. These regulations have made it exceedingly difficult for rural communities to access quality healthcare, and this is a problem that extends beyond just Fort Scott.”
Amberwell Health is ready to begin providing an emergency department in Bourbon County, once the regulatory hurdles are accomplished, Wells said.
“It is a national issue that requires urgent attention and immediate action from our legislators,” Wells said.  “Over 13 million children under 18 reside in rural areas throughout the United States, and they, along with our seniors and all members of society, require access to emergency services. We need the legislatures to do what is necessary to change these regulations, this issue is a matter of life and death to my community.”
“With the cooperation of all parties, there is a clear path to not only maintaining an emergency room in Fort Scott but also expanding primary care services to benefit this growing community and its future aspirations, with not only an ER but a Rural Emergency Hospital,” Wells said.
For more info on Rural Emergency Hospitals:
Wells encourages the community to take an active role in supporting the endeavor.
“I encourage the community to take an active role by contacting their local government officials for support,” Wells said. “There are those who are actively moving this forward, but we can help push the state and federal legislature to make this happen faster.”
Your Elected Representatives
Following is a list of the elected representatives for Bourbon County at both the state and federal levels, according to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website:
Matthew Wells can be reached at [email protected]
Governor Kelly Comments
In a press release yesterday, Kansas Governor Kelly stated:

“I am incredibly saddened by the news that Ascension Via Christi’s Emergency Department in Fort Scott is closing. Bourbon County residents have already had to drive 30 miles to Pittsburg – or, in some cases, 90 miles to Kansas City – for most care since Mercy Hospital closed five years ago. Now, even in emergencies, they’ll have one less place to turn, threatening their health and safety.

“I’ve been touring the state rallying for Medicaid Expansion for six weeks, and in that time, we’ve seen a rural hospital and now an emergency room close. How much more evidence do we need that rural communities need our support to keep health care affordable and accessible? Enough is enough. It’s time to act.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce Rapid Response Team is reaching out to Ascension Via Christi leadership and will be sharing resources with employees who are now looking for work, according to the press release.

According to the Governor’s press release:

  • Rural hospitals in states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion are six times more likely to close than rural hospitals in states with expansion.
  • Researchers have found that hospitals in expansion states, particularly those in rural areas, are better off financially and are less likely to close.
  • 58% of rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, and 28% are at immediate risk of closing.

Bourbon County Local News