Bourbon County, Elections

What Is Next After Election For School District and County Commission Questions

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

On the November 5 ballot, The Fort Scott School District 234 and the Bourbon County Commission had the following questions about who/how many can serve as representatives of their constituents in their respective entities.

 

USD 234 Question

“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?

The vote was 3,515 yes and 1,578 no, on November 5.

What’s next?

“We have advertised for an open board position,” said USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown. “We will repost the position for at-large candidates now that it has passed. Next year, when we have four positions open for election, anyone can file for the open positions. Then, voters will see the whole group of candidates and vote for their top four. The four candidates with the most votes then become board members.”

The Bourbon County Commission Question

“Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d) & (e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?

3,769 voted yes and 2,238 voted no.

According to Kansas Law, this is the process of moving from three to five commissioners:

Sec. 5. K.S.A. 19-204a  reads as follows: 19-204a.  When the voters of a county approve a change in the number of county commissioner districts at an election held under K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, the board of county commissioners, on or before January 1 immediately following such election, shall adopt a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by the voters. If the board of county commissioners fails to adopt such resolution within the time prescribed, the chief judge of the district court of the county, on or before the following January 31, shall order the county divided into the appropriate number of districts, according to https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/register/Volume-43/Issues/Issue-16/04-18-24-52068.html#:~:text=(c)%20The%20board%20of%20county%20commissioners%20of,of%20the%20county%20are%20entitled%20to%20vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

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When: November 12th, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness for 24 S. National Ave. in Fort Scott submitted for consideration.

 

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

 

Submitted by

Mary Wyatt

Planning, Housing, & Business Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 18 OR 19 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals are Nov. 21, Dec. 2-5, and Dec. 10-12 from 6-8 pm. Productions are Dec. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Support Educational Change on Giving Tuesday

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November 4, 2024

Vol. 10

Support Educational Change on Giving Tuesday

Make a Difference By Helping Support Our Educational Mission

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you—our generous donors—who make it possible for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to enrich the lives of students worldwide. Your support empowers us to continue transforming classrooms and communities through student-driven projects that uncover Unsung Heroes and demonstrate the power of individual action to create positive change.

We are dedicated to making a difference by sharing the stories of those who stood against injustice, leaving a lasting impact on our world. Through our museum in historic Fort Scott, Kansas, and our global classroom outreach, we strive to inspire students and educators with the courage, compassion, and conviction of Unsung Heroes.

On Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024), your support will fuel our mission to empower students and educators to uncover the extraordinary change sparked by ordinary people. Every contribution will help the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes bring these impactful stories to life through transformative, project-based learning.

Together, we are:

  • Bringing Unsung Heroes projects to classrooms worldwide, encouraging students to embrace courage, compassion, and conviction.
  • Engaging over 44,000 schools and reaching more than 3 million students with interdisciplinary education that highlights real-life role models.
  • Providing essential professional development for educators, equipping them to inspire and guide students on their journeys to make a difference.

Join us on Giving Tuesday in shaping a world where every student believes they have the power to create lasting change.

A Year of Milestones: 2024 Highlights

at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

As we approach the end of an extraordinary year, we’re thrilled to share a few standout moments that have shaped 2024 at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. This year, we are on track to set a new all-time record for annual visitors at our museum in Fort Scott, Kansas, a testament to the growing impact of our mission. We also celebrated record-breaking entries in both the Discovery Award and ARTEFFECT student competitions, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of young changemakers.

Incredibly, our reach now spans all 50 states and 36 countries, as students and educators worldwide engage with the power of Unsung Heroes. Through ongoing professional development and project-based learning strategies, we continue to empower educators and inspire students to create positive change. We also held a number of educational programs throughout the year that enriched our community and surrounding area.

Thank you for being part of a year filled with achievements and the promise of even greater impact in the future!

Giving Tuesday Contributions Ideas

ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% MATCHED

Your contribution helps us:

  • Develop powerful and life-changing Unsung Heroes projects with students, educators and parents.
  • Engage more than 44,000 schools in critical history and interdisciplinary education that highlights positive role models for young people.
  • Provide professional development opportunities and teaching tools for educators across diverse subject areas and grade levels on project-based learning that features Unsung Heroes.
  • Reach over 3 million students and educators with inspiring stories that celebrate courage, compassion and conviction.
  • Create compelling history exhibits for schools, the community and visitors from around the world at our Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Consider a Personalized Brick in Unsung Heroes Park!

For just $100, you can create a unique and enduring tribute to honor a hero in your life. By purchasing a brick, you not only create a lasting memorial but also support the Lowell Milken Center’s mission to share the remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes throughout history.

Your purchase is tax-deductible, as the Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We’ll promptly email you a printable certificate, making it a hassle-free and meaningful gift option.

Secure your brick today by visiting the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, or by submitting this form: https://bit.ly/brick_form. For more information, contact LMC at 620-223-1312.

Support our mission by purchasing a book on Unsung Heroes! Every book shares inspiring stories of courage and change—and helps us continue our work to transform classrooms and communities.
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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Commutations, Pardons

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she granted clemency to seven individuals by commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and granting pardons to five individuals, all of whom show strong signs of rehabilitation. The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below, please find the list of individuals receiving commutations and pardons:

Jose Arellano, pardon

Deshaun Durham, commutation

Stephen Gontz, pardon

Jeffrey Gronewaller, pardon

Lauren Holle, commutation

James Valentine, pardon

Scottie Way, pardon

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

DCF Fort Scott Service Center Moves to 10 S. National, Opens on November 12

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DCF Moves Fort Scott Service Center to New Building
Building Opens Nov. 12, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned for Nov. 19

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is moving its Fort Scott Service Center to a new office building. The new location, 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, will open to the public Nov. 12.

The new building is a modern workspace designed with comfort and convenience in mind for DCF employees and clients.

The central location provides convenient access to residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

About 29 staff members will be based out of this office. DCF is leasing the building through SilverRock Ventures, LLC, based out of
Junction City.

Phone and fax numbers for the Fort Scott Service Center will remain the same and are being transferred to the new location.

DCF will continue doing business at its current location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. Eighth St., through
Thursday, Nov. 7.

Both locations will be closed to the public Friday, Nov. 8, as staff complete the move process. Clients can still call the local
phone number, fax, and use the drop box at the Eighth Street location through Friday.

DCF offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The new office will open for business
Tuesday, Nov. 12.

DCF will celebrate the opening of the new location with a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and will include remarks from DCF Secretary Laura Howard and a ribbon-cutting followed by refreshments and guided tours. The service center will remain open for business during the event.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of our new Fort Scott Service Center. While our previous office served us
well, this new location puts us back in the heart of downtown Fort Scott and provides additional safety and comfort for
our staff and clients,” Howard said.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott
What: Remarks from Secretary Laura Howard, ribbon cutting, refreshments and guided tours

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Nov. 7

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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

 

November 7, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/31/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $442,955.86
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,687.17
  1. Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation
  2. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  4. KWORCC Voting Delegate
  5. Election Update
  • 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.

Accounts Payable 11-1-2024d

Payroll 11-1-2024

Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser On Nov. 19

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With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food.  The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 36th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 19th  at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.  A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year.  In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs.  “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.

“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church.  Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

 

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Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Walmart’s Re-opening and Ribbon Cutting is Nov. 8

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You’re Invited to Walmart’s

Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting!

Friday, November 8th at 9am

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-Opening to celebrate Walmart Store #39 at 2500 S. Main St. Enjoy music, fun, and shopping with the following events:

  • FSHS Band will greet & welcome guests
  • FSHS Choir will sing the National Anthem and another Hymnal
  • FSHS Orchestra will play festive music in the Christmas area
  • Food Trucks on-site
  • Vendor giveaways, good bags, and more!
  • FSPD, FSFD, and EMS trucks on-site for children to look at and enjoy

Chamber members and the community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting. Walmart looks forward to a celebratory morning full of music, food, shopping, and fun!

Click here for the Facebook Event Page!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

KCC is laying groundwork to make Home Rebates available in Kansas and wants your input 

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households.

The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling engagement sessions with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.

For Kansans to be able to access the rebates, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must approve the program design and grant applications, which are due by January 31, 2025. Rebate funding is expected to be accessible to Kansas households in 2025 following the application submission and DOE approval.

In the meantime, Kansans can visit the KCC website for information on how to participate in the engagement sessions, learn more about the Home Rebates program, track the status, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

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Bourbon County Local News