Letter to the Editor: Michael Hoyt
The actions of this tax abatement under the pretense of providing “updates and upgrades to the former Mercy Hospital” will greatly impact the budgets of each taxing entity for years 2023, 2024, & 2025. Also leaves many unanswered questions such as when will the property be subject to tax again?
Submitted by Michael J Hoyt
To view the document he submitted:
New FSNHS Park Guide: Natalie Peitsmeyer
Natalie Peitsmeyer is a new Park Guide at Fort Scott National Historic Site. She began employment in this month.
She is a 30-year retired science teacher.
“During that time, I taught life and physical science classes (grades 8-12). Prior to teaching, I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and summer day camp counselor,” she said.
She attended the University of Colorado at Denver and completed a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master’s in Secondary Science Education, and a Doctorate in Leadership for Equity in Education.
With the new Park Ranger title, comes a variety of duties.
“I open the buildings and exhibits for visitor access. In the visitor center, I provide information about navigating around the National Park site, as well as history significant to the National Park site.”
“I have always loved National Parks,” she said. ” I grew up in an Air Force family and was fortunate to have lived in a variety of places such as Florida, Okinawa and Colorado. I love the outdoors and appreciate uncovering history. The history of Fort Scott National Historic Site is unique to no other National Park. I look forward to sharing its stories, researching its history, visiting with visitors, developing lessons and tours.”
Filling Vacant Positions Has Been Ongoing
“We had an advertisement to fill our two vacant Park Ranger positions that closed last Friday,” said Carl Brenner. Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
“We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob (Holmes New FSNHS Ranger: Robert Holmes) leaves in January. Our goal with Natalie and Rob here is that we will be able to have the buildings open seven days a week once she is trained in the next week or so.”
Outpost 13 Ribbon Cutting is Oct. 17
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Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below… |
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Obituary of Darlene Chermok
Darlene Agnes Chermok, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Arma Health and Rehab, in Arma, Kansas. She was born on a farm near Prague, Nebraska on June 20, 1939, the daughter of Adolph Vachal and Tillie Fencl Vachal. She graduated from Prague High School as the Valedictorian of her class.
She met and married Louis Chermok while both were working in Columbus, Nebraska, in 1960. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where they had five children. Patrick, Michael, Richard, Teresa, and Daniel Chermok.
In 1972 they moved to Fort Scott, where Louis helped set up a Manufacturing company called Craft Fabricators, where they manufactured shower doors.
From 1993 to 2003, they moved to Virginia to set up another manufacturing plant called Craft Diston. Darlene took the position of office manager there.
After their return to Fort Scott in 2003 both Louis and Darlene became active at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, where Darlene was president of the Altar Society for several years.
Survivors include Michael Chermok (Kristin) of Parker, Kansas, Teresa Chermok, Fort Scott, Kansas, Daniel Chermok (Dalene) of Fruita, Colorado; four grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica, Kalene, Jacob; and four great-grandchildren, Weston, Lilly, Lincoln, Oakley. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, two sons, Patrick and Richard Chermok, and her parents.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 18th at the John F. Kennedy Gymnasium. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Friday from 9:00 – 9:30 A.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Tea Club Meets Oct. 16 at Papa Don’s
Mmm Flavor Shop’s Fall Tea Club will be Wednesday, October 16 at 6 pm. It will be held at Papa Don’s Pizza in Downtown Fort Scott.
The topic will be Herbal Teas.
Free Samples will include Chai Water, Homesteader’s Coffee (Dandelion Root and Chicory blend), Elderberry Water, and Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea.
Come enjoy a cup and learn how herbal teas can help keep you healthier this coming winter season.
Foundation Hosts Chamber Coffee on Oct. 17
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USD234 Board of Education Meeting on October 14 News Release
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, October 14, 2024
The Board of Education of USD 234, Fort Scott, Kansas, met for a Board Training Session at their offices at 424 S. Main at 4:00 p.m.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
Michelle Hubbard, Leadership Field Specialist from KASB, was present to work with the Board Members to help in understanding the Board’s role in the district.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
09/09/24 Minutes
09/25/24 Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – September 20, 2024 – $1,673,203.67
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Declare Surplus Property – Vehicles to be sold at auction
Mr. Garzone, Principal at Winfield Scott, recognized two employees that work in the Focus/Sensory Room at the elementary school. Wendy Budd, in her fifteenth year, and Jared McKay, in his seventh year, both were commended for their hard work and passion for the students. They explained how they are Safety Care Trained and work with the students in de-escalation techniques. Their presence is a huge help to not only the students but the staff as well.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on school enrollment from 2023 to September 2024. He also reviewed with the Board the District Values, Vision, and Goals.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a printed report that included updates from all departments such as the district serving 1700 meals a day and prepping the buildings for the colder months.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the Special Education CAT Aid payment. She also reported on the upcoming training for the SPED Teachers that will be held in November.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA
- Frary Field Turf Replacement with Mammoth Sports Constructions
- Doral Renewable Contribution Agreement
Superintendent Brown stated that Seat #6 would be open for applications. This opening will be posted in the newspaper for thirty days.
Superintendent Brown updated the Board on the Bus Accident that happened earlier this month and the steps that will be taken to prevent this from happening in the future. He also cleared up some rumors and explained the incident.
There were no comments during public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
October 14, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hendricks, Caleb – Supplemental Resignation – Girls Basketball – Middle School
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Sprague, Sierra – Leave of Absence
Travis, Hayden – Leave of Absence
TRANSFER:
Hood, Dusty – High School Custodian to Middle School Custodian
Ogle, Anthony – Middle School Custodian to High School Custodian
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Fountain, Justin – Long Term Substitute for 6th Math – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Ballou, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Coffman, Donald – Cook – Middles School
Day, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Henderson, Andrew – Groundskeeper/Fields Maintenance
Merriman, Virginia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware – Part Time
Torres Francis – Van Driver
Trimble, Aidan – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Beth, Whitney – Head Track Coach – Middle School
Corbitt, Cheyenne – Sponsor for Second Intramurals
NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER: Fire Hazard Conditions
NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER:
Due to the extreme heat and little rain, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high. Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire. Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments. Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.
The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.
It is hereby proclaimed, directed, and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:
- All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.
The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]
This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.
Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 15th day of October 2024.
New FSNHS Ranger: Robert Holmes
Robert Holmes is a new Park Ranger at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“We had an advertisement to fill our two vacant Park Ranger positions that closed last Friday,” said Carl Brenner Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management for
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc).”We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob leaves in January.”
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc).”We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob leaves in January.”
Holmes is here on a temporary assignment.
“While I am here, I will be a supervisory ranger working to hire and train new staff members for the park as well as all being part of all of the daily operations, educational programs, and special events.”
“Since I am here for a detail (temporary assignment) and not as a permanent staff member, I arrived on the 23rd of September and will be here until sometime around the middle of January,” he said.
“I have worked with the National Park Service for almost nine years; at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Minuteman National Historical Park, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and Kings Mountain National Military Park.
He earned his education from Lycoming College, with a Bachelor of Arts, and from Villanova University, with a Master of Arts Degree.
Holmes is doing this temporary assignment to gain experience and travel to the Midwest.
“I applied for the detail at Fort Scott NHS because I have not done a lot of this sort of work in the past, so I wanted to get the experience. I also like forts and had never been to this part of the country before,” he said.
Ongoing Construction Projects
The park has had several construction projects this year.
“Our roofing project is complete, though they have a couple more gutters to install,” Brenner said. Our fire suppression system replacement is almost complete and far ahead of schedule. They began in February and were expected to work for a year and a half. Nine months later they are working on the final building.”
“After the remaining elements of touch-up, a lot of cleaning, and bringing the museum objects back to the park and resetting the displays, the final buildings should reopen.”
“We are hoping that the West Infantry Barracks and theatre will reopen by early November and Officer’s Quarters #1 will be reopened in early 2025. These are estimates. The Dragoon Barracks rehabilitation has just begun. This rehabilitation is due to a water line break that released approximately 1,500 gallons of water into the building. Currently, we do not have an estimate for the completion of the work, fabrication and installation of the new exhibits, and reopening of the remaining portions of the building.”
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Oct. 7
October 7, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Harris and Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.
Jean Tucker, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Michael Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Pete Owenby, Troy Schell, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Debbi Shepard, Shirley Locke, Deb Martin, and Vance Eden were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting and led the flag salute.
Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/30/2024 and 10/4/2024, approval of payroll totaling $289,779.42, and approval of accounts payable totaling $558,232.10. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for September for approval. Eric stated the fuel report was emailed to the Commissioners and the prices are looking good. Eric said FEMA will be here tomorrow to look at Quadrant One of the county and will be checking repairs, debris removal, and culverts that were replaced. Eric said the sales tax came in a little higher than they thought and he plans to do 3000 feet of Maple Road east of 55th Steet so that they can do preventative maintenance on it next year. Eric stated after they do that, they will put the asphalt equipment up for the year and focus on crack sealing as there are several places that are in need due to the dry weather. Eric said they are hauling gravel and will be taking the screen out to make road rock at the quarry. Eric stated there was some confusion on social media and he wanted to clarify the railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road will be closed Wednesday through Friday according to BNSF. Eric said that the BNSF release noted that they will be working on railroad crossings from Wall Street south into Crawford County. Eric said that he understands residents will be inconvenienced which is why we put the notice out on our website, Facebook page, and the local media sources so that everyone is aware. Eric stated he also contacted the three business in the area of the Jayhawk Road closure. There was road grader training last week which went well and the road graders are working on ditches now to try to improve water flow. Eric stated that there are some areas that look rough and that they will bring in rock if needed. Eric said he was contacted about removing the speed limit sign on Eagle Road between Highway 69 and 255th Street but he is going to wait as there is still gravel that needs to be added to the shoulders to complete the road work. Eric said he attended a Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission safety task force meeting via Zoom and handed out a sheet to the Commissioners to outline what was discussed and stated a comprehensive plan is being put together and there will be grant opportunities later. Eric stated that Bright Speed will move their phone line on 85th Street between Xavier and Yale Roads so that we can finish mowing both sides of the road. Eric stated the area on Xavier Road going up the hill has bedrock showing so they will have to bring in dirt and clay and then lay rock on top of that to fix the road. Eric stated false information was on social media stating that Bourbon County is going to drain Elm Creek Lake and make it into a rock quarry. Eric said that the Commissioners are only going to take core samples on the area in the southeast corner that the county owns to test the quality of the rock to see if a quarry is feasible. Eric reiterated that we are not going to drain nor close Elm Creek Lake.
Sheriff Bill Martin and Eric Bailey discussed the safety committee that the Commissioners asked Eric to form. Sheriff Martin stated last week KWORCC came in and explained the safety committee and what would be needed and required. Sheriff Martin said this is a brand-new program with KWORCC and currently only 6 out of the 80 members have formed a committee. Sheriff Martin stated the savings to the county would be $6,000 per year and the committee would need to consist of at least 6-8 members. Sheriff Martin said the Commissioners will need to decide if we are going to form a safety committee or if we want to wait a year for KWORCC to get the program established. Eric said that they have 12 county employees who have volunteered to be on the committee and that includes public works employees and elected officials. After discussion it was decided to have departments work in house on their safety plans and get an update from KWORCC in six months.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, discussed the upcoming General Election and went over what electioneering is. Jennifer stated that KSA 25-2430 outlines electioneering and defines it as “knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day or advance voting site during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof.” Jennifer explained this means that there cannot be any t-shirts, hats, flags on vehicles, magnets on vehicles, pins, or other wearable advertisement containing a candidate’s name or slogan. Jennifer said that the statue exempts “bumper stickers that are affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.” Jennifer said that any political yard signs near a polling place cannot be within 250 feet of an entrance. Jennifer stated a lot of people do not know about electioneering so she is going to get the information on our website and in the newspapers.
Brandon said that they have been working on getting communication towers put up in the northwest part of the county for several years. Brandon said there is $125,000 in ARPA funds that need to be allocated by the end of the year and suggested using the funds on the communication towers as it will be used to get radio signal for our first responders. Jim said that they need $106,000 for the hospital from the ARPA funds. Jim said that $500,000 total is needed and they are going to use $395,000 from the equipment fund and the rest from the ARPA fund. Jim suggested working with the CFO to look for other funds to put the towers up. Brandon said he would as he wants to get the towers up for our first responders. Jim asked County Counselor Justin Meeks to come in and speak about healthcare.
Brandon made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Justin to speak about healthcare in Bourbon County. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks said they had an unscheduled meeting today with the hospital and other players involved. Justin said that Freeman came into the healthcare discussion in May 2024 because of the work done by KRI and Legacy. Justin said that mid-August during an executive session an issue with equipment was brought up and as of today all equipment will be returned to the facility. Justin said the issue with the title to the building has been resolved and closing should occur within 5-7 business days then KRI can finalize with Freeman. Justin said the only thing left will be for the County to give Freeman $500,000 and the City of Fort Scott will give $600,000. Justin said Freeman will show how the money will be spent. Jim said they had a good meeting at Freeman where they met with the CEO and COO who he stated are excited with the news. Jim said Clifton has been involved in healthcare for three years and wants the public to thank him for his work as he has done a good job.
Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________,Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
10-15-2024 Approved Date
