Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Dec. 14

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN

UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

DECMBER 14, 2021 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The Regular Council Meeting on December 14, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Kandyce Cox, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

CITIZENS REQUEST

Kandyce Cox requested permission to have a fourth adult dog. After some discussion, the council declined her request. Clerk Johnson will send her a copy of the ordinance limiting the number of adult dogs per household.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. November written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $350,214.68, Receipts $29,230.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $28,195.21, Checking Account Closing Balance $348,223.56. Bank Statement Balance $349,966.93, including Checking Account Interest of $28.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,743.37, Reconciled Balance $348,223.56. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,033.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,493.63, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,317.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $416,068.30. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $340.75 and Utility CDs $311.83 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $652.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2021, Beginning Balance $195.75, Receipts $0, Expenditures $195.75, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $1,991.12, Year-to-Date Net Loss $52,874.91. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $103,267.64 (103.5%), Expenditures $98,167.62 (79.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,763.44 (97.2%), Expenditures $32,681.90 (74.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $134,210.29 (103.9%), Expenditures $248,727.85 (75.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $132,245.25 (115.5%), Expenditures $134,793.23 (82.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $12,368.20 (82.8%). The December 2021 estimated payables, including End of Year transfers, in the amount of $67,987.50 were presented.

Mayor Jurgensen handed out gift cards to employees in attendance and will personally deliver to those not in attendance.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reminded the Council they approved giving a gift to Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc for all the assistance he has volunteered, but they never specified what type of gift or monetary value.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to gift Matt Wells with a $200 Visa gift card

He reported the tractor has an engine noise in the area of the water pump. It also “hesitates” when put in gear after it is first started or restarted. PrairieLand Partners estimated $1,600 for water pump repairs. He also talked to Ol’ Boys Tire and Auto but they decided they didn’t want to work on it. It was suggested to check with FSCC John Deere program and Councilman Stewart offered to contact a mechanic they use.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allocated up to $3,000 for tractor repairs out the city streets and special highway funds

Rich gave the Council a list of trees available from Travis Russell, Traveling Trees. Two Autumn Blaze Maples and two Autumn Fantasy Maples were decided upon with one of each to be planted at the pond and in the park. Clerk Johnson will contact the school district about the location for planting at the pond.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 205 Washington now has utilities on; 104 Fulton does not have utilities on; a letter was sent to 210 Sherman to remove or replace the awning; 103 Third St wants to replace the sidewalk in front; 201 Fulton, 204 Fulton, 103 Sherman, new owners; 401 Sherman building permit for privacy fence behind house. Storage containers and buildings (306 Washington, 402 Washington, 302 Sherman) were discussed and what requires a building permit and what doesn’t. Clerk Johnson was directed to check with other cities to see what they have regarding storage containers, storage sheds, and fences.

Clerk Johnson has received complaints about traffic on Hill St. One citizen suggested speed bumps or all way stop signs at Fourth and Hill.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to table discussion until January 10, 2021 meeting

She asked the Council if they wanted to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families

An update on natural gas winter pricing was given to all.

An email was received today regarding submitting Statement of Substantial Interest annually. She will check to see into statutes and check with the County Clerk.

A discussion was had concerning the January meeting conflicting with the School Board meeting.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to change meeting time for the January 10, 2021 meeting to 5:30PM

Mayor Jurgensen has been researching splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment. Three designs for recirculating splashpads were received from RainDeck and distributed to all. The Council will continue discussion on splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment at the February 8, 2021 meeting. Ruritan did receive $10,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI for the splashpad project. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Placemaking pathway could be used for the splashpad and there is $10,000-$17,000 allocated for Uniontown.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – Thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for the lights in the park.

Councilwoman Esslinger – Lights around town look nice, especially Clay and Hill Streets.

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – Wants to review dog ordinances at next meeting. Thank you to BBCO Sheriff deputies monitoring traffic on Fifth St.

Councilman Stewart – Inspected fishing dock walkway, it appears the east railing has only been spot welded. Rich will inspect and contact vendor if needed.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – The contractor installed the walkway and has been paid in full. Bourbon County Public Works has brought rock for the riprap. Some is north of the pond and the rest is on the railroad right-of-way.

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Two closed accounts have been finaled, but not paid. If not paid by January 10, they will be submitted to Collection Bureau of Kansas for collection. She was asked if she had received an update on the Attorney General’s investigation of pricing during the February extreme weather event. She has not but will check into.

American Rescue Plan Act update – US Treasury has opened the portal for NEUs report submitting.

NEW BUSINESS

CMB License Renewal – Union Station – application and fees for off-premises consumption received.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to approve the 2022 off premises consumption CMB license renewal for Union Station

Water Rate Increase – notification of a 7.5% increase ($0.55/1000 gallons) was received from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2. Discussion ensued about the possibility of finding an alternate supplier.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 195 – inside city limits a minimum charge of $25.81 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons and outside city limits a minimum charge of $26.99 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.65 per 1,000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:35PM

Government, Kansas

Governor Issues Disaster Declaration

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues 15-Day Disaster Declaration, Two Executive Orders to Aid Kansas Hospital and Adult Care Home Capacity

~No new mandates or closures will be issued~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed a State of Disaster Emergency to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and facilities’ constraints caused by the surge in COVID-19 cases. Governor Kelly also signed executive orders 22-01 and 22-02 which temporarily suspend certain statutes and regulations for adult care homes and certain health care providers.

“Just as I did at the start of the pandemic, today I am again issuing orders to provide our hospitals and nursing homes with the necessary staffing flexibility to keep the residents, patients, and staff safe,” Governor Kelly said. “This disaster declaration provides a 15-day solution to give our front-line health care workers the support they need as they battle this COVID-19 surge. This action is temporary until the legislature returns, at which I time I will work with them to pass legislation to extend my executive orders through the month of March.”

The 15-day disaster declaration activates the state’s disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan. The declaration also allows for the Governor to suspend certain statutes, orders or rules and regulations that prevent, hinder, or delay in any way necessary action in coping with the disaster.

E.O. 22-01 provides temporary relief from certain restrictions and requirements governing the provision of medical services.

E.O. 22-02 relaxes or suspends licensure, certification, and registration for persons and licensure of adult care homes.

“I urge all Kansans to do their part by getting vaccinated and boosted, which will both help prevent COVID-19 transmissions and more severe cases that require hospitalization, and also help in maintaining our critical infrastructure and economy intact” Governor Kelly said.

Kansas is currently experiencing significant increases in COVID-19 cases following the winter holidays and from the new Omicron variant. Medical professionals anticipate that the numbers will worsen throughout the month of January and into early February.  Early data indicates that while the Omicron variant causes milder symptoms, it is more transmissible, even amongst vaccinated individuals.

Please find the state disaster declaration here.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Booster Shot and Additional Primary Dose for Immunocompromised Children

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KDHE Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shot and Additional Primary Dose for Immunocompromised Children

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and additional primary dose for immunocompromised children following authorization from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). KDHE has authorized the 2,000+ COVID-19 vaccine providers across Kansas to begin administering the booster shot and additional primary dose to eligible populations.

“It has been proven that that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective and is the best tool to protect you and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and death. Our hospitals continue to report that the large majority of patients hospitalized with COVID, particularly those on ventilators, are not vaccinated,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said. “Today’s announcement to expand eligibility opens up the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot to an additional 36,000 children who received their primary series at least 5 months ago. The Pfizer booster shot is shown to increase the neutralizing antibodies by 25-fold compared to just two doses. Now is the best time to get the booster shot or get the primary series if you have not gotten it to protect yourself and your family.”

The following updates were made to COVID-19 booster shot eligibility.

  • Children ages 12-15 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Today, the CDC authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot for children ages 12-15 to be administered 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. 36,474 of the 68,476 children who have completed the Pfizer-BioNTech primary series are now eligible to receive the vaccine booster.
  • Shortened booster waiting period. People can now receive a booster shot 5 months after completing the Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. This change comes following the January 4 announcement by the CDC. The waiting period for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months) has not changed. The CDC has listed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna as the preferred COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the CDC allows for mix and match dosing for booster shots.

The following update was made to the additional primary dose eligibility for immunocompromised people.

Moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages 5-11 can now receive an additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine administered 28 days after their second shot. This change comes following the January 4 announcement by the CDC.

Click here to find the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility information for primary, additional and booster vaccines.

KDHE continues to urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

  • Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. The COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States are expected to protect against serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant, especially for people who have received a booster. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and over should receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all people ages 12 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
  • Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people in Kansas wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.    At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, people should follow up with a health care provider for a confirmation test.
  • Social distance. People should avoid large gatherings and stay at least 6 feet from others when in public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.

Food, Government, Kansas

Emergency Food Assistance Benefits Extended for 63,000 Kansas households

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TOPEKA – In an effort to continue supporting Kansans as they manage the impacts of COVID-19 and the multiple variants of the virus, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced the continuation of the emergency food assistance (SNAP) benefits to current participants.

The extension will increase the maximum monthly benefit for 63,000 households across the state and deliver an additional $14,591,000 per month to Kansas.

“Our goal at DCF is to protect children and strengthen families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The extension of the emergency food assistance benefits will help ensure Kansas families continue to have access to healthy groceries and basic necessities.”

The continuance of the emergency allotment is effective through July 31, 2022, or upon the termination of the federal declaration of a Public Health Emergency, whichever occurs sooner. This is the second instance the emergency food assistance benefit has been extended.

No application is necessary to receive the emergency food assistance funds. The distribution will continue to follow the standard alphabetical schedule.

Those who do not currently receive food assistance, but are interested in applying, are encouraged to visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

Secretary Howard issued the Declaration of Continuing Benefits due to COVID-19 — under K.S.A. 39-708c, et seq. — which directs the agency to continue taking all necessary actions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the State of Kansas.

Bourbon County, Government, History

Bourbon County Tax Sale: 78 Properties Up For Auction

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The Bourbon County Courthouse, 2nd and National Avenue in Fort Scott.

Seventy-eight properties will go up for auction at the Bourbon County Tax sale next Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Forty-one are Fort Scott properties and 31 are from the Mapleton area, most of which are from Hidden Valley Lake, according to a spokesperson for the county.

Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office, 210 S. National Avenue.

Buyers can’t have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.

Family members can’t buy property owned by another family member.

Properties in the city of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the special assessment due on the property.

Any Fort Scott properties that don’t sell will go to the Fort Scott Landbank.

There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner at the auction.

Payment in full is required at the end of the auction.

There is an added fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.

Announcements by the county will override any prior statements.

 

To view the tax sale properties:

 

BBCO Tax Sale 01 13 22 public

 

BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION
JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
property address, City, OwnerName, OPENING BID, 2021 TAXES

1011 CLAY BRONSON ERICKSON, RICKY A 49.52
305 MAIN BRONSON BARTLETT, RICHARD L 146.19
307 CHARLEs BRONSON COMPTON, WILLIAM 73.78
1007 230TH ST FORT SCOTT HUTTON, GEORGIA N & PAMELA  500.73
104 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C  10.79
107 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, REBECCA  $ 6 46.32 6.41
110 S MAIN FORT SCOTT BENITIZ, SANTIAGO2 ,152.36
113 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C 558.74
113 S NATIONAL FORT SCOTT D J & A LLC  $ – 5 ,794.21
116 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 6,852.85 608.61
12 N EDDY FORT SCOTT ISAACSON, JAMES  $ 8,988.58 1 ,031.97
1302 GRAND RD FORT SCOTT JAYHAWK ENERGY INC  59.71
1311 E 1ST ST FORT SCOTT SIMPSON, BETTY A $ 2 0,516.37 230.32
1403 E OAK FORT SCOTT HACKNER, NELSON D  $ 9 24.42 152.66
1498 212TH TER FORT SCOTT KENDRICK, JACK 142.32
1517 S MAIN FORT SCOTT HAGOOD, RAEANNE $ 1 79.32 203.43
1801 E WALL FORT SCOTT FOULK, JOHN D & ADDIE $ 7,521.70 752.59
201 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 4,489.10 43.09
202 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT DECKER, MARY / FILES, CYNTHIA  $ 1 3,431.95 43.09
208 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DUROSSETTE, CHRISTINE  $ 1 0,495.20 9.40
2144 MAPLE RD FORT SCOTT JUDY, ELMER JR & LEE ELLA 233.91
215 S OSBUN FORT SCOTT HAM, JACK D JR $ 6 9.83 9.40
216 S MARGRAVE FORT SCOTT FRIEND, MARGARET 111 341.35
219 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DOUCET, STEVEN DAVID 510.08
312 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, JESSICA  $ 2 ,754.35 130.59
315 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 1,949.34 89.55
317 S LITTLE FORT SCOTT CLARK, RICHARD$ 1 3,498.17 43.09
323 W 2ND ST FORT SCOTT HIPPLE, PAMELA  $ 1 7,816.91 67.02
324 S BROADWAY FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 6,051.44 47.86
416 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT ALFARO, ARLENE/KELSCH, GEORGE$ 1 3,948.43 93.34
417 S MAIN FORT SCOTT IRELAND, MICHAEL T/NEEDHAM, TRAVIS/ COON, RYAN $ 4 ,052.86 93.34
517 S BURKE FORT SCOTT CARSON, JOHN H 504.92
517 S CLARK FORT SCOTT DUREN, JIMMIE D  $ 1 1,049.66 413.96
602 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL  $ 8 21.82 51.29
602 S ANDRICK FORT SCOTT CARSON, SHANE’313.73
612 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR $ 4,329.60 9.40
615 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR$ 2,985.12 9.40
616 S HORTON FORT SCOTT NEWBERRY, JAMES  $ 7,241.70 93.34
619 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT DAVENPORT, SAMUEL  $ 7 4.78 9.40
621 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD  $ 2,126.93 135.98
E SYCAMORE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.34
N MARION FORT SCOTT BUCHFINK, TOMMY SUE  9.40
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 26.14
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.14
EAGLE ROAD GARLAND CULVER, ED  0.88
10 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON AFUALO, COLETTE  8.01
10 KANSAS DR MAPLETON DAVID, ANDREW R 185.40
11 BOURBON DR MAPLETON FREAR, INEZ G  6.75
127 OAK DR MAPLETON ADAMS, JAMES D JR & ADAMS, BRIAN 8.01
130 PERSIMMON RD MAPLETON HARN, LEVI/BRIGGS, JEFFREY  31.91
138 HIDDEN VALLEY RD MAPLETON HIGGINS, TRAVIS 2021-14.35
14 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
16 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
17 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON GLASS, LARRY  15.03
19 APPLE RD MAPLETON BRADFORD, DALE R 8.01
20 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 7.45
22 E EASTPORT RD MAPLETON GIER, JOHN A 8.01
22 WARE RD MAPLETON HAUN, CHRISTOPHER M 13.03
25 CHESTNUT DR MAPLETON DUNIVAN, MICHAEL P  8.01
27 CEDAR LN MAPLETON PARKER, BARRY / JARVI, STEVE  9.64
4 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY 6.75
4 LOCUST RD MAPLETON BROWN, ANTHONY E  8.01
42 WARE RD MAPLETON HESS, DONALD G 9.48
48 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON HARRIS, JESSIE R  8.01
48 WARE RD MAPLETON GILLESPIE, KENNETH C  21.60
BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION

JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
5 APPLE RD MAPLETON HUNTER, JESSE W8.01
57 WARE RD MAPLETON GRIFFITHS, DALE15.99
58 WARE RD MAPLETON ADAMS, TYSON SR7.31
6 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY  8.01
6 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 13.43
8 E LAKEVIEW RD MAPLETON BELT, AIMEE C16.98
80 WARE RD MAPLETON LINDBLOOM, VERNON L / GILLILAND, JOSEPH 6.75
98 CLARK RD MAPLETON FRIZZELL, ROBERT T 8.01
LIBERTY MAPLETON CULVER, INC1 1.95
MAIN MAPLETON CULVER, INC 10.85
20TH ST MORAN BURNS, WILLIAM34.71
402 N CEDAR REDFIELD CRAWFORD, HAZEL804.24
405 WASHINGTON UNIONTOWN CARPENTER, R A 57.14
41 FORT SCOTT
30 MAPLETON
1 GARLAND
1 REDFIELD
1 UNIONTOWN
3 BRONSON
1 MORAN
78
Sale date: 1/13/2022
Time: 10:00
Location: Bourbon County Courthouse
TERMS:
Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Treasurer’s office
Buyers cannot have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.
Family members cannot buy property owned by another family member.
Properties in the City of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the Special Assessment due on the property (if any)
Any properties in the City of Fort Scott that do not sell at this auction will go into the Fort Scott Land Bank
There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner after the auction.
Payment in full is required at the end of the auction
There will be an adidtional fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.
Announcements by the County at the auction over ride any prior statemetns.

Fort Scott, Government

Christmas Tree Free Pick Up Available

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The City of Fort Scott Public Works Department will be picking up discarded Christmas trees at no charge for City residents again this year. The pickup dates will occur on Friday, January 7th, 2022, Friday, January 14th, 2022, Friday, January 21st, 2022, and Friday, January 28th, 2022.

The Public Works Department asks that you place the tree at the curbside off the street and call City Hall at 223-0550 with your address and name to schedule the pickup.

The discarded trees will be used to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the City-owned water structure properties.

Government, Kansas

Ks Cybersecurity Task Force Report Released

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces the Release of the Cybersecurity Task Force Final Report

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the release of the Cybersecurity Task Force’s final report. In the Task Force’s report of forty-one recommendations, they identified seventeen as critical. These critical recommendations are essential to the implementation of other recommendations, or in the absence of resources, these critical recommendations should be implemented for greatest impact.

“These cyber security recommendations put Kansas on a path to be proactive in securing our data while also growing our workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Task Force for your hard work and diligence these last five months. It’s never been more important to strengthen our cybersecurity.”

The Task Force began meeting regularly in August and delivered its first report, an interim report, in early October. The final report, submitted in early December, is the result of several more months of meeting with stakeholders from across and outside of Kansas to help identify both the gaps and capabilities in Kansas’ cybersecurity posture.

“Important to us was to provide the Governor with actionable recommendations that can increase the cybersecurity posture of Kansas and grow its cybersecurity workforce,” said co-chairs Mike Mayta and Jeff Maxon. “After meeting with stakeholders, we feel confident in the potential that Kansas possesses. Countless efforts are happening locally and at a regional level, and our recommendations aim to bring those efforts together and scale them so they can strengthen Kansas as a whole.”

In addition to meeting with stakeholders, the Task Force solicited public feedback to help determine new recommendations for inclusion in the final report as well as any refining of the recommendations first published in the interim report.

The final report includes five new recommendations while consolidating and streamlining others, taking the report from forty-five to forty-one recommendations. Recommendations are organized by subject areas such as Cybersecurity Governance and Strategy and Incident Response Exercises and Training while also giving some recommendations priority distinction of critical or high. The Task Force identified these critical and high priority recommendations as ones that are critical to the implementation of others while also having significant impacts on cybersecurity.

The Task Force’s final report can be found here.

The Task Force’s interim report can be found here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 4

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: January 4, 2022 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton 

 

 

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • Reorganization of Board 
  • Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report 
  • Bobby Reed – Heating & Air Units – Possible Power Surge 
  • Susan Bancroft – Employee Landfill Dumping 
  • Lora Holdridge – Year End Review 
  • Lynne Oharah – Landowner Rights Resolution Discussion 
  • Ashley Shelton – 2022 Resolutions 
  • Ashley Shelton – Personnel Matters 
  • Justin Meeks – Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 
  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment 
  • Public Comment 
  • Commission Comment 
Government, Kansas

Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

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December Total Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

 TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.

Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

View the tax receipts here.

Food, Government, Kansas

Kansas Issues Fish Consumption Advisories for 2022

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) are issuing fish consumption advisories for 2022. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and the risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.

Definitions:

Bottom-feeding fish: buffaloes, carps, catfishes, sturgeons and suckers.

Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish.

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

  • Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
  • Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
  • Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:

Getting outside to catch fish and eating fish has many health benefits, but all fish contain some amount of mercury. Anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to their children should carefully consider the types and amounts they eat, including store-bought fish. Too much dietary mercury can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies and growing children. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children younger than 17 years old) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating fish caught in Kansas.

Fishing and Eating Guidelines:

  • Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
  • Eat types of fish with less mercury (Preferred Choice Fish in the chart below).
  • If you don’t know the type or size of fish you are eating, wait at least a week before eating fish again.
  • When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches as regulations allow.

 

Preferred Choice Fish Servings
Blue and Channel Catfish

Common Carp

Crappies

White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye

Bullhead Catfish

Drum

Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

 1 or 2

per week

 

Second Choice Fish Servings
Buffaloes (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)

Flathead Catfish

Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)

 1 or 2

per month

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than about 20 inches to:

 

  • Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
  • Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas fish, please contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, in store bought fish, and in other types seafood please visit the U.S. EPA and U.S. FDA websites.

Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per week from the following locations because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

  • Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
  • Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties).
  • Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per month from the following location because of PCBs:

  • K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

  • Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish and catfishes due to PCBs.
  • Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
  • Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
  • Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
  • Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County) – Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.

Waterbodies affected by Harmful Algae Blooms

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) suggest the fish are safe to eat.  However, please take the following precautions:

  • Avoid skin contact with water.
  • Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
  • Rinse fish with clean water.
  • Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
  • Eat only skinless fillets.
  • Do not eat shellfish.

General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish

  • Keep smaller fish to eat and let the big ones go.
  • Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
  • Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
  • Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
  • Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.

Other information from KDHE, KDWPT, EPA, and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program please visit the website at http://www.kdheks.gov/befs/fish_tissue_monitoring.htm.

For information about fishing in Kansas including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and fishing forecasts please visit the KDWPT fishing website http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.

For information about the health benefits vs. the risks of including fish in your diet please visit this American Heart Association website https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/25/eating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits please visit http://www2.epa.gov/fish-tech.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas sees a 54% increase in drug overdoses in first 6 months of 2021 

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to highlight the importance of overdose prevention resources and education amid increased drug overdose deaths in 2021. Provisional surveillance results from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) show that at least 338 Kansas residents have died of drug overdose between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The tally represents a 54% increase from the 220 drug overdose deaths identified by SUDORS surveillance in the same 6-month time frame in 2020. Provisional data represents the most current estimates and is subject to change.

SUDORS collects information regarding unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths. It combines various data sources, including death certificates, medical examiner and coroner reports, and law enforcement reports to provide insight into circumstances surrounding overdose deaths. SUDORS is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more information can be found on their website.

Of the provisional 338 deaths, 149 involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogs, 149 involved methamphetamine and 40 involved other licit and illicit drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines and prescription opioids. More than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.

Fentanyl continues to drive the uptick in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl statewide. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and may be difficult to reverse.

There are several resources available to prevent drug overdoses. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment services. People who use drugs and their support networks have access to naloxone and are trained in overdose recognition and naloxone administration procedures. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.

DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program that is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.

Please visit PreventOverdoseKS.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.