Owner loses fight to save house

The house at 102 S. Hill was torn down last Friday. This, more than anything else, demonstrated the true essence of the governmental system of the City of Fort Scott. This home, as I understand it, belonged to one of the McKinney's (not sure of the spelling) and for 10 years had been in total disrepair and was purchased by someone from out of town (you know, one of us "outsiders") and in 14 months was leveled by the City. This property was first brought to the attention of the City Commission (please vote on April 7 to get some new blood into that ailing system) in May of 2008 and at the same time, another property which hasn't been touched since mid-June last year and is extremely dangerous and unsightly as it sits, was not brought up. As a matter of fact, they (city manager and Codes person) sat down in January and discussed with him when he would be able to complete his projects of which the property I have complained about for months was one but, of course, the property at 102 S. Hill was not handled in this manner. At the first meeting I saw in January on this property, keep in mind that not a lot of people work on property in January because the work done will not hold up but I guess we don't have that kind of "expertise" in either the Codes Office or on the City Commission, so the next meeting I see last week that the house is going to be demolished and after reviewing the minutes of the January meeting, 90 days was given. So, two houses both coming up at the same time and one is gone and the other still standing sort of and I promise you that the commission is more than aware of the problem with the other property and will not answer as to why things are as they are. Also mentioned is the Stout building that was in the news as being condemned at least 1 1/2 years ago - the one that was not fit for human habitation - this building is supposed to have market value, yet it doesn't sell but I did hear that there were a couple of offers to purchase it but they were turned down so I suspect they don't feel any pressure from the Codes Department. They say that Commissioner Adams owns the old laundry mat on National - the one without a roof. Fort Scott like every other place - never believe it, never believe it.

Cathy,
The house discussed at the Jan meeting was a DIFFERENT house owned by the same person who owned the Hill St house that was torn down. The house condemned in Jan is at 123 Wilson. The house on Hill was given 90 days back in May 2008. The house you worry about on Barbee was given 120 days in May 2008 because the new owner had not yet taken possession. The owner of the Hill St address claims to have spent hundreds of thousands fixing up houses in town. Additionally she told the commission that she had completed 10 of the 12 houses she and her family had purchased. Of the 7 homes listed in her name with the county, only 2 are occupied. 5 out of the 7 she owns have values under 9k. Just do the math...how do you put 500k into properties and still have such low valuations.

I would dig a little deeper before I believe all of the bs that is being shoveled on the Trib site.

Dorothy: Thanks. I missed the thing on the address because they are so close and we have only been in that area once. But, discrimination is still taking place and is very obvious. I don't care so much what they do about the properties as long as the rules apply to everyone. The owner of 759 S. Barbee has rundown properties also that are being rented. The two cases are extremely similar but the outcomes, extremely different and I am interested in the justification the City has used but it has not been forthcoming. We have fixed up two older houses in Fort Scott and know the expense and it is just too easy to put more money into a house then it is worth. I will do some more checking though and I do appreciate your pointing out the error on the addresses. So, who do you suppose will try to grab that primo lot when it is cleaned up? I hope she is able to keep it and maybe move something there or build on it herself. I would suspect the taxes on the properties will go up but it does take a little time for improvements to catch up on the tax bill. Oh, and I don't "worry" about the house, I am concerned about the discrimination involved involving the citizens of Fort Scott when it comes to code enforcement and the unwillingness of City government to discuss the matter.

Hey, I've been through Fort Scott and believe me the entire town looks like a slum. I mean if the Good Lord were to give the world an enema Fort Scott is where he'd shove in the hose!! Anyway, why don't you burn the whole damn town down and start over again? That's what any sane person would do.
The last time I was through Fort Scott was when I was traveling to Nevada Missouri on 54. I had to take a crap so I stopped in at your local convenience store and broke off a chunk. I think that's the best thing that ever happened to Scott, that's for sure.
Anyway, that's all I've got.

Good Guy,

With the perception you have of our town I'm kinda surprised that you would surf the internet to look up this spot in the road. Are you surpirsed to find that we have computers and the ability to contact the outside world?

Good Guy wrote:

Hey, I've been through Fort Scott and believe me the entire town looks like a slum. I mean if the Good Lord were to give the world an enema Fort Scott is where he'd shove in the hose!! Anyway, why don't you burn the whole damn town down and start over again? That's what any sane person would do.
The last time I was through Fort Scott was when I was traveling to Nevada Missouri on 54. I had to take a crap so I stopped in at your local convenience store and broke off a chunk. I think that's the best thing that ever happened to Scott, that's for sure.
Anyway, that's all I've got.

You should return to the convenience store and pick up the chunk you left behind. It was obviously your better half.

The irony is, his location is listed as Garden City.

Pot - Kettle- Black

my wife has been in fort scott for over a year working on this old houses trying to make this town a nicer place to visit.aperantly her bueaty was more then the code enforcement woman could stand.she has picked on my wife marcia cowen since she first laid eyes on her. but my wife will prevail whith the help of all the kind people in fort scott whom she loves. thank you for your support. felipe also known as felipe rodriquez baquera jr. fresno ca.

All Fort Scott needs is one good disaster.

Now before everyone gets all in a huff, just hear me out. I am not wanting lives to be endangered either.

Remember when the tornado destroyed Greensburg. They recieved so much assistance from the government and other entities I think this is exactly what this town needs. We should not have stopped the fire to the downtown, We should have used a bellow on it. One really good flood. Any natural disaster. I'm even thinking an earthquake would be good. Maybe it would bring down the eyesore that hasn't changed in 20 years known as the grain elevator. Why is this still standing. Tsunami anyone!

Now I know there will be people displaced, but the majority of these people will be of the low income variety. Nothing against this class of people, but there is just too much of it in this town. We cannot logically be this overloaded with welfare to realistically expect this town to look good. So, tonight as the storm clouds roll in lets hope for that one good tornado.... to come flatten this town. With no loss of life of course.

WhiskyTangoFoxtr ot,

Have you ever actually been in or near a natural disaster? I have, and have experienced the emotional turmoil it takes on ALL involved, those who lost things, those who come to help, even those friends and family of those in a disaster, are all EFFECTED FOREVER!

I pray that NOTHING happens just to clean up the town. I wish you had taken a moment to think before you posted that cruel comment.

Since we are wishing... I wish you weren't so sensitive. I wish all hunger could be wiped away. I wish there were no poor. But the facts remain you can wish in one hand and... well you know the rest. I have been in a house fire and have been real close to a flood. Do they count? I believe those who are hard workers will overcome anything even a little natural disaster. Those who want things given to them will percieve all disasters as major. This includes the lower class, middle class, and upper class of people.

I had thought this out very well. I even recognized there would be displacment of people, but in the end it would be better for this town. I think those who would be displace would be the beggars of life. Those not willing to put the hard work in needed to rebuild. All others who are AFFECTED would simply just move on to the next town and bring it down. Shoot maybe FEMA would move them away to Houston for us.

Its kind of like the saying... "If you build it they will come." I believe the opposite is true that if you tear it down they will leave.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrot wrote:

Since we are wishing... I wish you weren't so sensitive. I wish all hunger could be wiped away. I wish there were no poor. But the facts remain you can wish in one hand and... well you know the rest. I have been in a house fire and have been real close to a flood. Do they count? I believe those who are hard workers will overcome anything even a little natural disaster. Those who want things given to them will percieve all disasters as major. This includes the lower class, middle class, and upper class of people.
I had thought this out very well. I even recognized there would be displacment of people, but in the end it would be better for this town. I think those who would be displace would be the beggars of life. Those not willing to put the hard work in needed to rebuild. All others who are AFFECTED would simply just move on to the next town and bring it down. Shoot maybe FEMA would move them away to Houston for us.
Its kind of like the saying... "If you build it they will come." I believe the opposite is true that if you tear it down they will leave.

So basically the "beggars of life" are the elderly, poor and anyone else that cannot pitch in to either operate a shovel or donate money to rebuild? Either you are ignorant OR are trolling for comments? Which is it?

With that type of comment, that person is a troll. In my nothing opinion, WTF is one of "those people that leave when it is torn down".

First, I will admit I love the debating element of these type of sites. You may call it trolling... I call it an open debate.

Second, I don't think I am ignorant as I feel my comments are thoughtful and yes maybe outside the box. You just don't agree with them. This is your right and I respect that as long as your willing to respect my opinion as well.

I do not think the elderly or disabled are the beggars of life if they TRULY cannot pitch in. I have a grandmother who would be more than happy to do whatever she could to help out in anyway she could this is why I would not cosider this class of person a Beggar of life.

Now as for the poor. Just because your poor doesn't mean you can't mow your lawn, or pick up trash in your yard. They are not disabled, they are just lazy. How many people have you seen at Walmart who use those scooters only because they are FAT!!!! And, I mean those who you somewhat know because this is a small town and they can walk but they just find it hard. These are the beggars of life. The people who have no desire to get off welfare is a beggar of life. The woman who will have another child just so as to get more money from the Government (Octomom?)... beggar of life. The people who abuse the system just so their life is "easier"... These are the beggars of life.

I do not truly want a disaster to hit this town. But unfortunatly, I do believe this would be one of the fastest ways to fix one of this town's ills. There is too much low-income housing in this area. On top of that there is too much run down housing for those who do not qualify or haven't moved to the top of the list for low income houseing. I had talked to some maintenance men of the low income housing. One of my favorite stories is when they would have to go to someone's house because there was a light bulb burned out and would have to change if for a 20 some year old person who was sitting in their kitchen puffing away on a cigarette the whole time. BEGGAR OF LIFE.

Finally, I am a hard worker. I contributed my time to society with no personal gain other than satifaction I did something good. I would be willing to help tear it down and to help build it back up... But I would make sure it was better.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrot wrote:

First, I will admit I love the debating element of these type of sites. You may call it trolling... I call it an open debate.
Second, I don't think I am ignorant as I feel my comments are thoughtful and yes maybe outside the box. You just don't agree with them. This is your right and I respect that as long as your willing to respect my opinion as well.
I do not think the elderly or disabled are the beggars of life if they TRULY cannot pitch in. I have a grandmother who would be more than happy to do whatever she could to help out in anyway she could this is why I would not cosider this class of person a Beggar of life.
Now as for the poor. Just because your poor doesn't mean you can't mow your lawn, or pick up trash in your yard. They are not disabled, they are just lazy. How many people have you seen at Walmart who use those scooters only because they are FAT!!!! And, I mean those who you somewhat know because this is a small town and they can walk but they just find it hard. These are the beggars of life. The people who have no desire to get off welfare is a beggar of life. The woman who will have another child just so as to get more money from the Government (Octomom?)... beggar of life. The people who abuse the system just so their life is "easier"... These are the beggars of life.
I do not truly want a disaster to hit this town. But unfortunatly, I do believe this would be one of the fastest ways to fix one of this town's ills. There is too much low-income housing in this area. On top of that there is too much run down housing for those who do not qualify or haven't moved to the top of the list for low income houseing. I had talked to some maintenance men of the low income housing. One of my favorite stories is when they would have to go to someone's house because there was a light bulb burned out and would have to change if for a 20 some year old person who was sitting in their kitchen puffing away on a cigarette the whole time. BEGGAR OF LIFE.
Finally, I am a hard worker. I contributed my time to society with no personal gain other than satifaction I did something good. I would be willing to help tear it down and to help build it back up... But I would make sure it was better.

Debate is a good thing, I agree with that. Other than that, I dont see any sense in any of your comments, you are trolling for a response to feed your ignorance. I have a friend that talks EXACTLY like you. More than likely you make heated speeches to your friends and family on how the "beggars of life" are being supported by your tax dollars etc etc. I picture you as a person that has way too much time on his hands and pays way too little attention to his own business.

Please dont feed the trolls.

Pedro, You don’t see any sense in my comments. Lets examine this.

People who have the ability to work but don't are Lazy.
Those who have no desire to get off welfare are beggars of life.
There is too much low income and run down housing in Fort Scott.

I’m sorry this doesn't make sense to you. Am I using to big of words? Let me know I will try to correct. You think I am stupid by the statement I am trying to "feed my ignorance". I have a couple thoughts on this. First, you don't know how I TALK. You have only read what I have typed. But, I bet your newspaper says things to you too! Maybe you should see psychologist, as there is a chance you have schizophrenia. Opinion sites cannot talk, neither can newspapers. They can only be read. Second, try to follow my logic on this. You have a friend that talks EXACTLY like me...You think I am ignorant...therefore, your friend is ignorant (don’t think its nice to call your friend ignorant, but I digress)...You pal around with ignorant people. For this reason I question your intelligence. I think you believe you are smarter that everyone else, but this comes back to the schizophrenia.

Now for one of my favorite parts of these sites... where someone profiles you. I just want to address how you profiled me and correct it. I don't make heated speeches to my friends and family. I am actually introverted. I will share my opinion, but I do not generally start the discussion unless I am very comfortable with those in the discussion. I have never used the term "beggars of life" with anyone else. I coined that phrase on this site. Does anyone like for their money (taxes) to be GIVEN to those who are beggars of life. Which once again is someone who is lazy. I am NOT talking about those who are truly disabled. I do have more time on my hands recently. It has been raining after all. I actually pay a lot of attention to what I am doing. This kind of goes with being an introvert. I am also a conservative white male who is near 6' tall.

If you do not understand any of the words I have typed, please do not think I am just ignorant and made them up. Use you search bar (google) to look them up. You should be able to find a definition. In the future stick to the talking points and stop trying to belittle others.

Pedro you lost my vote!

To get back on topic. My original post was meant to mean Fort Scott need to address the Low income and decrepid housing. Get rid of it. If the house in this article was in poor condition it should have been demolished as should all other buildings which structurally are not sound or are an eyesore.

For low income housing, Fort Scott has only increased, or at least allowed the increase in the amount of this type of housing. The "New" low income housing by the middle school really irks me as it was nicer than the average Joe's house in this town. The town should look to decrease the amount of this type of housing and to make it only for the disabled. I believe most (not all Pedro) in this type of housing are just taking advantage of the system and this would be one step to clean up the town. Why would the city want to increase this class of person.

For run down housing, I was trying to infer that a natural disaster has more of a chance to destroy this type of housing first. Therefore, there would be less of this type of housing. The disaster would be the fastest way to take care of it. Another solution, the city should make the fire department and codes officer inspect every rental house or property in the city to make sure it is safe (Who will argue safety). I want to emphasize this is only for rental homes. People who own their own home generally (not always) will take pride in their home. Rental homes not in safe condition have 6 months to fix with a possibility of one extension of 3 months. That is it. After that it will get torn down with the cost being added to the owners taxes on the remaining lot. If the taxes are not paid within 2 years the government should sell the lot and pay the back taxes. Eliminating the gray area is important. All non-housing units (businesses) should be inspected once a year too. This preventative measure may lower the amount of house fires. On top of this they can charge a small fee for the inspections (similar to when you buy a used car). They can then use this revenue to clean up other forms of eyesores (streets, landscape... etc) by outsourcing this work (job creation). After these are done, use the revenue to address the other ills of this town and make the town better.

By elimination of this run down and low income housing the city will reduce a class of people (low income) who do not help the appearance of any town or they will encourage them to clean up their act. One of the founding fathers of this country stated the best way to address poverty was to make people uncomfortable in their poverty. But instead of thinking this way our city was thinking we needed to buy a golf course. Once again if you tear it down they will leave.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrot wrote:

Pedro, You don’t see any sense in my comments. Lets examine this.
People who have the ability to work but don't are Lazy.
Those who have no desire to get off welfare are beggars of life.
There is too much low income and run down housing in Fort Scott.
I’m sorry this doesn't make sense to you. Am I using to big of words? Let me know I will try to correct. You think I am stupid by the statement I am trying to "feed my ignorance". I have a couple thoughts on this. First, you don't know how I TALK. You have only read what I have typed. But, I bet your newspaper says things to you too! Maybe you should see psychologist, as there is a chance you have schizophrenia. Opinion sites cannot talk, neither can newspapers. They can only be read. Second, try to follow my logic on this. You have a friend that talks EXACTLY like me...You think I am ignorant...therefore, your friend is ignorant (don’t think its nice to call your friend ignorant, but I digress)...You pal around with ignorant people. For this reason I question your intelligence. I think you believe you are smarter that everyone else, but this comes back to the schizophrenia.
Now for one of my favorite parts of these sites... where someone profiles you. I just want to address how you profiled me and correct it. I don't make heated speeches to my friends and family. I am actually introverted. I will share my opinion, but I do not generally start the discussion unless I am very comfortable with those in the discussion. I have never used the term "beggars of life" with anyone else. I coined that phrase on this site. Does anyone like for their money (taxes) to be GIVEN to those who are beggars of life. Which once again is someone who is lazy. I am NOT talking about those who are truly disabled. I do have more time on my hands recently. It has been raining after all. I actually pay a lot of attention to what I am doing. This kind of goes with being an introvert. I am also a conservative white male who is near 6' tall.
If you do not understand any of the words I have typed, please do not think I am just ignorant and made them up. Use you search bar (google) to look them up. You should be able to find a definition. In the future stick to the talking points and stop trying to belittle others.
Pedro you lost my vote!

I'm done feeding this troll.

Pedro wrote:

<quoted text>
I'm done feeding this troll.

So you can get on here and call someone stupid, ignorant,femi-nazi, and a troll. But, when someone stands up to you and defends themselves. You run away because its not worth your time. Hey way to take the high road. LOL

I have a few thoughts on this matter myself. Firstly I agree somewhat about one thing for sure. Low income is just that, low income. I feel that these low income houses shouldn't look like crap just because they are low income. But your beggars of life....I myself have had to live in a low income housing. The light bulb thing you refer to as an example...you were misinformed. If you change your own light bulb it costs you 20 bucks. In the lease it states that you are to report light bulbs that are blown and pilot lights that have gone out. The maintence is being paid to do these things for you and you are charged if they dont do it for you. Now tell me that isnt rediculious. So while they may have been smoking and watching it wouldnt mean it's a beggar.I agree there are beggars but some HAVE to be on welfare or someone might suffer who is innocent like a child or and elder person. You pay taxes, you're an outstanding citizen. You know where the problem lies, that people like you feel an injustice and so make judgement. Is it pure jealousy that runs you? Because you work so hard and these "beggars" have it so easy. The fact that some are ashamed to be living off teh state because say the guy who knocked them up left them after claiming love. Even with a job they are single mothers who just cant make it and their family is a pice of work in themselves. You want to throw it in their faces that you are paying for their childs food and clothing and heat. The embarrassment they must feel knowing some self righteous guy is doing more for their child(ren) tehy love so dearly than they can themselves. It must make you feel so much better sleeping at night knowing you are supporting some assholes beautiful lay and caring for his kid he could care less about. While the mother probably vries at night because she is alone and helpless and has to watch her child grow up fatherless. I know it sounds like I am defending liek I am that person. Truth be told I know a few of them (about 10 or so) with this situation. I don't find it fair that you put so few catergories in your beggars of life. I didn't mean to be hateful about it, just trying to shed some light to these beggars. Someone should speak for those who can't.