Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet on June 9

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Bourbon County Democrats will hold a working meeting on Sunday June 9th from 2 – 4 p.m.
We will meet in Zimmerman Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Please enter using the south doors.
The meeting will consist of an overview of the field plan for this election year as well as the assignment of voter lists and preparation of mailings. Please come ready to work–and to have fun.  We have enough of both for all of you!
For information, contact chair Carol MacArthur by text or phone call at 620 215 1505.

Opinion

In the Same Boat by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

I was praying early one morning while it was still dark outside. I was talking to God and sharing the desire of my heart to know Him better, climb up higher in my spiritual walk, and to lean on His grace to beat down occasional anxiety. The Lord reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect and always have it all together in order to help and encourage others. My personal experience with struggles and triumphs enables me to gently empathize and pray fervently for others who are in the same boat. This concept rings true for any follower of Christ.

 

I have walked barefoot through rocky places of loss and sorrow, but I’ve also experienced the supernatural grace and peace that comes from my heavenly Father. God carried me with unseen arms through the gut-wrenching journey of grief. God’s Word communicates to us that Jesus experienced everything we experience in our lives. “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). This passage gives us hope to not drop anchor, but to set our sails for a perfect docking when our journey is completed.

 

As long as mankind resides on planet earth, we will have both rough and smooth sailing  experiences. Heaven is perfect; earth is not. When Jesus was with the Father in heaven, everything was perfect for Him. But when He came to earth as a babe and grew to be a man, His life changed dramatically. “He [Jesus] was despised and rejected — a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT).

 

Perhaps believers should ask ourselves if we’re guilty of turning and looking the other way when we are aware that someone is going through stormy winds. I know many of us have good intentions to reach out and make the call, send the card, or drop by for a quick visit. Many roads are paved with good intentions. Sadly, I’ve been guilty of  procrastination and it was disappointing for both parties. Learning the hard way is a hard way to learn. Learning to practice prompt obedience to God’s leading is the better way.

 

Jesus was in the same boat with His disciples when a raging storm hit the lake. They  called out for help, so Jesus rebuked the storm and it instantly became calm. If Jesus has ever calmed your personal storm, you can “pay it forward.” “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God (Who is the Source of every comfort, consolation and encouragement) Who comforts (consoles and encourages) me in every trouble (calamity and affliction) so that I may also be able to comfort those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort with which I myself am comforted by God“ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP). In becoming more like Christ, believers will naturally turn our attention to the needs of others. May our  empathy run deep so we can weep with hurting people and gently guide them back to their place of joy and trust in God.

 

The Key: Let’s carry loved ones (in the same boat with us) until they find their sea legs.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Dance, Song and Storytelling: The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers At The Fort

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Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, introduces the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers to the audience on the fort’s grounds on June 1. To the right is the singer/drummer for the troupe.

As part of the Good Ol’ Days event, Native American dancers entertained the audience on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional Native American dance troupe from Norman, displayed song, dance, and storytelling on June 1 at the site.
A young audience member converses during the dance troupe performance.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that formed a professional Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, most full-blood, representing various tribes. The dance regalia worn by each dancer is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed, according to:  https://www.arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Performing_Artists/Oklahoma_Fancy_Dancers.html?

The audience is asked to join the dance troupe in a social dance.

The dance show was educational, informational, and entertaining, showcasing various traditional American Indian tribal dances and storytelling.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers in their dance regalia.

 

The day also included an artillery demonstration/discussion, some ranger-guided site tours, the Windy Hollow Folk Music group, and the dancers.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, of the National Park Service, has exhibit areas and a visitor center currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To learn more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please get in touch with the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc. 

 
K-State Extension

Southwind Extension – Your Source for All Things Horticulture

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Extension has been helping people for over 100 years. A lot has changed since the Extension service was created in 1914, but the one thing that remains the same is the mission of Extension. Extension means “reaching out.” Extension agents reach out and extend their knowledge and resources to the public. Extension is for everyone to use!

The Extension philosophy is to help people help themselves by taking university knowledge to where people live, work and play. We strive to be very attentive to the needs of the people and provide quality information and problem-solving tactics for everyday concerns.

In recent years with literally everything being on the internet, people might say we don’t need Extension anymore because I can get all the information I need on the internet. Although you can find tons of information on the internet, it is often difficult to determine what is true and what is not. Many times we get calls from people that have found information on-line, tried it and it actually made things worse. The growing environment in southeast Kansas is much different than is in say Ohio, but your internet search isn’t going to know that. It’s kind of like searching symptoms of bodily pains. If you search long enough, you will be convinced you are dying because your big toe hurts! We offer that human interaction that you just can’t get with a computer.

Anyone that has a lawn or landscape can benefit from the local Extension office. The weeds you try to keep from growing in your lawn, or the tree that has holes in the trunk, or the spots on your tomato leaves, are all areas Extension offers advice.

Your local Extension office is here to help you with problem solving tactics specific to your needs and to give you the tools to improve the situation. On the horticulture side, you can obtain information on trees, turf, flowers, insects, gardens, soils and other related topics. The office can assist you with any specific plant or insect problem you may have encountered. Home evaluations are even offered when necessary to gather additional information about a specific horticulture problem.

Many times when I take a call, the person on the other ends starts the conversation by saying “I have a dumb question.” My response is always this – “There are never any dumb questions when you call the Extension office.” My job is to help the public with whatever question or issue they may have and to try to educate them. I may not always have the answer they are looking for immediately, but 99% of the time I can find an answer.

We often hear that Extension is the best kept secret. Many folks don’t know what we do or what we have to offer. I want you to know that we are your source for all things horticulture! You can always reach me by e-mailing [email protected] or call 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for June 4

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

June 4, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,    Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1361-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 15, 2024 – May 28, 2024 – $521,016.52
  2. Approval of Minutes for May 21, 2024
  3. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Amount Due – $20,561.40
  4. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 3 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –Amount Due – $10,125.00
  5. Request to Pay – Earle’s Engineering & Inspection – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Design Contracts – $25,947.45
  6. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Invoice #7615 – Demolition of 10 S. National Ave. – $94,396.00

 

VII.      New Business

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Letters of Interest for City Commissioner
  2. Oath of Office for new Commissioner
  3. Selection of President of Commission
  4. Consideration to purchase mower for the airport – Coffman
  5. Consideration to Purchase Jet-Foamer System – Wastewater Collections – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – $45,363.13 – Lemke
  6. Consideration to Purchase 2022 Ford F350 Service Truck – Water Distribution – Olathe Ford Commercial Sales Center – $65,350.00 – Lemke
  7. Consideration of bids for 2024 Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport
  8. Certificate of Appropriateness for 124 E. Wall Street – Hole in the Wall Liquor
  9. Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 South Main LLC – 110 S. Main Street 
  10. Consideration of Request for a New City License to Serve Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverages for Consumption On The Premises – Mi Ranchito – 17 S. Main Street

 

VIII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1.      Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

 

  1. Amanda Lancaster/Diehl, Banwart & Bolton – Audit expectations and Single Audit vs. Regular Audit.
  2. Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI

– RHID – Denny Davis land

– RHID- Downtown

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments – Equipment Auction
  3.  Engineering Comments
  4.   Commissioners Comments
  5.  City Attorney Comments

 

 

  1. Executive Session

 

XII.     Adjourn

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol Days Schedule for This Weekend

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GOOD OL’ DAYS THIS WEEKEND!

Get out and enjoy the

43rd Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival

THIS WEEKEND, Friday & Saturday, May 31st & June 1st in Downtown Fort Scott!

Click here for a printable schedule,

or see schedule below.

Visit the Good Ol’ Days website for information.

Follow the Good Ol’ Days Facebook or the Chamber Facebook for updates!

The PARADE IS ON for Friday night, 6pm as planned!

If you are in the parade, the numbers that were marked on the street for the line-up have washed off from the rain, but check in at the Fisher Park concession stand at 7th & Main St. if you need assistance lining up.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND IN HISTORIC FORT SCOTT!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the June 3 Bo Co 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

 

June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.

Accounts Payable 5-31-2024

Payroll 5-31-2024

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Office 365 Renewal
    2. KDHE Public Notice
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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, Government

Unapproved Minutes of FS City Commission Meeting of May 21

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of May 21, 2024                                                                      Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 21, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:09) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:22). Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Robert Harrington/REDI, Tayton Majors/REDI, Mark McCoy/REDI, Michael Hoyt, Robert Coon, Kim Coon, and Jose Montanez.

 

Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 2:17)

  1. Olson requested that (2) items be added to the agenda: 1) Consideration to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank Board of Trustees/New Business/Action Items; and 2) Discussion of the barber shop on Wall Street/Appearances.

 

MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the agenda with the requested amendments. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:22)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1360-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 1, 2024 – May 14, 2024 – $488,204.78

– Approval of Minutes for May 7, 2024

– April Financials

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment – No public comment.

 

 

 

 

Appearances

 

Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 4:40) – addressed the Commission for consideration of a request Temporary Street Closures for Good Ol’ Days.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the temporary closures as submitted and discussed for the Good Ol’ Days.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 8:37) – addressed the Commission regarding the request for a parade permit from the Chamber of Commerce for Good Ol’ Days.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the parade permit as submitted.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Patrick Wood (Time stamp – 10:22) – addressed the Commission regarding his development Broken Oak Housing Community, 1920 Huntington, by Patrick J. Wood Properties, LLC requesting that it be considered for an RHID. This current project is for 6 duplexes.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to proceed with for the “Horton Street project.”  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Robert Harrington (Time stamp 15:06) – addressed the Commission with a quarterly report of the activities of Bourbon County REDI.  T. Dancer requested a written report be submitted summarizing that was presented.   R. Harrington agreed to create a document.

 

Brad Matkin (Time stamp 23:42) – updated the Commission with graphic handouts on the WWTP in the absence of Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director.

 

Jose Montanez (Time stamp 28:43) – addressed the Commission regarding the condition of his business on Wall Street that was condemned for structural issues.

Robert Coon (Time stamp 37:49) answered questions asked of him by the Commission regarding his building which was condemned as well due to the safety issues of the adjoining barber shop.  Jason Dickman/City Engineer (Time stamp 45:00) was requested to comment on his observations of the building.  B. Farmer/City Attorney (Time stamp 47:50) stated that everything discussed is a private matter and there is no obligation to the City other than public safety which has already been addressed.  Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector (Time stamp 50:54) was asked to comment.

 

 

 

Public Hearings:

 

314 S. Eddy – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:17:06) T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:17PM.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 16-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS  [314 S. EDDY],  FORT SCOTT, KS 66701

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:17:49)

 

  1. Guns returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:18:03)

 

  1. Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:19:30)

 

ACTION: (Time stamp 1:19:44) – B. Matkin requested that L. Kruger submit a statement in writing from the living relative regarding the status of the ownership of 314 S. Eddy and the statement he made for no interest to repair.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:22:53) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:22PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 314 S. Eddy.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

306 S. Lowman – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:24:04) – T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:24PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 17-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY

 

STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:25:29) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:25PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 306 S. Lowman.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes.  D. Olson and M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Action Items

 

Consideration of Letters of Interest for Fort Scott Public Library Board (Time stamp 1:27:45) – M. Wells stated that (2) letters of interest were received for the open position.  The library board met and agreed to recommend candidate Aaron Judy.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to appoint Aaron Judy to the Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  M. Wells stated that the Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler is creating a list of Board Members and their terms to be emailed to the City Clerk.

 

Consideration to Accept the Letter of Resignation from Robert Coon and of Letters of Interest for the Land Bank Board

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:30:13) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank board.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

The City Clerk clarified that the resignation of Robert Coon creates another vacancy on the Land Bank Board of Trustees.  The Letter of Interest to be considered is to fill an existing vacancy.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:31:07) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the recommendation of the Land Bank for Judy Earp to be appointed to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

 

  1. Olson asked that the motion be amended to include the language of “for a 3-year term” if the ordinance is amended. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Acceptance of Letter of Resignation from Commissioner/President M. Guns – M. Guns read her Letter of Resignation to the Commission. Her departure is due to a job relocation for her husband out of state.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:36:12)

 

Discussion was had about the date of May 31, 2024.  M. Guns agreed to amend her resignation date to May 22, 2024.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:27:35) – T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Commissioner Melissa Guns from the Fort Scott City Commission effective as of May 22, 2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:02)

 

  1. Guns, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.

 

  1. Wells left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:28)

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:39:38)

 

Reports and Comments

 

  1. City Manager Comments (Time stamp 1:38:57)

–  Solar Traffic Systems – signed by CM – only half payment required

–  Diehl, Banwart and Bolton on next agenda (audit)

–  Meeting with all Directors and BakerTilly for budget

–  Wind storm damage – Brush Dump will remain open

–  Working on FEMA paperwork for previous storm/flood damage

– Luau for the Splash Pad opening was a success, very well attended.                    Thank you to all City Staff who helped bring it together.

 

  1. Engineering Comments (Time stamp 1:43:36)

–  Comments back from KDHE regarding the water plant that will                                                  go to S. Flater to be completed.

–  Pre-Construction meeting with Heck & Wicker for Horton & 6th                                           Street Project – start date is July 8, 2024. Advanced warning signs                                     may go up prior for public.

 

 

  1. Commissioners Comments

     –  M. Guns (Time stamp 1:44:42)

     –  M. Wells (Time stamp 1:46:13)

     –  T. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:47:49)

     –  D. Olson (Time stamp 1:49:19)

     –  T. Dancer (Time stamp 1:53:07)

 

ACTION:  City Clerk directed to set up a stand-alone Work Session for the discussion of Lake Lots including a site visit by the Commissioners.

 

  1. City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 1:54:10)

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:54:43) – M. Guns moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM.       T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MAY 21, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:54PM

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Area News, Art, Church news, Fort Scott

Catholic Church Reno Update: Help Needed To Fund Artifacts Restoration

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Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. May 22, 2024.

The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church has risen from the ashes of the devasting fire that destroyed the church in August 2022.

To view the story of the fire: Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage

People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.

“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy,  a building committee member, said.

“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”

“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”

 

Work is being done on the exterior and interior of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. On the construction fence is an artist’s rendition of what the new church will look like.

 

The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church priest’s residence is on Holbrook Street on the backside of the church.
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.

The Restoration of the Artifacts

When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.

Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.

“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”

Some of the artifacts of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, following the fire, provided by Elliot.

“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”

“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”

When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.

“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.

Some of the workmen on the artifacts at Elliot’s workshop in Wichita, were provided by Elliot.

“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”

“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.

A GoFundMe account is set up: https://gofund.me/15feea23

“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.

Here are the artisans currently working on the project:

Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.

 
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
Area News, Bourbon County

ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

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ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

“HUGE SUCCESS”

Submitted by Marilyn Flagg

 

Even though Arcadia High School closed its doors at the end of the  “1965” school year, the annual alumni banquet is still being held on memorial week-end every year in Pittsburg, Kansas.  The membership also includes the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class of 1965.  The banquet was held at the Lamplighter Inn on Saturday afternoon, May 25th and was catered by Gebhardts and served by the Stansbury

brothers of Arcadia, Ks. Open Door Mission Church Youth.

 

Enclosed with the invitation to the banquet this year was the 2023  Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer.  The 2023

Minutes were enclosed also prepared by Virginia Smith, Secretary.

These were included in the mailing to provide more time for visiting.

 

Social hour was 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by lunch and business meeting. President Pat Morris of Arcadia welcomed the 42 Alumni and 25 guests.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle.   The invocation was by Larry Shead

 

At the opening of the business meeting, Pat introduced alumni officers  Vice President, Tom Watt; Secretary, Virginia Smith;  Treasurer, Shirley Landon; and Marilyn Flagg, Historian.

 

There were no objections or corrections to the 2023 Minutes or the 2023 Treasurer’s report.  They stand approved as presented.

 

Larry Shead made a motion to move next year’s banquet to the Community Center in Arcadia. Helen Nichols and Merle Engle

seconded and motion passed. This action was taken because our attendance is getting smaller every year, cost involved, and other reasons.

Michael Sheffield led the nominations and election of officers.  There were no nominations from the floor and the following officers will remain for 2025: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian.

 

Special recognition was given to members of the 60th  (1964);

70th (1954); and 80th (1944) this year.

 

Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Virginia

Harris Smith; Ronnie Kellogg and guest Barbara Kellogg; Terry

Kunstel; Steve Morris and guest Raymond Kalm; Peggy O’Dell Worsley

and guest Paul Worsley; Ronnie Portwood and guest Mary Portwood; Pat Smith Morris; and Sherry Swafford Page.

 

Attending from the 70th.   were as follows:  Esther (Engle) Cousins

and guest Janice Crooks; Yvonne (Garrett) Beck and guest Susie

Arvidson; Gary Peterson and guest Patricia Peterson.

 

Marilyn Flagg spoke in behalf of her Aunt Mary Coonrod Bournonville who resides in Hurst, Texas with her daughter and husband. If

Mary had been able to attend, it would have been her 80th.

 

Fred Dixon was recognized as being a teacher in the Arcadia Grade School. Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.

 

All 25 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.

 

Pat Morris, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2024  A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Trenton

Siemens. Trenton and his father attended and Trenton gave a speech expressing his appreciation for the scholarship.  He is the grandson of Tom Watt. Trenton received $1,000.  Andrew Bossung was awarded an additional “AHS” scholarship in the amount of $500.  Andrew is the youngest grandson of William and Louise (Opitz) Hughes. Because this day was Andrew’s graduation, Andrew was unable to attend.  His Uncle David Hughes spoke in Andrew’s behalf. David talked of Andrew’s accomplishments and how worthy that he was to receive a scholarship from Arcadia High School.  David also talked of his late mother’s passing, Louise Opitz Hughes, and how the Arcadia alumni banquet was her greatest event to attend every year.  Louise’s 80th was last year and she was so looking forward to the 2024 banquet.

 

Pat Morris introduced the officers who served on the scholarship committee.  They were Shirley Landon, Marilyn Flagg, Virginia Smith and herself. There was also help from 3 other individuals from outside of our alumni. One is  presently a teacher, another was a retired teacher, and the third one was a highly respected individual.

 

Any child, grandchild, or great grandchild of Arcadia High School Alumni may apply for a scholarship.

 

Marilyn Flagg led the memorial service for alumni deceased since the last meeting.  Those remembered were: Lorraine (Bean) Starks; Louise (Opitz) Hughes; Marie (Hoover) Marshall; Robert W. Hamilton; Lavon (O’Dell) Rons; Joe Morris; Dr. Retha (Hoover) (Kilpatrick) (Gries); Richard Coonrod; John A. Swezey; Pauline (Coonrod) Hart; Mary (Panizzi) Granon; Gary Cambers; Carol (Morris) Davis; Merle Mayfield; Melvin Nichols; Orville Allen Darnaby; Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace; Charles Morris; and Lynda Lou DeNeve (Teacher).

 

Jerry Skidmore  (Class of 1949)  was given an award for being the “Oldest” alumni.  Esther (Engle) Cousins (Class of 1954) was awarded for traveling the “Most Distance”.

 

The school song was led by Mary Lee Payne.

 

The Benediction was led by Ralph Shead.

 

The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1944, 1954, and 1964  classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.

 

1949 –  Jerry Skidmore

1950 –  Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore

1951 –  Bertha (McClendon) Hencey and guest Dickie Hadley

1952 –  Don Kauble and guest Cynthia Kauble Kreisel

1953 –  Bobby Harris and guest Alisha Harris

1955 –  Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne

1956 –  Shirley (McKinstry) Landon

1957 –  Merle Engle

Francis M. Jones and guest Karen Kay Tripp

Lilly (Turner) Sheffield

1958 –  Fred Dixon

Sandra Sue Stelle

1959 –  William Page

Michael Sheffield

Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers

1960 –  Hilda Cockman Page

Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele

Joyce (Page) Wilson and guest Sheila (Page) Hale

1962 –   Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg

Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen

Joyce (Elliott) Maycumber

Helen (Morris) Nichols

Ronnie Smith

1963 –  Richard Page

1965 –  Betty (Jack) DeLoach

1966 –  Jerry Morris

Larry Smith

1968 – Don Schaub

Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead

Sherry Sisney

Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt

 

Other guests were David Hughes and Ardis Jefferies; Trenton Siemens;

and Austin Siemens.

 

The servers were the

Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Timothy), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

The Obituary of Delbert Sinn

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Delbert Lee Sinn, age 83, resident of Independence, MO passed from this life on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, MO.  Delbert was born August 6, 1940, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of George Alfred Sinn and Sophia Muriel Cordill Sinn.  He is survived by one sister, Joyce Ann Sinn, Mapleton, KS.  His long-time companion, Harriet Tindle of Independence, MO kept their pact to outlive him.  After being told of Delbert’s death, Harriet passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, under hospice care in Independence, MO.

 

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers George Donald Sinn, Richard Leo (Dick) Sinn, and Kenneth Eugene Sinn; and one sister Carol Jean Sinn Carter.

 

Delbert graduated from Fort Scott High School and began his career at Mid-Continental Waterproofing Company.  Later he formed his own company, Delbert L. Sinn Ceramic and Floorcovering, working well into his 70’s on remodeling projects.  He also repaired all kinds of appliances and lawn equipment that family and friends dropped off at his home in Independence.

 

Delbert is also survived by his three daughters, Kimberlee (Paul) Mitchell, Stephenville, TX, Kristina (Mark) Deason, Fort Worth, TX, and Katricia (Tim) Bradbury, Fort Scott, KS.  Delbert has 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Mitchell, Tyler Mitchell (Courtney), Jacob Bradbury, Cooper Bradbury, Luke Bradbury, and Samantha Bradbury.

 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice or Faith Church Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Faith Church is the home church of Katricia, who has been our father’s compassionate and consistent caregiver for many years.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News