Fort Scott, Government

Building Partially Collapses On North National Avenue

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The front side of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.

A part of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue has collapsed, and demolition will happen soon.

“It was approved to demo Eagle Block,” Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said.  “Work could begin as early as today.”

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was told that it would take two days to mobilize all equipment and to begin the demolition, he said. “By my understanding that would mean that the demolition would start either on Saturday or Sunday.”

American Wrecking Services LLC was approved to demolish the Eagle Block building for a cost to the city of $148,500, following the special Fort Scott City Commission Meeting last evening, July 21.

To view an aerial video of the buildings:

https://www.facebook.com/fortscott/posts/10158367542834010

A nearby building owned by CDL Electric, 14 North National Avenue will need to be removed according to a letter sent to the City of Fort Scott by Earles Engineering and Inspection.

Sharkey’s Pub and Grubb, 16 N. National, can be saved by supporting the south wall and removing a low protective wall along the edge of the roof, according to the letter.

To view the letter: City of Fort Scott Main Street Building Collapse Report(2)

“After review, it was concluded that the bar (Sharkey’s) could be saved by supporting its south wall and removing the upper parapet,” Earles said in the letter to the city. “The CDL building would need to be removed.”

“The saved wall would need to be repaired, tuck pointed, sealed and a cap put over it as part of the reworked roof of the bar,” he said.

“The south wall of the structure could be saved below the upper windows,” Earles said.  “The building on the south is built between the failed structure and the current radio station. Its roof needs attention but can be saved if the adjoining wall to its north can be salvaged. This wall will need to be supported as repairs are made to it, including brick repair, tuckpointing, and sealing.”

This photo from behind the Eagle Block Building, facing west, was taken on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.

On Friday, July 16, Earles, a civil and structural engineer and CEO for Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc., went to the site of what is known as the Eagle Block Building, at 10-12 N. National Avenue and reviewed the condition of the building with Fort Scott City Staff.

“There are four separate yet combined buildings,” Earles said in a letter to the city. “It appears that all the walls are partly or shared walls,” Earles said. “The roof and partial wall collapse happened on the three-story middle building. This roof collapse caused both sidewalls to move and partially collapse. Additionally, it caused the front of the structure to move, creating a bowed front of the building and numerous cracks in the bricks. Additionally, I was informed that what appears as white stone… was covering for previous wire strands stretched through the building and anchored in the front and rear walls to stabilize the building. These are now broken or under the piles of debris, causing additional destabilization of the structure.”

The collapsed roof of the Eagle Block Building on July 21, 2021. The pile of bricks is around the hole on the roof that isn’t collapsed is on the roof of CDL. It appears that bricks fell from the collapsing building and landed on CDLs roof and put a hole through it. Submitted photos.

“The north wall partially collapsed onto and through the roof of the CDL building to the north collapsing its roof,” Earles said. “The next north building is a bar. It suffered no damage. We were able to get onto the bar roof and look south over the CDL building and the collapsed structure further south.”

“The portion of the roof of the three-story structure is unstable and could finish the collapse at any time,” Earles said. “The upper story from the bottom of the top windows to the roof is all leaning in and could collapse at any time. The building appears to be a total loss as well as the CDL building.”

“There is a basement under all three buildings,” Earles said.  “The hope of the city is to save as much of the structures as possible.”

On Saturday, July 17, 2021, Earles and city staff met with Carl Britz, American Wrecking Services, LLC, and went through the structures.

“We were able to go into the basement of the CDL building and
the  (Sharkey’s Pub)bar,” said Earles in the letter to the city.  “The CDL basement showed stone and brick that had lost most of its mortar and was in very poor condition both north and south walls. The bar basement showed the mortar had mostly all been repaired and the wall looked in good condition.”

To view a 2019 engineers report on the Eagle Block Building:

AG Engineering Structural Review – Eagle Block(1)

 

Government, Kansas

Half-Staff Flags For KS Representative Ron Howard

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Kansas Representative Ron Howard

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until the day of interment, in honor of Kansas Representative Ron Howard. Howard, Wichita, has represented Kansas House District 98 since 2019.

“My thoughts are with Rep. Ron Howard’s wife, Terri, and all of his friends and family during this difficult time,” Governor Kelly said. “A former Boeing worker and lawn care service owner, Rep. Howard shared a proud, hardworking background with many in his South Wichita and Haysville district. Despite facing difficult health challenges, Rep. Howard’s perseverance demonstrated his strong dedication to those he served.”

 To receive future email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor

Notice of the day of interment will be sent at a later date.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee July 22 at Hound Nutrition

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Come Celebrate The Hound Nutrition’s Ribbon Cutting!
Click Here to visit their Facebook Page.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to our weekly Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting of The Hound Nutrition at 116 S. Main St.
The event will take place Thursday, July 22nd at
8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m. followed by the cutting of the ribbon. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Co-Owners, Kelly Perry and Ashtyn Dowell of The Hound Nutrition offer meal replacement shakes, protein coffee, and energizing teas with many benefits to be added to any of your drinks and assortment of flavors. serve healthy and tasty options to Fort Scott.
They offer Protein donuts, waffles, and pretzel bites.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE’S
8/5 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products of Kansas
8/12 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/19 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/26 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted The Rainbow Unicorn Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening.
9/2 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bids & Dibs
9/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The Beacon Food Pantry
9/23 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Area News, Government

LISA LUSKER CHOSEN CRAWFORD COUNTY CLERK

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Lisa Lusker, was selected by the Crawford County Democratic Central Committee on Sunday, July 18th to succeed Don Pyle as Crawford County Clerk. Mr. Pyle announced his retirement on June 29th to be effective on December 31, 2021.

Pyle addressed the assembled precinct committee men and women, thanking them for their support and encouragement over his years of service.

The Certification of Election of Lusker has been submitted to Governor Laura Kelly for appointment. Ms. Lusker will assume the duties of County Clerk on January 1, 2022 and will serve until following January after the General Election in 2022.

Lisa Lusker resides in Frontenac with her husband, Adam, and three children.

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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Tax Sale is on the Horizon

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Patty Love
The Bourbon County Kansas Tax Sale is coming.
“It is my understanding that we will have two this year, one is supposed to be in August and another in December,” said Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love.  “( Bourbon County Counselor)Justin (Meeks) has filed around 80 properties with the District Court, these are the ones that will be on the first sale.”
“For this tax sale we will be selling properties with delinquent taxes 2016 and prior,” she said.  “As soon as Justin gets me a list of the properties on the tax sale and a date set for the tax sale,  they will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune and posted on the Bourbon County website @bourboncountyks.org. “
  “The tax sale will be at 10:00 a.m. on the designated date,” she said.  “Property owners can redeem their properties up until 4 p.m. the day prior to the tax sale by paying all delinquent taxes and the $200. court filing fee.   The tax sale will start with a minimum bid (yet to be determined) and will be sold to the highest bidder. “
“In order to bid on the properties, you will need to complete a form in the Treasurer’s office stating that you are not related to or buying the property for the current owner,” Love said.  “We will also check to make sure that the bidder has no unpaid Bourbon County property tax in order to get the bid number.”
“The benefit of the tax sale is that it allows us to take properties that are over three years delinquent and sell them. getting them back on the tax roll and bringing in money,” she said.
Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Agenda For Today

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Public Hearing:
6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 N. National Avenue
XI. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XII. Appearances:
XIII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Eagle Block deed from the Land Bank to the City
C. Approval of Eagle Block and CDL Building Demolition
XIV. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XVI. Adjournment

To view complete packet:

7-20-21 complete agenda packet(5)

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Starts Summer Sesson Today

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Dalaina Smith, USD 234’s Director of Academics. Submitted photo.
The pandemic and the loss of class time in 2020, spurred the decision of the USD 234  school administration to provide a  summer session this year.

“Following the loss of classroom time in the Spring of 2020, USD 234 recognized the need for additional support to be given to our students as they prepare to return to school this fall,” Dalaina Smith, director of academics for the district said.

“Teachers and students worked incredibly hard to overcome the gaps that occurred when schools were shut down in March 2020, however, this push has left some students needing a bit more support to prepare for their next academic year,” she said.
“We want students to come into school in August feeling confident and ready to learn,” Smith said.  ” For some students, ‘Summer Camp’ …. is just what they need to jump-start this upcoming year.”
“Summer school and ESY opportunities will allow students to work towards mastery in areas they may not have achieved during the previous school year,” she said.
“At the elementary level, this looks like additional opportunities for exploration and practice, while at the high school students have an opportunity to recover credits not earned during the school year,” Smith said.
Smith said more than 20 teachers and numerous paras and teacher’s aids are available to help the students invited to Summer Camp 2021.
The school district has a Focus on Learning theme for the 2021-22 school year.
“It made sense to provide an additional opportunity for students to do just that,” she said.
“We cannot wait to have our Tigers back in the buildings,” she said.
Students will be provided a FREE breakfast and lunch.
“This is an opportunity available to all area youth 1-18, with no registration or identification required, students will need to be present to pick up the meals,” Smith said.

Extended School Year and Summer School:

ESY and Summer School starts today, Tuesday, July 20, and runs through August 6.

Below is the schedule for these learning opportunities:

  • Preschool – 8:00 – 11:00 @ Preschool
  • Jumpstart at Winfield Scott – 8:00 to 11:00
  • Primary (K-2) at Middle School – 8:00 – 10:00
  • Intermediate (3-5) at Middle School – 10:00 – 12:00
  • Middle School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00
  • High School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00 (credit recovery)
  • ESY K-5 at Middle School 8:00-10:00
  • ESY 6-12 at Middle School 10:00-12:00

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Bourbon County Local News