Janice Jackson, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024. Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Obituary of Gerald Mildfelt
Gerald L. “Jerry” Mildfelt, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at his home. He was born December 13, 1931, in Perry, Oklahoma, the son of Joe Mildfelt and Catherine Endres Mildfelt.
Jerry faithfully served his country with the United States Army from 1952-1954. He later went on to graduate from Ottawa University with a degree in finance. Jerry married Sue Karleskint on August 23, 1968, in Ft. Scott.
Throughout his life, he worked at several banks, FDIC and RTC as an investigator.
Following retirement, Jerry enjoyed fishing and gardening. One year, he raised over two hundred tomato plants.
He was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home; four sons, Tom Mildfelt (Sandy) of Parsons, Kansas, Mike Mildfelt (Debi) of Winfield, Kansas, Dan Mildfelt (Lisa) of Chanute, Kansas, and Todd Mildfelt, (Kelli) of Baldwin, Kansas, and a daughter, LeAnne Wiles (Kevin) of Parsons, Kansas. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gene and Tom Mildfelt, and two sisters, Nellie Mitchum and Ruth Steichen.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 8th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym).
The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. prior to the Mass.
Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Music Line-up
The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton this weekend.
The music line-up:
Saturday: 10 a.m. Marilyn Adcock; 11 a.m. Mike Lundeen; 12:30 p.m. Ladonia and Jerry Greer; 1 p.m. Pat and Steve Harry; 2 p.m. St. Martins’ Academy; 3 p.m. Mike Miller.
Sunday: noon Ladonia and Jerry Greer; 1-2 p.m. group jams and open mic for walk-on.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 7
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
October 7, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9/30/2024 and 10/4/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $289,779.42
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $558,232.10
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- 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.
Harris Will Lead Action Team to Move Forward With Freeman Health System
At a special Bourbon County Commission this morning the Commissioners decided that Commission Chairman Jim Harris will form an action team to expedite Freeman Health System’s intentions to open an Emergency Department and 10 bed-hospital at the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
“It’s time to get this accomplished,” Harris said in an interview. “I want to thank Commissioner Clifton Beth for his help on this the last few years.”
Beth had been the commissioner who had been working on the healthcare issues as a leadman, “but he is stepping out for some personal reasons,” Harris said. “I am retired and with an action team to assist, we will take this to the finish line.”
On this newly formed healthcare action team are Harris, Dr. Randy Nichols, T.J. Denning (K.R.I. Chief Operating Officer), Fort Scott Mayor Terry Dancer, Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer, and Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks.
“On Monday at 2 p.m. all the team members are going to meet at Freeman (Health Care System) in Joplin (MO),” he said.
“On Tuesday we will meet with the people who have the Fort Scott Emergency Room equipment, either Mercy or Via Christi. It was removed and stored in Pittsburg and Mercy has agreed to give it back. Our job is to bring it back.”
“We will then get technicians to see what is working and what is not,” he said. “Once we know it’s working we will probably have a Memorandum of Understanding to give to Freeman.”
“Kansas Renewal Institute can then move forward with their planning, final inspection and then we will have a green light to open the ER and small hospital, which is vital to K.R.I. and the people of Bourbon County,” he said.
“I want to thank Commissioner Beth for his work on this and thank Freeman Health System, this is a God-send and a blessing to Bourbon County,” Harris said. “And I want to thank Mercy for their help and assistance with the equipment.”
Fall Family Fun Activities Starting Oct. 5 at Rinehart Christian Church
Rinehart Christian Church Annual Corn Maze is part of a FREE fall festival event for the public.
The surrounding community is invited to come out for an afternoon of fall fun and fellowship on three Saturdays: October 5, October 12 and October 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the church located at 9443 S. 900 Rd. Richards, MO 64778, about 14 miles from Fort Scott.
Family activities include a petting zoo on October 5, horse rides on October 12, and hatchet throwing on October 19.
Besides the corn maze, activities include hay rides, corn pits, pumpkin painting, fire pits, lawn games, duck races, concessions, photo booths, cow train, grain wagon basketball hoops, and inflatables.
“The reason for the corn maze is to give area people a fun day for the family and to let them know Rinehart is a church that cares about them,” said Pastor Kevin Moyer.
“This is the 5th year for us to have the maze,” he said. ” It grows each year in numbers, and people come and stay for hours. It really is a family event, and people can’t get over the fact that it’s free. Even the lunch is free! It’s our gift to the community. Our people volunteer their time for three Saturdays in October.”
‘If you look at the maze from high above you’ll see the full design, the Lion of Judah,” he said.
The Lion of Judah is mentioned in the scripture Revelation 5:5.
Rinehart Christian Church’s mission is to love God, live like Jesus, and lift others up, he said.
A Brilliant Defense by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Over 40 years ago, Jack, a friend of Dave and mine, decided to get his doctorate in divinity and enrolled in a renowned D-1 university. Part of his interview process was to read and critique a book explaining the book of Mark that was written by one of the Divinity professors. Jack would be given 30 minutes in which to present his oral criticisms to the renowned scholar.
The book was no easy read. Each chapter had at least 140 footnotes, and the end explanation was that nothing happened after the two women encountered an angel at the tomb where Jesus had been buried. The interviewer based that on Mark 16:8: Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
For a little background, most current Bibles include another 11 verses in Mark which add that Jesus then talked with several people before he was raised into Heaven, but footnotes explain that these verses were not in the original manuscripts and were added later. The professor’s book stopped at 16:8.
I interrupted Jack’s story to counter with the obvious: No matter where Mark ended his writing, Matthew, Luke and John all addressed Jesus’ resurrection and appearance to others. We need to look at the entirety of scripture and not just selected sections. Jack assured me he had used that same critique (which was dismissed because each book, according to the professor, should stand on its own). Jack presented several other arguments to which the professor stated that Jack could have gotten those positions from one of several journals and that none of them were original. He wanted something unique.
Our friend came up with a brilliant defense. The women obviously did talk and share their story or else no one would know that “they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” How could Mark have come up with that if the women hadn’t told someone that’s what happened? (Like I said, brilliant.)
Refusing to be outdone, the professor responded, “Yes, but how do we know they were real people?”
WHAT??????
That’s right. The accomplished, theological master-mind in the Divinity department was an atheist. To him, the Bible was a myth. Jack about fell out of his chair.
It wasn’t until later that Jack came across a quote from atheist-turned-Christian C.S. Lewis’ that might have stymied the professor: “Supposing there was no intelligence behind the universe, no creative mind. In that case, nobody designed my brain for the purpose of thinking. It is merely that when the atoms inside my skull happen, for physical or chemical reasons, to arrange themselves in a certain way, this gives me, as a by-product, the sensation I call thought. But, if so, how can I trust my own thinking to be true? It’s like upsetting a milk jug and hoping that the way it splashes itself will give you a map of London. But if I can’t trust my own thinking, of course I can’t trust the arguments leading to Atheism, and therefore have no reason to be an Atheist, or anything else. Unless I believe in God, I cannot believe in thought: so I can never use thought to disbelieve in God.”
What would the prof have said against that? (Probably that C.S. Lewis wasn’t a real person.)
In case you are wondering, Jack was accepted into the School of Divinity but chose to pastor a church instead. Another brilliant move, if you ask me.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 4
Special Meeting Today Oct. 4 of the Bourbon County Commission at 10 a.m.
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
A special meeting will be held on
October 4, 2024 10:00 a.m.
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
IV. 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
Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill sold 9/26/24
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
TextMyGov
Education opportunity
.gov website
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball court project –
Streets/FEMA –
Sale of Property –
NEW BUSINESS
SEED Grant –
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, 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 ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 18
The Special Council Meeting on September 18, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20PM
Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM
Uniontown City 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