Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Will Meet on September 6

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The regular general membership meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition will be held on Wednesday, September 6, in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 123 S. Scott, at 1:00 p.m.

At present, the program has not been confirmed. Cheri Walrod has been asked to talk about Core Communities but she may not be able to come until October. If she can not make it next week, we will hear from her in October. Billie Jo Drake will let the membership know before the meeting if there is a program.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County To Receive $1Million for Bridge on 60th Street, South of Uniontown

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has made bridge funding awards to projects including one in  Bourbon County.

Governor Kelly Announces 35 Local Bridge Projects Across Kansas to Receive $42.3M

DODGE CITY – Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that 35 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $42.3 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs that capitalize on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is nearly $48.8 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).
“A stronger transportation system and safer bridges keep our communities and economy moving,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas, all of which are essential to getting people and goods where they need to go. Yet almost 5,000 of those bridges simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work.”
The project announcements took place in Dodge City to highlight the largest local bridge grant being awarded:  $7 million for the construction of a new northbound bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. Dodge City is matching $2 million toward the $9 million total cost of the new bridge.
In addition to Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed, Dodge City Mayor Michael Burns and Representative Shannon Francis, Liberal, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, participated in the announcement.
“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,” said Secretary Reed. “The needs are high, and these programs allow KDOT to assist communities move projects forward that support the transportation needs of Kansans.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge program (OSB) is awarding $20.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 funds to 20 projects across the state. The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) is awarding $21.8 million in Fiscal Year 2024 KDOT funds to 15 projects, with 16 deficient bridges to be replaced and an additional 12 to be permanently removed from local systems.
The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.
For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 176 applications requesting $162.4 million.
The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found here.
2024 Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program Projects
Local Government Agency Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local % Match Requirement Maximum KDOT Match Funds Funds for Bridge Removal Maximum Funds Awarded
Doniphan County RS 2128 – 2.7 miles west, 0.2 mile south of Highland $86,503 10% $700,000 $50,000 $750,000
Leavenworth County Golden Road – 1.9 miles, 3.0 miles east of Linwood $737,117 20% $2,000,000 – $2,000,000
Lyon

County
 Road P – 7.0 miles west, 0.5 mile south of Neosho Rapids over Cottonwood River $736,025 15% $3,000,000 – $3,000,000
Marshall County 24th Road – 2.7 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Bettie over Robidoux Creek Tributary $6,000 10% $437,000 $83,000 $520,000
Osage

County
 RS 1471 – 2.0 miles east, 0.2 mile north of Lyndon $256,306 10% $1,112,500 $62,500 $1,175,000
Lincoln County 183rd Road – 1.9 miles south, 0.8 miles west of Lincoln $20,982 0% $1,050,000 $50,000 $1,100,000
Marion

County
 310 Road – 2.0 miles south, 0.9 miles east of Tampa – 10% $275,000 $50,000 $325,000
Mitchell County J Road – 1.3 miles south, 2.2 miles east of Beloit over Plum Creek $9,012 5% $683,000 $142,000 $825,000
Russell

County
 182nd Street – 11.0 miles south, 2.0 miles west of Russell over Landon Creek $96,838 5% $900,000 – $900,000
Elk

County
 Osage Trail – 0.1 mile south of Moline over Wildcat Creek Tributary $65,521 0% $ 750,000 – $ 750,000
City of

Bel Aire
 North Oliver – south of East 45th Street $98,173 20% $180,000 – $180,000
Harper

County
 N.W. 110 Avenue – 0.5 miles west, 3.7 miles north of Attica over W. Branch Bluff Creek $78,213 5% $580,800 $69,200 $650,000
Rice

County
 22nd Road – 6.0 miles east, 1.8 miles north of Sterling over Cow Creek $147,205 10% $1,500,000 – $1,500,000
Sumner County N. Oliver Road – 2.1 miles north of Belle Plaine over Cowskin Creek Tributary $315,478 10% $1,095,500 $54,500 $1,150,000
City of

Dodge City
 14th Avenue – Northbound over Arkansas River $2,061,197 15% $7,000,000 – $7,000,000
TOTAL $4,714,570   $21,263,800 $561,200 $21,825,000
 
 
 
2025 Off-System Bridge Program Project Recommendations
Local Government Agency Bridge Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local Cost % Maximum Funds Awarded (covering 100% of Construction and CE)
Jefferson

County
 McCall Road – 1.9 miles north of Oskaloosa over

Slough Creek
 $84,632 6.7% $1,400,000
Jackson County 246th Road – 1.0 mile south of Circleville over

Elk Creek Tributary
 $51,871 8.4% $750,000
Nemaha County O Road – 0.5 mile south, 1.5 miles east of Kelly $62,245 6.8% $950,000
City of Atchison Patriot Street – over Brewery Creek, one block west of U.S. 73 $117,939 10.3% $1,200,000
Morris

County
 K Avenue – 2.2 miles south, 0.6 miles east of White City over West Fork Neosho River $98,282 12.7% $750,000
Washington County W Washington Street – in Hanover over Little Blue River Tributary $90,638 9.0% $1,000,000
Dickinson County 1100 Avenue – over Turkey Creek, 2.6 miles east of K-15 $103,742 8.5% $1,250,000
Sheridan County 125 E – 14.9 miles south, 12.5 miles east of Hoxie over Saline River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Decatur County L Lane – 0.4 mile west of Clayton over

Prairie Dog Creek
 $46,411 5.3% $1,000,000
Trego

County
 EE Road – 13.0 miles south, 5.6 miles west of Trego Center over Sand Creek $50,779 5.7% $950,000
Graham County DD Road – 6.0 miles south, 1.3 miles east of Densmore over Bow Creek $50,233 4.3% $1,200,000
Sherman County 32 Road – 1.4 miles north, 3.0 miles east of Edson over South Fork Sappa Creek Tributary $44,773 8.7% $500,000
Norton

County
 Road BB – 1.3 miles east of Lenora over North Fork Solomon River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Bourbon County 60th Street – 5.9 miles south, 1.0 mile west of Uniontown over Hinton Creek Tributary $76,442 7.7% $1,000,000
Franklin County Texas Road – 1.0 mile east, 3.4 miles south of LeLoup over Walnut Creek $108,110 10.1% $1,000,000
Allen

County
 Nebraska Road – 0.5 mile south, 3.2 mile west of Moran over Elm Creek $70,982 8.3% $850,000
Crawford County 690th Avenue – 1.0 mile north, 0.7 mile east of Walnut over Little Walnut Creek Tributary $93,914 10.4% $900,000
Cowley

County
 232nd Road – 2.5 miles south, 3.5 miles west of Dexter over Grouse Creek $424,295 17.5% $2,000,000
Harvey

County
 60th Street – 9.3 miles east of I-135 over East Whitewater Creek $87,362 8.9% $950,000
Rush

County
 Avenue Q – 0.5 mile south, 1.9 miles east of Nekoma over Branch of Walnut Creek $62,791 8.0% $850,000
TOTAL   $ 1,741,275   $ 20,500,000
 
Photos from today’s announcement for media use can be found below.
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Fort Scott, Government

Splash Pad Closed Today Reopens For the Weekend, Then Closes For the Season

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Per City Manager, Brad Matkin, Management Action #5 of the Water Warning Plan:

The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.

 

Here is the plan in its entirety as it has been posted:

 

Water Warning Plan

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Effective 8/30/2023

The City of Fort Scott addresses its short-term water shortage problems through a series of stages based on conditions of supply and demand with accompanying triggers, goals, and actions. Each stage is more stringent in water use than the previous stage since water supply conditions are more deteriorated. The City Manager is authorized by ordinance to implement the appropriate conservation measures.

Water Warning

Goals:

The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 20% and to reduce overall weekly consumption by 10%.

Triggers:

This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:

  1. The City’s storage has fallen below 70 percent capacity and will not recover within a normal amount of time.

Education Actions

  1. The City will make news releases to the local media describing present conditions and indicating the water supply outlook for the upcoming week.
  2. Water conservation articles will be provided to the local newspaper.

Management Actions: What measures the city will do

  1. The City water supplies will be monitored closely.
  2. Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
  3. The City will monitor its use of water and will curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and street cleaning.
  4. The City will curtail its water usage, including operation of fountains, watering of City grounds and washing of vehicles.
  5. The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.
  6. Water will be drawn from the City’s reservoirs as needed.

Regulation Actions:

  1. The public will be asked to voluntarily make efficient use of indoor water, i.e., wash full loads, take short showers, do not let faucets run, etc.
  2. Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 am and after 9:00 pm.
  3. All consumers will be asked to limit or eliminate nonessential water uses including, but not limited to the following uses:
  4. Watering lawns, shrubs, trees.
  5. Washing automobiles.
  6. Filling swimming pools or using water in fountains and evaporative air conditioning systems.
  7. Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset.
  8. Outdoor watering will be restricted to use of a hand-held hose or bucket only.
  9. Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be considered.
  10. Waste of water will be prohibited.

As of right now, the City water supply is not affected by the “Water Emergency” set by the Governor of Kansas. That emergency was to allow the counties noted to request water to be taken out of “state” water sources. The City of Fort Scott owns Lake Fort Scott and Cedar Creek is not a state-owned lake, so permission is not required.

Lake Fort Scott, Cedar Creek, and Rock Creek are the three sources we use to get water for the City of Fort Scott river intake system.

As of right now, Cedar Creek has a good supply of water, but we are taking water from this source daily, and we have not taken water from Lake Fort Scott. If we are forced to take water out of Lake Fort Scott, we will issue a Water Warning Stage #2 which will require additional water restrictions.

We are in a drought situation that must be taken seriously, and the City of Fort Scott will do whatever possible to maintain good levels of water for the citizens. Please help us by following the restrictions that have been imposed.

If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address below.

Thank you,

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Art, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Maker Space: A Place to Enhance Artistic Talents

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The Bowman family of eight live in the Museum of Creativity at 102 S. National.

Jonathon and Lorina Bowman moved to Fort Scott with their six kids and started a venture called the Museum of Creativity which offers games, crafts, Barbie exhibits, legos, model trains, and more for youth and all ages. They live on the top floor of the multi-story building.

There is also a retail store on-site with ready-to-make craft kits and all kinds of “fun items,” Lorina said.

Today, August 31, there will be a  grand opening and ribbon cutting for a Maker Space in the museum at 5:30 p.m.

“One of our main goals has always been to provide more opportunities for all ages to get creative by learning new skills and enhancing each individual’s talents,” Lorinda said.

“We know how frustrating it can be to take over the dining room table to get crafty,” she said. “Using our space minimizes that need and allows the table to be used for its intended purpose.”

Cost for using the Maker Space will be included in the museum entrance fee which is $2/child and $1/adult.

Parents are asked to please stay in the space with their children.

“The main wall will have a large array of craft supplies and tools ready to be put to good use,” she said. “To assist in future purchases of materials so we can keep everything stocked up, we will have a donation jar for anyone who wants to contribute to that cause.”
“For your convenience, we will also have a wall with a variety of preassembled craft kits (in all different skill levels) for sale,” she said. “After purchasing a kit, you can choose to use our room to create it or if you have what you need to complete it at home, you can grab it to go.”
“Please join us in our ribbon cutting where we will finally open this space up for all to use,” she said. “All guests will get a tour of the possibilities this room can provide. This event will be free but please let us know if you are planning to attend!”
“We will have refreshments available,” she said. “The Chamber of Commerce will begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Our featured projects for the evening will be to make bracelets and sensory bottles.”
For more info:
[email protected]
Or text – 209-204-9743Ribon  Or follow them on their Facebook page.
View their Facebook page for a lemonade fundraiser for children with cancer and another event called September Service Stretch.

 

Maker Space Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Museum of Creativity

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the evening ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the grand opening of the new Maker Space, according to a press release from the chamber.

Remarks and the cutting of the ribbon will take place at 5:30 p.m. while guests are welcome to come and go from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the press release.

Refreshments will be available along with craft kits to purchase.  Featured projects for the evening will be bracelets and sensory bottles to assemble for those interested.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis, Hawaiian Style” Concert is Sept. 8

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The Tucker Family Band. Submitted photo.

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” Concert

held at The Fort Scott River Room

 

Raised on good music with a lot of soul, the Tucker Family Band (TFB) will present their “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” show at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 8, at the River Room (upstairs with elevator access), 3 W. Oak. Doors open at 6 p.m.

 

The band is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (keys and vocals), daughter Mariam Tucker Self (vocals and saxophone), son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals), Stephan Moses (lead guitar and vocals), and Jessica Bergen on the electric bass. Everyone in the five-member band has many years of experience playing and singing in a variety of venues.

 

Elvis Presley made entertainment history in 1973 with his global “Aloha from Hawaii” live via satellite television special. The TFB show will feature several songs from Elvis’ Hawaiian concert such as See See Rider, Burning Love, Steamroller Blues, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Hound Dog, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, A Big Hunk o’ Love, plus more of the Band’s favorites such as Proud Mary, Little Sister, Never Been to Spain, Polk Salad Annie, Moody Blue, and more.

 

“All these individuals have been making music since they were youngsters. So when all that experience, talent, and family unity joins together musically, the band is really tight,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “You won’t want to miss this unique show of lively, classy Elvis covers. The show is free (tips appreciated) and sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Sound is provided by Dave’s Music Gear and Jim Butler.

 

 

 

K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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: 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. Submitted photo.

 

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 19-20 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted of blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2023 Reserve Champion State 4-H Sweepstake Team. The top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Tate Crystal 3rd; Reegan McDaniel 4th and Carly Dreher 9th after excelling in all contests.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3rd Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Fry, Yoho, McDaniel, Wrestler) earned 6th best team.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 212 contestants and 41 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #1 (Dreher, Crystal, Hurt, Nemecek) was 1st in Sheep; 1st in Hogs; 3rd in Cattle, and 1st in Reasons and named Champion Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Brady Hurt – High Individual Reasons; 2nd Sheep; 6th Swine; 3rd Overall
  • Kyser Nemecek – 2nd Reasons; High Individual Sheep; High Individual Swine; 5th Overall
  • Carly Dreher – 3rd Reasons; 6th Sheep; 3rd Swine; 8th Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 9th Reasons; 10th Beef; 10th Overall

The Meats Judging contest was based on the identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. The Intermediate Meats Judging Team continues to shine and was named Champion Team for the second consecutive year. Members include Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, and MaKinlee Bloesser and they were 1st in Placings; and 1st in Retail ID. Individual intermediate meats judging results are as follows:

  • Marley Sutton – 4th Retail ID; 5th Placings; 3rd Overall
  • Hailey Shadden – 1st Retail ID; 4th Overall
  • MaKinlee Bloesser – 5th Retail ID; 7th Placings; 5th Overall
  • Kendyl Bloesser – 6th Retail ID; 4th Placings; 6th Overall
  • McKinley Sutton – 3rd Placings; 9th Overall

Senior Meats Judging results include: Southwind #1 (Fry, Crystal, McDaniel, Dreher) was 4th in Placings, 3rd in Reasons, 4th in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual senior meat judging results are as follows:

  • Byron Fry – 5th Retail ID; 4th Overall
  • Reegan McDaniel – 7th Reasons
  • Brady Hurt – 10th Reasons

In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation, and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols and judging wool. Out of 30 teams and 156 individuals, Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was 4th in Exam, 2nd in Practicum; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #2 (McDaniel, Wrestler, Yoho, Fry) was 3rd in Exam, 4th in Practicum; 3rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (Sutton, Sutton, K. Bloesser, Shadden) was 6th in Practicum and 11th Overall Team. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:

  • Reegan McDaniel – 4th Exam; 5th Practicum; 4th Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 4th Practicum; 6th Overall
  • Hailey Shadden – 9th Overall

 

This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Livestock Judging Team, Reserve and 3rd Skillathon Teams, 3rd & 6th Quiz Bowl Team Teams, Champion Intermediate & 3rd Senior Meats Judging Teams, and Reserve Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is grateful for the support of their parents and very proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

 

___________________________________________

K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.  K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County

DAR Holds Raffle

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Submitted photo.
Molly Foster Berry Daughters of the American Revolution is holding a raffle Monday through Friday, September 18-22.  This coincides with Constitution Week.
Tickets are available at Fort Scott Munitions, Crain Insurance Agency, or by contacting Barbara Ritter at 913-636-4892.

The prizes are 3 weapons and 2 boxes of ammunition to be drawn one per day:
$700 Henry .22 magnum rifle
$600 Sig Sauer 380 pistol
$320 Savage 12 gauge shotgun
$118 4 boxes of 9mm cartridges
$90 4 boxes of 5.56/223 ammunition
The tickets are $25 or 5 tickets for $100
Molly Foster Berry chapter DAR gives away flags during parades, gives copies of the Constitution to new citizens at the naturalization ceremony, and gives scholarship money to high school students who are studying history or who are a Legacy of a current DAR member.
We proudly continue honoring the memory and spirit of the men and women of the American Revolution 1775-1783.
Government, Kansas

KS Hunting Regs Summary/Hunting Atlas Available

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Get Your 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Regulations Summary, Hunting Atlas

PRATT – The wait for Kansas’ top hunting-related publications is over. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has confirmed that the state’s 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas are available now. Both publications are free, available online at ksoutdoors.com, and in print at nearly all license vendor locations. Hunters may also request mailed copies by calling (620) 672-5911.

The hunting regulations summary includes common rules, methods of take, season dates, bag and possession limits, as well as a list of game wardens by county, and more.

The hunting atlas includes maps of all publicly accessible hunting land in Kansas, to include Walk-in Hunting Access areas, state and federal public wildlife areas, and more. And soon, Garmin GPS and Google Earth files will be available for download, making finding a place to hunt even easier.

To access electronic versions of the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas, visit ksoutdoors.com or download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app, here.

Whether you decide to keep them on your phone, laptop, or hardcopies in the truck or boat, no hunter in Kansas should be without them.

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Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for The Fort Scott Commission Meeting on Sept. 5

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

September 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by E. Woellhof

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 15, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1343-A — $815,071.98
  4. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122677- Series 2016 – $213,646.88
  5. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Bond payment – Invoice R1231001122676 – Series 2021-A – $631,000.00
  6. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – General Obligation Temporary Notes payment – Invoice R1230907122468 – $5,456,103.33
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 4 – Engineer’s Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Work completed Jully 22, 2023 – August 25, 2023 – $383,678.87

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled from July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, and defeated motion on August 15, 2023.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to City’s Purchasing Policy – tabled from August 15, 2023, for more information.

 

 

 VII.   Appearances:

  1. Rachel French – Update of 1st Colored Infantry Mural
  2. 1)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure of back of Gunn Park – Marmaton Massacre Festival – September 16, 2023 (8:00AM) – September 17, 2023 (5:00PM).

     2)  Frank Halsey – Temporary Park Closure – Gunn Park including Shelter Houses – NICA Race – April 26, 2024 (3:00PM) – April 28th, 2024 (4:00PM).

  1. Rob Harrington – Bourbon County REDI Update
  2. Justin Meeks – Golf Course property discussion

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  2024 Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing – B. Hart

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of Resolution No. 15-2023 – Resolution to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Approving a Levy Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate but (1) Mill Lower than 2023 – B. Hart
  3. Consideration of Resolution No. 14-2023 – Resolution Adopting 2024 Operating Budget and Final Budget Book – B. Hart
  4. Consideration of September 19, 2023, as date for 2023 budget amendment public hearing – B. Hart
  5. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2nd St. – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  6. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structures – 1801 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  7. Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 922 W. Wall – Hearing on October 17, 2023 – T. Russell
  8. Consideration of MOU – School Resources Officer Program – City of Fort Scott and Unified School District 234 – 2023-24 – J. Pickert
  9. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy’s Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman
  10. Consideration of Old Fort Boulevard/Skubitz Plaza Maintenance and Beautification Project – M. Wells
  11. Tourism Grant Guidelines – A program established to enhance and strengthen the positive economic impact of the tourism industry in our community – M. Wells

 

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

 

  1. VanHoecke –

 

  1. Harrington –

 

  1. Woellhof –

 

  1. Guns –

 

  1. Wells –

 

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission from August 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Unapproved minutes

Minutes of August 15, 2023                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 15, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. E. Woellhof was absent.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering, B. Hart (via telephone). Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tracy Dancer, Josh Jones, Garth Herrmann/Gillmore and Bell, Brett Shogren/Stifel,

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as submitted. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
  3. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74 Invoice #16731 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74

Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00, Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50, Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/$147.50 – $2,655.00, Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00, Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24.

Invoice #16727 – South Horton St. & West 6th St.  –  $22,485.00

Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00, Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00

Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00

Phase III – $3,500.00, Phase II – $3,200.00.

  1. Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration $206,654.50 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00), 25% of Total due – $206,654.50.
  2. Request to Pay – Bourbon County – I.T. Services 2023 – $25,500.00

Shane Walker – $12,000.00, Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00

  1. July Financials

 

 

 

  1. Matkin agreed to reach out to other wireless carriers after M. Wells asked about the franchise fees in the Consent Agenda.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed CD investments of (1) million dollars for a (3) month CD yielding 4.77% and a (2) million dollar investment for (6) months at 4.88%.

 

  1. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED CD INVESTMENTS OF (1) MILLION DOLLARS FOR A (3) MONTH CD YIELDING 4.77% AND A (2) MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR (6) MONTHS AT 4.88%.

 

  1. Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for the Water Production Plant for additional amount of an additional $18.380.55.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55. T. VanHoecke seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED the purchase of the impellor pump rebuild for $18,380.55.

 

  1. Consideration to approve Memo of Understanding (MOU) to join the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – Tabled 7/25/23 and 8/1/23 –

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the original MOU as it was written for the Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force. Motion died for lack of second.

 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

 

  1. Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt a new policy for the City Commission Agenda deadlines that require all items to be on the upcoming agenda to be submitted to the City Clerk by the end of business Monday, one week prior to the upcoming meeting. The completed agenda is then to be distributed and posted no later than Wednesday. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT A NEW POLICY FOR THE CITY COMMISSION AGENDA DEADLINES THAT REQUIRE ALL ITEMS TO BE ON THE UPCOMING AGENDA BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK BY THE END OF BUSINESS MONDAY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE UPCOMING MEETING. THE COMPLETED AGENDA IS THEN TO BE DISTRIBUTED AND POSTED NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY.

 

  1. Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved on 7/25/2023) for the Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 was sent and indicates an additional $4,975.00 for the Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for the amount of $23,125.00. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY DIEHL, BANWART, BOLTON FOR THE AMOUNT OF $23,125.00.

 

  1. Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project (Project File No. 22-32).

 

  1. Guns moved to approve to go out for bid for the KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE KDOT SUB-AREA ROAD EXTENSION & US-69 AT 20TH STREET REPAIR PROJECT.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bids on the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension Project. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS ON THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE EXTENSION PROJECT.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of campsite improvements at Lake Fort Scott – B. Matkin was directed by the Commission to get cost estimates for items that would be needed for improvements of the primitive camping sites at this meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of 14-day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding Municipal Codes –  Directed B. Matkin

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter House price increases –
  2. VanHoecke moved to approve the proposed price increases on the Shelter Houses at Gunn Park and amend Ordinance No. 3607 to reflect the changes.
  3. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PROPOSED PRICE INCREASES ON THE SHELTER HOUSES AT GUNN PARK AND AMEND ORDINANCE No. 3607 TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.

 

  1. Consideration of changes to the City’s Purchasing Policy – B. Matkin was directed to redefine the day-to-day operation supplies, two signatures required and consideration for buying local is the priority. He will return with the corrected version at the next meeting.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN

 

  1. Consideration to approve the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 to the USDA.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Ordinance No. 3752. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND ORDINANCE NO. 3752.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adopt bond Resolution No. 10-2023. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADOPT BOND RESOLUTION NO. 10-2023.

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Cape Seal Update – meeting next month with Harbour Construction.
  2. Vandalism at Gunn Park playgrounds. Gordon Parks sign stolen, checking security cameras in park.
  3. Citizen building a lake on their land behind the Woodland Hills Golf Course. He would like to purchase 2-acres from the City or accept a donation from the City of the land in exchange for the use of water in the future for watering the course. The homeowner would like to come to a Commission Meeting to address the Commission and answer questions.
  4. Community Development Director position is posted. Eleven (11) applications have been received. Interviews are in progress.

 

City Engineer:  Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. Davis Lift Station is in the process of design, needs survey for the force main and easement issues to work out.
  2. J. Dickman will be back at the next meeting. B. Matkin stated that Evergy would like a preconstruction meeting when he returns.

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

No comment.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Would like to suggest a Work Session in the near future to review contracts the City has with other entities such as Dispatch, REDI, etc. to ensure equitable exchange.
  3. The new school year starts Friday. She wishes all students and teachers a successful year ahead.

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Good luck with Back to School this week.
  3. Football Jamboree Saturday
  4. Be sure to check out USD234 Events

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Back to School Safety Awareness
  3. Possibility of hour adjustments with back to school. B. Matkin will meet with the Committee.
  4. Cooper Street is open, City crews saved over $400,000.00 by doing it themselves. The City Manager creates quality operators and gets things done in the City and people appreciate it all.
  5. Asks that citizens use the MyFortScott App to report issues or contact the City Manager for safety issues they see. For safety’s sake, stay out of City job sites. Report them instead.  The City Attorney stated that any citizen that is on a City job/work site is trespassing and can be removed from the site. It is for safety and liability reasons that this request is being made.

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Requested a preconstruction meeting for Cape Seal project.
  3. One, three-, five-, seven- and ten-year capital improvements for streets are being discussed, including the Streets Advisory board for input.
  4. Looking for master plans for sewer and water lines. A map was previously requested and received from PEC. If we cannot find, can we work with Earles to create new documents? Would like to have a clear infrastructure plan other than fixing leaks and start working on proactive projects. Would like to work with Earles to update if they are found.
  5. Echo amazing job the streets crew has done over the year and goes back to the leadership, very proud of current individuals on the crew.
  6. Bus safety is not a suggestion; it is the law. Please be careful and obey the laws.

 

  1. Matkin stated that 10th Street will be open by Friday. He is very proud of all the crews (streets, water, golf course, etc.) and all that they do because he pushes them hard. They appreciate that people notice their work.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 6:00PM at City Hall.

 

WORK SESSION: Review of Contracts held by the City:  Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 5:00PM at City Hall preceding the Regular Commission Meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45PM. K. Harrington seconded. All present voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

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