| The Bourbon County Commission, Treasurer, Clerk, and Appraiser are providing this statement to inform taxpayers that the most recent tax statement mailed had an error on the USD 234 Recreation levied amount.
USD 234 Recreation published a levy of 2.612. When the abstract was produced the actual levy used was 4.437. The increase in the USD 234 Recreation levy will affect only those residents residing in the USD 234 school district. Why did this happen? Unfortunately, the increase in the levy was due to a clerical error when completing the levy abstract and the timing of notice from the State of Kansas. The budget and levying process involves many units of government at the local and county levels. Senate Bill 13 and Senate Sub for House Bill 2104 changed the way that tax entities in the state of Kansas were required to report budgets for 2022. Generally, County officials have from August 25th to November 1st to work through budgets, assessed valuation changes, mortgages, levied funds and any changes from the taxing entities. With the new law, county officials lost 30 working days as they only had October 1st to November 1st to work through changes of entities exceeding the revenue neutral rate and get a certified approval from the State. Below is a recap of the changes in the law:
Once budgets are forwarded to the county, the county clerk enters each taxing entities levies and budgets to be certified to the State of Kansas. Unfortunately, in order to get tax statements processed, statements were sent to the printers before hearing back from the State of Kansas. Bourbon County received notice of the error on December 6th. At this point in the process, tax statements had already been mailed and unable to be corrected. What does this mean for taxpayers? Bourbon County will collect the taxes at the higher rate and make a distribution to USD 234 Recreation. USD 234 Recreation will hold these funds in their account until the next taxing year. The additional revenue generated will be considered cash carryover and will automatically reduce the amount of taxes levied during the next budgeted year. The amount of taxes levied for the 2023 budget year will result in a levy lower than the adopted levy of 2.612 for 2022. How much will my taxes increase? A house that appraises at $50,000 will see an increase of approximately $10 for the year. A house that appraises at $150,000 will see an increase of approximately $31 for the year.
Contact Information 620.223.3800 County Commissioners: Lynne Oharah – 1st District Jim Harris – 2nd District Clifton Beth – 3rd District County Clerk: Ashley Shelton County Treasurer: Patty Love County Appraiser: Matt Quick |
Obituary of James Brett Dawson
James Brett Dawson, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, December 13, 2021, at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, KS. He was born January 9, 1956, in Kansas City, KS, the son of James “Jim” and Patricia Placke Dawson.
Brett enjoyed the Old West. He studied the history, did reenactments with the Border Creek Raiders, and acted in documentaries, movies, and a commercial. He met many interesting people in the industry. Brett recently found his passion in life teaching woodshop for Iola High School and CTE Construction for Neosho Community College.
He had a soft heart for all animals, especially horses. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, often playing pranks on them. Brett was a man of God willing to help anyone in need.
Survivors include his wife Debra of the home; 7 children, Amy Welch (Scott), Matt Dawson, Shawna Ivy (Milton), Hali Dawson, Brande Molina (Aaron), Victoria Wright, and Shelbi Neel; 15 grandchildren, Kalli, Kooper, Kinley, Karly, Dayton, Broc, Elisha, Alexis, Cameron, Arianna, Josie, JayJay, Jaymi, Kyng, and Kilo; a brother, Jeff Dawson; and a sister, Terri Diaz.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kalli Welch, a bother-in-law, Chris Wright, and his parents.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday Evening, December 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 Sunday afternoon January 9th, at the First Baptist Church in Mound City, KS.
Memorials are suggested to the Brett Dawson Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
USD234 Press Release for Dec. 13
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, December 13, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – November 19, 2021 – $1,470,719.34
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Donation of wrestling mats
G. High School Swim Team fundraising applications
H. Increase in adult meal prices for breakfast and lunch
Jamie Armstrong, outgoing board member, was recognized for her years of service. There were no comments in the public forum section. Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, shared information with the board. Principals from each building shared written reports. Ted Hessong, Superintendent, gave a report. In addition, Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.
Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal, gave a presentation on the Fort Scott Preschool Center. Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment items:
A. Resignation of Kaytelynd Keller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective November 16, 2021
B. Retirement of Alvin Metcalf, Sr., middle school teacher aide and middle school coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
C. Resignation of Lacey Graham, bus driver, effective November 3, 2021
D. Retirement of Pamela Milton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
E. Resignation of Alexandra VanSickle, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective December 16, 2021
F. Resignation of Maggie Johnston, high school paraprofessional, effective November 23, 2021
G. Resignation of Annyssa Davenport, high school paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2021
H. Resignation of Gregg Sweet, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective December 10, 2021
I. Leave of absence request from Caitlin Shrewsbury, Eugene Ware third grade teacher
J. Change in work agreement for Wendy Budd, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 7.5-hour day to an 8-hour day for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
K. Employment of Judith Davis as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
L. Employment of Adrianne Wisdom as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of Charlie Hensley as a high school auto tech teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
N. Employment of Jennifer Herring as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Jennifer Herring as a 2-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
O. Employment of Shaunn Pytlowany as a four-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
P. Resignation of Tyler Bell, high school assistant wrestling coach, for the 2021-22 school year; resignation of Abigail Duffy, high school JV volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021; resignation of Kelli Davis, high school freshman volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021
Q. Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a high school assistant wrestling coach for the 2021-22 school year
R. Employment of Tyler Ericson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
Sleeping Pods Are Planned For Fort Scott’s Homeless
A recent city commission meeting decision prompted action by a group of residents to help the community’s homeless population during the winter months.
Following the Fort Scott City Commission passing an ordinance to allow basic tents in designated camping areas for homeless people, the group of concerned citizens began conversations about helping the homeless in the wintertime.
The core group of Warming Hearts in Fort Scott, the name proposed for the group, is Tonya Cliffman, Anne Dare, and Sarah Maike.
“Our goal is to assist in winter with temporary shelter, clothing, basic essentials, and nutrition,” Tonya Cliffman, one of the organizers of the project, said. “We want to build relationships to provide basic needs in hopes we can move them into more traditional housing in the future.”.
To that end, work has begun on two sleeping pods which are four-foot by five-foot by eight-foot wooden structures. These are being constructed by a small group of men who are donating their skills for the project, she said.
“(Those sleeping in the pods) can sit up, but not stand up, that way their body heat will keep them warm,” she said. “It has no heat or water, just a wooden insulated structure.”
“They are $1,000 each,” she said. “We are building the first one now.”
They will complete two pods by the first of the year and as soon as they have an individual to utilize the pod, that person will use it for the whole winter, she said.
The group reached out to the owner of a vacant lot, a former mobile home park, Patrick Wood, who permitted use of the lot for the project pending approval by the City of Fort Scott. That approval came at the Dec. 7 commission meetings.
The area is located at 19th and Horton Streets, just north of Community Christian Church (CCC).
CCC already has programs in place to provide showers and basic hygiene needs, plus food and some clothing, she said.
“CCC is my home church,” Cliffman said. “This is not a CCC project but they are supporting us.”
The group set up a fund at CCC for receiving the donations to the project, she said. “This is for transparency, accountability, and stewardship. We felt that is a great partnership.”
Once the pods are in place, the individuals who will be using the sleeping pods will have portable latrines and trash service provided, she said, and be told of the regulations to sleep in the pods.
This initial part of the project will provide the sleeping pods until March 31, Cliffman said.
Cliffman was able to visit with 15 out of the 18 residents that are on the block where permission was given for the sleeping pods, she said.
“I know the Lord’s hand is on this,” Cliffman said. “Doors are opening: we’ve been blessed with a location and some donations to get started. I’m following the gifts the good Lord gave me to do this.”
Facebook page to follow along on progress: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1758963627644201
Brian Allen’s New Book: Murder & Mayhem II
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 14
Tyson Receives Legislator of the Year Award
Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson recently received Legislator of the Year Award.
Tyson received national recognition as legislator of the year for her leadership and work on Property Tax Transparency, Senate Bill (SB) 13.
Tyson researched and led an effort in Kansas to stop automatic tax increases solely due to property valuation increases. SB 13 is being used as model legislation by other states.
Tyson said she was humbled and honored for the recognition.
She stated, “For years Kansans have been facing continued increases in their property taxes, being left with little to no say, resulting in some opting to leave Kansas rather than continue to pay high taxes. With the passage of SB 13, the shell game of who raised your property taxes will end. Local property taxing authorities will have to vote at a public meeting to raise property taxes in order to collect more money than the previous year.” Tyson went on to thank others, “solutions of this magnitude do not occur in a vacuum. It takes a team of people, many of us who spent time and effort.” Tyson drew upon her business experience to design and implement this system in Kansas.
In addition to Property Tax Transparency, SB 13 prohibits an increase in the appraised value of real property solely as a result of normal repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property, allows County Treasurers to establish property tax payment plans, and removes the ineffective tax lid.
Tyson has math and computer science degrees from Kansas State and an engineering management degree from KU. After graduating K-State she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 30 years.
She is in the running for the Kansas State Treasurer position.
Holiday Youth Programs at the Public Library Are Offered
Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
For Kids:
Party: Meet Miss Val to pick up a holiday party-in-a-bag on December 17, 20, or 21. Miss Val will hand out bags to kids ages birth-5th grade from Noon to 5 pm on December 17 & 21 and from Noon to 4 pm on December 20. Come to the downstairs desk and ask for Miss Val! While supplies last; items are subject to availability. While there is no minimum age limit, the bags are designed primarily for kids ages 3-11. Each bag will contain:
Holiday Activities, Games, Gifts, and Treats. Kids can choose between a Cozy and a Chic party bag.
Letters to Santa: While picking up your holiday bag, write a letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole through the library’s Magic Mailbox.
Dec Our Walks: The library’s sidewalks (aside from the painted front walk) are bare. Bring them to life for the holidays! Ask for a chalk bucket at the downstairs desk and Dec the Walks. A laminated sheet of design ideas will be provided, and adult supervision is required.
Activities for ALL AGES:
Go on a Candy Cane Hunt in the library! Now through the end of December, you may hunt for candy canes every day the library is open. Here’s how it works: Find a paper candy cane in a book from the children’s or young adult sections. Bring it to the front desk, along with the book so our staff can record which title was found. Get a real candy cane in exchange for the paper one! Limit 1 per day per person. No age limit.
Candy Guessing Contest:How many pieces of candy do you think are in this year’s Holiday Candy Jar? If your guess is the nearest to the correct number, you will win the whole jar! Share it with your loved ones or enjoy it all by yourself. In the event of a tie, the candy will be split evenly (as possible) between contestants. The contest will be open for entries from November 15 – December 15, 2021. Winner(s) will be notified within 2 days of the contest’s end. Entries missing critical information or made after the contest end date (Dec. 15 @ 11:59 pm) will be disqualified. Limit 1 entry per person. Must be able to pick up at the Fort Scott Public Library after the contest ends. Library staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. Fill out this form to enter: https://forms.gle/4RgkLSZ32Ki9jM6VA
For 6th – 12th Graders: Our first indoor, in-person event at the library since March, 2020 will be this year’s Holiday Teen Party for middle and high school students! The party will take place in the upstairs main room of the library on December 20, 4-5 pm. Pre-Registration is REQUIRED for all attendees. Go here to register: https://forms.gle/ms84YVtHAJLJMhAQ9 Due to covid concerns, we need to keep the crowd small, so registration will be capped at 25 people. Parents are encouraged to drop their teens off and pick them up at the end of the party, rather than stay in the party area for the whole event. MASKS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Activities:
Saran Wrap Ball Game
Gift Exchange Game (we provide the gifts)
Scavenger Hunt
Handmade Gift Wrap Craft
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Enjoy free treats
Other Youth Services the Library Continues to Offer:
Book Bags:Miss Val compiles book bags on popular topics for easy curbside checkout. Each bag contains ten books, plus some stickers and/or a bookmark. The drawstring bag, bookmarks, and stickers are free for the patron to keep, while books check out for three weeks. You must be a card-holder in SeknFind with an unrestricted account in order to check out a book bag. There is no limit on how many bags you may check out at one time. Order your bag using this form: https://forms.gle/58aynMG1meWxH6dq5, ask for one at our downstairs desk, or call the library.
Current topics:
For ages Birth – 1st Grade: Boys’ General Interest, Girls’ General Interest, Christmas, Construction, Cozy Books, Early Readers Level 1, Early Readers Level 2, Farm, Mystery, Silly Stories, Snow, and Winter
For Grades 2nd – 5th: Early Readers Level 3
Maker Kits: Make something cool with Miss Val!
To order & participate:
1. Choose which maker kit you’d like. Currently you may select from:
Kit #1: Paper Weaving (Easy/Preschool)
Kit #2: Yarn Bowls (Intermediate/Elementary)
Kit #3: Paper Cup Towers (Easy STEM)
Kit #4: Straw Structures (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #5: Pipe Cleaner Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #6: Garden in a Cup (Easy/Preschool)
Kit #7: Recyclables Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
2. Contact the library to order yours by calling (620) 223-2882, filling out this form, or emailing [email protected].
3. You may order 1 kit PER CHILD at a time. Once you have finished with the kit, order the same one again or a different one. Available while supplies last. Caution: Some kit items are not safe for young children. Parental supervision is strongly advised for children ages 3 and under.
4. Go to the Maker Kits Playlist on YouTubeto watch the accompanying video so your child can use the items in their kits right along with Miss Val.
2. Contact the library to order yours by calling (620) 223-2882, filling out this form, or emailing [email protected].
3. You may order 1 kit PER CHILD at a time. Once you have finished with the kit, order the same one again or a different one. Available while supplies last. Caution: Some kit items are not safe for young children. Parental supervision is strongly advised for children ages 3 and under.
4. Go to the Maker Kits Playlist on YouTubeto watch the accompanying video so your child can use the items in their kits right along with Miss Val.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: The Library offers a free early literacy program called 1,000 Books Before Kindergartenfor children from birth through kindergarten. Each complete reading of a book that the child hears counts toward their 1,000 books, and participants receive rewards for reaching each 100-book milestone. You may choose to track your child’s readingthrough the 1,000 Booksor the Reader Zone app (contact us for the code), on regular paper, or whatever works for you. Email Miss Val or message the library on Facebook with each 100-book milestone you reach, along with a photo of your child holding a printed or handwritten sign showing the milestone and/or a book, for the library to share your child’s success on their Facebook page (optional). If you choose the photo option, we will post it in our program’s Facebook album and print a photo for you to keep. Either way, we will also give them the sticker for that milestone and a free book of choice from a reward book list (you may get them through our curbside or in-library pickup). We do allow children below kindergarten age to continue on beyond 1,000 books for additional rewards. Visit this link: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Signup Form to sign your child up online, or email Miss Val at [email protected].
Storytime: Order your bags for the remainder of December, and then join Miss Val online each week for another themed storytime! Watch the videos weekly on your schedule while enjoying the snack, and then create the accompanying craft with instructions from Miss Val. Current & upcoming themes: Holiday Music, Star Bright & Winter Lights, and New Year’s. To order, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/eGp6fLqStaCYL3Fd8 Near the end of each month, we distribute the bags for the following month, so keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page or other social media for updates.
6-12th Grade Group: The self-named Dragon’s Nest Teen Group meets on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm. Most meetings are held online via Google Meet, but this week will be a hybrid Book Discussion meeting, held both in person at the Keyhole AND online on Google Meet. To register for December meeting bags, fill out this form. If your middle or high schooler would like to join the in-person meeting, they may show up at the Keyhole at 4:30, Wed., December 15 ready to discuss books. Next week’s (online only) activities will be Word Games and Creative Writing/Drawing, and the following week, we will create our own versions of “Wreck This Journal” for the new year. Necessary supplies are provided in the bags. ear the end of each month, we distribute the bags for the following month, so keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page or other social media for our new month’s registration form.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports for Dec. 13
Obituary of Susan Chandonnet
Susan Denise Graham Chandonnet, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021, at her home. She was born August 25, 1955, in Gardner, Kansas, the daughter of Elbert Ray Graham and Charlotte Lorraine Hixson Graham.
Sue married Rick Chandonnet. They later divorced.
Throughout the years, Sue had worked as a waitress at various Ft. Scott restaurants.
Survivors include her son, Tristan Chandonnet, of Huntsville, Texas; her sister, Kimberly Burkett (Jessie); and three brothers, Fred Graham, Tom Graham (Peggy) and Rick Graham.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
There was cremation. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Sue Chandonnet Memorial Fund and may be left inc are 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.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: December 14, 2021
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 and Bridge Report
- Lynne Oharah – Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Representative
- Ashley Shelton – Vacation Carryover
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
- 9:30am – Lawn Care/Snow Removal Bids
- County Counselor Comment
- Finance Director Comment
Publish Budget Hearing
Abstract Process
Vacation Carryover – Covid Time
-
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
12:00 Noon – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (To be held offsite at 200 S Main, Suite 2)
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.
Update on CHC/SEK in Fort Scott
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has been busy, among other things, with hiring, getting their new building secured and equipment purchased, and of course giving COVID-19 Vaccines and tests.
They will be announcing a new pediatrician coming to Fort Scott soon, according to Krista Postai, CEO, once she has secured her Kansas license.
“She is a very skilled and personable young woman who we interviewed three years ago, just out of residency, and now has decided this would be a much better option than practicing in Missouri where she is now,” Postai said.
New Building Site Is Secured
CHC secured the parking lot by blocking off entrances at their new building as 2322 S. Main.
“We secured the parking lot of the Price Chopper building to reduce the wear and tear on the parking lot and reduce our liability,” Postai said. “Work on the interior will begin in earnest in early 2022 for completion by December 2022, so we can get moved before our lease expires.”
New Equipment
“A new CT Scanner and X-ray equipment has been ordered for our new building and will be delivered once the space is ready,” she said. “We are now installing a CT Scanner at our Pittsburg clinic which will be ready to use in January.”
COVID-19 Self Test Kits Available To Employers, Organizations
“We have received thousands of Quidel brand home self-testing kits from the Health and Resource Administration Services Administration(HRSA) for COVID, that we will be distributing, free, through our clinics,” she said.
The mission of HRSA is to improve health outcomes and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative, high-value programs, according to https://www.hrsa.gov/about/strategic-plan/index.html
CHC sent 200 kits to Fort Scott Community College last week and will send a supply to local employers or organizations with a need to test to protect others, she said.
“Organizations needing kits, there are two tests to each kit, can request them by emailing [email protected] she said. “There are no tracking or reporting requirements although anyone testing positive is urged to get a confirmatory test through our clinics. The tests in the kits take about 15 minutes for results.”
COVID Vaccine
“COVID is still very much with us, we have patients in the hospital in Pittsburg and had a COVID-related death (last) weekend,” Robert Poole, CHC Communications and Marketing Director said. “I know we are all COVID-19 information-fatigued, however as we go into the holidays and begin travels and visit family it’s important to be cautious and be safely vaccinated.”
“CHC/SEK just hit 58,000 vaccines delivered so far last Monday morning,” he said. “Our vaccine teams have been working tirelessly to protect our communities.”
“We have plenty of vaccines available today,” he said. “You can receive a shot in our walk-in clinics and we encourage our patients to schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters through our website. (chcsek.org) Scheduling your shots through the website helps us to allocate vaccines to the clinics that need them and group vaccinations together to minimize vaccine waste.”
CHC has Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 through 17 years old.
“Children need protection from COVID-19 for their health and the health of their friends, siblings, parents, and grandparents,” he said. “The contagious Delta variant, emerging Omicron variant, and more in-person indoor activities means that COVID is still spreading and there is a risk for getting sick.”
For boosters, anyone 18 years or older can choose either a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. The wait is two months for anyone who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to receive a booster.
For more information: 620.223.8040.
Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott.