|
| Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: |
    |
Rural Development Grant Will Impact Small Businesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 28
Community Christmas Light Contest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
|
More Space Manufacturing Coming to Kansas
On Monday, I hosted Robert Lightfoot, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space, in Kansas. During the visit, we toured a division of Perfekta Aerospace where Lockheed announced a contract for the company to provide parts for its Orion Spacecraft, as well as components for its defense programs. The Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP) also hosted an event at WSU Tech’s National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) for local manufacturers, academia and community leaders to meet with Lockheed Martin.
Thank you to Robert and his team for visiting the Air Capital of the World and sharing the importance Kansans are playing in space and defense programs. Thank you also to Jeff Fluhr and his team at GWP for their leadership and to the many Kansans who helped make their visit a success.
Expanding Rural Health Care in Southeast Kansas
Monday afternoon I stopped at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute to participate in the ribbon cutting for the new Southeast Kansas Impact Center. This $7.1 million facility houses a workforce training center that will operate in partnership with local businesses and medical providers to better deliver telehealth treatment to area patients. The 10,000 square foot multi-use business, workforce and health care center was built on the site of a former tuberculosis hospital and is expected to create 256 jobs and generate $45 million for the local economy.
I am pleased to have helped secure an investment of more than $4 million from the Economic Development Administration for the SEK Impact Center. Thank you to Hospital CEO Dennis Franks and Foundation Director Anna Methvin for inviting me to join in this exciting community celebration. Thank you also to Dorothy Welch, Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick, Lead Engineer Alison Mih, NMRMC Foundation Chair Bruce Jackson, NMRMC Foundation Secretaruy Bruce Mullen, Neosho County Commissioner Nick Galemore, and Chanute Mayor Jacob LaRue for joining me.
Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Annual Convention
It was great to be with members of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) in Wichita for their 78th annual convention on Monday evening. This group is committed to conserving our natural resources—efforts that are critical to preserving Kansas for the next generation. Water conservation and natural resource management is particularly important to our economy and quality of life. Water is the lifeblood of our municipalities, the foundation for statewide recreation, and will direct the future of manufacturing and agriculture production. During my remarks I discussed Farm Bill reauthorization and conservation issues across the state, including the importance of establishing long-term solutions that support the water needs of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and the regional economy.
Thank you to KACD Executive Director and Chairman Dan Meyeroff for inviting me to speak as well as the many members of KACD I was able to visit with.
Nestor Weigand Jr.’s Funeral
This week I attended the funeral for Nestor Weigand Jr. in Wichita. Nestor was a giant in the real estate industry and made a huge difference in people’s lives including my own.
After his passing, Mike McGrew, the Chairman & CEO of McGrew Real Estate stated the following to me, and I couldn’t agree more: “Nestor has been the patriarch of the Kansas REALTOR family for decades. He was an amazing mentor to myself and so many others. His leadership in business and real estate was surpassed only by his generous gifts of wise counsel and time spent. Nestor cannot be replaced, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.”
Read more about Nestor’s life in the Wichita Business Journal, here.
Visiting Hospitals Across Kansas
Ellsworth County Medical Center
On Tuesday, I visited Ellsworth County Medical Center (ECMC), a Critical Access Hospital that provides important health care services to the Ellsworth community and surrounding area. During the tour, I learned more about challenges facing ECMC and how medical and support staff are working to meet the needs of the community. The insight and experiences from Kansas hospitals, their administrators and staff are important to me as I work to support the health care industry in Kansas and across the nation.
Thank you to ECMC CEO Jim Kirkbride and his team for arranging my visit. Thank you also to Callie Haxton and Colby Richard from the City of Ellsworth as well as Mark Kennedy and John Thaemert from Citizens State Bank & Trust for joining me.
Sheridan County Hospital
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit Sheridan County Hospital where I met with hospital staff and administrators to learn more about health care in Hoxie. I am grateful to those who showed me around the facility and for expressing the priorities and needs of the hospital and the communities it serves. Rural hospitals throughout Kansas are facing staff and equipment shortages and even closures. I will continue to prioritize the sustainability and success of Kansas’s rural hospitals, and I am grateful to Sheridan County Hospital and the Sheridan County Health Complex for the incredible work they do.
Thank you to Sheridan County Hospital Board President Joy Bretz, clinic manager and Sheridan County Commissioner Kyle Ablenstorf and board members Leanna Sloan, Teri Moss, and Sally Cameron for joining me on the tour.
Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital
Later on Wednesday, I toured the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney with CEO Jeremy Rabe and Hospital Board Chair Eric Moden. I was pleased to see the expansion of services and patient care that Trego County has been able to provide their residents. Maintaining reliable and high-quality health care is critically important to see our communities thrive. I appreciated the time I was able to spend learning about the facility and am thankful to those who took the time to give me a tour.
|
||||||||
|
Christmas Photos With Santa Paws
Match Day Tomorrow for FS Community Foundation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign
The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.
In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main or at Care4All at 2 W. 18th St. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County to families who have registered for holiday assistance.
Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms. Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.
Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.
Obituary of Lloyd Wiley
Lloyd Eugene Wiley, 89, a Fort Scott, Kansas resident, passed away, at his home, Saturday morning, November 25, 2023. He was born on April 30, 1934, the son of Fred Funston Wiley and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married Norma ‘Jean’ Mudd on May 17, 1953; she preceded him in death on April 27, 2020.
Lloyd was a life-long resident of Bourbon County. He graduated from Fort Scott High School, and worked as a farmer, farming his own land, and as a carpenter. He owned his own construction company, Wiley Construction, for many years specializing in custom homes and remodels.
An active community member, Lloyd volunteered with many organizations. He was a long-time member of the Bourbon County Fair Board. Lloyd was inducted into the Kansans Fairs & Festivals Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also extremely active with the Tri-State Draft Horse Pullers. A favorite pastime was to load up his draft horses and head to pulling matches all over the country, having competed in places such as the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the Tulsa, Oklahoma State Fair. When at home he spent many, many days pulling wagons with grade-school kids, nursing home residents, and Santas in the Fort Scott Christmas parades; you name it Lloyd was present in the community.
Known as a husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend to many, Lloyd will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Those he left behind are comforted, knowing that he is in a better place with his loved ones who passed before him, including Jean and Lyn. Knowing Lloyd, he probably went and picked up his Jean, and they are headed to a pulling match in heaven right now.
Survivors include his son Pete Wiley, of Fort Scott; daughter-in-law, Cindy Wiley, of St. Francis, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Marie Wiley and Pat Price, both of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Dustin Wiley and his wife Randi of Okemah, Oklahoma, Darin Wiley and his wife Taylor of Snook, Texas, and Cheyenne Von Krosigk and her husband Randell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; great-grandson, Weston Lyn Wiley of Okemah, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his wife, Jean, Lloyd was also preceded in death by his eldest son, Lyn; daughter-in-law, Jeanie; his parents; three brothers, Don Wiley, Dale Wiley, and Larry Wiley; and his sister, Dorothy Hoffman.
Chuck Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, with burial following at the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 28, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon County Fair Board, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone
The inaugural Christmas on the Bricks Festival is this weekend and behind the scenes, the committee has been working like elves in Santa’s workshop. Today is the deadline for parade entry and sponsorship gathering, see at end of the feature.
“There will be a variety of things that people can do,” Diane Striler, Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman said. “It will be a unique event that people will want to come back to each year.”
The group formed in the spring of 2023, and there are several committees.
Beside Striler, on the Christmas on the Bricks committee are Lindsay Madison, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones.
“Brad Matkin wanted to start a group to bring awesome things to the community,” Striler said. The group started talking about Christmas. “Brad saw cutouts for photo opportunities at Branson (MO.) I love Christmas and said ‘Let me help with that!’, ” she said.
“So many people have helped out,” Striler said. “Denise Beaman is helping with the Fort Scott Downtown Christmas Tree Contest for businesses. The city workers are helping downtown get ready for the event. Mid Continental Restoration is supplying generators for the booths that will be set up downtown. Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) instructors and students designed the booths, and Structural Panel Innovations (SPI) cut the walls for the booths. Niece Products made and donated the firepits that will be used for making s’mores.”
Many, many people have donated time, expertise, or materials to the event, she said.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has had a Christmas Parade for years, ending with the lighting of the huge Mayor’s Christmas Tree at the end of North Main Street.
This year has been added St. Mary’s Catholic School students (Fort Scott) will be singing at the lighting ceremony, and fireworks will go off as the tree is lit.
Striler said she is a TV Hallmark Channel fan and many of her ideas have come from those romantic drama movies.
One of the first things Striler did was to find horse-drawn carriages that would give rides. “We have Orange Star Carriages from Arkansas who are bringing three carriages. The cost is $40 for four people, with small children sitting on a lap for free. We are encouraging people to pre-register ahead of time. They will be at Wall and Scott Avenue (the depot building) from 6 to 10 p.m.”
The downtown businesses will be open until 8 p.m. each evening.
Businesses are competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest. “This will bring awareness to the businesses downtown. The public can vote at the Courtland Hotel at 1st and Scott Street,” she said.
Vendor booths will be selling “Quality Christmas-related items, that don’t compete with our businesses,” she said.
There will be a public information booth on Wall Street.
At that booth will be sold Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks commemorative items, including t-shirts and sweatshirts (price range $30 to $55) and mini-brick Christmas ornaments created by the Artificers owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, which will sell for $20.
Striler said she has been “asking God to handle the little things and the weather.”
The following is provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce:
Click HERE for a printable PDF copy of the flyer.
Click HERE for more details on the individual activities listed.
Events that require pre-registration include:
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* Candlelight Tours of the Fort
* Gingerbread House Making Contest
* Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic
* Floral Centerpiece Making Class
For places to stay during the event: click here
The organizers for the Christmas on the Bricks want to recognize the event sponsors.
To be added to the sponsors for promotion, printed signs, and materials for the event, contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce today, Monday, November 27 by 1 p.m.
From the Chamber press release:
The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.
The weekend will kick off with the“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights on Thursday, November 30th at 6 pm, followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir, Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa insideBe the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.
Click here to enter the parade by 1 pm on 11/27!
Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,
December 1st and 2nd, include:
• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9 pm, Sat. 5-9 pm
• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!
• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun., 12-5 pm
• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8 pm each night
• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.
• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm
• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm
• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10 pm each night
• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10 pm each night
• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night
• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 12-2 pm & 5-8 pm
• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11 am-2 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm
Friday-only events include:
• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6 pm until over
• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9 pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.
• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9 pm-1 am
Saturday-only events include:
• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10 am
• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10 am-4 pm
• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3 pm
• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm
• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8 pm
• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8 pm
• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11 pm
Sunday-only events include:
• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10 am-2 pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209
• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1 pm
Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are making this event possible, including:
Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler; Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison; Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this
This is a FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic Fort Scott District!
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or [email protected] for questions or more information.
Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on November 14
The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650. Bid tabulation attached.
Uniontown Park Enhancement Project Bid Tab
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430
Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return
Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6.680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024. Bid tabulation attached.
Uniontown School Pond Improvement Phase II Project Bid Tab
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680
Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier. She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $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; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%). The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.
Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52. Open meeting resumed at 8:52. Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can. They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely. He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running. He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking. Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve. We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace. Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.
Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction. 102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush. 201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure. The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue. After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.
Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.
KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025
Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.
KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM. She has registered to attend.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council. He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St. He will ask Animal Control to followup.
OLD BUSINESS
Street project – work is completed. Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern. Work is warranted until October 27, 2024. Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.
Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.
NEW BUSINESS
Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.
Procurement Policy –
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM
Deadline for Christmas Parade Entry Is Today, November 27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|