Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Oct. 26

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

Date: October 26, 2022

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                     

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

MEETING HELD IN THE COPURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING at 7:45 AM.

THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session:

          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 security measures, if the disc

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidate Forum at 5:30 p.m. Today at the Ellis Center

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TONIGHT ~ Tuesday, October 25th, 2022
Join us for the 2022
General Election Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 25th
Doors open 5:30pm for Meet & Greet w/Candidates
Forum beings at 6pm
(will also be on Facebook Live ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce page)
Candidates in the races below have been invited to attend & participate in the forum.
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District
Governor / Lt. Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State Treasurer
Commissioner of Insurance
State Representative, 4th District
Member, State Board of Education, 9th District
County Commissioner, 1st District
County Clerk
County Attorney
Uncategorized

Obituary of Buddy Copelin

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Buddy Copelin, age 90, of Peculiar, MO, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in Mansfield, TX.

He was born October 12, 1932 in Talihina, Oklahoma, the son of Elias and Etta Copelin.  He graduated from Rogers High School in Arkansas with the class of 1952.

Shortly after graduating, Buddy entered the US Army and served in Salzburg, Austria.  He married his bride, JoAnn, in May 1953 and had 69 wonderful years together.

He owned and operated Goodyear Tire stores for the majority of his life and after retirement, he worked another 20 years for O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.  Buddy enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Peculiar for almost 50 years.

Buddy will be lovingly missed by his wife, JoAnn, his daughter, Debbie Taylor, and husband Steve, his grandsons, Nathan Taylor, Nick Copelin, and wife Jennie, and Zack Copelin, three great-grandchildren, Presley, Foster and Judah Copelin and many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; Paten, EJ, JT, Billie, 3 sisters; Nadine, Alene and Maxine and his son, Randy.

Pastor Tim Reeding, will conduct funeral services, at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 28, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, Missouri.

Burial will follow on Monday, at 11:00 A.M. October 31, 2022, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, Missouri, 216 E. Broadway, Peculiar, Missouri, 64078.

Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Disease Research and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 666701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

FS National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Tickets Next Tuesday

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Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.

 

The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

 

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward.  Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.

 

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

 

NPS Photo: C. Brenner

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Raises $5,500 for Wreaths Across America

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American Legion Riders Post #25 Sponsor Wreaths Across America

 

The American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott, under the leadership of Rider Director, Tom Metcalf, held a “Dragoon Ride” on August 20, 2022, with all proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America for Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Approximately 44 riders participated in the ride that included several destination stops over a 143 mile route.  A raffle with various prizes took place alongside a pulled pork dinner. The event resulted in over $5500.00 in sponsorships.  The money will be used to sponsor Wreaths for soldiers at The Fort Scott National Cemetery.  December 17 The American Legion Riders will lead the truck escort as they deliver the Wreaths to the soldiers and their family members.  When the escort reaches The Fort Scott National Cemetery they will participate as volunteers for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.

 

 

 

 

Tom Metcalf, on behalf of the American Legion Riders Post #25 of Fort Scott is presented sponsorship proceeds to Diann Tucker, Local Project Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Anyone wishing to donate to sponsor wreaths for the current year can contact Diann Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700.  There are nearly 7000 sites at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Only those grave sites who receive donation sponsors by November 22, 2022 will receive a wreath.

 

 

 

 

Plans are underway for a similar ride to be held at a later announced date in 2023, for another ride to benefit Wreaths Across America.  Anyone interested in riding can contact Tom Metcalf, 620-224-7951.

 

 

Government

Help Fort Scott In Documenting Infrastructure Issues

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Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Assistant Manager Brad Matkin would like to try something new in dealing with infrastructure issues.
“If you see a problem… a street issue, pothole, sign damage, water leak, general question, or whatever else please send me an email at [email protected] or call me at City Hall 620-223-0550, ext 210. Email is the best way to communicate,” he said. “Please include a picture of the issue if you can with your email.”
“We are currently working with the Information Technology Department for a solution, so people can report,” Matkin said. “We want to document, to see if there are patterns, such as water, street, or code issues.”
In the meantime, though, Matkin is encouraging citizens to email him, rather than put it on the internet.
“If I don’t respond within 48 hours then feel free to post it on Facebook but please give us a chance first to take a look at the problem,” he said.
“Either myself or one of the staff will email you with either a solution, a plan, or just an update of what we can do,” he said. “We don’t see what people post on Facebook, so we won’t know about the issue and won’t have the chance to fix the issue or at least communicate back to you.”
Like all public entities, they do not have enough staff to drive around looking for problems and need help from citizens to let them know issues seen.
“It is better to work together with good communication, he said. “We really feel this is a proactive and positive way to handle business.”
Matkin said there is no need to call about the Cooper Street project, “We are working on it currently. The first segment will be done in approximately a month.”
Fort Scott street map, taken from the Bourbon County website.
Bourbon County, Food, K-State Extension

Become a Master Food Volunteer

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Do you have a passion for food? If so, consider joining the Master Food Volunteer (MFV) program! You will meet others who also share a passion for food; participate in classes, by either leading or assisting, to teach others about food; learn up-to-date practices on food safety and nutrition; and take your knowledge of food to the next level. To join, you must complete a 40-hour training course which costs $120. This course will be offered online from January 17th to February 25th with three days of hands-on training. Interested applicants must apply by December 1st to be considered. You can find the application online here or you can call 620-365-2242 to receive a copy.
Wondering what current MFVs have to say about the program? According to MFV Susan Stich: “Being a Master Food Volunteer has taken my love for food and nutrition to new levels of knowledge and fun. With the Master Food Volunteer training and university resources, I can feel confident in sharing with the community safer and fun ways to preserve, prepare, and serve food. The MFV program gives me the opportunity to help others of all ages learn better ways to eat healthier and safer. The camaraderie I have with other Foodie Friends is a special plus.”
Some of the educational programs which our current MFVs have hosted or assisted with in the past year include our kids’ cooking classes, a pressure-cooking class, a program on cooking with herbs, and a hands-on breadmaking class. The possibilities are endless!
If you have any questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Halloween Fun at Fort Scott Public Library

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All photos submitted by the library.
Halloween Costume Parade & Storytime 
Join Miss Val for a costume parade, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 am, followed by storytime immediately after. Adults & kids alike are invited to dress up (family-friendly costumes only, please). Kids will trick or treat at both the downstairs and upstairs circulation desks.
Middle & High School Halloween Party
Dress up if you want and join Miss Valetta to decorate cookies, play games, sew monsters, and more for the 6th-12th grade Halloween Party, this Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4:30.
The library holds weekly meetings for middle & high school students on Wed. at 4:30 pm.
Announcing the Winners of the Yellow Brick Road Challenge
The Fort Scott Public Library and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team are proud to announce the winning team for the Yellow Brick Road Challenge:
The Reading Rangers!
While both teams reached the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the Reading Rangers got there first.  Congratulations to the Reading Rangers!
Together, participants have walked more than 45 million steps since the contest began on June 15.
ALL participants will be invited to a wrap-up reception and to a Wizard of Oz-themed book club, which will take place approximately one month from today. Dates for both will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for the next contest, to be announced soon.
#WalkIntoBooksBourbonCounty #WIBBC #GetFit #FitnessChallenge #WalkingContest
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System
Funding for this Story Telling Project is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
Government, Kansas

Conserving At-Risk Kansas Wildlife

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KDWP to Receive $4.3 Million in Grants to Conserve At-risk Wildlife

Kansas City, Kan. – In an announcement made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 19, 2022, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will receive a portion of more than $66.7 million in matching grants to be distributed across 16 states and Guam in support of imperiled species. The grant dollars are made possible by the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund – grants that contribute millions annually to support implementing state and territorial programs that conserve and recover federally listed and at-risk species on non-federal lands.

“This grant funding makes it possible for us to conserve nearly 1,600 acres of critical wetland habitat that will not only benefit species most at risk, but many other species that depend on wetlands for food, shelter and respite during migration,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “We know we can’t conserve imperiled species without first conserving their habitat, so this is a great ‘next step’ towards paving the way for these projects, as well as future efforts to conserve critical habitat across our great state.”

Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and partly funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $4,306,820 from the CESCF will be distributed to Kansas to support habitat conservation.

Of the more than $4.3 million in grant funding slated for the Sunflower State, $3,994,790 will be dedicated to wetland habitat conservation in support of Whooping Cranes and Eastern Black Rails, with the remaining $312,030 supporting Kansas’ Aquatic Safe Harbor Agreement.

“Thanks to decades-long partnerships like the one we have with Ducks Unlimited, we’ve been able to restore, renovate, and protect critical habitat for a variety of native species,” said KDWP Assistant Secretary Stuart Schrag. “Now, being the recipient of this federal Recovery Land grant for the first time ever only elevates what KDWP and Ducks Unlimited can do together to positively impact critical landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them.”

Ducks Unlimited – a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl – played an active role in KDWP’s grant application process, recognizing the vital importance of stopover habitat for the federally-endangered Whooping Crane, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for the federally-threatened Eastern Black Rail.

“The partnership between KDWP, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to secure these funds is a prime example of how collaboration can greatly benefit imperiled species,” said Matt Hough, Manager of Conservation Programs in Kansas for Ducks Unlimited. “Working together toward the common goal of conserving wildlife are what these relationships are all about, because when we protect wetlands and associated habitats, both wildlife and people benefit.”

To learn more about threatened and endangered species in Kansas – including the recovery plans KDWP has in place to guide research and management of listed species – click HERE.

To learn more about the CESCF grant program, click HERE.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

State Health Officer Encourages Public to Get Flu Shots

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TOPEKA – Influenza season is here in Kansas. While activity remains low, influenza cases have already been seen in Kansas.

The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving the vaccine before influenza activity begins in your community, ideally by the end of October.

“Early indications say the flu may hit a little harder this year, so it’s very important to start thinking about getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer at KDHE. “The good news is you don’t need two separate appointments; you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time!”

KDHE monitors flu activity, including the percentage of emergency department visits and deaths attributable to influenza. During the 2021-2022 flu season, influenza was a contributing or direct cause of death in 44 deaths. Pneumonia, which often develops with influenza infections, was a contributing or direct cause of death in 1,200 deaths. Severe influenza infection and symptoms may be avoided with vaccination.

“The influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age or older. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, including babies and young children, pregnant women, older persons and people with certain chronic conditions,” said Duwve.

Kansans can start getting their vaccine from their health care provider, at local pharmacies, health departments and some medical clinics.

Getting vaccinated also protects people around you. Getting vaccinated is important for persons caring for young children, adults over 65, and those caring for persons with certain medical conditions. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening.

Find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov. For the latest on Kansas influenza news, visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu.

Government, Kansas

KDOT Secretary Given National Award

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Lorenz receives national transportation award
ORLANDO, FLA. – Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz was awarded the 2022 George S. Bartlett Award given jointly by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for her outstanding leadership and extensive service in transportation.

Through AASHTO, Lorenz is currently leading a national effort to develop a united vision for state DOTs to deliver community centered transportation. The vision will provide state DOTs a range of strategies they can deploy to make transportation work better for people and communities in their states.

“Transportation is about people, those we serve, and those we work with to better deliver improvements in our communities, said Secretary Lorenz. “I’m honored to receive this award from organizations and colleagues I greatly admire because of our shared vision to make transportation safer and work better for all Americans.”

Lorenz has been actively involved in TRB for more than 15 years on numerous committees as well as the Chair of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel on Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. She is Immediate Past President of AASHTO’s Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials, which serves 10 states in the Midwest. In addition, Lorenz serves on AASHTO’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as well as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Aviation.

In 2019, Lorenz was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to lead KDOT. This is her second tour of duty at the agency as she served as the Director of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2011.

Previously, Lorenz directed national engineering firms’ strategic consulting and public engagement services for transportation projects at the local, regional and national levels.

Lorenz received the award on Oct. 22 at the AASHTO 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Area News, Bourbon County

K-7 pavement repair project to start at Girard into Bourbon County

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In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).

 

Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.

 

Bourbon County Local News