Citizens Group Plan A Petition to Increase the Bourbon County Commissioners from Three to Five Members
PRESS RELEASE
A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of
Bourbon County Commissioner Districts setforth on KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”
As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused
representation on their respective districts.
As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may
come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).”
Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability.
Signatures will be collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the next few months to place the question on the November ballot to prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election.
Additional information is being assembled to make sure every petition signer is well informed on the benefits of this expansion in Bourbon County in the Bourbon County Commission.
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To view the petition:
Petition to increase the number of Commissioners 7-9-2024 printable
Submitted by Michael Hoyt.
Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team: From State to International Champions
In August 2023, they were State Champions. Fast forward to January 2024, and they clinched the National Championship. Now, the Southwind District proudly announces that these remarkable kids have earned the title of International Champions!
In January 2024, the Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team, consisting of Emery Yoho (Yates Center), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott), Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), and Kyser Nemecek (Iola), emerged as the National Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team at the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This victory earned them an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland from June 19 to July 3, 2024.
The Royal Highland Show, a top-tier livestock event comparable to the American Royal or National Western Stock Show, where the Southwind District 4-H youth divided into pairs, each judging different species. Emery Yoho and Tate Crystal formed the Kansas 4-H Sheep Team, earning the Champion Team title, while Reegan McDaniel and Kyser Nemecek, the Cattle Team, secured 4th Overall. Carly Dreher (Iola) and Brady Hurt (Buffalo) also participated in the contest.
The International Livestock Tour offered more than just competition. It included agricultural seminars, tours, and opportunities to enhance leadership skills and education through interactions with citizens of the UK and Ireland. The team visited diverse livestock operations, including a water buffalo milking facility that produces its own mozzarella cheese, a progressive livestock sale barn, and Netherton Farm, home to one of Scotland’s top Registered Angus herds. Additionally, they enjoyed the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Clonmel Stock Show in Ireland.
Beyond agriculture, the Kansas youth forged friendships with a Scottish sheep breeder, rode the London Eye in England, and kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They were part of an elite group of nine American 4-H and FFA Teams from across the US, each having earned their spot by winning either a Champion or Reserve title at a National Livestock Judging contest. Accompanying them on this International Tour were Carla Nemecek and Cathy Dreher.
To support their journey, the Southwind team sold stock in the Livestock Judging Team and will host a shareholders meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the River Room Event Center in Fort Scott, KS. Shareholders will be treated to dinner and a comprehensive presentation of the learning experiences from the Tour, showcasing the invaluable return on their investment in the 4-H Livestock Judging Team.
Free Friday Night Concert: Backside of the Moon on July 12
On Friday evening, July 12, the band Backside of the Moon will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.
The band plays a variety of music and includes some comedy in their
performance. Members of Backside of the Moon are Larry Snow, Judy Snow, Don Brubaker, and Pat Briant.
This is a very talented group which is based in Mound City. The concert at the pavilion park begins at 7 p.m.
Because seating is limited, you are encouraged to bring a lawn
chair.
In case of hot or rainy weather, the concert will be held at the Common Ground Coffee Shop.
News Release of the July 8 U234 Board of Education Meeting
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, July 8, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The Board voted for David Stewart to remain as Board President and Stewart Gulager to remain Board Vice-President.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
06/03/24 Minutes
06/10/24 Board Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk
HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25
HS Fundraising Applications 24-25
Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records
Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
Set fees for copying records
10 cents per page for employees
10 cents per page for alumni
15 cents per page for non-employees
20 cents per page for color copies
Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
For information only – as of 07/01/24 – 67 cents
2024-25 School Fees
Recreation Commission Board Member Term
Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
Offices for the 2024-25 School Year
KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President
Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal
Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield
Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child – Destry Brown
Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Haley Jones
Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
Clerk – Candace Jobe
KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson
Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/ 504 Coordinator – Destry Brown
Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Jeff Johnson
Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Nicole Gilmore
Bourbon County Ready Board – vacant
June 2024 KASB Policy Updates
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the SAFE Schools grant that will help update security cameras, district radios, and provide additional AEDs. Also, he clarified information about the new Preschool Building.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. He explained the processes for his position and how he planned to bring information to the Board in the future. Lastly, he gave an update about closing the 23-24 school year budget.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on finances coming in for the upcoming school year. She explained about updating Special Education manuals that need to
be completed this next year
The board approved the following items:
- Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25
- KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25
- 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures
- Dates set for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing & Budget Hearing
- Resolution 24-05 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk
- ERate Order
There was none present for public forum.
The board went into executive session for negotiations/salary discussions.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
July 8, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Colvin, Angela – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Geneva, Nancy – Resignation – Food Service
Wilson, Kerrie – Resignation – Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office
TRANSFER:
Dawson, Jamie – School Psychologist Para
Endicott, Jencyn – Preschool Para
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Rainey, Taylor – Special Education Teacher – KRI
Stewart, Mya – .5 Speech Para & .5 OT Para
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Matkin, Tammy -Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office
Thurston, Jordan – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Obituary of Nolene Whiteside
Nolene Louise Whiteside, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Presbyterian Village. She was born February 11, 1927, in the family home in Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of John “Walter” Stump and Esther Alveda (Larson) Stump. She married Edward Lee Whiteside on September 7, 1947, in Larned, Kansas. He preceded her in death May 8, 2008.
Nolene graduated from Larned High School in 1945 and then attended KU for two years in accounting. It was during this time that she met Ed, her future husband, while sitting out of campus activities due to a sprained ankle she injured playing softball. While everyone else was “digging dandelions” Ed came over to sit by her and talk. He later asked her on a date, and they continued to date after he returned to his home in Fort Scott to work in the family grocery store.
After they were married, Nolene and Ed lived over the Whiteside’s Grocery store for a short time before moving to a house and then eventually building two houses over the years. At their home on Lee’s Circle Drive they had the big yard that Ed liked and room for the large garden that Nolene loved.
Traveling was something she and Ed enjoyed doing together, and through the grocery store business, Ed won several trips. They traveled to South America, Brazil, Hawaii, Kiawah Island, and San Juan Puerto Rico. After retiring, they took several trips with the Fun Seekers to Vancouver and Victoria Canada, Europe, Prince Edward Island, and Niagara Falls.
Over the years, Nolene has belonged to a number of different clubs including Kansas Federation of Women’s Club, of which she was Past President, 2nd district; Progressive Mothers Club, Pieran Club, DAR, Starlite FCE, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and church circle. She was also a leader for both the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts when her children were involved. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in a number of roles from Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, Young Mother’s Circle, UMW Treasurer and President. Nolene enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders, and loved gardening (vegetables and flowers) as well as reading.
Nolene is survived by her children, Sheryl Bloomfield, Fort Scott, Marilyn (Ron) Bailey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Lee (Nadine) Whiteside, Goodyear, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Sciara, Matt (Sara) Bloomfield, Kate (Brian) Reddy, and Andrea (Andrew) Omer; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Ed, Nolene was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maxine Stump, brothers, Leonard and Ralph Stump, infant daughter, Nancy Ann Whiteside, great-granddaughter, Olivia Bloomfield, and son-in-law Tim Bloomfield.
Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening July 14, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation (oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org) and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice. Also, Nolene’s family sends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village for their loving and wonderful care over the past five years.
Chamber Coffee Hosted By Walmart on July 11
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Award Winning Daryl Mosley Will Perform at the 1st Southern Baptist Church on Saturday, July 13
BEE Better Health Club Is Now In Fort Scott
BEE Better Health Club has moved locations.
Wesley DeHaven, 24, is the owner and coach of the business and last year in June he opened the fitness center on his family’s farm.
On June 10, 2024, he opened the fitness center at 212 E. 1st in Fort Scott.
The BEE Better Health Club is a group fitness studio for women.
“I’m a certified group fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I worked at a CrossFit gym where I began my weight-loss journey and began coaching women’s Boot Camp classes. I’ve been working with clients and coaching classes since November 2022,” he said.
“I was initially located southeast of town in a garage on the family farm. The initial plan was to always get in town and be easily accessible to provide my services,” he said.
“As a fat loss and body recomposition coach, all group fitness members receive nutrition coaching,” he said. “I also offer one-on-one coaching services. I run what I call a hybrid model, in-person and remote which makes it easy for me to work with work schedules. In terms of products, I am an authorized retailer for 1st Phorm a supplement company. The most loved products are protein bars, high-protein meat sticks, and protein powders. “
“Inside group fitness we have 16 members and I have another 12 that I currently work with one-to-one,” he said.
Current class times are 7 AM and 5:30 PM.
Text or call DeHaven at (620) 644-8150 or visti the Facebook page: The BEE Better Health Club
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 9
AD: Rick James For Kansas House of Representatives District 4
Preserving Rural Kansas
It isn’t just about conserving land; it’s about safeguarding a way of life. In the heartland of America, our rural communities like Bourbon and Linn counties embody values of hard work, resilience and family which make up our nation’s identity. We are the custodians of our agricultural heritage, the stewards of our natural landscapes, and the backbone of our economy. Preserving rural Kansas means investing in its infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable practices that ensure its prosperity for generations to come.
Preservation goes beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and community pride. It’s about empowering local leaders, amplifying rural voices, and celebrating the rich tapestry of traditions that define our rural way of life. Rick James would be that voice in Topeka.
Recently Eastern Kansas has come under attack from green energy companies wanting to claim our land for their profits. In Bourbon and Linn counties wind turbines took the first shot. Bourbon County faced zoning challenges which allowed some wind turbines into their community. Linn County managed to shut them down. Both counties face another attack, commercial solar farms. It was published that 10,000 acres in Bourbon County and 8,000 acres in Linn County were being considered for these commercial solar units. Additionally, there is an investor wanting to use 10,000 acres in Mapleton to develop “Pike’s Reservoir”. Rick James, candidate for KS State Representative, recently attended a meeting with approximately 200 angry residents. The project has been put on hold, but the fight is real. Farms would be lost, cemeteries moved or flooded over, and no doubt eminent domain would be claimed.
Projects, such as the development of solar farms and commercial reservoirs threaten rural Eastern Kansas. Together these projects would take nearly 30,000 acres away from farmers and ranchers, claiming valuable pasture, crop land and homesteads. In addition, there is the environmental effect on wildlife. We can do better, and it must be stopped. We need to be vigilant on the local and the state level. So let us stand together, to preserve the heart and soul of rural Kansas. For in its fields, farms, wildlife, and communities lies the essence of who we are as Kansans.
Please vote Rick James for Kansas State Representative on August 6. You are invited to click here and follow him on Facebook.
Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.
City of Fort Scott Begins Flushing of Chlorine from Fire Hydrants Starting July 15
Press release for 2024 Flushing/Burnout
Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility
What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.
When: Starting on Monday July 15th and lasting approximately 2 weeks.
Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.
Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.
The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.
There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.
A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.
Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.
However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine, and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern.
Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.
Surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.
Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.
Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
During the flushing and burnout, you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water.\
It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.
The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.