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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 3
Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy
Policy vs Procedures vs Codes Enforcement
In the 1/24/25 Tribune two article titles are next to each other, “Another Historic building is on the Brink” and “City, Building owner still discussing repairs for 118 E. Wall St.” We have had seven buildings in our Historic Downtown District since 2017 that have been demolished or have had structural issues that have made the building inhabitable. There have been seven different ways that the process was handled. The burden of those demolished seems to always fall back on the taxpayers in our community in some way or another. Why aren’t there policies and procedures that go step by step in dealing with these building issues.
The City paid an organization to come into our community in 2017and make recommendations to improve our community. The Fort Scott Planning Commission reviewed the findings and
came up with a proposal based off of the recommendations put forth. The Planning Commission met with the City Commission in a public hearing on October 29th, 2018 and presented a proposal for the updated 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive plan and future land use was adopted and approved by the governing body on November 20th, 2018, creating Ordinance 3542.
The purpose of the plan cited a number of characteristics. A physical plan, a long range comprehensive design that included the city and the county, a statement of policy, and a plan to help guide the decision making process.
Chapter Eight in the comprehensive plan references the Role of Code Enforcement or “police power” to help ensure that the health and safety of residents is not adversely affected by property conditions. (8.2) “Lack of maintenance, and sometimes willful acts, can create blighted neighborhoods, and substandard dwelling units.” Property values as well as community self-image is affected by blight and lack of maintenance. The role of a Code Enforcement
program rests upon each citizen acting as a good neighbor and also implies responsibilities.That coupled with lack of investment in infrastructure such as improved streets or sidewalks breeds an aura of negativism which impedes a desirable “community spirit.”
(8.3) “One of the main goals of any code enforcement program is to bring attention to code violations which could have a negative impact on the neighborhood or community. Through identification and education many times cooperative, responsible property owners will themselves eliminate the issue. If cooperation fails, formal enforcement including tickets or fines and/or removal of the offensive item may be necessary.”
(8.6) Some of the goals and strategies suggested an “increase code enforcement activity in order to help protect neighborhoods from decay, decline and disinvestment.” This can be accomplished with a review of all “city laws to ensure their adequate scope and coverage and appropriate penalties for lack of compliance.” Secondly, “consider strategies of direct communication with the community for notification of code violations.” Third, “schedule neighborhoods for inspections annually, and respond more timely to code violations.” Lastly, continue commitment of greater City financial resources to demolition and removal of housing and other structures which are unsafe and dangerous.
My questions are whether or not we have policies and procedures for the codes department and are they listed on our City Website? Does the City Codes department have established guidelines and processes to follow when there is an infraction. How often does the Codes Officer visit the historical buildings that are being remodeled? Is the demolition that is taking place compromising the structure and the outer walls of the building? In the historical district of the city when a building is being seriously considered to purchase, does the codes officer meet up with the individuals and go through the entire building with the codes book educating and
instructing them on what a person can and cannot do when renovating the building, giving the buyer the options of renovations and costs. This is done in other cities.
A statement was made that we do not have policy and procedures for a building that has been red tagged. Kansas State has a process for local authorities to declare a property as a public nuisance due to being vacant and/or abandoned. The timeline for their recommended action to declare a property as a public nuisance is not a drawn out process. Can we adapt these policies and procedures for our community?
This brings me to the building that had a gas leak on August 13th, 2025. The Quit Claim Deed took place on July 27th, 2023. Demolition had taken place on the inside of the building. Did the demolition compromise the outside walls of the building causing a weakness of the structure. Broken windows continued to expose the building to the conditions of outer environmental elements. This building has been under radar for more than two years. Why did the city not take a moreproactive role in the deterioration of this historical building that is right across the street from theCity hall? The excuse was that they could not get in touch with the owners. And yet in the articleprinted on January 24, 2025, the owners of the building were revealed. I am thankful that we didnot have a major catastrophe that could have caused major damage to multiple buildings.
Policies? Procedures? Enforcements? Citations? A City Court who enforces the Citations? As quoted in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, (8.1) “While in many communities the subject of code enforcement would not command its own chapter in a Comprehensive Plan, the leaders in Fort Scott feel strongly that the current situation be clearly identified so that the community can improve in the areas of nuisance and inadequate property maintenance that are found
throughout the community. This perception by community leaders of the importance of code enforcement seems to be well supported by citizens.”
That was in 2018. We are in 2025. It has been seven years. What are the intentions to achieve and sustain a higher level of this standard of living?
Deb McCoy
8/31/25
Bourbon County Coalition Meets on Sept. 3
The next Bourbon County Coalition General Membership meeting will be this Wednesday, September 3rd at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
September 3, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Kansas Renewal Institute
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be October 1, 2025.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 2
Old Settler’s Picnic Parade 2025: Remembering the Past, Planning the Future
The 120th Old Settlers’ Picnic festivities in Uniontown culminated with the parade on September 1.
Rain threatened, but did not happen for this annual picnic, which was much appreciated by participants.
Vendors lined the sidewalk in the town’s square, and children and their loved ones lined the streets waiting for the anticipated candy that is traditionally thrown to viewers of the parade.
The theme this year was Remembering the Past-Planning the Future.
The parade grand marshals were the Bill and Doris George family, with four generations on the haywagon, representing the legacy of this local farm family.
Other activities from August 29 to September 1 included a street dance, a 5K run/walk, a kids’ fishing derby, rodeos, a community church service, a car show, a baby contest, and numerous games and prizes, along with the annual recognitions.
Starlite Family Community Education August 2025 Minutes.
The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the Club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Seven members and one guest were in attendance. The members reported that they had volunteered 118 hours and had recycled 955 lbs.
Joyce announced that Glenda Miller’s birthday is this month.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Deb Lust presented the Treasurer’s report. She announced that the Club had received first place at the Fair on their scarecrow and second place on their hay bale. Terri Williams moved the treasurers’ report be approved, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried. Karen Peery gave the Council report. She announced that Angela Carpenter had agree to be on the Bourbon County Council. Karen also reported that the Fall Follies will be held October 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church. Lori Nelson will be presenting the program on Christmas Traditions. Our club will be responsible for soups and cheese and crackers. Claudia Wheeler and Terri Williams volunteered to bring soup and Angela Carpenter, Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Karen Peery will be bringing cheese and crackers. Karen also announced that the fall workshop will be held in Parsons on November 6th and that we are responsible to bring breakfast items. Next years membership forms were passed out and need to be brought back to the September meeting.
Old business consisted of having a Bake less bake sale. It was decided to do that in September.
Under new business it was announced that Karen Peery was willing to take over as treasurer and Angela Carpenter volunteered to be in charge of the Best Choice receipts for the club. Joyce asked for volunteers to bring cookies to the first responders September 11. Deb lust will be taking cookies to the Dispatchers. Claudia Wheeler the Fire Department, Joyce Allen the Sherriff Department, Karen Peery the EMT’s and Terri Williams the Police Department.
Karen Peery presented the lesson on Trustworthiness. Refreshment of Chocolate Delight, fruit and water was provided by Angela Carpenter and Karen Peery and enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Obituary of Mary Margaret Blankenship
Mary Blankenship, a beacon of light and love, born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on June 23, 1952 was called to her eternal home on August 27, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many throughout her 73 years of life.
Mary spent her entire life in the tight-knit community of Fort Scott. After graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1970, she quickly set out on her life long passion as a devoted wife and loving mother. Her dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of children led her to own and operate Mary’s Little Lambs daycare for a decade, touching countless lives with her kindness and care.
Alongside her professional endeavors, Mary was a devout Catholic who lived her faith through her everyday actions and always trusted in the Lord’s plan. Her love for The Beatles, crocheting, reading, and above all, her role as a mom and grandmother were the simple joys that filled Mary’s life with immense happiness.
Married to her beloved husband of 49 years, Kregg Blankenship, Mary’s love and guidance shaped their beautiful family: daughters Michelle Heaton and Lori Blankenship, sons Mark Blankenship and the late Jeremy Blankenship, and foster sons Rick Chapman and John Zimmerman. Her legacy continued to flourish through her granddaughters Sam, Sarah, and Shenna, grandsons Damion and Alex, and the fifteen great-grandchildren who brought such joy to her heart.
Mary was a loving sister to her brothers Gerry and Larry Rogers, and was preceded in death by her sister, Barbra Loyd. Those who knew Mary will remember her as warm, selfless, and faith-filled. In every interaction, she echoed the love of Christ, embracing everyone with a warm smile and an open heart.
The Blankenship family finds solace in knowing Mary is now resting peacefully in the arms of her creator. Though we mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, we celebrate the cherished memories and everlasting impact she had on all of us. Her spirit, a guiding light of love and faith, will live on forever more. Mary Blankenship was truly an embodiment of unconditional love and will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all whom she touched.
Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 11th, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with interment following in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Fulton, Kansas. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Wednesday the 10th with visitation following from 6:30 until 7:30 PM at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to The Beacon or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Shin Goose-Egg by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Shin Goose-Egg
I’m old enough to remember when handheld hair dryers were nonexistent. And what a happy happy day it was when I purchased my first one! You’d think by now that I’d know how to properly handle this appliance, but the other day I was lacking some skill in stowing the electrical cord. When I finished drying my hair, I began to wrap the cord around the dryer and, for whatever reason, the ground-fault circuit interrupter banged against my naked shinbone with a mighty blow. “Oh, oh, oh,” I felt like I was impersonating a silly Jerry Lewis movie complete with his crazy antics and crossed-eyes! A couple of minutes later, I inspected my injury and discovered a hefty goose egg on my shin! The only goose egg I’d ever seen was on the forehead of my little nephew Dakota.
I most certainly did not intentionally hurt myself. When an unfortunate incident happens unexpectedly or unintentionally and results in damage or injury, it‘s considered an accident. Have you ever said something accidentally that hurt someone’s feelings? Or have you ever had someone say something to you that hurt your feelings? As Christ followers, we need to give the individual that hurt us the benefit of the doubt. Apostle Paul wrote that believers should bear with others and make allowances for them because we love them. “With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience” (Ephesians 4:2 TPT). This is when we want to say (but only think): “I’ve got one nerve left and you’re on it!”
Don’t be tempted to take something that’s said to you the wrong way — especially if you’ve got years of beautiful history and memories with the individual. We’re to overlook an accidental insult and love family and friends in spite of the stupid things they may say. “Hatred stirs up trouble on purpose; love overlooks the wrongs others do” (Proverbs 10:12 CEV). Love overlooks; love covers “word accidents.” You never know what troubles an individual might have on his/her mind. We simply must cut them some slack if we consider ourselves to be a Christ follower.
In 1977, I gave my mom the classic book entitled, “Wings of Silver.” I’m sharing three quotes from this great little wisdom book: “Be sure of this: you are dreadfully like other people.” “No person can ever be a complete failure, for he may serve as a horrible example.” “Nothing will make us so charitable and tender to the faults of others as to thoroughly examine ourselves.” No one is perfect, so we all need to extend a gentle hand of grace to all who’ve proven to be flawed human beings.
A good-natured person can be described herein: “Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 TPT). Believers need to develop thick alligator skin and not go through life with overly-sensitive feelings. Walking in love means we do our best to overlook offenses and focus on the positive attributes of the individual. Since I’m guilty of occasionally sticking both feet in my mouth, I can certainly overlook that same malady when someone else sticks their foot in their mouth.
The Key: If someone accidentally kicks you in the shins, just smile and try not to cross your eyes.
Building Resilient Communities
Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent
September 2025
When life’s challenges hit, whether it’s a sudden storm, an economic downturn, or a personal crisis, it is often our neighbors who step in first. Communities that thrive are not the ones without challenges, but the ones where people know how to come together, share resources, and lean on one another.
One of my favorite resources in the community vitality field is 13 Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths. The book ties in perfectly here, as many of the “don’ts” he outlines demonstrate how quickly resilience can erode when people stop investing in one another. Griffiths reminds us that communities often weaken not because of external pressures, but because of internal choices: apathy, disconnection, or a lack of support. The opposite is also true: communities thrive when people choose to engage, invest, and care. True resilience is built when neighbors prioritize connection over isolation and cooperation over competition.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back after hard times; it’s about bouncing forward. Each challenge provides an opportunity for communities to adapt, learn, and grow stronger.
We’ve seen examples of this in action right here at home. When severe weather leaves families without power, neighbors check in on one another, offering meals, generators, or even a warm place to stay. During tough economic times, communities rally behind local businesses, hosting shop-local campaigns and finding creative ways to keep doors open. And when personal hardships strike, it’s often the casserole delivered to the doorstep, the shared ride to work, or the donation jar at the local café that makes all the difference.
Building resilient communities doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with simple, everyday actions:
- Know your neighbors. A quick introduction today can become a lifeline tomorrow. Make sure to take time to introduce yourself and get to know the people who live around you!
- Share skills and resources. From tools to talents, what we lend each other builds a safety net. This might just be as simple as organizing a “Skill-Swap Night” to learn who is best at gardening, cooking, or fixing that broken backdoor!
- Support local organizations and businesses. This is as simple as it sounds! Make sure to shop at local neighborhood stores or farmers’ Markets! Schools, churches, nonprofits, and civic groups are often the backbone of coordinated response.
- Plan ahead together. Community preparedness events or neighborhood emergency plans ensure everyone is ready when the unexpected happens. Create a neighborhood contact list or emergency plan!
Resilience grows when individuals shift from “me” to “we.” Each act of kindness and cooperation creates stronger ties, making it easier to withstand whatever challenges come our way. In the end, resilient communities remind us that while we may not be able to control the storms of life, we can control how we weather them together. A strong community is not built in a day; they are built every day!
For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].
Local 4-H Member Showcased Their Talent at K-State
Southwind Extension District 4-H Members Excel in State 4-H Contests at Kansas Livestock Sweepstakes
The Southwind Extension District 4-H members showcased their talent and determination at the 2025 Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, held August 23-24 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Demonstrating consistent excellence, Southwind teams placed in the top five of every contest, winning two of the four events and ultimately claiming the title of 2025 State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes Champions.
The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were Hailey Shadden, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Kyser Nemecek, Reegan McDaniel, and Klara Stock. These 4-H members, hailing from Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and livestock skills throughout the competition.
The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests, with scores blended to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners. The Southwind team emerged victorious in 2 contests, Meats Judging and Livestock Quiz Bowl. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the Southwind 4-H members.
Top Individual Sweepstakes Winners:
Hailey Shadden, Reserve Individual Overall; Jewel Endicott, 5th; Klara Stock, 7th; Kendyl Bloesser, 8th; Marley Sutton 13th; Makinlee Bloesser, 14th
The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, which began with 17 teams taking the qualifying exam. Southwind #1 (Nemecek, McDaniel, Yoho, Shadden) won three matches ‘one last time’, to claim the title of Champion Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Sutton, M. Bloesser, Ellis, K. Bloesser) also performed admirably, finishing as the 6th best team.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #1 (Shadden, K. Bloesser, Ellis, Stock) had an outstanding day, earning 5th in Cattle, 6th in Sheep, 5th in Hogs, 5th in Reasons, and being named 4th High Team Overall. There were 38 teams from across the state and 193 individuals in the contest. Individual highlights include: Hailey Shadden – 6th Cattle
The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #1 (Sutton, Shadden, K. Bloesser, Stock) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance by winning Retail Identification, and also earning 5th in Placings and 3rd in Reasons. 69 Senior Individuals and 15 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #2 (M. Bloesser, Ellis, Endicott) was 8th in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 7th in Retail ID, and 7th Team Overall. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:
- Makinlee Bloeser – 10th Individual Overall; 5th Placings; 7th Retail ID
- Hailey Shadden – 2nd High Individual Overall; 4th Retail ID; 8th Reasons
- Marley Sutton – 9th Individual Overall; 3rd Retail ID
- Kendyl Bloesser – 5th Individual Overall; 2nd Retail ID
- Klara Stock – 4th Individual Overall; 4th Reasons; 10th Retail ID
- Jewel Endicott – 6th Retail ID; 10th Placings
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 demonstrating proper cattle breeding techniques. Out of 27 teams and 149 individuals, Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, Endicott, K. Bloesser) worked together to be named the 3rd Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results include: Jewel Endicott, 2nd Exam, 6th Practicum, 4th Overall Individual; Hailey Shadden, 7th Exam, 9th Practicum, 8th Overall Individual.
This particular Sweepstakes championship is proof that Southwind 4-H knows how to win—with grit, talent, and an unstoppable team spirit. True to their motto of “Making the Best Better,” these members pushed each other to new heights. The District credits its success to the unwavering support of parents, dedicated coaches, loyal alumni, and the entire Southwind 4-H community.
______________________________
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.
Southeast Kansas Library System New Books
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The SEKnFind Newsletter
August 2025
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