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Alvin Elwood Pellett Obituary
Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life.
His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life. Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships.
In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.
A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where the United States Air Force Honor Guard will provide military honors.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart. Donations 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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports September 18
Bourbon County Clay: New Woman-Owned Business
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman officially became an LLC in June of 2024.
“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”
This business is separate from T.E. Freeman Studio LLC and The Artificers, which she and her husband, Trent, own, but will do business housed in the same building at 8 N. National Ave, Fort Scott.
Andrea Latham, Kansas City, KS is the studio apprentice and production supervisor.
“Andrea started apprenticing with us in Kansas City in 2020, and now travels to Fort Scott several times a month to work production for Bourbon County Clay LLC. The Artificers gallery also features Andrea’s work out of her own studio.”
The artists have created a handcrafted artisan coffee set as their first product from the clay in Bourbon County and also used locally sourced walnut wood in the design.
“Our first product is this handcrafted Bourbon County Artisan Coffee Set collection featuring a clay coffee pot, a matching pour-over, and two coffee cups, each with warm, smooth walnut handles,” she said. “Every piece in this set is made from locally sourced clay and walnut, harvested from the heart of Bourbon County, ensuring that each item carries the spirit of the land. The natural tones of the clay are complemented by the rich, earthy hues of the walnut, creating a harmonious blend that is both functional and timeless. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow brewing, this set transforms your coffee ritual into a celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.”
The business is currently offering a pre-sale of thirty sets.
“There will only be 100 sets of each glaze color offered,” she said. “All sets are categorized and numbered.”
“Bourbon County Clay is deeply rooted in the land we call home,” she said. “This is a tribute to the place we love, crafted by the hands of artisans connected to this soil. From the hands of our artisans to yours, each piece is a limited-edition work of art, created in small batches.”
Hours of operation for the business are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside The Artificers in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, 8 N. National.
To contact her, call 913-574-7741
The website: https://www.bourboncountyclay.
Obituary of Michael French
Michael Steven French, age 63, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at his home in Mulberry, KS. He was born August 2, 1961, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Ralph E. (Ed) French, Jr. and Mary Ann (Biles) French. He attended school in Spring Hill, KS from 1968 until 1974 when the family returned to Bourbon County.
He graduated from FSHS in 1978, where he enjoyed classes in art and history. Mike was very proud of the debate awards and medals won by his squad. He was also on the track team. Mike attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. He had an extended career in restaurant management. His final employment was for Honeywell Corporation.
In 2018 he retired and returned to Southeast Kansas. Mike made his home in Mulberry where he enjoyed gardening, reading history and science fiction books. He also had an interest in National politics.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Survivors include his mother; sister Laura (Randy) Phillips; brothers Tony (Patsy) French, and Daniel (Rachel) French, all of Fort Scott; nieces and nephews Jessie (Zach) Marsh, Tori (Tim) Murphy, Haley (Derek) Houdashelt, Grace French, and Sophia French, all of Fort Scott, Danielle (Paul) Sutton, Olathe, KS, Rachel (Tommy) Burns, Augusta, KS, Ashley (Jared) Keylon, Uniontown, KS, and Nic (Brooke) French, South Dakota; Aunts and Uncles Jan Biles, Lawrence, KS, Rick (Linda) Biles, Wichita, KS, Bub (Deanna) Biles, Leander, TX, and Nancy (Phil) Wimmer, Pittsburg, KS; and several great nieces, nephews and many cousins.
There was cremation. Services will be announced at a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Public Library and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Unapproved Uniontown City Council Minutes of Sept. 10
The Regular Council Meeting on September 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly (8:25), Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Interview non-elected personnel –
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 interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00.
Open meeting resumed at 7:00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:20.
Open meeting resumed at 7:20.
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $300,920.74, Receipts $40,904.00, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $35,763.99, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,284.75. Bank Statement Balance $293,467.13, including Checking Account Interest of $62.89, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $182.38, Reconciled Balance $293,284.75. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,595.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,396.79, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $391,768.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $467.79, and Utility CDs $1,384.69 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,852.48. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August 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 Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of August $7,635.99, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,8058.55. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,850.49 (61.5%), Expenditures $81,944.78 (50.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,311.82 (63.1%), Expenditures $20,417.78 (48.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $92,758.76 (63.3%), Expenditures $74,512.96 (42.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $151,872.36 (77.6%), Expenditures $127,948.07 (41.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.3%), Expenditures $5,668.41 (56.0%). The September 2024 payables to date in the amount of $31,728.14 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Rogers and Sons Concrete, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of August 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 4, 2024 Special Meeting
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St had complied and 504 Sherman St’s chickens are still getting out. They were seen in neighbor’s yard before meeting and pictures were taken for the file. Superintendent Rich received a report that grass/weeds at the culverts were not being trimmed at 303 2nd St. Coyan will followup.
City Superintendent Rich requested to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
He also reported that the public water supply inspection by KDHE has been completed. It is recommended to have the water tank inspected again, since it has been more than five years since last inspection.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to have Bobby Rich schedule an inspection of the water tank
Clerk Johnson reported that a major gas leak was found in a home. Gas has been shut off and plumber contacted by property owner to repair
Johnson asked if council wanted to have the auditor present the 2023 audit or accept as presented on paper.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023 audit as presented on paper
Johnson also informed the council that cost of internet service for the SCADA will be going up $20/month and City Hall will be going up $10/month on October 1 billing. One-call tickets will also be going up $0.13 per ticket effective January 1. She informed that KSGFOA fall conference is in November and KMU is hosting a City Clerk & Finance Professional Management Academy one day a month for five months beginning October 16. These could be beneficial training opportunities for her replacement.
A request for records was received pertaining to Winter Storm Uri, she will respond as requested.
A FEMA Exploratory Conference Call is scheduled for September 12, 1PM regarding damages from flooding for disaster DR 4800.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – Thanked Sally, Bobby, Colby, and Old Settlers Committee for all their work for Old Settlers Picnic. The new city limit signs look nice.
Councilwoman Esslinger – Send a Thank You to Old Settlers Committee.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Received complaints about fishing derby being unorganized and car show impeding parade route during Old Settlers Picnic.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting was held September 1. A press release was sent to The Fort Scott Tribune, Fort Scott Biz, and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Streets – Superintendent Rich and Clerk Johnson met with Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt on September 4 to go over areas requiring warranty work. The City will need to prep the area on South Washington that needs extended. Rich reports that the tractor is not the correct equipment to dig it out and pack AB3, he will contact a contractor to complete the prep work. The cracks will be filled with a rubberized liquid material. Delich recommend using a cold pour crack sealer to seal cracks in the future.
NEW BUSINESS
Sale of property – Mayor Jurgensen was approached about selling a portion of city property. City attorney recommended publishing the intent to sell.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to publish intent to sell city property after a public comment period that will end October 8, 2024
Clerk Johnson will consult with attorney on wording for the intent and publish.
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 applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 9:00
Open meeting resumed at 9:00.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports September 17
Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Meeting at 4:45 p.m. Today
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
September 16, 2024 4:45 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9/9/2024
- Approval of August Financials
- Susan Walker, CFO-Insurance
- 5:30 p.m.-RNR and Budget Public Hearings Begin
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Tri-Valley Agreement
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
Obituary of Colee Miller
Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller.
Colee attended school in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2004. As a child, Colee attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle with his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger. He also was active with the AWANA program at the Bethel Community Church.
After graduation, Colee worked for Klein Products. He later owned and operated his own business D & C Sanitation and also helped with Miller’s Mowing. Colee was naturally gifted when it came to technology and electronics. He was often called on by friends and family whenever they needed some “tech-support.”
Growing up, Colee enjoyed spending time with his friends whether it be cruising, hunting or fishing or going to concerts. He was given the nickname, Lolo, by his cousin, Brynlee. Colee was always the life of the party. He will be remembered for his quick wit and lively sense of humor; every family needs a Colee! Colee dedicated his time to making memories with his son, Rivver. Together, they enjoyed many hours riding the side by side, spending time outdoors and at the arcade. Colee will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his parents, Doug and Tammy Miller and his son, Rivver, all of Ft. Scott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Colee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Laura Miller and Donnie and Barbara Marsh as well as his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger who took such good care of him as a child.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.
Friday Night Free Concert: Four Musical Couples
This Friday night, September 20th, the concert at Heritage Park will present four different musical couples: Larry and Judy Snow from Mound City, Allen and Connie Edgerton from Kincaid, Kevin and Kathy Woods from Prescott, and Jack and Sandy Hemphill from Fort Scott.
The featured emcee will be Floyd Feezell and the featured drummer will be Kristen Weeks.
The concert will start at 7:00 at the pavilion and will include a range of country and gospel music. It will be a couple’s jam session! Each performer will select songs to sing for the crowd. It should be a fun time for all present.
The Friday night concert in the park series, headed by Ralph Carlson, has limited seating so please bring a lawn chair. In case of bad weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Shop. Come out for a fun night of entertainment!
Buildings Scheduled for Demolition in Fort Scott: A Long Process
On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several blighted buildings.
The purpose and goal of the Fort Scott Codes Department is to enforce all codes, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City of Fort Scott to ensure the safety and aesthetic value of all properties and establish a standard of property maintenance, according to the city’s website.
The city has a process to allow extended time for property owners to repair the buildings.
Properties in a state of deterioration are turned into the city by community members for the most part, said Leroy Kruger, who works in the codes department.
This begins a process that starts with a letter to the property owner asking them to repair the house up to city codes and to give the codes department a phone call, within 30 days of receiving the letter.
“If we haven’t heard from them, we send out a condemnation letter,” Kruger said.
“We give 30 more days, if we haven’t heard from them, we turn it over to the city commissioners, and they vote on it,” he said.
“The next step is to advertise (in the Fort Scott Tribune) that we are going to tear it down. Then we have a public meeting,” Kruger said.
“Homeowners or any interested parties get another letter to come and speak to the commission,” he said.
“If no one shows up, the next step is to tear it down.”
“We try to get three bids submitted to the commission (for demolition) and they decide who gets the bid.” he said.
Once torn down to ground level, if the owners want to sell the property, a special assessment fee is given them to recoup the cost of the demolition.
“There’s quite a few blighted properties in Fort Scott,” Kruger said. “We have to stay in a budget for the year. Usually, there are two to three properties at a time.”
At the September 3 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting six properties were submitted.
“If these six go through, we’ve done 10 or 11 properties this year. I think the six have eaten up our budget,” Kruger said.
The codes department office is located in City Hall at 123 S. Main Street and can by reached by calling 620.223.0550.
Norm Nation is the supervisor and lead codes inspector.
On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several buildings. Here are the addresses and photos of the buildings taken from Google Street View.
Letter to the Editor: Highlighting Bourbon County REDI’s Impact on Our Community
Dear Editor,
I am writing to highlight the significant achievements of Bourbon County REDI over the past several years. Our organization has played a crucial role in driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community development throughout Bourbon County—all while operating at a much lower cost than previous efforts.
One of our key accomplishments was taking over the Pavilion project after the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) stepped back. We formed a dedicated committee that ensured its successful completion, transforming it into a vital community space that hosts local events and fosters civic engagement.
We also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the KRES building by securing Mr. Robert Coon as its new owner and working with him to bring in Mi Ranchito that has greatly enhanced our downtown dining options, created jobs, and boosted sales tax revenue.
In addition, we secured a $400,000 grant for the Eagle Block building, which was essential for clean-up efforts and the preservation of neighboring historic structures. This initiative has spurred business expansion and economic activity, further strengthening our downtown.
Our efforts were instrumental in revising and securing the Horton Street grant, nearly $1 million dedicated to improving one of our most traveled city streets, connecting our community college to the downtown business district. We also facilitated the development of a new office building on the site of the former Brew Haus, which has enhanced the aesthetics of downtown Fort Scott and increased foot traffic to local businesses.
REDI has been a key player in the sale and redevelopment of the professional building adjacent to the hospital, which will be renovated to house new businesses and create jobs. We also supported the transition of the MacDonald Hall building, actively assisting the new owners in securing grants for an incubator kitchen that promises further economic growth in Bourbon County.
Our collaborative efforts helped bring Freeman Health System to the county, working with multiple stakeholders to navigate regulatory and financial hurdles to restore critical healthcare services.
We have also worked diligently on marketing the Value Merchandiser building, exploring innovative uses and engaging prospective buyers to ensure it remains a valuable economic asset.
In 2022, we conducted housing, labor, and retail studies that have guided numerous investment decisions, attracted businesses and driven development across Bourbon County. Our work helped bring Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI) to the community, creating around 100 new jobs at wages above the county average—the largest business attraction in recent memory.
We hosted the first-ever countywide strategic planning session, which identified key issues facing our community. From this, we spearheaded several initiatives, including working with the City of Fort Scott Commission to revitalize the Landbank board, leading to the productive use of several previously vacant lots, and forming a housing committee that has been working hard to create an incentive plan with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County to help bring more housing developers to our communities.
Additionally, we have been instrumental in awarding grant funds to various organizations and communities within Bourbon County, totaling over $150,000. These funds supported quality-of-life projects, including updates to the rodeo arena, park amenities in Uniontown, baseball field improvements in Bronson, a new playground at Kansas Rocks, bike course funds at Gunn Park, and new sidewalks in Mapleton.
We were also instrumental in the awarding of grants to the city of Fort Scott for a new ATV for their fire department and for AEDs that are being placed in several city owned properties to help save lives. Additionally, we supported the Bourbon County EMS by not only writing and helping them be awarded with grants for much needed equipment.
We have also been working closely with BNSF on major infrastructure improvements that would address traffic flow issues between the west and east sides of Fort Scott, crucial for emergency access and overall community connectivity.
Finally, our efforts to support the solar farm developments in Bourbon County will lead to an estimated billion-dollar increase in tax assessments over the next thirty years, providing vital funding for local schools and potentially lowering taxes by up to 80%.
In summary, Bourbon County REDI has achieved a great deal, often where others have struggled. Our work has driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life across the county. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to building on our successes for the benefit of our entire community.
Robert Harrington
Executive Director Bourbon County
Regional Economic Development Inc.
401 Woodland Hills Blvd
Fort Scott, KS 66701