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The Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Oct. 30
October 30, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Dale Bollinger, Ron Brown, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Clint Walker, Jared Pollock, Floyd Feezel, Patty Ropp, Gary Herrin, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 10/23/23. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Dale Bollinger spoke about comments that were in the newspaper regarding the cost of adding additional ambulances to our fleet to accommodate an EMS barn in the western part of Bourbon County. Mr. Bollinger said he felt the totals listed were excessive and doesn’t like the idea of giving a $1,500,000 subsidy to someone without being able to track where and how it is spent and suggested putting the issue on the ballot. Mr. Bollinger also suggested looking at purchasing the dialysis center as he feels the current medical facility building is not feasible for us, talking to Wal-Mart about location for a helipad, and possibly building something smaller with a partnership with Amberwell for their Medicare and Medicaid billing. Clifton said they had looked at the dialysis center and it is currently still under rent and have spoken to Wal-Mart regarding a helipad. Troy Felt spoke about Medicaid expansion and how he feels about subsidizing a healthcare company. Mr. Felt suggested the Commissioners say who the representatives at the state that residents need to contact are and list their phone numbers on our website. Clint Walker suggested the Commissioners do what he calls public promotion and allay fears by laying our what our plan is. Michael Hoyt encouraged everybody to vote.
Ronnie Brown and Jared Pollock with the Bourbon County Conservation District came to get an update on the status of funding for 2024. Currently, $40,000 has been set aside in a contingency fund for the Soil Conservation District. Mr. Pollock said they are state funded as well as county funded and have to list the amount they will receive from the county on paperwork that must be submitted to the state. Mr. Pollock also stated the Conservation District is okay with moving forward with adding a representative from Bourbon County and that the Commissioners can decide whomever they choose. Jim made a motion to move $40,000 from the contingency fund to appropriation for the Soil Conservation District and to allow the County Clerk to sign any documentation needed for 2024. Clifton seconded the motion. Nelson opposed. The motion passed 2-1.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said that Eagle Road west of the railroad tracks is now complete. A culvert was replaced at 230th Street and Eagle Road and said the road will have to be closed to try to get prep work done for asphalt and that they will post when it will be closed. Jim thanked Eric and the crew for working hard through breakdowns and mother nature to get the work done on Eagle Road. Eric said the two new graders are in at Humbolt and should be here next week. Eric said he will be out of town Wednesday thru Friday this week so to reach out to Dustin Hall if there are any issues. There was discussion held over lowering the speed limit on gravel roads from the current 55 mph. Clifton asked if they changed the speed limit if they would then have to post signs and Justin said yes, signs would have to be placed throughout the county. Eric said he was concerned over the cost of placing signs as it would be approximately $50.00 per sign for the post and the sign not including labor. It was decided to table the discussion of lowering speed limits on gravel roads.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a letter received from the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center requesting a letter of support for a KDOT grant they are applying for. Rebecca Bilderback, Executive Assistant at SEKMHC, stated that transportation services include appointments (psychiatric, therapy, case management, primary care physician, dental) grocery shopping, personal needs shopping, out-of-town specialist appointments, hospitalization admissions and discharges, education group attendance, children’s field trips, and exercise groups. Services that utilize transportation are outpatient mental health, psychiatry, case management for adults and children, chemical abuse services, and crisis services. Clifton made a motion that all three Commissioners sign the letter of support for Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center for their application for a KDOT grant. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for the Commissioner’s decision on voting delegates for the Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties meeting that will be held during the Kansas Association of Counties meeting in December. It was decided Jim will be the voting delegate and Clifton will be listed as an alternative. Jennifer said 149 voters have taken advantage of early voting at the Courthouse and asked Commissioners to not hold a meeting next Monday as the Clerk’s office will be busy preparing for the General Election the next day. Clifton made a motion to cancel the November 6th Commission meeting. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:41. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:41 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton went over the holidays during the next few months and discussion was held as to which days to hold meetings. Clifton made a motion to cancel the commission meetings on November 20th, December 25th, January 1st, and January 15th. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. If something comes up a special meeting will be called. Clifton addressed comments made during the meeting and said there are multiple people working on the healthcare issue and have been for several years but NDAs are signed so a lot cannot be discussed in public. Clifton also stated CHC has been spoken to in the past, the cost to build a new facility would be 10-20 million dollars, and the dialysis center is still be rented. Nelson said he received a phone call from a citizen expressing their frustration on a bridge we are receiving KDOT funds to repair as he does not feel it needs repaired. Jim stated in general if KDOT feels it is time to replace a bridge then it is time and they are willing to give us a grant to replace the bridge. Clifton said he received a lot of phone calls and emails about an incident that happened in the northeast part of Fort Scott concerning helicopters, machine gun fire, and an explosion. Clifton said he takes it very seriously that citizens, constituents in his district, were interrupted in the middle of the night and he is absolutely looking into it.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
Approved Date
A Deeper Look at Native Americans and the Civil War
Fort Scott National Historic Site concludes the first year of Native American Experience programming with two chapters from the Civil War in Kansas.
The first presentation, “A Shield Against the World”: Opothleyahola and the Trail of Blood on Ice Campaign in the Civil War, is by Dr. Michelle M. Martin on Saturday, November 18th, at 1 pm.
The second presentation, “Allies and Adversaries”: The role of American Indians in the Civil War west of the Mississippi River, is by Arnold W. Schofield on Sunday, November 19th, at 2 pm.
Both programs will be held in the park’s Theater on the second floor of the western Infantry Barracks.
“A Shield Against the World”: During the American Civil War the Five Southeastern Nations in the Indian Territory were divided. Pro‐Union, Pro‐Confederate, and Neutral factions developed within the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Mvskoke, and Seminole Nations. Wishing to remain neutral, Mvskoke leader Opothleyahola provided shelter to men, women, and children who wanted to stay out of the war. In the fall of 1861 Opothleyahola’s followers neared 10,000 and he led them on a desperate flight north to the safety of Union Kansas. Dr. Michelle M. Martin, an Assistant Professor of History/Coordinator of the Public History Certificate in the Department of History at Northeastern State University, will share this incredible and often misunderstood event in Native American history.
“Allies and Adversaries”: The program will be presented by retired NPS Historian Arnold W. Schofield, and its primary focus will be on the organization, recruitment and combat history of the Three Regiments of Indian Home Guards from Kansas. The program will close on an unknown aspect of the Civil War in Kansas, the Indian uprising by the plains tribes in 1864.
Dr. Michelle M. Martin is a Michigan native who made her way west after completing her BA and MA degrees in history at Western Michigan University. From 1997-2015 she lived in Fort Scott, Kansas and Bartlesville, Oklahoma where she taught history at the community college and university levels and worked as a museum professional and historical consultant to the television and film industries. While living in Kansas and Oklahoma Martin volunteered her time to various national, state, and local historic sites including Fort Scott NHS, Fort Larned NHS, Constitution Hall, Mine Creek Battlefield, and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. She earned her doctorate in history (and a minor in museum studies) at the University of New Mexico in 2022 with highest honors. Her dissertation was selected for the Linda Williams Reese Award from the Oklahoma Historical Society as the Outstanding Dissertation on Oklahoma History in March 2023. In August 2023 she joined the faculty in the Department of History at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her areas of interest include Native American history, the U.S. West from 1800-1925, Kansas history from 1854-1865, interracial marriage and family in North America, and Public History. Her current project explores interracial marriage in the Mvskoke Nation during the Indian Territorial period.
Arnold W. Schofield is a retired NPS Historian who spent much of his civilian career at Fort Scott National Historic Site. He is currently a researcher, public speaker, and traveling lecturer around the region.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.
-NPS-
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Employees of Ascension Via Christi in Fort Scott Are Offered Employment Assistance
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Obituary of Deborah Nelson
Deborah Rane Harris Nelson, age 74, born and raised in Fort Scott, Ks, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Olathe, Ks.
She was born on June 26, 1949, the daughter of Ray Hugh Harris and Cleta Mae Graham Harris.
Debbie graduated from Fort Scott High School.
After graduation, she spent her entire career as a dedicated employee of Mercy Hospital until she retired. She started as a Therapy Aide and later worked as a Certified Nurse Aide
She married Anthony Ware Nelson Jr.
Debbie enjoyed watching court shows, and westerns, and attending church at Mount Olive Church of God in Christ. She read the Bible, prayed, and held many different roles in the church.
Debbie adored elephants which could be seen by her huge ceramic collection.
She also loved spending time with family.
Survivors include her three children, Toni Gibson, and husband Xander, Anthony Nelson the III, and Rosalyn Nichol, and her husband Jacob; and two grandchildren, Ella, and Nyha. Also surviving are two brothers, Eugene, and Roger Harris; and three sisters, Glenda Harris, Rotena Gray, and Hattie Wright.
Her husband, Anthony, preceded her in death, in March of 1998. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, William Graham, Buford Harris, Donald Drake, Leon Harris, Phyllis Mason, and Linda Vann.
Elder Roger Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M., Friday, November 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Ks 66701.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
KISS is Coming to Fort Scott, Almost
For those who love American Hard Rock Music, there is a show for you this weekend in Fort Scott.
KISS, the original group formed in the 1970s is known for such hits as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Black Diamond,” according to its website.
A group considered talented enough to be endorsed by Gene Simmons, one of the original KISS members, Almost KISS will be performing this Saturday, November 18, at 7 p.m. at Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall, Third Street and National Avenue.
To order tickets: https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/almost-kiss-tribute-band
Almost KISS are four devoted KISS fans and they choose to pay homage to the famous band in their shows, according to their website.
This entertainment event and others throughout the year have been organized by Advance Bourbon County.
Cory Bryars, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones were having a conversation earlier in the year.
“Brad mentioned this tribute band, Almost Kiss,” Jones, spokesman for the Advance Bourbon County group, said. “Then he started reminiscing about his old rock and roll days. I have even talked Brad into having full Kiss makeup on during this event. So that itself is worth the admission fee.”
“With ABC, I have no set agenda on acts or events that I prefer,” he said. “Our main thing early on is to try as many different types of events as possible and see which ones gather the most attention. Then as we move into 2024 we will be more selective on which events we bring in. It’s just a way of giving back to a community that we love being part of. We have a beautiful venue and the most wonderful people around and it’s our hope we can now start drawing in outside people to our community to see what we can offer.”
Advance Bourbon County is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation whose purpose is to make Bourbon County a better place through events and fundraising opportunities, according to its website.
“We will be announcing our upcoming events for 2024. We plan on doing about 6-8 events in 2024,” Josh Jones said.
The ABC recently organized a renovation of the waiting room in Memorial Hall, which is used by entertainers when they are offstage.
Aaron Judy with H2 Painting, Jeff Allen Electric, Fort Scott Fire Department, Flowers by Leanna, and Stoughton’s Plumbing helped with the project.
The work was done with volunteer work and some donated materials.
“Memorial Hall is such a big asset to our community and Advance Bourbon County is excited to play a part in helping fix it up,” Jones said.
Deadline to Enter the Christmas Parade: November 27 at 1 p.m.
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FS City Commission Meets This Evening at 5:30 p.m.
The City Commission will hold a Special Meeting tonight, November 13, 2023, 5:30PM at City Hall. It is anticipated to recess in Executive Session pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1).
Do You Stink? by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
When I was a young girl, I thought the fragrance of ‘Evening in Paris‘ was absolutely lovely! Several years ago, I ordered the cobalt-blue bottle of this cologne from ebay just to remember the scent and enjoy the nostalgia. (However, it didn’t smell as good as I thought it did as a kid.) The sense of smell is a powerful instrument for bringing us pleasure or annoyance. I love the fragrance of an iris, but the scent of a skunk is a whole nother ballgame. I’ve been told by friends that my home has its own fragrance. I wasn’t aware of it because I’m used to it. But I know what they’re talking about, as I recall my piano teacher’s living room had the same certain smell every week.
Whether we realize it or not, Christ followers give off a pleasing or offensive scent everywhere we go. Like Pepe’ Le Pew, the “odor-able” French striped skunk, we may not realize we’re giving off a putrid odor that annoys people or causes them to run away from us. Pepe’ was used to his odor, and I think it’s possible that some believers can be so used to their harsh and overly-opinionated personality that they aren’t aware that they’re annoying and their persona stinks to high heaven. Apostle Paul admonishes us to, “Guard your speech. Forsake obscenities and worthless insults; these are nonsensical words that bring disgrace and are unnecessary” (Ephesians 5:4 TPT).
What’s your favorite fragrance? You can’t buy the following perfumes anywhere, but you can possess them in your heart and lavish them on people everyday: Compassion, Love, Hope, Encouragement, Kindness, Gentleness, Understanding, Patience, Goodness, and Empathy. These priceless fragrances display the character of Jesus Christ.
“Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads in triumph [as a trophy of Christ’s victory] and through me spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14 AMP). Through the yielded lives of believers, we are to spread the fragrance of God wherever we go. We should live every day as fragrant love spreaders. (There’s more than enough manure spreaders out there.) Just a few positive words of encouragement spoken over a discouraged individual can change his/her outlook and give hope.
“But this beautiful treasure is contained in us — cracked pots made of earth and clay — so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 VOICE). Believers must realize that anything good we do only comes from God’s power living in us. We owe it all to Jesus for making it possible to wear the fine fragrances of a renewed life in Him. Although we’re common/imperfect clay jars (created from dust/clay) we possess the fragrance of God in our heart. His sweet fragrance in us will naturally spill out on others as we practice loving on them.
Christ followers need to be aware of how we smell to others. What one person thinks smells good, another can think it stinks. I once worked with a very nice woman, but her cologne fragrance was horridly unpleasant to my nose. Obviously, she thought it was wonderful or she wouldn’t have chosen to wear it. But, to me, it smelled like toilet-bowl cleaner. We need to seriously reevaluate our spiritual fragrance choices to ensure that we’re a sweet and welcoming fragrance to others.
The Key: Don’t be like Pepe’ Le Pew and turn people off because you stink.
Ad: Fort Scott Community College – Level up your career!
Want to level up your career or need to take classes that transfer to a 4-year college? Enrollment is OPEN for the spring and summer semesters at Fort Scott Community College! Dive into a world of knowledge from the comfort of your home. Spring classes start on January 10. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your skills and achieve your academic goals. Plus, did you know that most classes at FSCC transfer? Join us on the journey of learning! For more info, go to https://fortscott.edu/
Coping with Loss and Loneliness During the Holidays
By Clara Misenhelter
Southwind Extension District
The holiday season is here. It can be a joyous time, but not always or for everyone. For many, especially those feeling emotionally distant or those who have recently experienced a loss, it is a time of year that can leave us particularly vulnerable to feelings as we are pressured to “get in the holiday spirit.” While there is not any one best way to cope with these feelings, consider these tips for coping with loss and loneliness during the holidays:
- Accept your feelings. Give yourself permission to feel how you feel. Whatever you are feeling is appropriate.
- Do what feels right to you. Remember that you can opt out of a holiday event or tradition if it will be too much for you. Make a plan for comforting activities you can do instead. Consider asking someone to check in on you.
- Get support. Talk to loved ones about your needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis or seeking emotional support, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them online at 988lifeline.org.
One year ago, K-State Research and Extension hosted a webinar about coping with loss and loneliness during the holidays. To learn more about this topic, you can view the webinar recording online at ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed. You can also join Tara Solomon-Smith and me at the Iola Public Library on December 7th at 6:30 PM for a free program on coping with loss and loneliness during the holidays. For more information, please contact me 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.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For November 13
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
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
November 13, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,950.58
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $248,178.11
- Approval of Minutes from 10/30/2023
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Lora Holdridge-Holiday Dinner
- Susan Walker, CFO
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Financials
- Elected Official’s Longevity
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director
- Justin Meeks
- Tax Sale
- Contracts
- MOU
- 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 theattorney-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.