Amended Agenda For the Dec. 19 Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
December 19, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/12/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $868,622.24
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,527.33
- 9:00 a.m.-Budget Amendment Public Hearing
- Public Comments
- Brian Allen-Approval for Publication
- Brandon Whisenhunt-Redistricting
- Bourbon County REDI
- Deb McCoy-Contracts of Bourbon County REDI
- Sheriff Bill Martin-Financial Advisor Request
- Justin Meeks-Freeman Agreements
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Unity Road Closed Dec. 19-20
Unity Road will be closed between 85th and 95th beginning Thursday, December 19th at 7am through Friday, December 20th for bridge repair.
Thank you,
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Care To Share Has Moved To Downtown Fort Scott
“Care to Share is moving!” said Corey Bryars, vice president of the cancer fighter support group. “With Freeman (Hospital and Emergency Department) coming soon (to the former Mercy Hospital building) and Kansas Renewal Institute growing, it became time to find a place we could call our own.”
“It all happened fast, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our move into 9 East Wall Street,” he said. “Come see us as of Dec. 16th.”
It is a former dental office with 1,200 square feet of space.
“Some of the extra rooms might be sublet to complementary startup local small businesses…stay tuned,” he said.
“Thanks to a few special Sharing Angels, Care to Share now has a walk-in office, gift shop, and more, all in beautiful and vibrant downtown Fort Scott,” he said.
“We want to thank Holmtown Pub for pledging $100 per month for 2025 to help offset the costs of having our own space. If you are interested in donating, please contact us.”
“We will continue walk-in hours of Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11-2. If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, please get them in touch with Care to Share at the office, at facebook.com/CareToShareSEK, or 620-644-9090.”
“Stay tuned for more details and upcoming Care to Share Community Events. As a 100% volunteer organization, we have always prided ourselves on having little or no overhead. While this office isn’t free, it sets the stage for us to be able to offer more and more support for SEK Cancer Fighters.”
“Thank you Fort Scott and all of SEK for Caring and Sharing,” Bryars said.
About Care to Share
Care to Share Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial or emotional support and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.
The original founders of the organization that began in 2007 were Teresa Davenport, Joy O’Neal and Lavetta Simmons.
Contact Teresa Davenport, President by phone: (620) 238-0902.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 18
Starlite Family and Consumer Education December 2024
The December meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Before the meeting, the members assembled thirty-six gift bags for the Tri-Valley clients. Each bag contained a Christmas mug with a bag of Chex mix, cocoa mix, popcorn, socks, gloves, and a candy cane.
President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, Vice President Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge to the American flag and the Club Collect. Fourteen members were in attendance and reported fifty-nine volunteer hours and that they had recycled forty-five pounds. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, corrected and approved. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report. Doris announced that she had the Christmas cards ready to send to the Veterans Hospital.
Old business consisted of a report that the Christmas tree for the Christmas tree contest had been decorated and that pictures are available to see on the Presbyterian Village web site.
New business of taking up a collection for Preferred Living in lieu of Christmas presents was announced and an envelope was passed around to collect the donations. Glenda also announced that the books for next year are in and need to be filled out. Karen Peery, Joyce Allen and Betty Johnson volunteered to fill them out and will be available at the January meeting.
Letha Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Taylor Bailey seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting the club enjoyed a wonderful carry in dinner and played the game right, left, center to the enjoyment of all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Story Telling Through Art
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City of Fort Scott Hosts Chamber Coffee This Week
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Tanya Glessner’s New Book Release
Fort Scott’s Tanya Glessner newest book release is
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace.
Book Overview:
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace- by Tanya Glessner invites you to embark on a transformative journey that challenges the very foundations of your understanding of faith and grace. In a world riddled with division, uncertainty, and the constant pull of fleeting desires, this powerful book serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to true freedom found in God’s unwavering love.
Dive deep into the complexities of human experience as Glessner masterfully unpacks uncomfortable truths that we often shy away from. Through the lens of Scripture, she confronts the malevolent influences that seek to derail our spiritual journey and guides us toward a profound understanding of our identity in Christ. Addressing pressing societal issues such as race, gender, and socioeconomic disparities, Glessner doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations that shape our world today.
This book is more than just a spiritual exploration; it’s a practical guide filled with actionable steps that empower you to grow in your faith. Discover how to make peace with God amidst life’s pain and suffering, find your purpose, and heal through the boundless love of Christ. As you navigate the uncertainties of life, let the timeless truths within these pages anchor your soul and renew your spirit.
Are you ready to confront the uncomfortable truths that can lead to profound freedom? Join Tanya Glessner on this enlightening journey and rediscover the power of faith in a world that often seeks to diminish its significance. Purchase your copy today and step into a life transformed by grace!
Purchase link:
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For December 19
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
December 19, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/12/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $868,622.24
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,527.33
- 9:00 a.m.-Budget Amendment Public Hearing
- Brian Allen-Approval for Publication
- Brandon Whisenhunt-Redistricting
- Public Comments
- Bourbon County REDI
- Deb McCoy-Contracts of Bourbon County REDI
- Sheriff Bill Martin-Financial Advisor Request
- Redistricting
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Preschool Move Is On The Horizon For 2025-26 School Year
Plans are progressing for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Clinic building at 9th and Horton Street. The preschool is currently is located at 409 S. Judson.
Planning has been in the works for a couple of years.
“The project is taking longer than expected primarily due to the time required for proper planning, bidding, contractor selection, and budget management,” said Terry Mayfield Assistant Superintendent of Fort Scott USD 234. “While this process is taking longer than initially anticipated, it is essential to ensure that the building is safe, functional, and ready to house the preschool program as intended.”
Here’s a more detailed explanation of the current situation that Mayfield provided:
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“Delayed Possession of the Building: The district was able to take possession of the building in September, but this was later than expected because the previous tenants did not vacate the property until then. This delay in occupancy pushed back the initial timeline for starting renovations.
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Demolition and Fire Sprinkler System Installation: The first phase of the project involves significant work, including the demolition of the first floor and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. To move forward with this, the district is working with Crossland Construction, which is responsible for managing the bidding and contractor selection process. This phase is taking time because:
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- Bid Development: Developing comprehensive and detailed bid specifications is a complex task, as the district needs to ensure that all demolition and safety requirements are thoroughly defined.
- Advertising and Contractor Selection: The district must go through the formal process of advertising the bids, reviewing proposals, and selecting qualified contractors. This process ensures that the contractors meet all the necessary requirements and can complete the work within the budget and timeline.
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Renovation Phase: Once the demolition and fire sprinkler installation are completed, the next phase of the project will involve the renovation of the first floor to create classrooms and office spaces for the preschool program. Like the demolition phase, this will require issuing new bids, selecting contractors, and ensuring that all construction meets safety and educational standards. This phase, too, will take time to execute properly.
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Funding and Budgeting Considerations: The project is being financed through the district’s capital outlay budget. This requires careful planning and allocation of funds to ensure that sufficient resources are available for each phase of the project. Additionally, capital outlay funds must be managed responsibly to cover not only construction costs but also unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.
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Revised Timeline: Due to the delays in obtaining possession of the building and the time needed for proper bid preparation and contractor selection, the project timeline has shifted. The district now anticipates that the facility will be ready for use at some point during the 25-26 school year. Work will continue throughout the 24-25 school year, with the goal of completing the facility’s construction and renovation in time for the preschool program’s operation in the 2025-2026 academic year.”
“The district met recently with Crossland Construction on the next phase for the preschool building to move forward with plans at the building on Horton Street,” Mayfield said. “Drainage issues do not seem to be a concern, so our next steps will be to move forward with demolition of the interior of the first floor and to install the fire sprinkler system.”
“Once the construction management agreement is in place, they can then begin to put cost estimates on the demo and fire sprinkler system.”
” Crossland Construction will be putting out requests for bids for the demolition and for the fire sprinkler system. They plan to get the demolition started soon after the first of the year. They will be taking interested contractors through the building prior to the bid dates. Once we know these costs, we can then plan to move forward with this phase and then plan for and budget and get cost estimates on the next phase of renovation.”
The current wait list for becoming a student at Fort Scott Preschool is three children.
The current enrollment at the school is 111, Mayfield said. “We are expecting approximately 18 more students to transition to preschool before the end of the school year.”
Currently, there are four early childhood special education classroom teachers, one intervention teacher and 11 paraprofessionals, Mayfield said.
Nick Johnson is the principal of the preschool.
To view the prior story:
Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025