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U. S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Listening to Kansans
Garden City
On Thursday, I was in Garden City to visit with members of the community at the Garden City Chamber Coffee to provide a legislative update and hear their concerns. We discussed the continued crisis at the southern border, responsible government funding, the Farm Bill, national security, and how to support our veterans.
Thank you to Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce President Myca Bunch, State Senator John Doll, State Representative Dr. Bill Clifford, County Commissioner Larry Jones, Mayor Deb Oyler, City Commissioners Roy Dixon and Shannon Dick, City Manager Matt Allen, Police Chief Courtney Prewitt, Fire Chief John Irsik, Lona DuVall, Janie Welsh and all who came to visit. Thank you also to Garden City Community College for the hospitality.
Minutes of the Oct. 10 Bo Co Commission Meeting
October 10, 2023 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present for a special meeting to discuss healthcare.
Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy, Deb Martin, 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 Mark McCoy.
Jim explained that the board is here tonight to discuss healthcare, and will begin with an executive session followed by general discussion. The public will have an opportunity to speak after the general discussion and Jim asked those interested to sign up and remain professional and courteous.
Clifton Beth made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 5:42. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 5:42 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion that we support, along with other taxing entities in the county, an entity that Legacy Health has brought to the county and has been working with for many months, which is Amberwell, to provide ER services in Bourbon County soon if not as close to as possible after January 1, 2024. The amount that Bourbon County would need to contribute is $500,000 contingent upon a signed MOU along with them coming and providing the services. Justin Meeks clarified that if other taxing entities don’t agree to fund, the county’s share would go up. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton stated that assuming other taxing entities are on board we will have an emergency room and that will be made possible with a large financial commitment to the project by Legacy Health. Clifton said he would address some of the questions that have been posted online and stated that we do not qualify as a Critical Access Hospital and stressed the point that Girard and multiple other rural hospitals that are surviving are Critical Access Hospitals. Clifton explained that Critical Access Hospitals are essentially made whole at the end of the year by the federal government. Clifton said that if a hospital is opened, we still wouldn’t qualify as a Critical Access Hospital. REH, Rural Emergency Hospital, was discussed with Clifton saying that as of a month ago there still was not a hospital in the country with that designation. To qualify for REH Clifton said you had to be a functioning hospital in 2020 and that Via Christi, himself, Legacy Heath, and Amberwell have all been working trying to get the designation and will continue to work with representatives at the federal level to try to obtain. REH gives a $2,000,000 subsidy plus around a 3% bump in Medicare payments. Clifton also addressed rumors that Via Christi was leaving due to Legacy raising the rent and stated that for the last year or more Via Christi has had free rent. Clifton said that to his knowledge Legacy is charging way less than the standard rate to their new tenants. Clifton said assuming everybody can collaborate we will have an emergency room, but stated it would take licensing as any new entity would have to get multiple licenses from the State of Kansas which is a process. Clifton said his hope is they are able to get it done quickly and that we will have little to no lag, if any, in emergency room care in Bourbon County. Jim read the following prepared list: since 2010 113 rural hospitals have closed, 46% of rural hospitals are losing money, 86 % of rural hospitals in Kansas are losing money, the ER in Fort Scott has not paid rent in 24 months, the ER in Fort Scott has lost over $1,000,0000 a year. Jim said they are working with other taxing entities to come up with a solution. Jim said if we do not get the REH designation we will have to come up with some other ideas and present it to the voters on some things we could or could not do. Jim said to have an ER in Bourbon County the county, city, state, or federal entities would have to subsidize it. Jim said he has seen the discussion about sales tax and stated we are a long way from that, but it could happen next year. Clifton said that we can’t arbitrarily charge a sales tax and explained that it would have to be placed on the ballot for the public to decide. Jim stated hopefully we receive the REH and it doesn’t come to having to vote on a sales tax, but wants everybody to understand that to maintain an ER somebody has to subsidize it. Jim said we have to move forward and build our cash reserves in case we do not receive the REH. Clifton said they have reached out to multiple agencies who were not interested in opening an ER or hospital and that Amberwell is willing to come and is already highly successful in rural healthcare. Building a new hospital is a comment Clifton has seen and stated that isn’t necessarily a bad idea but the rules and regulations to build a hospital are not the same as building a house, would cost in the ballpark of $20,000,000, and would take at least two years which would leave us without a hospital. Clifton said the public can write their Senator and House of Representatives and let them know of our issues, that we need the REH designation, and that we all want to make the hospital successful. Nelson said he wants to build cash reserves by saving money in every way possible and use it for essential county functions and nothing else. Jim said Amberwell is well thought out, has two hospitals and six clinics, and would be a blessing for Bourbon County.
Clint Walker said he feels that the state needs to expand Medicaid because rural hospitals are in trouble and people can’t pay their bills. Anne Dare asked for the total amount of the subsidy that would need to be paid and Clifton said it would be $1,500,000. Anne asked if anybody has talked to Linn County about buying in because they still rely on our emergency room. Anne stated she knew there is information that cannot be released, but suggested having townhall meetings and creating task forces to be more communicative with residents. Anne asked how long Amberwell has been an entity and where they are based out of. Clifton said it seems like he read they have been around 5 or 6 years and they are from Atchison. Jim said they have a hospital in Hiawatha as well and clinics in other cities. Anne questioned if they had functioning emergency rooms at their hospitals, and Jim replied yes. Anne said it was mentioned on Facebook about keeping pilot funds to use to portion of the county’s share of the healthcare subsidy. Mark McCoy said he was here tonight on his own behalf and not representing REDI. Mark said he had a concern with a taskforce because people can’t keep things private which can be detrimental when in the process of making deals in any business. Mark stated the plethora of people on Facebook making comments are keeping businesses out because the majority of comments are negative and nobody wants to come here if it’s a negative place. Mark said the cost of operating the old Mercy building with utilities, maintenance, up-keep, and the roof and HVAC issues that come with a building that is at least 20 years old is astronomical. Mark asked if the taxing entities were Bourbon County, the City of Fort Scott, the school districts, and community college and Clifton said yes, we would ask all those to contribute. Mark said EMS does a good job and that a lack of an ER would put a strain on them. Mr. McCoy stated an emergency room is important to Bourbon County and Fort Scott as well as businesses and said it would be in the best interest of businesses to contribute. Mark said that REDI stands ready and will participate but cannot give an exact dollar amount tonight. Matt Sanders asked how we can keep an ER from failing like the other 80% in the state and said he agrees with Anne’s suggestion of reaching out to Linn County. Matt asked if there was any term length to the agreement and asked if they were to leave tomorrow do, we get our money back. Matt stated he thinks we are putting a lot of faith in obtaining an REH designation, and that he agrees we need an ER but doesn’t think the taxpayers should have to pay for it.
Clifton said REH is our ultimate goal and that it would cost us as a county $500,000 if we don’t have an ER for EMS for another ambulance and staff, so we would have to spend this amount regardless and he personally would rather spend it to have an emergency room to save people’s lives. Jim said if we receive the REH that would be a federal subsidy, if we do not it would be up to the Bourbon County people if we want an ER and how we would pay for it. The idea of a sales tax was discussed since everybody, including those individuals just traveling through, would pay it. If a 1% sales tax were voted on by the residents and passed that would be $1.00 on every $100 spent and it was asked if a life is worth $1.00. It was questioned how the county would come up with $500,000 and the Commissioners stated we could pull the money from several funds, and it would be a matter of not doing things such as working on the courthouse building, replacing windows, or switching software companies next year.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
10/16/2023 Approved Date
Bo Co Commission Minutes of Oct. 2
October 2, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Mark McCoy, Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/25/23 and approval of payroll totaling $416.24. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
There were no public comments.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a list of culvert installations for September for approval. Eric stated they are still working on Yale Road and are compacting, leveling, and adding water to make a better subbase. The asphalt crew is currently on 233rd Street and will have one pass to complete tomorrow then they will be moving to Garland. Eric said they are watching the budget numbers very closely to see what additional asphalting can be completed this year. Jim said he walked Jayhawk Road and the chip and seal was excellent and said the crew did a good job. Eric informed the Commissioners of a retirement lunch on Friday for Charlie Elliott who is retiring after 32 years with the county. Jim made a motion to allow all three Commissioners to attend a retirement luncheon for one of our employees at the public works building next Friday, October 6th. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson said somebody approached him about adding stop signs at 85th Street and Kansas Road to make the intersection a four-way stop. Nelson said it seems reasonable to him because when you are on Kansas Road headed west you can’t really see anything and it isn’t due to a lack of tree trimming it is just the terrain. Jim suggested Eric look at the intersection and make a recommendation.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, gave an update stating they are gearing up for the General Election on November 7th. The deadline for registering to vote to be able to participate in the General Election is October 17th. Jennifer asked if the Commissioners would be holding a meeting on October 9th since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. Nelson said he doesn’t have a problem holding a meeting and Jim replied they normally don’t hold meetings due to staff not being here to help. Jim said he doesn’t want to have any staff ruining their day off to have to come in for three hours when they could be traveling or with family. Jim made a motion to not hold a meeting on October 9th due to Columbus Day and will hold a regular meeting on October 16th unless something comes up. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented a Real Property Relief application for Jerry and Annette Leighty for their property at 202 Holbrook that was destroyed by fire. Jennifer said the fire happened on May 17th and that the home was completely destroyed and has since been demolished and is now a vacant lot. Jennifer said since the fire happened before August 1, they can do an abatement on the taxes she just needs to know the percentage that you want to abate.
Mark McCoy asked about early voting dates and Jennifer said early voting will start at the courthouse on October 26th during the hours of 8:30-4:30 and will close on November 6th at noon.
Jim made a motion to apply the abatement for 202 Holbrook for a Real Property Relief application for a six-month period. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, spoke of a draft letter notifying all employees of open enrollment for insurance that was submitted to the Commissioners for approval. Susan said we have been offering benefits with Aflac and Globe Life and we shouldn’t have due to the state contract language. Susan said employees will be able to continue their coverage if they choose to but it would not be deducted through their payroll and that Don Doherty is willing to visit with each of the employees that this affects. Susan said they want to still offer disability insurance and that after looking at all the benefits Assurity was the best company. The best cancer insurance was offered through Prosperity and is guaranteed issue. Northwestern Mutual is an assortment of other life insurance options that Don Doherty would offer through us. Susan said she needs approval to be able to use those companies as payroll deductions and to also send out the open enrollment letter. Jim asked if these all meet the state regulations, and Susan said yes do they. Jim made a motion a to allow Susan and the County Clerk to work together to send out a cover letter to employees to explain what changes they will have in their current additional insurance that will not be payroll deducted in the future to meet the state regulations and to let our employees have an option to purchase the listed insurances. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim requested an executive session. Jim made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:01. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 6:01 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton Beth arrived at the meeting.
Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to amend the agenda to add an executive session.
Clifton made a motion to add an executive session before the Commission comments. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:11. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:11 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson informed Clifton of the discussion of making the intersection at 85th Street and Kansas Road a four-way stop and that Eric is going to review and come back with a recommendation.
Clifton said there have been rumors about the emergency room closing and that Via Christi is being purchased by another entity which Clifton said as far as he knows is just a rumor. Clifton said there is a pretty good chance we will not have an emergency room on January 1st. Clifton said we have not been notified that they are closing but that we know it is a possibility. Clifton stated Legacy Health is working with another healthcare provider to possibly provide services but due to timing and licensing issues they won’t be able to make that happen in a timely manner. Clifton said that for whatever reason Bourbon County has been put on the back burner for healthcare for a long time and it’s something we need to discuss with the public and maybe take matters into our own hands with some kind of large subsidy from the county or cities or in the form of a sales tax or something of that matter. Clifton said he has heard we are already the highest sales taxed county in the state, but that is not true. Clifton said he personally is tired of relying on outsiders to weave our future with healthcare and maybe we should take it in our own hands with a large subsidy. Jim said he agrees with Clifton that it is time we take charge of the matter and let’s do it ourselves and quit waiting on other people to do it. Jim thanked Clifton for his hard work.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:18. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
10/16/2023 Approved Date
Walking and Biking To School Program Is Accepting Applications
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 17
Two Protected Mussel Species Released Back into Kansas Rivers
KDWP Successfully Stocks Two Protected Species Back into Kansas Waters
Freshwater mussels – essentially clams that have adapted to live in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes – reach their greatest diversity in North America. Nearly 300 species of mussels occur in the U.S., 40 of which reside in Kansas. Of those in Kansas, nearly 60 percent have some level of conservation concern and most have disappeared from part of their historical range.
PRATT – Fisheries and Ecological Services staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are taking action to bolster some of the state’s most at-risk aquatic species. Via the Department’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program and Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center, located at the Farlington Fish Hatchery, staff work together to propagate, grow, and stock vulnerable aquatic species back into their former habitats; and this fall, that included two protected freshwater mussel species.
Fatmucket Mussels in Marmaton River
KDWP first released 7,175 Fatmucket mussels – ranging in age from 1-3 years old – into the Marmaton River to bolster local populations. These were the first mussels ever released from the KABC, which opened its doors in 2018. And while Fatmuckets occur throughout central North America, they are considered a Species in Need of Conservation in Kansas.
“We chose the Marmaton River as the release site due to historical data and current observations that indicate the species is native to this drainage,” said Seth Lundgren, KDWP district fisheries biologist. “It also helped that the parental stock came from a shared tributary of the Marais Des Cygnes River, ensuring the correct genetics were also released into the drainage.”
Lundgren added that, prior to stocking, each of the offspring were marked with a unique “glue dot” that can be used by researchers for future identification.
Neosho Mucket Mussels in Neosho River
The second successful stocking of a protected species occurred later in the same week when approximately 1,374 federally-endangered Neosho Mucket mussels were released into the Neosho River. The offspring were the result of populations housed at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The Neosho Mucket occurs in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma but no longer occurs in 62 percent of its historical range.
“This stocking was the first of its kind conducted under KDWP’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program,” said Trevor Starks, KDWP species recovery coordinator. “Landowner agreements signed under this program seek to reestablish self-sustaining populations of imperiled fish and mussel species in order to recover, delist, and deregulate those populations. These agreements provide regulatory protections to landowners who wish to partner with the agency to allow species releases and monitoring on their property.”
More Conservation Stockings to Come
Staff at KDWP have several additional conservation stockings like these planned for 2024, including 18,000 mussels set to be released in southeastern Kansas as soon as drought conditions improve. The KABC has also been working to rear Plains Minnows, classified as a state-threatened species, for release back into their historic range in areas where they have since disappeared.
Landowners interested in helping recover imperiled species through the Kansas Aquatic Species Recovery Program are encouraged to contact Starks at [email protected].
For more information on threatened, endangered, and SINC species in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/
Cato Kids’ Day
The annual Cato Kids’ Day will be presented to 4th and 5th graders from local elementary schools by the Cato Historical Preservation Association on Thursday October19th from 9 a.m. to2 p.m.
Cato, Kansas – The annual Cato Kids’ Day will be held on Thursday October 19th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Cato, Kansas. Fourth and Fifth graders from local elementary schools will be bused to Cato to see presentations on life in the 1800s and Cato history. The presentations will include the one-room school house, pioneer kids’ games, covered wagons, blacksmithing, 1800’s weaponry, cowboys, native Americans, drovers, and the Gettysburg Address. Schools participating include Mettles, Meadowlark, Lakeside and Westside (Pittsburg), Bronaugh, Liberal, Uniontown, Frontenac, Northeast, St. Mary’s (Fort Scott) and Girard. Approximately 650 students are expected to attend.
A separate event, Cato Days, will be held for the general public on Saturday October 21st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cato is located between Pittsburg and Fort Scott. Take Hwy 69 to 720 road and follow the signs.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and past of Cato and surrounding areas.
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Lowell Milken Center News: Updates From October
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New Unsung Heroes Emerge from2023 Discovery Award Competition |
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The Grand Prize winner of the 2023 Discovery Award Competition is Sasha Allen from Eden Prairie, MN. Sasha’s extraordinary documentary, 3-6-9 KID: How Child Spy Agnes Láckovič Saved Hundreds from the Nazis, left us in awe! Learn more about Sasha by checking out this excellent article, Student Spotlights Unsung Hero Stories, by Hannah Ward at the Star Tribune. Photo by SHARI L. GROSS Star Tribune staff |
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3-6-9 KID: How Child Spy Agnes Láckovič Saved Hundreds from the Nazis masterfully relates the powerful impact of this 17-year-old unsung hero, who courageously saved the lives of hundreds of Jews and other endangered people during WWII. |
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The first-place winner of the 2023 Discovery Award Competition went to Paige Franzen, Kadence Huck and Callahan Levi from Nashua-Plainfield High School in Nashua, Iowa. Their powerful documentary, Why Not US? Dr. Christine Grant’s Heroic Pursuit of Gender Equality, is fascinating! Learn more about these multi-talented students by checking out this clip from KCRG-TV9 News at 9. Pictured are Suzy Turner (the Talented and Gifted teacher and National History Day advisor at Nashua-Plainfield Jr/Sr High School), Callahan Levi, Kadence Huck, Paige Franzen, and Norm Conard (Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes). Photo by Jennifer Kalainoff |
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Why Not Us? Dr. Christine Grant’s Heroic Pursuit of Gender Equality tells the story of Dr. Grant, the first women’s athletic director at the University of Iowa, and the significant impact she made in advancing gender equality in women’s sports. |
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ARTEFFECT News and Updates |
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Call for ARTEFFECT Submissions! * Learn How to Submit |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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2014 LMC Fellow Brian Langley brought his daughter to the LMC. It was heartwarming to see Brian share the magic of the LMC with the next generation. Their visit reminded us that our community is not just about work; it’s also about family and cherished memories. Brian shared that his class has done unsung hero projects every year since completing his fellowship at the LMC. Thank you, Brian, for being an inspiration and for sharing the stories of unsung heroes with your daughter and with your students! |
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Thanks to Leslie Sullivan, a 2021 LMC Fellow, for showcasing the Unsung Heroes projects at the Engage Carolinas Milken Conference in Charlotte, NC. Your dedication to highlighting these heroes is genuinely inspiring! |
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We celebrated World Teacher Day on October 5th, honoring our LMC Fellows and educators from all corners of the globe for the incredible, lasting impact they make on their students’ lives. We hope you will express your gratitude and thank a teacher who’s made a difference in your journey. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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Fall at the LMC has been nothing short of a whirlwind, from the exciting Discovery Award announcements to marking significant dates and gearing up for the festive holiday season. In case you missed them, here are some standout highlights we’ve saved just for you in this edition! |
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH During this #HispanicHeritageMonth, we shine a spotlight on these remarkable unsung heroes featured at the Lowell Milken Center, whose contributions have left a lasting mark on history: Sylvia Mendez: An advocate for educational equality, Sylvia, along with her family, bravely helped initiate the desegregation of California schools, paving the way for future generations. Sylvia was the subject of Separate Will Never Be Equal, the 2021 ARTEFFECT Certificate of Excellence award-winning project by Zoe Spikerman from Parker School in Waimea, Hawaii. Elizabeth Catlett: A talented artist and sculptor, Elizabeth used her gifts to reflect the strength and beauty of the African-American and Mexican-American communities. Elizabeth was the subject of Dr. Elizabeth Catlett: Artist To Some, Activist For Many, Unsung Hero To All, a 2023 Discovery Award-winning documentary by Loup County HS student Angel Estrada. Ralph Lazo: Ralph, a Mexican-American teenager, voluntarily enrolled in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II to support his friends and neighbors. Ralph was the subject of Ralph Lazo: The Voluntary Prisoner, a project developed by 4th graders in Shannon Garrison’s class at Solano Avenue Elementary in Los Angeles. |
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We celebrated the anniversary of the beginning of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. The following is a note from Norm Conard LMC’s Executive Director, and the teacher behind the project. |
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It has been an incredible journey since the inception of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, which began 24 years ago. On September 23, 1999, a group of dedicated students from a small, rural Kansas high school embarked on a mission for the National History Day program. Little did they know that their efforts would have a profound and lasting impact on the world. Over the past two decades, the heroic actions of Irena Sendler continue to resonate powerfully through her story, as told by those students. Our mission to share this remarkable tale with the world has only grown stronger. Norman Conard Teacher |
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DON’T MISS OUT! Dive into the LMC Newsroom to explore the incredible media coverage of the Discovery Award announcements from across the nation. Discover the buzz and excitement that’s been generated nationwide! |
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Obituary of Leann Polen
Leann Polen, of Carrollton, Missouri, and formerly of Fort Scott, Kansas, completed her life journey at her home at 5:07 p.m., Monday, October 9, 2023, with her loving family surrounding her.
She graced us with her presence for fifty-seven years, three months, and one day.
On July 8, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, Robert Dale and Wilma Christine (Bussell) Shores welcomed their youngest daughter Dorthy Leann. She joined a brother, Rick, and a sister, Janet.
Leann enjoyed school, especially cheerleading, and was an avid tennis player. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1984 while obtaining her Associate of Arts degree from Fort Scott Community College and her Bachelor in Sociology from Baker University. While attending Baker University, she met the love of her life, Ben. They began dating in February 1987 and felt instantly connected; by April, they were head over heels in love, felt their courtship was lifelong, and became engaged. A few months later, on August 1, 1987, they were united in marriage in Fort Scott, Kansas, and to this union were born three sons, Dallas, Spencer, and Benjamin “Luke.” They spent their honeymoon at the family cabin in Minnesota, and for the next thirty-six years, they made many lasting memories and an everlasting legacy.
Before the boys were grown, Leann was a social worker with the Missouri Division of Family Services. She spent the rest of her life as a homemaker, wife, and mother to their three boys. She was perfectly made to be a mother of three sons, remaining diligent yet firm but always showing them support and unconditional love. She was connected in the community and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the prestigious Carrollton Women’s Club, and Carrollton Kiwanis Club. She served on the Carroll County Arts Association and Carrollton YMCA boards.
She also served as a board member for the Hale School District, Carrollton School District and Carroll County Trust Company.
Leann was a genuine and classy lady who loved life. She understood how every day was a gift, by the age of ten when she had a life-threatening brain abscess that left top neurologists with only the choice of performing an experimental surgery to save her life. She knew that she had a purpose and persevered to live her life to the fullest.
Her passion was playing and coaching tennis, beginning as a high school freshman and playing through her college time at Baker University. After relocating to Carroll County, she began coaching tennis privately at the YMCA, later coaching at Chillicothe High School and Carrollton High Schools, leading a team to the state level and placing fourth in Missouri.
Anyone who met Leann would soon know she was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan, including her son’s friends, who were always welcome in their home but were aware that she could transition effortlessly when the Kansas City Chiefs were playing.
Her two favorite things in life were the Kansas City Chiefs and Diet Coke. Leann especially loved the water, preferably the beach, but she enjoyed soaking up the sunshine in her pool at home. Her favorite place is Rendezvous Beach in the British West Indies in Anguilla. Ben and the boys preferred the family cabin in Minnesota, and Leann, because of her love for Ben and the boys, adapted and began to appreciate the lake and woods; she enjoyed their family cabin trips.
The highlight of her life was becoming a grandmother, “Gigi”; she quickly slid into the role and made it look seamless. Her grandbabies were the sunshine she required, and she loved them so dearly.
Leann is survived by her parents, Robert and Wilma Shores of Fort Scott, Kansas; her loving and devoted husband, Benjamin Polen, of the home; three children, Dallas R. Polen of Carrollton, Spencer J. Polen (Jessica Smith) of Carrollton, Benjamin Luke Polen (McKayla) of Lee’s Summit; a brother, Rick Shores (Linda) of Texarkana, Texas; a sister, Janet Fancher (Reggie) of Fort Scott, Kansas; two grandchildren, Savannah Leann Polen and Benjamin Reid Polen.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, D. Allen Polen; mother-in-law, Emmalie “Emmie” Caroline Polen-Cowherd; uncle, Richard (Dick) Shores; and cousin, Heidi Shores.
There will be a visitation to embrace the incredible life of Leann and for family and friends to join and share in their memories on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Foster Funeral Chapels, Carrollton, Missouri.
A funeral service will commence at Carrollton United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, with Rev. Poese Vatikani officiating.
If you are considering a memorial contribution in memory of Leann, they are humbly suggested to the United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or Carrollton High School Tennis Team.
Foster Funeral Chapels, Carrollton, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left for the family on our website,www.fosterfuneralchapels.com, or connect with them on our business Facebook page: Foster Family Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services, LLC.
Bourbon County Commission Amended Agenda for This Evening
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
October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
- Public Comments
- Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
- Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
- Early Voting Location
- Susan Walker, CFO
- 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Shane Walker- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- 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 the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Young Entrepreneur: Gunner Keylon
This is part of a series featuring young people who have started selling a product or service. If you know of a young business person, send their email or phone number to [email protected]
Gunner Keylon, 12, owns his own business called The JG Store.
He sells homemade treats: such as rock candy, brownies, rice krispy treats, peanut butter fudge, trail mix, etc.
In addition, he sells his artwork: sketches.
” I like to draw and get requests sometimes, so I thought they might sell well,” he said. “I also thought rock candy sounded fun to make and you can’t buy it just anywhere.”
“I’ve been thinking about starting the business for a long time but I actually put it into action a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
He didn’t attend the Children’s Business Fair classes at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team in Fort Scott but joined the business fair just before it took place at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on Sept. 30.
“At the fair, I learned that owning your own business is hard work but it’s worth it!” he said.
His parents are Jared and Ashley Keylon