Bourbon County Dems Meet On Sept. 18
On Sunday September 18th, Bourbon County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting on the FSCC campus in the Heritage Room of the administration building. The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. Featured guest will be Representative Jason Probst. Please join us!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
Hot Thirsty and Stupid by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker
On a hot morning in August, I stepped onto the front porch and noticed all the dead fallen leaves from my poplar tree. It was obvious the tree was in distress — more than any of the others in my yard. Although it’s a huge mature tree, perhaps its root system doesn’t go down as deep as the maple and oak trees do. It was such a disturbing sight that I spontaneously prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me dry up spiritually like this tree.” For two summers I have faithfully watered the Jane Magnolia tree that Aaron and I planted in memory of my husband. This baby tree has a weak root system, so without consistent watering it would succumb to the draught. Because of the tree’s significance, I purposely nurture and care for it so it can thrive and become strong.
With all the incoming missiles of the evil one and the bombarding distractions of the world, it takes determined effort to abide in Christ. Believers simply won’t thrive spiritually without living in Him. Here’s what Jesus had to say about it: “I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing“ (John 15:1,4,5 AMP). I don’t want to be doing my own thing and be fruitless to boot!
In recent years, binging has become rampant in the lives of both believers and unbelievers. The definition of binge is excessive unrestrained activity; uncontrolled indulgence. Binge-watching (to watch many or all episodes of a TV series in rapid succession) has become an acceptable thing. But Jesus wants us to shut every door that offers the enemy access, so we need to be well balanced in all that we do. “And He [Jesus] said to them, ’Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Mark 14:38 GNT). I’ll just go out on a limb and say the flesh is stupid too. Our born-again spirit is willing and desires vital union with God, but our flesh is brainless, lazy, and hell-bent on godless and fruitless desires.
It’s high-time for Christians to train our flesh and let it know that it’s not in charge! The apostle Paul wrote, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV). God gives His people a new heart and a new spirit to live according to His will (God‘s Word). We have what He says we have, so let’s stop whining and acting like we’re not strong enough to take authority over our stupid flesh. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, “For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us….(2 Corinthians 5:14 AMP). There’s enabling power in the love of Christ and the blood of the Lamb. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NKJV).
It’s easy to be overcome by life’s trials and temptations when our spiritual root system is dry as a bone. When (not if) the bottom falls out of your world, all those hours of binge-watching won’t do you a lick of good. The only way to stand up under the heat and not wilt is to be consistently and intimately connected to the Vine so you can thrive in all kinds of adverse situations. You can be as close to God as you want to be — it’s your call.
The Key: Live every day with Jesus’ soaker hose wrapped around your spirit.
Labor by Gregg Motley
The population decline in every Southeast Kansas (“SEK”) county is a disturbing trend and represents our biggest threat. As a result, there is a shortage of labor in the region, which is a serious hurdle when recruiting employers.
What can we do to attract new labor to SEK? We have to play both offense and defense at the same time, solving problems while working on the plus side. Here are some observations.
The biggest problem rural America has is the mass exodus of our young people to cities for education, better jobs, and entertainment. Study after study shows that our young people are far more experiential than we are, preferring the memories of an exotic vacation over the down payment on a home or the security of a vehicle without a monthly payment. Does it makes sense to go to herculean efforts to attract new people when the natives are not staying? Perhaps we should spend some of our resources on how to slow this dynamic.
Bourbon County REDI hosted the first ever county-wide strategic planning meeting this month, and the group was virtually unanimous as to the biggest barrier to attracting new labor: housing. A close second is our high taxes, which is part of the cause of our housing issues. Every government in the county is aware of this and many are focused on solutions. For example, the City of Fort Scott recently formed a Land Bank to give consideration to vacant properties and those that are in need of attention, and formulate creative solutions. It is a beginning, and other efforts like this are percolating. It will take all of us, every government, every civic organization and every citizen working together to make progress.
Third, we have to make our communities more attractive to outsiders. This includes previously mentioned issues such as entertainment amenities, cleaning up blighted properties, holding the line or lowering property tax rates and encouraging collaborative efforts. Additionally, we must pay attention to our infrastructure, which paints a rather daunting picture of our community to outsiders. Out-of-town realtors representing prospective buyers are aware of our sewer issues and warn their clients, which has a chilling effect on holding time and prices. Also, I consider the social media environment in a community as “soft” infrastructure; certainly ours could be kinder.
Lastly, we have to think outside the box to opportunities such as immigration. I am not talking about an uncontrolled mass migration of people; rather, a thoughtful, measured approach such as what has been executed with the three Afghan families in our community. They have been solid, productive citizens. We are, after all, a nation of immigrants.
These issues represent mega trends that we cannot completely overcome, but perhaps we can differentiate ourselves from other small communities by being the best we can be. Many of us are committed to working on solutions for this community in which we have chosen to make our permanent homes. I encourage you to get involved as well.
Bourbon Country Commission Agenda for Sept. 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 13, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Teresa Davenport – Care To Share Blue’s Festival (2006 Maple Rd)
• Bill Martin – Vehicles
• 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.
Uniontown City Council Minutes of August 9
The Regular Council Meeting on August 9, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:04), Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.
Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George and Randy Rathbun (Uniontown Ruritan), Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Jason Thompson and Josh Bales (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Carey Spoon, SEK Regional Planning Commission, and Amanda Lancaster, Diehl Banwart Bolton, CPA, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Open Bids for street mill & asphalt project – Bettis Asphalt & Construction Base Bid $127,287.85, Alternate $70,950.15, total $198,238.00. Killough Construction Base Bid less mill/pack on Seventh St/Sherman St $60,813.24. Due to one bid not having a complete base bid and not comparable to the other bid received and the other bid was over our budgeted amount for the project, all bids were rejected. The Council will consider asking for line item bids in the future as they also consider other funding options. Clerk Johnson will send letter to Killough Construction.
Open RFPs for Trash Service – The City is required to follow the procedure laid out in KSA 12-2036. The procedure was explained by Clerk Johnson. No RFPs were opened. Green Environmental Services was given their unopened proposal and Clerk Johnson will return the other with a letter of explanation. Clerk Johnson will send out a supplemental newsletter with this information.
2022 Financial Audit presentation – Due to a misunderstanding regarding the Gas Utility Loan and collection of gas surcharge to repay loan, the Gas Utility Fund expenditures were over budget.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept 2022 Financial Audit as presented
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked the Council is they wanted lever handles in and out or a push bar or the inside. Lever handles were selected. Doors will open out and have programmable locks. Ruritan would like for it to be open to the public during the day. He is meeting with electrician tomorrow. There will be a fan in the attic area and can lights.
Randy Rathbun gave a presentation for the proposed addition of a “fire truck” in the playground in honor of Dale Jackson. Council was receptive of the addition.
SEK Regional Planning Commission, Carey Spoon – State of Kansas had a summit last month regarding the Hub they have set up to administer the funds from BIL. Most federal funding is wanting regional projects and an action plan would have to be submitted before any funding for the implementation could be applied for. She gave a handout to each person at the table with information explaining Safe Streets 4 All. CDBG is not accepting applications for street projects this year. They are not very familiar with KDOT funding sources but will try to help us as much as possible. They are having a meeting August 23, 11-1 (in person or zoom) on BIL funding.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton gave an update on the progress of their rehab. Scheduled to pour sidewalk next week. Codes Officer Coyan will meet with her again. Inside should be completed by end of August and all work should be completed by end of October. She also reminded the Council of the Bourbon County REDI vision meeting on August 23, 6PM, at River Room above Luther’s BBQ in Fort Scott.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the July 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $371,765.26, Receipts $28,432.97, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $27,542.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $369,629.63. Bank Statement Balance $372,396.19, including Checking Account Interest of $1.43, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,766.56, Reconciled Balance $369,629.63. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,100.97, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,593.23, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,381.43, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $446,705.26. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $208.02, and Utility CDs $168.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $376.42. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of July $2,135.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $45.886.13. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $64,623.57 (61.3%), Expenditures $63,375.25 (48.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,413.55 (57.2%), Expenditures $22,756.67 (55.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $87,681.63 (62.8%), Expenditures $84,919.58 (34.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $100,488.77 (78.2%), Expenditures $88,140.99 (53.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%). The August 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $40,671.74 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of July 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reminded Council he has two weeks vacation time that has to be taken before October 29, then gets three weeks. He is to take one week at a time.
KCC Pipeline Safety Seminar is October 26-27 in Manhattan.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KCC Pipline Safety Seminar in Manhattan on October 26-27
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported the deadline for Smith Estate is September 1. City Attorney suggested preparing resolution for condemnation. It was suggested to have a structural engineer inspect the property prior to preparing the resolution.
Clerk Johnson informed the council that HBCAT needs budget numbers for the placemaking project. She will add a survey to the supplemental newsletter for community input of what exercise equipment to purchase and/or build pickleball court.
KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference is September 29-30 in Wichita.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference in Wichita on September 29-30
We received a letter from FEMA regarding the 30-day data submission notification for the draft flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for Bourbon County. The draft shows decreased potential for flooding and no special flood hazard areas in the city limits.
There have been requests for fall citywide cleanup.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to have a fall citywide cleanup August 22-26, 8AM-8PM with dumpsters removed when full.
Clerk Johnson will also add this and a reminder about school starting to the supplemental newsletter.
The November regularly scheduled council meeting is on election day.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to reschedule the November regular council meeting on November 15, 2022, 7PM
The HP color printer/copier has quit. RTS Electronics said parts are not available and would recommend replacing with a laser color printer instead of an inkjet, more cost effective.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, approved 4-0 to have Clerk Johnson get a new color printer/copier
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – He attended the KMGA Regional Meeting in Humboldt on July 14 (handouts in packets). BBCO REDI Vision Meeting, August 23, 6PM, River Room, Fort Scott. He also asked if the dog issue had been resolved. Clerk Johnson stated that she informed Animal Control Officer Binford and that the dogs that were chasing the kids were back at home and tied up in different areas than before, so dog owner is aware they were loose but she hasn’t been able to connect with him yet.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – received a complaint of a property owner being injured while mowing the easement ditch on his property on Seventh St. Council asked Rich to look at ditch and talk to property owner.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Two lights out in park, northeast corner and west side. Rich spoke to Evergy today and they said it could be 10 business days before they are repaired/replaced.
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act update – Council directed Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan to get bids for the ADA bathroom upgrade at City Hall. Also asked Johnson to amend the BBCO REDI grant application for this project instead of the public bathroom project.
2023 Budget, Gas Surcharge/Loan – Budget has been reworked to add gas surcharge revenue and loan payments. Johnson also revised the 2022 budget to include the gas surcharge revenue and loan payments. At this time, it does not appear that we will need to republish. She asked Council to review the reworked budget and let her know by the end of the week if something needs amended. She will send notice of hearings to Tribune next week.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 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 9:28PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:28PM.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to increase base pay for Animal Control Officer to $12/hr
Moved by Ervin, Second
City of Uniontown Revenue Neutral Hearing Sept. 13 at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing –
2023 Budget Hearing –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of July 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Vacation time –
Lead & Copper results
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Smith Estate
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
BBCO Health Dept Flu Shot Clinic – scheduled for October 17, 9:30-10:30AM
Reminder that November meeting has been rescheduled for November 15.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Survey –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend
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USD 234 Agenda for Sept. 12
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President
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 August 8, 2022, Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 15, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 22, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
Minutes from August 23, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
4.2 Financials–Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – July 20, 2022 – $1,361,769.35
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 First Day Enrollment Count
4.7 Appointment of Zach Reynolds as the school attorney for the 2022–23 school year
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
5.1 FS KNEA Report
5.2 Superintendent’s Report
5.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
5.4 Business Manager’s Report
6.0 Old Business
6.1 No items
7.0 New Business
7.1 Approval of Erate contracts (Action Item)
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports for Sept. 9
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter Sept. 9
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Discovery Music Studio: Individual and Group Piano Lessons
Audry Eberhard is the sole owner and employee of Discovery Music Studio, located in the basement of her home at 410 Sunset Drive.
“I have been giving lessons for over 20 years, eight of which have been in this area,” she said. “I am just now starting to give lessons and classes in my home studio.”
She gives both individual and group piano lessons.
“I have 3 pianos in my studio, so I can do a group of three students,” Eberhard said. “I have a curriculum that I am going to use that includes ensemble pieces. Playing in a group affords students the chance to develop accuracy while playing, because you need to get the rhythm correct as well as play correct notes.”
“Students are more motivated to practice as well because they want to sound like their friends and not make any mistakes,” she said. “It also gives students the chance to learn from each other as well as the teacher. I teach music theory in the form of a game to make the learning time more fun and games are more fun when you play them with friends.”
The cost of an individual lesson is $50 a month with more details on her website. The cost of the group classes is $30 a month.
“I have several different group classes: Group Piano, Preschool Group, and a beginning music group for 5-8 year olds,” she said.” I presently have openings for the Preschool Group on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. My Beginning Music Class presently has 3 openings and meets Thursday’s at 4:15 p.m.”
“If people are interested in other group times I do have openings in my schedule, they would just need to contact me via my website for other available time frames,” she said. “My schedule and openings are constantly changing as more people contact me.”
Eberhard said she “wanted to figure out a way to bring in a little more income and yet do something that I loved to do. I have always enjoyed lessons in the over 20 years that I have given them.”
“I needed to build up my client base and as part of that I thought it would be better if I could have an area dedicated to my lessons rather than just a piano in my living room,” she said. “In researching, I came across the idea of group lessons for piano teaching. I have taught groups of kids other kinds of music in previous job settings so it was an intriguing idea to use this in piano teaching.”
“God blessed me with two more pianos at very reasonable costs so now I have the means of doing group piano” Eberhard said. “I am excited to see how the students respond in the group setting. There is an energy and excitement when students are learning and discovering things in a group setting.”
“I use various instruments, games and hands on activities to teach musical ideas and concepts,” she said.
She can be contacted through her website discoverymusicstudio.