K-State Extension

Reduce Your Screen Time

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

Computers, phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers today have more access to digital devices than ever before.

Recent studies indicate that spending hours on end staring at screens can have a large impact on your health. Lack of quality sleep, excessive eating, social isolation, low professional performance, and a lack of physical activity are all potential negative effects of spending too much time looking at screens.

The first step to combating these effects is to adjust how mindful and intentional you are with the time you spend looking at a computer, phone, or tablet screen. Experts recommend spending 3 to 4 hours daily screen-free. To help with sleep, put your devices away at least an hour before bedtime. This will allow your brain to start producing melatonin sooner, which is the hormone that helps “turn off” the brain. For eye health, take a break every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away. This is especially beneficial for those that work on a computer during the day as it prevents digital eye strain.

Parents of young children should be especially mindful of the amount of time they spend on screens with their young ones around. Children often mimic the behaviors they observe in their parents. If a majority of your time spent as a family includes screens, your children will likely pick up this behavior. Excessive screen time in children can lead to behavioral problems, irregular sleep, obesity, and impaired academic performance.

To become more mindful, recognize that behaviors are a choice. Every part of human behavior is driven by a choice and can be changed with a shift in thinking. Instead of simply saying that you will make a change, you need to take action to make that change happen. Next, think about the rationalizations behind your current thoughts. For example, why do you spend hours scrolling through social media sites when your time and energy could be better spent elsewhere? Lastly, think of alternatives. Reading a book, journaling, cleaning, cooking, or going for a walk are all great ways to spend your free time.

Taking control of your screen time can be challenging, but you and your entire family can benefit from this behavior change. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

 

K-State Extension

Fruit Trees Should Be Pruned Now

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

 

Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

 

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

 

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

 

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

 

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Then remove all dead and diseased branches. Next, look for two branches that rub and remove one of the two. Branches that are growing toward the interior of the tree should also be removed. No more than thirty percent of the tree should be removed in a year.

 

You will want to retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

 

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth.  For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

 

The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications can be found on our Southwind website: www.southwind.ksu.edu

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Agenda for the U234 Board of Education on Feb. 13

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

 

            4.1       Board Minutes

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Extended Trip Applications

4.7       COVID Operations Guidelines

4.8       Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital              improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm

                       

5.0       Employee and Student Recognition

 

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)

 

            6.1       Fort Scott KNEA Report

            6.2       Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.4       Administrators’ Report

            6.5       Finance Director’s Report

                                               

7.0       Old Business

 

7.1       Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)

           

           

8.0       New Business

8.1       Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)

8.2       Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)

8.3       2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)

8.4       Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)

8.5       District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)

8.6       MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (Action Item)

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.5     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

           

11.0     Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

 

Obituary

Obituary of George Johnson

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George Allen Johnson, lifelong resident of Bronson, Kansas passed away on February 8, 2023 at the age of 78. He was born the second of three sons to William Harold Allen Johnson and Georgia May (Harrison) Johnson in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1962.

 

After graduation George worked for the Southeastern Kansas Gas Company and in 1969 began a decades long career as a heavy-equipment mechanic repairing hundreds of Allis-Chalmers tractors throughout Bourbon and surrounding counties when he worked for Reasoner’s Repair in Bronson.

He then was employed with Hillenburg Oil Company and added oil field pump-jack repair to his list of talents. After hours he assisted his Dad with city superintendent duties such as treating the water at the city lake (good excuse to take the boat out and hammer it down) and repairing the light on top of the water tower.

In later years he mixed paint for the presses at Ward/Kraft in Fort Scott until he retired in 2007.

 

He had a unique talent to build or re-work just about anything. He was a good cook and enjoyed displaying his culinary skills at family dinners and reunions as he was a great host. His famous “big” breakfast was a favorite and always included items from his garden.

In his younger days he enjoyed working on and drag racing (including wheel popping) his 4-speed, dual 4-barrel 1964 Ford Galaxie with the 427 engine he built himself. Other favorite cars in his collection included his bought-new 1969 Mustang Fastback and his 1992 Mustang convertible that escorted the grand marshals each year in the annual Bronson Day Parade.

He enjoyed family camping adventures, boating and water skiing. He was often seen at Lake Fort Scott skiing on one foot (with the other foot in the rope handle) and cousin Richard driving the boat.

 

His greatest blessing was his family and friends; he always put their needs before his own. George will be missed but never forgotten. Those left to continue his legacy include daughter Melinda (Jim) Lambert of Wichita, KS, son Ryan (Renee) Johnson of Camdenton, MO, grandsons Ryland and Rowan Johnson, brother Roy (Nina) Johnson of Amherst, OH and treasured neighbors Mitch, Brandi and Harlyn Spainhoward of Bronson.

 

The last goodbye is the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away. Per his request, no public service will be held. George is now at peace and will be laid to rest next to his parents and older brother Glenn in the Bronson Cemetery.

To honor his memory and help beautify the community he loved, a memorial fund has been established with the city of Bronson to fund benches for the city park 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 cheneywittcom.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Local Insurance Industry Software Business to Change Name

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Nedra Barr. Submitted photo.

Nedra Barr started the business, Spyder Inc., in 2021, and it is located at 102 W. 2nd. She is the CEO and founder.

The business develops software and sells it to the insurance industry.

This month the business is renaming to OnboardXI.

“The new name is short for Onboarding Experience Improvement,” she said.  “Our new name represents what we do for insurance companies and Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMO), which are our two target markets.  The Spyder name will be phased out once the new website is up and running over the next few weeks.”

Onboarding is the processing of a new application for insurance of any kinds, Barr said. “Once the application for insurance is completed by the customer, it goes to the Insurance Marketing Organization or directly to the insurance company to process and issue or decline the policy.  While I make this sound simple, these are highly complicated and technical work streams for insurance companies. Every insurance company is unique from another.”

“The OnboardXi solution is easily flexible and adaptable to accommodate each company’s differences,” she said. “Our platform connects systems together fast, processes new applications fast…. right the first time.  Pretty fun stuff!”

“What used to take months and years to setup for an insurance company, we can do in weeks to couple of months,” she said. “This will be a huge cost savings to insurance companies compared to older types of software solutions.”

“We liked the Spyder name but found it to be too common,” Barr said.  “As a result, we were not able to obtain the social media handles we need for marketing and sales.”

In today’s world, a business needs to use social media for presence, awareness and marketing, she said. ” We now have those capabilities with our new name.”

The OnboardXI Platform began demonstrations on  Feb. 3 to insurance companies and IMO’s  with a  rebranded rollout slated for March 1, 2023.

Mike Upright. Submitted photo.

The business has a new low code, no code digital platform that is unique in the insurance industry, according to Mike Upright, CTO Founder.  All types of new insurance applications: home, auto, life, disability, annuities, worker’s compensation, etc. will be driven   through the application process in the client’s offices with the OnboardXI workflows.

OnboardXI  can help up-sell and cross-sell their client’s products and services, which are new capabilities in the market, Upright said.

“This year, 45% of all insurance companies are anticipated to have projects to improve upon the exact things the OnboardXI solution solves,” Upright said.

David Brezik. Submitted photo.

David Brezik, local Fort Scott resident and investor in the business, is also the OnboardXi Senior Vice President Product and Co-Founder.  He believes their business will have a “significant impact in the insurance marketplace. This is truly next level software that will revolutionize the insurance industry.”

Arun Nageshwar. Submitted photo.

“We know the impact and importance of our solution in the United States,” Senior Vice President Product Engineering and Co-Founder Arun Nageshwar said. “When we are ready, we will look to specific international markets to serve as well.”

Three people work in Fort Scott office:  Brezik, Barr and a marketing support person.
Nageshwar works from India and Upright from St Augustine, FL.

For more information, contact Barr at [email protected]

 

Opinion

The Strength of Humility by Patty LaRoche

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Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. Jeremiah 9:23 (MSG)

Dave and I were in the Las Vegas airport, standing in line to board our flight, when a fellow passenger noticed Dave’s name on his carry-on luggage label.  Not quietly, he exclaimed, “You aren’t the Dave LaRoche who pitched for the Indians, are you?”  This fan did not need a bull horn.  My husband made the mistake of nodding.

 

The man could not contain his excitement, excitement he decided to share with his friend who was standing a good 10-feet away.  “Jim, you aren’t going to believe this,” he yelled.  “This is Dave LaRoche!!!  Come on over and meet him.”  I turned my back and struck up a conversation with the young couple in front of me who by now had pivoted to see what the commotion was all about.  “So, how about those Chiefs!” I said.  They, like many in line, were far too young to have heard of Dave.  This was more of an annoyance than a reason to celebrate.

Dave, clearly embarrassed, answered quietly the questions of the man with the 60-foot voice. “Who was the best pitcher you ever saw?”  “When did you retire?”  “Who was the best hitter you faced?”  “How hard did you throw?”  The security line could not move fast enough.

One of my husband’s greatest strengths is his humility, and it was that quality he instilled in all of our children.  No home run was ever hit when our sons or daughters raised their fists as they ran around the bases.  None of them pumped their arms in order to get the fans to clap louder for them.  The most acknowledgement I ever saw from them was a tip of their ball cap following a standing ovation for something they did on the field. As Dave always said, “Act like you’ve done this before.”

Rick Warren defined this principle: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.”  Let’s face it.  Self-exaltation impresses no one, yet it seems that social media has given us a platform to boast about our strengths or accomplishments.  Recently, a friend shared a series of pictures a mutual acquaintance posted on Facebook, each an elegant dinner she had prepared for her and her husband.  Every time the couple go to a classy restaurant, a picture of the meal is shared.  But what does that do for those who will never be able to afford such a fine-dining experience?

Saint Augustine had great advice: “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

On a flight years ago when Dave was coaching professional baseball, I was seated next to a man who talked about himself, basically from the time we took our seats to the time we deplaned.  He was a stuntman in Hollywood who was a daredevil like no other…at least, according to him.  Dave was seated next to me and heard every word of the man’s braggadocious exploits.  As we walked off the jetway, the man asked Dave what he did for a living. Dave said that he was a coach, and the bragger commented, “Oh, at a high school?”  Dave’s answer, “No,  in major league baseball,” left the man stunned.  “Why didn’t you say so?”

My answer, “Because he never talks about himself” hopefully left the man with something to think about.  Of course, my husband thought it was unnecessary for me to say that.

I should have predicted that.

Fort Scott, Government

Two Vacancies on FS Street Advisory Board

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There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.

 

When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.

 

All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your letter of interest by March 8th, 2023.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 9 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 9th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/9 ~ Gorilla Gathering Bourbon County, 6pm, registration is required, click here for more info.

2/9 ~ Galentine’s Celebration at Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 108 Scott Ave., 5-7pm, open to everyone! Retail therapy, refreshments, and sales!

2/10 ~ The Pigeon and the Dreamer, Lowell Milken Center of Unsung Heroes, 2-3pm,

click here for more info.

2/10-11 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl, Downtown & Around, Shopping & Tasting Event.

12 participating stores Downtown & Around!

See flyer below for list of stores!

2/10 ~ Riggs Chiropractic will be onsite @ Museum of Creativity from 1-3pm providing free screenings, 102 S. National Ave. Those who do a screening will be entered to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!

2/10 ~ Common Ground Live Music Event featuring Stephan Moses,7-8pm,

click here for more info.

2/11 ~ The Artificers classes: Coffee & Clay 9am-12pm, Cocktail & Clay 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/11 ~ The Beauty Lounge Paint & Sip Galentine’s Event, 2:30pm, click here for FB event.

2/11 ~ Cupid’s Corner at Buck Run Community Center, pre-school thru 5th grade, $1.00 for each participant. Click here for more info.

2/11 ~ February Makers Market, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 10am-3pm, click here for more info.

2/11 ~ Corporate Pinewood Derby by Boy Scouts Pack 114, Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for info.

2/14 ~ Happy Valentine’s Day from Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!

2/14 ~ Wash, Style, Make up, & Manicures Valentine’s get ready event hosted by The Beauty Lounge, 3-6pm, click here for more info.

2/15 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Kiwanis, 8am, will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.

2/16-18 ~ Trap Play by Stephen Gregg, Fort Scott High School 7pm-9pm, click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/18 ~ MS Bingo Fundraiser, all proceeds help fund students attending the Washington DC trip, Chili Pie with a dessert and a drink will be available, tickets are $10, click here for more info.

2/20 ~ Fort Scott Are Chamber of Commerce closed for President’s Day.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/22 ~ Cholesterol Screening, Nevada Regional Medical Center,. 6:30-9:30am, register today by calling 417.448.2101

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

2/26-27 ~ FSCC Rodeo Bareback and Bronc Riding School, contact the college for more info.

3/2-9 ~ Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit, open to public for viewing, click here for more info.

Save the Date!

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!, 10:30-11:30am, click here for more info.

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.

Downtown Event: Love Local Chocolate Crawl!

Chamber Member Nevada Regional Center is offering cholesterol screenings!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 14

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Uniontown City Council agenda for Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Uniontown City Hall.

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

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –

 

 

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KCC Inspection

KRWA Conference

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements –

KRWA Voting Delegate –

Benefit-Cost Analysis Workshop, April 19-20, Manhattan –

Rabies Clinic this year?

CCMFOA Conference, March 22-24, Manhattan –

Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita –

KSGFOA Membership, Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita –

Utility Hearings this month – last Wed 22nd, change date to 28th?

LSLI survey –

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Citywide Trash Service –

 

 

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Attorney –

 

 Attachments:

02-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials – January

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Jan. 10

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions.  We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency.  MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay.  If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project.  The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97.  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 $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2012 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays.  The park looked really good over holidays!

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting.  Discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger

 

Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing.   He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1.  Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project.  He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing.  Discussion ensued.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:25PM

Fort Scott, Government

One opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board

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There is one opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board.

The function of the Design Review Board is to review requests for Certificate of Appropriateness in the historic district of our downtown. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].

Please submit your letter of interest by March 9th, 2023.

 

Bourbon County Local News