The Bourbon County Repubilcans will have a regular meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 6pm, Ft Scott Livestock Market.
Submitted by Deb Martin
Bo Co Republicans Meet on April 25
Special Meeting of the FSCC Board of Trustees on April 12
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. After calling the meeting to order, the Board will adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 8
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Attachments:
Bourbon County, Kansas
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
April 8, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 4/1/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $296,979.09
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $558,052.08
- Public Comments
- SEK-CAP Request for Funding
- Susan Walker, CFO
- NRP
- CFO Response
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- KDHE Public Notice
- Election Information
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- 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.
Farm Service Agency Offers Retroactive Four County Wildfire Recovery Assistance for Winter Grazing Losses
Producers must apply for 2021 winter grazing losses by June 7, 2024
MANHATTAN, Kan., April 5, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding emergency wildfire recovery assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for producers who were impacted by the Four County Fire that started on Dec. 15, 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is retroactively implementing a 365-day grazing period for perennial forage that was intended for grazing during calendar year 2021 in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne and contiguous counties.
Producers who raised grass and other forages that were left standing for winter grazing can soon apply for ELAP assistance. The 60-day special enrollment period opens April 8 and closes June 7, 2024, for 2021 winter grazing losses on native grass and perennial forage, caused by wildfires.
“To offer critical compensation to producers who suffered lost forage and grazing, FSA has modified the grazing period for 2021 wildfire losses to make these winter grazing losses — that were originally considered outside of the normal grazing period — eligible for ELAP assistance,” said Dennis McKinney, FSA State Executive Director in Kansas.
Eligibility
This expanded program policy only applies to losses on native grass or other perennial forage intended for grazing that would now qualify under the 365-day grazing period. Only losses caused by wildfire between Oct. 16 and Dec. 31, 2021, are eligible. Producers must have had a risk in the eligible grazing land and the eligible livestock at the time the loss condition occurred.
More Information
For more information on ELAP assistance or to apply, contact your local USDA Service Center.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on April 9
The Uniontown City Council will meet on April 9 at 7 p.m. in city hall for a regular meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
2024 Financials – March
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Heather Jackson
Tena Smith
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 and March 25, 2024 Special Council Meetings
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
County has scheduled a special election on May 12, our council meeting date – change date of meeting or have county change location?
Motion by ____________, Second by _____________, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Project –
Pickleball court project –
Warehouse refurbishing –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes for March 25
The Special Council Meeting on March 25, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin (5:31), Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:05PM
Johnson in at 5:41, out at 5:42. Open meeting resumed at 6:05.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to authorize Mayor Jurgensen to hire a City Clerk at $15/hour with benefits as specified in employee policy manual
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 6:08PM
Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes of March 19
The Special Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:15PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Ashley Endicott, Brooke Gilfert, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:45PM
Mary Pemberton out at 5:30. Ashley Endicott in at 5:30, out at 5:57. Mary Pemberton in at 5:57. Brooke Gilfert in at 6:00, out at 6:19. Open meeting resumed at 6:45.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:15PM
Sally Johnson in at 7:10, out at 7:15. Open meeting resumed at 7:15.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:05PM
Johnson in at 7:45, out at 7:56. Open meeting resumed at 8:05.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on March 25, 2024, 5:30PM for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss offer for position of non-elected personnel
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:06PM
Uniontown City Council Minutes of March 12
The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend. Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission. He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets. After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented. The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.
Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2024 Special Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM
Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35. Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working. He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back. He will work spring through fall.
Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened. April 1 was decided on.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St. Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.
Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale. Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed. Someone did initial the wet concrete. Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled. It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also. A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated. Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.
Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock. A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson. Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.
It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse. Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM
Reducing Food Waste on Earth Day (And Every Day!)
By Clara Misenhelter
Southwind Extension District
With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it is timely to be thinking about what you can do to make a difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that wasted food is responsible for more than half of landfill methane emissions. Clearly, reducing food waste can make a difference for the environment. However, did you know that reducing food waste can also save you money? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average U.S. household can save about $370 per person each year by reducing food waste.
So, how can you reduce your food waste to help both the environment and your wallet? Check out these tips from K-State Research and Extension:
- Shop your refrigerator first. Check to see what you already have before you create your weekly meal plan.
- Don’t forget about leftovers! Label your leftovers with the date to ensure you will eat them or freeze them within 3-4 days. All leftovers should be reheated to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer for food safety.
- Make a shopping list and stick to it. This will help curb that pesky impulse shopping that can cause you to purchase items you won’t be able to use in time.
- Store your food properly. Food stored improperly will spoil more quickly and need to be thrown away. One key tip is to place an appliance thermometer in both your refrigerator and in your freezer. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below.
However, it is also important to keep in mind the following rule: When in doubt, throw it out! If you are not sure whether a food item is spoiled or still safe to eat, it is best to discard it.
For more information on the tips listed above as well as others, visit bit.ly/ksrefoodwaste. In addition, consider attending one of the free educational programs I will be offering on Earth Day (April 22nd) to learn about food waste, meal planning, reducing a recipe, strategic grocery shopping, proper food storage, extending the life of food, and checking food product dates. Join me at the Woodson County Ambulance Building in Yates Center (114 N. Main St.) from 12:05 PM to 12:50 PM or at the Southwind Extension District Office in Iola (1006 N. State St.) from 5:15 PM to 6 PM. Contact me with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Citizens For The ER Will Hold Town Hall Meetings in Fort Scott and Uniontown This Month
A citizen group working independently of the county commission plans a few community town hall meetings to inform people of the upcoming sales tax question on the May 14 ballot.
The group, Citizens For The ER, is presenting two town hall meetings regarding the one-quarter cent Bourbon County sales tax dedicated to re-opening the local emergency room.
The meeting aims to address questions and concerns about the sales tax.
Meetings are scheduled for:
Fort Scott on Thursday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott Community College Ellis Center.
Uniontown on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room.
“This is an opportunity to learn how your vote will impact the well-being of our county,” said Charles Gentry, a member of the group.
“Our purpose is to support obtaining an emergency room (in the county) by getting the ¼ cent retail sales tax passed,” said Randy Nichols, another member. “The members are myself, Jamie Armstrong, Craig Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry, Mark McCoy, and Doug Ropp.”
McCoy will be the moderator of the meetings.
“We are taking on the issue because we all feel strongly the need to have an ER for both community health and economic well-being,” Nichols said.
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Hospitality by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Several years ago, my stepdaughter Nikki and her husband, Dave, redid their backyard. They added a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a sit-down counter for eight, an outdoor television, and an area for cornhole and games. It became the hangout for their friends and the friends of their three, teenage children.
From that point on, rarely were they invited to someone else’s house. They were expected to host every get-together. People couldn’t wait for the next event. Oh, the guests might bring an appetizer or drink, but most of that costly responsibility, prep, and cleanup, fell on Dave’s and Nikki’s shoulders.
My husband, Dave, and I had a similar experience in Mexico where we owned a bottom-floor condominium for 15 years. Ours became the gathering spot, and several times, we were asked, “We had so much fun the other night. When are you having another get-together?” A few reciprocated, but some never did. After years of this, I began mortifying Dave by responding, “Or maybe we could come to your place sometime.” If I didn’t hear “Yea, maybe,” I heard, “My wife doesn’t like to have people over. But we sure enjoy coming to your place.”
Recently, Dave and I were at Nikki’s, and she and I began discussing how some people use all kinds of excuses not to open their homes to guests. Typically, it’s because their house isn’t as nice or as big and doesn’t have all the conveniences, but that’s not the point. When Dave played baseball and we lived in a small apartment, we hosted almost every team event. Players owned large, beautiful homes, but they never shared their houses for get-togethers. They just asked when we were having another party.
On Sunday, we went to my grandson-in-law’s church and heard a sermon on hospitality, on how important it is to invite people over instead of shutting them out. The pastor used the example of Zaccheus, the tax collector who climbed a tree in order to get a look at Jesus as he passed by. Jesus called him by name and said that he wanted to go to Zaccheus’s house, a request that was met with a quick “yes.” How many of us would be panicked instead of welcoming an unexpected guest?
Let’s face it. We now live in a world that is cold and impersonal, yet Romans 12:13 instructs us to “Practice hospitality” which has nothing to do with impressing others with our fine linens, fresh flowers, spotless home and perfect children. Some of us need to stop with the lies that tell us we have to be perfect, that our homes belong to us, not God, and that our possessiveness about our personal time many times isn’t linked to laziness or selfishness.
Jesus seemed to know that true fellowship, true intimacy, happens around a dinner table. Why else would he choose his final evening on earth to be centered around a table with his disciples? A table owned not by a friend but by a nameless person whose servant, according to Mark 14:12-17, led two disciples to an upstairs room prepared for a dinner for 12.
When Dave and I first attended a church near our home in Tomball, Texas, Mollie and Cal introduced themselves and invited us to their house after the service. I explained that we had three children, but Mollie answered, “Perfect. So do we!” That friendship (as well as other couples we met through them) has lasted for the past 30 years.
Billie Graham said it best. “The happiest Christian homes I know are those given to hospitality, where neighbors feel at home, where young people are welcome, where the elderly are respected, where children are loved.” Maybe that’s what this cold, impersonal world is missing.