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City Water Flushing Starts July 8
The City of Fort Scott Water Utility is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.
The flushing will start on Thursday, July 8th and last approximately two weeks throughout the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Rural water districts.
This is in order to maintain water quality.
If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incurring disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.
The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of the necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE.
During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in the distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.
There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.
A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.
Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.
However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.
Surface water systems across the State do annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.
Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant.
Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.
Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.
The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed.
The city is extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate in water supply and water quality.
If questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Unvaccinated Individuals Comprise 90% of New COVID Cases In The Region
CHC/SEK requests patients to wear masks in clinics
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and is reminding all patients to wear a mask during their clinic visits. Masks are also available for patients who need them.
COVID-19 testing is also available at all locations, and patients are asked to call ahead to their local clinic and request a test, and to remain in their cars for testing.
Unvaccinated individuals have comprised about 90% of the new cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 98% of virus-related deaths in our region, according to CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer Linda Bean D.O.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be the best way to protect yourself and others from serious or long-term effects of the virus,” Bean says. “CHC/SEK has now given over 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine which has shown to be safe and effective protection from the virus.”
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all CHC/SEK clinics for anyone age 12 and older. People can walk-in or can request an appointment by calling their local CHC/SEK clinic or by going online at https://chcsek.org/getmyshot/
At this time the current vaccines appear to be effective against the variant Delta strains of COVID-19 which is more transmissible and can cause more significant illness in younger patients.
Art Offerings For Children
Happy Snappy Art offers five different paintings reflecting a weekly theme for children.
“Our upcoming Kids theme will be ‘Down on the Farm’,” said Judy Earp, Happy Snappy Art. “We will paint country scenes and farm animals while learning new techniques and having fun.”
“The Teen Art Camp theme will be ‘French Impressionist Painting’,” she said. “We will paint five different paintings inspired by the Impressionists. We will even paint our own version of Monet’s Garden.”
Christopher Eshelman is the New First United Methodist Pastor
Rev. Christopher Eshelman, 53, is the new pastor at First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott as of July 1.
“People can call me Pastor Christopher, some have been known to shorten that to Pastopher,” he said.
He has been a pastor for 14 years, and prior to that worked in small businesses in Wichita.
“I attended Wichita State (University), earning a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in political science in 1991,” he said. “My Master of Divintiy was earned in 2011 from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. My wife Robin and I met at WSU and she has degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, recently accepting a job with USD 257 in Iola.”
Wichita is his hometown.
“My parents were Lutheran and Catholic,” he said. “I was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita – but after my parents’ divorce, mom took my brother and I to St. Albans, a ‘high rite’ Episcopalian congregation,” he said.
He then did catechism in the Roman Catholic Church as a child, “but found I had too many disagreements and questions to continue,” he said.
His wife Robin had ” basically dragged” him to a University United Methodist Church Disciple Bible Study.
Midway through the study, the leader retired and Eshelman accepted the leader position.
Not long after that, he was offered a staff position at a Methodist church that he had wandered away from.
He was now in charge of creating the classes that he used to refuse to go to, he said.
“After a lifetime of wandering, I found a home in Wesleyan theology with its emphasis on therapeutic grace – and then was sent forth to share what I’d found with others,” he said.
“As I continued to grow in faith and understanding, the path to seminary, ordination, and serving as a pastor became more and more clear,” he said. “In the United Methodist Church, we believe pastors are both called by God and sent by congregations – and that has certainly been my experience. God’s grace has transformed my life and it is my honor to share that with others.”
Rev. Gayla Rapp was a key influence in his life.
“She accepted my (sometimes imprudent) questions and often responded by handing me a book, then we’d discuss it after I’d read it,” he said. “She helped me deepen my spiritual and religious journey – without imposing answers.”
Other mentors include Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Rev. Barry Dundas, Rev. Cindy Watson, Revs. Howard West and Terry Murray and many, many others, he said.
“We Christians hold that Jesus is fully human and fully God…and is transcendent,” he said. “We hold that we are to become like Christ. Exactly when would we be done growing?… We always have something new to learn.”
“I love connecting people more deeply with scripture, rituals, and spiritual practices,” he said. “A personal motto is ‘Find your path… share your journey.’ It is so fun to see a light go on in someone’s eyes as they make a connection, deepen a relationship or even develop a new question that draws them further along their own path!”
This past year with the COVID Pandemic has been by far the most difficult in his career, he said.
“Trying to make decisions to keep people safe, while continuing community has been extremely taxing,” he said.
“Beyond that, people are sometimes all too human – but I often say ‘Jesus hasn’t given up on me, so I’m not allowed to give up on anyone else.'”
He is an avid reader and listens to a wide variety of music, especially rock and jazz; is a huge soccer fan, following teams in several leagues and countries; enjoys writing icons (in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and also enjoys walking labyrinths as a spiritual practice.
“I’m eager to set one up here in Fort Scott and share that ancient tradition with more people,” he said.
In the past, he has served as the president of the Pretty Prairie Community Association and looks forward to getting to know Fort Scott and finding places he and his wife can contribute to building up the community.
Times of church services:
Worship- 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.
The church hosts “Feeding Families in His Name” each Wednesday evening. “It is open to everyone and you are invited!” he said.
For more information phone (316) 833-4974 or email[email protected]
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 6
Friday Night Free Concert Features the Apostolic Christian Church
The program for this week’s Friday Night Concert in the park will be presented by the Apostolic Christian Church. The music will feature a concert of hymns and gospel songs in a variety of stylings.
Concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said, “The vocalists
represent all ages and excel in their close harmony and exuberant presentation. This local church group is a crowd favorite and we are pleased to welcome them to the park pavilion.”
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.
Art Is Therapy For Toal
Stephen Toal has been clean and sober for three years now from alcohol addiction.
Toal has been busy creating artistic murals in parks in Fort Scott.
This spring he painted a mural under the big rock shelter house at Gunn Park, painting over graffiti.
This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.
“Art is a big part of my recovery,” he said. “I think by doing these it helps me and also the community and will hopefully start bringing in more people at the park.”
Art helps him to focus, “When I am doing art, I am in my own zone,” he said.
Toal started focusing on art when he needed to change his life.
He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.
“When I went to rehab, a counselor asked me what I like to do,” he said. “I liked to draw. I got into art. I feel that is what I am meant to be.”
“I do photography as well,” Toal said. “I do five to six different art mediums.”
“I really enjoy the outdoor painting,” he said. “I think by painting the murals it’s bringing the community together and showing others the power of art.”
“There will be more (art)to come,” Toal said. ” I am starting on the inside of the tunnel (at Riverfront Park). The tunnel mural is going to be about Fort Scott and Kansas mixed in. I’m currently still doing some research on old businesses here and people that influenced Fort Scott. I am working on the design. And will possibly collaborate with other local artists.”
He does the community art projects for free.
“I don’t like getting into the money side,” he said. “And I have a lot of paint.”
Obituary of Charles Lowry
Charles Arthur “Russ” Lowry, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born October 2, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the son of Charles and Shirley Ledbetter Lowry.
Russ drove a truck for Arrow Trucking for many years. He was an avid photographer in his younger days.
Survivors include his brothers, Steven Lowry, Ft. Scott, and Louis Christopher Lowry, CA; five sisters, Jamie Hemphill, Ft. Scott, Artricia Lowry, Ft. Scott, Judy Whitchurch and husband Dick, Bartlesville, OK, Rita Lynch, Bartlesville, OK, and Yvonne Fiegener, Bartlesville, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Barnes, and infant Cindy Lou Lowry; a brother, Donald Ray Lowry; and both of his parents.
Honey in the Rock by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
The first special song I remember hearing in church in the 1960s was “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” My cousin’s wife Shirley and her sister Judy sang it in perfect harmony as Shirley played her happy accordion. Another gospel song I recollect is “Honey in the Rock“ written by Frederick A. Graves, an Assembly of God minister who was healed of epilepsy. He penned, “Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Do you walk in the way that’s new? Have you drunk from the Living Fountain? There’s honey in the Rock for you.”
God isn’t confined to doing things that are explainable. Everybody knows there’s no honey in a rock. But Psalm 81:16 NLT states, “I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” You can think what you want, but I believe that “honey in the rock” signifies God’s special blessings. God wants to satisfy (bless) you with extraordinary honey for the taking. Our awesome God enjoys doing unexpected and out-of-the-ordinary things for His born-again children who love and obey Him. God created us because He desired an object of love. All He wants is for us to live as we have been created — in His image.
My Mom experienced honey in the Rock when she delivered a baby girl on February 7, 1958. While praying a few years prior, she had promised the Lord that she would one day have a baby girl for Him. That was a tremendous pledge of faith because she was the last child and only girl out of thirteen children. She delivered on her promise with me.
My Dad experienced honey in the Rock on the battlefield in Germany when he spotted a watch on the ground. When he bent over to pick it up, his Army buddy standing right beside him was shot and killed. After a few minutes of somewhat recovering from this traumatic experience, he looked for the watch and discovered there was no watch.
Several years ago, my brother experienced honey in the Rock when he made his weekly jail visit. He was extremely tired and seriously considered not going; after all, there was only one inmate there. But he followed his heart rather than his feelings and, while ministering to the man, discovered that he had planned to end his life that very night if Randy had not come. Both men’s lives were forever changed.
When my late husband was about 14 years old, he experienced honey in the Rock when he mounted Dynamite. That nutsy unbroken colt dragged his leg down a barbed-wire fence while running full speed. Concerned Jimmy would bleed to death before the ambulance arrived, his mother drove him to the hospital. The emergency surgery was successful and he was dismissed later that night. The family was greatly impacted and deeply grateful for God’s divine participation.
I experienced honey in the Rock the day I was driving on a hilly Missouri road between Cane Hill and Bona. I topped a hill and met a tractor-trailer rig more than hugging the center line. With no shoulder for extra room and no time to think, I jerked the wheel with uncanny precision to avoid a collision. After that close encounter of the scary kind, I realized an angel had most certainly taken control of the steering wheel.
The Key: God is your Rock and He has more honey than you can shake a stick at.
FS Commission Agenda For July 6
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 6, 2021
5:15 P.M
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K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
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Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
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Approval of Agenda:
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Proclamations/Recognitions:
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Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 15th, 2021, special meeting of June 17th, 2021 and special meeting of June 22nd, 2021.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1291-A totaling $555,302.20.
C. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $36,476.00 – Rejuvenator Application – National Avenue
D. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $24,684.00 – Crack Sealing – National Avenue
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Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
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City Manager Reports and Comments
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Engineering Firm Update
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Old Business:
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Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of Durkee Street and Approval of Utility Easement for the North 50’ of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28, Block 4, Durkee & Stout Addition
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Appearances:
Jody Hoener – Bottle Filling Stations Presentation
Rob Harrington, Bedco Presentation
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New Business:
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Discussion and Approval of St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement
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Cooper Street Right-of-Way Easements
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Request approval to bid out Directional Drilling of Water Pipe
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Request approval to bid out Sanitary/Storm Sewer Line Deep Repairs
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Request approval to bid out Cooper Street project (Plans available at City Hall – link:
https://earlesengineering.sharefile.com/dsca64eac8d8584b4094c5b45ce3d4572f
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Request approval to bid out Union Block Alley
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Request to bid out Horton Street 6th to 8th – (mill and overlay)
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Discussion of sale of First Source Building
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Discussion of sale of lake lots (deed restrictions, covenants, etc.)
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Discussion of moving City Hall to Bourbon County Courthouse building
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Discussion of potential City/County shared services for Information Technology and Human Resources
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Discussion and request approval to bid overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue
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Discussion of feasibility study – hospital building
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Approval of purchase of Sewer Camera for Utilities Department
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Discussion of future Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
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Consideration of Pay Requests – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – Port-a-Potties
April 2021 $2,267.20
May 2021 $2,536.00
June 2021 $2,640.00
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Discussion of Golf Course Ordinance
XII. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:
FS Commission Minutes of June 22
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 22nd, 2021 Special Meeting #13
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 22nd, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding. Kevin Allen arrived at
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim VanHoecke, Clifton Beth, Rob Harrington, Michael Miles, Dave Bruner, Bill Lemke, Rachel Pruitt, and Michael Hoyt.
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Discharge of Fireworks Ordinance – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the current ordinance now just shows that the City has adopted the International Fire Code, but is not specific about dates and times that fireworks can be shot off. This Ordinance states that fireworks can be shot off between June 27th, 2021, and July 4th during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and on July 4th from 7:00 a.m. till 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on July 4th, 2021. This Ordinance also states where it is illegal to discharge the fireworks.
L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance No. 3585. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3585 ADOPTING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS AND ADDING SECTION 15.020.025 IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.
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Consideration to purchase S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat, Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $45,849.50 – Bill Lemke, Interim Public Works Director, informed the Commission that at the June 15th, 2021, meeting the Commission approved authorizing up to $40,000 to purchase a used skid loader. He is asking the Commission to reconsider that decision as he has found a S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader at the government state price of $45,849.50 from K.C. Bobcat of Olathe, Kansas. This is a brand new machine that will come with a 2,000 hour or two year warranty. The difference between the new and used machine is about $6,000 for the warranty.
R. Nichols moved to approve to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
approved to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50.
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Executive Session regarding the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) for the purpose of contractual arrangements. The Executive Session will include the City Commission, City Manager, Clifton Beth, and Rob Harrington. The open meeting will resume at 5:45 p.m.
J. Jones made the motion to recess into Executive Session. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:46 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk