Fort Scott, Government

Nov. 15th Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
November 15 th, 2022
6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Harrington
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by Matthew Wells
IV. Appointment of City Commissioner: Consideration of Robert Uhler, Bill Michaud, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, and Edwin Woellhof


V. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 1, 2022, and minutes of the special meeting of November 7, 2022
B. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $54,210.27 – 17 th and Eddy Stormwater Improvements
C. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $14,294.96 – Phase II Dam Improvements – Engineering
D. Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $37,622.15 – work performed during October


VI. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VII. Old Business:
A. Change Order #1 – L.G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $19,466.03 – Review itemized bill

VIII. Appearances:
A. Jack Ryan-Fellman of BakerTilly – October Financial Statements and Status of Engagement
B. Bailey Lyons – Splash Pad
IX. Public Hearing:
Financial Assistance and Pre-Application with U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to Repair and/or Replace Two (2) Storm Sirens –
Presented by Fire Chief Dave Bruner and Emily Diebolt


X. New Business:
A. Consideration of Special Assessment Waiver – Fort Scott Manor – Shane Lamb – Sgt. W. Downey presenting
B. Consideration of Amendment of Boat License Ordinance 3054
C. Consideration of Approval for Auction of Seized Vehicles Awarded to Fort Scott Police Department – Police Chief Travis Shelton presenting
D. Consideration of Interim City Manager position


XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments
B. Assistant City Manager Comments
C. Engineering Updates and Comments
D. Commissioner’ Reports and Comments
E. City Attorney Reports and Comments


XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Veteran Owned Veterinary Center: Russ Baxley

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Dr. Russ Baxley purchased the Gorman Animal Hospital in March 2022.

Renamed the Southeast Kansas Veterinary Center, it is located at 1251   240th St., Fort Scott.

The SEK Veteraninary Center is located at 1251   240th St., Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday:  8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed.

The phone number is (620) 223-1171

Dr. Baxley is a veterinarian and a veteran.

All together he has served in three wars, Baxley said.

“As a youngster, I was in the Air Force,” he said.

He started as a veterinarian in the U. S. Army in Afghanistan where he worked on dogs that detected explosives and narcotics.

He then left the army and returned to Kansas and worked for a mixed animal veterinarian.

A hankering for more adventures led him to Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco and Egypt, as a contractor for the U.S. State Department, again working with detection dogs.

Returning to the U.S., he worked in Destin, Florida for a year and a half until the COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions made the job “undesirable,” he said.

Returning to Kansas, he traveled the state filling in at clinics for manpower shortages. It was then that he came to Fort Scott to the clinic he purchased in March 2022.

Dr. Baxley loves animals and the best part of his career is “returning a sick animal to health, seeing how happy the animal is and pleased the owner is.”

He is concerned about the misinformation for the care of animals that is on the internet and recommends that people look to information on academic or government sources.

The best source for veterinary advice is a veterinarian, he said.

In the industry there are new drugs coming for small animals that will help minimize pain and many new diagnostics for detecting and treating them.

For livestock, there have been new scientific studies for treating parasites, which helps decrease disease in cattle, while lowering production costs. “The hard part is getting people to change from old to new ways,” he said.

Coming in 2023, cattle producers won’t be able to buy common antibiotics over the counter.

“There is a paradigm shift coming to the livestock business in 2023,” Dr. Baxley said.

“They will need to get these (antibiotics) from a veterinarian, which requires a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship,” he said. “This means that your vet has sufficient knowledge of a producers animals to make diagnosis.”

“I love helping people…save money and make money,” he said.

Kennel/Vet Assistant Needed

SEK Veterinary Center has an immediate opening for a Kennel/Vet Assistant. The position is part time- possibly more, if wanted/needed. Please apply in person at :
1251 240th St
Fort Scott, Ks 66701

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda for Nov. 14

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

 

1.0            Call Meeting to Order

           

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item

 

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

 

            4.1       Minutes from October 10, 2022, Board of Education Meeting

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – October 20, 2022 – $1,572,916.54

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Parent/Teacher Conference Statistics

4.7       Orchestra Extended Trip Application

 

5.0       Student Recognition – Anna Laubenstein

 

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       Finance Director’s Report

 

7.0       Old Business

 

            7.1       Communications Update

7.2       ESSER III Budget Approval (Action Item)

 

8.0       New Business

8.1       Proposal for full-time construction services for the roof replacement proje

 

8.2       State of Kansas Municipal Investment Pool Resolution

8.3       RPS Benefits By Design, Inc. Consulting Agreement

            8.4       Premium Rate Schedule

8.5       District Health Insurance Recommendation

 

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)

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting

Opinion

Getting Rid of Moths and Cloaks by Patty LaRoche

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A beekeeper once told author/pastor F.B. Meyer how some of the young bees are nurtured to ensure their healthy development. The queen lays each egg in a six-sided cell which is filled with enough pollen and honey to nourish the egg until it reaches a certain stage of maturity. The top is then sealed with a capsule of wax.

When the food is gone, it is time for the tiny creature to be released. The wax is so hard to penetrate that the bee can make only a very narrow opening. It is so narrow that in the agony of exit, the bee rubs off the membrane that encases its wings. When it finally does emerge, it is able to fly.

The man telling the story said that one time a moth got into the hive and devoured the wax capsules. As a result, the young bees crawled out without any effort or trouble. But they could not fly.                                                                                                                                                           F.B. Meyer said this: “Remember, it is through the struggle of the trial—the journey out of the pit—that the very best part of us takes flight. One day soon, you will look around to see that you are coming out of the dark.”

In Mark 10, we read about Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who, when Jesus passed by, recognized him as the Messiah and called on him to show him mercy. Jesus’ disciples rebuked the beggar for such a display, but Bartimaeus continued to cry out.   How was it possible for a blind man to recognize what others did not?  Perhaps his spiritual eyes, the ones that really matter, were open, even though his physical eyes were not.  Bartimaeus recognized that he was a sinner in need of a touch from his Savior. Which is exactly what he got.

Verse 49-52 explains what happened next.  Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they (the disciples) called to the blind man, “Cheer up!  On your feet!  He’s calling you.”      Throwing his cloak aside, the beggar jumped to his feet and neared Jesus who asked what he wanted.  “Rabbi,” he said, “I want to see.” Jesus’ response had to still the crowd. “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately, the blind man could see and followed Jesus down the road.

This man was in such a hurry to meet Jesus, he flung his outer cloak away.  Nothing would impede his haste to meet the one who would change his life forever.

Missionary Elizabeth Elliott once wrote, “Long-suffering is sometimes the only means by which the greater glory of God will be served.” Whatever you are going through, however dark your journey might appear, remember that the struggle can lead to your victory.  We all will go through dark periods…some much darker than others. Many times, all we need to do is choose light and get rid of whatever hinders us (like moths or cloaks). We need to look at our problems in the light of Jesus’ power instead of looking at Jesus in the darkness of our problems.

Yes, it can be as simple as that.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Free COVID-19 Tests Reordering Available for All Kansas Households

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital and Project Access to Covid Tests (Project ACT), is providing a second round of free at-home COVID-19 tests to households in all Kansas communities. All Kansas households can now visit AccessCovidTests.org to place an order for an additional five at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house.

Testing before holiday gatherings is one way to prevent spreading COVID-19 to family and friends. Frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting. By visiting AccessCovidTests.org, Kansans will be able enter their zip code to order free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Kansans who need more support in ordering can call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).

If you need additional testing, please visit KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing site in your community.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends of the Fort Receives Grant for Sharing Stories

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Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site Announces Grant

from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area

 

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. have received a discussion grant for $2,500 from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.  The grant will fund the project “Sharing Stories.” The monies will pay for a community read of four books about Native Americans and author visits from Congresswoman Sharice Davids, David Grann, Steve Sheinkin, and Angeline Boulley. These community reads are just a few of the upcoming  activities building up to the Wahzhazhe Osage Ballet.

Next July, 2023, the Friends of the Fort and the Fort Scott National Historic Site will bring the Wahzhazhe Ballet to perform in Fort Scott!

 

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) tells the stories and builds awareness of our region’s past, present, and future: the Kansas-Missouri border war, the Civil War, the settlement of the western frontier and rural America, and the enduring struggle for freedom. FFNHA supports and promotes approximately 323 willing partners, including historic sites, museums, historical societies, libraries, and other cultural-heritage tourism destinations in 41 counties across the Kansas-Missouri border.

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site. Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising, volunteerism, and preservation.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

River Room Still Open For Business

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Last week, Luther’s BBQ Restaurant at 3 W. Oak, closed.

The building’s second story business, the River Room Event Center, is getting a new phone number and will honor any reservations that were made, according to Al Niece, owner of the building.

“There were some reservations in place for some events (at the River Room), I am honoring them all,” Niece said. “The River Room is one of the largest event centers in the area.”

Niece is in the process of having a phone line set up for the River Room to redirect those interested in reserving the event center.

This story will be updated when the phone number is in place.

The owners of the restaurant business, David and Tina Lipe and Luther Salisberry  opened the BBQ restaurant at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue in December 2019.

“They were behind on rent,” Niece said.  “Having to go through the (COVID 19) pandemic we were trying to work with them. After they got shut down by the government last week…We had to terminate their lease for non-payment.”

“I’m told the government shut them down for taxes,” Niece said.

KDOR Executed Tax Warrants and Seized Assets


On November 1, 2022, agents from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) accompanied by the Fort Scott Police Dept. and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Dept. executed tax warrants and seized the assets of Luther’s BBQ LLC for nonpayment of Liquor Enforcement Taxes and Sales Taxes: totaling $38,783.96, according to a press release from the KDOR.


The warrants were filed in Bourbon County.
The types of assets seized include all known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, as well as personal property belonging to the owner. The business was sealed closed with a public notice posted on the outside.

“Luther’s BBQ LLC has paid all outstanding judgements and assets have been released to the business,” according to an email from KDOR on November 9.


KDOR’s policy and practice is to work with taxpayers in delinquent status to voluntarily enter into repayment agreements, according to the press release. It is only after these efforts and multiple failed collection attempts that the Department is forced to execute a tax warrant, utilizing such actions as bank levies, till taps, and ultimately asset seizure to ensure compliance with the law.


KDOR’s responsibility to recover delinquent taxes not only ensures fairness for individuals and business owners who do pay their taxes, but also ensures that money is lawfully collected to fund state and local programs on which Kansans depend, according to the press release. These programs include education, highways, public safety, and human services.


Customers, employees or others that may have items at the business may contact the agent assigned to
this case at 785-250-5084.

New Business Soon

Niece feels confident that the lower floor restaurant space will be leased soon, he said.

“We’ve been approached several times to see if we would entertain another restaurant,” Niece said. “We’ll get somebody else in there.”

To view the prior story on the opening of Luther’s:

Luther’s BBQ Opens

Food, Fort Scott

FS Pioneer Kiwanis Drive Through Chili Feed Tomorrow

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The Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis
Drive-through Chili Feed
Tomorrow!
Thursday, November 10th
Serving two times:
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
&
4:30 pm to 6 pm
First United Methodist Church
3rd & National
Free Will Donation
(Suggested $7 minimum)
Chili, Crackers & Cinnamon Roll
Drive-through Only!
Under the Canopy
Delivery available with 10 or more orders
Call Nancy @ 620.224.0563
Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive-through
Chili Feed Fundraiser
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 34th annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 10 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only.” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Millie Karleskint.
A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $7.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.  Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Karleskint.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County

Starlite FCE October 2022 Minutes

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The October meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect.  Thirteen members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered 186 hours and had recycled 1230 pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Thank you letters from Shirley Palmer and the Fort Scott library were read.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery announced that she and Doris Ericson had attended the State FCE convention in Newton, Kansas.  Doris Ericson was selected as the Kansas Heart of FCE winner, and Starlite received third place at the State level for their program in the education category for the lesson “Where is the Top of the World.”

 

Birthday cards were signed for Joyce Gobl and Clarice Russell, and Leanna Taylor was given a belated birthday recognition.

 

Old business consisted of the Fall Follies that will be held November 1st at 3:30 in Moran and the Area recognition day November 3rd in Parsons.

 

It was announced that the Buddy Poppy distribution will be November 4th and 5th at G &W and Walmart.  Deb Lust passed around a sheet to sign up to volunteer to help.

 

New Business consisted of Joyce Allen moving that we purchase a wreath for Wreaths across America and to donate to the Wounded Warriors, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, motion carried.  Betty Johnson moved that the club reimburse Karen Peery $25 for the cost of the gift basket for the State convention, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

 

Before the meeting member prepared bags to go to area veterans in Nursing homes, assisted living and to member of the VFW and American Legion in honor of veteran’s day.  Snack bags was also prepared for the Tri-Valley clients.

 

Deb Lust announced that the VFW would be have a ceremony at the National Cemetery on November 11th at 11:00 honoring veterans. There will also be a free will lunch at the VFW after the ceremony at the National Cemetery.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Jackie Warren presented the lesson of “Cooking for One or Two,” and handed out recipes for desserts for one.  The members enjoyed refreshments of assorted vegetable appetizers, cookies, nuts and water provided by Del Parks and Jackie Warren.

 

Prepared by

 

Terri Williams

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at VFW on Nov. 10

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
VFW Post 1165!
Thursday, November 10th
8am
1745 S. National Ave.
We hope to see you there!
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
Check out the VFW Veteran’s Day Activities
happening this weekend!
Make your reservations for the
steak dinner (limited space)
and plan to attend the auction at 8pm!
For questions or more info. call 620.223.5261
and talk to Manager Matt Crystal.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic to Open January 2023

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Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra. Submitted photo.
Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is set to open on January 16, 2023.
The building at 13th Street  and National Avenue is owned  Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra, 33.
Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic.
“Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic will be a mixed animal practice with a focus on medicine and wellness,” Brown-Goltra said.  “We will be able to see small animals in the clinic and large animals on the (clients) farm.”
“Our hospital motto is ‘Where your family is our family too,'” she said. “We plan to do this by offering in-house/cutting edge diagnostics that are cost-effective, thorough examinations, and client education to encourage the best care plan for our patients. We will always strive to convey a ‘we appreciate you and your time’ attitude so that clients feel comfortable and heard during their clinic experience and seek us for future veterinary care.”

Brown-Goltra is a 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate with a bachelors degree from Kansas State University  in 2013. She earned her doctorate from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.

She was highly involved in 4-H during her teen years and gives “a lot of credit to that program for getting me to where I am today.”

“I became a veterinarian to help people and their pets live their longest, healthiest life,” she said. ” As a child, I wanted to help every animal I possibly could and I failed a lot, which in turn encouraged a great passion in me to be able to help sick animals when I was older.  As my career has continued, it has transformed into furthering education of owners to give their pet the best medical care.”

“I worked at Animal Care Center here in Fort Scott right after graduation for over five years and I worked at a busy, fast paced clinic in Webb City for two years after that,” she said.  “I have over seven years combined as a veterinarian and almost 20 years in the veterinary field.”

For her, the best part of her job is “when I get to send home a healthy pet,” she said.  “Puppies and kittens are cute and I enjoy cuddling them, but nothing brings me more joy than a pet being able to go home after being ill.”

“The biggest challenge I face is the money aspect and time aspect of my job,” she said.  “First is the fact that money is required to keep my lights on and pay my staff, while I would love to be able to help for free, that is just not realistic.  I do, however, understand everyone has a budget and I try to be very understanding and respectful of that budget.  Time is the second challenge, I am a wife, mother, and daughter, and I have realized over the years that my family deserves my undivided attention and time, which means that for my best work life balance that will not allow for me to take after hours calls and be the best for my family.”
The clinic address is 6 E. 13th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Contact info: 620-224-2840 (not taking calls yet) OR [email protected]
The hours of operation: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday hours are to be determined  “Our open date will be January 16, 2023,” she said. This follows her maternity leave to give birth to a new son.
She and her husband, Eric, have sons: “Gordon (almost 3 years old), Gideon (almost 1 year old), and Gannon will be born in December,” she said. Her Mom and Dad are Karen and Charlie Brown.

In the community, she is currently a mentor for students at Fort Scott High School.

 

Bourbon County Local News