Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of Dec. 4

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

December 4, 2024

 

 

  1.  Welcome:  Eighteen members representing thirteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Michelle Stevenson- Home visiting program prenatal-6 years old. Keep families updated on developmental progress and activities to encourage growth.
  • Kellie Mengarelli & Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – Winter assessments are underway. ECBG supports early childhood programs in 9 counties in Southeast Kansas.
  • Norman & Brenda Hunter – New Core Community coaches in Bourbon County. Core Community assists families in getting out of poverty.
  • Heather Shepherd – CHW USD 234/CHC – Chase Program works with students at risk of not finishing school. Chase will be in Fort Scott next Friday.  They are seeking presents for children in Fort Scott.  Students involved with Chase will help organize and wrap the presents.  See the attached flyers for more information.
  • Craig Campbell – Good Neighbor Action Team – Keeping busy, especially building wheelchair ramps. Have a person in need of a wheelchair-accessible van, let Craig know if you have any resources or contacts that might be able to help with this need.  GNAT is working with the city to provide free firewood to those in need. They are also helping with gas and water lines breaking during freezing weather.  SEKAAA has helped with grants.  GNAT also works with the Codes Dept. to help property owners who don’t have the finances/ability to bring their property into compliance.
  • Stephanie Breckenridge – Family Response Advocate in Bourbon County – Stephanie works with families to keep kids safe at home.
  • Lauren – Angels Homecare – Lauren educates community members about available services to keep patients out of the hospital.
  • Angela Handly – Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries-Salvation Army is desperate for bell ringers. The bell ringers schedule is available online.  Funds raised will keep the Salvation Army going for the next year. The goal is $15,000 this year.  Individuals and groups are encouraged to help by taking a shift ringing bells at WalMart.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint -K-State Research & Extension SNAP Educator- Fresh Conversations program takes place on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 in the Scottview Conference Room.  The program is geared toward seniors and includes cooking demonstrations and healthy living conversations.  Walk With Ease program will be starting January 6th at BRCC, also geared toward seniors.
  • Holly Fritter- SEK Multi-County Health Dept. MCH/Breast feeding peer counselor- Community baby shower focused on safe sleep will be on June 3, 2025. Looking for a location to host the event.  More details will be available closer to the date.
  • Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Dept -Just completed second hybrid prenatal class. Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy services are available for Bourbon County residents.
  • Lora Wilson CHCSEK Community Health Worker supervisor
  • Shanna Willey – CHCSEK – Shanna assists clients with resource applications. Currently working on LIEP.  Also can help with SNAP, Kancare, marketplace enrollments.
  • Christine Abbott – SEKANSASWORKS -Staff are here on Tuesdays right now 9-4. Send anyone looking for employment, training, resume, or interview help.  Christine works with youth 16-24.  She islways looking for referrals.
  • Patty Simpson – Housing Authority – Pick up applications for anyone needing housing assistance. Currently have a short waiting list, anywhere from 10 days to two months, but will have openings coming up soon.

 

 

 

  1.  Program:  Abigail Striler, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic provide a variety of services to residents in Southeast Kansas.  Some of these services include:

  • Therapy and Counseling – Outpatient and teletherapy for adults and kids, includes individuals, couples, and family counseling. SEKMHC currently employs 45 licensed clinical therapist.
  • Public education and workshops- Professional training courses, community consultation, and personal growth/parenting workshops are available.
  • School based- SEKMHC has partnered with 15 different school districts to keep kids in school while receiving mental health services. SEKMHC currently employs 130 children’s providers.
  • Substance use and addiction-Chemical abuse treatment and gambling treatment services are available.
  • Crisis Intervention-Emergency services are available 24/7. Call a local SEKMHC office or 1-866-976-2241
  • Psychiatric/Medication Management-Psychiatric providers prescribe, monitor, and oversee psychotropic medications.
  • Community Support & Groups-
    • SEKA after school/summer, teen group. Doubled in size from 2015 to now.
    • Case Management services, attendant care, psycho-social groups,
    • Respite care
    • Parent support.
  • Open access is available in Garnett, Humbolt, Iola, and Yates Center.
  • Ashley Clinic has locations in Chanute and Humbolt. Services include: family medicine, pharmacy, walk-in clinic.
  • New services
    • Parent-child interaction therapy for children 2-7 years old. Helps caregivers improve their child’s behavior.
    • Medication-assisted treatment to treat substance abuse.
    • Botox and Spravato available at Ashley Clinic.

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 5, 2025. 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for December 9

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

December 09, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                      David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 11-11-24

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       MS Band Fundraising

4.8       December 2024 KASB Policy Updates

5.0       Employee Recognitions

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Eugene Ware Update & Report                             

 

7.0       Old Business

7.1       KESA Accreditation Plan (Information only)

7.2       Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Action)

7.3       Board Vacancy (Discussion)

8.0       New Business

            8.1       Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, Inc Grant (Action)

            8.2       Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement (Action)

8.3       TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)

            8.4       School Bus Purchase(s) (Action)

8.5       Maintenance Truck Purchase

8.6       10 Passenger Van Purchase

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Time ____

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Church news

First Presbyterian Church invites you to their Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance

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Sending on behalf of our Chamber member

First Presbyterian Church

invites you to their

Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance

A time devoted to remembering those we love and whose loss is felt more deeply this time of year.

Sunday, December 8th ~ 2pm

A time of fellowship will follow the service.

Click here to follow First Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

Click here for the Facebook Event page.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Obituary

Obituary of Peggy Mason

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Peggy Ann Mason, age 65, resident of Uniontown, KS passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born October 27, 1959, in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Delbert and Virginia Axline Toumberlin.  She graduated from Pomona High School.  Peggy married Jim Mason on May 28, 1977, in Ottawa

In addition to raising three girls of her own, Peggy babysat for numerous children of Uniontown school teachers.  She never met a child she didn’t love and want to care for.  She was commonly referred to as “Grandma Peggy” by the kids she knew and loved.  Her “kids” never lacked snacks or any school supplies as she stocked an ample surplus.

Peggy later worked as a Para-Professional at the school, and at Walmart in Fort Scott.

She enjoyed crocheting, crafting, and sewing, including her famous “Rally Pickles.”  She was a wonderful coach’s wife, often cooking her specialty beef and noodles for film sessions.  Peggy loved to make others laugh.

 

Survivors include her husband, Jim; three daughters, Carrie O’Brien, Uniontown, Heather Palmer (Brandon), Kincaid, KS, and Jamie Jones (Shawn), Pittsburg, KS; 11 grandchildren, Gavin, Mason, Taryn, Lane, Colton, Hunter, Jaxon, Charles, Madison, Collin, Carter, and one more on the way; one great grandchild, Gio, and one more on the way; a brother, Richard Toumberlin (Sherry), South Dakota; three sisters, Neita Marvin (Rick), Ottawa, KS, Reita Welton (Roy), Ottawa, KS, and Cindy Bell (Lance), Joplin, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Teddy Toumberlin; a sister and best friend, Linda Fowler; and her parents.

 

There was cremation.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM Saturday, December 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Graveside services will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

2024 Christmas Parade Winners

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who attended or participated in the 2024 Parade held Thursday, December 5th in the Downtown Historic District.

The theme was “A Storybook Christmas” and many of the entries did an exceptional job of coordinating with the theme.

The parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.

The panel of judges selected the following winners out of sixty entries:

1st place as USD234 Tiger Special Olympics

2 nd place as Tri-Valley Developmental Services, and

3rd place as Fort Scott FFA.

The contribution of many is what makes events like the Christmas parade successful.
The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, announced, judged, and otherwise had a part in the parade.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Art, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Artificers Art Show Opens Tonight

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The Artificers at 8 N National Ave. is hosting an artist show tonight
December 6th from 5-9 pm, December 7th from 10am-9pm, and December 8th from noon-5 pm.
“We are so blessed to have returning artists that are with us every year as well as new artists that we invite because we love their art and want to offer unique gifts for purchase,” said Kate Freeman, part owner of the Artificers.
The list of Artists:
Trent Freeman (local) | Mixed Media Sculpture
Kate Freeman (local) | Clay Sculpture
Kate and Trent Freeman, from the Artificer Facebook page.
Erin Shevling (KC) | Functional Pottery
Erin Shelving. Submitted photo.
Darrell Williams (Nevada, MO)| Air Brush & Graphite
Darrell Williams. Submitted photo.
Tim Kienzle (KC) | Copper Jewelry
Tim Kienzle. Submitted photo.
Andrea Latham (KC) | Ceramic Pottery
Sally Brandon (Philipsburg, KS)| Fiber Artist
Kadra Nevitt (local) | Chalk Pastels
Kadra Nevitt. Submitted photo.
Carleen Shatto (KC) | Glass Artist
Ned DuCharme (Hume, MO) | Neo-impressionist
Bourbon County, Government, Jobs

Danae Esslinger Hired As The New Uniontown City Clerk

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Uniontown City Hall. 2023

 

Danea Esslinger is the new Uniontown City Clerk, as of December 5.

Esslinger has been on the Uniontown City Council for 13 years and lived in Uniontown for 29 years.  Both of her children, Breanna and Brenton, graduated from Uniontown High School. She is the daughter of David DeWayne and Deana Fuhrman of Bronson.

 

Danae Esslinger. Submitted photo.

 

She graduated from Garnett High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with an emphasis in management from Pittsburg State University.

Recently, the council has had difficulty finding a new clerk to replace Sally Johnson who wants to retire from that position.

That’s when Esslinger decided to apply for the job.

At last month’s Uniontown City Council Special meeting, she resigned from her council position and applied for the job.

“I am wanting to do some things that make the city even better,” Esslinger said.

Duties of the Clerk

From a prior interview with Sally Johnson, retiring city clerk, she told of the duties of the Uniontown City Clerk.

“The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances:  receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required.”

New Treasurer

Sally Johnson is retiring as Uniontown’s City Clerk.

Sally Johnson is the new treasurer of the council, following the resignation of Charlene Bolinger, which was effective Nov. 13.

This part-time job is to “do bank reconciliation and make sure the clerk is getting things done correctly,” Johnson said.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Updated December 11 Agenda For the Uniontown City Council

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CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ vacant ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as councilmember to fill vacant position –

 

Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk –

 

 KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – may not be able to come due to meeting date change

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets/FEMA –

 

Warehouse project –

 

SEED Grant –

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB 2025 License renewal –

 

Sunday CMB hours of sales –

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____

Bourbon County, Youth

Local 4-H Youth: Livestock Judging Team National Champions!

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Pictured: Mason Rookstool (Wamego), Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Esmerelda Franklin, standing: Brody Nemecek, 4-H All-Star Coach.

The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members are the National Champions!

Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott) and Kyser Nemecek (Iola) were among six youth invited to try out for the Kansas 4-H All-Star Team this fall.

After successfully earning their spots, they joined Marais des Cygnes District 4-H member Esmerelda Franklin to form a new team representing Kansas at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.

In November, coached by Brody Nemecek, this All-Star Team achieved the ultimate honor—winning the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Their individual success was just as remarkable as their team accomplishments: Esmerelda – High Individual Overall; Reegan – Reserve High Individual; Kyser 8th overall; Tate 11th overall. All four team members were awarded All-American recognition for their efforts.

The Southwind boys also competed in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville where they were named 7th Team Overall.

Opinion

Traversing Life’s Sand Traps by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

 

 

I love the story of the woman who woke up one Monday morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” She did and she had a wonderful day. On Tuesday she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” She did, and she had a great day. Wednesday morning she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a ponytail.” So she did, and she had a fun day. On Thursday she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Yes!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

I thought of that story this past Thanksgiving when Dave and I joined family members and their friends at the dunes in Dumont, California.  They all had spent several days there in their RV’s, riding their “toys” (dirt bikes and side-by-sides) over humongous hills of sand that stretched for miles. We were the newcomers, not nearly as daring (actually, I was terrified) and certainly much older than they.                                     Since Dave’s daughter, Nikki, her husband Dave and the other four families had spent the last 30 Thanksgivings there, they understood the terrain’s difficulties. More than once, they towed less-seasoned campers out of deep trenches of sand.                                     They shared food, tools, and “toys” with each other.  No one complained about the sand that filled their clothes, covered their hair and faces or found its way into their beds.  Our eyes were crusted and our mouths gritty as day after day the sand whirled around us.  Still, everyone loved the adventure enough to ignore this minor annoyance.                   I need to look at all of life with that perspective.  Not surprisingly, this past Sunday Dave and I tried a new church, and the sermon was on the book of Psalms and how the writers of the 150 chapters praised God through the good and the bad.  One strand of hair or sand-matted hair. It mattered not.                                                                Did you know that you can change your life by changing the way you think?  By finding reasons to praise God, for example, we will find the promise in Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you. A mind filled with thoughts fixed on God will produce a heart filled with praise, a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal as we traverse life’s challenges.                                          Praise brings healing to our spirit. It provides a conduit by which the Father conveys deliverance and blessing. With the Christmas season approaching, let’s all find reason to appreciate the gritty annoyances of life as we invite God to pull us out of our deepest trenches that mire us in stress and anxiety.  He waits to be given the chance.

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News