Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for May 20

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Attachments:

Payroll 5-17-2024

Accounts Payable 5-17-2024

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

May 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/13/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $298,201.43
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,894.66
  1. Matt Quick/Susan Walker/Patty Love-NRP Update
  2. Emily Franks-Jarred, Gilmore, Phillips, PA-2023 Audit
  3. Public Comments
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Memorial Day Meeting
    2. Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. 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.

Payroll 5-17-2024 Accounts Payable 5-17-2024

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! May 17th Weekly Newsletter

Splash Pad Opening Day in 2023!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

5/17 ~ Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Adventure, Skubitz Plaza, registration starts at 5pm/adventure begins at 5:30pm, see flyer below for more info!

5/17 ~ Patio Concert hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, Liberty Theatre, tickets: BCAC members/$15, non-members/$20, 8-10pm, see flyer below for more info.

5/17 ~ Dustin Treiber LIVE at Brickstreet BBQ, live acoustic country & rock, 7pm-10pm, click here for more information.

5/18 ~ Flood cleanup at Gunn Park Trails, meet at the park entrance, details include removal of flood debris/downed trees/repair or bridges, click here for more information.

5/18 ~ Shead Farm Homestead Festival, music/children’s activities/farm tour/farm store and vendor booths/food court, single ticket: $5 or family pass $25 (5+ members), click here for more info.

5/18 ~ Hello Summer Luau 2024, join City of Fort Scott for a summer kick off with a Splash Bash at the Splashpad, Vinyl Revival will start at 6:30pm with Beach Boys tunes to follow under the new pavilion, see flyer below for more info!

5/23 ~ Children’s Business Fair Workshop #1 hosted by HBCAT, ages 5-14, this workshop is to prepare the kids for the Children’s Business Fair on June 22nd at the Farmer’s Market, click here for more info.

5/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Edward Jones – Angela VanDeBerghe, 222 S. State St. , 8am

5/24-27 ~ Memorial Day Weekend at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, 1pm-5pm

5/24 ~ May Adventures in Learning/Shepherd’s Center at First United Methodist Church, 1-4pm, click here for more info.

5/24 ~ Girard Medical Center’s Narcan Training Event at Girard Medical Center, 1pm-2pm, click here for more information and to register.

5/25 ~ Kiwanis Golf Tournament, 4-person scramble, flighted, 18-hole scramble, $80 per player/$320 per team, prizes/contest/raffle, to sign up contact 620.223.1435 or 620.224.9067

5/28 ~ Tiger Drama Camp – Sleeping Beauty, $40 per person which includes a t-shirt, 12:30-4:30 with performance on June 10&11th, register at Buck Run Community Center, click here for more info.

5/30 ~ Children’s Business Fair Workshop #2 hosted by HBCAT, ages 5-14, this workshop is to prepare the kids for the Children’s Business Fair on June 22nd at the Farmer’s Market, click here for more info.

5/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Good Ol’ Days at Skubtiz Plaza, 8am

5/31~ Good Ol’ Days Parade in Downtown Fort Scott, 6pm, grab your friends and coworkers and join the fun, click here to register a float/golf cart/foot unit/horse unit/classic car/antique car/tractor/or anything else, click here to register!

5/31-6/1 ~ Good Ol’ Days Festival, food vendors/craft vendors, Red Garter, pony rides, live music, baby contest, and so MUCH MORE! Click here for a full schedule!

Lavender Saturdays in June on Locust Road, join the Lavender Patch Farm every Saturday at 9am!

6/6 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, 8am

6/8 ~ Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more info.

6/8 ~ EKTEC Rodeo at Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more information.

6/8 ~ Rod-Tiques of Kansas City Car Club visiting Fort Scott, approximately 50 people, click here for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

6/14-15th ~ Dare to Dream Statewide Conference- Women Supporting Women Entrepreneurs, click here for more information!

6/15 ~ 3rd Annual Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, more information to come!

6/29 ~ NBHA Rodeo at Bourbon County Fairgrounds

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Mark your calendars & join us for these celebrations!

5/23, Thursday, 5:15-6:30pm, Blissful Aesthetics

Patio Concert hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council on the Liberty Theatre Patio!

Fort Scott’s Inaugural Hide & Seek Adventure ~ Waypoint Coins

Hello Summer Luau 2024 ~ Splash Bash at the Splashpad!

Get your co-workers, family, or friends together and enter a float/foot unit/golf cart/tractor/antique or classic car/horse entry to make this the BIGGEST Good Ol’ Days parade EVER!

Good Ol’ Days Festival ~

Visit fortscottgoodoldays.com

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
…
Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of April 29

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 29, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, Seth Carter, staff
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 9:01 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session for one hour beginning at 9:01 am to discuss personnel matters of non-elected
personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited
Dr. Kegler and Dr. Seth Carter to join.
OPEN SESSION: At 10:02 am a motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by
unanimous vote to return to open session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session at 10:02 am for 45 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited Dr. Kegler and
Dr. Seth Carter to join.
OPEN SESSION: At 10:47 am a motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to return to open session. Ropp left the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session at 10:48 am for 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited Dr. Kegler and
Dr. Seth Carter to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by McKinnis, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return
to open session at 11:10 am.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
11:11 am by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk9
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Minutes of April 22

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 22, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Holt stated that votes moving forward will be taken as “All in
favor say aye, all opposed say nay” in an effort to speed up the meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
2022 – 23 AUDIT REPORT: Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA provided a thorough explanation of
the outcome of the 2022-23 audit and explained the audit report book. He reviewed violations and highlighted the
schedule of federal awards, which included a total of $8.1 million coming to the local area.
A corrective action plan was created to address areas of violation. Items within the plan have been reviewed with
each of the staff involved with any part of the corrective action plan so appropriate structure is in place for the next
audit period ending June 30, 2024.
Chairman Holt thanked Neil Phillips and his firm for their efforts on the audit process.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Alyssa Martin, acting Director of Student Life,
summarized student life at FSCC. She reviewed the capacity and cost of each housing option, as well as the
application process for the 2024-25 year.
She also discussed activities that took place this year to enrich student life such as Dueling Pianos, a magician,
kickball, a neon dance, the men’s basketball playoff tailgate, volleyball and basketball intramurals, and a field day
partnered with TRIO. She said the dance was a huge hit, and students are begging for another. Intramurals had 5
teams, one of which included a completely online student who had never been to campus.
She closed by sharing her vision for student life for next year, including a goal of at least 1 activity a week.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda,
which included an amendment to the minutes of the special meeting on April 12, 2024 to reflect Dr. Kegler not
being present, reconciled treasurer’s reports through February, 2024, and an updated list of personnel actions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Representative for Negotiations with FSCAPE – John Bartelsmeyer explained the duties of the Board
member during the negotiations process. Chad McKinnis agreed to serve as the board’s representative for negotiations with FSCAPE.
Bartelsmeyer recommended reading through the personnel changes in the consent agenda, and Chairman Holt
read all personnel changes represented in the consent agenda as well as the additions approved with the consent
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 11: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Purchasing Policy.6

B. Resolution 2024 – 12: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Travel Expenses Policy.
C. Resolution 2024 – 13: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the College Vehicle Use Policy.
D. Resolution 2024 – 14: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Guidelines for Use of FSCC Facilities Policy.
E. Resolution 2024 – 15: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of 4 semi tractors from TLG Peterbilt for a total of $192,085.
F. Resolution 2024 – 16: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Great Western Dining contract.
G. Resolution 2024 – 17: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25 Vice President contracts for Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton.
REPORTS:
• HLC – Last week Dr. Kegler, Sonia Gugnani, and Sara Sutton traveled to the annual HLC Conference. Dr. Kegler reported the group will meet to debrief the conference soon. Dr. Kegler reported he attended great sessions and had great conversations with colleagues. This process will take the next fifteen months to get
it completed. He says he’s less concerned about the process than Sara and Sonia because he’s been through it as a peer reviewer. He said he plans to engage the board in the preparation process, as the peer reviewers will want to talk to the board when they come to campus. He added he will also be engaging the community in the process. Dr. Kegler summarized the HLC multi-location visit last week. Sonia and Sara met with the site visitor in Pleasanton and Crawford County campuses. He added Sonia and Sara did an
excellent job being the conduit for the college with the site visitor. FSCC will receive another report highlighting the visit, but no major concerns were brought forward.
• FOUNDATION – Dr. Kegler stated an offer was extended for the director position, but that individual has declined the offer. He said he will reconvene with the foundation to determine next steps moving forward.
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote
to adjourn to executive session for 45 minutes beginning at 7:45 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow. At 8:05 pm the Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session at 8:32 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 8:34 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected
personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 8:46 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
8:46 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.7
Government

FSCC Agenda for May 20

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May 20, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, May 20, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
To view the entire packet:
5.20.24 Consent Agenda
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Student Survey Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on April 22, 2024, and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 29, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Reports and Bills and Claims, 10
D. Ratification of Contracts, 49
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50
A. Revenue Neutral Rate
B. Recovery Plan
C. Nursing Move
ACTION ITEMS, 51
A. Resolution 2024 – 18: Consideration of 2022-23 Audit Amendment, 51
B. Resolution 2024 – 19: Consideration of 2023-24 Budget Republication, 52
C. Resolution 2024 – 20: Approval of Bank Signee Resolution, 53
D. Resolution 2024 – 21: Consideration of Disposition of Surplus Property Policy, 55
E. Resolution 2024 – 22: Consideration of Scholarships (Performance-Based) Policy, 56
F. Resolution 2024 – 23: Consideration of Indirect Rates Policy, 57
G. Resolution 2024 – 24: Consideration of Summer Schedule Revision, 58
H. Resolution 2024 – 25: Approval of Audit Engagement Letter, 59
REPORTS, 69
A. Administration1
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on April 22, 2024 and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 29, 2024.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS
1) Learning Tree Institute
E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions
a) Ryan Pippins, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, effective April 24,
2024
b) Mikalle Lowry, Athletic Training Technician, effective May 3, 2024
c) Ashton Nolan, Accounting Clerk, effective May 20, 2024
d) Liza Erwin, Athletic Director, effective May 20, 2024
e) Missy Scott, VP of Finance and Operations, effective May 28, 2024

2) Separations
a) Ezequeil Tenorio, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective May 9, 2024
b) Caleb Tipton, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, effective May 13, 2024
c) Vinny Barron, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective May 16, 2024
d) Evelyn Arevalo, IDRC Project Specialist, effective May 31, 2024
e) Tom Havron, VP of Students, effective May 31, 2024
f) Cali Griffin, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective June 30, 2024
g) Cortney Madison, Cosmetology Instructor, effective June 30, 2024
h) Jessie Carr, TRIO Database Manager, effective July 31, 2024

3) Transfers
a) Alyssa Martin, from Athletic Training Technician to Director of Student Life, effective May 1, 2024
b) Sarah Smith, from Foundation Assistant to Instruction Office Assistant, effective May 20, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp5
Fort Scott Community College, Sports

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team is leaving for Nationals at 11:00 a.m.

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College…

SPREAD THE WORD!

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team is leaving for South Carolina for Nationals!

11:00am – load up at Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College

11:15am – head downtown on National

The girls will be dropped off at Memorial Hall (bus following) walk downtown, take a right on Wall Street and walk to the new Historic Fort Scott Sign to take a picture before leaving town!

Good luck at Nationals!

#DEFENDTHEFORT
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Obituary

Obituary of John Trebian Jr.

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John Trebian, Jr., resident of Fort Scott, KS, was born in Freeport, IL on October 12, 1984, the son of Jonna Williams and John Trebian, Sr.  He went to school in Freeport until the family moved to Largo, FL where he finished school and met his wife.  John married Lindsey on July 28th, in 2004 after being together for 5 years.  For the past 25 years, they have built a wonderful life together and always helped everyone they could.

 

John is preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Trebian; his son James Rhea Trebian; and his father John Trebian, Sr.

 

Survivors include his wife, Lindsey Trebian; his children John Trebian III, Trinity Trebian, Tyler Trebian, and Sophia Trebian; his mother Jonna Williams; brother Nick Trebian and sister Carmen Trebian, brothers Bird and Rick Lester, and sister Renee Lester.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow.  Memorials are suggested to the John Trebian Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

An “Until” Moment by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Do you have an “until” moment?  Your “everything is going along swell…until” moment?  This past week while flying from Los Angeles to Dallas, I was looking for a seat at the gate when I walked past a body-builder speaking to a lady who was practicing the splits on the carpeted area. (I would have joined her but realized there was no need to get the paramedics involved.)

Unusual pair, I thought, listening to them discuss their workout programs, except, as it turned out, they weren’t together.  The muscular man was with another woman. He, funny, witty, and seemingly, adventurous, spent the next two hours entertaining everyone around him.  When we began to board, he placed a beanie on his head and then protectively stuck a feather in its upturned hem.  Definitely his own person.

I boarded ahead of him and his lady-friend, but as they came down the aisle, looking for their seat, I noticed a complete change in his countenance.  He appeared terrified and frustrated when he found out his seat was between his gal-pal and a stranger.  I could overhear her reassuring him that everything was going to be all right.

He had appeared so confident and joyful…until he didn’t. He now looked like he would strangle someone, and although two rows back, I overheard the girl loudly talking with her dad on the phone about how hard it was to calm down her friend.  When we had been in the air a short time, the pilot informed us that we were in for a turbulent ride but he would “try” to find an altitude to make the trip easier. Not. Good. News.

The pilot failed to find calmer skies.  An hour outside of Dallas, even the flight attendants were told to be seated as the pilots navigated the storm around us.  Since they had spent much of their time at the terrified man’s seat, reassuring him, I feared that, without their constant attention, he might turn into a raving lunatic, mid-plane jostle.  And jostle we did.  I secretly began thanking God for engineers so smart, they could design a plane that could endure such shaking without snapping in half.

When we finally landed and were allowed to stand, passengers closer to the terrified man began to assure him that things now were okay.  “Nope,” he said.  “I will be on Amtrak the rest of this trip.  There will be no more flying for me.”

We all have our “until” moment, don’t we?  We are fine…until someone crowds in front of our merge line on the freeway.  Until our boss says one more critical word.  Until the customer service agent is rude instead of helpful.  Until our spouse once again fails to clean up his/her mess.  Until we are asked yet again to loan a tool to a moochy neighbor.  Until the mechanic’s bill isn’t even close to his estimate.

Until.  Until.  Until.  The Bible is not short of “until” moments.

In the Old Testament, barren Rachel’s moment came when, jealous of her fertile sister, she said that she would die if she did not get pregnant.  Moses spent weeks in the presence of God and was a happy camper…until he saw the golden calf the Israelites were worshipping.  Saul, the king of Israel, had his “until” moment when he found out that his son, Jonathan, was closer to his friend David than with his dad.  The list is endless.

Paul (of New Testament fame) addressed the issue when he said that we always are to be content.  Instead of there being an “until” moment, we are to rely on God and not ourselves, and until someone causes me to have one of those moments, I plan to do just that.

Uncategorized

Letter To The Editor: Citizens For ER Thanks Bourbon County

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From Citizens for the ER to the people who compaigned for and the voters who overwhelmingly passed the ER tax: Thank You.

Your messages are clear.  The message to providers that you want and will financially support an ER.  The message to business, industry and individuals that Bourbon County is relevant and working to meet your needs.  And most importantly, the message that you care for each other.  Well Done!

While we don’t yet have an ER, this tax opens the door so when opportunity knocks Bourbon County can say come in.  Without it we had no chance.

 

Again, Thank You

Citizens for the ER

Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Omnibus Budget Bill

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Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget,
Makes Investments in Mental Health, Water,
and Kansas’ Workforce Pipeline


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed House Bill 2551, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding to address water quantity and quality issues, invests in workforce development, and provides additional funding for essential services and critical mental health needs.

“I am proud of the Legislature’s bipartisan work to ensure we continue to make investments into our state water plan fund, strengthen our workforce, and make progress in addressing Kansans’ mental health needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding supports my administration’s work to address critical infrastructure needs, grow our economy, and make Kansas the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”

The budget:

Invests in the workforce pipeline: Provides $8.3 million in need-based financial aid and scholarships, strengthening Kansas’ workforce pipeline. This funding includes $2 million to be invested in students who are pursuing careers in nursing, $1.7 million for first-generation students and children of teachers and paraprofessionals, and more than $1 million for National Guard members pursuing a master’s degree.

Addresses water quality and quantity issues in Kansas: Increases investment in the state water plan fund by $10 million, in addition to the $35 million the governor previously allocated. This funding is critical to addressing Kansas’ water quality and quantity needs. The bill also increases funding to $16 million for projects that will strengthen the state’s infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater in small communities across Kansas.

Makes critical investments in mental health services for students: An additional $4.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand students’ access to behavioral health services. This increase will provide a total of over $18 million in the upcoming school year. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $78 million in this program, resulting in over 6,000 students receiving services in 90 school districts annually.

Builds capacity for mental health treatment in the South Central region: $26.5 million is being invested to build the new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita. The South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also be the location for adult forensic beds to alleviate jail overcrowding and shorten wait times on pending evaluations and treatment. The facility will expand access to additional in-patient mental health beds in the region and allow patients to remain closer to home and family while receiving care.

Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.

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Bourbon County Local News