Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Nov. 24

November 24, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Oharah and Commissioner Fischer present, (Clifton Beth was on the phone), the County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Ben Cole, Bill Martin, Bobby Reed, Michael Hoyt and Anne Dare.

Eric Bailey (by phone) reported issues with the hydraulic pump on a dump truck; he said they are not working properly to lift the blade on the snow plow. Eric questioned if the County had pictures of the roads before the fiber company started doing work, Lynne said no; Jeff Fischer suggested revisiting the right of way policy.

Jeff Fischer and Justin Meeks both participated in a conference call regarding the Governors mask mandate; the Governor gave counties one week to opt in or opt out, or create their own version of the mandate. Jeff said Becky Johnson; the Public Health Officer was in support of the mask mandate and possibly limiting group sizes. Becky said there are currently 108 active cases in Bourbon County and said if the County supported a mask mandate then limiting group sizes may not be as important and possible revisit that at a later date to see what the mask mandate does. Jeff said if the infection rate is not controlled with the mask mandate it is likely that additional control measures will need to be put in place to eliminate the devastating impact of COVID-19. Jeff said with the increase in the infection rate and positivity rate, alarms are going off.

Lynne read the following letter which was signed by Governor Laura Kelly on 11/18/20:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 20-68

Establishing a face coverings protocol

WHEREAS, securing the health, safety, and economic well-being of residents of the State of Kansas is this Administration’s top priority;

WHEREAS, Kansas is facing a crisis—the pandemic and public health emergency of COVID-19—resulting in illness, death, quarantines, school closures, and temporary closure of businesses resulting in lost wages and financial hardship to Kansas citizens;

WHEREAS, the United States Departments of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for COVID-19 beginning January 27, 2020, with now more than 11,136,000 cases of the illness and more than 246,000 deaths as a result of the illness across the United States;

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020;

WHEREAS, a State of Disaster Emergency was proclaimed for the State of Kansas on March 12, 2020;

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant an emergency declaration for all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia pursuant to Section 50 1 (b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”);

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. § 1601, et seq. and consistent with Section 1135 of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 1320b-5), declared a national emergency that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency beginning March 1, 2020;

WHEREAS, as of this date, in Kansas there have been 128,594 reported positive cases of COVID- 19 spread among all 105 Kansas counties, including 1,326 deaths;

WHEREAS, in the late spring and early summer 2020, Kansas experienced a steady trend of decreasing COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, but by mid-summer that downward trend gave way to a worrying spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Kansas and across the nation;

WHEREAS, as a result of that worrying spike, on July 2, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-52 (“Requiring masks or other face coverings in public”), but in spite of the deadly and urgent public

health threat presented by the spike in COVID-19 cases, many counties exercised their temporary authority under K.S.A. 48-925(h) to “opt out” of statewide public health executive orders to opt out of Executive Order 20-52;

WHEREAS, recent weeks have again seen a worrying spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, except that this “spike” has seen the 7-day average of cases and hospitalizations first double and then triple, stretching the healthcare system’s ability to handle the unprecedented influx of patients;

WHEREAS, if the healthcare system is overrun with COVID-19 patients, as it will be soon if current trends continue, communities will be forced to close schools and businesses, and non- COVID-19 healthcare services will be postponed due to laclc of staffing, space, and supplies in hospitals and doctor’s offices; at worst, Kansans battling COVID-19 or other serious illnesses could suffer and die from the lack of available healthcare services;

WHEREAS, wearing a face covering in public is the easiest and most effective way to protect each other, ease the burden on our overburdened healthcare system, and help keep our businesses open and our economy running;

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control has determined that even “increasing universal masking by 15% could prevent the need” for restrictions on businesses and gatherings and could avoid severe economic losses;

WHEREAS, wearing a face covering in public is not only safe and easy, it is necessary to avoid more restrictive local measures that could involve closing businesses, schools, organized youth sports, and other important activities;

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas must remain flexible to account for the evolving nature and scope of the unprecedented public health emergency posed by COVID-19, while also simultaneously safely and strategically operating businesses and facilitating economic recovery and revitalization;

WHEREAS, for the aforementioned and other reasons, and in recognition and furtherance of my responsibility to provide for and ensure the health, safety, security, and welfare of the people of the State of Kansas, increasing the wearing of face coverings is necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population; and

WHEREAS, in these challenging times, this Administration will do whatever it can to avoid immediate dangers to the health, safety, and welfare of Kansans.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, including the authority granted me by K.S.A 48-924 and K.S.A 48-925(b) and (c)(11), in order to ensure that Kansans can help keep each other safe, relieve unsustainable burdens on our healthcare system, and keep our businesses open as we restore our economy, I hereby direct and order the following:

The provisions of paragraphs 2 through 5 below do not apply in counties or municipalities that meet either of the following criteria:
counties in which Executive Order 20-52 is in effect, meaning that the county commission has not exercised its authority under S.A. 48-925(h) to “opt out” of Executive Order 20-52; or
counties or municipalities in which a local ordinance or order requires that face coverings be worn in public places and in
Effective at 12:01 m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, any person in Kansas shall wear a face covering when they are in the following situations:
Inside, or in line to enter, any indoor public space;
Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank;’
Waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle;
While outdoors in public spaces and unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer
Also effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, all businesses or organizations in Kansas must require all employees, customers, visitors, members, or members of the public to wear a face covering when:
Employees are working in any space visited by customers or members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;
Employees are working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
Customers, members, visitors, or members of the public are in a facility managed by the business or organization; or
Employees are in any room or enclosed area where other people (except for individuals who reside together) are present and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer
The following are exempt from wearing face coverings pursuant to the provisions of this order:

‘ Unless directed otherwise by an employee or healthcare provider.

Persons age five years or under—children age two years and under in particular should not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation;
Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering—this includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance;
Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines;
Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided they maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;
Athletes who are engaged in an organized sports activity that allows athletes to maintain a 6-foot distance from others with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;
Persons who are engaged in an activity that a professional or recreational association, regulatory entity, medical association, or other public-health-oriented entity has determined cannot be safely conducted while wearing a face covering;
Persons engaged in an activity or event held or managed by the Kansas Legislature;

Persons engaged in a court-related proceeding held or managed by the Kansas Judiciary; and
Persons engaged in any lawful activity during which wearing a face covering is prohibited by
Definitions:
“Face covering” means a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower A face covering can be made of a variety of synthetic and natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. Ideally, a face covering has two or more layers. A face covering may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, bandanas, I-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.
“Public space” means any indoor or outdoor space or area that is open to the public; this does not include private residential property or private offices or workspaces that are not open to customers or public
Nothing in this order shall restrict, limit, or supersede the Secretary of Health and Environment’s authority to make isolation, quarantine, or other orders restricting movement as necessary to respond to escalating or worsening conditions in any local
Local governments retain authority to issue and enforce equally or more restrictive orders or provisions and retain any authority to issue or enforce isolation or quarantine orders or other orders as necessary to respond to escalating or worsening conditions in any local jurisdiction. Counties may also exercise authority granted by S.A. 48-925 as amended by 2020 Special Session House Bill 2016, Sec. 33.
As currently permitted pursuant to state law, the Attorney General, county attorneys, and district attorneys enforcing this order should use their discretion and consider the totality of the circumstances as they determine appropriate enforcement
In order to more accurately track and assess statewide status of COVID-19 cases, private labs conducting testing for COVID-19 shall report both positive and negative tests to the Kansas Department of Health and
The Four Tribes of Kansas (Iowa Tribe, Kickapoo Nation, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Sac & Fox Nation) retain any authority to regulate through their respective tribal councils for the health and welfare of their
This order should be read in conjunction with other executive orders responding to the COVID-19 pandemic that are still in effect and supersedes any contrary provisions of previous orders; however, the provisions of Executive Order 20-59 continue to control COVID-19 mitigation procedures, including the wearing of masks or other face coverings, in K-12 public and private school buildings and
This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 20-68. It shall become effective as of 12:01 a.m. on November 25, 2020, and remain in force until rescinded or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency extended by House Bill 2016 enacted during the June 2020 special session relating to COVID-19-and later extended by the State Finance Council–expires, whichever is earlier. This order may be extended or modified as circumstances dictate.

Jeff made a motion to support the Governors order by opting in the Governor’s State mandate effective at 12:01am on November 25, 2020, Clifton seconded and all approved. Anne Dare asked that the executive order and the letter from Becky Johnson supporting the executive order be placed on the Bourbon County and Health Departments Facebook pages. Justin Meeks questioned who enforces the Governors mask mandate; Michael Hoyt said it should be implied enforcement and said they should say they were going to approach people who aren’t wearing masks.

Mr. Hoyt said he would discuss advisory boards at the next Commission meeting.

The Commissioners briefly discussed a holiday meal; a holiday meal was discussed at the last meeting and it was suggested to either wait on a meal until summertime or give a gift card instead of a meal, (which is what the County has done for the employees the last few years). Bobby Reed said his employees would prefer a gift card and suggested possibly consider the Bronson Locker when getting the gift cards. Michael Hoyt suggested Chamber Bucks’ Jeff made a motion to authorize the distribution of a $25 gift card before Christmas, instead of the holiday meal, Clifton seconded, Bobby Reed suggested asking for the department heads input so that employees weren’t stuck with something random, Lynne suggested getting a list of who wants what card. All approved the motion. The gift cards will be discussed again on December 1st.

The Commissioners had planned to discuss the Omni lockbox option and to discuss Spark, but will discuss on December 1st.

The Commissioners discussed the proposed one-time longevity pay for the County employees (excluding elected officials). $51,000 has been budgeted for longevity for 2020 (to be paid prior to the end of 2020), this one-time longevity payout would have to be revisited each year when the Commissioners do the annual budget; Jeff Fischer calculated a proposed way to distribute the $51,000. He used an employee listing, with years of service and suggested 5 years of service be the starting point for employees (employees would have to have 5 years of service in by the end of 2020) to get a longevity one-time payout. He suggested paying $100/year times the years of service, an employee with less than 5 years of service get $0, 5 years would get $500, 10 years would get $1,000, etc. Bobby Reed said he was pro-employee and thanked the Commissioners for looking into longevity, but said most of his previous employees had left for pay and said if our employees get 3 weeks of vacation after 3 years of employment then the longevity pay should be calculated on less than 5 years of service, he said he had only a few employees that would benefit from the longevity pay if they start calculating it for employees that had been employed 5 years since he has a high turnover. Lynne said if they start at the end of year one they would have to have a cap on what someone received in order to fund the longevity payout, Bobby suggested starting lower than $100/year for employees that had been employed 1-5 years. Jeff Fischer plans to recalculate the longevity amount beginning with one year of service. The Commissioners plan to distribute the payout by Christmas. This will be discussed again on December 1st.

Jeff Fischer said Mark McCoy might be happy to help develop a retention training schedule, Jeff said retention is done by targeting skills needed for a job and providing education to do to the job; Bobby said the generation coming up now want to know what you are going to do for them now, Ben Cole said you can train the employees, but if it doesn’t put food on the table they don’t care. Michael Hoyt said retention begins at day one.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Clint Anderson). After the session, Jeff made a motion to backfill a vacant position in the Appraisers office, Clifton seconded and all approved.

USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong and teachers Jared Martin, Stephanie George and Brian Pommier met with the Commissioners to discuss COVID-19 and public health; Ted Hessong said they delayed the start of the school year and the delayed days were used to give the teachers time to prepare for opening. He said they require masks, temperature checks and social distancing. They offered the remote learning options to students (10% of the students chose the remote option). He said there are 1,827 students in the district and 360 staff. On November 16th they had 14 active cases and said the highest number of students in quarantine at one time was 164 students, the highest number of staff with COVID at one time was 6 staff (which was November 20th), he said the highest number of staff in quarantine was 38. He said most didn’t get quarantined from a contact at school, he said the high school was designated as a hotspot cluster as of November 8th. He felt the wearing of masks has helped prevent the spread of the virus at school. He said it is better academically, socially and emotionally for students to be learning in person. He said there are academic gaps when students weren’t learning in person at school. He said it is hard for the staff to balance both in class and remote learning. He said they were asking the Commissioners to use their authority to work with the health department regarding wearing masks and work with the health department to allocate resources for contact tracing. He asked the Commissioners to have a person housed at the district to assist with contact tracing. He said masks and contact tracing were needed to help control the spread. He said enrollment numbers are down. Jeff Fischer said he felt that school should be the last thing they close. Bill Martin said their hands were tied in regards to enforcing the mask mandate. Bill gave the Commissioners a memo from Attorney General Derek Schmidt dated 7/2/2020 and referenced the section “Violating the Mask Order is a Civil Wrong, Not a Crime”. He said the County Attorney would handle those complaints and suggested having the County Attorney present for a discussion over the mask mandate. Stephanie George said a huge part of the problem is that we don’t have community buy in; she said we need people to wear their masks to help keep businesses and schools open, she suggested promoting the mask mandate. Brian Pommier said a person to do the contact tracing could take the burden off of the administrator. Stephanie George thanked the Commissioners for opting into the mask mandate; she said contact tracing wasn’t budgeted for through the USD 234 Spark funds. She said teachers are teaching both in person and on Zoom at the same time, she said they are doing the best they can, but said they need help with contact tracing.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, Jeff made a motion that going forward the executive sessions are held in the old I/T office, Clifton seconded and all approved.

At 12:15, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk, Approved Date December 1, 2020

Reducing Loneliness During the Holidays

 

Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent Family and Consumer Sciences. Submitted photo.

 

It’s the season where we are looking for all things to be merry and bright. However, this holiday season is likely to look differently from previous years for all of us.

The focus on family and togetherness during this time of year can leave anyone not able to participate in their traditional customs feeling isolated or unhappy under “normal” circumstances. With our current environment, additional feelings of gloom can be expected, especially for older adults.

Isolation makes the holidays hard. A lot of changes may have taken place over the past year. Older adults inevitably suffer losses, even if they are relatively healthy. Friends may have become ill, the neighborhood may have changed, decreased energy levels – all resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities.

While we may have to work at adapting our own holiday plans and traditions, we need to remember what the holiday season is truly about. Some things may need to be simplified, yet we can still focus on what is really important: the people that matter in our lives. Here are some thoughts to brighten the darker winter days for those who remain at a distance.

–Be an active listener. Talk about what your loved one wants to talk about, even if the conversation tends to be negative. An empathetic listener can help them work through what is troubling them. Conversations might help them realize why they feel down and help find ways to improve their spirits.

–Remind them they are a significant part of your life. They may feel useless or burdensome if they cannot fully participate in festivities. Encouragement to do what they are capable of doing and showing them they are loved is important.

–Ask family members to send cards, photographs and drawings to help keep seasonal mail cheerful. The traditional Christmas cards don’t always bring good news of updates from life-long friends and acquaintances, especially for older adults. Looking forward to receiving those cards and then not receiving one here and there can create concern for those friends.

–Help family members understand that you are trying to simplify your holidays to focus on what matters with the celebrations. Remind them that family and friendships are what is most important.

–If a virtual get-together is possible, plan a time for all family members to join. It doesn’t have to be on a particular holiday. If a loved one is in a care facility, see if arrangements can be made where the staff would arrange for a virtual visit. Interactions with younger generations can be most uplifting for older adults.

–Send easy-to-use decorations that can be hung in smaller living areas, such as removable window clings or artificial wreaths to help create a festive atmosphere. Then phone or video call to follow up with the decorating process. Be prepared to listen to reflections on past holidays.

–Make some traditional baked goods or treats that can be safely sent through the mail and send those to family members. If several family units are involved, but cannot gather, consider each family taking a traditional recipe and sending some of that product to all family units usually involved in the gathering. Traditions based around food and certain recipes can be continued but in a new way.

–Remember, spending time with older adults speaks volumes in helping them feel included and letting them know they are loved. We may need to do that in a safe way through social distancing, wearing masks, sending notes and things through the mail, or meeting virtually. However you go about your holiday traditions this year, any time you can share is a precious gift.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Dec. 8

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: December 8, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge

9:30 – 9:45 Monica Murnan, SPARK

9:45 – 10:00 Omni Lockbox

10:00 – 10:45 2020 Budget Amendment Discussion

10:45 – 10:50 Anne Dare, BEDCO & COVID

10:50 – 11:00 David Neville, Executive Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

11:00 – 12:00 Jody Hoener, Executive Session, Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

BoCo Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of Dec. 2

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

December 2, 2020

  1. Welcome: Nine members representing eight agencies attended.
  • Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board was awarded $1,803.50 from the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Trust Fund. Janet Braun, daughter of the Irbys, had notified her of the award.
  • The next Red Cross blood drive will be held on December 15 and 16 at Buck Run. Due to Covid, it is best for donors to make appointments because “walk-in donors” are not guaranteed to be accepted.
  • There is a vacancy on the Coalition Board; interested Coalition members should contact Billie Jo.
  • Billie Jo shared the following email announcement from Tammy Alcantar: The Crawford County Health Department is still taking referrals for the programs they offer in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Case Management Teen Wrap for moms aged 10-20 on Kan Care insurance, and Early Detection Works. Prenatal classes per Zoom will begin in January.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, informed members that she does have a three bedroom unit available for a family and possibly a two bedroom unit soon. Patty can also assist people with the application process for the Kansas Eviction Protection Program.
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, noted that she had recently assisted a Fort Scott family who had lost everything in a home fire.
  • Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that Red Cross is performing virtual deployment to disasters due to Covid. She and Cinda are also involved in online training for new Red Cross procedures. Of special note, Nancy announced the “Aunt Bertha” webpage that allows users to access all resources available in their areas. Simply type “Aunt Bertha” into a search engine and follow the links.
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP, thanked members for helping with the RSVP poinsettia fundraiser; the group sold 200 flowers.
  • Michelle Worsley, SEK CAP Head Start, noted that they have openings in both the 3-5 and Birth to 3 programs. Head Start is an income based program where parents are taught how to work with their children to ensure school readiness.
  • Robin Griffin, Thrive, shared that she is in charge of the Opioid Coalition which includes Bourbon County. She mentioned that FDA approved sharps containers can be obtained at the Health Department. She also reminded members that CHC does offer MAT: Medication Assisted Treatment.
  • Amanda Gilmore, Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse, introduced Ann Dare, a first time Coalition attendee. She shared that their group is looking for a building; they meet on Wednesdays at noon and Thursday evenings.
  1. Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest):
  1. Open Forum: Following discussion concerning the low attendance numbers, the consensus of the group was to hold a Zoom meeting on January 6. Robin will be the Zoom host; notification of the meeting will be sent via email.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 6, 2021, on Zoom.

Uniontown 4-H Club Report For November 2020

November Uniontown 4-H Report

Submitted by Kendyl Bloesser, Club Reporter

The Uniontown 4-H club met on Sunday, November 8, 2020. The November meeting was the club’s “Invite a Friend” meeting. The purpose is to invite youth who may be interested in joining 4-H to experience a meeting and be able to ask questions before opting to join. All together, eight “friends” joined the club members for the meeting.

The Uniontown FFA joined the meeting as special guests to demonstrate a model meeting to club members.

The Uniontown 4-H club members participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade, on Saturday, November 13th, with the Barnstormers 4-H club to represent Bourbon County 4-H by decorating a float with hay bales, American flags, and 4-H green.

The club’s next meeting will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Uniontown Community Building.

Girard Medical Center Offers Two Medical Information Classes In Uniontown Dec. 3

Patricia Boore, Infection Control for Girard Medical Center is planning to be in Uniontown on Thursday, December 3 at 1 pm for a class of 20 participants.

Two subjects will be discussed.

Stop the Bleed: This is a class for citizens to attend to learn about recognizing life-threatening bleeding and how to respond in an emergency.

Red File: There is a folder that contains forms that can be filled out and ready in case of an emergency. Among those forms are Advance Directives. These forms will be explained to the individuals and   questions answered they may have about the forms.

 

Attendance for the class will be by registration and limited to 20 people. If there is a positive response, we will schedule another class later on.

 

Submitted by

Patti Boore, RN,Infection Control, Girard Medical Center.

Phone: 620-724-5172

Fax: 620-724-5103

Or one can register by calling the Uniontown City Clerk at 620-756-4742.

 

Our mission is to provide excellent healthcare with compassion as we support our communities and provide an environment where our employees and physicians can achieve personal and professional goals.

Eric Bailey: New County Public Works Director

Eric Bailey. Submitted photo.

Eric W. Bailey, became Bourbon County’s Public Works Director on Oct. 1. 2020, replacing Jim Harris, who retired and now serves as a Bourbon County Commissioner.

 

Baily’s duties are the public works budget, overseeing the daily operations of the road and bridge department to include rock crushing operations, the overlaying and maintenance of hard surface roads, maintenance of all county maintained gravel roads in Bourbon County, and oversite of the transfer station as well as the noxious weeds department.

He was the public works director for the City of Fort Scott for nine years.  In total, he worked 20 years with the City of Fort Scott.

Bailey also served four years in Bourbon County Environmental Services Technician/Geographical Information Services.

He attended schools K-12 in  USD 234, then earned an associate’s degree in  Applied Science in Environmental Water Technologies from Fort Scott Community College, then a  bachelors degree in Business Management from Friends University

His wife Malinda is the  Director of Children’s Services for Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, their daughter Kelcie is a junior at Kansas Wesleyan University studying Elementary Education and middle daughter Kiran is a senior at Fort Scott High School, and son Kaleb a sophomore at FSHS.

Bailey has been involved in the community as a member of Community Christian Church, a member of the Youth Activities Team, and coached numerous youth recreation league teams and travel teams.

“I am really enjoying the job so far and all of the people that I am working with daily,” he said.  “Everyone has been very welcoming and I appreciate all of the support I have received.”

FS Area Community Foundation Newsletter

News from the
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Please find our Special Edition Newsletter below.
Click here for a printable PDF copy.
Thank you for reading our November 2020
Special Edition Newsletter!
Contact us with questions or for more information:
Board President Carla Farmer: 620-224-6500
Website: www.fsacf.com
Connect with us:
Click here to Like the Foundation’s Facebook page.

Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

A popular favorite that was introduced last year is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted now through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola Fort Scott, and Yates Center or can be mailed or e-mailed.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

BoCo Inter-Agency Coalition Meets Dec. 2

Billie Jo Drake, left, leads the Bourbon County Coalition, in a prior meeting.

The regularly scheduled Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition membership meeting will be this Wednesday, December 2, at noon, in the Community Room at the High Rise Apartments, 315 Scott Avenue.

The agenda is as follows:

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

December 2, 2020

  1. Welcome:
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  1. Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest):
  1. Open Forum:
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 6, 2021.

“Be sure to wear your mask and social distance as much as possible,” Billie Jo Drake, facilitator of the group said. “Due to the rise in Covid cases in Bourbon County, I certainly understand if you do not wish to attend a face-to-face meeting. If you have any announcements that you need to share, be sure to send them to me prior to 9:00 a.m. on meeting day.”

 

TFI Receives SPARK Grant For Foster Care Service in Bourbon County

TFI, a foster care and child welfare service,  received $50,000 in SPARK funds in Bourbon County for more technology and personal protective equipment in the pandemic.

The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, with the statewide distribution of the U.S. Coronavirus Relief Fund.

TFI Submitted photo.
Employees of TFI, Fort Scott in February 2020.

 

TFI serves approximately 80 children in Bourbon County, according to information provided by Taylor Forest, marketing specialist.

The SPARK funding TFI received will help serve children in foster care in Bourbon County who have been impacted by COVID-19,” Forest said. “This funding has been used to purchase technology to allow for more remote work, and more telehealth visits when possible, minimizing face-to-face contact. Another way we are using the funds is to purchase PPE for children, families and staff.

They received the funding on Oct. 15, 2020.

Children in foster care experience difficulties on a daily basis, and COVID-19 has added even more challenges” she said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the program and are thrilled that Kansas’ most vulnerable population can have some of their needs met through these unprecedented times!”

The TFI Fort Scott office is located at 710 W. 8th Street, Suite 203, FORT SCOTT KS 66701

 

 

To learn more:

https://tfifamily.org/

 

See more about SPARK at:

https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Dec. 1

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: December 1, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge

9:30 – 9:45 Monica Murnan, SPARK

9:45 – 9:50 Jessie Walker, Road issue regarding whether a road is a county road or not

10:00 – 10:15 Omni Lockbox

10:15 – 10:30 Holiday Gift Cards

10:30 – 10:40 Longevity Pay