Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Patty Love: Bourbon County Treasurer Candidate

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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.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Prepares For School Year

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.

Preparations are being made for the next school year at USD 234, Fort Scott.

Among items on the USD 234 Board of Education on July 13 was a decision to keep the academic calendar the same as last year.

“The academic calendar is the same as it was last school year,” Ted Hessong, the superintendent, said in an email. ” At this time, we have not made any alterations to the academic calendar due to the pandemic.”

An additional nurse was added for duties at Fort Scott High School.

“The need for a fourth nurse has been a concern for the district to cover the high school,” Hessong said. “With the pandemic, the district made the commitment, working with Community Health Center, to add a fourth nurse for the high school.”

There have not been official decisions concerning the opening of school in the district, Hessong said.

“At this time we have not made any official decisions related to the opening of school buildings in August,” he said. “The district is working on alternate plans to possibly implement to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

Here is the list of new teachers for the 2020-2021 school year in the district.

Larry Amer will teach high school art, Kaitlin Arnold will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Carissa Bowman will teach high school family and consumer science,  Breann Eden will teach art at Winfield Scott Elementary School,  Clint Heffern will teach high school social studies, Paulette Howard will teach gifted education, Danny Larsen will teach physical education at Eugene Ware Elementary School,  Melissa Miller will be the elementary instructional coach,  Shelly Sanborn will teach middle school special education, Torrie Singmaster will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Courtenay Slinkard will teach high school  English, Dalaina Smith is the director of academics,  Kate Sweyko is the high school special education teacher,  Reyna Valenzuela will teach high school English, Alexandra VanSickle will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
The board accepted the resignation of Kirstie Cox as Winfield Scott second grade teacher, Abigail Helt as the high school/middle school chorus teacher,  Jeanise Malone as central office accounts payable secretary,  Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional, Angela Christy as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional, Stacey Gingrich as a gifted paraprofessional and Bud Hall as a bus driver.

Linda Minor, Winfield Scott transferred from first-grade teacher to second-grade.

Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach’s contract was adjusted from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year.

Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher, was granted a leave of absence.

Harleigh Lowry was hired as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year.

Reemployment for the school year: Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher,  Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist, and Daniel Long, as a high school paraprofessional.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Relief For Motor Carriers During Pandemic

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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.

Government, Kansas

Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Captive Cervid Herd

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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.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Julie Bahr

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Julie Ann Bahr, age 57, went home to be with her Lord on July 14, 2020, after a battle with cancer.

She was born November 11, 1962, at Rock Rapids, Iowa the daughter of August (Gus) and Martha Schaer Feucht.  She was raised on a farm near the small town of Lester, Iowa.  She attended West Lyon Community School from K- 12th grade graduating in 1981.

She continued her schooling at Nettleton Business College.  She worked at Midland National Life Insurance from 1982 – 1984 and then at Regency Inns Management, Inc. in the accounting dept. from 1984-1995.

She became a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in August 1982. Julie carried out her strong faith by serving others and enjoyed traveling with her family and friends.   Her caring, loving heart was shared with her aging parents and her nieces and nephews.

Julie married Larry Bahr on July 9, 1995, in Lester, Iowa.  After their marriage, they made their home in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  They later moved to the country near Deerfield, Missouri in the spring of 2008.

Her joy and ambition were raising their children Heather, Austin, and Kendra and volunteering at Ft. Scott Christian Heights where they attended school.

Other special times in Julie’s life were spent enjoying the outdoors at their cabin, fishing, hiking, biking, gardening, and reading.

 

She is survived by her loving husband, of 25 years Larry, of the home;  three children;  Heather (Ben) Self of Liberal, MO, Austin and Kendra of the home, sisters; Sue (Gary) Schneider West Bend, Iowa, Joan (Jim) Dietrich of Sublimity, Oregon, Esther (Wes) Moser Lester, Iowa, Beth (Rod) Steffen of Cissna Park, Illinois, brothers; Roy (Melisa) Feucht Lester, Iowa, Tim (Carla) Feucht of Larchwood, Iowa.  In-Laws; Jim and Ruth Bahr, Teresa Bahr, Jerry (Maria) Bahr all of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Judy (Phil) Schlatter of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Martha Feucht; and two sisters, Sharon Strahm and Ruth Ann Feucht.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 18th at the Lamar, Missouri Apostolic Christian Church.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the Lamont Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Lamont, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Church, Ft. Scott Christian Heights, the Beacon or Heartland Hospice Care and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

KS Has New Eco Devo Professionals

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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.

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government

Federal COVID 19 Funding Announced

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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

 

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

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

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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.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of July 13

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, July 13, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board adjourned Sine Die with reorganization of the new board.  David Stewart was elected President of the board, and James Wood was elected Vice-President of the board for the 2020-21 school year.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – June 19, 2020 – $1,703,740.89

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

F.     Designation of banks for deposit of school funds

G.    Designation of newspaper for official school publications – The Fort Scott Tribune

H.    Officers for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Recreation Commission board member terms

J.      Resolution for waiver of generally accepted accounting principles

K.    Resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes

L.     Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings

M.   Resolution to establish home rule by Board of Education

N.    Resolution for destruction of records

O.    Resolution for bank account signers

P.     Organizational chart

Q.    Set fees for copying of records

R.    Current state mileage reimbursement rate

 

Board members heard a report from Brenda Hill, KNEA President.

Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on SPARK funding, Extended School Year and Jumpstart, the newly-installed high school gym bleachers, bus inspections, administrator book study, count day, graduation, and return to school information.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the fiscal year, staff/student vehicle travel, roof work, CARES money, budget software, food service, and new employee signup.

The board selected James Wood as a hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions for the 2020-21 school year.

Board members approved the following items:

·       1,116-hour calendar for the 2020-21 school year

·       Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for an additional nurse

·       Device replacement purchase

·       RTS Microsystems purchase using E-Rate funds

·       Roof change order

·       Purchase of intervention materials using Title IVA funds

 

The board will hold a budget workshop on July 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to security measures and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Kirstie Cox, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Abigail Helt, high school/middle school chorus teacher, effective immediately

C.    Resignation of Jeanise Malone, central office accounts payable secretary, effective July 3, 2020

D.    Resignation of Michelle Johnson, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

E.     Resignation of Angela Christy, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

F.     Resignation of Stacey Gingrich, gifted paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

G.    Resignation of Bud Hall, bus driver, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

H.    Transfer of Linda Minor, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Winfield Scott second grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Contract adjustment for Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach, from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Leave of absence request from Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher

K.    Employment of Alexandra VanSickle as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Harleigh Lowry as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Reemployment of Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Reemployment of Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Reemployment of Daniel Long, high school paraprofessional, for the 2020-21 school year.

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections, Government

Bill Martin: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

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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.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

History of Bourbon County Car Tours Offered

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The Old Fort Genealogical Society, along with help from the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce are presenting a social distancing history event for Bourbon County residents, on August 1.

It is a guided carpool tour around the county with local history lovers leading and speaking at designated spots. It is the first of many by the group of local history enthusiasts.

The title of the inaugural car tour is Ghost Towns and Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County.

Stops will be the Barnesville Cemetery, Fort Lincoln and Freedom Colony, Wagon Road Bridge,  Guthrie’s Mound, U.S. National Cemetery No. 1, and Eugene Ware Elementary School.

The tour will begin at 8:50 a.m. at Old Fort Genealogical Society located in Memorial Hall, Third Street and  National Avenue, and end at approximately 11:50 a.m. at the National Cemetery.

Park vehicles on National Avenue in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse or across the street in front of Memorial Hall. The Old Fort Genealogical Library is located in the basement of Memorial Hall on East National Avenue.

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

The event costs $5 and registration is at fortscott.com. There is a limit of 45 participants.

For more information: 620-223-3300 or [email protected].

It was happenstance that the tours are beginning.

“Pete Allen comes to visit the Old Fort Genealogical Library and we talked,” Ann Rawlings, the librarian said. “He said I should contact Fred Campbell…..The next thing I know we had a meeting to set up a tour again.”

Historial Preservation of Bourbon County did bus tours years ago, she said.

“Bourbon County is fortunate to have local men and women presenters whose love of history and the preservation of that history for future generations drives them to work endless hours to fulfill their mission of historic preservation,” Pete Allen said.  “Fred Campbell and Don Miller started the tour years ago. They are being joined now by Reed Hartford, Brian Allen and Ralph Carlson. Ann Rawlins, whose enthusiasm sparked the revival and Lindsay Madison has offered invaluable help in getting the tour organized.”

The following is from an email  interview with Ann Rawlings:

What is the plan for future tours?

“The tours will change each month covering the whole of Bourbon County,” Rawlings said. “There are many places to show and tell the stories all over the county and this is the way to get first-hand information from well-seasoned historians.”

“Some of the areas we plan on visiting are Bronson and the aluminum statue; Hell’s Bend Railroad, engine and cemetery; Garland and the coal mines on the Old Hwy; Cato, the town that moved; the west side of Bourbon County where ‘Africa Colony’ once thrived; cemeteries – those that are active and those forgotten; travel the path of the Military Highway, and more to be defined,” she said.

 

Who is invited to attend?

“Anyone who has an interest in history. Most sites will be handicapped accessible as long as they can get in and out of vehicles,” Rawlings said.

 

Why a car tour offering?

“The plans in the future will be bus tours, but due to the six-foot distancing of the COVID guidelines, we felt the attendees would be willing to go via carpool,” she said. ” Families can still attend and not be concerned about contamination.”

“We will require all to have a mask when out of their vehicles, observe the six-foot distancing protocol and make sure all are healthy before coming on the tour.”

 

What is the history of the genealogical society?

“Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) started in 1984 and has expanded over the years until it is a large Library packed with original documents, newspaper microfilm, hundreds of researched history notebooks and self-published works, old and new printed works, several filing cabinets full of family histories and topic histories as well as computer access to newspapers.com and ancestry.com and many other sites,” she said.

“We have researchers working on several projects at this time. Some are working on genealogy, others on local history. We have so many projects we need help. Anyone who would be willing to research at the Library or at home is welcome to contact us”

“We can be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3300.”

 

What is the history of the HPA?

“This from their website,” Rawlings said.

“The purpose of the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, Inc. is to preserve historic sites.

“We promote public interest in matters of historical importance to Bourbon County and each year, we match several $500 City of fort Scott grants to downtown Fort Scott business owners for the purpose of restoring their historic building facades. In addition, we sponsor and sometimes co-sponsor history-related events and invite an entertaining and information speaker to each of our annual meetings.”

“We can be found on facebook by typing in HPABC or online at hpaofbourboncounty.weebly.com.”

 

Give a brief history of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

“The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization serving Fort Scott and Bourbon County with a focus on being a support to our members including businesses, agri-businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals who belong to and support the work of the Chamber and are engaged in the community.”

“The Chamber strives to be a valuable resource in many ways including referrals of members, supplying relocation packets, housing options, event information and promotion of job opportunities.”

“We can be contacted via our website fortscott.com, call 620-223-3566 or come by and visit at 231 E Wall St just west of the Hwy 69/Hwy 54 interchange.”

Bourbon County Local News