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Chamber Coffee Hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library on April 11
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 9
Communities can learn to create walk-, bike-friendly towns during April 24 webinar
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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
April 5, 2024
Tax Relief was passed in the 11th hour of regular session. Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2036 will:
- eliminate state income tax on Social Security
- exempt $100,000 of the valuation for homeowners of the 20 mill for K-12
- lower the 20 mill for K-12 to 19.5 for all property owners
- eliminate state sales tax on non-prepared groceries July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025
- provide income tax cuts for all Kansas taxpayers by:
- a two tier income tax bracket changing 5.7 to 5.55, 5.25 to 5.15, and 3.1 is eliminated
- personal exemptions are currently at $2,250 and will increase to $9,160 for a single filer; $18,320 married; and $2,320 for each dependent
- standard deduction increases 3%; single $3,500 to $3,605; married $8,000 to $8,240
- eliminate Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund
You may remember the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 539 and the House passed their tax package in House Substitute (H Sub) for SB 300. Leadership decided not to act on the other chambers proposed tax cuts. Instead, they put together a plan with the Governor. It was in the first version of CCR 2036, which passed the Senate 38 to 1, but was overwhelming rejected by the House. Later the next day, I requested information for a tax plan and, coincidentally, the House Tax Chairman had requested information for the same plan. It made sense because each of us used 539 and 300 as a basis to create the tax plan listed above. It passed the Senate 24 to 9 on a bipartisan vote. Seven senators were absent. Interestingly, 8 Democrats and 1 Republican in the Senate voted No. The House passed it 119 to 0. It is known the Governor doesn’t favor the legislation, but she will be going against all the House members in her party if she vetoes it.
The Budget has even more pork after conference committee negotiations of CCR 28. The Senate had voted to block the 90% pay raise for legislators, but the conference committee put it back. They put in spending for theaters, sports programs, and many other special interest items. What they didn’t concentrate on was infrastructure and security, which is what government should be doing. I did not support this runaway spending. It passed the Senate 26 to 12 and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
K-12 Budget was in CCR 387. It didn’t pass the House until late in session and the Senate never got a chance to hear or work the legislation. It was an up or down vote, no amendments allowed. The Senate voted 12 to 26. A motion was made to send it back to committee on Thursday. The conference committee was able to meet Friday and negotiate a new K-12 budget. We will vote on the new version of the CCR when we return for veto session. A majority of us decided that over $6 billion spending, over $4 billion from State General Funds (SGF), and getting less than 30 minutes to look at the legislation was reason not to support it.
Lies are rampant in the Capitol. Tom Petty said, “I won’t back down”. “Well I know what’s right; I got just one life; In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around; But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”
We cannot back down and must stand for the truth. For example, this week there was a reporter who said that I used foul language. Two witnesses who were sitting next to me and we all said that the reporter was wrong, yet the reporter and his editor refused to write a retraction. A few local papers picked up the “fake news”. Another example is a Representative and others who continues to spew false information that I am blocking legislation for veterans. It’s not even close to the truth and I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and others. There are more examples of misleading narratives and fake news. I will “not back down” and I will continue to stand for the truth, as should everyone because it is self-defeating not to stand for the truth.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
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Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 1
April 1, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Mary Pemberton, Teri Hulsey, James Whitney, Scott Christiansen, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 3-25-2024.
Nelson asked to make an announcement before the minutes were approved. Jim and Clifton agreed to let Nelson make an announcement. Nelson resigned his position as 1st District Commissioner. Nelson stated that he signed up for a section under public comments and then read a prepared statement, and announced his plan to run for Sheriff. Jim and Clifton thanked Nelson for his work as Commissioner and wished him good luck. Nelson left the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton discussed the solar farm projects and stated the same excuse of no zoning was being blamed as it had during the Jayhawk Wind project. Mary said the Commissioners should protect county residents and those adjoining, non-participating landowners. Mary said the current contracts have outlined a 25-foot setback from a neighboring property line, and she feels that is not acceptable. Mary said she does her own research and does not rely on the information provided by others. Mary discussed other areas that are zoned and stated many are allowing alternative energy, but they are not allowed to run amuck and gave an example of Labette County who she said issued a moratorium and stated they would not sign any road use agreements until they received more information on the project. Mary stated most places hold public hearings and said it would be great if the Commissioners held informative meetings for residents. Mary said there will be a presentation given by individuals who have knowledge of solar farms on Wednesday at 6:30 at the Fort Scott Livestock Market. Mary said this will be the first of many meetings and it is informational, not to take a stance for or against the project.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for March. Eric said the fuel prices report was emailed to the Commissioners. Eric stated the bridge project at 160th Street and Fern Road was going well with the old bridge removed and the area being measured for concrete, however; the rain today might cause a delay. The Blackberry project will begin replacing electric poles starting April 30th. Eric said that weather permitting there will be a blast at the Blake Quarry on Thursday. Jim asked if this would be a single blast or a double blast, and Eric stated it will be a double blast as they have more than enough overburden cleared at the quarry. Eric stated the crack sealing machine was started today and they anticipate starting later this week sealing cracks. Eric said they will begin in areas around the shop in case of technical difficulties and plan on committing April and May to crack sealing. A controlled burn was held at Elm Creek Lake last week. Clifton stated he needed to leave in 10-minutes. Eric handed out their 2024 asphalt plan and asked to be placed on the agenda on April 15th to go over the different projects.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda and move SEK-CAP to the next item. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Scott Christiansen and James Whitney, with Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc Public Transportation provided an informational packet that outlines the services they offer residents in Bourbon County. Services started August 28, 2023 in Bourbon County, and so far in March they have had 94 riders. Many riders are in the Fort Scott area, however; they will travel to the smaller towns in Bourbon County with Uniontown and Mapleton having many residents who frequently use their services. Any resident can call to request a ride, but they are unable to haul pets or go into Missouri. SEK-CAP received a $5,000 grant from Health Bourbon County Action Team and contributions from other area businesses to provide services until June 30, 2024 and are asking for $3,000 from Bourbon County to help with operational costs for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Jim said they would think about the request and place the item on next week’s agenda.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, asked for approval to meet with Rob Harrington with Bourbon County REDI to apply for a Communities Facility Grant. Clifton stated he received more information on the grant and Kansas doesn’t do more than 10%. Teri handed out a sheet that outlined the EMS run numbers and explained the difference in numbers from last year versus this year. Teri stated that a transfer is inter-facility, so that is when they took a patient from the ER to a hospital for additional treatment. Since we do not have an ER that is the reason for the jump in the transport numbers and no transfers. Jim thanked Teri for all that she does.
Jim told Susan Walker, CFO, that she would be placed on the agenda for next week for the items she had on the agenda that they were unable to get to since Clifton had to leave early.
Jim and Clifton stated they appreciated what Nelson did as a Commissioner.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:03. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
4-8-2024 Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 25
March 25, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Michael Hoyt, Bo Casper, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, and Marla Heckman were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 3/11/2024, approval of payroll totaling $295,311.50, and approval of accounts payable totaling $445,254.99, and approval of January and February financials. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
The Commissioners opened the hay bids for three properties the county owns. The first was for Elm Creek with the only bid being submitted by Joe Tirri for $500.00. The Commissioners asked how many acres were at Elm Creek and what the bid was last year. Eric stated there are 307.7 total acres at Elm Creek including the lake and shelter sites. The County Clerk stated the bid last year was $3,000 and that the way she published the bids it gives the Commissioners the ability to reject any and/or all bids. After discussion Jim made a motion to accept the bid of $500.00 from Joe Tirri for Elm Creek hay. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Only one bid was received for the 250th Street radio tower site and that was for $50.00 from Joe Tirri. Jim made a motion to accept the bid of $50.00 from Joe Tirri. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. The old landfill site received two bids, one from Joe Tirri for $50.00 and one from Pat Murphy for $316.00. Nelson made a motion to accept the bid from Pat Murphy for $316.00. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Bo Casper voiced his concerns on the safety of the solar panel farms. Mr. Casper asked if the Commissioners know the pros and cons of the solar panel farms. Mr. Casper asked if the solar farms will be inspected after hailstorms to determine if damage was done to the battery packs. The potentially hazardous materials in the lithium battery packs were discussed with possible impact to local water supplies and livestock with Mr. Casper stating solar farms have not been around long and that at one point asbestos and lead pipes were deemed safe and now we know the health issues related to those. Mr. Casper said that individuals who have knowledge and experience in the field will be coming in possibly next week to discuss solar farms and when he knows the time and date, he will advertise for all residents who are interested to attend. Mr. Casper asked for a temporary hold on the installation of the solar panels until more information is gathered because he does not want Bourbon County to be a wasteland like Pitcher, Oklahoma. Jim said that the Commissioners signed a resolution stating that homeowners can do what they want with their land and there is no legal way for the Commissioners to put the solar farms on hold since Bourbon County is not zoned. Nelson said that a lot of residents are putting solar farms on their land as their kids are not interested in farming and they see this as an opportunity to hold on to their land since the are too old to farm. Nelson stated that there are Blythe’s that have leased their land but he wanted to let everybody know that it is not him nor his immediate family. Jim suggested that Mr. Casper speak to KDHE if he thought there were hazardous material that could impact his land and gave him a phone number for Jason Schultz.
Nick Graham asked if the county would receive the hospital building back if Legacy Health went out of business or filed for bankruptcy. Clifton said that Legacy is backed by a million-dollar company. Justin stated that there is a 5-year clause that would allow Bourbon County to receive the building back. It was asked if an emergency room could be in another building besides the hospital building, and Clifton said yes, however; you can’t just build a metal building and put a hospital building in it.
Michael Hoyt discussed a quote from a recent article in the newspaper stating the college would have a $70,000 windfall due to an additional distribution from the county. Mr. Hoyt asked where the funds for the distribution came from. Patty Love, Treasurer, said a TIF fund was set up several years ago and that tax dollars have gone into the fund, but were not being pulled to allocate to other entities during distributions. Mr. Hoyt asked if Patty had a list of all entities who received money from this distribution and said he would submit a KORA request for them.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, informed the Commissioners that it would cost approximately $1,500.00 to hold early voting for one week and asked if they wanted to have early voting available in May when the retailer’s sales tax question is on the ballot. The Commissioners agreed they wanted to have early voting available for residents who cannot make it to their polling place on election day. Jennifer received a public notice from KDHE for the reissuance of a Water Pollution Control permit for the City of Bronson. Jennifer stated that the notice will be available in her office until April 20, 2024 for any resident who wishes to see it or who would like the contact information to submit any questions or concerns. A real property relief application was submitted for Sean and Kim Krokroskia’s property that was destroyed by fire at 928 S. Osbun. Clifton made a motion to approve the real property relief application starting in February 2023 for 928 S. Osbun. Jennifer said since it is the end of the quarter, she is checking on the two remaining appropriations sitting in the contingency fund. The Fair Board is allocated $10,000 and $25, 800 for Bourbon County Senior Citizens. Each board has allowed a representative from Bourbon County to sit on their board, so the Commissioners agreed to fund each appropriation.
Eric Bailey asked for a 5-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and County Counselor Justin Meeks to return at 6:16. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:16 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and County Counselor Justin Meeks to return at 6:22. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:22 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Jenny Goode to speak.
Jenny Goode, property owner in Mapleton, asked for a letter of support for an eminent domain resolution that Cowley County passed. Jenny read the resolution and said that it prohibits eminent domain being used if the property is going to be recreational and states no private development will be allowed for 30 years. Justin Meeks stated that the county cannot pass a resolution that would trump a state or federal law. Nelson said he attended the meeting that was held last Friday in Mapleton for the Pike Reservoir and that landowners were not happy. Nelson said he would be ok signing a resolution against eminent domain even if it doesn’t have teeth to hold up. Clifton said he won’t sign any resolution that would overstep his bounds. Jim asked Jenny to give a copy of the resolution she read to the County Clerk.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said that the bridge project will start tomorrow so 160th Street between Express Road and Fern Road will be closed for the next month.
Clifton said he has stated in public and on paper that he is against eminent domain, however; he has no dog in the fight. Jim said that the reservoir project is a state project that he feels was not handled well from day one. Nelson said he would advocate against the use of eminent domain. Nelson said a prayer during his commission comment time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:31. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
4-1-2024 Approved Date
Obituary of Jolene West
Jolene Wanett West, age 82, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Garnett, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Jolene was born January 22, 1942, in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Gaede and Mary Lou Gibson Gaede. She married Harold A. West on August 30, 1963. They were married for fifty-eight years until Harold tragically passed away in a car accident on December 15, 2021.
Jolene had a talent for crocheting and enjoyed making afghans for friends and family members along with numerous southern bell-style doll dresses. She also enjoyed fishing, collecting all types of decorative birds, playing cards and playing Wahoo.
Jolene will be remembered for the love she had for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Area families might remember seeing Jolene from her years of working at the Ft. Scott Medicalodge.
Jolene is survived by her three children, Harold A. West II (Shaun), Cindy Brubaker (Troy) and John West along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers and two sisters.
In addition to her husband, Harold, Jolene was preceded in death by her daughter, Kay Ratzlaff in 2008, and also by two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Green Lantern Speakeasy Debuts This Month In Downtown Fort Scott
A new business venture, in the former Scottish Rite Temple, is unique to Fort Scott.
A speakeasy bar was opened by Kathy and Tracy Dancer this month.
One hundred years ago the government tried to ban alcoholic beverages.
In 1919, Congress ratified the 18th Amendment, banning the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages. However, there were no provisional funds for anything beyond token enforcement, according to https://www.atf.gov/our-history/timeline/18th-amendment-1919-national-prohibition-act
“Speakeasy was a term used during Prohibition for drinking establishments and illegal bars,” said Kathy Dancer, owner of the
new Fort Scott speakeasy. “They were usually hidden away in a building and sometimes you needed a password to be allowed to enter. Fort Scott had several speakeasies including The Green Lantern, operated by J.D. McClintock.”
Kathy is the owner and her husband Tracy is the operations manager.
“In recent years, speakeasies (although no longer illegal) have become popular again,” she said. “Some are just regular bars while others are much more elaborate and keep the original spirit of the historic Prohibition-era speakeasies.”
The Dancers, Kathy and Tracy, purchased the old Scottish Rite Temple building at 110 S. Main a few years ago.
They added a retail shop, then a cafe and now are venturing into a speakeasy bar.
“These really are labors of love and we enjoy sharing them with the community,” Kathy said.
“110 South Main was originally constructed in the early 1920s, during the Prohibition era,” she said. “We thought a speakeasy would be a great fit as an additional business for the space. It’s also an opportunity to bring something very unique to Fort Scott. We have named the speakeasy The Green Lantern, after the original Fort Scott speakeasy.”
The Green Lantern will be located inside the 110 South Main building on the second floor.
“The Green Lantern honors the tradition of speakeasies from the 1920s while adding some modern touches,” she said. “We will serve premium cocktails and Kansas-produced wines. The speakeasy space has a very historic look and vibe with 1920s music and occasional visits from flapper girls and gangsters. Patrons will need a password to get in. Clues for the password will be posted on the speakeasy Facebook page: Green Lantern Partners LTD.”
To view the Facebook page:
The space has already been used for private events and the Dancers are doing several previews/soft opening on evenings in April.
“We have not established set days and times yet but we will post them on the Facebook page,” she said.
Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale is May 3-4
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Nominations Open for 2024 Minority, Women Enterprise Development Awards
TOPEKA – Today Lieutenant Governor and Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a call for nominations for the 2024 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards. These annual awards are one way the agency acknowledges and observes the growing impact that minority- and women-led companies have on their communities and the Kansas economy.
“There are many amazing businesses and businesspeople working hard and making exceptional contributions throughout our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Taking time to celebrate and congratulate minority- and women-owned businesses and their work is important as they are critical to keeping the Kansas economy vibrant and growing.”
Presented by the Office of Minority and Women Business Development (MWBD), the awards are given to minority- and women-owned businesses in 14 different categories (see complete list here), including the Governor’s Distinguished Business Award winner. Introduced last year, this is the highest honor the state awards at this event to a company or individual for their contributions.
“Our theme, ‘Heritage to Legacy,’ embodies the journey of Kansas businesses, rooted in tradition, yet paving the way for a prosperous future,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Taylor Overton said. “Throughout the evening, we will honor the resilience, innovation and contributions of minority- and women-owned businesses, acknowledging their role in shaping the economy.”
MED Week is celebrated to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority businesses that continue to support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. Minority- and women-owned businesses translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. They sustain the individual worker and contribute to the economic security for families, as well as the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.
To nominate a business or person (self-nominations accepted), click here. Nominations will be accepted through July 12.
The Office of MWBD will recognize all nominees and winners at a special event this fall. Danielle Martin, television and podcast host, will be the emcee. More details will be announced at a later date. Companies interested in sponsoring the event can find more information here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest
Contact Name: Kirk Sharp
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org
Fort Scott, Kan. April. 8, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?”. This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”
This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All of the photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 3 – 5, 2024. All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.
For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.
“Family Legacy” by Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS was the 1st place winner in the 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was: ““Family, Home and Roots””.
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