The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:30 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Ag Building for a budget hearing to amend the 2023-24 budget.
As soon as the budget hearing is completed, the board will move into a brief regular meeting to approve personnel actions and address a few general business items.
Kathryn Ruth Wunderly, age 72, of rural Fort Scott, KS passed away peacefully with her family at her side Monday, June 24, 2024, at her home. She was born September 8, 1951, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Robert J. Sr. and Lucille Goltra. Kathryn attended Fort Scott schools and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald F. Wunderly on June 18, 1971.
Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home and two children, Kenneth Wunderly and wife, Kerry, and daughter Jennifer Richards and husband Jeremiah and their children Calista, Lucia, Bede, Boaz, Frances, and Imogene all of Fort Scott, KS. Also surviving are her mother, Lucille, Fort Scott, KS.; brothers Robert J. Goltra Jr. (Carol), Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen), Fort Scott, KS, and Timothy Goltra (Shirley), Fort Scott, KS; sisters Mary Brown, Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain, Fort Scott, KS, Carole Minor, Fort Scott, KS, and Teri Crays (Brent), Fort Scott, KS. Also, her Wunderly family, Barbara Schmidt, Fort Scott, KS, Linda Wunderly, Mound City, KS., Michael Wunderly, Fort Scott, KS, Daniel Wunderly (Stephanie), Redfield, KS, Donald Wunderly (Peggy), Fort Scott, KS., and Joseph Wunderly (Marsha), Fulton, KS, as well as many loving nephews, nieces, and a host of long-time friends.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Robert, sister Patrica Hall, father and mother-in-law Fred and Julia Wunderly; brothers-in-law Bob Cook, Monty Brown, Raymond Schmidt, Floyd Minor, and Lawrence Wunderly; sister-in-law Patricia Cook; and nephew Daniel Hall.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the funeral mass at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 29th, at the Kennedy Gym.
Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Friday June 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel followed by visitation from 6:30 until 8:00.
Memorials are suggested to the Kathy Wunderly Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at chenewitt.com.
American Express and Main Street America today announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/500-small-business-owners-receive-10-000-grants-through-backing-small-businesses-program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.
“We are truly thrilled to provide additional support to our country’s small business owners through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, along with our partners at American Express,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “These grants are no small thing – and will go far in helping our neighborhood and downtown entrepreneurs build capacity, continue to innovate and grow, and make meaningful contributions in their home communities.”
Bourbon County Republican Central Committee met on Thursday, June 20, at Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd and after a lengthy discussion, those present gave votes of no-confidence to Bourbon County Commissioners Clifton Beth and Jim Harris.
The no-confidence vote was for violating the Bourbon County Commission Ordinance on a Code of Conduct, Resolution 22-20, signed on June 30, 2022 by those sitting on the commission at the time: Jeff Fischer, Lynn Ohara and Nick Ruhl.
Twenty-nine of those present voted yes to no-confidence in these two commissioners, 6 abstained and, 0 voted no, according to C.J. Robison, a member of the committee who spoke during the county commission meeting on June 24.
To view the resolution:
Highlights of the resolution of the code of conduct for county officials:
Commission Meeting Discussion on Solar Continues
The vote of no-confidence was not related to the solar farm issues that have been discussed at recent commission meetings, according to a Republican Party member, who wished to remain anonymous.
At the commission meeting on Monday, the discussion centered around the handling of the current solar energy projects coming into Bourbon County.
At the commission meeting, Commissioner Harris said “We have no zoning or any other tool to say they can’t come in…without zoning we have no legal action.”
“The solar companies are here,” Commissioner Beth said. “They have spent money and signed contracts with people. We can’t use inverse condemnation to take away those property rights. I wouldn’t do it and it’s not covered under our insurance for it.”
Inverse condemnation is the taking of property by a government agency which so greatly damages the use of a parcel of real property that it is the equivalent of condemnation of the entire property, according to law.com
To view the commission meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipMhd686wG0
Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
On Thursday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom with a 21 gun salute.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
9 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Small Arms (musket) Demonstration/ 21 gun salute to our nation
Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Park buildings will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. July 4th, but the bookstore will be closed. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
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June 21, 2024
Special Session resulted in two bills becoming law, Senate Bill (SB) 1, tax relief for all Kansans, and House Bill (HB) 2001, an expansion of the Sales Tax And Revenue (STAR) Bonds program.
No State Income Tax On Social Security is a major win in SB 1 that will help over 76,000 Kansans. The average savings will be around $1,300 a year according to Legislative Research. I have been leading this effort for a few years. It is now law.
Lower Income Taxes for all Kansas taxpayers is a win; by decreasing the 5.7 bracket to 5.58, the 5.25 to 5.2, and 3.1 to 0; increasing the current $2,250 personal exemptions to $9,160 for a single filer, $18,320 for married, and $2,320 for each dependent; and increasing standard deductions 3% – single filer from $3,500 to $3,605 and married from $8,000 to $8,240. A Kansas family, married filing jointly with two dependents, taking a standard deduction will not pay income tax on the first $31,200 of earnings – which happens to be the current federal poverty level.
Property tax relief comes from increasing the current $44,700 exemption to $75,000 when calculating the K-12 20 mill. It was reported to be about $70 savings for a homeowner. It is much smaller than many of us wanted. Also lost were future tax cuts based on inflation, so as inflation increases the property tax exemption $75,000 for homeowners, all standard deductions and personal exemptions would have also increased – thus lowering your taxes. The grocery sales tax going to 0% earlier than next year was lost. Because the Governor and a handful of legislators refused to support tax bills that overwhelmingly passed during session, you will continue to pay 2% state sales tax on groceries until Jan 1, 2025. They blocked those items from becoming law with over $4 billion of taxpayer money sitting in the state coffers. SB 1 was as good as we could get this year for major tax cuts. SB 1 also abolishes the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR) and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund. No money has been transferred to these funds for over 20 years.
The STAR Bonds program is basically a loan via bonds used to build a project, except STAR Bonds, i.e. loans, are paid off with sales tax and other revenue (taxes) collected in a designated STAR Bond district. The owner of the property doesn’t pay for the facility being built, the STAR Bonds and taxes pay for most, if not all of it. HB 2001, expanding STAR Bonds, sailed through the special session. It didn’t have the votes during regular session, but over 30 lobbyists were hired to push it during a “special session”. HB 2001 allows STAR Bonds to be issued and to pay for 70% of a Chiefs, Royals, and/or practice stadiums to be built. It also allows for STAR Bonds to pay for businesses like restaurants, hotels and others, with sales taxes and other revenue (taxes). Previous STAR Bond projects were funded at 50%, not 70%, and had a 20 year payback, not the 30 year payback in HB 2001. Another change is that 100% of taxes collected on alcohol sales can be used to pay off the bonds. Can you believe the law requires revenues filed with Kansas Department of Revenue in connection to STAR bonds for sports stadiums “shall be kept confidential” and if disclosed subject to legal penalties? And then the law puts a handful of legislative leaders in control of extensions and one person in charge of the program. Local tax money, property taxes and such, could also be used to develop these stadiums. Just look at Wyandotte County property taxes to see what exempting the NASCAR racetrack and other properties do for local homeowners in the area. They have some of the highest mill levies, which means higher taxes. Another question, how will they secure the property to build? Eminent domain was used to force homeowners, landowners, businesses, and even a church to sell their property to build a racetrack. There are always reasons to vote yes or no on a bill, but the negatives outweighed the excitement of one of the most generous giveaways to a professional sports team ever, so I voted No.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
June 17, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Marla Heckman, Mike Wunderly, Deb Needleman, Bo Casper, Michael Hoyt, Joe Ludlum, Jean Tucker, Pete Owenby, and Brent M. Smith 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 6-10-2024, approval of payroll totaling $238,157.83, and approval of accounts payable totaling $361,343.72. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker spoke about how quickly the Road and Bridge crew was out replacing a downed stop sign and stated the mowing crew was doing an excellent job.
Joe Ludlum thanked the Commissioners for signing the solar project and stated he doubted that county zoning could have improved it. Mr. Ludlum said he thinks that all PILOT funds from solar and wind should be distributed. Mr. Ludlum spoke of how Linn County and Coffey County benefit from electric power and urged the Commissioners to disband any committee charged with setbacks as agreements have already been signed. Mr. Ludlum stated solar panels are in yards and on rooftops and that KDHE should be the one to decide if the solar panels are safe. Mr. Ludlum stated he is a lease holder and is among 70 who signed with wind and 30 who signed with solar. Mr. Ludlum said that for the wind turbines the landowner receives $15,000 per turbine and that solar is on a per acre basis which can be anywhere from $250-$2500 per acre. Mr. Ludlum said he currently has a property leased now for hunting and pasture ground and will make more in one year on solar than he would in ten years leased for hunting and pasture.
Michael Hoyt thanked the Commissioners for all the work they did on the hospital and stated now that there is a plan in the open, he is 100% behind it as long as there is transparency. Michael referred to a comment made last week how individual’s party affiliation is nobody’s business and stated he knows what presidents he voted for but that is nobody’s business.
Mary Pemberton stated last week the Commission approved fireworks permits and resolution 21-91 states” whereas the Board of County Commissioners find that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Bourbon County to regulate the sale and display of fireworks and the location of stands for the said sale and display.” Mary said if you can regulate one industry why can’t you regulate another such as solar and wind. Jim said they are moving forward with Mary’s request to form a committee to work on setbacks.
Deb Needleman asked for the same amount of funding as last year for the 2025 year for Bourbon County Senior Citizens. Deb said that last year it was decided to take money from their budget to pay SEK Area Agency on Aging directly for the Meals on Wheels food prep and she said they are ok with that provided the quality of the food remains acceptable. Deb stated they have volunteers who work approximately 150 hours a month at the center and they provide 92 monthly meal boxes to seniors and 150 families in the community receive commodities every other month. Deb explained they are looking for grants to repair and stabilize the north wall of their building.
Rob Harrington said he would like to give an overview of what went into the project to get healthcare into Bourbon County. Rob stated in 2022 they began the process of bringing in Legacy and they were approached by the ER and at that point the Commissioners waived the lease rate to keep the ER. Rob said that soon after that we had to forego clinic rent of approximately $23,000 per month to get the helipad. Rob said thanks to REDI and Bourbon County the hospital building is now full with the SEK Mental Health Center and Kansas Renewal Institute. Rob stated KRI has 60 new employees and added a needed and necessary service to the state and they currently have a waiting list of over 100 kids who need care. Rob stated that multiple organizations were spoken to in attempts to bring in an ER only and that with Freeman we now will have a hospital as well. Rob thanked the Commissioners, the committee who helped with the retail sales tax, and the EMS staff for all their hard work.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a disaster relief application for Terry and Patricia West’s barn that was destroyed by a tornado on April 26, 2024. Clifton made a motion to approve the abatement for the barn destroyed by a tornado at 1674 115th Street. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented nine letters that were received by individuals who are interested on being on the solar panel committee. After discussion it was determined to add the letters to the end of next week’s meeting. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to open the letters and contact those individuals and invite them to the next meeting. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved Jennifer presented a title for EMS unit #1 for the Chairman to sign and explained this unit was approved for trade in last year on a remount ambulance that is now ready for delivery. Clifton made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the title. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented the lease agreement for the Sany mini excavator that was approved for Public Works to purchase at last week’s meeting. Brandon made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the lease agreement. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer reminded the Commissioners of the budget work session that will take place next week beginning at 1:00 in the Commission Room.
Brandon stated he did not have any comments for tonight.
Jim said he was contacted by the interim President at FSCC who would like to meet with Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott to discuss roads at the college. Jim said no decisions would be made that this was just fact finding. Brandon said he is fine with Jim meeting with them. Jim said received an invitation to represent the Commission and attend a finance meeting on July 2nd in Chanute with Senator Moran. Clifton and Brandon stated they are fine with that.
Clifton made a motion that the three Commissioners will be at the budget work session next Monday. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:21. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-24-2024 Approved Date
Aletha F. Koppa, age 87, a former resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and more recently of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1937, in Walker, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Willa Harden. Aletha married Herman Koppa on April 14, 1957, in Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha occasionally worked as a file clerk; however, her main occupation was being a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She worked hard making sure the needs of her family were met. Special memories were made while camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Herman, of Paola and her five children, Linda Peters and husband, Randall of Olathe, Kansas, Roger Koppa of Texas, Beverly Koppa, of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Koppa of Kansas City, Kansas and Mark Koppa of Paola, Kansas; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Harden of Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell, Dutch, Allen and Charles Harden and three sisters, Marguerite Kittsmiller, Rosemary Brundridge, and Glady Newby.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery, Hiattville, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.
Contact Name: Kirk Sharp FOR IMMEDIATE
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 RELEASE
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 24, 2024 –The Gordon Parks Museum is very excited to announce that the Timken
Foundation of Canton has awarded a grant in the amount of $46,000.00 to the Gordon Parks Museum. This
generous award will fund the museum’s technology and interactive displays expansion project that will focus
on the visitors’ experience and engagement throughout the museum and for events.
The expansion will include the purchase of over six large (43 to 86-inch) interactive touch screen displays and
monitors with portable stands with tilting capabilities, printer and high-resolution scanner, digital video
cameras, upgraded laptops, tablets, hard drives and panel displays for photographs and poetry exhibitions.
This expansion will also include audio devices for visitors with hearing disabilities to help make the museum
more accessible.
“We are truly grateful to the Timken Foundation for this incredible investment and support of our museum,”
said Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “This grant will give us the ability to significantly
update and enhance the museum’ visitor experience with the expansion of technology and accessibility
throughout the museum. We can’t thank Timken enough for this wonderful and very generous gift.”
For more information about the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or visit
http:www.gordonparkscenter.org/.
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Revised Summer Hours at the Gordon Parks Museum
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 24, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum revised summer hours will be Monday through
Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum will be closed every Friday along with the Fort Scott Community
College campus starting this Friday, June 28 through July 26, 2024. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact
the museum by email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-2700, ext. 5850.
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