Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Dec. 19 Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission

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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.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/12/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $868,622.24
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,527.33
  1. 9:00 a.m.-Budget Amendment Public Hearing
  2. Public Comments
  3. Brian Allen-Approval for Publication
  • Brandon Whisenhunt-Redistricting
  • Bourbon County REDI
  1. Deb McCoy-Contracts of Bourbon County REDI
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Financial Advisor Request
  3. 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.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Care To Share Has Moved To Downtown Fort Scott

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Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share and Cory Bryars, vice president hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area of the former Mercy Hospital- that they moved into last December.  This month they are moving into a new office for the organization at 9 E. Wall in 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.”
9 East Wall Street is the new home of Care To Share.
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.
Lavetta Simmons, Teresa Davenport and Joy O’Neal started Care to Share in 2007. Submitted photo.

 

Contact Teresa Davenport, President by phone: (620) 238-0902.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite Family and Consumer Education December 2024

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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
Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Story Telling Through Art

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Storytelling through Art
Session Recording and Lesson Plan
Access the lesson plan and recording for the online session on Storytelling through Art led by Brad LeDuc. This session presented a step-by-step process with in-depth resources for developing novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling with a focus on creatively interpreting the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes. View the session recording and download the lesson plan below:
View Recording
Download Lesson Plan
Spotlight Prize – Unsung Hero
 
Introducing
Clara Luper
Civil Rights Leader and Educator
Clara Luper, a trailblazing educator and civil rights leader, is best known for spearheading the 1958 Oklahoma City sit-in movement, a pivotal moment in desegregating public accommodations. Born in rural Oklahoma, Luper overcame the barriers of segregation to become the first African American graduate student in history at the University of Oklahoma. As the advisor to the Oklahoma City NAACP Youth Council, she mentored young activists and led nonviolent protests that successfully desegregated hundreds of establishments. Beyond her activism, Luper spent 41 years as a history teacher, inspiring generations to fight for justice.

ARTEFFECT projects submitted to the competition that interpret the life and legacy of Clara Luper are eligible for the Spotlight Prize category.
Learn more about Clara Luper
Looking Ahead:
ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
4:00 – 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Interested in participating in the 2025 ARTEFFECT Competition? Learn about the annual visual arts competition for students grades 6-12 (open through April 27, 2025). Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and lesson plans will be discussed at this session. Bring your questions! Free to join. Registration required.
Register Now
Learn more about the ARTEFFECT competition resources, rules and guidelines.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

City of Fort Scott Hosts Chamber Coffee This Week

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by the

City of Fort Scott
Thursday, December 19th

8am

City Hall

123 S. Main St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, December 19th at 8am hosted by the City of Fort Scott, 123 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a giveaway drawing.

At this week’s Coffee, City Manager Brad Matkin will present the End of Year Accomplishments and give a preview of what’s to come for 2025.

Visit the FS City website HERE!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Church news, Fort Scott

Tanya Glessner’s New Book Release

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
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:
Submitted.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For December 19

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

Payroll 12-13-2024

Accounts Payable 12-13-2024

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/12/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $868,622.24
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,527.33
  1. 9:00 a.m.-Budget Amendment Public Hearing
  2. Brian Allen-Approval for Publication
  3. Brandon Whisenhunt-Redistricting
  • Public Comments
  • Bourbon County REDI
  1. Deb McCoy-Contracts of Bourbon County REDI
  2. Sheriff Bill Martin-Financial Advisor Request
  3. 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.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Preschool Move Is On The Horizon For 2025-26 School Year

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The Fort Scott Preschool will be relocated to a building at Ninth and Horton Streets.
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.
The Fort Scott Preschool, 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.”
Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the current situation that Mayfield provided:

  1. “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.

  2. 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:

    • 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of George Montgomery Jr.

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George Edward Montgomery, Jr., 81, of Fort Scott, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday evening, December 11, 2024, in Kansas City at KU Medical Center. He was born January 16, 1943, in Pulaskifield, Missouri, the son of George Edward Montgomery Sr., and Una Mae (Edwards) Montgomery. He married Terry Simons on February 4, 1972, in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

 

George worked many different jobs in his lifetime; railroad, carpentry, city codes officer, Director of Fort Scott Housing Authority. In his retirement he devoted his time and energy to his family and his church family. He enjoyed helping with maintenance and served on the building committees for Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Catholic School.

 

George is survived by three brothers and two sisters, his children, George Montgomery III (Cindy), Bonner Springs, Kansas; Richard Montgomery (Susan), North Charleston, South Carolina; Carl Johnson (Jeanette), Holt, Missouri; Tessie Tucker (Joe), Fort Scott, Kansas; Blake Montgomery (Angela), Olathe, Kansas; Elizabeth Murphy, Fort Scott, Kansas; Justin Montgomery (Tylar), Fort Scott, Kansas; nineteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and a brother.

 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Yancey Burgess at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening, December 19, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with a visitation following from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery following cremation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.  Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Bourbon County Local News