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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 31
Fort Scott Walmart Transformation Will Begin Soon
Fort Scott Walmart will be going through a store transformation for over three months, starting soon.
People may have noticed containers delivered to the parking lot’s north part, in front of the garden center.
About 40 containers will be parked there in the next few weeks and fences around them will go up. These will be used for the store transformation.
Heather, the store manager, said it will be a “total store transformation….to a store of the future.”
“The store will be brighter, more spacious, easier to navigate…. (and) more energy efficient technology, reducing the environmental impact and providing a safer environment,” she said at a recent Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee, hosted by Walmart, where she made the store transformation announcement.
“We don’t anticipate being closed at all, however, hiccups do happen,” she said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
The expected completion is in November 2024, approximately 14 weeks, she said.
“We will move everything (in the store), but it will be worth it in the end,” she said.
The store of the future will continue to have both associates-manned registers and self-check-out registers, she said.
“There have been mixed reactions on the self-check,” she said. “Some people love it because you can be in and out quickly.”
“Some feel it takes away jobs,” she said. “But since I came in 2018 when there were 170 associates…there are now over 200.”
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Bo Co Commission Minutes From July 22
July 22, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and Deputy County Clerk Amber Page present.
Vance Eden, Michael Hoyt, Leroy Kruger, Jason Silvers, Clint Walker, Bonnie Smith, Bo Casper, Kyle Parks, Mike Wunderly, Deb Martin, Jean Tucker, and Christina Kruger were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Jim said he wanted to have the approval of June financials removed from the consent agenda as he had not had an opportunity to review them. Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from 7-15-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Patty Love, Treasurer, said that the financials need to be approved tonight as the quarterly report needs to be published to avoid audit violations. Jim asked why they received the financials later than usual and Patty explained that Jennifer has been out sick with COVID and that is why there was a delay. Patty said she isn’t asking for them to approve and sign something without reading it and asked the Commissioners to take some time at the end of the meeting to review the financials before approving them. Jim made a motion to approve the June financials. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton said there has been a lot of confusion about zoning and what it is, what it can’t do, how to implement it, and whether it’s a good of bad thing for the county. Mary stated that zoning does not apply to land used for agricultural purposes including the erection and maintenance of buildings on that land that is used for agricultural purposes and sited KSA 19-2921. Mary briefly outlined zoning that Labette County recently implemented which was zoning in all unincorporated areas of their county that they split into four zoning districts. Mary stated there were A1 and A2 that would cover areas outside of city limits that would be considered suburbs, V1 which is for little towns in the county and the fourth is for the large industrial park outside of Parsons. Labette County only places 11 restrictions of specific land uses and she outlined them and explained they require a conditional use permit which means that certain guidelines must be followed. Mary stated by state statute any use in existence at the time zoning is passed is grandfathered in the zoning. Mary said that the Commissioners have instructed the public to bring a petition to put zoning on the ballot, then bring a letter from an attorney, then a setback committee was formed, and last week there was mention of citizens getting a lawsuit or filing an injection. Mary stated the only was zoning can be enacted is by a resolution passed by the Commission who would then form a zoning and planning board and from there zoning policies would be written and multiple public hearings would be held where the public would be allowed to provide input before the final plan is adopted. Mary asked why the Commissioners keep insisting that residents jump through a bunch of hoops that are not really necessary? Jim asked if Mary thought the Commissioners should have a book put together before it is put on the ballot. Mary said in her opinion yes, that there should be some public meetings where zoning is explained so people understand what is you’re talking about doing because zoning can be fairly easy or get pretty detailed. Clifton asked if Linn County was committing a crime then since they require all new homes to have a permit. Jim said that the Commissioners could require building permits for a house or a special use permit for commercial. Brandon suggested putting in the resolution or wording on the ballot that if zoning were to pass that it would take the entire Board of Commissioners to add or take away from the regulations.
Michael Hoyt said he is heading up a petition to increase the number of Commission districts from three to five. Mr. Hoyt said that he received the number of signatures needed from the Clerk’s Office which is 621 and that the state statute requires it to be 5% of the registered voters. Mr. Hoyt questioned the number of voters registered in Bourbon County versus the population at the last census. Clifton said to contact Jennifer since she is the Election Officer and she will work towards figuring out the situation.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, asked for an amendment to the agenda for an executive session for active ongoing litigation and acquisition of real property. Clifton made a motion amend the agenda to add an executive session. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under 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 and KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 5:58. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action on either justification at 5:59. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said this is his first year for budgets and requested adding another open work session. Jim said they have two scheduled in August and he will be out of town next week. Brandon said he will come in like he always does on Mondays and if any department head would like to meet with him to go over their budget he will do so. Brandon explained he cannot make any decisions but they can help him understand what they need and why they need it. Jim said they will have a work session on August 12 and August 19 and possibly a third in August. Jim said he is glad to see the committee is here tonight getting ready for another meeting. Jim said he liked Mary’s presentation and that she had a lot of good information. Mary thanked the Commissioners for allowing her additional time to speak this evening.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:02. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________,Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
7-29-2024 Approved Date
Obituary of Loren Roberts
Loren Ray Roberts, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024. He went to his heavenly home to be with his family who went before him. Loren was born August 15, 1956, the son of Dorn C. Roberts and Mary Virginia Edwards Roberts. During Loren’s lifetime, he worked at multiple jobs to provide for his family. He had been employed by National, Harvest, Brand, John Deere and multiple other jobs where he worked as supervisor. His most important job of all was being a father and grandfather. He did everything in his life the way he wanted.
Loren had five children, Harvey Roberts, who is now deceased, Melissa Jewett of Oswego, Kansas, Christy and Michael Montgomery, of Arma, Kansas, Gary Roberts of Pittsburg, Kansas and Misti Spiegelmeyer of Florida and multiple grandchildren, Shelby Montgomery, Shawna, Danielle and Kari Ridley, Michelle and Oden Jewett, Levi and Jackie Roberts. Also surviving are three sisters, Joyce and Danny Henderson, Mindy Roberts and Sherry Neff and a brother Ronnie Roberts. He also had several nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud.
Loren was preceded in death by a son, Harvey, two granddaughters, Sandra and Ashley, his parents, Dorn and Mary Roberts, and a brother, Gary.
His family would like to thank Stacy Messinger for helping Loren remain in his home during his final illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Holly Gault and Gentiva Hospice for their care.
In Loren’s lifetime, all the way to the end, he did everything his way!
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Loren Roberts Memorial Fund 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.
Special Meeting Today at City Hall
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 29, 2024 – 5:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration of Approval for Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) to apply for the Our Town Grant (a 1/1 match grant), a Letter of Cash Commitment of $16,780.00 to be drawn from the Parks Fund, and $29,720.00 of in-kind services from the City, to be used for the proposed project at Nelson Park – Rachel Carpenter/Executive Director of HBCAT.
- Consideration of Bids for the Investment of $1,500,000.00 in Certificates of Deposit to drawn from the fund and redeposited with earnings to the same fund – B. Matkin
- Consideration to amend Golf Cart Ordinance – T. VanHoecke
- Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments
- Engineering Comments
- Commissioners Comments
- City Attorney Comments
XII. Executive Session
XIII. Adjourn
Advance Voting Starts Today, July 29, in Bourbon County
Early voting will begin today, Monday, July 29, and continue through Friday, August 2 at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.
An additional voting opportunity is Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to noon and Monday, August 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
One must bring photo identification to vote.
Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in this Kansas Primary Election.
The primary election day is August 6, with voting in precincts in the county. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To view voting precincts:
https://www.bourboncountyks.org/voting-precincts/
“The ballots will be different for each precinct and township as there are committee and township officers on the ballot,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “The Bourbon County website has been updated to include VoterView which will allow residents to enter their information to see the correct sample ballot.”
She provided a sample ballot for Marion Township for Republicans and Democrats.
The following are features on the candidates from those who responded to the fortscott.biz questionnaire: The primary election is August 6, not August 8
Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot
Candidates For U.S. House of Representatives: Young, Tiffany, Schmidt
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer
Candidates for Bourbon County Sheriff on the August Primary Ballot
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Is Awarded Substance Use Prevention Grant
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is the recipient of a $40,000 Substance Use Prevention Planning Grant, according to a press release from HBCAT Executive Director Rachel Carpenter.
As a requirement for this grant HBCAT was part of the introductory grant in 2023 to build the capacity of the Local Healthy Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition. The LHEAT went through various trainings and exercises to strengthen membership and partners throughout the year. The LHEAT conducted 10 Community Readiness Interviews to develop an action plan on addressing substance abuse among youth specifically tobacco and alcohol misuse.
HBCAT is excited to participate in the planning phase of this grant which will include developing a strategic plan to implement. We will rely on our strong partnerships through the LHEAT coalition to implement policy, system, and environmental changes related to drug prevention.
One of the first steps will be to increase the Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) participation rate.
Currently, Bourbon County’s participation rate is at 31%, the State of Kansas would like to see the rate increase to 60%. This is important because the survey captures the data from students’ perspective on drug use, mental health, and other key components to health. The survey is anonymous and gives the students the chance to express their needs.
The survey is for 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades in the public school system. The school administers the survey yearly with signed consent of the parents.
The State is using the data collected in this survey to allocate funds and resources to areas of need.
Also, as part of this grant, we will be going through a weeklong training on Strategic Prevention Framework Application Skills Training that stems from a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) training. This will help in developing a strategic plan that will be able to apply for additional implementation grants in the coming years.
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There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.
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Obituary of Florence Karnes
Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home. She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor. She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS. He preceded her in death in March 1974. She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death in February 1998. Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store. She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary. Florence was a generous person, always helping someone. She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.
Survivors include 5 sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her caregiver, Cheryl Hawkins. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and 3 sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS. A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
USD 234 Meeting Minutes from July 29
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, July 29, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, for a special meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The Board approved Resolution #24-06 for Supplemental General Budget Percentage. It will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
July 8, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Graham, Jenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Lewis, Bert – Resignation – Social Science Teacher – High School
Palmer, William – Resignation – Preschool Van Driver
Pryor, Kyra – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Bowles, Kendall – 8/30/24-10/11/24
TRANSFER:
Feeback, Brennen – Special Education Teacher to Social Science Teacher – High School
Herring, Jennifer – Maintenance II to Cook – High School
Rackley, Karen – Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott) to Ticket Clerk (Middle School)
Sharp, Frances – Food Service (Middle School) to Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott)
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Regan, Nikki – Special Education Teacher – High School
Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Bowers, Chelsie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Barrows, Nick – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Robertson, Tom – Assistant Girls Golf Coach – High School