Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Grant to Improve Food Assistance Benefits

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Federal grant awarded to improve efficiency and access to Kansas Food Assistance program

TOPEKA – The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program has announced the awarding of a Process and Technology Improvement grant of $706,550 to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The grant will enhance the digital system that accepts SNAP, known as Food Assistance in Kansas, applications.

“Our main goal is to reduce status wait times, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall client experience,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard shared. “This will result in Kansans receiving Food Assistance benefits in a timely manner and ensuring that Food Assistance continues to effectively serve as the primary defense against hunger.”

The FNS Process and Technology Improvement grants supports efforts by state agencies and their community-based and faith-based partners to develop and implement projects that use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of SNAP application and eligibility determination systems.

DCF will automate manual Food Assistance administrative tasks using BOT automation. Using this technology, the agency will be able to register cases, enter data, and create workflow tasks for caseworkers all without human intervention. Workers will receive notification of an issue with an application and then will follow-up with the Kansan to ask questions or get additional details.

In FY 2022, DCF received 147,224 Food Assistance applications. Currently, the state has 95,047 Food Assistance cases that are made up of 106,699 adults and 84,343 children. DCF is working in partnership with Accenture, the technology business manager of the data management system used by the agency for the benefit programs.

The teams will begin working immediately on the upgrades and have up to three years to complete the project using the funding from the FNS grant.

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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of more than 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #1 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov. 1. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Business, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Radio Station Recognized by Kansas Dept. of Commerce

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Tim and Deb McKenney at the recent awards ceremony. Submitted photo.

A local business was recognized during the recent ceremony by The Kansas Department of Commerce held in Wichita on Oct. 12.

To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/.

Fort Scott Broadcasting Co. Inc was recognized as the Southeast Kansas Regional Winner in Retail and Service. Tim and Deb McKenney are the owners of the business.

The award plaque was received by the McKenney’s. Submitted photo.

“Deb submitted the information,” Tim McKenney said.  “It was really just a statement about the station’s 70th birthday under the same family ownership and management coming up next year.  She mentioned some of our programs we air regularly such as the city, county, and school talk shows to keep folks in tune with current happenings in the area.”

“The award was for 69 years of community service to our community,” Deb said.

 

The order of the awards at the ceremony. Submitted photo.

The categories were:

  • AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
  • Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.

Businesses and individuals from across the state were honored for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state’s economy at the ceremony, according to a press release.

Governor Laura Kelly announced at the ceremony that Atwood-based SurePoint Ag Systems has won the 2023 Governor’s Award of Excellence and Tank Connection in Parsons earned the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, according to the press release.

A record 297 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in nine categories for this year’s To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards, according to the release. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria such as business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investments, and support of local community events. A total of 245 Merit Awards and 43 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

To view the list of award winners: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/#h-merit-award-winners

In the regional award winners division for retail/ service across the state, the winners were:

From the Southeast section of the state,  the regional winner was Fort Scott Broadcasting All Hit 103.9 fm, 98.3 fm, and 1600 am.

East Central
JT’s Grill

Northwest
Shores Napa Auto Parts

Northeast
Lumber House True Value

South Central
Country at Heart

Southwest
Jetmore Veterinary Service

 

Government, Kansas

KS Flags Are Half-Staff In Honor of Judge Malcolm

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Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Magistrate Judge William Malcolm


TOPEKA— Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities until Monday, October 23, 2023, to honor 21st District Magistrate Judge William Malcolm, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this month.

“Judge Malcolm was a dedicated public servant who, for nearly two decades, worked hard to ensure justice for the citizens of Clay and Riley counties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “On behalf of the State of Kansas, I thank him for his service. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.”

Judge Malcolm passed away on October 15, 2023. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:  https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.  

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Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Oct. 10

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

OCTOBER 10, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM 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 Danny Taylor, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan,
City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Region H Multi-Hazard, Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan – Clerk Johnson communicated with Bourbon County Emergency Management that we adopted resolution to continue in June, 2022, and sent updates to the city’s portion of the plan. There has been no acknowledgement of the communication. She will followup.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:20, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 7:20PM. No action taken.

CITIZENS REQUEST
None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the September 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds
was $385,053.49, Receipts $46,930.23, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $33,645.50, Checking Account Closing
Balance $395,312.22. Bank Statement Balance $404,186.79, including Checking Account Interest of $82.69, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,874.57, Reconciled Balance $395,312.22. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $482,395.77. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $713.64, and Utility CDs
$682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,396.21. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of September 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September
Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond &
Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $10,258.73, Year-to-Date
Net Income $51,760.25. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $90,189.41 (73.8%), Expenditures $84,841.97
(53.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $28,217.64 (76.5%), Expenditures $23,385.57 (56.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue
$109,050.40 (69.6%), Expenditures $98,075.55 (43.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $150,127.90 (100.2%),
Expenditures $120,383.02 (65.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,100.03 (81.8%), Expenditures $3,713.22
(31.8%). The October 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $35,838.69 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
 Minutes of September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich on vacation.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that he hasn’t seen any progress yet on 404 Washington, they have until
December 1 to complete exterior. The dead tree at 505 Wall has been removed. 201 Fulton, 303 Third, 401 Sherman,
201 Franklin, 307 Washington, and 306 Washington grass/weeds were discussed. Coyan will talk to or send letters as
needed. Clerk Johnson will get contact information for 201 Fulton and 201 Franklin for him. There are broken limbs
hanging in a tree on the easement between 406 and 408 Fulton.

Clerk Johnson reported on the KRWA webinar she attended regarding Lead Service Line Inventory and workshop on
Alcohol Beverage Control. She also handed out information on PFAS class action suit and Cybersecurity.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – would like council salary put on agenda next month. Clerk Johnson is to present a draft ordinance
on amount and regulations for council pay.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park – 30AMP outlets have been requested for use for food trucks not during an event.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to set the fee for use of 30AMP outlets at $15

Street project – contractor will be in town October 12 to visit with Rich about the project and plan to begin on October
13.

Council asked to have procurement policy on next month’s agenda to review and amended, if needed.

Mural Grant – we have received the second payment from grant.

Placemaking Project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will be sending us the grant application that has to be filled out online.

Multi-use of the court was discussed. Specs for the project for bid request was discussed. Johnson will draw up bid
invitation, have reviewed,
and then sent out to area contractors.

Pond Project – signed contract has been received. We can request bids. They do not have to be sealed bids. Johnson
will order the weed barrier needed. Weeds coming through current weed barrier was discussed. Johnson will ask Don
George, KDWPT, what herbicide is acceptable.

NEW BUSINESS
Messaging System – council reviewed the information on several different systems and will not pursue at this time.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:39PM

Area News, Government, Kansas

Wild Game and Foraged Food Cooking Competition on Nov. 19 in Lawrence

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KDWP to Host Cooking Competition Featuring Wild Game, Foraged Foods

SHAWNEE – Whether grilled, smoked, poached, canned or dehydrated – wild foods procured from the Kansas outdoors will be on showcase at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ first-ever cooking competition in Lawrence on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Whether you’re new to the culinary world, a seasoned home cook or a classically-trained chef, KDWP invites you to compete at this free community partnership event hosted by KDWP, Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Haskell University.

The competition will be held at Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, 1365 N 1250 Rd, in Lawrence from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Competitors may submit entries in any of the following categories: Wild game, wild fish, wild plants, wild mushrooms, wild sweets (fruit, berries, dessert, etc.) and wild invasive/nuisance species. Entries will be judged by a panel of local expert foragers, with prizes awarded to the top entrant in each category, as well as a special prize for the “Community Favorite” entry.

Interested parties may register for the competition HERE or by visiting programs.ksoutdoors.com/Wild-Foods-Cook-Off.

In addition to the wild foods cook-off, the day’s activities will also include mini workshops on native lands habitat restoration, foraging, and plant and insect identification. A formal land acknowledgement, and presentation on Baker Wetlands history, will also be provided before cook-off winners are formally announced. The day’s events, including the cooking competition, are offered at no cost to the public; and, attendees do not need to register a dish in order to taste entries and/or participate in the day’s workshops.

For questions, contact event organizer and KDWP Education specialist Amy Bousman at [email protected].

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Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Minutes of the Oct. 10 Bo Co Commission Meeting

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October 10, 2023                                                                                                                 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present for a special meeting to discuss healthcare.

 

Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy, Deb Martin, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.

 

Jim explained that the board is here tonight to discuss healthcare, and will begin with an executive session followed by general discussion. The public will have an opportunity to speak after the general discussion and Jim asked those interested to sign up and remain professional and courteous.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 5:42. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 5:42 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion that we support, along with other taxing entities in the county, an entity that Legacy Health has brought to the county and has been working with for many months, which is Amberwell, to provide ER services in Bourbon County soon if not as close to as possible after January 1, 2024. The amount that Bourbon County would need to contribute is $500,000 contingent upon a signed MOU along with them coming and providing the services. Justin Meeks clarified that if other taxing entities don’t agree to fund, the county’s share would go up. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton stated that assuming other taxing entities are on board we will have an emergency room and that will be made possible with a large financial commitment to the project by Legacy Health. Clifton said he would address some of the questions that have been posted online and stated that we do not qualify as a Critical Access Hospital and stressed the point that Girard and multiple other rural hospitals that are surviving are Critical Access Hospitals. Clifton explained that Critical Access Hospitals are essentially made whole at the end of the year by the federal government. Clifton said that if a hospital is opened, we still wouldn’t qualify as a Critical Access Hospital. REH, Rural Emergency Hospital, was discussed with Clifton saying that as of a month ago there still was not a hospital in the country with that designation. To qualify for REH Clifton said you had to be a functioning hospital in 2020 and that Via Christi, himself, Legacy Heath, and Amberwell have all been working trying to get the designation and will continue to work with representatives at the federal level to try to obtain. REH gives a $2,000,000 subsidy plus around a 3% bump in Medicare payments. Clifton also addressed rumors that Via Christi was leaving due to Legacy raising the rent and stated that for the last year or more Via Christi has had free rent. Clifton said that to his knowledge Legacy is charging way less than the standard rate to their new tenants. Clifton said assuming everybody can collaborate we will have an emergency room, but stated it would take licensing as any new entity would have to get multiple licenses from the State of Kansas which is a process. Clifton said his hope is they are able to get it done quickly and that we will have little to no lag, if any, in emergency room care in Bourbon County. Jim read the following prepared list: since 2010 113 rural hospitals have closed, 46% of rural hospitals are losing money, 86 % of rural hospitals in Kansas are losing money, the ER in Fort Scott has not paid rent in 24 months, the ER in Fort Scott has lost over $1,000,0000 a year. Jim said they are working with other taxing entities to come up with a solution. Jim said if we do not get the REH designation we will have to come up with some other ideas and present it to the voters on some things we could or could not do. Jim said to have an ER in Bourbon County the county, city, state, or federal entities would have to subsidize it. Jim said he has seen the discussion about sales tax and stated we are a long way from that, but it could happen next year. Clifton said that we can’t arbitrarily charge a sales tax and explained that it would have to be placed on the ballot for the public to decide. Jim stated hopefully we receive the REH and it doesn’t come to having to vote on a sales tax, but wants everybody to understand that to maintain an ER somebody has to subsidize it. Jim said we have to move forward and build our cash reserves in case we do not receive the REH. Clifton said they have reached out to multiple agencies who were not interested in opening an ER or hospital and that Amberwell is willing to come and is already highly successful in rural healthcare. Building a new hospital is a comment Clifton has seen and stated that isn’t necessarily a bad idea but the rules and regulations to build a hospital are not the same as building a house, would cost in the ballpark of $20,000,000, and would take at least two years which would leave us without a hospital. Clifton said the public can write their Senator and House of Representatives and let them know of our issues, that we need the REH designation, and that we all want to make the hospital successful. Nelson said he wants to build cash reserves by saving money in every way possible and use it for essential county functions and nothing else. Jim said Amberwell is well thought out, has two hospitals and six clinics, and would be a blessing for Bourbon County.

 

Clint Walker said he feels that the state needs to expand Medicaid because rural hospitals are in trouble and people can’t pay their bills. Anne Dare asked for the total amount of the subsidy that would need to be paid and Clifton said it would be $1,500,000. Anne asked if anybody has talked to Linn County about buying in because they still rely on our emergency room. Anne stated she knew there is information that cannot be released, but suggested having townhall meetings and creating task forces to be more communicative with residents. Anne asked how long Amberwell has been an entity and where they are based out of. Clifton said it seems like he read they have been around 5 or 6 years and they are from Atchison. Jim said they have a hospital in Hiawatha as well and clinics in other cities. Anne questioned if they had functioning emergency rooms at their hospitals, and Jim replied yes.  Anne said it was mentioned on Facebook about keeping pilot funds to use to portion of the county’s share of the healthcare subsidy. Mark McCoy said he was here tonight on his own behalf and not representing REDI. Mark said he had a concern with a taskforce because people can’t keep things private which can be detrimental when in the process of making deals in any business. Mark stated the plethora of people on Facebook making comments are keeping businesses out because the majority of comments are negative and nobody wants to come here if it’s a negative place. Mark said the cost of operating the old Mercy building with utilities, maintenance, up-keep, and the roof and HVAC issues that come with a building that is at least 20 years old is astronomical. Mark asked if the taxing entities were Bourbon County, the City of Fort Scott, the school districts, and community college and Clifton said yes, we would ask all those to contribute. Mark said EMS does a good job and that a lack of an ER would put a strain on them. Mr. McCoy stated an emergency room is important to Bourbon County and Fort Scott as well as businesses and said it would be in the best interest of businesses to contribute.  Mark said that REDI stands ready and will participate but cannot give an exact dollar amount tonight.  Matt Sanders asked how we can keep an ER from failing like the other 80% in the state and said he agrees with Anne’s suggestion of reaching out to Linn County. Matt asked if there was any term length to the agreement and asked if they were to leave tomorrow do, we get our money back. Matt stated he thinks we are putting a lot of faith in obtaining an REH designation, and that he agrees we need an ER but doesn’t think the taxpayers should have to pay for it.

 

Clifton said REH is our ultimate goal and that it would cost us as a county $500,000 if we don’t have an ER for EMS for another ambulance and staff, so we would have to spend this amount regardless and he personally would rather spend it to have an emergency room to save people’s lives. Jim said if we receive the REH that would be a federal subsidy, if we do not it would be up to the Bourbon County people if we want an ER and how we would pay for it. The idea of a sales tax was discussed since everybody, including those individuals just traveling through, would pay it. If a 1% sales tax were voted on by the residents and passed that would be $1.00 on every $100 spent and it was asked if a life is worth $1.00. It was questioned how the county would come up with $500,000 and the Commissioners stated we could pull the money from several funds, and it would be a matter of not doing things such as working on the courthouse building, replacing windows, or switching software companies next year.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

10/16/2023                                     Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Minutes of Oct. 2

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October 2, 2023                                                                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.

 

Mark McCoy, Teri Hulsey, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/25/23 and approval of payroll totaling $416.24. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

There were no public comments.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a list of culvert installations for September for approval. Eric stated they are still working on Yale Road and are compacting, leveling, and adding water to make a better subbase. The asphalt crew is currently on 233rd Street and will have one pass to complete tomorrow then they will be moving to Garland. Eric said they are watching the budget numbers very closely to see what additional asphalting can be completed this year. Jim said he walked Jayhawk Road and the chip and seal was excellent and said the crew did a good job. Eric informed the Commissioners of a retirement lunch on Friday for Charlie Elliott who is retiring after 32 years with the county. Jim made a motion to allow all three Commissioners to attend a retirement luncheon for one of our employees at the public works building next Friday, October 6th. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson said somebody approached him about adding stop signs at 85th Street and Kansas Road to make the intersection a four-way stop. Nelson said it seems reasonable to him because when you are on Kansas Road headed west you can’t really see anything and it isn’t due to a lack of tree trimming it is just the terrain. Jim suggested Eric look at the intersection and make a recommendation.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, gave an update stating they are gearing up for the General Election on November 7th. The deadline for registering to vote to be able to participate in the General Election is October 17th. Jennifer asked if the Commissioners would be holding a meeting on October 9th since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. Nelson said he doesn’t have a problem holding a meeting and Jim replied they normally don’t hold meetings due to staff not being here to help. Jim said he doesn’t want to have any staff ruining their day off to have to come in for three hours when they could be traveling or with family. Jim made a motion to not hold a meeting on October 9th due to Columbus Day and will hold a regular meeting on October 16th unless something comes up. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented a Real Property Relief application for Jerry and Annette Leighty for their property at 202 Holbrook that was destroyed by fire. Jennifer said the fire happened on May 17th and that the home was completely destroyed and has since been demolished and is now a vacant lot. Jennifer said since the fire happened before August 1, they can do an abatement on the taxes she just needs to know the percentage that you want to abate.

Mark McCoy asked about early voting dates and Jennifer said early voting will start at the courthouse on October 26th during the hours of 8:30-4:30 and will close on November 6th at noon.

Jim made a motion to apply the abatement for 202 Holbrook for a Real Property Relief application for a six-month period. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, CFO, spoke of a draft letter notifying all employees of open enrollment for insurance that was submitted to the Commissioners for approval. Susan said we have been offering benefits with Aflac and Globe Life and we shouldn’t have due to the state contract language. Susan said employees will be able to continue their coverage if they choose to but it would not be deducted through their payroll and that Don Doherty is willing to visit with each of the employees that this affects. Susan said they want to still offer disability insurance and that after looking at all the benefits Assurity was the best company. The best cancer insurance was offered through Prosperity and is guaranteed issue. Northwestern Mutual is an assortment of other life insurance options that Don Doherty would offer through us. Susan said she needs approval to be able to use those companies as payroll deductions and to also send out the open enrollment letter. Jim asked if these all meet the state regulations, and Susan said yes do they. Jim made a motion a to allow Susan and the County Clerk to work together to send out a cover letter to employees to explain what changes they will have in their current additional insurance that will not be payroll deducted in the future to meet the state regulations and to let our employees have an option to purchase the listed insurances. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jim requested an executive session. Jim made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:01. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 6:01 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton Beth arrived at the meeting.

 

Justin Meeks asked the Commissioners to amend the agenda to add an executive session.

 

Clifton made a motion to add an executive session before the Commission comments. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:11. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:11 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Nelson informed Clifton of the discussion of making the intersection at 85th Street and Kansas Road a four-way stop and that Eric is going to review and come back with a recommendation.

Clifton said there have been rumors about the emergency room closing and that Via Christi is being purchased by another entity which Clifton said as far as he knows is just a rumor. Clifton said there is a pretty good chance we will not have an emergency room on January 1st. Clifton said we have not been notified that they are closing but that we know it is a possibility. Clifton stated Legacy Health is working with another healthcare provider to possibly provide services but due to timing and licensing issues they won’t be able to make that happen in a timely manner. Clifton said that for whatever reason Bourbon County has been put on the back burner for healthcare for a long time and it’s something we need to discuss with the public and maybe take matters into our own hands with some kind of large subsidy from the county or cities or in the form of a sales tax or something of that matter. Clifton said he has heard we are already the highest sales taxed county in the state, but that is not true. Clifton said he personally is tired of relying on outsiders to weave our future with healthcare and maybe we should take it in our own hands with a large subsidy. Jim said he agrees with Clifton that it is time we take charge of the matter and let’s do it ourselves and quit waiting on other people to do it. Jim thanked Clifton for his hard work.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:18. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

10/16/2023                                    Approved Date

 

 

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Walking and Biking To School Program Is Accepting Applications

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KDOT Safe Routes to School program accepting grant applications for 2023-2024 school year
Applications are being accepted for the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for its first year of Planning and Programming (P&P) grants.

Safe Routes to School is a national program that promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools and safety education. Applications for this 2023-2024 grant cycle are due to KDOT by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

There are two types of P&P grants. The first is Planning grants, which will help develop SRTS plans to study existing conditions, public outreach and finding potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. Up to five Planning grants will be awarded.

The second is Kick Start grants, which support initial programs, events or projects to help build the program in the future. Up to 10 Kick Start grants will be awarded, and each grant will be up to $1,500.

Examples of eligible Kick Start projects could include:

  • Creation and reproduction of promotional and educational materials.
  • Bicycle and pedestrian safety curricula, materials and trainers.
  • Training workshops for school and for community members.
  • Data gathering, analysis and evaluation reporting for local projects.
  • Additional law enforcement or equipment needed for enforcement activities at schools.
  • Supplies for demonstration projects.
  • Traffic gardens.

All communities, school districts, organizations and/or individuals can apply. More information on the P&P grant program, the application, webinars, project descriptions or to sign up for a quarterly e-newsletter is at https://www.kansassrts.org/resources.

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Government, Kansas

Two Protected Mussel Species Released Back into Kansas Rivers

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KDWP Successfully Stocks Two Protected Species Back into Kansas Waters


Freshwater mussels – essentially clams that have adapted to live in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes – reach their greatest diversity in North America. Nearly 300 species of mussels occur in the U.S., 40 of which reside in Kansas. Of those in Kansas, nearly 60 percent have some level of conservation concern and most have disappeared from part of their historical range.

PRATT – Fisheries and Ecological Services staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are taking action to bolster some of the state’s most at-risk aquatic species. Via the Department’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program and Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center, located at the Farlington Fish Hatchery, staff work together to propagate, grow, and stock vulnerable aquatic species back into their former habitats; and this fall, that included two protected freshwater mussel species.

Fatmucket Mussels in Marmaton River

KDWP first released 7,175 Fatmucket mussels – ranging in age from 1-3 years old – into the Marmaton River to bolster local populations. These were the first mussels ever released from the KABC, which opened its doors in 2018. And while Fatmuckets occur throughout central North America, they are considered a Species in Need of Conservation in Kansas.

“We chose the Marmaton River as the release site due to historical data and current observations that indicate the species is native to this drainage,” said Seth Lundgren, KDWP district fisheries biologist. “It also helped that the parental stock came from a shared tributary of the Marais Des Cygnes River, ensuring the correct genetics were also released into the drainage.”

Lundgren added that, prior to stocking, each of the offspring were marked with a unique “glue dot” that can be used by researchers for future identification.

Neosho Mucket Mussels in Neosho River

The second successful stocking of a protected species occurred later in the same week when approximately 1,374 federally-endangered Neosho Mucket mussels were released into the Neosho River. The offspring were the result of populations housed at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The Neosho Mucket occurs in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma but no longer occurs in 62 percent of its historical range.

“This stocking was the first of its kind conducted under KDWP’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program,” said Trevor Starks, KDWP species recovery coordinator. “Landowner agreements signed under this program seek to reestablish self-sustaining populations of imperiled fish and mussel species in order to recover, delist, and deregulate those populations. These agreements provide regulatory protections to landowners who wish to partner with the agency to allow species releases and monitoring on their property.”

More Conservation Stockings to Come

Staff at KDWP have several additional conservation stockings like these planned for 2024, including 18,000 mussels set to be released in southeastern Kansas as soon as drought conditions improve. The KABC has also been working to rear Plains Minnows, classified as a state-threatened species, for release back into their historic range in areas where they have since disappeared.

Landowners interested in helping recover imperiled species through the Kansas Aquatic Species Recovery Program are encouraged to contact Starks at [email protected].

For more information on threatened, endangered, and SINC species in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Amended Agenda for This Evening

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. Shane Walker- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Today

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 16, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/2/23 and 10/10/23
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $221,649.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $297,503.99
  1. Public Comments
  2. Becky Gray, Community Health Center of SEK- Public Transportation
  3. Diane Striler-Christmas on the Bricks
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Certification of Voting Delegates for KAC Meeting
  2. Early Voting Location
  3. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. 2024 Health Insurance Rates Approval
  4. Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  5. Shane Walker- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.