Bourbon County Republicans will meet Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Ft. Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd, Ft Scott, KS
Submitted by Martin, Correspondence Secretary
Bourbon County Republicans will meet Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Ft. Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd, Ft Scott, KS
Submitted by Martin, Correspondence Secretary
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
May 21, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer/Mayor
VII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
Public Hearings:
RESOLUTION NO. 16-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [314 S. EDDY], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
RESOLUTION NO. 17-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
Action Items:
XII. Executive Session
XIII. Adjourn
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
I recently completed ten weeks of successful occupational therapy for a frozen shoulder. The OT sessions involved targeted stretches while at the facility, plus every day at home. One day, Hugo, my therapist, was patiently instructing me on where to stand, how to grab the resistance bands with both hands and do a three-point stretch. After a few uncoordinated sets of looking really silly, I laughed and told him, “I’ve never been a cheerleader.” (I’m sure he already figured that out.) Although I can sing, play the piano blindfolded, and pat my foot all at the same time, this exercise really showcased my lack of cheerleading talents.
Even though I don’t have what it takes to physically be a cheerleader, I do have the desire to cheer people on. In fact, every believer can do this because the only requirement is to speak encouraging words at the right time. While reading the Old Testament, I was impressed with Joshua‘s communication skills. With Moses dead and gone, Joshua was leading the Israelites into the promised land. After this bunch of complainers got spanked for 40 years in the wilderness, it was finally time to divide and possess the land.
Joshua 17:14-18 MEV: The descendants of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you assigned us a single allotment, a single portion? We are a numerous people, as the Lord has blessed us.” Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forests and clear out a place there for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you.” The descendants of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites living in the plains have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and the Jezreel Valley.” Joshua said to the descendants of Joseph, “You are a numerous people who have great strength. There will not be only one allotment for you. The hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest you shall clear it and own it to its borders. You shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and are strong.“ Ra-Ra, Ra-Ra-Ra! Don’t be a jerk and get to work! There’s no doubt about it! You can do it!
Joshua was a great cheerleader who listened and then had an encouraging comeback for every question or complaint. “The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl” (Proverbs 25:11 NCV). Joshua’s leadership is a prime example of this wisdom scripture. It’s true that a timely and appropriate word contains a healing balm that’s valuable like a silver bowl full of golden fruit. And the opposite of that is a discouraging word at the worst-possible time. Often individuals do not lack strength, they lack will. Encouraging words can give them the will to go on and not give up. Right and calming words can also abate anger: “A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger. But an unkind answer will cause more anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NCV).
We could all be further up the highway to heaven if we’d take the gravel road where Jesus walked. “But God, Who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking, comforted and encouraged and refreshed and cheered us by the arrival of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6 AMP). When we arrive on the scene, do we encourage or discourage others? Are we a ray of sunshine? Or does the wallpaper fall off from the verbal fallout? Do we brighten the corner where we are?
The Key: I want to be a cheerleader like God, Joshua, and Titus and kick the devil in the knee. Ra-Ra-Ree!

It’s time to celebrate all with Older Americans Month (OAM) this May. This is an opportunity to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults. It’s not just about having someone to chat with. It’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.
How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?
What can individuals do to connect?
For more information, visit https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024 or contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
# # #
Kansas State Univ
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
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
May 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
Theodore Arthur Rohde, age 94, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, May 17, 2024, at Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott. Services for Ted Rohde will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Euna Blythe and husband Nelson were driving to Fort Scott on Hwy. 54 near Uniontown on the evening of November 7, 2021, when their car struck a black cow on the road.
“I do not remember anything from the accident and the following few weeks,” Euna said.
She was life-flighted from the West Bourbon Elementary School yard that evening to the Kansas City area for the severity of her condition.
“I was three months in the hospital and about another three months spent between Meadowbrook rehab and Madonna rehab,” she said.
Today she continues therapy for her injuries, but out of this tragic accident, came something really good: she and Nelson had their first child, a son named Isaac in January 2024.
To this couple, the birth was a miracle because they had been trying to conceive for seven years.
Here is a letter to the community from Euna.
“I would like to show gratitude to the many people who helped me during (the) terrible car accident I had on November 7, 2021,” she said. “First of all, members of Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, that included Detectives Alvin Metcalf and Kevin Davidson, Deputies Trey Sharp, Shawn Pritchett, Andrew Penland, Zach Ross, and Patrick Brazeal, Undersheriff Ben Cole and Sheriff Bill Martin.”
“Deputy Ross and Brazeal responded to my accident and acted with great compassion and professionalism,” she said.
“Detective Metcalf was in Kansas City at the time of the accident, and went straight to KU Med Center as soon as he heard, and helped lead my family where they needed to go. Detective Davidson, Deputy Sharp, Pritchett and Penland rushed to the helicopter landing zone and stayed with my husband, Nelson …, as I was being cared for by Bourbon County EMS. I have been told that EMS staff Trace Evans and Robert Leisure transported me in the ambulance from the scene of the accident to the landing zone. Deputy Shawn Pritchett drove my husband and the other deputies to KU Med. Linn County Deputies met them at the county line and escorted them to Miami County. Miami County Deputies escorted them to Johnson County.”
“At the hospital, Nelson was met by Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Undersheriff Ben Cole, as well as the Sheriff of Linn County, Kevin Friend. Also present were Nelson’s parents and our Pastor, Tony Felich.”
“Throughout the weeks following, Nelson’s law enforcement brothers hardly left his side and for that I am forever grateful. I had many other visitors during the days I was in a coma and the days following, including my dear Jiu-Jitsu coach Brett Holder who encouraged me to never give up.”
“There are so many other people who came to visit me and provided comfort to my distressed family. I cannot name them all, but please know that I am so grateful to all of you.”
“I want to thank Fort Scott Munitions and the Kraft family for reserving hotel rooms near the hospital so my family could have a place to stay. I would also like to thank Young Yu, for lending a helping hand without hesitation.”
” I want to thank all of the Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies for donating all of their sick time so that Nelson could stay with me at the hospital. I would specifically like to thank Sgt. Tanner Ogden, who organized a fundraiser in Linn County.”
“I want to sincerely thank the people in Bourbon County and people from all over, who donated a substantial amount of money to help alleviate my family’s financial needs. Without that fundraiser, it would have been impossible for me to be admitted to Madonna Rehab, where I received much-needed care. Trey Sharp was the organizer.”
“Next, Doctors and nurses of KU Medical Center(MD Sarah Eickmeyer, MD Ifijie E Ohiorhernuan, PhD Monica F Kurylo, Taylor L, MD Alexandra N Arickx, MD Kyle R Brown, DO Erich M Wessel, CRNA Dylan C McDaniel, MD Robin R Walters, MD Sean C. Liebscher, MD Miles Sanderson, MD Kimberlee D Reets, APRN-NP Kathryn M Moore, APRN-NP Rachael A Domino, MD Jourdaen Sanchez, MD Stephen R Eaton, MD Thomas J Whittaker, MD Jason S Frederick, MD Anand Dharia, MD Adip Bhargav) Doctors, Nurses and therapists from Hanger CLINIC, Meadowbrook Rehab and Madonna Rehab and Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. They were the most helpful staff and workers.
” I want to thank both my American and South Korean family, Nelson’s family was tearful and rejoiced when I was finally able to wake up and my family in South Korea did the same. They managed to fly over here right after they heard about the accident and stayed for two weeks. Also, to Galen and Jeffie Mussman, thank you for your kindness shown to my family.”
” I want to thank my husband, Nelson Blythe. Nelson never gave up on me even when my recovery seemed impossible. Nelson kept fighting through the horrible abyss even when told by doctors that I would most likely never wake up.”
“Nelson made feeble attempts to clean and do chores while I was hospitalized, and managed to keep the cats alive, and the house from burning down.”
“I want to thank Else Moss and Jennifer Ballou, Krista Ogden, and my Aunt, Terry Blythe, for coming to Nelson’s rescue by assisting with house chores and taking care of me while Nelson was at work.”
“This accident has really shown me the importance of community, family and friends. This community showed me staggering kindness and care. I am humbled by the fierce loyalty and commitment displayed by all of you.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank every one of you.”
“I pray that the Almighty God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, continues to show his love, mercy and peace to me, my family and to all of us in this community. Amen.”
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 22, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Holt stated that votes moving forward will be taken as “All in
favor say aye, all opposed say nay” in an effort to speed up the meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
2022 – 23 AUDIT REPORT: Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA provided a thorough explanation of
the outcome of the 2022-23 audit and explained the audit report book. He reviewed violations and highlighted the
schedule of federal awards, which included a total of $8.1 million coming to the local area.
A corrective action plan was created to address areas of violation. Items within the plan have been reviewed with
each of the staff involved with any part of the corrective action plan so appropriate structure is in place for the next
audit period ending June 30, 2024.
Chairman Holt thanked Neil Phillips and his firm for their efforts on the audit process.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Alyssa Martin, acting Director of Student Life,
summarized student life at FSCC. She reviewed the capacity and cost of each housing option, as well as the
application process for the 2024-25 year.
She also discussed activities that took place this year to enrich student life such as Dueling Pianos, a magician,
kickball, a neon dance, the men’s basketball playoff tailgate, volleyball and basketball intramurals, and a field day
partnered with TRIO. She said the dance was a huge hit, and students are begging for another. Intramurals had 5
teams, one of which included a completely online student who had never been to campus.
She closed by sharing her vision for student life for next year, including a goal of at least 1 activity a week.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda,
which included an amendment to the minutes of the special meeting on April 12, 2024 to reflect Dr. Kegler not
being present, reconciled treasurer’s reports through February, 2024, and an updated list of personnel actions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Representative for Negotiations with FSCAPE – John Bartelsmeyer explained the duties of the Board
member during the negotiations process. Chad McKinnis agreed to serve as the board’s representative for negotiations with FSCAPE.
Bartelsmeyer recommended reading through the personnel changes in the consent agenda, and Chairman Holt
read all personnel changes represented in the consent agenda as well as the additions approved with the consent
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 11: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Purchasing Policy.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|