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Search for city clerk replacement continues (3/28/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Uniontown City Council will start from scratch in its search for a new city clerk. Uniontown Mayor Larry Jurgensen told the Tribune Wednesday the council will continue the process to replace current City Clerk Sally Johnson, who has announced her intent to step back from her current workload. Johnson has served as city clerk since 2013, and performs several other duties for the city. She has said she plans to continue working part-time with the city through the end of the year...
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FSCC on the rebound (3/28/24)By Jason E. SilversThe focus of a Community Conversation Wednesday evening at Fort Scott Community College focused on the college’s image, and began with updates from FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler on the college’s status. Kegler said since the last Community Conversation in February, the college’s financial situation has improved. ...
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Uniontown city clerk ready to step back (3/26/24)By Jason E. SilversUniontown City Clerk Sally Johnson wears many hats. Aside from her job as clerk, Johnson, who has served in that role since 2013, is also the city’s utility billing clerk and chief financial officer. She also works as payroll clerk and performs duties in human resources...
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Citizens talk pros, cons of proposed lake project (3/26/24)By Jason E. SilversConcerns about state legislation that would create a lake and other developments in the northwest part of Bourbon County drew a crowd of more than 100 people to a community meeting on the subject Friday evening in Mapleton. The meeting, which was led by Joe Bisogno, owner of Timber Hills Lake Ranch in Mapleton, provided a forum for county residents and others to voice questions about Kansas Senate Bill 497, which according to Kansas District 13 Sen. ...
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City to begin enforcing parking time limits on Main Street (3/22/24)By Jason E. SilversThe city of Fort Scott will soon begin enforcing time limits for parking in the downtown area. City Manager Brad Matkin informed city commissioners on Tuesday city staff will begin enforcing two-hour parking on Main Street from Third Street to Skubitz Plaza, effective April 2...
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Skating rink proposal voted down (3/19/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday night voted down a proposal by a local group to bring a synthetic ice skating rink to the downtown area. After Diane Striler, who initially brought the idea to commissioners Feb. 20, provided the commission with more information on the approximately $40,000 proposal, commissioners discussed further potential costs and the proposed location for the rink, which would be under the Farmer’s Market pavilion. ...
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FSCC finances showing improvement (3/19/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott Community College officials on Monday reported the college is beginning to move out of a financial hole. FSCC President Jason Kegler and FSCC Director of Business Operations Gina Shelton discussed an update of the college’s finances during the monthly meeting of the FSCC Board of Trustees. Since late 2023, college officials have been working to address cash flow issues and have implemented measures to cut spending...
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Pastor David Dale Beerbower (3/19/24)Pastor David Dale Beerbower, 76, of Assumption, Ill., passed away at 8:09 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024 in his daughter’s home in Charleston, Ill. Funeral services will be held at 10:05 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 in Mt. Pleasant Church of God, Assumption, Ill., with Pastor Dan Watkins and Rev. ...
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A champion of water, soil conservation (3/15/24)By Marti Wells-SmithMuch has already been written about Ronnie Brown, a name synonymous with hard work and multiple accomplishments. But there is more to be said. Although he was recently recognized for his 40 years of devoted service to the Bourbon County Conservation District, his dedicated service goes in many other, related directions, with a ripple effect that continues to resonate...
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EMTs, sheriff's employees get a raise (3/15/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday approved boosts in pay for EMTs and employees in the sheriff’s office, but the move was met with some concerns about the county’s budget. Commissioners and Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker discussed funding the increases after Commissioner Clifton Beth’s motion to increase pay for EMTs to a base rate of $15 per hour, and to add $30,000 to Sheriff Bill Martin’s budget for wages. ...
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City commission discusses advisory boards (3/12/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott City Commission on March 5 reappointed members to various city advisory boards. Commissioners approved to reappoint the expired terms of Cheryl Adamson and Carol MacArthur, members of the Fort Scott Planning Commission Board, for another term. The Planning Commission recommended the reappointments Feb. 21...
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Commissioners approve language for sales tax question on May ballot (3/12/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners have come to an agreement on ballot language for a sales tax issue that would help fund an emergency department in the county. In a special election planned for May 14, voters will be asked whether they support a one-quarter cent sales tax...
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Skating rink proposal stalls (3/5/24)By Jason E. SilversA request for the city of Fort Scott’s assistance in funding a downtown ice skating rink could not gain any traction during Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission. Diane Striler, who brought the idea to commissioners during their Feb. 20 meeting, said a payment plan has been worked out with KwikRink Synthetic Ice, a Minnesota-based company that offers portable synthetic ice rinks, and organizers want to move forward quickly...
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Real estate sales affects ratio for county appraiser's data (3/5/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday learned the county was out of compliance in some areas during a review of property valuation data with a representative of the state’s Division of Property Valuation. Mike Dallman, field operations supervisor with the PVD, talked to commissioners via teleconference. ...
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Commissioners adopt resolution against illegal immigration (3/5/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners have adopted a resolution concerning the county’s stance on illegal immigration. The commission voted 2-1 to pass the resolution during their Monday meeting. In February, commissioners discussed two version of Resolution 04-24, one drafted by Commissioner Nelson Blythe, and another by County Counselor Justin Meeks. The commission did not approve either version after a discussion on wording contained in both documents...
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Resolution on immigration stuck in commissioners' debate (2/27/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday could not come to an agreement on a resolution concerning illegal immigration, with one commissioner’s motion dying twice for lack of a second. Commissioners discussed two versions of Resolution 04-24, one drafted and read by Commissioner Nelson Blythe, and another by County Counselor Justin Meeks. ...
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Teacher accused of unlawful sexual relations (2/27/24)Tribune Staff ReportA Uniontown teacher is being held in the Bourbon County Jail after being arrested Sunday for unlawful sexual relations and other infractions. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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Celebrating a milestone birthday with Natalie (2/27/24)By Marti Wells-SmithFamily and friends gathered together in Fort Scott on Saturday, Feb. 24, to celebrate the incredible life of one of their beloved matriarchs, Natalie Comstock. The 4-H Building was filled with people, vintage pictures, decorations and a huge cake to commemorate her 100th birthday. Loved ones lined up to give hugs as they congratulated her, snapping keepsake photos that kept Natalie smiling through it all...
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Kegler presents credit hours, scholarship numbers to trustees (2/23/24)By Jason E. SilversAs Fort Scott Community College leaders try to dig the college out of a financial crisis, FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler reviewed enrollment and scholarship figures with the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday. Kegler said enrollment numbers for the spring semester, much like the fall semester, are “still in a decrease,” but are “holding steady” at a 6.5% total decrease in credit hours from spring 2023. Credit hours are currently at 13,153 compared to 14,076 credit hours last spring...
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Exploring what FSCC looks like, means to the community (2/23/24)By Jason E. SilversIn January, members of the public fired questions at Fort Scott Community College President Dr. Jason Kegler on the college’s recent financial struggles. During a Community Conversation Wednesday at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, it was Kegler’s turn to ask questions of community members as he said he wanted their input...
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FSCC board looking at policy, financial plan (2/20/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott Community College officials are looking at revisions in board policy, as well as creating a five-year financial plan to assist the college as it works to overcome financial struggles. On Monday, the FSCC Board of Trustees conducted a first reading of the following policies: Board Member Conflicts of Interest, Board Meeting Rules of Order, Employee Tuition Scholarship, and Campus Closings Due to Weather. The board did not take action on the revisions...
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Third option presented for sales tax to fund healthcare (2/20/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials continue to work to reach a consensus on the language for a question that would ask voters whether they support a half-cent sales tax to support an emergency department and other healthcare services. During Monday’s Bourbon County Commission meeting, commissioners, County Counselor Justin Meeks and members of the public discussed language in a possible third option for a ballot question that Meeks presented to commissioners. ...
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Bill addressing proposed lake in Bourbon County is dropped (2/16/24)By Jason E. SilversState legislation that could create a lake and other developments in the northwest part of Bourbon County will be removed from a legislative committee and possibly be reviewed next session. On Wednesday, Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a District 13 Republican who introduced the bill, said Senate Bill 497 had been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on Monday, but after response to the legislation, lawmakers have decided to let the bill sit until next session...
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City to apply for grant to fund Memorial Hall work (2/16/24)By Jason E. SilversCity of Fort Scott officials are moving forward with plans to address exterior repairs to Memorial Hall, a nearly 100-year-old venue that houses various community organizations and in recent years, has begun to host more events for the community. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story...
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Legislators talk economy, taxes, health care (2/13/24)Jason E. SilversArea state legislators weighed in on health care, the economy, taxes and other topics affecting Bourbon County and the state during a Legislative Update Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Saturday at Fort Scott Community College...
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Commissioners unsure if they’ll ask for a quarter or half-cent sales tax increase to fund health care (2/13/24)Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials on Monday discussed two possible options for language on the ballot for a sales tax issue to fund an emergency department and other healthcare services. County Counselor Justin Meeks said he recently spoke with local attorney Charles Gentry on examples that could be on the ballot for an April 16 election. ...
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VA clinic in Fort Scott to close; new clinic opening in Iola (2/9/24)By Jason E. SilversLocal veterans on Friday learned details of the planned opening of a new VA clinic in Iola and the pending closure of three VA clinics, including the Fort Scott facility. The VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System recently announced the location of its newest Community-based Outpatient Clinic in Iola. Representatives of the organization were on hand to talk to veterans, their families and caregivers during an informational session at Fort Scott Community College...
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State officials discuss help as businesses close (2/9/24)By Tammy HelmAs Fort Scott has reeled with news that two major companies are planning to close, the emergency room is already closed, and Fort Scott Community College is struggling financially, representatives from state entities were in Fort Scott Friday to discuss their efforts to help the community...
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Confusion on economic development representation for city, county (2/9/24)By Jason E. SilversCity of Fort Scott and Bourbon County leaders have recently discussed funding and support of economic development efforts in the county. On Monday, Bourbon County Commissioners discussed and approved by a 2-1 vote a letter supporting Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc. ...
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City commission talks annexation of Gunn Park, golf course (2/6/24)By Jason E. SilversCity of Fort Scott officials are working on a request from the Fort Scott City Commission to obtain costs related to annexation of Gunn Park and Woodland Hills Golf Course. During Tuesday’s city commission meeting, City Manager Brad Matkin said commissioners have asked him to get information on “what is actually the county’s part versus the city’s part.” Matkin asked commissioners if they want him to talk to City Attorney Bob Farmer about the matter...
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Behavioral healthcare services coming to Fort Scott (2/6/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials on Monday announced new behavioral healthcare services which will be offered inside the former Mercy Hospital building. Several community members turned out for an announcement by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) which took place in the lobby of the building, which is now owned by Legacy Healthcare...
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County commissioners discuss language for sales tax ballot to fund healthcare (2/6/24)By Jason E. SilversWhile no vote was taken, Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday discussed potential ballot language and use of funds for a half-cent sales tax that could be used to subsidize an emergency room and other healthcare services. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story...
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Trafficking minors for sex can happen anywhere – even here (2/2/24)Jason E. SilversA presenter with an organization aimed at ending domestic minor sex trafficking brought a message to members of the local community Wednesday evening at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Russ Tuttle, board president and founder of the BeAlert Stop Trafficking Project, spoke to adults in the community during a presentation focused on the role of “life online” for students...
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See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story. (2/2/24)Jason E. SilversFort Scott Community College officials on Monday discussed potential cuts as efforts are made to overcome the college’s financial challenges. During the FSCC Board of Trustees’ meeting, FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler proposed cutting back on the college’s institutional work study program. He said there are “two pockets of money” available for work study; institutional, in which the college commits funds to students, and a federal program...
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FSCC leaders discuss college’s financial challenges (1/30/24)By Jason E. SilversDuring a lengthy Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting Monday afternoon, college officials reviewed and discussed the college’s current financial situation, as well as its effects and changes that need to be made. FSCC President Jason Kegler recapped the following as some of the causes of the financial strain as the college faces a deficit by spring: “bank statements had not been reconciled since the start of fiscal year 2024; significant overpayment of scholarships (both academic and athletic) with no allocation from the expenditure side; student receivables have historically ran higher than auditors typically see; a dependence on financing or lease options; an ongoing audit; and an enrollment decline,” Kegler said in his report.. ...
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Questions posed on Fort Scott Community College's finances, future (1/30/24)By Jason E. SilversNote: Part one of this series appeared in Saturday’s edition. Fort Scott Community College President Jason Kegler fielded questions on topics ranging from the college’s recent financial struggles to moving the college into the future during a Community Conversation Jan. 24 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center...