Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meets January 14 at 7 p.m.

Leave a comment

01-25 informational items

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by

 

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

gWorks issues –

Website Hosting

Rabies Clinic?

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse project –electric proposal

 

SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.

 

Park electric –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Jan. 7

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of January 7, 2025                                      Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was not streamed live on YouTube due to technical difficulties, but a version is now available.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury (via teleconference) were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Pickert/FSPD Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via teleconference).

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda  (Time stamp 3:20)

MOTION:  VANHOECKE moved to approve the Agenda with the addition of Item K/New Business/Action Items – Consideration of City Liaison to REDI.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott 2025  (Time stamp 4:59)

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate VANHOECKE for Mayor.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – YES     WELLS, OLSON – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-2.

 

Discussion was had regarding the nomination process in the Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott.

 

FARMER stated that action was already approved on appointing the Mayor. Further discussion led to the agreement to continue with the process stated in the Code of Procedures.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for Mayor.  WELLS seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON – YES                   SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3

 

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for Mayor.  OLSON seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON – YES                   SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3

 

It was determined that the majority of votes in the motion for VANHOECKE resulted in a majority.  TIMOTHY J. VANHOECKE is appointed Mayor.

 

Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott (Time stamp 14:23)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for President. VANHOECKE seconded.

 

WELLS, OLSON, SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – YES                DANCER – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for President.  WELLS seconded.

 

OLSON, DANCER, WELLS – YES                       SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – NO

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-2

 

MOTION:  VANHOECKE moved to nominate SALSBURY for President.      OLSON seconded.

 

WELLS, DANCER, OLSON, VANHOECKE – YES                   SALSBURY – ABSTAINED

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0

 

Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3780  (Time stamp 17:49)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the consideration of the Code of Ethics Ordinance No. 3780 until the changes agreed upon last year could be executed into the new document. DANCER seconded the motion.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

ACTION:  FARMER will execute the document and provide to all Commissioners prior to the January 21, 2025, meeting.

 

Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott  (Time stamp 19:14)

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Code of Procedures as presented.

WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Land Bank  (Time stamp 20:38)

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate WELLS.    SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Housing Authority  (Time stamp 21:43)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to nominate VANHOECKE.    OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Public Library  (Time stamp 22:32)

WELLS expressed willingness to continue in the role.

MOTION:  DANCER moved to nominate WELLS.   OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commission Representative to Healthy in All Practices Commission  

(Time stamp 23:58)

Salsbury is current representative and stated schedule conflict with their meeting time.

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table the item until January 21, 2025.

OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Appointment of Commissioner Liaison to the Street Advisory Board  (Time stamp 25:34)

MOTION: OLSON moved to appoint WELLS.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Consideration to Appoint or Remove Commission Representative to REDI  (Time stamp 30:41)

Discussion about having a city liaison for properties within REDI such as importance of monitoring properties for city projects. DANCER is interested and will check his calendar for availability before volunteering for the position.  VANHOECKE believed the need to resolve the issue since there was an existing appointment.  FAMER confirmed.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the consideration until the January 21, 2025, meeting.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approval of Consent Agenda  (Time stamp 31:02)

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1375-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of December 11. 2024 – January 2, 2025, – $581,356.50

–  Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 17678 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Payroll – $28,686.16

–  Approval of Renewed Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for 2025 Consumption on the Premises – Outpost 13 West LLC – 13 W. Oak

–  Consideration of Pay Request No. 6 – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 Horton Street & 6th Street Improvements – $126,029.60

–  Approval of Resolution No. 1-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

–  Approval of Resolution No. 2-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITIORES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

–  Approval of Resolution No. 3-2025 – A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A.

 

MATKIN questioned Pay Request #6 to Earles Engineering ($126,029.60). DICKMAN confirmed that the invoice did not include the overlay.

 

Discussion of Resolution No. 3-2025.  WELLS has an issue with the Exemption from Generally Accepted Accounting Practices Under K.S.A. 1120A.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Consent Agenda minus the approval of the Exemption from GAAP.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table consideration of Resolution No. 3-2025 until January 21, 2025, for further discussion with the auditor.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Status of 323 W. Wall  (Time stamp 35:38)

KRUGER stated the condition has worsened, more roof damage and debris present.

 

Discussion was had on contacting the owner and potential buyers. KRUGER stated that the owner has no money or plans to address the building. Homeowner is concerned about losing the property due to taxes.

 

WELLS stated that three contractors showed interest, but follow-up was not completed.

 

Discussion was had on the Land Bank’s role on properties and structures. Current property owner owes the city approximately $12,000 to $13,000 in back taxes.  WELLS stated that grants and tax credits

 

 

may be available to facilitate property transfer and that the owner may consider giving property to a contractor willing to restore it.

 

WELLS stated that two contractors have been approached regarding property restoration. One contractor expressed interest but has too many current projects.

 

ACTION:  WELLS stated that he would be willing to take the lead on contacting interested parties and report back with updates on contractor interest by the next meeting in January.

 

Reporting of Demolition Award – 1105 S. Scott  (Time stamp 43:50)

Demo for 1105 S. Scott has been awarded by the City Manager to Dave’s Demo for $3,500.00. There were (2) other bids: Foxwell Holdings at $5,000.00 and Skitch’s Inc. at $6,427.00. The winner is ready to begin demolition.

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager Comments: (Time stamp 44:33)

–  Joint work session – City Commissioners and County Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00PM at Memorial Hall.

–  Public Works Crew commended for handling recent storm issues.

–  Work Session for 118 E Wall postponed to Monday, January 13, 2025.

–  Dance Party scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025, 7:00PM-10:00PM at Memorial Hall. Cover charge of $5.00 to attend.

 

Engineer Comments: (Time stamp 48:09)

– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update – need to review Substantial Completion Date

 

Commissioner Comments

OLSON (Time stamp 49:30)

WELLS (Time stamp 50:48)

SALSBURY (Time stamp 52:16)

DANCER (Time stamp 53:39)

VANHOECKE (Time stamp 59:02)

 

City Attorney Comments  (Time stamp 59:50)

Requested a call for an Executive Session

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to amend the agenda to allow for the Executive Session.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION: WELLS moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of legal matters pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the meeting will be the (5) Commissioners (SALSBURY via phone), City

 

Attorney, City Manager and City Engineer.  The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:20PM. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:20PM.  DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:21PM.  OLSON seconded.

 

JANUARY 7, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:21PM.

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Dec. 11 Uniontown City Council Meeting

Leave a comment

The Regular Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.

 

Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.

 

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show

Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%).  The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.

 

Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.

She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery.  We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work.  Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.

 

Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed.  Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.

 

SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal

 

Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:19.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.

 

Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:07.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Downtown Meet and Greet is January 14

Leave a comment

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for January 14th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, January 14th at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave., from 8 to 9am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Freedom Fitness Hosts Chamber Coffee on January 9

Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Freedom Fitness
Thursday, January 9th

8am

Freedom Fitness

15 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 9th at 8am hosted by the Freedom Fitness, 15 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a giveaway drawing.

January marks the one-year anniversary for Freedom Fitness, owned by John & Lindsay Hill. Freedom Fitness offer classes for all ages and abilities. Classes are scheduled weekdays at 5am, 6am, 11:15am, 4pm, 5:20pm, and 6pm with open gym available on Saturdays. Each class is taught and instructed by a coach. Anyone is welcome to come and try out a class at no charge.

Freedom Fitness celebrates the freedom to move your body and be healthy.

To visit Freedom Fitness’s Facebook page click HERE!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook
Bourbon County

Doral Renewables Awards Grants to Bo.Co. Fire District #3 and Core Community

Leave a comment
From left: Cliff William, David Goodyear, Deanna Betts, Rachel Carpenter, Rachel Carpenter and Sarah Dorsey. Submitted photo.

The Bourbon County area will be experiencing meaningful growth and opportunity thanks to the Tennyson Creek Solar project. The project’s developer, Doral Renewables, recognizes the importance of investing in the future, particularly in the youth who will shape it. Through a series of impactful partnerships, the project is helping to enhance safety, empower families, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

 

During a recent visit, representatives from Doral Renewables demonstrated their commitment to the community by presenting $5,000 contribution to the Bourbon County Fire District #3, strengthening emergency response efforts and ensuring greater preparedness for the area. Core Community also received $1,000 to further their mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for local families.

 

“We appreciate this support from Doral,” said Shawn Wyatt, fire chief of Bourbon County Fire District #3. “The donation will go towards the purchase of new safety and turnout gear for District 3 firefighters.”

 

Doral’s dedication to youth development has been equally evident. The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team received sponsorship of their trip to Scotland last summer, where they proudly represented the region and the U.S. in an international competition.

 

Additionally, Doral has extended support to the Uniontown High School team that is preparing to compete in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which involves giving students an opportunity to become more educated about the solar industry and present what they have learned.

 

“These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to this community,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “The Tennyson Creek Solar project’s team is honored to play a role in fostering safety, opportunity, and sustainability for the region.”

 

Outside of these recent donations, Doral Renewables was also the first solar developer in the County to sign contribution agreements last year with local schools and Core Community. Over $1.5 million in total will go to each of Fort Scott USD 234, Uniontown USD 234, and Fort Scott Community College during the first 10 years after construction starts.

 

It is also estimated that, once operational, the Tennyson Creek Solar project will generate over $90 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project.

 

 

 

Cliff Williams, Dakota Harrison, Delwin Mumbower and Shawn Wyatt. Submitted photo.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Receives Transforming Maternal Health Funding Grant

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces $17M

to Transform Maternal Health


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday that Kansas has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 15 states to participate in its Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model program, which includes a $17 million grant award over the next 10 years. The goal of the TMaH Model is to improve maternal and child health care for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members.

“It is a tremendous honor for Kansas to be selected for this important program,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding provides the resources necessary for us to continue to grow and increase access to maternal health care to underserved Kansans throughout the state.”

The TMaH selection will enhance the work the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has initiated through its Kansas Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health programs to improve maternal health outcomes for members.

“We have made great strides towards improving maternal health in Kansas through Medicaid and our Maternal Child Health Program,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek. “This grant positions us to take on the important work outlined in the pillars of the TMaH Model.”

The TMaH model will support KDHE in the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The goal of the model is to reduce disparities in access and treatment, a key focus of the KanCare 3.0 contracts which took effect Jan. 1, 2025.

“The TMaH Model provides Kansas Medicaid with the funding and support necessary to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Christine Osterlund, KDHE Deputy Secretary of Agency Integration and Kansas Medicaid Director. “Through stakeholder input and support, especially from our partners at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas submitted a strong and ultimately successful grant application with a clear vision for the program.”

The model is centered on three pillars, which include access to care, infrastructure and workforce capacity, quality improvement and safety, and whole-person care delivery.

The grant will allow KDHE to build upon its work in the following:

  • Hospital Engagement for Birthing-Friendly Designation: KDHE, in collaboration with the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and other partners, is recruiting and educating facilities to achieve CMS’s birthing-friendly designation status. TMaH will align with these key public health initiatives to further address barriers and increase quality services and patient safety.
  • Whole-Person Care: KDHE’s Kansas Connecting Communities and Maternal Anti-Violence Innovation and Sharing programs will be pivotal in enhancing the patient education and universal screening components of the TMaH model. These programs offer provider consultation, training, and technical assistance for perinatal mental health, substance use, and intimate partner violence. Resources will be scaled to ensure the behavioral health and social determinants of the health needs of all patients.
  • Telehealth and Telemonitoring Prioritization: TMaH will enhance telehealth services to overcome geographic barriers, improving access to specialists and reducing travel. KDHE will implement robust telemonitoring for hypertension and gestational diabetes and collaborate on a State Plan Amendment to expand covered services under Medicaid.
  • Home Visiting Program Expansion: The TMaH payment model will make home visiting sustainable by addressing funding gaps. KDHE’s strength-based approach improves outcomes in pregnancy, parenting, and early childhood health while TMaH funding expands reach and quality.

The funding will support Kansas’ efforts to address disparities among underserved populations at higher risk for poor maternal outcomes. More information on the program is available at CMS TMaH Model.

###

Area News, Schools

Former FSHS Music Teacher Meredith Reid Honored

Leave a comment

 

 

Girard Music Teacher Hits All the Right Notes

with $25,000 Milken Award

 

Girard High School graduate Meredith Reid surprised with district’s first “Oscar of Teaching” for outstanding achievement and leadership in music education.

Reid formerly taught music at Fort Scott High School

  

 

Girard, Kan. (January 8, 2025) —Girard native and choral teacher Meredith Reid received the surprise of a lifetime this morning when she was presented with a Milken Educator Award at an all-school assembly at Girard High School in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. Hailed as the “Oscar of Teaching,” the prestigious national honor created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education and leadership. It includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize that the recipient may use however they choose. Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson presented the Award, the first-ever in Girard United School District 248 history.

 

“Today we celebrate Girard’s own Meredith Reid for her exceptional dedication to music education and the positive influence she brings to her students, school and community,” said Bishop, who herself received the Milken Educator Award as a fine arts teacher in Virginia. “Meredith cultivates artistic excellence in everyone she supports, nurturing hearts and minds and sustaining the love and appreciation of music in the community for generations to come. With Meredith as a guide, the possibilities are limitless! We look forward to her contributions to the national Milken Educator Network.”

 

Reid was honored as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s 2024-25 Milken Educator Awards season. The tour will honor up to 45 pioneering professionals coast to coast, marking the 3,000th Milken Educator in the Awards’ ranks and celebrating a history of changing lives in communities across America. Since the presentation of the first Awards in 1987, more than $75 million in individual cash prizes and over $145 million have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to “Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate” the K-12 profession and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education.

“We are so pleased to see Meredith recognized for her tremendous contribution to her students and to the Girard community,” said Dr. Watson. “Her work not only to restore the school’s choral music program but to achieve state and national opportunities for her students and bring that pride to her community is what excellent teaching looks like.”

 

More about Meredith Reid

Revitalizing a Legacy While Inspiring Excellence: When Meredith Reid attended Girard High School as a student, the choral music program had no longer existed. When she returned to her alma mater as a teacher several years later, Reid reestablished the program which now produces an award-winning choir. They regularly perform throughout the community and compete at regional and state music events, where the group earned the “superior” rating this past school year.

In addition, nearly all her high school soloists receive top ratings at the regional and state competitions. Reid had six students chosen for the Kansas All-State Choirs, one of only two choral programs in southeast Kansas to achieve this honor. One of her choral students was selected to join the prestigious Kansas State University Summer Choral Institute, a highly selective program that admits only 48 students across the country each year.

In her classroom, Reid uses a positive rewards system to motivate her students to utilize good singing techniques. The system was so well-received she was asked to present the model at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. For students in this rural community with little to no access to private vocal lessons, Reid opens a world of musical opportunities for her choral students.

A Hometown Leader: Outside of GHS, Reid is an engaged member of her hometown and beyond, serving as a local officer in P.E.O., a nonprofit organization that helps women pursue education; representing GHS at a national education conference; and serving as board secretary for the American Choral Directors Association. Reid has been involved with the Kansas Music Educators Association and served as Southeast Kansas choral chair. Her commitment to music education extends to her colleagues and young music teachers in the district and region who benefit from her friendship and mentorship. Her community choir, “Generations,” reflects her goals of having a sustained music program whose members serve as role models for young musicians and represent the importance of lifelong dedication to music appreciation.

Education: A Kansas State University graduate, Reid earned a Bachelor of Music Education in 2010 and a Master of Music in 2017.

 

The Milken Educator Award Reaps Lifelong Benefits

 

  • The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children’s or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
  • Honorees receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy. Milken Friends Forever (MFF) pairs a new recipient with a veteran Milken Educator mentor; the Expanding MFF Resource and Explorer Program fosters individual veteran Milken Educator partnerships around specific topic areas; and Activating Milken Educators promotes group collaboration in and across states to bring solutions to pressing educational needs.
  • The honorees attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April 2025, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education.
  • Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels.

 

The Milken Educator Award might come to a community near you! Who will be next? Join us as we surprise these remarkable individuals and celebrate their dedication to excellence in education! Follow the tour and use the #MEA3K and #MilkenAward hashtags on: Facebook (MilkenEducatorAwards)| X (Milken)| YouTube (MilkenAward)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn)| LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn)| TikTok (MilkenAward).

 

Visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 for more information.

-MEA-

About the Milken Educator Awards: “The Future Belongs to the Educated”
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The Milken Family Foundation celebrates more than 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Newsletter January 7

Leave a comment
From top left to bottom right: Vivien Thomas, ENS Jane Kendeigh, Dr. Ernest Everett Just, Mitsuye Endo, Noor Inayat Khan, Sir Nicholas Winton, Sylvia Mendez, and Dr. Gene Shoemaker.
Unsung Heroes Directory — PDF
With New 2025 Updates!
The full list of pre-approved LMC Unsung Heroes are available to view and sort using this Unsung Heroes Directory – a downloadable and interactive PDF.

The updated Directory includes a short biography and photo for each LMC Unsung Hero as well as new 2025 Unsung Heroes. Use this classroom resource to support students in selecting their Unsung Heroes for their ARTEFFECT projects.
Download Unsung Heroes Directory PDF
New 2025 Unsung Heroes in the Directory PDF include Emile Berliner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, Dr. Charles Drew, Terry Fox, Bela Ya’ari Hazan, Judy Heumann, Oscar Howe, ENS Jane Kendeigh, and Carla Peperzak.
ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
4:00 – 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)
All new and returning ARTEFFECT educators are invited to join this session. This session will cover competition rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and lesson plans. Hear from participating teachers and students! Free to join. Registration required.
Register Now
Learn more about the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition.
Unsung Heroes & STEAM
Online Professional Development Session
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
4:00 – 5:15 PM (Pacific Time)
All K-12 educators are invited to this free professional development session. Exploring Unsung Heroes who excelled in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics allows students to make formative connections as future innovators. This session, led by 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman, uses an interdisciplinary STEAM framework and provides turn-key resources, strategies, and creative approaches to connect students with these individuals through the visual arts.

Register to attend and receive a link to join the session, as well as the session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for attendees.
Register Now
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Local News