Opinion

Why is Bourbon County Shrinking? Government Regulations

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The growth of government regulations has advanced at a vigorous pace over the last several decades, and is accelerating.  From 1970 to 2017, the number of words in the Code of Federal Regulations nearly tripled from 35 million to over 103 million, according to a 2019 article published on Forbes.com, authored by Adam A. Millsap.  His study showed that a 10% increase in regulation increases consumer prices by 1%.  This excess hurts all of us, but the burden falls disproportionately on the poor and rural Americans.  Estimates are that the national poverty rate is 2.5% higher because of government regulations.  Consider the following:

 

  • The annual cost of regulations is estimated at $2 trillion a year, which is higher than the Gross Domestic Product of all but nine countries in the world.
  • In the last 22 years, federal agencies have published more than 88,000 final rules, of which 15,458 have been identified by federal agencies as having a negative impact on small business.
  • In the last 60 years, the United States population increased by 98% while the federal regulatory code increased by 850%
  • It is estimated that by 2025, the average additional cost of an automobile due to government regulations will be $7,200.

 

One specific example, my bank employer is a public company with over $1.5 billion in assets managed.  We are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act passed in 2002 in response to the Enron scandal which requires the generation of a voluminous number of internal reports.  The law is extremely complex and the penalties for non-compliance are substantial; so much so, we choose to undergo an independent audit just to make sure we are in compliance with this one law.  The internal cost to comply is hard to discern, but we do know that we spend $220,000 annually on the external audit alone.

 

The result of this additional cost of regulation requires a business to grow revenue or watch profits go away.  In banking, the number of charters has gone down 73% since 1970, and the shrinkage has occurred disproportionately in rural counties.  Why is Western Insurance gone?  The primary culprit is the cost of increased regulation that required consolidation in the insurance industry.

 

Some amount of regulation is necessary for public safety, but we have created a huge bureaucracy whose incentive is to advocate for more laws to enforce in order to perpetuate their own existence.  Politicians love the chance to make their mark on what they perceive as the public good.  For a deep dive on this subject, visit the Reason TV channel on YouTube and search for “Great Moments in Unintended Consequences.”  You will be shaking your head while you roll your eyes.

 

For the sake of the poor, small businesses, and rural America, we have to hold our politicians accountable to defeating this hidden enemy of rural communities by decreasing unnecessary and harmful regulations.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 11

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 11, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Ashley Shelton – Commission Room for Election
o 108 W 2nd St
o Accounts Payable Process
• Bob Reed – Jail Operations
• Jon Lowry – EMS Call Update
• Shane Walker – Bid Opening for North Sidewalk & Parking Area
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment


Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Government, Kansas

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Returns to Kansas

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, and this week the Kansas Department of Agriculture identified HPAI in two Kansas counties: Johnson County and Neosho County.

Both new HPAI locations are in non-commercial mixed species flocks, and KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on both properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. Going forward, any additional confirmed cases will be shared directly with local communities and announced on the KDA Avian Influenza webpage, rather than through a statewide news release.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Government, Kansas

Wildfire Task Force to Meet October 12

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force will meet on Wednesday,
October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kansas Regional Training Institute, 2929
Scanlan Avenue in Salina.
The meeting is open to the public and will discuss recommendations for how federal, state,
and local officials, along with Kansas communities, can better prevent, respond to, and
recover from wildfires. A Zoom link can be available upon request. Due to space
limitations, guests are asked to RSVP to Brittney Grother at [email protected] or
785-564-6797 by Tuesday, October 11. Persons who require special accommodations must
make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for Oct. 11

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 11, 2022
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker M. Wells K. Harrington
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: T. Van Hoecke
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 20th, 2022, and
Special Meeting minutes of September 21st, 2022, and September 22nd ,
2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1321-A totaling $452,376.58.
C. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $53,540.57 – 17 th & Eddy Project.
D. Request to Pay – L. G. Barcus and Sons – $170,681.75 – Dam Improvements
E. Request to Pay – Circle C Paving & Construction – $230,165.50 – 2022 CapeSeal Program.
F. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc – $4,120.00 – City Engineer.
G. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $12,799.20 – System Designs.
H. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $3,540.00 – South Industrial Park Waterline, Final Design.
I. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $13,700.00 –
Sanitary Sewer Project.
J. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $2,849.00 – Cooper St. Inspection

K. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $5,850.00 – South Horton St. and W. 6 th St.
L. Request to Pay AMS Advanced Microbial Solutions – $55,000.00 – Set Up
Fee
M. Nuss & Farmer August Out of Contract Hours – $1,435.00
N. Approve August Financials
V. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VI. Old Business:
VII. Appearances:
1. Lake Advisory Board Representative
VIII. Public Hearing: None
IX. New Business:
1. Consideration of Change Order #1 – L.G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $19,466.03
– River Intake Project
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 10

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 10, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 8:00AM. THE
COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS IN OBSERVANCE OF COLUMBUS DAY, BUT
THE NORTHEAST ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE WILL BE OPEN FOR ANYONE WHO
WISHES TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy


Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 12

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The Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 12

Council members:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

UJHS East Coast Fundraiser, Blake & Ginger Ervin –

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of September 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Lead & Copper –

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Reminder that November meeting has been rescheduled for November 15.

BBCO REDI Visioning Session II rescheduled from 9/29 to 10/12, 5:30PM – RSVP by 10/10 to 620-644-7966

 

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–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 Attachments:

10-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – September

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 13

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The Regular Council Meeting on September 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:46PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing – no citizens had questions.  A roll call vote was taken to approve Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved – Roll Call Vote:  Jess Ervin – absent, no vote; Danea Esslinger – Yea; Josh Hartman – Yea; Amber Kelly – absent, no vote; Bradley Stewart – Yea – to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate

 

2023 Budget Hearing – no citizens had questions.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to approve the 2023 Budget as presented

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked for a recess to view the building.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to recess 5 minutes to view the progress of the project.

 

Open meeting resumed at 6:55PM.  Mr George stated that the locksmith would be here next week to train city staff on the operation of the automated locks and signs for the doors need to be ordered by the City.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $369,629.63, Receipts $39,795.82, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $32,790.86, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,858.59. Bank Statement Balance $372,642.97, including Checking Account Interest of $31.51, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,784.38, Reconciled Balance $363.858.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,013.32. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $239.53, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $492.83.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $1,250.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of August $5,771.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,115.09.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,584.05 (71.7%), Expenditures $72,465.47 (55.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,398.40 (65.5%), Expenditures $24,984.53 (60.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $99,257.20 (71.1%), Expenditures $104,020.67 (42.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $107,261.48 (83.5%), Expenditures $97,997.60 (59.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%).  The September 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $34,228.03 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of August 9, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich informed Council he would be taking vacation and has asked Eddie Tanner to cover for him.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to have Eddie Tanner cover for Bobby Rich while on vacation and start on September 22, to review duties with Rich

 

Lead and Copper results have been received.  One had a high copper level.  Jeff Lamfers, KRWA, has been working with us on what is needed to correct this.  He has suggested a letter to KDHE to invalidate the sample as it was not taken from a source commonly used for human consumption.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approve 3-0 to send letter to KDHE requesting invalidation of the sample that included the high copper reading

 

John George, Ag Engineering, would like to purchase bulk cold patch from us for his drive.  After discussion, it was determined that we wouldn’t have any to sell.

Superintendent Rich was thanked for all hard work this summer.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate is in the process of demolition by the family.  103 Third Street has poured their ADA sidewalk.  Noticed the dog pen was gone from 204 Second St.  Dog owner moved out of town in June.  He will try again to connect with tenant at 301 Second #1 about yard debris.  Most yards looked good for Old Settlers weekend.

 

Clerk Johnson reported that the BBCO Health Department will hold a flu shot clinic on October 17, 2022, 9:30-10:30AM at the community center, flyer will be included with newsletter.  She reminded Council that the November regular council meeting has been rescheduled for November 15, 7PM due to election day on November 8.

Randy Rathbun and Mary Pemberton powerwashed the rock posts, shelters, and gazebo in the park before Old Settlers.  Randy said there were 12 rock posts that were not engraved and would like to sponsor three if not more than $225 each.  Mayor Jurgensen thought that the engraving was for “Old Settler” families and suggested we contact someone involved in the park improvement project to find out before checking into current cost of engraving.

Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting permission to pursue legal action on our account 1078003.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to allow Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action on our account 1078003

 

Bourbon County REDI is pursuing a Rural Champions grant for planning and technical assistance to improve affordable housing in the County.  They are requesting a letter of support from the City.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to send letter of support of Bourbon County REDI’s application for a Rural Champion grant to improve affordable housing in the County

 

Bourbon County REDI is hosting a Visioning Session II on September 29, 2022, 6PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area.  RSVP by 9/26/22.  Jurgensen, Ervin, Esslinger, Stewart, and Johnson attended the first session.  Ervin and Johnson will be out of town for this one.  If any of the others plan to attend, they are to let Clerk Johnson know before 9/26 and she will RSVP.

Reminded all that League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference is coming up.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – asked to have First Missionary Baptist Church revival information put in the next newsletter.  Starts October 9, three evenings.

Mayor Jurgensen – asked for a quote from Knight’s Tree Service (a new business in town) to take down and remove debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts.  The quote was for $1,000.  He has insurance and if hired his insurance requires a copy of the contract for services before releasing certificate of insurance.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Knight’s Tree Service to remove tree and clean up debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts, stump will not be ground, for $1,000

 

Bus drivers are also complaining about the number of limbs hanging low over street, predominantly Washington Street.  We will request quotes to have trees trimmed.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Survey – only three responses to the survey.  Mayor Jurgensen had two responses given to him.  All three stated they wanted both, a pickleball court and outdoor exercise equipment, but none of them specified specific equipment.  Mayor Jurgensen asked why the students never completed the cornhole area.  We were never informed as to why the project based learning project wasn’t completed.  Mayor Jurgensen will convene a committee of 5-6 community members to determine which exercise equipment to get quotes.  There was discussion as to whether to concrete the whole area or just the pickleball court.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – one quote has been received for the ADA upgrade of city hall bathrooms.  Another plumber has viewed the site and taken information to prepare a quote.  Another contractor has indicated to Coyan that they will be in to view and prepare a quote.  We may have to request sealed bids for this project

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:28PM

Obituary

Obituary of Gail Shrakes

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Gail L. Shrakes, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born October 11, 1949, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Harlon Guffey and Velma Rhodes Guffey.  At an early age, she moved to Eve, Missouri where she grew up.  Gail graduated from the Nevada High School.  She married Frankie Shrakes, Jr. on June 6, 1966, at 6 o’clock in the evening.  Gail and Frankie enjoyed fifty-six years of married life together.

In earlier years, Gail worked as a cook at the Red Barn Restaurant and also as a cook at Mercy Hospital and area nursing homes while she was attending cosmetology school at Fort Scott Community College.  After completing cosmetology school, Gail owned and operated her own beauty salon, Gail’s Professional Touch, for several years.

Gail enjoyed spending time with her family, especially while fishing at the lake or gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

Gail will be lovingly missed by her husband, Frankie, of the home; three daughters, Teresa Shrakes (James Woolery) of Ft. Scott, Heidi Dixon (Rob), also of Ft. Scott and DiAnna Dakon (Ronald) of Smithville, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ricky Ann Vargas (Ariel), Austin Shelden, Alek Shelden (Megan), Ashton Dixon, Nickolas Dakon and Skylar Dakan and three great-grandchildren, Lola, Santiago and Laney Vargas.  Also surviving is a special cousin, J. R. Stewart (Wendy) of Ft. Scott.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan Guffey and Velma Walker and a sister, Sharon Park.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Death Notice of Eula Zimmerman

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Eula Jean Zimmerman, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.  There was cremation, and no services are planned at this time.  Arrangements were 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.

Fort Scott, Government, History, Housing

521 S. Judson Now On National Register of Historic Places

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Ronda and Rob Hassig with one of their adopted sons, Harvey Crowder in the room with the Mark Twain fireplace .

The Thomas and Anna Herbert House, now owned by Rob and Ronda Hassig, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The house is located at 512 South Judson St.
Fort Scott.

The heavy plaque noting the registration sits inside the Hassig home, waiting for a pole to be built to attach it to, since it is very heavy.

“Having the house on the National Register of Historic places means the Herbert House gets the recognition it so richly deserves,” Ronda Hassig said.  “Rob and I both feel strongly that this designation will also keep our beautiful home safe even after we are gone. We love the Herbert House and are hoping that the Heritage Trust Fund Grant from the state of Kansas will come through and we can do some much-needed repairs on the exterior of the house!”

“The reason the Herbert House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places is because of the Queen Anne architecture and style,” Ronda said. “When the historical architect first visited us to help with the National Register application, she literally walked through the front door and said ‘This is a slam dunk!’ The Queen Anne style was based on the premise of ‘decorative excess” and that is exactly what the Herberts did!”

About  Thomas Herbert

Thomas Herbert. Submitted photo.

“Thomas Herbert worked for the government and happened through Fort Scott on one of his business trips after the Civil War and fell in love with the town,” she said. “He  bought the lots on Judson in the early 1870s but didn’t build until 1887/88. He married his wife Anna in 1873 at the Episcopalian church.”

“Mr. Herbert owned a store at Second and Wall Street that had paint, wallpaper, and home decor items from all over the world, kind of a mini-Home Depot,” she said. “He was from Canada and learned painting as an apprentice in Buffalo, NY.”

“He…decorated some of the most beautiful houses in Fort Scott so he was quite the artist,” Ronda said. “When the town renovated the Opera House, Mr. Herbert painted all of the Egyptian figures on the walls and ceiling of the theatre! He would definitely be considered one of the founding fathers of Fort Scott.”

 

Anna Herbert. Submitted photo.

Herbert was a Mason of the 33rd Degree, so he spent time at the Scottish Rites Temple, she said.

 

Description of the Herbert House

“We have lived in the house for almost four years and we still find little decorations inside and out that we haven’t noticed before,” she said. “The hand carved woodwork would have been done back East, and then would have been shipped by train. A builder would have built the house to suit the Herberts. We don’t know who the builder was but whoever it was they did a really nice job!”

The house is 6000 square feet including a full attic, dry basement and coal shoot, and 4000 square feet of living space  with 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, music room, living room, dining room, modern kitchen and library/den.

“My favorite room is probably the dining room because of the Czechoslovakian chandelier and the Mark Twain fireplace,” Ronda said. “Mark Twain liked to watch the snow fall and the fire blaze at the same time so there are two flues and a window above the fire box!”

“The library/den, half bath, and 5th bedroom were added to the house in 1930 by Dr. Wilkening who lived in the house longer than anyone else,” she said. “The music room was actually his office.”

 

A photo of Dr. William Wilkening’s medical class. Hassig is unsure which one is Dr. Wilkening. Submitted photo.

Renown photographer Gordon Parks was friends with one of the more recent owners of the house, Ken and Charlotte Lunt.

“Gordon Parks was very good friends with the Lunts and he visited the house often in his later years,” she said. “He held court in the front burgundy velvet antique chairs by the round window whenever he visited. We’ve hosted the Gordon Parks Celebration VIPS that last two years so that David Parks (Gordon’s son) can see the house again every year.”

“The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.”

According to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/features.htm

 

Bourbon County Local News