Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 12
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
December 12, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/5/2024
- Public Comments
- Pam and John Speer Sr.- Road Issue
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Pinnacle Broadband Letter of Support
- Real Property Relief Application-494 263rd Terrace
- Consideration of Moving Meetings to Mondays
- 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.
USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes for Dec. 9
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 09, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
11-11-24
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
MS Band Fundraising
December 2024 KASB Policy Updates
Special Education Director, Tonya Barnes, recognized Jannah Farrington for being named the 2024 Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region’s Special Olympics. Jannah is in her 12th year at the district. Jannah along with Rhonda & Damien Perkinson, Stacy & David Brown, Laryn Schnichels, Kristal Castillo, and others worked to build and decorate the Special Olympics Express that won first place in the Fort Scott Christmas Parade. She has been instrumental in expanding the Special Olympics department which includes track & field, bowling, and soon to come basketball.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on enrollment from the start of school until December. He also gave a brief update on the Preschool building and where the district is with the remodeling of the building.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the football field turf replacement with the hopes it will be finished ahead of schedule. He explained about a few projects in the buildings that are being done and that we will hear about the financial audit as soon as they have completed it.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the next CAT AID payment that will be coming later this month. She and others will be starting a new hire orientation in January and following monthly for all new employees to make sure they equipped and ready to work within the district.
Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, presented a slideshow for the Board. She presented pictures from the Family Engagement Camping Night that focused on reading. The teachers have been working on interventions that have had a significant impact. She also went over a few reports to show how the students have improved. Students were present from Mrs. Keating’s Enrichment groups. They help with the student store, parent monthly parent letters, and they really enjoy being a part of her group. A couple of members from the Leadership Club were present to explain about their trip to Greenbush to learn about how to become a leader. They also worked with Wreaths Across America to help raise money for fifteen wreaths to be placed at the National Cemetery. Mrs. Query complimented the teachers and staff for working together as a team for the better of the students.
KESA Accreditation Plan for information only. Each district is to choose a District Goal and our choice was Structured Literacy. Superintendent Brown explained how the district is working toward that goal.
There have been three applicants for the open board seat. The Board decided to have a special meeting in January to interview and choose an applicant.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Pre-Employment Drug Screening
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, INC Grant
- Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement
- School Bus Purchases (71 Passenger & Bus with Lift)
- Maintenance Truck Purchase
The Board tabled the following items:
- 10 Passenger Van Purchase
- Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site
There were no comments during public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
December 09, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Button, Tim – Resignation – Bus Driver
Flanner, Kevin – Resignation – Supplemental – Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach – High School
Krull, Michael – Retirement
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Doherty, Andrew – KRI Teacher
Fountain, Justin – 6th Grade Math Teacher – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Durkin, Jennifer – Paraprofessional – KRI
Herring, Sean T – Custodian – Middle School
Thorne, Deborah – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Armstrong, Jeff – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Feedback, Brennen – Head Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Larsen, Danny – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Swimming Coach – High School
Stepps, Trent – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School
The Uniontown Science Olympiad teams have kicked off the 24-25 season.
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school), according to information provided by Uniontown Science Teacher Carrie Sutcliffe.
Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.
2nd row – Anthony Weyant, Bailey Cox, Austin Vincent, Maria Cibrin, Matthew Knight
3rd row – Dylon Diebert, Dreyden Marlow, Hunter Johnson, Paityn Hueston, Camilla Cagle.
Obituary of Morris Robinson
Morris Earl Robinson, age 90, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the home of his daughter in Springfield, Missouri. He was born June 12, 1934, in Redfield, Kansas, the son of Earl Kenneth Robinson and Frances Mary McGuire Robinson. He was united in marriage to Darlene Harned on January 2, 1955, at the Fulton United Methodist Church in Fulton, Kansas.
Following their marriage, Morris served with the United States Navy from 1956 to 1958. He remained active with the Navy Reserves until 1962.
Morris was a lifelong educator. After serving in the Navy, he began his teaching career in Uniontown, Kansas. He also taught at Westphalia and Bronson.
In addition to teaching, Morris also loved working on the farm. He worked at a ranch in Colony, Kansas and later moved his family to British Columbia where he managed the Green Valley Ranch for several years.
He later taught at the Dome Creek School and McBride Elementary School in British Columbia. In 1970, the family moved to Pickens, South Carolina where he taught at the Olenooy Valley Christian School. He later returned to Kansas and worked as the City Superintendent at Uniontown for six years. In addition to working for the City, he also worked the family farm at Lake Frances.
Teaching was still in his blood and in 1978, he taught ACE curriculum at the Community Life Fellowship School in Redfield, Kansas and later at Patton Fellowship School in Patton, Missouri. In 1986, he relocated to Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he was employed by Teen Challenge. While at Teen Challenge he continued to teach and help students obtain their GED certification. He retired completely in 2000 and returned to the farm in Redfield near Lake Frances. Morris loved spending time outdoors. He also enjoyed music and played the guitar, piano, mandolin and harmonica. Favorite times were spent with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Morris is survived by his wife, Darlene, of the home; ten children, Sonia Gonske, Montgomery, Texas, Twyla Young (Tim), Garland, Kansas, Lesha Seaver, Liberty, Missouri, Mark Robinson (Marianne), Thompsonville, Illinois, Suzanne Ruble (Tim), Springfield, Missouri, Lela Robinson-Bradley (Steve), Murrieta, California, Lynna Longaro (Joe), Austin, Texas, Kimerly Feiner (Larry), Glendale, Arizona, Isaac Robinson (Pia), Tarlac City, Philippines and Raymond Robinson of Ft. Scott and a son-in-law, Tyronn Nunnelly of St. Louis, Missouri as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Lynn Robinson and Lyle Robinson, both of Redfield, Kansas and Jerry Robinson of Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Morris was preceded in death by a daughter, Myrna Robinson-Nunnelly, a brother, Merle Robinson and a sister, Anita Ayre.
Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place at the Robinson Family Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Teen Challenge 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 onli
Multi-Day Fire Was Caused by Illegal Burning.
Fort Scott Firefighters worked for several days on an old bridge fire near the city’s dog pound on North Hill Street. The fire was located on the north edge of Fort Scott.
The department received a call on December 8 at 12:46 p.m. of a fire on the 400 block of North Hill Street.
The cause of the fire was determined to be illegal burning, according to FSFD Chief Dave Bruner.
The property involved in the fire was the bridge as well as a large debris pile under the bridge.
“We cleared the scene at 3:42 p.m. but spent the evening and next morning monitoring and extinguishing hot spots,” Bruner said.
The access to the fire and terrain around it made it difficult to get in close proximity to the fire, he said.
The initial call involved the Fort Scott Fire Department with five personnel, the Fort Scott Police Department, the Scott Township Fire Department- with four personnel, and the Garland Fire Department with two personnel assisting,
Obituary of Vicky Long
Vicky Sue Runyan Long, age 65, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. She was born August 19, 1959, in Ft. Scott. She graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1977. In earlier years, Vicky worked as a waitress. She later moved to Illinois where she worked at several nursing homes. Vicky enjoyed going to classic car shows, attending stock car races and taking the occasional trip to the casino.
Vicky is survived by several cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ellen Maxine Runyan, and a brother, Richard Wesley “Ricky” Runyan.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Guest Home Estates Activity 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
Chamber Coffee is Hosted by FSCC Foundation on Dec.12
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 10
The Lowell Milken Center Reaches a Record Number of Visitors in 2024
Since its beginning in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has hosted visitors from around the world, including 109 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
On December 7th, the center reached a new milestone with its 15,000th visitor for 2024, a record-high number of visitors for one calendar year.
The Lowell Milken Center congratulates Brittany Ward from Fayetteville, AR, as the 15,000th Visitor for 2024, and it just so happened that she was also celebrating her 50th birthday! Upon touring the exhibit about Irena Sendler, Brittany shared some personal connections. Her family was originally from Germany; her grandfather served on an American Navy submarine during WWII, and some of her family members came to the U.S. as refugees in Oswego, NY.
Visitors like Brittany advance the mission of the Center, learning about and sharing the Unsung Heroes’ stories, along with the heroes’ significant historical impact on our lives, our country, and the world. As the number of visitors increases, interest in the Center grows, and the number of projects entered in the Discovery Award and ArtEffect competitions also grows. Consequently, new Unsung Hero exhibits are continually added to the Lowell Milken Center’s Hall of Heroes, the Lowell Milken Park, and the Center’s website. These unsung heroes become role models that inspire all who learn about them to seek to make a difference in the lives of others.
Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org to learn more.
Larry James Faulkner Obituary
In recognition of a life well lived, Larry James Faulkner surrounded by family, passed at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after suffering a stroke at the age of 79. Larry was born on December 6, 1945 to Edward Chester “Buck” Faulkner and Frances Leona (Gordon) Faulkner. He was born at the Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado, Kansas, as were all three of his daughters. Larry grew up in El Dorado with his family, Buck, Frances and two sisters, Joy Lee Faulkner Howry and Lynda Jean Faulkner Varner. He spent as much of his childhood, and adulthood for that matter, fishing and hunting every chance he could. He was known to ride his tricycle around with a pocket full of snake or toads.
Larry married Carol Sue Williams on September 6, 1964, in El Dorado, Kansas. Larry’s childhood was spent in El Dorado and he and Carol began their lives together there as well. Larry had many jobs growing up, mowing lawns, carting ice, and primarily driving his father around the oil well leases they tended as a family. One of Larry’s family neighbors was Carol’s uncle Roy who lived a few houses down. It was through this connection that Larry met Carol. Their families vacationed together at Many Points Lake and Lake Itasca, Minnesota.
He had a brief stint as a roofer, and then sparked by a childhood memory of linemen climbing poles in front of their house (he liked climbing things), he went to trade school to become a Wichita Lineman. Larry moved the family to Fort Scott Kansas in 1973 where he worked the remainder of his life with KG&E (Kansas Gas and Electric) which became Westar.
Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman and considered himself a farmer. He spent many holidays and Summers hunting pheasant and quail in western Kansas and Elk just west of Cannon City, Colorado with relatives where they often were caught up in snow storms in nothing by Summer tents. Beyond hunting and fishing, Larry loved county music and could whistle a mean George Jones or Hank Williams tune.
Larry settled his family in a 100 year old stone farmhouse east of Fort Scott and had many adventures there. Many hours were spent tending garden, pruning orchard trees, raising a multitude of animals and clearing the surrounding woods cutting firewood most weekends. Whenever possible, the family would travel to Stockton Lake, El Dorado Lake, Marion Lake..do you see a theme? One of our favorite Larry stories at the farm, and there were many, was when he decided to “help” his daughters by sorting a fire cracker out of a large pile of fireworks with a newly welded piece of steel and set off World War III with tiny rockets, missiles, and parachutes flying everywhere and the girls diving for cover. Larry and Carol later in life raised quail to sell to restaurants and nature preserves before auctioning off the farm.
Larry retired after 30 plus years, and with Carol, sold the farm and traveled for many years before resettling near friends in Colony, Kansas. Larry and Carol traveled all over northern Minnesota, and into Canada through Ontario and Saskatchewan where they found many new friends, specifically at Cranberry Portage near Grass River Provincial Park in Manitoba Canada. Larry, Carol and their grandson Morgan spent many Summers here from as soon as the ice broke in May through September, with other family visiting when they were able.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Buck, and his mother, Frances as well as both of his sisters, Joy and Lynda. He is survived by his wife Carol, his three daughters; Diana Kay Faulkner Stoughton and husband Fredric, her sons Mackenzie, Mitchell (Katelyn), and Morgan; Toni Renee Faulkner Peterson and husband Christopher, her children Riley, Bennett, and McKenna; and Trudy Rae Faulkner; along with his great grandchildren, Aidan, Brodie, Callen, and Cobie.
When asked if he would have done anything different, Larry responded, “I would invest in the oil stockmarket. I had a good life, family, and some good friends, Never took no shit off of anyone. Tried to be as honest as I could be. No regrets.”
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
KS Commerce Dept. Launches Quality of Life Improvement Grant Program
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