Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 13

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Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for Feb. 13, 2024

Attachments:

02-24 Informational Items

2024 Financials – Jan Monthly Transaction Report

City Clerk Job Description

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Shane Kober – speed bumps

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Insurance renewal conditional provisions

Website hosting price increase

Update on software progress

Court Clerks Conference, March 1, Wichita

CCMFOA Conference, March 20-22, Manhattan

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Rabies Clinic –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by ____________, Second by ______­­­_______, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of January 8

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 8, 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 City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not  Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%).  The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
  • Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off water and close public restroom for the winter.  After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.

He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue is on the property owner’s side of the sewer service.  It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).

The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up.  A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow.  Screen was full of feminine hygiene products.  A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.

The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720.  Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve

 

Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert.  Source of water is still undetermined.

 

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard.  Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard.  It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.

 

Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.

She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.

Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training.  As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.

Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop.  Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.

She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading.  Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase.  Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend.  A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update.  He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31.  It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year.  Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed.  Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.

 

Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position.  Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott?

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! February 8th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Bourbon County Arts Council call for entries through 2-23, the BCAC announces the 32nd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton, entry requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620.224.8650/Deb Halsey at 620.224.0684 or email [email protected]

ELVIS is in the building ~ concert, dinner, AND hotel package! Package includes an overnight stay on Saturday night at your choice of the Courtland Hotel and Spa or Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel/2 Tickets to the Elvis Concert at the River Room Event Center/includes happy hour & auction as well as a Tuscan Chicken Dinner, click here for more information and to reserve NOW!

Radio Auction EVERY Thursday and Friday starting at 3pm, MUST have a bid number/contact 620.223.4500 or stop by the station at 2 N. National to grab one, you can bid on the radio or online at kombfm.com, click here for more information!

2/8 ~ Dustin Treiber LIVE at Brickstreet BBQ, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

2/8-10th ~ FSHS Play – Arsenic and Old Lace, Adults $7/Children $5, doors open 30 minutes prior to show time, 7pm, click here for more details.

2/8-10 ~ Sixties Family Fun Night at the Museum of Creativity, $5/per person ages 3-103+, entrance includes participation in all competitions/activities and an ice cream float, click here for a complete listing of events!

2/8 ~ Sweetheart Dinner at Presbyterian Village for anyone 65 and older, alfredo pasta/fresh green beans/and fruit pizza for dessert, bring anyone you’d like or just bring yourself for a night full of fun, RSVP to 620.223.5550

2/8 ~ Conversation Heart Dish – Walk In Class hosted by The Artificers, 5-9pm, $10/per heart, all ages welcomed, click here for more information.

2/9-10 ~ Prairie Troubadour Catholic Symposium, click here for more information and a full schedule of events.

2/9 ~ Birthday Ladies Night Sip & Shop at Better in Bourbon, join Better and Bourbon as they toast 3 WONDERFUL years in business, enjoy permanent jewelry specials and sip on delicious drinks while you shop, 6-8pm, click here for more information!

2/10 ~ Cupid’s Corner Holiday Craft at Buck Run Community Center, ages pre-k – 5th grade, $1/per person, 9-10:30am.

2/10 ~ Timber Hills Lake Ranch Valentine’s Day Special, overnight stay including cabin AND food for two for only $175, visit www.timberhillslakeranch.com to view more or see flyer below!

2/10 ~ Legislative Update/Outlook from our legislators hosted by the Chamber, 10am, location Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting rooms on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton.

2/10 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping event hosted by Fort Scott Chamber, enjoy sweet deals and yummy treats, Downtown and around.

2/11 ~ SUPER BOWL LVlll, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, Halftime show featuring Usher, grab your family and friends and watch the game at a local establishment! GOOOO CHIEFS!

2/12-17 ~ Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class at The Artificers, 2 hours of wheel throwing as a couple/heavy appetizers catered by Crooners/guaranteed laughs & entertainment, $175 per couple, 6-9pm, see flyer below for more information!

2/15 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum and Lowell Milken Center, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 8am

2/15 ~ Lowell Milken Center features Unsung Hero James Reese Europe as part of Black History Month, this event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC, this event is free and all are welcomed, 11am, click here for more information!

2/16 ~ FSHS Homecoming Basketball vs Pittsburg Dragons, games begin at 4:30pm, Winter Formal/Homecoming dance is Saturday night February 17th with an admission of $5 per student, 7pm-10pm. GO TIGERS!

2/16-17 ~ LAST Indoor Yard Sale at the Museum of Creativity, Friday 9am-10pm and Saturday 9am-4pm, click here for more information!

2/17 ~ Care to Share – Evening with Elvis at River Room Events, happy hour and a silent auction at 5:30pm followed with a fantastic dinner and desserts with Twigs and Berries, $25/per person/$50 per couple/and $200 for a table of 8, click here for more information.

2/17 ~ Scouts Pinewood Derby at Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for more details.

2/18 ~ Bourbon County Democrats first general meeting of 2024, Ellis Center Meeting Rooms, 2-4pm, click here for more information.

2/19 ~ Kid’s Art Party – Raining Cats & Dogs, $5 is all it takes to reserve your spot with the remainder $20 due the day of class, all supplies and snack are included, click here to reserve your youngster’s spot!

2/21 ~ Fort Scott Community College Community Conservation with Dr. Jason Kegler, the focus this session will be on the College’s identity, Ellis Fine Arts Center Meeting Rooms, 2108 S. Horton, 5:30pm, click here for more information.

2/22 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall, 8am

2/22 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair hosted by KANSASWORKS & co-sponsored by Bourbon County REDI, the Chamber, and HBCAT, 2pm-5pm at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., see flyer below for more information – 2-2:30pm is reserved for Veterans.

2/23 ~ Lacey’s Crew Chili Feed & Raffle at Fort Scott High School, all profits will go directly to Lacey to support her during her fight with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, 5-8pm, click here for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

2/24-25 ~ Frostbite Event at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, great food/great fun/great friends, $60 cost includes entry/ 1 hot meal/1 t-shirt and a drawing ticket, click here for more information!

2/24 ~ Casi Joy LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here to get tickets!

2/25 ~ February Flower Class hosted by Sunshine Boutique at Papa Don’s Pizza, $10 due when signing up with the remainder $10 due at class, $20/per person, click here to register!

2/28 ~ Future Now Finance @ FSHS by SparkWheel, 8:00am-1:00pm

2/29 ~ Lunch – N – Learn about registered apprenticeship opportunities, 104 N. National, 12-1pm

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Legislative Update Coffee THIS Saturday, Feb. 10th, 10-11:15am, hosted by the Chamber!

ALL are welcome to attend!

Timber Hills Lake Valentine’s Day

Sweetheart Special!

Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping Event is THIS Saturday, February 10th! See below for list of participating stores!

Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class for Couples at The Artificers, click here to register!

Care to Share hosts Evening with Elvis at

The River Room, February 17th! Tickets on sale @ the Chamber or click here to purchase online!
Opinion

God’s Timing: Always On Time by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.. Submitted photo.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

How long do we trustfully wait on God to answer our prayers? A few days?  Months?  Years?   God told Abram that he would be the father of many nations, yet there he was, over 99 years old, and he and his wife, Sarai, had no kiddos.  What was Abram thinking?

“Maybe God confused me with someone else.”

“Maybe I misunderstood.  Maybe He said ‘kids.’  Yea, that’s it.  He’s giving me a herd of goats.”

“Maybe I need to help God and make this happen myself.  Yep, that’s what I’ll do.  After all, God is busy.  He probably forgot His promise.”

God had told Abram that his offspring would be numerous.  Ten years later, Abram remained childless. When God came to Abram in a vision and promised to be Abram’s shield and great reward, Abram wasn’t too hepped about receiving that promise. “LORD God, what good will your gifts be if I continue to be childless?”

I get it.  The only one in the picture to inherit Abram’s vast estate was Eliezer, his servant.  God reassured him that he would have his own son and that his offspring would be more than the “dust of the earth” (Gen. 13:16) and later, the “stars of the sky” (Gen. 15:5).

But doubts began to creep in, so Abram took matters into his own, wrinkly hands.  After all, what harm could it do?  He finally, by golly, would have a “legitimate” heir.  He impregnated his wife’s servant Hagar who birthed Ishmael, never realizing that, to this day, this royal mess-up would cause unending problems between the Israelis and the Arabs.

Abram impatiently moved forward to help God’s will come to pass.  Surely we can’t blame him, right?  Wrong.  God lives in a timeless zone.  What seems to us late, for God is on time. Perfect time.

Haven’t we all been there?  We take our requests to God.  And wait.  And wait.  And wait.  Do we patiently endure, knowing that God will answer in His time? Do we continue to exude peace?  Sure we do.

NOT!  If you’ve read any of my columns, you know that I do not wait in peace. I “do” the first part of Matthew 7:7 well. Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  It’s the very next verse that causes me issues: “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”  I love the part that tells me I’m going to get what I want.  I don’t love the part that fails to tell me how long it will be before I “receive” what I’m seeking. (Not proud to admit that.)

We read that God did for Abram what He said He would do.  Sarai (meaning “my princess”), in her old age, birthed Isaac, and her name was changed to Sarah (“mother of nations”), while her husband’s name was changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”).  I love that God did that miracle in their old age.  That way, they could give God all the credit.             Scripture makes it clear that God will answer our prayers.  He will.  Sometimes He wants us to figure things out on our own.  Other times, He wants us to grow our faith and trust in Him and His timing. (Sooooo hard, don’t you think?)  And let’s not forget that little “motive” thing.  Am I asking for something out of selfish ambition?

Mark 12:30 tells us that our relationship with God should have priority over any earthly matter.  Do we keep that in mind when we make our requests?  The way we answer that question likely determines the timing God uses to answer us.

 

 

 

 

Church news, Fort Scott

New Pastor at First Presbyterian Church: Reverend Sarah Gengler

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The First Presbyterian Church is located at 308 S. Crawford Street, Fort Scott.

As of February 1, the Fort Scott Presbyterian Church has a new pastor, Reverend Sarah Gengler.

Gengler didn’t start immediately in her current career.

While working at one career, she started volunteering at a Presbyterian Church.

Gengler graduated from  Adrian High School (Minnesota) in May 2001 and attended South Dakota State University from Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2004  earning a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science.

She began attending a Presbyterian Church in the community she was living in, while working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper.

“The work did not allow me to get to know people, as it had while working for a weekly newspaper, and my boss at the time seemed to thrive off the staff being unhappy,” she said. “I told the youth director I volunteered for at my church that I would love to do what she did, but I did not have the degree and could not afford to go back to school at that time. She told me that sometimes churches didn’t require youth directors to have a formal degree, so I left my journalism career and jumped into ministry with both feet.”

“After only a few months I knew I wanted to further my education in religious studies,” she said. “I began to take seminary classes online, for two years and felt God calling me to fully ordained ministry. I had just missed the cutoff for the fall of 2010 so I continued to work until I could enter seminary full time the summer of 2011.”

Gengler graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in May 2014 with a Master of Divinity which focused on small rural ministry.

She was ordained in 2014 and has served Presbyterian churches in Indiana and Nebraska, and the last six months as a contracted pastor to an Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Minnesota.

“Some of my passions in ministry include preaching, pastoral care/visiting, mission and community work, and mailing greeting cards,” she said.” In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two dogs (Max and Daisy), reading/listening to audiobooks, cooking, baking, quilting, and anything crafty. I seem to always be busy and truly enjoy helping others.”

Sarah Gengler was born and raised on a dairy farm near Adrian, Minnesota in the southwest corner of the state, as the third of six children.

“They still run the dairy farm with my two younger brothers and milk approximately 400 cows,” she said in a press release. “People are always stunned when I tell them there are 29 people, including me, in my immediate family.”

Pastor Sarah’s hours are Sunday from 9 a.m. – noon; Monday – Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – noon; and afternoon times by appointment.

Contact info: Church – 620-223-3180; Email – [email protected]

Address of the church: 308 S. Crawford (at the corner of 3rd and Crawford Streets)

Service time: Faith Formation classes begin at 9:30 a.m. during the school year. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Children are welcomed in worship or childcare is available.

 

 

Bourbon County

Understanding Poverty Workshop is March 2

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Do you ever wish you could “peek behind the curtain” and learn some of the “WHY” behind certain puzzling behaviors?

Solving poverty means that we must first understand the some of mindset which drives it.

Who should attend this workshop? Any member of the community who wants a greater understanding of poverty and a plan to alleviate it.

This includes: business leaders, educators, clergy, church members, Core Community advisory board members, Core Community
volunteers, Law Enforcement Officers, etc.

Participants will review a mental model of poverty, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of housing, the hidden rules of class and resources.

Cost includes training materials and book.

DATE: Saturday, March 2, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Fort Scott Nazarene Church
1728 Horton, Fort Scott, KS
COST: $35 (payable the day of event)
To Register email: Cherri Walrod – [email protected]
Hosted by Core Community Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of February 7

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

February 7, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-three members representing seventeen agencies attended.  Billie Jo reminded members that swim pass applications would be available during the month of April.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Travis Wilcoxsen, Angels Care Home Health: The February focus of the month is “heart healthy.”  Statistics show that 50%  of heart patients are medication non-compliant; they can help rectify those situations.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing: There continues to be a waiting list for all unit sizes; applications will still be taken.
  • Michelle Lyon, DCF: LIEAP applications are open until the end of March.  Also, the Presbyterian Church continues its furniture ministry; if someone is in need, notify the church office.
  • Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: She has one opening in USD 235.
  • Michelle Worsley, Childcare Aware of Kansas: She provides assistance on the business side of childcare.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: Lea Kay still needs partners with space for her nutrition and walk programs.
  • Lori Holman, American Red Cross: The next blood drive will be only one day on February 15 at BRCC from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Red Cross is in crisis mode with the shortage of all types of blood. Make an appointment to donate at redcross.org.
  • Janice Lamb, Core Communities: Core began with fifteen core leaders; thirteen of those will graduate on April 8 and enter Phase 2 of the program. A new class will begin in September.
  • Cherri Walrod, Core Communities: “Bridges Out of Poverty,” a workshop designed to help participants understand poverty, will be presented at the Fort Scott Nazarene Church on March 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is a $35.00 enrollment fee to be paid the day of the event.  Contact Cherri at [email protected] for more information.
  • Lisa Robertson and Lindsey McNeil, COPE: Last month, 191 cycles of laundry were provided during wash Wednesdays.
  • Christine Abbott, KansasWorks: The Bourbon County Job Fair will be held on February 22 from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. at 401 Woodland Hills.  It is not too late for a business or organization to set up a booth; contact the HBCAT office.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: David reviewed all the services the Beacon offers and noted that 152 families were served in January and 28 volunteers, including several members of the Fort Scott High School National Honor society, helped with those services.
  • Larry Jump, SEK CAP: Larry encouraged members to check the new SEK CAP website; he mentioned that the organization needs children and employees.
  • Sandy Haggard, AmeriCorps Seniors: At present she has volunteers at Beacon, USD 235, and the Red Cross blood drives.
  • Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department: She is working on a grant application that would provide prenatal classes by Zoom for Bourbon and Cherokee counties; this would eliminate the necessity to travel in order to attend.
  • Lora Wilson CHC/SEK: Lora will be reviving the tobacco cessation program; contact her if you have questions or input.

 

 

  1. Program:  March program will be presented by Teri Hamilton, Fort Scott Farmers’ Market.

 

Patty LaRoche presented the program; she spoke about sex trafficking, explained how Adam LaRoche’s foundation is making a difference in this area, and shared stories of some of the recent cases.  Unfortunately, it takes an average of seven rescues before a victim’s recovery actually takes place.  She advised members to be aware of what their children are doing with social media as it is a prime place for someone to be trafficked; snapchat is the worst.  The three things that we all can do are to understand the facts, look for behaviors that would indicate someone feels he/she is not measuring up, and pray for those brave enough to enter the fight and for those willing to help.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be March 6, 2024.

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Barnstormers 4-H Club Minutes of January 10

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The Barnstormers 4-H club called their monthly meeting to order on
January 10th at 6:30 p.m.  The roll call was, “What is one of your New Year’s resolutions?”.  21 members were present along with 12 parents and 1 guest.  Pam Speers then came up to talk about plant science.
Next the Secretary minutes and treasures’ report were read and
approved.  A thank you card for Producers Coop donation to the club was passed around and signed by all members.  Jack Endicott gave a talk on his Gettysburg mini Lego set with some historical facts.  At 6:51 p.m. Emery Ellis made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Easton Karleskint seconded.  Maggie Swank had a fun game prepared for all to enjoy after adjournment.
Jewel Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Secretary
Jack Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Reporter
Business, Health Care, Kansas

Behavioral Health In-Patient and Out-Patient Service Will Open This Spring In Fort Scott

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401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
The new,  upcoming venture at 401 Woodland Hills in Fort Scott,  will be known as the Kansas Renewal Institute.
“Our mission is to provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for both adults and adolescents,” said T. J. Denning, the chief operating officer of Kansas Renewal Institute. ” We are completing the state licensure process and anticipate offering a detailed list of services to the community shortly.”
What is behavioral health?
“Behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those conditions.,” according to the American Medical Association website https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-behavioral-health
Matthew Wells, Fort Scott Commissioner, said the business will benefit the community with new jobs.
” As we progress from our initial opening to full operational capacity, the Kansas Renewal Institute will employ a diverse team of 20 to 100 professionals.,” Denning said. “This team will expand in response to the needs of our patient population and will include a wide range of positions from senior leadership and administrative staff to medical personnel and direct care staff across various levels of pay and licensure.”
“The website will be updated shortly with job listings,” Denning said.
“We are pursuing licensure to operate 68 beds, and an outpatient (service), which will occupy three full wings of the facility, including the restaurant and areas designated for support staff,” he said.
“All of the old patient care areas, OB, ICU, and Medsurge as well as the old admin offices (will be used),” according to Fort Scott Commissioner Wells.
“The ownership and leadership of J.G. Healthcare, the entity behind the Kansas Renewal Institute, comprise a seasoned group of behavioral healthcare professionals with over 70 years of combined experience,” Denning said. “This collective expertise is focused on implementing best practices in behavioral health to address the increasing needs of Americans.”
There are private investors with a history in large growth companies who are investing in this operation, Denning said.
Administration
The top administrator at the Fort Scott site will be Joe Tinervin and plans are to start operations by late March or early April at the site, according to Denning.
Joe Tinervin, from his LinkedIn site.
According to Tnervin’s LinkedIn site here is his experience and education:

  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

Education

Timothy Denning, from his LinkedIn site.

Denning said he has ties to this area because he was born and raised in Nevada, Missouri.

From Denning’s LinkedIn site here is his experience:

  • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

      • Organizational Development, Business Analysis and +2 skills
  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

  • Acadia Healthcare logo

     

    Jonathan Gross, from his LinkedIn site.

    The following is Gross’s experience and education taken from his LinkedIn site.

    Experience:

    • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

      .

    • Revelare Recovery logo

    • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

    • Recovery Ways logo

    • Acadia Healthcare logo

      Education:

      • Georgia State University logo

T. J. Denning is the Chief Operating Officer, Joe Tinervin is the Chief Executive Officer and Jonathan Gross is the owner of the parent company JG Healthcare Solutions, according to Denning.

Contact T.J. Denning at 417-392-7307.
Two addresses for contact

KRI, 4601 E. Douglas Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67218

JG Healthcare Solutions, 619 Garden Street, Golden CO 80403

Strategies Will Be In Place For Patient Discharge
“Addressing community concerns regarding patient discharge, especially for those without local family support, we emphasize a holistic continuum of care,” Denning said. “This includes pre- and post-care strategies encompassing transportation to and from our institute, reinforcing our commitment to the successful reintegration of our patients into the community. Our dedicated team of discharge planners, alumni support staff, and community liaisons will ensure every patient receives a tailored integration plan, providing the necessary support to apply the skills learned during their stay at our institute effectively.”
Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for Feb. 6 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

February 6, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll Call – Quorum = 3

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024.
  5. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1353-A – $753,134.24
  6. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – South                       Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for                                      Payment No. 3 – $97,929.00.
  7. Approval 2024 City Occupation License Renewals – 1) Hulbert’s Jewelry LLC       & Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 N. Main Street, Fort Scott – 2) Fort Scott Gun &                   Pawn Shop, 1402 E. Wall Street.
  8. Approval of 2024 Public Dance City License Renewal – Memorial Hall, 1 E.              3rd Street, Fort Scott.

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

VIII.   Appearances:

 

  1. HBCAT – Proposal for economic development services – J. Love

 

  1. Old Business: 
  2. Consideration of REDI Contract Proposal – R. Harrington

 

  1. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board – M. Wells

 

  1. Discussion of Streets Advisory Ordinances – tabled from January 23, 2024

 

  1. New Business:
  2. Action Items:
  3.   Golf Cart Rental Policy – Steve Carter
  4. Discussion of Ordinance No. 3402 and No. 3586 – Operation of Golf Carts
  5. Discussion of Ordinance No. 3486 – Operation of Any Utility Terrain                                     Vehicles (UTV)
  6. Discussion of Famer’s Market/Fort Scott Pavilion Rental Rates
  7. Discussion of Annexation of Gunn Park
  8. Discussion of Annexation of Woodland Hills Golf Course
  9.  Discussion of Work Session – Memorial Hall

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

         – T. VanHoecke

         – M. Wells

– M. Guns

– D. Olson

– T. Dancer

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjourn:

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