Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 5

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: July 5, 2022

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
  • Bob Reed – Fair Board Budget
  • Kelley Zellner — Discuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day
  • Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
    • 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion
  • Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • District Court – 10:30am
  • Judge Ward-Executive Session 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

 

 

 

1pm – 4pm: Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)

 

Register of Deeds

Sheriff/Corrections

Public Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Obituary of Alfred Basel

Alfred Heinrich Basel, 86, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away early Monday morning, June 27, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center.

He was born June 3, 1936, in Hanau, Germany, the son of Otto and Elisabeth (Froschhauser) Basel.

After moving to the United States as a young man, Alfred married his first wife Brigitte whom he met in Germany, and together they had a daughter, Sonja.  Alfred and Brigitte were later divorced.

Later in life, he met and married Ernestine “Ernie” Mae (Bilyew) Lotterer on February 21, 1990, in Joplin, Missouri, and she preceded him in death June 29, 2006.

Alfred later met Ernestina Plouvier who was a loving caregiver to Alfred’s wife Ernie before she died.  Alfred and Ernestina married on November 12, 2008 and she survives of the home.

Alfred was a Sergeant First Class in the US Army as an Orthotic Specialist, making artificial limbs.  He enlisted in 1958 and served 2 tours in Vietnam as part of a medical evacuation Battalion, honorably retiring after twenty-one years in 1979.

He continued his skill of making orthotic devices for military veterans in San Antonio, Texas for several years.  Later, he worked for Key Industries in Fort Scott as well as other area businesses.

His love of people and travel was well known.  For many years Alfred would travel to Germany around the time of his birthday and the Pentecost celebration.  He also enjoyed the many family reunions in Germany.

Here in the States, Alfred joined Tex Crutcher and many others as part of the Citizens Bank “Funseekers” on many memorable trips over the years.  He also enjoyed traveling seeing nature and historical sites such as Washington, DC.  He particularly enjoyed the wineries in and around Hermann, Missouri.

Alfred was known for giving rides to those that needed them.  His most frequent passenger was Jake Underwood.

Alfred also enjoyed singing.  He found that song is the one thing that helped calm his wife Ernie when she suffered from Dementia.  Later, Alfred and JT Knoll sang many times at the Sunset Manor in Frontenac for the residents there.  That love of singing didn’t end there, he joined the Uniontown United Methodist Church where he regularly sang for the congregation.

 

Survivors include his wife Ernestina of the home; his daughter, Sonja Basel, of Ludwigsburg, Germany, granddaughter Lynn also of Ludwigsburg, step-daughter Shelly Minton (Phil), of Pittsburg, Kansas, and step-son Jay Lotterer (Crystal), also of Pittsburg; a sister, Gisella and her family of Germany and other relatives in Germany.

In addition to his wife Ernie, he was also preceded in death by his parents, and two step-sons, Steven Lotterer, and Jeff Lotterer.

 

Rev. Carl K. Ellis will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at the Uniontown United Methodist Church with burial following at the Mt. Orum Cemetery in Redfield, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, 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.

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter July 1

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 1st Weekly Newsletter
Happy Independence Day ~ 4th of July Weekend!
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!
7/1 ~ Uniontown Independence Weekend Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, click here for details.
7/3 ~ Lake Fort Scott Fireworks Display – Put on by various residents, after dark.
7/3 ~ City of Fort Scott Annual Fireworks Display, Behind FSCC, after dark.
7/2-7/4 ~ Independence Weekend Celebration, Fort Scott National Historic Site, click here for schedule.
7/4 ~ Burke Street Classic Whiffle Ball Tournament, 4 people per team – All ages welcome, 1320 Marblecrest Dr., First pitch at 1pm, click here.
7/4 ~ 40th Annual Burke Street Parade, Starts at 10th & Burke St., 10am, click here for details.
7/4 ~ Uniontown Annual Fireworks Celebration
7/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by MyOneStop, 7 N. National Ave.
7/7 ~ Informational meeting on Chamber Blue Health Insurance to be offered to members effective 1/1/23, an interest survey will need to be completed in August to potentially take the insurance. Come learn more at 12pm, Sleep Inn conference room.
7/8-7/9 ~ ACRA/IPRA Rodeo, BB County Fair Grounds, tickets on sale now at the Chamber. Click here for details.
7/9 ~ Woodland Hills 2-person Scramble Golf Tournament
7/7-7/10 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
7/8 ~ Gordon Parks Fundraiser Event featuring Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo Music Performance, The Liberty Theatre, doors open at 7pm, click here for more info.
7/10 ~ Charity Partner Spades Tournament, Empress Event Center – 7 N. Main St., 1pm
SAVE THE DATE:
7/15 ~ Chamber Golf Classic, Woodland Hills Golf Course, 10am-4pm, click here.
7/15-7/16 ~ Beat the Heat Downtown Shopping Event
7/18-7/22 ~ Bourbon County Fair
_____________
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.
4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES IN FORT SCOTT
Click here for PDF printable copy.
BURKE STREET PARADE INFO &
CLASSIC WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT AFTER
GORDON PARKS CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
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
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Landmark Bancorp, Inc. to Acquire Freedom Bancshares, Inc.

 

(Manhattan, KS and Overland Park, KS) Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: LARK) (“Landmark”), the holding company of Landmark National Bank, and Freedom Bancshares, Inc. (“Freedom”), the holding company of Freedom Bank, jointly announced this week the execution of a definitive agreement under which Landmark will acquire Freedom and Freedom Bank for cash consideration valued at $33.350 million, subject to potential adjustment as more fully described in the agreement.

 

The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.  Upon closing of the acquisition, Freedom Bank will be merged with and into Landmark National Bank.

 

 

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effects on the economic environment, our customers and operations, as well as changes to federal, state or local government laws, regulations or orders in connection with the pandemic; (ii) the strength of the local, national and international economies; (iii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning banking, securities, consumer protection, insurance, monetary, trade and tax matters; (iv) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (v) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (vi) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) our risk management framework; (ix) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (x) changes and uncertainty in benchmark interest rates, including the elimination of LIBOR and the development of a substitute; (xi) the effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, or other external events; (xii) the loss of key executives or employees; (xiii) changes in consumer spending; (xiv) integration of acquired businesses; (xv) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation; (xvi) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xvii) the economic impact of armed conflict or terrorist acts involving the United States; (xviii) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xix) declines in the value of our investment portfolio; (xx) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxi) cyber-attacks; (xxii) declines in real estate values; (xxiii) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; and (xxiv) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

Becky Tourtillott

Vice President, Marketing

Landmark National Bank

Office: 620.223.1200 x2321  Fax: 620.223.1336

200 S Main, PO Box 899, Fort Scott, KS 66701

www.banklandmark.com

 

Obituary of Leona Garrett

Leona Maxine Garrett, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday morning June 30, 2022, at the Oak Pointe Nursing Home in Carthage, Missouri. She was born March 2, 1931, in Cato, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley Curtis and Leona Florence (Coonrod) James. She married Jack Herbert Garrett August 26, 1950, in Arcadia, Kansas, and he preceded her in death January 7, 2001.

 

Maxine was a Red Hat Lady, and she loved to spend time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed fixing big family dinners, and all of her grandchildren think she makes the best macaroni and cheese, chicken and noodles, and spaghetti and meatballs.

 

Survivors include her children, Jack Garrett and wife Deborah, of Carthage, Missouri, Sandra Moore, of Monterey, California; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Tracy Coe; and a great-grandson.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with a visitation prior to services at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022. Burial will follow at Large / Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cradling Memories, Milo James Coe Foundation at cradlingmemories.org, or 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.

 

Bronson Day Has Been Re-energized

Bronson Day, a local community event of this small town in western Bourbon County, has been revamped.

Bronson Day has typically been held yearly in the spring and led by the Bronson Ruritan, said Kelly Perry.

Perry is part of a new organization in Bronson.

The town held an open town meeting seeking volunteers for the new organization, called the Bronson Pride Committee.

“In the past, we had a larger Ruritan group and several locals realized this was a big task to put on just one or two people in the Ruritan,” Perry said. “After speaking to Terry Johnston, head of the Bronson Ruritan we agreed to all work together to help promote the event.”

Elected to head the organization are Kayla Greenway-president, Michael Stewart-vice president, Danielle Minor-treasurer and Perry as secretary.
The event, moved from the spring to the summer, starts as 9 a.m. with a horseshoe tournament hosted by Terry Johnson.
“Bronson is the home of the first world horseshoe tournament,” she said. “This event is free.”

“We have a huge day of events planned, from free bounce houses to a mini horse pull,  a parade, a color run,  Kale Nelson’s State Farm Car Show, a three-on-three basketball tournament,a horseshoe tournament, a cornhole tournament, kids games, over 25 vendors, several food trucks, a street dance,  a live DJ, a beer garden and of course our fireworks display,” she said.

“This year we created a bit more buzz by creating not only the committee, but allowing food trucks, doubling the fireworks budget, and bringing back the street dance,” Perry said. “Board members and volunteers were able to get sponsors and received a grant from Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. The funds are not all spent on one single event but are going to be used for overall community improvement and morale which includes The Bronson Day Celebration.”

“Bronson Day is just part of the vision the entire board has for the Bronson Pride Committee,” she said. “In the future, we will continue to meet and grow and make this yearly event better and bigger. We want to unify our community through ideas, efforts, and solving problems and needs. If we can motivate others we can change the community morale and continue to thrive together,” she said.

Kayla Greenway has lived in Bronson for many years and raised her four children here.

“I’ve helped with Bronson days in the past, but this year‘s planning has been ramped up by our new Bronson Pride Committee,” Greenway said. “It’s a committee we started to help clean our town up, bring awareness to community development, and come together in unity with the same goal of helping one another in our town.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Greenway said. “I am excited to see what our future holds.  We are always accepting new members and our next meeting is July 6 at 5 p.m. at the city park.”

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/BronsonPride

 

 

 

Who Inspires You by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

In a recent Instagram post, I wrote this: “Heroes do not wear capes.” We all know that. Recently, I watched a newscast which aired our Speaker of the House making a guest appearance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and told the drag queens they “inspired” her. “My honor to be here to say to all of you, how proud we all are of you. Thank you for the joy and beauty you bring to the world,” she said.  “Your freedom of expression of yourselves in drag is what America is all about.”   The drag queens beamed.  I groaned.

As a college assignment, my granddaughter recently was asked to write an essay about the person who most inspired her.  She wrote about a woman she met on a missionary trip who taught her the importance of loving others…not in a fake, self-serving way but in the same way Jesus loved.  One person inspired by freedom of expression, another by loving Jesus.

Who inspires you?

The movie “Maverick” is a blockbuster hit.  Tom Cruise returns to lead a group of Top Gun specialists in a heroic, edge-of-your-seat-type spectacular.  Who of us can watch that without feeling an enormous sense of pride in the U.S. military, not only for their phenomenal piloting skills but also for the design and capabilities of the planes they fly?

The Fourth of July will be celebrated this weekend.  Many of us will have family get togethers, roast hot dogs and shoot fireworks. For that day, we might even play patriotic songs on our iPhones, and when we hear Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American,” we will sing along.  Yet, we who never served in the military cannot begin to understand just what heroes our soldiers are.

Adam and Jenn, my son and daughter-in-law, regularly host PTSD veterans at their ranch.  These heroes come to heal, to team with others who have suffered as they have, and to share their experiences with like-minded veterans.  Once recovered (as much as humanly possible), some return to mentor the newbies who come for the first time.  Statistics are alarming for those who are not helped.  According to U.S.O. reports,     “In 2021, research found that 30,177 active duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide – compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years.”

This week, Adam and a team of heroes are in Ukraine.  Yesterday, our family received a rare text from him, describing his mission.  A friend in Moldova had called him, asking if his team could bring aid to a church in Ukraine accessible by only two bridges.  One had been blown up two months ago, but the second, hit by a missile a few days previous, was still passable.  The church where they delivered the goods had a pastor who had acted on faith and built a large church, praying that people would come.

Adam wrote, “His first service in the new church was Feb. 20.  Russia invaded on the 24th.  His church now has 1500-2000 who attend daily, evening services…we (E3 Foundation) had bought seven tons of food for his church.  Shortly after buying it, I got a random text from a friend in the states who wanted to make a donation to E3 for just shy of the amount we just spent.”  He ended with this: “God continues to open doors and we continue to see His light overpower the darkness here!”

Let’s remember that the reason we (including drag queens) have the “freedom of expression” to celebrate the 4th of July has nothing to do with us.  It is because of the eternal Hero making that possible by blessing those who fight for that right.

We should all remember that this Independence Day!

Obituary of Gladys Rexroad

Gladys Arlene Rexroad, age 98, resident of Tulsa, OK, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at her home.

She was born June 26, 1924, in Arcadia, KS, the daughter of Harry and Annie Elizabeth Watkins Smith. She married Basil E. Rexroad on December 18, 1955, in Arcadia. He preceded her in death
on November 1, 1978.

Gladys will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Max Rexroad and wife Linda, Tulsa, OK, whom Gladys lived with; a niece, Ruth Arlene Waring, Garland, KS; a nephew Donnie Smith, Miami, OK; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a
daughter, Karen Browning; a brother, Tommie Smith; a nephew, Glenn Smith; and a great niece, Sheryl Waring.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 6th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery, south of Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the funeral home.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Union State Bank Expands

Union State Bank, June 2022.

Union State Bank, the Fort Scott Branch, is in the final stages of an addition of 1,200 square feet to its building.

“We were running into problems with space,” CEO and President Bryan Holt said. “We looked at every way possible to not expand the foot print.”

But the bank administration decided to add a 20 by 60 foot addition for its growing support staff and also to upgrade security.

The lobby was shortened and reconfigured to have more space for employee work stations, and the addition added five new offices and two new bathrooms.

In October 2021 the project was started.

“It will be 99 percent completed in 30 days,” Vice President of Information Technology Dustin McClure said on June 23. McClure was also the project manager of the expansion.

“We’ve got pods, like cubicles, to build,” McClure said. “This will seat a total of eight people.”

“This will improve accessibility and privacy needs of our customers,” Senior Loan Officer Katie Casper said.

“New offerings with debit card capabilities, improved customer experience and improved card experience are on the horizon for the bank,” Holt said.

The bank building, located at 1009 S. Clark, was completed in 1992, when Union State Bank opened the branch in Fort Scott.

The headquarters of the two banks is in Uniontown, where the  business started in 1901.

The bank listed the following businesses who have provided services/products for the expansion:

Project General Manager: Bo Casper (owner of Casper Enterprises)

Casper Enterprises LLC

Alpha Roofing

Big Sugar Lumber and Home Center

Craw-Kan Telephone

Davis Drywall

Geiger Plumbing

Greenwood Plaster Company

Jeff Allen Electric

LACO Guttering

Norris Heating & Air

Peerless Products Inc.

Phillips Flooring

Redbud Farms and Nursery

Ruddick’s Furniture

Stoughton Inc

Thomas Concrete & Construction

 

CEO Bryan Holt shows the wall that was once the outside wall on the Fort Scott Branch of Union State Bank. The 20 by 60 expansion was added onto the south side of the building.

Trysta Asche Named 2022 Lowell Milken Center Fellow


The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in
Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational nonprofit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Trysta Asche, an 8th 12th grade Language Arts Instructor for Loup City Public
Schools in Loup City, NE.

Trysta arrived in Fort Scott on June 26th for a week of collaboration
with LMC staff.


The LMC Fellowship is a meritbased award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through projectbased learning. The Center
selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.


Trysta Asche was honored in 2020 with a national fellowship to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her strong involvement with Holocaust education and National History Day
competition has provided her students with valuable and lifechanging experiences.

One such experience was her work in arranging an Anne Frank traveling educational exhibit for students in Loup City schools, who were given tours by trained high school juniors and seniors.
With degrees in Language Arts and Instructional Technology, experience as a Language Arts instructor and Library Media Specialist and a vast array of certifications and leadership training
experiences, Trysta is able to share a wealth of knowledge with both her students and fellow educators.

Her involvement as a sports coach, sponsor for many organizations and organizer of many student trips and experiences demonstrates the value she places on close relationships with her students, as she seeks to make learning come alive for them.


LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are so thrilled to have Trysta as a member of our 2022 team of Fellows. Her strong knowledge of language arts, history, research and analysis,
combined with her proficiency in a wide range of technology skills make her an invaluable resource for our Fellowship.


While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive
change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.

Bourbon County Local News