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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 20
County Commission changes meeting day, votes to create community involvement group
Bourbon County Commissioner meetings will be held on Monday evenings at 5:30, starting after December 19, per the commission’s vote in the Dec. 12 meeting.
Commissioner Clifton Beth made the motion to create a community involvement group of three to four people headed by Michael Hoyte. Motion was approved. (see recording 41:14)
Several citizens attending the meeting expressed gratitude that a time for public comments had been added back into the County Commissioner meeting.
Anne Dare expressed concern about the county’s relationship with Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), asking, “Do we have a current 2024 contract with REDI? When was the last contract that we had with REDI?”
Commissioner Beth answered, “I don’t know that we ever had one,” Explaining that the county had agreed in 2020 to fund REDI for three years running from 2021-2023, with the idea that they (REDI) would be self-sufficient thereafter.
Dare referenced a request by Mark McCoy to the county for $75,000 for services rendered and asked if a detailed bill had been submitted. Beth replied that it had not.
Referring to a news release stating that REDI had brought in $2 million in projects and major manufacturing developments to the county, Dare asked for “quantifiable, existing results,” and expressed concerns from the community that REDI is not being monitored and held accountable to do the development work they requested payment for.
“The overall feeling is that REDI has had their shot and it might be time to really create a separation from REDI and let the new commission figure out what that needs to look like going forward.”
Michael Hoyte came forward to ask, “Where are we at with the ballot initiative of going from 3 to 5 commissioners? Do we need a citizens committee or coalition to move that forward?” He reminded the commissioners that the voters spoken in the November election, voting to change Bourbon County from three to five commissioner districts and then to have elections to seat people there.
Commissioner Brandon Wisenhunt replied, “We are actually working on redistricting the map,” based off the last census. This redistricting will be submitted to the state for approval, then a special election will be held.
Pam and John Spear Senior expressed concerned about the closing of a road near their home on 105th St. south of Maple by fencing being installed by an adjacent property owner. The county assured them that the road would not be closed because the county has a 50-foot easement for their road and access to an adjacent field is required by a third property owner. No further action can be taken until the survey is completed and accepted by the county.
During the monthly report by Eric Bailey, county public works director, Beth addressed the issue of the county and cities “getting along” said that the county doesn’t have the manpower and equipment to do the street repairs and maintenance for cities in Bourbon County, “I hope and I pray that the new county commission doesn’t push for Road and Bridge to do a ton of work for the city when we are … here for the county.”
County employee who used to work for the City of Fort Scott explained that in 2009 the city manager laid off the city’s asphalt crew and has been in a maintenance mode since that time.
Commissioner Beth reiterated that without a great expenditure for manpower and equipment, the county cannot take on city road repairs and maintenance.
Bailey said he expects his department to complete the FEMA-funded repair throughout the county by early January 2025, explaining that most of those repairs have already been done. He mentioned that they haven’t received any funding from FEMA yet, but the paperwork is in and “they have been good to work with.”
He went on to mention that the county is moving out of Thomas quarry and has a blast planned for Jan. 7 at Blake quarry, weather permitting.
The county’s snow equipment is ready to go.
The Best Gift of Christmas by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:2-5
Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, his entry into the world was predicted by Isaiah. We who celebrate Christmas, focusing on our exquisitely decorated trees, our lavish presents, enough food to feed our local community, and perhaps even our yearly trip to a church service are not exactly what Jesus had in mind when he entered this sin-filled world.
He came to be what we need to glorify Him. Perhaps that’s why the details of his birth are what really matter during this holiday season.
Christ was not born under a beautifully decorated tree near a fireplace but in a feeding trough. The first smells to enter his nostrils were not cinnamon potpourri or a freshly roasted turkey but animal manure. He came not to receive gifts but to be our gift, yet we seem to ignore that as we spend hours preparing a feast (that is devoured in 30 minutes) or go into credit card debt for gifts people probably don’t even need.
We forget Jesus’ importance.
We forget how he suffered for us.
And suffer he did. Matthew 20:28 tells us that Jesus came to serve. He did that by rescuing us from ourselves, from our sins, starting at his birth.
Jesus willingly left Heaven to come to earth, not to live in a palace, tended to by servants, but to live as we would never choose to live, to pay the penalty for our sins and offer us freedom and peace and eternity with him in Heaven.
Jesus did not show up for a celebration. He chose to suffer to be our savior.
So, on whom do we focus when we revel in the gift side of Christmas?
God loves when we serve, not just at Christmas but daily, and He provides those opportunities in some crazy, simple ways.
Yesterday, for example, Dave and I were driving home from church when we noticed an elderly man on a side street, struggling to catch his dog. The more the man limped toward the dog, the further the animal ran from him. As we passed the street, I told Dave that I thought we should turn around and see if we could help.
By that time, the old man had given up and was headed back up the road, clearly struggling to walk. His runaway pooch was at the end of the street, which is where I got out of the car and yelled, asking the man if this was his dog. It was. The closer I walked toward the animal, the more it retreated, then stopped, waiting for me to move towards it, ultimately ending up beside the man who thanked us over and over.
I said, “Merry Christmas,” and we left. Such a simple thing.
I pray that this Christmas, our celebration of what Jesus willingly did for us will become a festival of overflowing joy, not so we get caught up in all the worldly acts of craziness surrounding it but so we can pass on to others our gifts of service. Our way of honoring our King.
Stay Warm and Save Money: Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills this Winter
As the chill of winter sets in, Kansas Gas Service is dedicated to helping customers stay warm and save money. With a few no-cost or low-cost energy-saving tips, families can reduce their energy use without sacrificing comfort.
“Making small adjustments to save on energy consumption is easier than customers think. With simple tips and tools, Kansans can use less energy, which lowers bills and keeps more money in their pockets,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of Operations at Kansas Gas Service.
5 Easy Steps to Save Money and Energy This Winter
Customers can take these easy steps to reduce energy use and help manage their winter bills:
- Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows: Apply weather-stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Reduce the Temperature on Your Water Heater: Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the “warm” setting.
- Change or Clean Filters: A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
- Install Foam Gaskets on Switches and Outlets: Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.
- Change the Rotation of Ceiling Fans: Hot air rises, so reverse your ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to push warm air downward.
Applying these tips can help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills while keeping your home comfortable during the winter months. For more information, visit kansasgasservice.com/energytips.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 648,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Ruritan Organizes Remembrance of Local Veterans
The Uniontown Ruritan organized a wreath-laying event at the town’s cemetery on December 13.
The ceremony honored 85 veterans of U.S. Wars, dating back to the Civil War, by placing a wreath on their graves and calling their names out for remembrance.
Matt Crystal, with the local VFW, spoke to the attendees.
Students from Uniontown High School assisted Ruritan in the ceremony.
USD 234 Signs Agreement With a Solar Energy Company
At the recent USD234, Fort Scott School District Board of Education meeting, an agreement was signed with Kingbird Solar Energy LLC that will benefit the district for years.
Kingbird Solar Energy LLC is a Delaware limited liability company.
Kingbird Solar Energy approached the district regarding the agreement, Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent said.
“Kingbird Solar intends to construct and operate a solar energy project in Bourbon County,” Mayfield said. “According to Kansas Statute, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for a period of 10 years. The developer, as a new member of the local business community, wishes to demonstrate good citizenship by providing financial contributions to the district during the 10-year exemption.”
“The financial contribution begins with the commencement of construction by the developer,” Mayfield said. “There will be one initial payment of $300 per megawatt AC upon commencement of construction and for the following 9 years there will be an annual contribution of $450 per megawatt AC.”
“It is estimated that the contribution could be as much as $135,000 per year,” Mayfield said.
“It’s my understanding that for the 10-year exemption period that no taxes will be assessed on these solar farms, however, the developers still wish to make a financial contribution. Once that exemption period is over, the solar farms then become taxable and local entities would then receive tax revenue for any solar farms that are located within that entity’s boundaries (county, school district, etc.”
“The district is agreeing to accept the financial contribution from them,” Mayfield said. “By accepting this contribution, the district does not express support for or opposition to the establishment of solar farms in Bourbon County. The district remains neutral on this matter. By remaining neutral, the district can avoid taking a side in a debate that might involve conflicting viewpoints.”
Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Has A Banner Year
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Christmas magic lit up Lowell Milken Park as families and friends enjoyed the holiday cheer with dazzling lights and a festive movie night during Christmas on the Bricks. 
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Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on December 11
The Regular Uniontown City Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.
Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show
Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.
Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.
She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery. We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.
Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.
Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed. Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal
Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 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 8:19PM.
Open meeting resumed at 8:19.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend 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 8:32PM.
Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend 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 9:07PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:07.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 19
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