Category Archives: Government

Patty Love: Bourbon County Treasurer Candidate

Patty Love. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Patty Love is the current Bourbon County Treasurer and is running for re-election.
Love received an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a certificate of completion from Fort Hays State University as  Certified County Treasurer, a Certified Kansas County Finance Officer and will receive her third certification at the September state treasurer’s meeting.
  “I have worked for Bourbon County for nine years,” Love said. ” I started as a temporary employee in the register of deeds office, this led to a full-time position as a floater between with deeds office and the county clerks office, then I transferred to the county treasurer’s office.”
 ” I was deputy treasurer for five years before being appointed treasurer when Rhonda Dunn resigned,” she said. “I was elected treasurer in 2018 to complete Rhonda Dunn’s term.”
What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?
 “I have worked in the other offices in the courthouse and understand how they work together.  I have eight years of experience in the treasurer’s office and am familiar with all operations of the office.”
What is your priority on day one?
“My priority is the same as it has been in the last 2 1/2 years which is to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expenses within budget and to cut expenses where possible.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Relief For Motor Carriers During Pandemic

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Executive Order Extending Relief to Motor Carriers During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Executive Order #20-57 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, until August 14, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-45.

 

“The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said.

 

The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.

 

To view E.O. #20-57, click here.

Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Captive Cervid Herd

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive cervid herd in Osage County, Kansas, and is working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to mitigate risk to the captive cervid industry as well as the local wild deer population in the area. Though CWD has been detected in wild deer populations in many western Kansas counties, this is the first documented positive case in eastern Kansas and the first in a captive herd since 2001.

 

CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of animals in the family cervidae (elk, deer, and moose) that impacts the animal’s brain cells, ultimately causing death. Only animals in the family cervidae are susceptible to CWD. Currently, there is no evidence that CWD poses a threat to humans.

 

The CWD-infected animal was born and raised on the premises in Osage County where it was tested after being euthanized in late June. The affected premises has been placed under quarantine, and tracing and surveillance are underway on all animals which have moved into or out of this captive cervid herd in the last five years.

 

KDWPT will conduct additional surveillance of CWD in Osage County as part of the agency’s annual testing of wild deer taken during hunting seasons, and through a three-year, statewide research project set to begin this fall. KDWPT will use the data collected to develop CWD risk assessment maps and future surveillance, prevention, management, and regulatory efforts.

 

Owners of captive cervid herds in Kansas are encouraged to participate in KDA’s CWD Herd Certification Program. This program provides increased oversight via annual inventory reconciliation, identification of all cervids over one year of age on the premises, and CWD testing for all animal mortalities. Though certification is voluntary, only operations that have been CWD-certified for at least five years may legally move animals interstate. The infected Osage County animal was in a CWD-certified herd which had not received any animals from any operations that did not have equal or greater certification status.

 

For more information, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/CWD, call the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601, or visit KDWPT at ksoutdoors.com/CWD.

 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while also promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection to the best of our ability.

 

KS Has New Eco Devo Professionals

Department of Commerce strengthens team with new Deputy Secretary and Community Development Director

 

TOPEKA – Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced the hiring of two economic development professionals to help direct business and community development efforts for the state.

 

William (Bill) Murphy will become the new Deputy Secretary for Business Development at Commerce, directing efforts to drive the growth of existing businesses in Kansas and recruit new businesses into the state. He will oversee the Business, Community and International development divisions, as well as the Bioscience/Technology and Marketing and Communications divisions.

 

With more than two decades of experience in economic development leadership roles, Murphy currently serves as senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

He previously worked as executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and before that held various economic development roles in Ohio and Maryland. He also worked in the energy sector in Ohio.

 

“Bill will be a tremendous asset for Commerce and Kansas in this very critical role,” Toland said. “He has a strong record facilitating job creation and capital investment, and his expertise and experience in economic development for markets of all sizes will be instrumental as we continue to work on a statewide, national and international approach to growth in Kansas.”

 

Murphy earned a Master of Urban/Public Administration degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Wright State University. He also completed various economic development-related certifications and training.

 

“I’m thrilled to join the Commerce team that is leading the state’s economic comeback at this critical juncture,” Murphy said. “Kansas is very well positioned to return to a posture of aggressive growth, and to seize opportunities created by COVID-19, which is why I’m eager to get to work with Governor Kelly, Secretary Toland and businesses and communities statewide.”

 

Toland also announced the hiring of Kayla Savage to lead the newly established Community Development Division.

 

As director of Commerce’s Community Development Division, Savage oversees the Community Development Block Grant program, the Community Service Tax Credit program, Rural Opportunity Zones and Kansas Main Street, which was relaunched in December 2019. Her role also includes partnering with the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure that rural Kansans have the tools and skills necessary to create thriving, resilient communities.

 

“Kayla is bright, creative and a natural collaborator,” Toland said. “She’s helping Commerce ensure that all Kansas towns can have the resources and tools they need to create vibrant communities.”

 

Savage previously was program coordinator and assistant director for the community education unit of Global Campus, and before that served as executive director of the Main Street program in Emporia, Kansas.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication, Public Relations and Business from Emporia State University and Master of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of this vital effort to help communities across Kansas connect with the tools they need to move forward and prosper,” Savage said. “Our team will be innovative and visionary in partnering with communities of all sizes and geographic locations during this very critical time, and beyond.”

 

For more information on Commerce’s Business and Community Development divisions and other programs, visit kansascommerce.gov.

 

Federal COVID 19 Funding Announced

Governor Kelly Announces More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Respond to Coronavirus

Funding targets state, local jurisdictions, and domestic violence support and prevention

 

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced $6,202,603 in grant awards to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus, as well as funds to support families impacted by domestic violence.

 

“My administration continues to work to ensure Kansans and the communities impacted by COVID-19 have the resources they need to fight the spread of the virus” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants are thorough and purposeful examples of how we can direct funds across the state, especially to some of our possibly overlooked areas in need. We know domestic violence is an issue that has been amplified by the pandemic, and this funding will provide support services to those who need them the most.”

 

The grant awards for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide funds to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Allowable purchases include overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of incarcerated inmates.

 

The CESF Program is authorized by Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Act Pub. L. No. 116136 (Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations) and is supplemental to the $1.25 billion Kansas received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) authorized by the same legislation.

 

Only the State Administrating Agency (Kansas Governor’s Office) that applied under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program is eligible to apply for the state allocation of CESF funding.

 

A total of $5,912,074 was awarded to 30 state and local agencies.

 

CESF Grant Awards
County Organization Name Grant Award
Barton Barton County $102,356
Bourbon Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office $113,454
Bourbon City of Fort Scott $12,201
Cherokee Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office $52,175
Coffey City of LeRoy $14,094
Coffey Coffey County Sheriff’s Office $46,075
Crawford Crawford County Sheriff’s Office $16,268
Ellsworth Ellsworth Police Department $32,960
Finney City of Garden City $22,200
Ford City of Dodge City $20,000
Franklin Ottawa Police Department $168,051
Harper City of Attica $7,500
Harvey City of Newton $32,480
Jackson Jackson County $52,928
Marion Marion County Emergency Management $36,300
McPherson City of Inman $1,900
Miami Miami County Sheriff’s Office $57,959
Montgomery City of Independence $35,842
Montgomery Coffeyville Police Department $61,655
Neosho Neosho County Sheriff’s Office $46,632
Pottawatomie Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office $14,266
Pratt Pratt Police Department $20,851
Reno Reno County Health Department $19,348
Sedgwick City of Kechi $60,848
Sedgwick City of Valley Center $43,891
Shawnee Kansas Bureau of Investigation $520,000
Shawnee Kansas Department of Corrections $1,700,000
Shawnee Kansas Highway Patrol $975,000
Shawnee Kansas Judicial Branch $1,600,000
Wilson Wilson County $24,840
  TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $5,912,074

 

The grant awards for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family and Youth Services Bureau, Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Program’s Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136 are used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency by supporting families impacted by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.

 

This supplemental funding addresses the evolving needs of domestic violence survivors and local domestic violence programs throughout the state to ensure the continuity of shelter and supportive services.

 

Funds will be used for overtime and hazard pay for staff, supplies needed for COVID-19 response, equipment and software to assist in carrying out remote services, and direct victim assistance.  Funding may also be used to purchase supplies for the safety of staff and operate shelters and programs during this public health emergency.

 

Grant funds were distributed to current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) subgrantees based on incorporating an equally distributed base amount, population of service area, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases as of the date the solicitation was released.

 

A total of $290,529 was awarded to 19 agencies.

 

FVPSA-CARES ACT Grant Awards
County Organization Name Grant Award
Allen Hope Unlimited $7,174
Barton Family Crisis Center $8,217
Butler Family Life Center $8,286
Crawford Safehouse Crisis Center $10,492
Douglas The Willow Domestic Violence Center $11,356
Ellis Options:  Domestic & Sexual Violence Services $8,938
Finney Family Crisis Services $27,241
Ford Crisis Center of Dodge City $31,150
Harvey Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force $8,550
Johnson SAFEHOME $25,783
Leavenworth Alliance Against Family Violence $17,723
Lyon SOS $12,579
Reno BrightHouse $8,859
Riley Crisis Center $11,458
Saline Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas $9,619
Sedgwick Catholic Charities, Harbor House $14,359
Sedgwick Wichita Family Crisis Center $15,980
Seward Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services $23,704
Wyandotte Friends of Yates $29,061
  TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $290,529

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list: Arkansas, Alabama and South Carolina removed

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has removed three states from the quarantine list: Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. Additionally, KDHE has modified its international travel list from all international travel to just countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, plus Bahrain and French Guiana. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

Traveled to:

  • Florida on or after June 29.
  • Arizona on or after June 17.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
  • International travel to Bahrain or French Guiana on or after July 14.
  • International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow CDC guidance and protocols.

 

Others needing to continue quarantining:

  • Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

“The removal of states from our list isn’t cause for celebration,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “We base our list on new case rates by population size and unfortunately, Kansas’ numbers are increasing significantly and our cases by population base have approached, even surpassed the states we had on our list. We must do better, Kansas. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, avoid large gatherings. Each one of us is responsible for our actions.”

 

States added to this list are determined by evaluating new cases in states over a two-week period, then adjusting for population size, giving a case per 100,000 population which can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. States with significantly higher rates (approximately 3 times higher) are added to the list.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department  regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bill Martin: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Bill Martin, 54, is the current Sheriff of Bourbon County and is running for re-election.

 

His education includes Uniontown High School, an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, and he attended graduate school at Missouri Southern State University.

 

Martin’s experience includes National Sheriff’s Institute, Aurora, CO;  Executive Level Management Education and Training Rural Executive Management Institute; a management education and training program designed to prepare rural law enforcement executives for the unique challenges, Session XLIV, St. Louis, MO; Kansas City Missouri Police Dept. Regional Training Center, over 3,000 hours of in-service training in the criminal justice and administration fields; Kansas Sheriff’s Academy 2020 Professional Development and Leadership Academy and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

 

Martin, in addition to being the current Bourbon County Sheriff, has served on the Kansas City, MO Police Department, the Pittsburg, KS Police Department, and the Fort Scott Police Department.

 

Martin served in the military in the following capacities: U.S. Army (Active Service), Kansas National Guard (Military Police), Primary Leadership Development Course,  and Basic Non-Commissioned Leadership Course.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected:

“I have maintained the same skill set, demeanor and decorum for the past eight years as the current sheriff, and even prior to my current position as the undersheriff for six years.”

 

What is your priority on day one?

“To continue to oversee and direct county law enforcement to the citizens of this jurisdiction, in the same effective matter has I have exhibited during my tenure.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Kansas Unemployment Services “Resets”

Governor Laura Kelly Shares Update from Kansas Department of Labor

Call center representatives added, virtual assistant launched

 

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been working with a team of specialists from Accenture for just over two weeks as they provide operational and technological assessments to improve the delivery of unemployment services.

 

“We know there have been major issues and missteps, we’ve hit the reset button and are focusing on the future,” Governor Kelly said. “Accenture is reviewing and providing recommendations to improve the stability of our systems to make sure they are readily available to support Kansans.”

 

While the assessment is still underway, improvements are already being implemented. Since the pandemic began, KDOL has delivered $1.2 billion in unemployment claims to nearly 200,000 Kansans.

 

One of the primary difficulties the agency has had is the high volume of calls coming in that require highly-trained customer service representatives to address. At the direction of Governor Kelly, KDOL has worked with Accenture to add call center representatives who are trained in unemployment surge response and will be able to provide progressively higher levels of service to callers. The first group of new representatives started taking calls on Monday and more will start next week after completing training.

 

In addition to hiring more call center representatives, KDOL has hired seven additional IT employees to speed up implementation of the various federal unemployment programs. Those hires include professionals with specific experience in the programming language that KDOL’s outdated system was built in.

 

KDOL has also launched a new online virtual agent named Amelia who can answer the agency’s most frequently asked questions regarding unemployment benefits. Amelia can be found in the bottom right hand corner of www.getkansasbenefits.gov and as of Monday afternoon has had nearly 7,000 conversations, exchanging more than 23,000 messages with users.

 

Accenture has previously worked with more than half a dozen other states in addressing COVID-related programs. Like Kansas, many states have struggled due to the sheer number of unemployment claims and their antiquated computer systems. Accenture has stated that the system in Kansas is one of the most severe cases of outdated technology they have encountered.

 

As it develops its recommendations, the Accenture team is applying lessons learned from their work in other states, including how to use federal stimulus funds to rebuild antiquated systems and adding automated features to the website to help answer questions and get Kansans paid quicker.

 

“The response model being implemented will be able to be scaled up as needed and there will be more trained agents and technology workarounds for the current computer system,” KDOL Acting Secretary Ryan Wright said. “Our top priority is to get Kansans paid as quickly as possible and with good customer service.”

 

Currently, nearly everything in the KDOL system must be done manually with minimal automation, which means processes take longer and fewer Kansans can be served. The data and metrics are not stored in a central location, which makes it cumbersome to verify and difficult to provide consistent system reporting. 

 

“Once the surge response is stabilized, we’ll be able to turn attention to the badly needed system rebuild, so we never face this situation again,” Wright said.

FS City Commission Meets July 17

The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Friday, July 17th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the City’s 5 year capital plan.

The meetings are still limited in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in until the room is full to ensure the public health orders are followed.

The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 14

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 14, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE 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 JT Heckman

9:30 – 9:45 Tri-Valley Board

9:45 – 10:00 Jody Hoener, BCBS Pathways Grant

10:00 – 10:15 Jody Hoener, CDBG-CV Grants & Spark

10:15 – 10:30 BBCO Soil Conservation District, 2021 Budget Review

10:30 – 10:45 David Neville, Second Floor Air Conditioner

10:45 – 11:00 Susan Bancroft, Requesting a variance from Sewer District Agreement

11:00 – 11:15 Larry Sharp, KCAMP Insurance Annual Review

11:15 – 11:30 Bill Martin/Bobby Reed, 2021 Budget Review

11:30 – 11:35 Michael Hoyt, Spark Program

11:45 – 12:00 Jacqie Spradling, Attorney 2021 Budget Review

12:00 – 12:15 Justin Meeks, CIC Contract

12:15 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 4:30 Commissioners to have a budget work session

FS Lake Advisory Board Meets July 18

The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, July 18th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

The meetings are still limited in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in until the room is full to ensure the public health orders are followed.

The meeting will still be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Nick Graham: Candidate For Bourbon County Clerk

Nick Graham. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of the federal, state, then local candidates.

 

Nick Graham, 40, is a candidate for Bourbon County Clerk.

 

Graham has an associate’s degree in network administration from Labette Community College.

 

He has 20 years in information technology experience for local small businesses and education providers. He is a former Fort Scott City Commissioner.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if elected?
“I love helping and interacting with people, which is not particularly common among IT guys, and the clerk’s office provides a ton of opportunities to help improve and streamline county services and communication that we can implement quickly and at little or no cost.”

“I also think I’m a strong coalition builder – there is a lot of silo mentality going on inside (and outside) the county government right now, and when that happens, the biggest loser is the taxpayer, as they get fragmented service and fragmented communication.  I’ve sat down with several elected and non-elected officials on the county level (and the city level) sharing my ideas and plans on ways we can make everyone’s job a little easier and provide a much smoother experience for our customers, the taxpayers.”
“Lastly, having worked in the technology side of public education and for small businesses with very limited budgets, I’ve learned how to improvise and innovate without spending a lot of money.  In a rural county like ours, that’s going to be more and more critical as time goes on, especially in economic times like these.”

What is your priority on day one?

“I have two main priorities for when I am sworn in as clerk:

1) Build a useful online presence for the county – provide quality online broadcasts of the meetings, start building an easily accessible and easy to use system so people can pull up public records online, and making it as easy as possible for people to do their business with the county without having to take a trip to the courthouse if they don’t want to.

2) Education.  The county clerk’s office is incredibly multifaceted, from taking minutes at commission meetings, to handling accounts payable, to overseeing all local elections, to being co-guardian of the budget with the treasurer.  And that’s just four of the fourteen core responsibilities.  It’s a critical position, and I intend to immerse myself in all the training and resources available to the clerk.  I’ve also established good working relationships with both current and former county clerks in the southeast Kansas area, so I feel like I’ve got a great support team in place.”

 

The following is from the Bourbon County website:

 

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

The County Clerk is elected in November of Presidential Election years to a term of four years.  There are no term limits to this elected office.

The Bourbon County Clerk/Election Officer is responsible for a wide range of things under Kansas Law.  Some of those are listed here.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.