- Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
- Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
- Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
- A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uniontown City Council Agenda for March 14
The Uniontown City Council will meet March 14 at city hall at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for Citywide trash service –
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Grass seed around public restroom
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Chamber of Commerce Job Fair 2023
2023-2024 Insurance Renewal Quote
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –
NEW BUSINESS
Attachments:
Obituary of Jerry Allen
Jerry Wayne Allen, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. He was born November 28, 1954, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harold Allen and Esther Gibson Allen.
Jerry first married Caroline Frances “Fran” Morrow on April 20, 1981, in Ft. Scott. They enjoyed sixteen years of marriage until her death on May 29, 1997. Jerry later married Deborah Morrow on December 28, 1998, at Miami, Oklahoma.
Jerry had a knack for working on small engines and had repaired many motor bikes and lawn mowers. He also used his mechanical abilities to rebuild lawn tractors that he used in area lawn tractor pulls. Fishing was also a favorite pastime.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah, of the home and three step-children, Sara Schnichels, Casey Keirsey and Christopher Keith. Also surviving are two brothers, Pete Allen and Charles Allen and a sister, Barbara Wheeler.
In addition to his first wife, Fran, Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther Allen, a brother, Tom Allen, a sister, Bonnie Hill and his beloved dog, Susie.
There was cremation. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Ft. Scott.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
More Space & Services In One Location For CHC Starting April 17: Other Tenants Staying
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott is making plans to move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills, to the former Price Chopper building at 2322 S. Main during the weekend of April 14.

“It’s going to be a beautiful facility,” said CHC’s Director of Communication and Marketing Robert Poole. “And we have a great crew.”
“The new 43,000-square foot plus facility provides more room to offer more services,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager. “And, for the first time, walk-in care, primary care, and our pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking,” she said.
“The move is being coordinated to minimize interruptions of patient care and is being staged in three phases,” according to information from Poole.
On Friday April 14, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 PM.
Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow, and be closed Saturday, April 15 as staff prepare.
On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 PM as they relocate to the new facility.
All services will be re-open on Monday, April 17 at 2322 S. Main St. including primary care, walk-in care, behavioral health care, pharmacy and specialty services, which will all be in one location from that point on.
Hours of operation at the new site:
Primary Care is 8 AM-6 PM- Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM-5 PM Friday.
Walk-In Care is from 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday
Apothecare Pharmacy 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday
“Many of the CHC/SEK staff are your friends and neighbors in the community,” according to the information provided by Poole. “101 of the 124 of the Fort Scott clinic employees live in Fort Scott or Bourbon County. The health center believes in investing in its employees with good jobs, education, growth opportunities and progressive benefits. The starting entry-level wage at CHC/SEK begins at $15 per hour, more than twice the federal minimum wage.”
Part two of this story will be published next week, detailing the new services.
Mercy Building: Other Tenants
Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department
The emergency room will continue services to the county in the same location on the south side of the Mercy building.
“The move will not affect our operations and the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott will continue to provide care as normal,” according to AVC Marketing and Communications Specialist Reagan Rosenhamer.
Legacy Health
The following is from Troy Schell, chairman of the Legacy Health Foundation, Glendora, CA. when asked for an update on the foundation plans since receiving ownership of the Mercy Hospital building on Nov. 17, 2022.
“Legacy Health has devoted significant efforts to collaborating with both Ascension and USD 234 in order to develop and sustain crucial services within the community,” Schell said. “Furthermore, our organization is actively pursuing the establishment of new specialty clinics, including those specializing in cardiology and urology, in addition to partnering with Freeman Orthopedics to extend their established presence within the community.”
“As we move forward with our initiative, we eagerly anticipate engaging with key figures in the business and government sectors to ensure that the available resources are utilized optimally to provide the essential services required for the growth of the community and the region,” he said. “Additionally, we remain committed to supporting local non-profit organizations and community groups by providing necessary resources to support the most vulnerable individuals in the community.”
To learn more:
Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building
View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement
I Am Rehab, Diamonds in the Rough
Because I Am Rehab, a physical therapy business and gym, and Diamonds in the Rough Beauty Salon are not affiliated with CHC, they will remain in the lower level of the former Mercy Hospital and continue business as usual, according to a spokesman for I Am Rehab.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Bourbon County REDI moved its office in February from the Landmark Bank building to the administration wing of the former Mercy Hospital on the north side of the building, in Suite 100.
The banking hours and holidays did not fit the needs of the staff of REDI, according to Rob Harrington, Director, although “We loved being at that location.”
“I am now able to be in the office early and stay late, and there is a conference room available,” Harrington said.
REDI employees are Suzette Torres, marketing and program assistant; Emily Wiebolt, grant manager and Tayton Majors, intern from Lead For America.
The Fort Scott Tourism Department, which was housed with REDI at the bank office, is now at city hall, Harrington said.
I Surrender by Patty LaRoche
Sometimes the theme song behind my prayer time sounds more like “Is That All There Is?” rather than “I Surrender All.” Not only do I fail to enter the throne room, I’m not even knock, knock knockin’ on Heaven’s door.
That’s what my prayers are sometimes like. Actually, more than sometimes. Oh, I start out fine, all right, thanking God that I’m awake/breathing, that I’m in a warm, comfortable bed, and yes, even that my husband is snoring beside me. And for just a few moments I’m doing fine. Just my Heavenly Father and me. Sharing the love. AAAAHHHHHH.
But then the inevitable happens. My mind sinks from the eternal heights and wanders off to la-la-land. From wondering what will happen if I get tongue-tied in my upcoming talk to organizing appetizers for tonight’s dinner party to reliving the time in 8th grade when I didn’t make cheerleader, I hip-hop through a gamut of nonproductive brain-traps. Once I realize what I’ve done, I spend the next few minutes apologizing to God and attempting to get my mind on a more spiritual track…until I remember the trash bill I forgot to pay and the article I need to write.
Can you imagine going out to lunch with your best friend and spending the entire time spewing every random, helter-skelter thought that popped into your head? “Hi, Sue. Saw a red bird on my drive here—so pretty. How about those Chiefs? I hear we’re getting a new barbecue restaurant. I love barbecue. Hope we get some rain. Wish I could get rid of these wrinkles. Do you like horses like I do? Oh yea, here are some things I need you to do for me.”
Chances are, that would be a short-lived friendship. So why do I do that with God?
Why is it I give Him second-best (if even that)? The One who loves me unconditionally, the One who yearns for a relationship with me, and I can’t find time for Him? My Father “surrendered all” in His son; what keeps me from understanding “that IS all there is” when it comes to establishing my daily/weekly/monthly/yearly/life priorities?
On Instagram this week, I read this: “You can’t be 98% for God and 2% with the world. Jesus didn’t die for 98% of you. He died for 100% of you. That 2% will eat away at you. It’s a cold world. 100% with God is better. Trust me. He won’t fail you.” Can you imagine what surrendering all would look like? (Can you imagine what surrendering 98% would look like?) But 100%?
To have every thought, word and deed honor God? How I dress. What I eat. Whom I hang with. Where I go. How I spend my time. How I love. Absolutely everything that makes me who I am.
Someone once asked, “Would you be willing to die for Christ?” “Of course,” was the answer. But the real question is this: “Would you be willing to live for him?”
Because that’s what surrender is all about.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 10
Uniontown City Council Minutes of Feb. 14
The Regular Council Meeting on February 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:03PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pemberton, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick – did not show up for meeting.
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend. Project is completed. Water was shut off and lines drained in December. Water will be turned back on and they will be unlocked next week. Clerk Johnson is working on getting sign and thank you notes completed.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton, on behalf of Uniontown Ruritan Club – club is planning family fun activities in the park for the summer – movies, music, etc. They will notify City Clerk of dates for the newsletter/webpage. It was suggested to contact Safe Valley Outfitters for assistance with the activities.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $343,551.97, Receipts $71,352.08, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $38,977.45, Checking Account Closing Balance $372,900.60. Bank Statement Balance $391,883.92, including Checking Account Interest of $77.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $18,983.32, Reconciled Balance $372,900.60. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $459,301.58. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $77.34, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $77.34. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of January $29,348.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $29,348.63. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $15,262.38 (9.7%), Expenditures $23,271.00 (10.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,932.49 (8%), Expenditures $1,402.00 (3.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $9,698.93 (7.9%), Expenditures $8,508.83 (5.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,368.30 (25.6%), Expenditures $8,821.62 (4.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,063.98 (27.7%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The February 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $71,778.12 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system in January went well, no violations noted.
KRWA Annual Conference, March 28-30, Wichita, $180 plus lodging, meals
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KRWA Annual Conference, March 28—30, 2023, in Wichita
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported a dumpster is again at Smith Estate. Any progress will depend on the weather.
Safe Valley Outfitters has indicated that they would like to give back to the community. It was suggested to have Ruritan reach out to them to help with the summer fun nights planned.
Ongoing noise complaint issue in 400 block of Sherman Street was further investigated. Surrounding neighbors were interviewed with no complaints about the loud bass.
Complaints have been received regarding 404 Washington Street; another letter will be sent requesting a timeline for renovation.
A complaint was also noted regarding trailer full of debris in front of house at 202 Fourth Street-a letter will be sent to owner.
Clerk Johnson presented the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to approve the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements as presented
KRWA voting delegate needs appointed, usually Bobby Rich because he attends the conference.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate and Brad Stewart as alternate delegate
A workshop on benefit-cost analysis will be presented April 19-20 in Manhattan by Kansas Department of Agriculture, Cooperating Technical Partnership with FEMA.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to send Sally Johnson to the BCA Workshop in Manhattan, April 19-20
There was a request for a rabies clinic again this year.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to host a rabies clinic in March or April, preferably in March but whatever date vet has available
City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association Spring Conference is March 22-24 in Manhattan. Clerk Johnson would prefer not going this year.
OJA Court Clerks Conference is March 3, Wichita. OJA will reimburse attendee, not the city.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend OJA Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita
Kansas Government Finance Officers Association – Clerk Johnson would like to join membership and attend their Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita. She would prefer to attend this instead of CCMFOA.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to join KSGFOA and attend Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita
Utility Hearings date this month is February 22. Clerk Johnson would like to change date for this month only to last day of the month, February 28. Hearing officers for February are Brad Stewart and Jess Ervin.
Lead service line inventory surveys were sent out with January billings, several have been returned.
Homestead Websites is raising their fee another $2.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Citywide Trash Service – the next public hearing will be March 14. Council should select a vendor for the service at the hearing. Notice of hearing has been sent to vendors and been published in the paper.
Spring citywide cleanup was discussed.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for May 1-5 with three dumpsters, picked up when filled
School Pond Project – Don George, KDWPT, wants to inspect and review paperwork. Clerk Johnson will contact Bourbon County Public Works for cost of rock and hauling for their in-kind portion of the cost of the project.
Placemaking Project – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is conducting their community perception survey around our placemaking project. Survey can be accessed online through their website or facebook page. Survey closes February 28.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Materials have been delivered and contractor plans to begin February 20 when we are closed for Presidents’ Day. Clerk Johnson will unlock for them.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – council is perceptive to participating at 30% load. Clerk Johnson will send contracts/agreements to attorney for review and contact KMGA for deadline for participating.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to participate in the KMGA/MMGA Prepay Project at 30% load contingent upon attorney approval of contract/agreements
NEW BUSINESS
City Attorney – Bob Johnson, Johnson-Schowengerdt, has been our attorney of records for several years. He has been assigning our work to attorney Jacob Manbeck. Jacob Manbeck was appointed as prosecutor for municipal court in May 2022. Mr Manbeck has left Johnson-Schowengerdt and started his own firm. After discussion, Council directed Clerk to contact both attorneys to request quote of fee schedule for services, including prosecutor. Council will review fee schedules and determine attorney of record and prosecutor at next meeting.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:26PM
A Commercial Kitchen/Event Space/Retail Space Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

A community kitchen is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott.

Rachel French, Angela Simon, and Bailey Lyons are collaborating to open The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, a not-for-profit business.


The building will have a commercial kitchen, a small event space and a retail area, with specialty kitchen supplies.
The event space will also be available for private rentals.
In addition, cooking classes for children and adults will be offered.
The Kitchen Collection + Collaborative business recently received a $5,000 Women, Minority or Start Up Business grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Kitchen’s mission statement:
“The Kitchen is to be an innovative collaborative that enhances the local food system, increases access to regionally made and sourced goods, and supports area culinary businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing or removing risk and barriers to success.
Our concept is centered on merging the integral pieces required for a thriving food economy – producers, creators, marketers, and consumers.
We will also foster connections and serve as a community gathering place, a training hub, a meeting spot, an educational center, and a social venue.
In doing all of this, we expect The Kitchen will have a significant, multi-faceted impact on our community.
Afterall, everything happens in The Kitchen.”
Bailey and Nate Lyons own the building, located at 10 and 12 S. Main.
Obituary of Michael Pool
Michael Louis Pool, age 70, a resident of Lake Fort Scott, passed Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home. He was born July 27, 1952, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of William Louis “Louie” Pool and Norma Elaine Johnson Pool
Mike grew up in the Bronson area and graduated from the Uniontown High School. He married Patricia A. Floyd on November 11, 1970, at Nevada, Missouri.
Mike was a brick and stone mason as well as a tuck pointer. He used his skills on construction sites throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Weekends were spent racing at the Mo-Kan track or fishing on the lake.
Survivors include his two sons, Brian Pool and Brent Pool (Tawny) both of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Laura, Ashleigh, Logan, Nash, Kellen and Evan and a brother, Steve Pool of Penokee, Kansas.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, on May 21, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Elaine Pool.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.










