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Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto on March 14
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Prescribed Fire Planned in March at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott, Kan. – Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers at the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie this March 2024. The soonest date will be this Wednesday, March 13th, if conditions are safe and will meet the park’s goals. The specific date and ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.
“We are looking forward to implementing this prescribed fire (Rx) project with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to annually use fire to enhance the resilience of the ecosystem, results in a more diverse tallgrass prairie, and provides a better habitat for migratory birds and pollinators.” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.
During typical Rx fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northwest, up and over the highway. Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire. Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 are not expected during the burn.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, Prescribed fire at the entrance to the Tallgrass Prairie Trail.
John E. Johnson Jr. Escaped From Jo. Co. Department of Corrections
Submitted photo.
Minimum-Custody Offender John Evans Johnson, Jr. Placed on Escape Status from Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center
~Should be considered dangerous~
GARDNER, Kansas. –
Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.
Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.
He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.
Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.
Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.
A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.
The Obituary of Peter Graham
On Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, Peter Michael Graham went to his true home in Heaven. His last hours were spent in his parents’ arms as he peacefully passed away at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., with his grandmothers nearby.
Peter was born January 9, 2020, at Ascencion Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan., to Doug and Kristen Graham of Girard, Kan. He was baptized by Fr. Floyd McKinney at St. Michael Catholic Church in Girard and attended regularly with his family when his health allowed.
Peter was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Edgar Henry Graham, Jr. of Uniontown, Kan., and Steven Francis VanLeeuwen of Brazilton, Kan., as well as an uncle, Christopher Andrew Graham. He is survived by his parents, his grandmothers, Nancy Sue Graham of Uniontown and Mary Deanne VanLeeuwen of Girard, and his five siblings: Gabrielle (11), Andrew (10), Elizabeth (8), Katherine (5), and Daniel (2).
Peter had been fighting a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since March 2023. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as the medical professionals and support staff who had become such an important part of his life over the past year.
Peter was a loving and playful boy with a big smile and a mischievous sense of humor. He enjoyed mixing up his Play-Doh colors and conducting “experiments” with his slime. He loved Mickey Mouse, superheroes, and the stuffed animals that kept him company when he wasn’t feeling well.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at the church hall at St. Michael Catholic Church. A rosary will follow at 7 p.m. for anyone who would like to participate.
Fr. Daniel Vacca will conduct a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at St. Michael Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush seven miles west of Girard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family, who intend to distribute the funds to organizations that provided support throughout Peter’s treatment, and may be left in care of Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John St., Girard, KS 66743.
New Apartments Are Coming To Fort Scott
The former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street, will soon be 24 standard market apartments.
Shane Lamb, president of Rural Asset Management and Rural Redevelopment Group, De Soto, KS. decided to take on the development project, even after not receiving grants to help.
“We didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds,” he said. “We did apply for them but did not receive any. I am doing this on our own.”
“The rental complex hasn’t been named yet,” he said. “We will in the coming weeks.”
The building is approximately 20,000 square feet. “It’s been completely gutted and new everything,” Lamb said.
Lamb purchased the Fort Scott Manor property in January of 2022, he said. “It was closed down by the state several years ago, then went through bankruptcy proceedings. I believe it had been closed for three years.”
The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market.
“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”
“We should have the majority of the repairs done in the next six months and plan to have it 100 percent completed and occupied by winter,” Lamb said.
Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.
“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy.”
Lamb said there was a glitch in the Iola project that paused it for several years.
“W had a neighbor that was on a city council that blocked rezoning for almost 4 years,” Lamb said in a later interview. “The project has since started and is being remodeled as we speak. The project is slated to be done within a year.”
Obituary of Janice Good Waltmire
Janice (Good) Waltmire, AGE 86, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
She was born the youngest of four children in Mound City, Kansas on August 20th, 1937, to the late Ralph and Hayden Good. Janice met her lifelong love, the late Harvalee Waltmire in high school, and the two were married in 1958, sharing 65 years together. They moved to Overland Park, KS to raise their family before retiring and moving to their farm in Fulton, Kansas.
Janice found her greatest joy in the time she spent with family and friends. Whether vacations to Colorado, weekend motorcycling, singing in the church choir, or dancing with Harv in their living room, her stories of love, and laughter leave the most lasting memories.
She was known for her down-home charm and hospitality, making everyone feel like family. To her last moment, Janice left us with warmth, affection, and a lasting smile that will live on in those who will always love her.
Janice is survived by her children: Vera (Jeff) Heller of Houston, TX, Brian (Gina) Waltmire of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Rachel, Brooke, Samantha, Max; seven great-grandchildren; and brother: Bill Good of Nevada, MO.
Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 am March 14, 2024, at Fulton Methodist Church, Fulton, KS. Burial will follow at Osaga Cemetery, Fulton, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memorial made to the Colon Cancer Coalition. Donations 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 cheneywitt.com.
Find The Golden Egg Shopping Event Is March 22-23
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 12
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 4
March 4, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Bonnie Smith, Steve Fortenberry, Michael Hoyt, Patty Ropp. Clint Walker, Rachel Walker Jason Silvers, Debra Martin, and Brent M. Smith were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Chairman Harris read a statement outlining protocols of meetings going forward. Jim stated they want audience participation; however it needs to be polite and professional and the interruptions must be stopped. Jim said if an individual is interrupting, they will receive one warning then a motion will be made to ask the individual to leave.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-26-24. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker said he read an article about the Pittsburg State University skills program who did tuck pointing and masonry work on shelter houses and suggested someone contact them to see if they would be interested in having their students work on the shelters at Elm Creek. Clint also said the road and bridge crews have been hauling gravel and doing a good job.
Thomas Russell stated he is here representing the Bourbon County Republican party and said they looked over resolution 04-24 that was presented by Nelson last month and they agreed to take the phrases “churches and religious organizations” out of the resolution. Thomas presented a revised copy of resolution 04-24 for the Commissioners to review. Jim stated that what he asked Trevor Jacobs to remove has been removed. Jim made a motion to approve resolution 04-24 a declaratory resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County, Kansas. Nelson seconded the motion and Clifton opposed. The motion passed 2-1.
Nelson made a motion to remove healthcare sales tax ballot language from the agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
While waiting on the 6:00 conference call discussion was held with the audience with Thomas Russell commenting that he recently traveled and saw an 8-bed hospital and emergency room and suggested the Commissioners check into something like that. Jim stated that we are working on the healthcare situation and Justin and Clifton are working 24/7.
Jim said he had a friend question the duties of the Chairman, so Jim clarified that he is to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner and does not have any authority over Clifton or Nelson.
Brent Smith spoke about the new facilities being constructed for Saint Martin’s Academy near 120th Street and Hackberry Road and asked if there was something that could be done about the road when the project is complete. Mr. Smith stated the additions of a church, housing, and multiple buildings will cause a lot of traffic on that road.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, spoke about a few topics while waiting on the conference call. Jennifer stated the Clerk’s office is filing homestead claims for residents until April 15.
The Clerk’s office is still working on trying to connect Bourbon County residents with unclaimed property they have sitting at the State Treasurer’s office. Jennifer stated that they have been able to help residents claim over $100,000 of unclaimed property so far.
Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary election will begin on March 11th and run Monday through Friday from 8:30 am -4:30 pm. Early voting will also be available on Saturday, March 16th from 8:00 am -12:00 pm and on Monday, March 18th from 8:30 am-12:00 pm. Residents will be able to vote on Tuesday, March 19th from 7:00 am-7:00 pm at their normal polling place.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, reminded individuals that they have 30 days to dispute their valuation notices that were sent out. Matt stated that it is a simple process and to contact their office and a time will be scheduled to meet and discuss the property.
Mike Dallman, Property Valuation Division Field Staff Supervisor, called in to review the 2023 Substantial Compliance Report with the Commissioners and Matt Quick. Mike stated the reason for conducting a conference call is it is mandated now per KSA 79-1404(b). Mr. Dallman went over the report outlining each section and explained the weighing process the use for the classifications of residential and commercial properties. Mike stated that the commercial properties are in compliance and the residential properties are only out of compliance by 0.07 of a point. Mike went over the process of sales validations and stated the Property Valuation Division has their own department who performs the validations and the county performs their own sales validations.
Jim and Clifton did not have any comments this evening. Nelson stated he did not understand most of what was discussed during the conference call and stated he doesn’t think most people do.
Nelson questioned what portion of taxes go towards welfare and stated that program is very abused. Nelson said he wants to work to change the situation and not just complain about it and that you have to dig in your heels and figure out a way to change. Nelson also said a prayer during his Commission comment time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
3-11-2024 Approved Date
Legislative Update by KS Senator Caryn Tyson
Election Integrity “The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite.” Thomas Jefferson
I think that Thomas Jefferson would agree that for us to govern ourselves we must have election integrity. Senate Bill (SB) 365 was debated on the Senate floor. The bill would have required all ballots to be submitted by 7 pm on election day. Not all counties treat ballots the same if the address on the ID doesn’t match a voter’s address. I carried an amendment that would have treated these ballots the same, provisional ballots across the state. Another amendment would have codified in statute removing duplicate registrations. A super majority of Senators agreed this should be law. I also carried an amendment to remove remote ballot drop boxes. It also passed. There were several amendments that went on the bill that would have increased security and accuracy of our elections. However, an amendment that passed raised some concern with a few Senators on federal compliance with Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which requires at least one electronic voting machine at each polling place, so the bill failed to get the constitutional majority of 21 to pass.
There are efforts to bring this legislation that had majority support to the Senate floor again.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
…
Bourbon County Arts Council 2024 Fine Arts Exhibit Awards Announced
The Bourbon County Arts Council congratulates the winners of its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.
Local corporate sponsors contribute award monies for the First-Place prize winners in each category. The Arts Council provides prizes for the Second-Place awards, the Peoples’ Choice award, and also Best in Show, in 2-D and 3-D categories, in memory of E.C. Gordon, who provided an Endowment to the organization in 2011.
Award winners for each category, and its sponsor, are as follows:
CERAMICS
1st (Ward Kraft) – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”
2nd – Daria Claiborne – “Metamorphosis”
DRAWING AND GRAPHIC
1st (Landmark Bank) – Whitney Powell – “Dirty Nails & Fairy Tales”
2nd – Ripp Harrison – “Winter Bug”
FIBER ART/TEXTILE
1ST (State Farm Insurance) – Nancy Kreibach – “Let Your Light Shine”
2nd – Millie Karleskint – “Shabby Chic”
GLASS
1st (Edward Jones/ Armstrong) – Carleen Shatto – “Thin Vessels”
2nd – Cynthia Allen – “Tribute”
JEWELRY
1st (Citizens Bank) – Nicole Meyer Foresman – “Organic Brooch & Stand”
2nd – None
MIXED MEDIA
1st (Lyons Realty) – Eric Doucette – “Grasshopper”
2nd – Anita Wilson – “On Fire”
PAINTING
1st (Union State Bank) – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”
2nd – Tom Altenburg – “Barnyard Royalty”
PASTEL
1st (Mid-Continental Restoration) – Rick Bushnell – “Autumn Statis”
2nd – Emerson Grisier – “An Autumn Drive”
PHOTOGRAPHY
1st (The Artificers) – Linda Teeter – “Reflections – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”
2nd – Maggie Brenner – “Building Blocks”
PRINTMAKING
1st (Osage Timber) – Rick Bushnell – “Cottonwood Autumn”
2nd – Rylee Coulter – “Eyeball Kid”
SCULPTURE
1st (H & H Realty) – Mayumi M Kiefer – “Shoulder to Shoulder”
2nd – Mark Denton – “Anagama Hare”
THEME
1st (City State Bank) – Tom Altenburg – “Traveling a Dusty Road”
2nd – Eric Doucette – “A Day at the Office”
WATERCOLOR
1st (Buerge Studio) – Henry Kreibach – “Flower Tower”
2nd – Kaitlynn Sampson – “Peaceful View”
BEST OF SHOW 2D – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”
BEST OF SHOW 3D – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”
PEOPLES’S CHOICE – Addison Smith – “Orchid