Escaped Inmate Is Apprehended
Minimum-custody Inmate John Evans Johnson, Jr., Who Escaped from the Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center Apprehended
~Johnson, Jr. caught without incident~
KANSAS CITY, Kansas. –
Minimum-custody resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been apprehended.
On Thursday morning, March 21, 2024, Johnson, Jr., was taken into custody by Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.
He had been placed on escape status after attending two job interviews, and not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) on March 12, 2024.
No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.
The Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center is a 398 bed, community based, facility that provides a highly structured environment for adult offenders ordered by the District Court.
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Local Reservoir Is Dead In The Legislature, But A Community Discussion Meeting is March 22 in Mapleton
The Kansas Senate Bill 497, to begin the long process of building a reservoir in northern Bourbon County, is dead.
Kansas Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill to start a discussion on a new reservoir in northern Bourbon County on February 9, 2024. Shallenberger is the District 13 Republican from Baxter Springs.
The bill was to establish the Pike Reservoir Project District Act to provide for a lake and related commercial and residential development in Bourbon County and authorize a governing board and sales and property tax increment financing for such project, according to HTTPS://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb497/
To view the bill introduced on February 9, 2024: sb497_00_0000(3)
The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on February 12.
“There is a process, you introduce a bill, they have hearings, committees, then goes to the House and Senate,” Shallenberger said. “It’s a decades-long thing, the bill was just to kick it off.”
“The whole thing is dead, as best as I can tell,” Shallenberger said. “Unless someone locally wants to take it up again. The next thing that would have to happen is a feasibility study.”
“By looking at the bill, it could give a framework for possible future plans,” he said. “Before you do anything you have to have a framework. That’s why the bill was drafted. There would have been a lot of public input in the years-long process.”
“There are no plans currently,” he said. “The bill is gone, the whole process would all have to start over again.”
“There was pushback from local people,” he said. “They were upset.”
Shallenberger said when he visited Fort Scott last year he met with local business and government representatives “People were talking about a new lake.”
Shane Walker, Bourbon County Director of Information Technology, “had a map of the proposed lake…(and) took me up through the area.”
“It was an interesting landscape, hills and valley, perfect for a lake,” Shallenberger said. “Water is needed in Kansas and there is federal money for it.”
“If someone wanted to do a feasibility study they would have the bill as a framework,” he said.
Shallenberger said “I am optimistic about Fort Scott, there is a lot of potential, even without a new lake. You are a net win on sales tax. People are coming to Fort Scott to buy things.”
Community Members Facilitate Discussion On The Reservoir
There is a meeting this Friday, March 22, in Mapleton, which was initiated by Joe Bisogno, property owner near the reservoir site.
The meeting is scheduled to discuss the reservoir from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Mapleton Community Center tomorrow, Friday, March 22.
“It was Joe Bisogno’s idea to get something together for information for citizens,” Mike Hueston, Mapleton City Councilman said. “Everybody I talked to, didn’t have a clue about this (reservoir).”
Landowners, community members, and political representatives are welcome to come.
Joe Bisogno owns Timber Hills Ranch in the proposed area.
“I own property that would be flooded,” he said. “The meeting will be about the pros and cons and questions of a lake in the proposed area.”
“I don’t know enough about it to be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I know we need water,” Bisogno said. “If the landowners and the officials can work out the details, I think it’s a great project.”
Core Community Events Community Calendar for April 2024
April 16, 2024
Core Friend Training hosted by Core Community
If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom
Please email Cinta Becker (Admin Assistant) to register for the training – [email protected]
For more information about becoming a Core Friend, please contact Janice Lamb at [email protected] or 620-215-1703.
April 22, 2024
Core Community Graduation
6:30-7:30 PM, United Methodist Church, Fort Scott
Our first class of Core Leaders have met all the requirements to graduate from Phase one of our program and enter Phase Two. The entire community is invited to attend to help us celebrate this monumental achievement! Come and hear the stories of transformed lives!
For more information contact Cherri Walrod at [email protected]
Live Jazz Performance Tonight at Ellis Center at Fort Scott Community College
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 21
The Agenda for the Special Meeting on March 25 of the Uniontown City Council
There will be a special council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 204.
CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________
ROLL CALL:
____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ____ Mary Pemberton ____ Bradley Stewart
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
Unofficial Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council Meeting on 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
Unofficial Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council Meeting of March 12
The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM 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
List of Upcoming City of Fort Scott Meetings
Several City of Fort Scott Meetings are planned next week:
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING
When: Tuesday, March 26th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: City Hall
Topic for discussion: – Certificate of Appropriateness for 17 S. Main Street
The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.
For more information: [email protected] or 620.223.0550
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
When: Tuesday, March 26th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: City Hall
Topic for discussion: Lake Lots
The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.
For more information: [email protected] or 620.223.0550
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING – PUBLIC HEARING
When: Wednesday, March 27th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: City Hall
Topic for discussion: Case No. 1045 – Zoning Change C2 to R2
The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.
For more information: [email protected] or 620.223.0550
Submitted by
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Live Jazz Performance On March 21 At Ellis Center
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Veteran Support Training April12
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