There will be a joint City/County Commissions Meeting on November 22nd, 2022, at 12:00 PM. It will be held at the Empress Center.
City/County Commissions Meeting Nov. 22
Firefighters Coming to the Library
Storytime at Fort Scott Public Library will feature special guests from the Fort Scott Fire Department this Tuesday, November 8, at 10 am. Bring your young children to learn about firefighters and fire trucks with a touch-a-truck session, and then stay for stories, crafts, and snacks with Miss Val. Kids will also receive a plastic firefighter hat (while supplies last).
Storytime is a weekly event, with remote options available. In-person storytimes are Tuesdays at 10 am, while virtual storytimes are posted on-demand, with curbside pickup options, on Thursdays at 10 am. For more information, contact Miss Val at [email protected]. Watch the FSPL Facebook page for upcoming events, and fill out this form to order a curbside storytime kit if you want to participate virtually: https://forms.gle/
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Nov. 4
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Obituary of Betty Button
Betty Jean Button, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. She was born January 17, 1940, in Ellis, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Kutina and Stella Parsons Kutina.
Betty married Ronald Button on January 17, 1955, at Ft. Scott. Betty along with her sister-in-law, Rose, completed beauty school in Nevada, Missouri. Betty worked as a beauty operator in Ft. Scott for many years. Later in life, she worked for Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott. Betty liked to travel and watch gameshows.
Survivors include her three children, Johnny Button, of the home; Teresa Vanderpool (John) of Uniontown, Kansas and Cheryl Russell (Larry) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Michael Russell, Justin Russell, Nick Russell (Jessy), Josh Vanderpool, Cody Vanderpool, Menda Candido (Jurandir) and Kayla Bunnel (Jeremy) and eleven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie, on April 20, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Ruby, twin brothers, Floyd and Lloyd, and a granddaughter, Melissa Russell.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Shelter 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.
CHC Move Delayed Until February 2023
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott is pushing forward the opening date for their new facility.
They moved into the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital in February 2019 and will move into the former Price Chopper building in February 2023 as plans now stand.
“Due to delays in receiving some materials, including most of the doors and pieces of the heating/cooling system, and some unanticipated design changes, it now appears that CHC/SEK’s opening of our new facility in the former Price Chopper building will be delayed until sometime to February 2023,” CEO Krista Postai said.
“We will be combining both the main clinic and Walk-In Care Clinic into the same facility along with our pharmacy, complete with drive-through window,” she said. “We are especially excited about the installation of a new CT scanner in this facility along with 3-D mammography, conventional x-ray, ultrasound and bone density testing equipment making it one of the best-equipped health centers in the country.”
“Once fully relocated, we do expect to sell our Walk-In Care building, which is being listed with a local realtor,” Postai said. “Proceeds from the sale of this building will be directed toward the cost of renovating the new clinic.”
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018.
To view information on the transition of Mercy Clinics to CHC view:
CHC/SEK Finalizes Plans for Transition of Mercy Clinics
New Staff
Meanwhile new additions are being added to the CHC staff.
“Recruitment for an additional psychiatric provider in Ft. Scott is also underway, with plans to also add therapy and addiction treatment services once the new clinic opens,” she said.
“We were pleased to welcome Dr. Frank Miller, a well-known and respected chiropractor, to CHC/SEK,” she said.
Dr. Miller was owner of Back to Health Chiropractic in Ft. Scott and in making the move, Dr Miller said, “With the collaboration of other medical disciplines, I believe I will be able to serve my patients with a higher quality of care. The mission of CHC/SEK is right in line with my own and I also believe that I will be able to serve a larger segment of the community than I could in private practice.”
“Toward that end, our new facility will have an expanded area for Wellness Services including Dr. Miller’s practice,” Postai said. “He is now accepting appointments at our Main Clinic; former patients are most welcome.”
“Also joining us in Ft. Scott in our Walk-In clinic is APRN Michael McNellis,” she said. “Originally from Overland Park she received her BSN from MidAmerica Nazarene University and her MSN from Rockhurst University.”
Transportation Services
“Effective November 1, CHC/SEK assumed responsibility for Ascension/Via Christi’s Care Van service,” Postai said. “We’re spending the first few weeks getting familiar with their vehicles and new scheduling software we acquired and will be expanding the service – which is transitioning to state-supported public transportation. This means it will take riders other places besides medical facilities. Starting in Crawford County, it will be available in both Bourbon and Cherokee counties as soon as our additional vehicles become available. We will publicize its availability through the media including our Facebook page once we expand.”
New Clinic In Garnett
Also, November 1, CHC opened a new clinic in Garnett, Kansas. Dr. Ross Kimball MD, former owner of Pheasant Ridge Family Medicine in Garnett, transitioned his practice over to CHC/SEK full-time this week.
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Farm and Ranch Transition Conference Dec. 15
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]
The Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at Kansas State university will be partnering with the Southwind Extension District to host the 2022 Farm and Ranch Transition Conference on December 15, at the Neosho Valley Event Center in Erie, KS.
The conference invites keynote speaker Dr. Shannon Ferrell, of Oklahoma State University, to speak on the process of farm transitioning. As and educator and speaker, Dr. Ferrell helps audiences all over North America understand the fundamental legal elements of farm and business management and farm transition planning. He has provided presentations and workshops to a cumulative audience of over 30,000 across the US and Canada while authoring over fifty publications, including serving as lead author on the Farm Transition Workbook. In addition, he has testified before Congress and the Oklahoma state legislature on multiple policy issues involved in farm transitions from regulatory barriers to retirement savings. In private practice, he helps farm families with both the conversations involved in forming the best transition planning approach and creating the mechanisms to make their transitions successful.
Ashlee Westerhold, Director of the Kansas State Office of Farm and Ranch Transitions will speak on the services the office provides following their three main objectives: 1. Development of a land-link program to introduce exiting landowners with beginning farmers/ranchers through an application and curated matching process. 2. Provide one-on-one technical services to facilitate transitioning the operation. 3. Develop an extensive training program for beginning farmers/ranchers to master critical financial and business issues.
Participants will also learn about when and how to utilize lawyers in their farm transitioning process and hear from a peer panel on real experiences of going through the transitioning process.
Farmers, Ranchers, Landowners, and consultants are all encouraged to attend this conference to gain valuable insight on transitioning out of, or into a farm or ranch. Participants can sign up by visiting www.agkansitions.org or by calling Chad at any Southwind Extension District office. The deadline to sign up for this conference is Dec. 1.
Par For God’s Course by Patty LaRoche
Last Sunday, Randy, a pastor at the church Dave and I attended in Florida, stunned the congregation when he walked onto the stage with his arm in a sling. He explained that the previous Sunday he had left the third church service early to go golfing. His admission was met with laughter when he announced, “I know what you all are thinking. Surely this couldn’t be part of God’s plan.” He continued, saying that this was the first time he ever had exited church before dismissal and that he had a lot of guilt when he did…but not enough to miss his golf outing.
I admit, my first thought was that his priorities were out of whack and God had taught him a lesson the hard, painful way. He now would share that lesson with us and explain that as one of the pastors, his first obligation was to his church and he had erred in choosing sports over spiritual matters.
Not even close.
Randy was on the second hole when he heard two youngsters screaming for help. He left his tee spot, followed the cries and was shocked to find the brothers drowning. Somehow, in the middle of the rescue, he tore his rotator cuff. Thus, the sling.
No longer were we congregants laughing or tsk-tsking his decision. Actually, we gasped. Suddenly, it became apparent that God had orchestrated Randy’s first-ever, early church departure in order to save two young boys’ lives.
Someone once said, “Nothing is easier than faultfinding: no talent, no self-denial, no brains, and no character are required to set up in the judging business.” So why is that our default button? Why do we act in an ungenerous manner and make quick interpretations of a person’s motives? Jesus himself spoke about this behavior: Do not judge, and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37a)
Obviously, Jesus is not ruling out the legitimate place of judging others. Judges must render verdicts in courts of law, elders must decide discipline cases in the church, managers must judge their employees’ performance, teachers must assess their students, etc. A few verses later, Jesus calls his disciples to judge people by their fruit (6:43-45). There are times when judging is appropriate. What is not appropriate is when our judgment is unwarranted or improper or haughty. As commentator Darrell Bock says, “The idea is rather a judgmental and censorious perspective toward others that holds them down in guilt and never seeks to encourage them toward God. What is commanded is an attitude that is hesitant to condemn and quick to forgive. What is prohibited is an arrogance that reacts with hostility to the worldly and morally lax, viewing such people as beyond God’s reach.”
Dear Readers, we have to be careful and check our motives. When you first read my opening paragraph, did you not think—like I did—that God was teaching Randy a lesson? That he got what he deserved? Or were you happy that he had managed to find some time to relax and hang with friends? Your answer—and mine—to that question determines the merciful (or merciless) attitude of our hearts.
To me, it seems that Randy’s lesson was a profound one from which we can learn much: God can show up anywhere He is needed…even on a golf course.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Nov. 4
Kansas Vietnam Era Medallion Awards Ceremony for local Veterans
Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25
Who: Kansas Commission on Veteran’s Affairs along with Thompson-Harkey American Legions Riders Post #25
When: November 10th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a Reception for the Awardees starting at 6:00 p.m. prior to the Ceremony.
Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The General Public is encouraged to attend.
The Vietnam Era Veterans Medallion Program approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor provides a Vietnam Era Medallion, Medal, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Kansas to veterans.
Since passage of the bill, the agency has honored over 5,400 Vietnam Era veterans, and participated in 33 medallion ceremonies. The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office continues to receive inquiries and applications from veterans and their families wanting to know how a Vietnam Era veteran or their surviving family members can apply for the medal, medallion and certificate provided for by the State of Kansas.
Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25. 620-224-4733, [email protected]
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Nov. 2
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2022
- Welcome: Fifteen members and guests representing twelve agencies attended. Billie Jo shared that there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors; any member is qualified to volunteer to serve a two-year term. She also thanked Patty Simpson for chairing the October meeting.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE: Lisa distributed a rough draft of a “Release of Information” seeking feedback from members. The form is to help with communication between agencies when assisting those in need.
- Renee Ludeman, CHC SEK: She is working under a grant from KU to promote emotional and behavioral health in students; she will be working in all four USD 234 schools beginning November 9.
- Star McClellan, Parents as Teachers: Star reminded members that she can work with parents in all of Bourbon County, not just USD 234 parents.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSPSC: Her caseload is full for now. She also shared that the Preschool Trunk or Treat event had been quite successful. She did note, however, that they would probably move the event away from a Friday evening next year.
- Ashley Reeder, SEK Mental Health: Ashley reminded members that they have been present in the school buildings for the past three years. She is able to help with any student having difficulty, not just those on case management.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Patty noted that all 190 units are full at the present time with waiting lists for all size units. Even though all apartments are full, she will continue to take applications.
- David Gillen, Beacon: 2023 Sign-up is now going on during regular business hours at The Beacon; they are also taking applications for “Adopt a Family” and the Elks baskets. In October, the Beacon assisted 291 families which included 689 children, and eleven new families were enrolled.
- Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: The Compassionate Ministries has received a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation to fund space heaters for needy families. The organization is also working with KU to provide durable health equipment and they can assist clients with obtaining birth certificates and identification documents. Office hours for Compassionate Ministries are 10:00am – 2:00pm, Mondays through Thursdays. The Salvation Army red bucket bell ringing will begin on November 19 and run through December 24. The red bucket campaign will be located at Walmart. Allen reminded members that all monies raised in Bourbon County will stay in Bourbon County to assist those in need. He can use many more volunteer bell ringers.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations are always in need of more volunteers.
- Program: Barb McCord and Janet Irvin: Fort Scott Garden Club
Barb and Janet gave a brief history of the garden club, reviewed the various ongoing and new projects they have around Fort Scott to help beautify the city, and encouraged members to participate both in the club and the new “Pocket Gardens” project.
The December program will be presented by Ronda Hassig from the Lowell Milken Center.
- Open Forum:
Nothing further came before the group.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Nov. 7
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of October 11, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
SOS Donation
Lead and Copper Rule Revision
Public Hearing for trash service, December 13
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Oct. 11
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week. He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering. Hopeful to have it finished by next month. Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm. Signage for the doors needs to be ordered. Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.
Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.
CITIZENS REQUEST
East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023. They are asking for donations to defray the cost. The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%). The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received. KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results. They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan. KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation. Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM. Council gave permission for both to attend.
The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced. Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.
Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM. Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.
Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.
Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area. RSVP by 10/10/22. Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend. Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed. She will also RSVP even though date has passed.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix? Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.
Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.
Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away. He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54. We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again. Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360
Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.
American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall. Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.
Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31. Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops. Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City. Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center. November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM