Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for July 26

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: July 26, 2022
1st District– Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton


MEETING WILL BE TUESDAY, JULY 26TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT CITY HALL
BEGINNING AT 6PM


Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• 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.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting July 26

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  The City Commission will meet to consider the Vacation of a platted alley located between the platted 16’ alley between Lots 1 to 48, Block 12, Gunn & Ford’s East Side Addition, and Consideration of Lake Fort Scott Dam Dirt Work bid.

 

As soon as the special meeting adjourns, a work session will be held to discuss the 2023 budget.

 

This meeting and the work session will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter July 22

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 22nd Weekly Newsletter
Summer FUN in Fort Scott
to share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm
7/22 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring Stephan Moses, Heritage Park Pavilion – 1st & Main, 7-8pm
7/18-7/22 ~ Bourbon County Fair, Junior Livestock Sale is at 7pm on Friday the 22nd, click here for full schedule.
7/22-25 ~ Sunshine Boutique Christmas in July event, drinks, sales, treats & more, click here for their FB page & updates.
7/23 ~ BbcoDems will be serving breakfast and brunch at the Farmers’ Market, Skubitz Plaza,
8am-12pm
7/23 ~ KanRocks Summer Off Road 101 Course, Kansas Rocks Rec Park, 9am-5pm, www.ksrockspark.com.
7/23 ~ US Flag Disposal Ceremony, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 9:30am
7/23 ~ EKTEC Rodeo in Uniontown, click here for info.
7/23 ~ 49th Kansas Shrine Bowl, Pitt State University, 7pm
7/25 ~ Election Candidate Forum, Ellis Fine Arts Center, Doors open at 5:30pm for meet and greet with the Candidates and the forum begins at 6pm.
7/27 ~ Walk-in Mammogram Event, CHC/SEK – 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, 7am-7pm, click here.
7/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton St., 8am
7/28 ~ Resources for Revitalizing Southeast Kansas Communities Workshop, 205 E. Madison Ave. Iola, KS, 9am-4pm, click here.
7/30 ~ Soda and Snack Shower for Veterans of Mt. Vernon Veterans Home – Elks Lodge 579, 111 W. 19th St., 10am-5pm
7/30 ~ Special Olympics Golf Tournament, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/3 ~ Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Training, Museum of Creativity, Free Program for youth ages 8 to 12, 2-4pm, click hereto register.
8/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products Celebrating 10 Years!
8/5-8/7 ~ Sales Tax Holiday Shopping Event, Get a 9.4% discount on ALL items at participating retailers, more info to come.
8/5 ~ Paint Night at Fort Scott Elks Lodge, click here for info.
8/6 ~ Fort Scott City Golf Championship Tournament, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/6 ~ Garage Games Masters Tour at Smallville Athletics, 7pm, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/8-8/12 ~ Summer Day Camp, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth ages 9 to 12, 8:30-12pm, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Woodland Hills 1-Person Scramble, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere 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
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.
ELECTION CANDIDATE FORUM
MONDAY, JULY 25TH AT ELLIS FINE ARTS
WALK-IN MAMMOGRAM EVENT
RESOURCES FOR REVITALIZING SOUTHEAST KANSAS COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL HISTORY TOUR
THIS TOUR LOCATION: NATIONAL CEMETERY
CLICK GRAPHIC BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT!
CHAMBER TO OFFER BCBS HEALTH INSURANCE
CLICK HERE FOR INTEREST SURVEY
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Obituary

Obituary of BERNARD l. “BUD” RAUSCHENBERGER

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Bernard Lee Rauschenberger, “Bud”, 75, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, in Fort Scott, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones at his home at the time of his death. He was born October 31, 1946, in Butler, Pennsylvania, the son of William Frank and Jeanette (Raybuch)

Rauschenberger. He married Nolene Mochel October 12, 1962, in Butler, Pennsylvania. They were married for over 50 years, and she preceded him in death. Out of that union were born four children.

 

Bud was a Jack of All Trades – Master of Some; he was a pastor, Bible School worker, Missionary, truck driver, caretaker, and autobody technician.

 

Bud is survived by his son, Brian (Jamie) Rauschenberger, of Jackson, Kentucky, and their children, Jessica (Jonathan) Barthelemy, Benjamin Rauschenberger (deceased), Brooke (Jeremy) Wright; daughter, Lisa (Robert) Price of Elwood, Indiana, and their children, Lacy Massey, Cody (Elizabeth) Price, Leeza (Jordan) Jackman, Kyle Price, LeAnn Price; daughter, Amy (Nathan) Bryant, of Fort Scott, Kansas, and their children, Amanda (Chris) Pierre, Nolan (Shelly) Bryant, Nathaniel (Emily) Bryant, Nicholas (Rhonda) Bryant; son, David (Mindy) Rauschenberger of Carmel, Indiana, and their children, Cory Rauschenberger (deceased), Audrey Rauschenberger, Tyler Rauschenberger, Grace Rauschenberger, Emma Rauschenberger. He is also survived by a brother, Frank Rauschenberger, three sisters, Joyce Benson, Linda Powell, and Sally Sebak, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Nolene, Bud was also preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren, Benjamin Rauschenberger, and Cory Rauschenberger, and two sisters, Cathy McNight, and Peggy Turano, and a brother, James Rauschenberger.

 

Endearingly called Bud, he was loved by many. He lived a life for Jesus Christ and made Heaven his home for all eternity. His life story and conversion was aired on the Unshackled program, #3680.

We as a family plan to see him again! We are coming Mama & Papaw, so make room – this is just a “see ya later!”

A Celebration of Life is being planned for October 29, 2022, at Mt. Zion Bible School in Ava, Missouri.   Local arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of ILLAH MAY PARSONS

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Illah May (Mason) Parsons, 89, of Fort Scott, passed away late Tuesday evening, July 19, 2022. She was born April 18, 1933, in Uniontown, Kansas, the daughter of Lester Dewey and Myrtle May (Ludlum) Mason. She married Earl Wesley Parsons on December 14, 1954, in Miami, Oklahoma, and he preceded her in death October 13, 1990.

 

Illah worked in Data Input for the Western Insurance, and retired from American States Insurance in 1987.

 

Survivors include her sons Wayne Parsons and his wife Sheretta, and Jerry Parsons and wife Neicha, both of Fort Scott, and Dale Parsons and wife Cheryl, of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, Harold Mason and his wife Peggy, of Peculiar, Missouri; a sister, Leona Fails of San Jose, California; five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Earl, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Kenneth Mason.

 

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct Funeral Services at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Pediatric Cardiology Unit and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of CAROL JEAN “TINA” BURNS

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Carol Jean Hiel “Tina Burns”, 56, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at her home. She was born on February 28, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Lee and Shirley Jean (McCallum) Ransier.

 

Tina loved life and loved her family. She loved wolves and collected dreamcatchers, fingernail polish, and family photos. She enjoyed watching Days of our Lives, sitting at her dining room table, eating ice, and playing her “Family Farm Seaside phone game.”

Her favorite thing to do was spend time with Randy and the grandbabies. Tina was always just a phone call away, and faithfully kept up and checked on her family and friends every day.

 

Tina is survived by her life-partner of 27 years, Lawrence “Randy” Burns, of the home; a daughter, Brittany Burns, of Nevada, Missouri; a son, Christopher Hiel and wife Kasandra, of Pittsburg, Kansas; five brothers, Robert and his wife Debbie, Ernie, Billy, Jeff, and Danny, and one sister, Charlene, and ten grandchildren, Aleson, Ajaxx, Rilee, Anthony, Jason, and Lorrayne, Timothy, Jr., Savannah, Alexis, and Brayden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Timothy Hiel; a brother, David Ransier, and two sisters, Kathy Marshall, and Mary Ransier.

Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life, for family and close friends at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah Resigns

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Lynne Oharah
Lynne Oharah resigned  from the Bourbon County Commission as the District 1 Commissioner on July 13, 2022.
“I served seven and one-half years as commissioner,” Oharah said. “I enjoyed being a commissioner and I feel we did a lot of good things. I want to thank all of my constituents for putting up with me…and I sincerely wish Bourbon County the best of luck in the future.”
The resignation came about because the commission could not find a person to fill the position of Bourbon County Medical Facility Director at the former Mercy Hospital building which the county now owns, Oharah said, so he applied. The facility now houses Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinic and Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, I Am Rehab and a beauty salon.
Oharah started as the new director on July 13, 2022.
“The reason I resigned was that we could not find anyone to fill the Bourbon County Medical Facility Director position,” he said. “Some of my background was managing central offices, telephone switching offices in Western Kansas, for 10 years. Larger offices in places like Dodge, Garden City, Scott City and Liberal. The medical facility is the same concept, just more regulations, so it’s a good fit.”
The facility is 177,00 square feet and there are two other employees who work to keep the building maintained.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinic, 401 Woodland Hills, just off Hwy. 69 south of Fort Scott.
Ascension Via Christi operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building.
The Bourbon County Republican Committee will meet on  Thursday, August  4 from 6 to 8 p,m.  at the Empress center, 7 N. Main St. to decide on a new county commissioner.
“Voting is by committee members, one man and one woman from from the 18 different precincts,” Mark McCoy, chairman, said. “We will select one person that night and send to the governor’s office for approval. To be eligible the candidate must reside in the first commission district and be a member of the Republican Party.”
The first district is north and west of Fort Scott to the Allen and Linn County lines.
Bourbon County Commission Districts map taken from the county’s website.
Opinion

A Simple Thank You Will Do by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Years ago, a Lake Michigan steamboat sank after being rammed by another boat. Out of 393 passengers on board, 279 drowned.  A man named Edward Spencer plunged into the lake to save 17 drowning people, causing nerve damage to his legs.  He never walked again.  On his eightieth birthday, someone asked him to relate his most vivid memory of that dreadful day. He replied, “Not one of the seventeen returned to thank me.”

Jesus had a similar experience after healing 10 lepers. Only one, a despised Samaritan, thanked him.  Read Luke 17:11-19.  Jesus is grieved because of this. “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Modeling gratefulness for our children is imperative for parents. Titus 2:7 makes that clear: Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.

Last month, my granddaughter Britney called to thank Dave and me for her birthday gift- card.  We have come to cherish those calls.  Not all of our relatives are as considerate, so if you know a gentle way to ask loved ones to PULEEEZE acknowledge receiving a gift, PULEEEZE tell me what it is.

A close friend tired of buying expensive outfits for her grandkids but never seeing them wear the clothes.  The final straw came when her daughter-in-law, the two-year-old’s mother, pulled the jeans and shirt out of the gift bag and dismissively set them aside without saying “thank you.” My friend picked up the outfit and threw it in the trash can.  “That will be the last thing I ever buy for my son’s kids,” she told me.  And she meant it.

 

I know someone who stopped sending her grandson money because he never acknowledged receiving it.  Some say that’s too harsh, as I found when I researched suggestions. “If you have a tracking code, check to see if your gift was delivered.  That should be enough.” “The fun is in the giving, not in hearing ‘thank-you.’” Another idea?  “Subtly mention how much you like the China pattern they chose and hope that reminds them that you sent them a dinner plate, and they will thank you.”

Or not.

Call me a curmudgeon, but I disagree.  One response made more sense: “… it’s just one more by-product of Entitlement. ‘Of COURSE’ you sent me a gift. Why wouldn’t you?”  Perhaps that’s true, but I think the real problem is parents who are not teaching their kids to be thankful.

Sometimes it’s cultural.  After moving to Mexico, I learned that newlyweds don’t send thank-you notes.  “Then how do I know that they received my gift?”  I asked.  No one had an answer.  American weddings are different.  A friend of ours once placed $500 in an envelope and left it at the wedding table with the other gifts.  Months went by before he called the couple to ask if they had received it.  They had not.  As it turned out, they had not received money from other guests as well.  (Looks like there was a thief at the gift table

Lisa Grotts, etiquette expert and founder of Golden Rules Gal, gives suggestions as to how children can acknowledge gifts.  “Gift-givers like to know that their gift was received and that the recipient enjoyed it. Children of all ages should be taught to write or draw a thank-you card when they receive a present.  Another modern option is to send a thank-you text or email, preferably with a cute picture of the kiddo holding the gift or a thank you sign.”

 

My frustration in not receiving a “thank you” is not that I feel unappreciated. I just want the youngsters in my family never to take anything for granted. Their parents.  Their friends.  Their freedom. Their church.  Their life. Their God. Should they fail to understand the unselfishness of the word “thanks,” it is a slippery slope to becoming selfishly ungrateful.

Much more preventable if parents do their jobs.  I think that Jesus would agree.

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Eco Devo Looks at Housing Issues

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County REDI Conducts Housing Study

The third step in a three-part process to look at how Bourbon County can improve its local economy is about to get underway.

The entire process has been led by the team from Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Incorporated (“REDI”) and has already looked at the workforce and retail industry in the area. Now, the REDI team, with the help of Goldstone Consulting Group is conducting a housing study.

“Housing is a key factor in helping our community thrive,” said Robert Harrington, President of Bourbon County REDI. “Housing is a major driver of economic growth, generating higher property values, which in turn allows for more services and support for the community on many levels.”

The Community Housing Needs Assessment done by Goldstone Consulting Group will look at the various types of housing in the community. “Our team looks at the demand for housing across all spectrums in a community,” says Traci Anderson, Manager of Consulting Services for Goldstone. “Without good housing choices in a community, it can be a challenge to increase economic opportunity.”

Bourbon County residents have an opportunity to provide input in the housing needs assessment. An online survey is now available for residents to provide information regarding their current and future housing needs. “No personal information will be collected that can be used to identify residents,” said Harrington. “This information will benefit us in planning the future of Bourbon County.”

Residents can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BourbonCoHousing

Data from the survey, along with the sources, will be compiled to determine future trends and needs in the community. “When completed, the assessment will be shared with developers, builders, realtors, and the general public,” said Harrington. “The final report will be used to guide new and renovated housing developments in Bourbon County.”

Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. and is located at 200 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Government, K-State Extension

K-State Extension Offers Bread Basics Class August 18

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Bread Basics Class

Thursday, August 18th, 6pm

Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church

1818 N. Main St.

Interested in breadmaking?

Join the Southwind Extension District’s Master Food Volunteer Terri Williams and Agent Clara Wicoff for “Bread Basics” on August 18th at 6 PM at the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott. Terri will lead you in baking (as well as tasting!) Italian bread, no-knead bran rolls, and whole wheat pizza crust. Breadmaking techniques will also be discussed. This class is free, but an RSVP is required by calling us at 620-365-2242. If you have questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at that same phone number or via email at [email protected].

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for all of your support!
Fort Scott, Schools

U234 In-Person Enrollment is August 1

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

 

USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022.

 

All new students will need to enroll in person at their school.  Families having difficulty with online enrollment or internet access should also plan to attend.  Students who have enrolled online will not need to attend in-person enrollment.

 

Families with multiple students will be able to enroll at a single location, but may need to visit with other buildings about specific needs.  Food Service, Transportation, and Technology will also be available during these times.

Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1st:

 

PreK-8th Grade – 7:00-11:00 a..m and 4:00-6:00 p.m.

 

FSHS 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m.

 

If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your building secretaries.

 

Bourbon County Local News