Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 27, 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
• Eric Bailey – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Delwin Mumbower – Burn Ban Update
• Bill Martin – Fuel Request – Road & Bridge
• Clifton Beth – Benefits Committee
• Ashley Shelton – SEK Area Agency on Aging – Board Opening
o Gas Price Lock In
• Jim Harris – Executive Session 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
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Budget Documents
o Years of Service Recognition– Donald Gene Bailey
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Tiana McElroy – County Attorney Position
• 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.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Begins Sept. 29
Mark your calendars for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. The 66th Anniversary Show will soon be here! The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is one of the oldest tractor and gas engine show in the area.
Plans are made for this to be a great event this year. The downtown parade on September 29 will be the kickoff for the show. Friday, September 30 will begin the 3 day show with lots of exhibits and vendors on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Come and see how things were done in the “olden days”. Purchasing a $5 show button will give you entry to all 3 days plus a bean feed on Friday evening.
In addition to the flea market and tractor and gas engine exhibits, you can watch the sawmill operation, oat threshing, hay baling tractor pull and more. Ralph Carlson’s entertainment tent will present talented musicians for you to enjoy. The Sunday morning Church service will be in the entertainment tent also. All are welcome. Be sure and stop by the Information tent. There will be 2022 T-Shirts and caps and other items for you to purchase.
In addition to the Friday evening bean feed, biscuits and gravy will be available in the mornings, also old fashion sorghum cookies. Pulled pork sandwiches, chicken noodle dinners, sloppy joes, hot dogs. nachos and more will be served by food vendors.
Don’t forget the quilt show in the Myers Building. Quilts can be entered Thursday, September 29, 10am – Noon. The quilt show will be open Friday and Saturday, 9am – 4pm. Sunday will be open noon to 3pm. Contact Jackie Warren for more information, 620-224-8161.
There is an additional event on the fairgrounds the evening of October 1 in the arena. There will be a Mutton Bustin’ event with bull riding afterwards. Sign up for the Mutton Bustin’ is 6:30pm.
If anyone would like to volunteer to help with any of the exhibits or perhaps help at the quilt show, we would be happy to have you. Please contact a member or call one of the numbers listed.
Thank you goes out to all our corporate sponsors. Without these sponsors there would not be a Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. If you have not received a flyer in the mail or picked one up at a local business, contact a member and we will make one available for you. Craig Shikles, 417-425-4552, is our president with Larry Richard, 620-724-6501, as vice-president.
Small Towns and Megatrends by Gregg Motley
Small Towns and Megatrends
From 1776 to 1941, America’s growth was driven by the expansion of virtually every small town in America. Americans wanted freedom, elbow room, and time to enjoy relationships; however, that has all changed since World War II. This column is the first in a series that expands on last week’s effort which asks the rhetorical question, “Why is Bourbon County Shrinking?” I will share my research and attempt to identify the primary drivers, beginning with the forces that birthed urbanization.
Rapid industrialization of America was forced on us by Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany. We became embroiled in a war, not of our own choosing, and we were not ready. Something had to be done quickly. Early naval battles after December 7, 1941 revealed that our weaponry was hopelessly outdated and unreliable. We had to mobilize and innovate, as our very survival was at stake. We were very close to an invasion of our West Coast and we had no time for political correctness. We had to build factories, manufacture steel, and produce cutting edge machinery, weaponry, and ammunition.
To further incentivize new plants and the expansion of existing plants, lucrative tax incentives and accelerated depreciation were used. This effectively had the impact of shifting the tax burden of the war effort disproportionately to small town America. We continued to pay the freight without the benefit of new factories and new jobs. No patriotic American complained, as everyone understood the urgency of the task.
No one could have foreseen that this urbanization would begin to change the culture of America. As cities grew, swelling with the influx of workers to support the war effort, well-planned suburbs began to spring up and cities and the surrounding communities grew together. Suburban living was born and exploded after the war, facilitating the “Baby Boom” generation. This demographic grew rapidly from 1946 to 1964; you might have guessed that major cities benefitted far more than small towns during that time period, as returning soldiers filled the factory jobs now vacated by stay at home moms.
America prospered after the war, and the luxury of disposable income was experienced by a high number of citizens. This megatrend was met by the entertainment industry competing for these dollars. The “Boomers” fell in love with movies, the theater, ball games, golf, and numerous entertainment choices available in large cities. As the value systems of Americans began to change, more and more young people left the “boring, dead end” life of small communities for high paying jobs and the entertainment choices of metropolitan areas. The entertainment culture was born, and was adopted in mass by the children of the Boomers, who had no connection to small town living.
In retrospect, these megatrends look like forgone conclusions. What could have small town Americans done to mitigate these trends? Not much. As Yogi Berra is quoted as saying, “If people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them!” Right now, the ballpark of small town America is emptying out.
Next week: Where Have All the Farmers Gone?
Food Safety Education Month
By Clara Wicoff
Southwind Extension District
Did you know one in six Americans gets foodborne illness every year? September is Food Safety Education Month, which makes it the perfect time to review four simple steps that can help prevent food poisoning: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
Clean: Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces often. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food, as well as after handling uncooked meat, poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
Separate: For a clean plate, don’t cross-contaminate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in your shopping cart, in your refrigerator, and during meal preparation. Do not wash raw meat, poultry, or eggs, as this can actually spread germs.
Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of cooked foods is high enough to kill the bacteria which cause foodborne illnesses. Whole cuts of beef and pork should be cooked to 145°F and then allowed to rest for three minutes before carving or eating. Ground meats should be cooked to 160°F. All poultry (including ground poultry) and leftovers should be cooked to 165°F.
Chill: All perishable food and leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours (or within one hour if the food is exposed to temperatures greater than 90°F).
To learn more about these four simple steps, visit fightbac.org.
If you are interested in learning more about food safety, consider signing up for our food preservation workshop in Humboldt on October 27th! An RSVP is required for this hands-on program where you will learn about pressure canning, waterbath canning, and dehydrating herbs with food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee. Please call 620-365-2242 to register and get more details.
If you have a passion for food safety, you may also want to consider our Master Food Volunteer program! You will meet others who share a passion for food; participate in classes, by either leading or assisting, to teach others about food; learn up-to-date practices on food safety and nutrition; and take your knowledge of food to the next level. To join, you must complete a 40-hour training course. This course will be offered online from January 17th to February 25th with three days of hands-on training. Interested applicants must apply by December 1st to be considered.
For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Obituary of Lila Darlene Dobbins
Lila Darlene Dobbins, age 95, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas on February 2, 1927. She graduated from the Ft. Scott High School in 1944.
In 1945, she married Walter Ray Dobbins. They had three children, Linda, John and Nancy. After sixty-seven years of marriage, Ray passed away in 2013. Their older daughter, Linda Anthony, passed away in 2018.
Darlene is survived by her son, John Dobbins and her daughter, Nancy and her husband, Steve Byerley. Darlene also had four grandchildren, Linda’s three sons, Michael, Jeffrey and David and Nancy’s daughter, Kayla and her husband, Jason Wilson and their son, Blair. Michael and his wife, Lisa have a son, Macoy and Jeffrey and his wife, Sharon have two daughters, Sahara and Berlyn. Darlene also leaves five nieces, Lyn Pulliam, Ruth Coomer, Jean Hart, Susan Sutor and Donna Dugan and three nephews, Rob Miller, Dan Dobbins and Tom Dobbins.
Darlene was a member of the First Church of God and loved her church family.
She was a devoted and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Rev. Ed Sneed will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the First Church of God or the American Diabetes Association 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 then online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Charles Lavarne Lifer
Charles Lavarne was born October 8, 1932, to Charles Edward lifer and his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Griffiths) Lifer at the farm of his grandparents Charles William lifer and Elizabeth (Beth) Lifer and Hammond. His parents divorced in 1937 when he was five years old. Charles was raised by his mother Mary. His mother and sister Dorothy mostly called him Laverne. He attended Eugene Ware Elementary School.
In May of 1941 Mary took Charles and Dorothy to California where she met and married John Labrucherie. John was in the army stationed in San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge at the Presidio. Charles lived with his mother in San Francisco, Paso Robles, and Atascadero during World War II. Charles returned to Fort Scott in 1944, where he attended Fort Scott Jr. and Sr high school. Charles graduated high school in 1951.
As small children Charles cared for Dorothy while Mary was away especially during their time in San Francisco. Dorothy shared her gratitude for the way Charles took care for her mother. Dorothy remembers riding in street cars while their mother was at work and meeting her when she got off work. Charles’s mom always appreciated this help. “Dot” told Laverne (Charles) how much that meant to her. Charles loved and adored his sister.
Charles joined the Navy at Navel Olathe Naval Air Station after graduation. He worked in the Navy’s version of Human Resources department doing paperwork to transfer sailors. He had some recruiting duties in Fort Scott and encouraged many of his friends to join the Navy, including Gene Vanatter and Ralph Carlson. He was awarded an AA degree during or just after he was in the Navy. He served in the Navy for 14 Years. He joined the Navy reserves for many more years. Charles would always say, “I was in the Navy for 21 years and was never on a ship.”
While in the Navy, he met and married Dola Rose Howard from Caney, Kansas in 1956. Dola was a nurse in the Army and in the Air Force. They lived in Kansas City in 1965 when their daughter Rebecca was born. Rebecca is Charles’ only child.
Charles worked for Sinclair Oil in Kansas City and in Mexico, Missouri. He invested many farms over the years. He owned a farm in the 60’s close to where Highway 69 crosses Highway 55. One farm was in Bronson, Kansas where he was seriously injured by a combine in the late 1990’s. If he didn’t have his old Motorola “car phone” with him, he would not have survived. He was lucky.
Some of his land holdings were leased to farmers over the years. At one time he was co-owner of the Fort Scott Sale Barn with his uncle Charles Griffith. In the late 70’s he built and ran the In-and-Out store on old Hwy 54 in Fort Scott. Charles and Dola divorced in 1981.
Charles wanted to make a difference in the world. Charles became interested in humanitarian work after divesting some of his land.
Charles met Wilma Davis a few years after his divorce and together they worked with an organization in Ohio, collected and distributed wheelchairs and walkers in many countries including Mexico, Afghanistan, South America and later Kenya. He gave away thousands of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and leg braces with that organizations over the years. In Afghanistan, he gave a wheelchair to one of the Taliban’s’ mother, a thing that made him feel welcomed in that area of the world. When possible, he traveled to each country and personally presented truckloads of wheelchairs. Giving out wheelchairs was his life’s passion. His friend and partner Wilma, passed away in 1997.
In his travels Charles met Jane in Kenya. Charles married Jane in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, by a Navy Chaplain. In Kenya, Charles, Jane, Jane’s sister Margaret and brother-in-law Simon helped form a feeding station for those displaced, and an orphanage and for people displaced in ethnic clashes.
He was deeply connected to Africa and highly enthusiastic about the work there. Charles and Jane have traveled to Kenya many times in the last decades of his life. Charles called Kenya his second home and was loved by many people, there as well as by the Kenyan Community in Kansas City.
Charles gave his life to Jesus Christ and his passion was to help people in Africa, mostly- the hungry, the crippled, and the orphans. Serving the humanitarian needs of the people in Africa was the one things that brought him the most joy.
Charles is survived by his love and wife Jane, daughter-Rebecca, sister-Dorothy, nephew-Scott, and nieces Gina and Tracy. Charles is also survived by stepdaughters Vicky, Shinah Hanna and Caren, as well as a large African family from Jane’s family that loved Charles as their stepfather. The orphans and widows that Charles touched in Africa will greatly miss him.
Charles started not feeling well in 2018 and after being in and out of hospital he passed away on September 18, 2022. During his sickness Charles never stopped smiling and touching people. During this period Charles volunteered with Feeding Families at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott.
His sister Dorothy (Lifer) Vanatter, and her children express their love and sympathy to his daughter Rebecca. Rebecca is the widow of both Gary Stufflebeam and Eric Wray, both of Fort Scott. They also express their heartfelt love and gratitude for Jane for her love and devotion for her husband, Charles Lifer. The Lifer Family appreciates Jane, her family and friends in Africa and in the Kansas City area for what she brought into his life.
Pastor Daniel Kungu will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter Sept. 23
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View Freeride Motocross Fort Scott Event on ESPN September 25
Last week, Red Bull Imagination – the ultimate evolution of freeride motocross – returned to Fort Scott, Kansas for its third year bigger and badder than ever. A sport that’s always lived on the fringes of motocross will have its national moment this Sunday @ 5pm ET with an ESPN 2 broadcast and ESPN+ stream.
Once again, event visionary Tyler Bereman and course builder Jason Baker have put their heads together to create a course boasting a seemingly endless array of new features and massive jumps to inspire and challenge riders like never before. Bereman is now a proven leader of a sport defined by its disregard for convention and embrace of creativity to see what’s possible on a bike.
To learn more: hyperlink to History of Freeride video put out by Red Bull Motorsports and the just-released first episode previewing Sunday’s competition.
All the action will debut in a one-hour show on September 25, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN2 and ESPN+. #RedBullImagination
Zellner Resigns, New Interim Jeff Hancock is Hired as FS City Manager
Fort Scott City Commission has been on “a little rocky road,” new Interim Fort Scott City Manager Jeff Hancock said in a phone interview today.
The rocky road referred to is the high rate of change in city managers and commissioners over the last few years.
But he sees “a bright future for the city,” he said. “Fort Scott has a lot going for it.”
Zellner Departs
The Fort Scott City Commission met on Sept. 22 to approve the severance agreement for City Manager Kelley Zellner, who resigned to pursue an employment opportunity in Caney, KS.
Zellner is receiving a payment equal to 30 days pay and accumulated vacation and sick days. The exact amount is still being calculated at the time of publishing this story, according to Hancock.
To view the severance:
Management Partners Consultant Jeff Hancock Signs A Contract for City Manager
On Sept. 20, the City of Fort Scott hired Hancock as interim city manager, and appointed Brad Matkin, current Human Resource Director, to also become assistant city manager. Matkin’s salary was increased to $85,000 annually.
Hancock, from Camdenton, Missouri, is a consultant for Management Partners, and will provide interim city manager services and assist with recruiting a new manager, if desired.
Management Partners will invoice the city $7,000 per month, plus travel expenses and Hancock will be onsite in Fort Scott, 24 hours per week. Hancock will usually work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, according to City Clerk Diane Clay.
“I’ll be on call 24/7, even though I’ll be working in Fort Scott three days a week,” Hancock said.
“Under the city manager form of government, the city manager makes pertinent decisions quickly at times,” Hancock said. “Having a professional (interim city manager) is a protection for Fort Scott.”
“The city commission will use me until it’s the right time,” he said. “I anticipate three to four months. I haven’t had a chance to dialogue with the commission about this yet.”
To view the agreement:
4684001_FortScott,KS_interim_CM_MgtServices_exec_22 09 21
Hancock has previous experience as Fort Scott’s interim city manager, when Dave Martin resigned in October 2020 until the hiring of Jeremy Frazier in February 2021. Frazier resigned in August 2021 and an interim city manager, Mark McCoy, was hired until Zellner was hired in December 2021.
To view prior stories on these events:
Dave Martin Retires As City Manager, Effective Oct. 30, 2020
Former FS City Manager Jeremy Frazier is Given Severance Package
Gordon Parks Museum receives Irby Endowment Award
With the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund Award – courtesy of Janet Braun, Bob Irby and Mary Rio, all siblings of the benefactors – Gordon Parks Museum officials were able to purchase a 43–inch touch– screen display and tablet kiosks with stands and software, available for use by visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to receive this very kind donation and award from the Irby family in honor of Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby,” said museum executive director Kirk Sharp. “The touch–screen displays with the large viewing screen help the museum to engage visitors in different ways. This helps give visitors of the museum a more modern approach to learning, viewing and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks.”
The interactive display, which allows visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music and more, Sharp said, will be available for use in the meeting room/lobby area of the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center during the annual Gordon Parks celebration Oct. 6–8.
Museum visits and tours can be scheduled for a later date by calling (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or by sending an email to [email protected].
# # #
FSHS Homecoming Candidates 2022
2nd Row Left to right: Jescie Comstock, Lanie Krokroskia, Tobyn Schubert, Ellie Smith, Lillian Westhoff
3rd Row Left to right: Nathaniel Adams, Kaleb Bailey, Sam Deloney, Hayden Harris, Eli Kellogg
The Fort Scott High School Homecoming festivities will be as follows:
A Pep Assembly will be held on September 30 at 10:00 AM at the High School Gym.
The Coronation Ceremony will be at 6:30 PM before the Football game with the Labette County Grizzles that evening.
Game time is 7:00 PM.
Submitted by
Bert Lewis
Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor, and Scholars’ Bowl Coach
Fort Scott High School
1005 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-0600
Top 7 Ways YOU Can Help Prevent Suicide
Throughout the United States, September is observed as Suicide Prevention Awareness Prevention Month. And, while it may seem pretty apparent that suicide is a national problem, it may feel like it’s a problem only for the mental health community to solve. However, that’s not true at all. Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center therapists have a few tips for helping someone who may be considering suicide or is in a mental health crisis leading them toward hurting themselves.
- Be Proactive. Having a conversation with someone about their mental health will probably be uncomfortable. However, it can make a HUGE difference. Instead of waiting for someone you see struggling to ask for help (which they may never do), ask them some questions and start up the conversation.
- Exhibit genuine interest and ask questions. Questions might include:
- “It seems like you’re not yourself today. Do you want to talk about what’s wrong?”
- “I’ve noticed you’re a little down. Can we talk about how you’re feeling?”
- “You look like something might be bothering you. What’s on your mind?”
- Encourage them to keep talking and offer support. As the conversation gets started, really listen to your friend or family member. Hear what they have to say. Express concern about their worries and empathize with them. Offer support. Statements could be:
- “I can imagine how tough this must be for you.”
- “I’m so glad you’re telling me about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing with me.”
- “I’m right here with you. Nothing changes how I feel about you.”
- “Wow – this situation sounds difficult. How can I help you get through this?”
- Be direct with questions about suicide. Trust your instincts if you get the feeling someone is considering harming themselves or committing suicide. Research indicates saying “suicide” will NOT push someone to action or put the idea in their head. Do NOT pass judgment. Examples are:
- “Are you thinking of doing something to end your life?”
- “Does it sometimes get so tough you are thinking of killing yourself?”
- “Do you have plans to hurt yourself?”
- Talk it through. Even though it’s scary to think your friend or family member is mentally preparing to take their own life, it’s up to you provide a calm voice. Stay with them. Help them remove lethal means. Encourage them to seek help. Assist them in finding resources.
- Don’t assume they’re talking to others. It’s a mistake to think they’re sharing their situation with others. You might be the only person your friend or family member has confided in. Take their words seriously and never discount their concerns. Help them create a safety plan. Assist them in putting together a list of people they can talk to for help, including mental health professionals and loved ones who can offer support and love.
- Be patient. It’s hard for someone to talk to you about their problems. They may need encouragement and patience along the way as they share their emotions. Many people experience shame, anxiety and despair as they share their suicide thoughts with others. You may not have the right words – or even know what to say at all when they share their thoughts. Sometimes, it’s enough to just sit and be with someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis that is making them consider suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
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